Rara Posted December 8, 2016 Hello all, I've been away from here for a while. Logging in today, I am clueless about any older members that are still here, and any new people. If I come across as audatious, that is my disclaimer. It's nice to be back here, regardless I tend to go away from time to time. Helps me to re-evaluate life, my Way etc etc. My recent departure was mainly due to lack of time. I decided to follow a new path and challenge of actually taking a job offer in management in my field. A year of doing 50+ hour work weeks and I nearly exploded. I don't think I am built for all that. Anyway, after an outcry, the company granted my wish and reduced my duties, travelling and I now have space to "feel" again. I don't know what it is, but something about taking on this challenge was extremely important to my "Taoism" as I was able to experience for the first time since graduation, the life of a competitive and agressive work culture in London. The "norm" as it's known as. I'm 29 now and for 28 of those years, I stayed away from such a lifestyle. But I proposed and with marriage on the cards comes all sorts of "pressures" from outside. I always knew the pressures were nonsense anyway, but when you commit to such a thing, I guess you can't escape such things as there is a girl relying on you! Anyway, I have found my middle ground and have enjoyed a month of reduced workload. My body has been undergoing this great transformation. From anxiety and insomnia, 4-5 hours sleep a night to now struggling to get less than 10 hours a night...wow, it is amazing how every little thing you change for yourself in life can make such a big change to your overall experience of life. I am not the man I was a month ago...it's so strange. And with that, with many stresses, shouting at people, sacking people, road rage, emotional meltdowns, physical pain from too much activity, I can now say, and hear it from me - there is nothing better than a slower, more empty life. Appreciate the empty spaces in life and use them to cultivate kindness. In the world, despite there being so many wonderful things, there is so much chaos and hurt. Hear it from me...people don't want to be lectured, nor do they want to fight...but they may not know another way. Let's not try and change the world, that's futile, but we can always be the best that we can be. Bring kindness, it comes from a place inside that will lead to one's own longevity, whilst making others feel good. What a nice life for everyone! I will (try) to not boast, be arrogant, nor aggresive...I know I have been from time to time on this forum. Excessive "yang" has always been a big part of my personality but I know I can kick into overdrive too easily. I am still human, but I will never give up on the Way and my own personal need to simmer down...a tad. I don't know exactly why I wrote this to you all - I suppose this is the best place for me to write such a journal entry that may benefit one or two people at the same time. I don't write it out of a need for response nor debate. What I am saying is that, I am past debate and argument, and what I want to do now in this forum when I do log in, is merely share kindness and happiness. Life is too short to do anything else. I'm only 29 but very aware of my own mortality now...the days are going by quicker. Blessings to all, Tao Bums! 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kar3n Posted December 8, 2016 Welcome back, Rara. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rainbowvein Posted December 8, 2016 Nice welcome back thread. Thank you! p.s. You can look to the sky to keep you in a kind frame of mind. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thelerner Posted December 8, 2016 Nice welcome back thread. Thank you! p.s. You can look to the sky to keep you in a kind frame of mind. For years I'd dismiss that as some kind of silly cliche; these days I understand it as very smart practical advice. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rene Posted December 9, 2016 ... I can now say, and hear it from me - there is nothing better than a slower, more empty life. Appreciate the empty spaces in life and use them to cultivate kindness. In the world, despite there being so many wonderful things, there is so much chaos and hurt. Hear it from me...people don't want to be lectured, nor do they want to fight...but they may not know another way. Let's not try and change the world, that's futile, but we can always be the best that we can be. Bring kindness, it comes from a place inside that will lead to one's own longevity, whilst making others feel good. What a nice life for everyone! Warrants repeating! Wonderful post, Rara, and welcome back; very nice to see you again. (-: 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rara Posted December 9, 2016 Nice welcome back thread. Thank you! p.s. You can look to the sky to keep you in a kind frame of mind. This is lovely, thank you. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doc benway Posted December 9, 2016 Hi Rara, Nice to read such a lovely post. My primary practices these days are all about the spaces in life, the openness that makes room for everything to arise. Warm wishes, Steve 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
