Karmic Paths and Roads

"A path without a heart is never enjoyable.
On the other hand, a path with a heart is easy---
it does not make a warrior work at liking it;
it makes for a joyful journey;
as long as a man follows it, he is one with it."
- Carlos Castaneda

For the purpose of this article, Karma is defined as the unexpected,
unintended, and unforeseen consequences and results of our
choices and actions.

In "Thoughts, Actions, and Karma" we explored how our
Thoughts and Actions, both positive and negative, affect us
internally. In this article we will explore how our Thoughts and
Actions affect us externally; how they determine the Roads we
Travel and the Destinies and Consequences we bring upon
ourselves.

Whether we realize it or not, each one of us is journeying down
a Karmic Path which is determined for us based upon the
Choices and Decisions we make.

There are many Paths we can Choose to Travel: well-worn Paths,
seldom Traveled Paths, Paths that very few have Traveled, and
Paths which have never before seen a human Footprint.

A Path which has never before seen a human Footprint is a
Path which is Traveled by the Mystic, or Avatar,  who appears
only rarely in the evolution of a race. This Path has no Karma
and it can only be walked upon by someone who has already
transcended Karma. This is the most sublime Path a person
can journey upon while still occupying the realm of duality and
matter.

We can create, for ourselves, a Path which has never before
seen a human Footprint. This is done by Choosing a lifestyle and
behaving in a manner which is completely unique to any other
type of life-Path existing in the physical realm. Those who
Travel this Path are the Hermits and Holy Persons who dwell
high in the sacred mountains and other Borders Between Realms
which occupy our world.

A Path that very few have Traveled is the Path which is walked
upon by Master Teachers and their Initiates. These individuals
have very little Karma attached to themselves and are in the
process of ridding themselves of whatever little still remains.
These are also the Paths upon which the heroes of mythology
and legend left their Footprints long, long ages ago.

Seldom Traveled Paths are those Traveled by the mysterious
figures of history, myth, and legend. These are the quiet,
uncharted, and unpopulated Roads which are the Adventurous
wonderlands of the Lone Wolf, the Trailblazer, and those mystical
and magical figures of fable known as Wizards and Wanderers.

Those who Travel upon seldom-traveled Paths are Aware of,
and respectful of, the Laws of Karma and have learned how to
use these Laws to their advantage.

However, the vast majority of us spend our lives traveling upon
well-worn Paths and Roads. And, in most instances, there is
nothing wrong with Traveling along these Paths; for these Paths
help us to express, and experience, Our Divine Nature during our
Current Incarnation.

Well-Worn Paths are those Roads which are already in existence.
They are the Roads which have been established many generations
ago and are busy, active, and teeming with vast multitudes of
businesses, activities, and individuals that make up the integral
parts of these Roads. These Roads already have a specific flow
and personality already in place when we step onto them for our
very first time.

An excellent metaphor for Well-Worn Roads is the cantina into
which Luke Skywalker entered the first time, with Obi-Wan Kenobi,
in the pirate city of Mos Eisley on the planet Tatooine. Although
it is a bustling and familiar cantina to those who frequent it,
complete with its own set of rules, secrets, and camaraderies, it
is a completely new first-time experience for Luke.

This cantina is Symbolic of the Well-Worn Roads we step upon
for our very first Time. Let us look at a couple of other examples.

We decide to be a musician. The moment we enter into our
musical career we step onto the well-worn, and bustling, Karmic
road which all others who are pursuing, and have pursued, musical
careers have walked upon for ages. This well-worn road already
has its own particular and unique flow to it. It is familiar to all those
who are already traveling upon it; however, it is all a brand new
experience to us.

This well-worn road is complete with the businesses, characters,
composers, musicians, and other folk which are already an active
and integral part of this road and its flow. In addition, this road
contains the many important personal contacts we are yet to
become acquainted with who will eventually help us establish and
promote our musical career. We rely on the existing experience
of everything, and everyone, on this road to help us become
successful in our chosen profession as a musician.

Someone decides to be a criminal. The moment that person
enters the life of crime they step onto the well-worn Karmic road
which all other criminals are traveling upon, and have traveled upon,
for ages. Again, this well-worn road already has its own particular
and unique flow to it. It is familiar to all those who are already
traveling upon it; however, it is all a brand new experience to those
who are first entering its flow.

This well-worn road is complete with the business, hiding places,
half-way houses, criminals, informants, con-men, malcontents,
and law-enforcement people who are the integral part of this road.
And while those who Choose to live a life of crime are new to this
road, this road is an old experience to those who are already
traveling upon it.

As Karma is the end result, or Consequence, which is associated
with the Choices we make, we must be constantly on guard in
regards to the Choices, Decisions, and Actions we involve
ourselves with. For by being Aware of all of the Karmic Roads and
Paths which are available to us we are better able to understand the
Consequences and benefits which each Karmic Road and Path
offers us, and we are better able to Choose that particular Road or
Path which is most Harmonious to our Divine Nature.

See also: "Theater of Life"

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2011

Laws: Divine vs. Man-Made

"Forgive him, for he believes
that the customs of his tribe
are the laws of nature."
- George Bernard Shaw

We spend such a large portion of our lives dealing with man-made
laws that many of us have probably forgotten that there are laws
which are far superior to man-made laws . These superior laws
are the Divine Laws which govern not only our personal lives but
also the conscious universe, along with all that exists within it,
as well.

And as each one of us is primarily concerned with our personal
lives, let us look at the difference between man-made laws
versus Divine Laws and evaluate how these two different sets of
principles affect our Current Incarnation.

Man-made laws:

We are all familiar with man-made laws. They engulf us. They
overwhelm us. They confuse us. And, quite often, they are used
by oppressive regimes in an attempt to suppress us.

In addition, man-made laws are not limited to statutory laws;
they also include the rules, regulations, by-laws, and policies
and procedures of every organization and faction on our planet.

Although society requires a basic structure in order for it to
function freely, safely, and properly, an over-abundance of
man-made laws often leads to chaos and loss of respect simply
because these laws, over time, become not only contradictory
to each other but their design is very often inconsistent and
dis-Harmonious with the Divine Laws which govern all of creation.

Man-made laws, by their very nature, tend to be fickle, fleeting,
changeable, prejudicial, and inconsistent. Furthermore, man-made
laws may either be enforced, randomly enforced, or disregarded
depending on the whims of whatever political faction is currently
in a position of authority. Also, man-made laws quite often bestow
special privileges upon individuals belonging to a certain class,
social status, or income status.

And finally, as most of us have experienced, man-made laws often
differ radically from time to time and from place to place. What is
considered to be legal or illegal in one period of time may be
looked upon quite differently in another period of time. The same
holds true for cultures, states, nations, and races: what is deemed
to be either legal, illegal, or important in one segment of society
may be looked upon entirely different in another segment.

Man-made laws are based upon theory, Compromise, and current
political and social whims. Man-made laws are governance by force
and Guilt. And this is why societies, nations, and civilizations often
meet bitter ends; for they force upon people rules, laws, restrictions,
and constrictions which are not only inconsistent but often at odds
with Divine Laws.

Divine Laws:

Divine Laws are the exact opposite of man-made laws. Divine Laws
are constant, unwavering, and eternal. Divine Laws are the same for
every person, place, and time...without prejudice!

Divine Laws are Divine Principles. They are the basic Truths which
govern the cosmos. These Laws have been passed down to us from
the very beginning of Time. We find these Divine Laws depicted in
the Symbolism contained within the ancient Egyptian Neters.

Divine Laws, if adhered to, allow for the free and balanced flow of
energy within a race, a nation, a society, and a person. If not
adhered to, those who disregard these Laws will suffer the
consequences of their actions.

Divine Laws allow for self-governance: we can either Choose to
obey these Laws or disregard them.

Divine Laws are simple, basic, and eternal. And it is perhaps
because of their simplicity that these Laws are so often ignored.

Let us examine a few of these Divine Laws.

The Law of Truth: What is is. Truth is not found in the Hopes,
wishes and Opinions of either ourselves or of others.

The Law of Ignorance: To be unaware of what is Real and True
does not release us from the Consequences of our Ignorance.

The Law of Karma: Every Action, whether by Word or deed, has
its Consequence. It is up to us to know the Consequences of
our Actions.

The Law of Awareness: To observe and understand what is
happening within us, around us, and throughout our world.

The Law of Free Will: We have the freedom to Choose our
Thoughts and Actions. However, with this freedom comes
responsibility and Consequences.

The Law of Sovereignty: The supreme gift which is bestowed
upon each one of us that grants us a dream: a dream of how
we Choose to experience our Current Incarnation.

The Law of Interconnectedness: All Words and Actions have
effects; often in ways we are unable to conceive.

The Law of Destiny: There are various kinds of Destinies:
personal, societal, and planetary.

The Law of Alchemy: To make something or someone pure,
all impurities must first be removed.

The Law of Harmony: We are either in Harmony (perfect balance)
with the Laws of the Universe or we are not. There is no middle
ground in these matters. The Ancient Egyptians called this Divine
Principle Maat.

These are just a few of the Divine Laws which govern the
universe and, by association, our Current Incarnation. It is our
personal Choice whether to obey or disregard these Laws.
However, as these Laws are eternal and unchangeable we should,
at the very least, have an understanding and Awareness of these
Divine Truths.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2011

Pacts vs Self-Reliance (Angels vs Demons)

"Independence is happiness."
- Susan B. Anthony

We live in a realm of Duality. A Duality which expresses itself in
many different ways.

Duality is the parent of Choices. And one of the many Choices we
are presented with during our Current Incarnation is the Choice
between whether we will live our life by way of Pacts, or by way of
Self-Reliance.

As always, there are various degrees contained within all forms of
Duality. However, if we look at how Duality expresses itself in its
greatest extremes it gives us a better feel for how Duality presents
itself to us in its lesser extremes.

Throughout mythology, legend, and ancient texts, one of the
ways in which Duality expresses itself is by way of Angels versus
Demons; or, good spirits versus evil spirits. The Lesson presented
here is that, if our Choices are Angelic in nature, we will be rewarded.
On the other hand, if our choices are Demonic in nature, we will be
bound to suffer the Consequences...often dire Consequences.

With these thoughts in mind, let us consider the differences
between Pacts and Self-Reliance in their most extreme degrees.

Pacts: When we enter into a Pact we automatically place ourselves
at the mercy of external Events, sub-events, plots, and sub-plots
which are entirely out of our control. As a matter of fact, we can
never rest assured that the other individual or entity will honor
their side of the Pact.

However, because we have entered into a Pact, and have made a
Promise, we are Karmically obligated to honor this Pact even if
conditions Change, or the other party fails to uphold their end of
the deal.

And because these underlying possibilities are built into the
foundation of every Pact, we can summarize a Pact as being
conditional, restrictive, manipulative, constrictive, and limiting.
In other words, Pacts can Force us to do certain things, things
we may deeply regret as the Pact develops a "life of its own".

Pacts also contain fine print and implied expectations.They also
come with "strings attached". Pacts can "paint us into Corners",
trick us into undesirable Compromises, and shackle us with
Self-Imposed Limitations.

It is for these reasons that Pacts are the preferred tools of
Demonic Creatures and evil spirits who use Pacts as harmless
looking bait to lure us into their domain.

We all have probably either read stories, or watched movies,
of someone who makes a "Pact with the Devil". This Pact always
starts out as something exciting, powerful, and full of fun.

However, conditions quickly begin to change and the person
who entered into the Pact begins to understand that there are
underlying Consequences which he, or she, had not taken into
consideration when they entered into the Pact. It is then that
the person wants to get out of the Pact but finds, to their great
dismay, that they cannot. For it is not the underlying conditions
that govern the Pact, it is the Pact itself that governs the Pact.

In the end, this poor, pitiful, gullible individual always succumbs
to the Consequences of the Pact.

It is important to keep in mind that whenever we enter into a
Pact we are relinquishing our Free Will and potentially exposing
ourselves to Karmic Consequences which we will have to deal
with at some future Time...perhaps even in future Incarnations.

Self-Reliance, on the other hand, is dependence upon ourselves.

And this is why it is the preferred tool of Spiritual Guides, Angels,
and the Good Spirits.

Mythology, folklore, ancient texts all speak of Angels and Good
Spirits offering Spiritual Guidance to those who wish to accept it.
The Instructions and Lessons bestowed upon humanity by these
High Beings come in the form of options, suggestions, and
guidance which honors our Free Will and allows us to Choose
whether or not we will follow any particular Path.

Angels, Spiritual Guides, and Good Spirits offer us their guidance
without any "fine print" or "strings attached". Their assistance does
not come with any impositions. Nor do they require any sort of Pact
from us when they offer assistance or encouragement.

These High Beings simply present their Truth to us and then leave
it up to us to either accept it or discard it. They do not threaten us
with any form of excommunication, penalty, or force if we do not
follow their guidance.

It is the Eternal Nature of these Good Spirit to promote boundless
freedom, unrestricted Choices, spiritual liberty, personal
Sovereignty, and self-Governance; all of which are our guaranteed
birthright the moment we enter our Current Incarnation.

They are fully aware that the only torments and disasters we can
experience are those which we bring upon ourselves when we
Choose to either ignore or violate Divine Law.

As always the Choice is entirely ours. It is up to us to Choose
whether we will live our life by way of restrictive and complex
Pacts, or, enjoy the Independence and Happiness, which are the
natural by-products, of Traveling upon the Simple, open, and
unrestricted Path of Self-Reliance.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2011

Instruction vs. Indoctrination

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I---
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference."
- Robert Frost

We live in a realm of Duality, and often we find ourselves standing
at a Crossroad where we are required to Choose between two
diverging Paths: one which is easy, or one which is right.

One of these forks-in-the-road, which each one of us must Choose
to travel sooner or later, is between the Road which leads us to
Instruction or the Road which leads us to Indoctrination. And,
although the names of these two Roads sound quite similar they are,
in fact, two entirely different Paths. And because they are two very
different Paths it is important that we weigh the Consequences of
Choosing one Path over the other.

Indoctrination: This is the easy path; the path of the crowd.
Indoctrination is the one-sided presentation of an idea, theory,
Choice, or Belief. It is something which is imposed upon us by
either subtle means, such as guilt or salesmanship, or by forceful
means, such as fear or threat.

In other words, Indoctrination is a form of "brainwashing". It is the
removal of previous held Beliefs and ideals so that new, regimented
dogmas can be implanted. Indoctrination, in its most fanatical sense,
is aimed at, and accepted by, the most Ignorant, gullible and weakest
of minds.

When we willingly and unquestionably accept Indoctrination, our
Horizons shrink and our growth and Thinking become stagnated
and frozen. We are required to live in a world of policies and
procedures which are not of our own Choosing. Our Imagination
and Dreams are "surgically removed" from our thought process
and our Individual Sovereignty is forfeited to those whose sole
purpose is to dominate and control others.

Indoctrination fractures and divides in its attempt to conquer and
dominate. This fracturing and division is openly visible in the
political and religious organizations which occupy our planet.
However it also exists, just as strongly if not as openly, in scientific,
mathematic and research groups whereby the faction which has
been Indoctrinated into a regimented belief system fights ferociously
to discredit any new ideas, concepts, or theories brought forth by
free-thinkers and visionaries in that particular field.

Instruction: This is the difficult Path; the "Road less traveled".
It is the Path of the Lone Wolf, the visionary, the free-thinker, the
Seeker. It is the Path of wide Horizons, Imagination and Dreams.

The Path of Instruction is the Path which Blends and Creates. It is
the Road on which we discover Wisdom, Truth, Magic and personal
Adventure. Instruction is the inclusion of all possible natural, and
universal, alternatives along with how they apply to, and are
affected by, Universal Principles.

When we embark upon the Path of Instruction we are handed the
Keys which unlock the secrets of the Universe and are Instructed to
go forth and unlock the doors of Eternal Truths which must remain
locked to all but the True Seeker and Initiate.

In ancient times a worthy and well-qualified Initiate would Seek
admission to one of the Mystery Schools where he, or she, would
be Instructed in the Eternal Wisdom of the Universe. Today, we
no longer have these Mystery Schools, nor do we have any of
the Ancient Masters walking among us. Therefore, if we are to
Truly learn that which is understood by only the very few, we
must Choose to travel "the Path less traveled by" ... the Path of
Self-Initiation and Self-Instruction.

And although the Ancient Masters are no longer among us to help
guide us along our way, they have left us the Keys to Ancient
Wisdom by way of their Sacred Writings, Symbols, Mythologies
and Legends. It is now up to us to simply Choose to grab hold of
their Ancient and Mystical Keys, venture forth upon our own
Personal Path, and unlock the doors which hold the Truth,
Wisdom and Enlightenment of all Eternity.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Crossroads - Symbol And Metaphor

"It is our choices that show what we truly are,
far more than our abilities."
- Professor Dumbledore in J.K. Rowling's
"Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets"

A Crossroad is any point where two or more Paths Intersect. This
intersection Symbolizes the focal point of Decision and Creation. It
represents a "meeting place", or a period of contemplation, where
Thoughts and Ideas must Marinate before becoming either a
Decision or a Creation. It also represents a midpoint where the
gods bring people, ideas, and Events together in order to satisfy
Destiny.

Symbolically, a Crossroad is represented by either the Symbol X,
or the Symbol Y.

When represented by the Symbol X, the Crossroad portrays
Creation or Decision in the material realm. This is due to the fact
that the X has four distinct "legs", and four is the number which
represents matter. The Midpoint of this Symbol, the point at which
its two lines intersect, represents the Union of Duality. Therefore,
the Symbol X represents the Union of Duality in the material
realm; or material creation.

An example of this concept can be found in the familiar surroundings
of the corner tavern, park, or general store where people congregate
and where fellowship is shared and enjoyed; after which everyone
returns from whence they originally came. It is at Crossroads such
as these that the Seeds of new friendships, and new ideas, take
root, grow, and blossom.

A prime example of such a Crossroad is the ancient city of
Alexandria which was a central meeting place for people of all
cultures. It was at Alexandria that people from all different walks of
life met, shared, and deposited their knowledge and Beliefs. It was
the ideal Midpoint for the Blending of Differences.

When represented by the Symbol Y, the Crossroad signifies
Creation or Decision in the mental or spiritual realm. This is due
to the fact that the Symbol Y has three distinct "legs", and three
is the number which signifies creation in the unseen world; the world
of Mind and Spirit. The Midpoint of this Symbol, the point at which
its three lines intersect, is the focal point of all abstract Creation
and Decision (See: "Trivia" and the "Three Gunas").

The Y Crossroad is the lonely fork-in-the-road where we gaze at
two separate roads which fade into the Horizon and must decide
which Road we will travel. It is the point at which the Lone Traveler,
or the Lone Wolf, must make an important Choice. For although
we can see to the Horizon, we cannot see that which is beyond.
The Adventures we experience beyond the Horizon of the Road we
ultimately Choose to travel will change our life forever, and we will
not return as the same person who initially ventured forth.

The Y Crossroad is the Crossroad which appears in Mythology
and Legend and is a metaphor for the lone, personal, enigmatic,
and life-changing Decisions which constantly confront us as we
journey through our Current Incarnation.

As no great decision should ever be made lightly, the Y Crossroad
also represents a time and place of pause, contemplation, and
Marination of Thought which we all must suffer through, and accept,
prior to moving onward.

As we travel from one Crossroad to another we begin to understand
that every Decision we make brings forth a Creation into our life. We
also begin to understand that every Creation which manifests itself in
our life is but the result of some Decision we made at some previous
Crossroad in our Past.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Unintended Consequences

"Every action, no matter how small, has a consequence."
- "The Tale of Despereaux", Kate DiCamillo

"Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences."
- Norman Cousins

An Event can have two kinds of Consequences: Intended and
Unintended. Our Decisions, Choices, Actions and Words are Events
which we create and set in motion. We believe that the Events we
create will provide us with an Intended outcome. But, how
often have we experienced, often to our dismay, that Events which
we set in motion often result in Unintended, and unexpected,
Consequences which end up being ruinous not only to our intended
purpose but also our Current Incarnation? We tend to label these
Consequences as tragic.

On the other hand, how often have we also experienced that an
Unintended Consequence of an Event which we have set in motion
results in something more beneficial than we had originally
anticipated? We choose to label these Events as Serendipitous.
Serendipity is the discovery of something more surprising,
delightful, or beneficial than what we had originally been Seeking.

Creation, of which our Current Incarnation is an integral part, is a
series of Events. And every Event has a Consequence. We tend to
label these Consequences as either expected and intended, or, as
unexpected and unintended.

It is important to understand that once an Event has been set in
motion it develops a "life of its own" and cannot be stopped until it
has run its full course and comes to the end of its Cycle.

Furthermore, many Events are Interconnected with, and can overlap,
other Events. Whenever we set an Event in motion it can become
involved, or entangled, with other Events which are already "in play".
When this happens, these Events will very likely affect each other to
some degree.

Likewise, an Event which we set in motion can also interact with,
affect, and be affected by, other Events which have not yet been put
"in play".

It is the combining, or mingling, of our Event with these other Events
which can result in both our Event, and the Event it interacts with,
producing Consequences which are Unintended.

Events, along with their Interconnectedness and Consequences, are
represented Mythologically, Symbolically, and Esoterically by
Indra's Web, Kabbalah Paths, and The Spider's Web.

As every Event has a life of its own, it must run its complete Cycle.
Some Events take a long Time to "play out" while others take but a
short Time to complete their Cycle. Some Events have long-term
Consequences while others have short-time Consequences.

In the same way in which we are responsible for our Actions, so too
are we responsible for the Events that we put in motion. Therefore
we bare sole responsibility for the Karmic Consequences which
result from any Event we create regardless of whether these
Consequences are Intended or Unintended. Once we put an Event
in motion it is far too late for us to say, "I never intended for that
to happen".

The Law of Karma, being a Divine Principle, is not concerned with
whether we created an Event through haste, thoughtlessness,
malice, Ignorance, or good intentions. The Law of Karma simply
completes the Consequence of the Event which was put in motion
and presents the creator of the Event with either a Karmic Reward
or Karmic Debt.

Therefore, as we bare sole responsibility for our Actions, and the
Events we put in motion, it is vitally important that we Weigh our
Decisions and Actions very carefully and only place in motion
those Events which can bring us the greatest Peace, Contentment,
and Karmic Rewards.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Youthfulness

"Fairy tales can come true
It can happen to you
If you're young at heart."
- "Young At Heart" lyrics

Being either young or old is a state of mind. Actually, it is a choice!
It is an interesting concept that we actually determine, by ourselves,
whether we are young or old. In addition, the number of "earth
years" we have experienced has nothing to do with youth or old age.
We have all seen people who have seventy or eighty "earth years"
behind them whose eyes are still alert, alive, and in some cases
even mischievous; people whose spirit is alive and vibrant. On the
other hand we have also seen individuals who have experienced
very few "earth years" yet lack enthusiasm, self-reliance, ambition
and spunk.
When we consider Youthfulness in this manner we find that we have
two choices. We can either choose to keep our mind young and free
while we anticipate all the new opportunities and Adventures which
await us upon our earthly journey, OR, we can choose to shun all
things which are new, creative and bold.
Those of us who choose the latter path soon find that our minds
become stagnated, drudgery replaces enthusiasm, Compromise
extinguishes imagination and monotony takes the place of
Adventure. Furthermore, by choosing this particular path, we
actually define the exact date on which we decide to become "old".
From that date forward we begin making choices that are limiting
and restricting; we stop living our own life in order to conform to
the expectations and "rules" of peer groups and society; we
embrace laziness and stagnation; we begin to criticize, gossip
and complain; we create Self-Imposed Limitations.
On the other hand, those of us who choose to remain Eternally
Young, in both mind and heart, constantly keep our senses
young, free, and open to new Insights and Adventures. Those
of us who embrace Youthfulness are continually dreaming,
fantasizing, imagining, growing and planning. We look forward
to each new morning. We understand that each new day can
present us with sparklingly new opportunities, events, Adventures,
Choices and Horizons which can lead us to exciting new discoveries,
ideas and friendships.
Nature is an excellent example of Eternal Youth. For although
Nature is both ancient and timeless She is continually renewing and
re-creating Herself through eternal re-birth and new beginnings.
She is the perfect example of Eternal Youth and Youthfulness.
We are all placed on earth to fully experience our Incarnation. We
have the opportunity to Choose which Paths we will follow and
which trails we will blaze. We are all responsible for our decisions
and Actions. We alone Decide whether we shall remain Eternally
Young or become instantly "old". And since all of these choices
are entirely up to us, it is our Sovereign responsibility to
Choose Wisely!

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Pathways

There are an infinite number of Pathways we can choose to Travel
during our Current Incarnation. It is not unusual for us to travel
many different Pathways before we finally settle on the one Path
that is Harmonious with our Divine Nature.

Our Pathway of life consists of many forks and byways which lead
us from the main Path of our Divine Nature and invite us, or tempt
us, to try something new. These forks and byways provide us with
the opportunities to experiment with different ideas and
experiences.

Some of these ideas and experiences are Harmonious with our
Divine Nature and expand and elevate our character and
personality. Others, however, are not in Harmony with our Divine
Nature and can create all kind of problems, and even be disastrous,
to us.

Whenever we find ourselves on a Pathway which is not Harmonious
with who we are we should exit this Pathway immediately and treat
it as a learning experience; a learning experience which teaches us
to avoid these types of forks and byways in the future.

Whenever we choose a new Pathway we automatically subject
ourselves to all of the people, choices, experiences and consequences
which are a natural part of that particular Pathway.

For example: the people, choices, experiences and consequences
which are inherent to the Pathway of a comedian are entirely
different from the people, choices, experiences and consequences
inherent to the Pathway of an author, an engineer, a clergyman,
or a thief. Therefore, if we are not content with the people, choices,
experiences and consequences we are currently experiencing, we
merely need to Change Pathways and return to the one which is
most Harmonious with our Divine Nature.

It is important for us to realize that we are solely responsible for
the Pathways we choose to follow. We may be tempted to "try
something new", we may be acting on the Advice of a friend, or we
may be following the suggestion of an "education counselor" when
we choose a new Pathway in our life.

However, in the end, we are the ones who ultimately make the final
choice of which Pathway we are going to follow and experience.
And because this final choice is ultimately ours, we are therefore
solely responsible for the rewards, misfortunes, or Consequences
which are part of the Pathways we choose to follow.

When we look upon Pathways and Decisions in this manner we
begin to realize that neither the universe, nor any other Divine
Entity, either rewards or punishes us for the life we live. The
universe simply provides each one of us with a vast multitude of
Pathways on which to travel. It is our Choice of Pathways which
is the determining factor of what kinds of personalities, Destiny,
Karma, rewards, punishments, successes, failures and Lessons we
will encounter upon that particular Pathway.

Therefore, if we are currently unhappy with the Pathway we are
currently traveling, it is simply up to us to choose to leave our
current Pathway and select another Pathway which is in Harmony
with our Divine Nature and travel upon a Road which provides us
with the peace, Harmony, contentment and rewards which all of us
inwardly Seek.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Wizards and Wanderers - As Symbols

"Not all those who wander are lost."
- "The Hobbit", J.R.R. Tolkien

Throughout Time and within the fables and mythologies of all
cultures we hear of Wizards and Wanderers who roam free and
occasionally assist a worthy soul in pursuing and accomplishing
a noble Quest.

Wizards and Wanderers are cast from a rare and special mold.
They are the true individuals who cannot "settle down" to the
conformities and dictates of society. These individuals remain
eternally free of the restrictions and demands which society
imposes upon its unwary and all-to-compliant subjects.

Wizards and Wanderers smirk at the folly of being imprisoned in
Towers of Self-Imposed Limitations and instead Choose to roam
and Travel wherever they wish - or to wherever they are currently
needed. They are the Seekers of Truth and Wisdom and are
constantly pursuing new Adventures and new Horizons.

Wizards and Wanderers are open-minded and are continuously
acquiring new knowledge, new skills, new understandings, and new
magic. And it is because of these acquired talents and abilities that
they are able to form strong bonds and extraordinary friendships
with like-minded individuals, mystical beings, and the Elemental
Entities of Nature.

Wizards and Wanderers are the Independent Thinkers, dreamers,
and doers who are labeled as Non-Conformists and rebels by the
mundane masses; labels and badges which they gladly accept,
and wear, with a self-comforting pride.

Wizards and Wanderers are very comfortable with their Chosen
life style. They are able to live on their wits and they savor their
ability to do so. These true individuals bear the scars of their Travels
proudly; scars acquired during their many tests and journeys while
in far-away places, less-Traveled environments, and unusual realms;
scars of growth and Adventure.

Wizards and Wanderers understand that they are "in this world but
not of it". They find comfort in knowing that their Quest is noble
and their vision remains forever focused upon the Higher Cause.
Perhaps this is why so many of us secretly desire to share an
Adventure with one of these truly free-spirits and eventually
Become a part of their very limited, very unique, and very
legendary order.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Faith

"A wise man makes his own decisions,
an ignorant man follows public opinion."
-Chinese Proverb

When exploring the concept of Faith, we must first understand
that there are two types of Faith: True Faith and Blind Faith.

Blind Faith is when we trust and depend upon something
external to ourselves to "help", "guide" and "protect" us. These
external "somethings" can either be another person or it can be
any group, faction, or organization, in which we "blindly" place our
complete trust.

Blind Faith is the abdication of reason, Wisdom, individuality,
personal research, individual thought, and personal responsibility.
It is thoughtlessly trusting in the untrustable, unstable and
unreliable.

Political factions, organized religions, special interest groups, and
fanatical throngs all fall into this category; they all require a blind,
unquestioning, obedience to their "cause".

Another aspect of Blind Faith is that it must be continuously
enforced upon its followers through either guilt, ridicule, threat,
or force.

Blind Faith, it is interesting to note, is not embraced by children,
or even young adults. Children and young adults are continuously
using their imagination and asking "Why...Why...Why."

It is only when children and young adults become trained at being
"mature" and "sophisticated" grown-ups that they embrace and
accept the false doctrine of Blind Faith - only to eventually suffer,
and wallow in, its consequences. These persons then Become the
next generation of disillusioned adults who relinquish their
Sovereignty, sacrifice their freedom, and discard their Free Will,
all for the unrealizable False Hopes which Blind Faith teases them
with.

True Faith, on the other hand, is being True and faithful to
ourselves; it is complete Trust and Belief in our Divine Nature; it is
knowing that we can become anything we Choose to become; it is
knowing that we can do anything we Choose to do.

True Faith is having unwavering confidence in our skills, abilities,
reasoning, judgements, and Decisions. True Faith is Self-Honesty,
personal freedom, and self-reliance.

A Individual who possesses True Faith is a Lone Wolf; an
Independent Thinker who answers only to him (or her) self.
A person with True Faith has the self-confidence to personally
evaluate facts, anticipate Consequences, accept responsibility for
their Decisions, and follow their own Divine Path.

These are the Individuals who realize that before they can help
others they must first be able to help themselves; before they
can create a better world "out there", they must first create a
better world within themselves; before they can lead they must
first become a good example. And although these Lone Wolfs
encompass only a minority of society, even as a minority their
numbers are large. They are an elite group which, although they
do not openly recruit, are always ready to accept and embrace new
members. And the only "initiation fee" required to join this elite
group is the ability to Think independently and have True Faith
in oneself.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Cornucopia - Symbol for Abundance

The Cornucopia, or Horn of Plenty, is a spiral-shaped Horn from
which fruits, vegetables, flowers, and grains pour forth in limitless
Abundance.

On the material plane, the Cornucopia is a Symbol which reminds
us that Mother Nature perpetually provides us with everything we
require to sustain and nourish ourselves. While we are eating a
grape, Mother Nature is at work growing another grape. While we
are eating an apple, Mother Nature is at work growing another
apple.

In addition, the Cornucopia also Symbolizes the many different
Roads each one of us can Travel while making our Choices,
Seeking our opportunities, and pursuing our Destiny.

The Cornucopia also reminds us that this Abundance is available
to everyone. And although we may not personally enjoy all of the
nourishments Mother Nature makes available to us, there are
other persons who enjoy those items which do not appeal to us.
In the end, the inexhaustible bounties of Mother Nature are
enjoyed by all.

However, the Symbolism of the Cornucopia is not limited to only
the physical realm. The Cornucopia also Symbolizes perpetual
replenishment in both the mental and spiritual realms.

In the mental realm it Symbolizes the boundless Abundance of
opportunities, ideas, and Choices which Divinity makes available
to each one of us. Regardless of how many Thoughts, ideas,
opportunities, and imaginings we may experience and enjoy,
the universe continually provides an inexhaustible Abundance of
these notions and experiences and makes them available to all
who Choose to partake in them.

In the spiritual realm, the Cornucopia Symbolizes the infinite
supply of Spiritual Guidance which is available to all who Seek it.
Regardless of how much enlightenment and spiritual advancement
we may attain, Divine Generosity maintains a continuous and
endless supply of enlightenment and Abundance for all who Choose
to participate in this Spiritual Buffet.

Sometimes we may feel that this material plane we have Incarnated
into is a jumble of confusion, complexity, and chaos. However,
if we look at these things for what they are we find that they are
simply a Cornucopia of Choices and options that are made available
to all of us so that we may select, and enjoy, those things which are
in Harmony with our Divine Nature...our personality. Without a
Cornucopia of Choices we would not be able to select those things
we need and desire in order to properly experience, and enjoy, our
current earthly Incarnation.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

Becoming

"First say to yourself what you would be;
and then do what you have to do."
-Epictetus

"A man is what he thinks about all day long."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

We all have dreams, feelings and desires. And it is how we have
Chosen to use, or misuse, these Gifts that determines the person
we are and the Path we are Traveling.

If we are dissatisfied with the Path we are Traveling today, all we
need to do is Change it. By doing so, we can be Traveling along a
completely new, and unique, Path tomorrow.

Every one of us is bestowed with the Inalienable Gift of Free Will.
An Inalienable Gift is a permanent, personal Gift which can neither
be transferred to another nor taken away from us. This Gift of Free
Will allows us to Choose, and be responsible for, the kind of life we
live.

And, just as we can use our Free Will to Choose the kind of life we
desire to live, and the type person we want to Become, we can also
use our Free Will to avoid making these same Choices. When we
refuse to make our own Choices we have, in fact, made a Choice;
we have Chosen not to act.

While Choosing to act on our own behalf gives us control of, and
responsibility for, our Actions, Choosing not to act on our own
behalf relinquishes control of our Actions and places us at the
mercy of external Events. And, just as we are responsible for our
Actions, we are also responsible for our non-Actions!

With these Principles in mind, how can we use our Free Will to
Become whatever it is that we dream of Becoming?

It all starts with a firm realization that our current lifestyle is not
Harmonious with who we truly are, coupled with an unwavering
commitment to Seek out only that which is in complete Harmony
with our Divine Nature.

Once we have made, and are comfortable with, our Decision and
commitment we are ready to embark upon our process of Change.

It is important to keep in mind that Change is a process. Change
does not happen to us "overnight"; it occurs one step at a Time.

The rules of Change are relatively simple. We form a mental image
of the person we have an unwavering desire to Become, then we
acquire the skills, knowledge, behavior, and qualities that this
person would possess.

We Think as this person would Think; we Speak as this person would
Speak; we Learn what this person would Learn; we read what this
person would read; we associate with only those types of individuals
whom this person would associate with; and, we feel and act as this
person would feel and act.

When we merely dream of bettering ourselves, yet we do nothing to
bring this Change about, we are acting contrary to the "Laws of
Becoming". When we know we can be much better, yet we agree
to Compromise for much less, our mind Becomes split in two
different directions and we end up sending conflicting messages to
the Universe, which is the "Great Provider". Consequently our
dreams, visions and desires cannot be fulfilled. It is only when our
dreams, Thoughts, and Actions are in Harmony with each other
that we are able to create that which we desire to Become.

We can always complain, or use the excuse, that times are tough;
that we don't possess the skills; or that we were born into the
"wrong" family. Yet, at this very moment, there is someone sitting
in a garage, or attic, or basement somewhere, who is working on a
new idea or invention. This person is not concerned about the
economy, or which political party is in office, or what skills they do
not yet possess. This person is Simply focusing on their task at
hand and step-by-step he, or she, is bringing their dream into
reality...into Becoming!

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

Thoughts, Actions and Karma

"I have always thought the actions of men
the best interpreters of their thoughts."
-John Locke

A legion of Thoughts enter our mind each and every day. Most are
but fleeting visitors, many may linger for awhile, but some become
our permanent residents. It is these last Thoughts, our permanent
residents, which are responsible for shaping our character and
creating our Destiny.

Thought is the precursor of Action. Our fleeting Thoughts are like a
quick soft breeze: they briefly catch our attention then continue on
with their journey without stirring us to any Action. However, as we
shall see, the other types of Thought can, and do, stir us into Action.
And it is these Thoughts which are the catalyst for creating either a
Karmic Event, a personality characteristic, or a combination of both.
With this in mind, let us take a look at the four different combinations
of Thought and Action.

The four combinations are:
1. Negative Thought followed by no Action
2. Positive Thought followed by no Action
3. Negative Thought followed by Action
4. Positive Thought followed by Action

Negative Thought followed by no Action: A negative Thought
which we recognize as such and quickly dismiss from our mind
creates no negative Karmic Event.

As an example, let us suppose we are having a Thought of "getting
even" with someone because of some misdeed they have done to us.
However, upon becoming Aware that this negative Thought has
entered our mind, and realizing that nothing good can come from
this Thought, we immediately dismiss it.

In this instance, because we quickly dismissed the Thought, we have
created no negative Karmic Event. In addition, because we have not
allowed this Thought to fester within us, we have also prevented it
from becoming a negative part of our personality and character.

If, however, we allow our mind to continually dwell on many
negative Thoughts something different happens. Although it is true
that we have taken no Action on these Thoughts, and have incurred
no negative Karmic Event, the very fact that we are allowing our
mind to entertain so many negative Thoughts, over long periods of
Time, means that our Thought process will eventually create
character flaws which can impair our Decisions and Actions. We
cannot create a positive lifestyle, and Destiny, if we continually
entertain negative Thoughts.

Positive Thought followed by no Action: When we have
Positive Thoughts, and Ideas, but take no Action on them, no
positive Karmic Event is created. We are merely fooling ourselves
if we Believe that "positive thinking" alone is enough to improve our
character and create a better life for us. Individuals who fall into
this category are simply glassy-eyed day dreamers whose "wishful
thinking" never comes true. Thought without Action, just like talk
without Action, cannot manifest itself in the physical world.

Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that Choosing not to
act is, if fact, an Action! When we have positive Thoughts, but do not
act on them, we are sending a conflicting signal to the Universe.

We are telling the Universe "Yes", we do want to experience positive
Events but, "No", we are not willing to do what is necessary to bring
our Thoughts into fruition. We thereby create a Stalemate between
Thought and Action whereby our non-action cancels out our positive
Thought.

Negative Thought followed by Action: Negative Thought
followed by Action is self-destructive. This combination produces
not only a negative Karmic Event, it also creates a negative person-
ality trait within us.

To get a better "feel" for this Principle, let us take a close look at an
example which portrays the effects of a negative Action:

Prior to engaging in a negative Action we must first dwell upon the
Thought which creates this Action. Next, we must agree to proceed
with, and act upon, this Thought.

At this point we have voluntarily created a negative agreement
with ourselves which attaches itself to, and becomes a permanent
part of, our character. This mental agreement must occur prior to
us taking Action on our Thought.

And finally, we follow through with our Action.

Once we have "done the deed", two things occur as the result of
our Action.

First, the negative character trait, which we have incorporated
into our personality, makes it much easier for us to carry out
other negative actions in the future.

Second, we have created an Action, an Event, for which there will be
both a negative Karmic Event and a Consequence.

Whenever we entertain a negative Action we must always ask
ourselves, "Are we willing to pay the price that accompanies our
Action?"

As a final note: Gossip, criticism, ridicule, constant complaining, and
the demeaning of others are also the resulting Actions of negative
Thoughts. We incur the same Consequences, Karmic Debts, and
character flaws for these verbal Actions as we would have incurred
if we had taken physical Action.

Positive Thought followed by Action: Positive Thought
followed by Action produces a positive Karmic Event. It also instills
a positive personality trait within within our character.

Positive Thought followed by Action is the method by which we
create. It is the process by which our dreams, ideas, and ambitions
- which begin as latent thoughts within Our Subconscious - Become
manifest in the physical world.

Everything that is Beautiful and Inspiring is the result of a Positive
Thought followed by Action. Whether it is a magnificent work of
art, an enchanting piece of music, or a majestic Universe, these are
all the result of a Positive Thought followed by Action.

Divinity creates. And Divinity resides within us. Therefore, we
possess the Divine Ability to create the world of our dreams. All it
takes is a Positive Thought followed by Action.

See also: "Karmic Paths and Roads"

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

The Seeker

"Of all the communities available to us,
there is not one I would want to devote
myself to except for the society of the
true seekers, which has very few living
members at any one time."
-Albert Einstein

The personality, spirituality and actions of The True Seeker can
easily be Symbolized by two cards in the Tarot deck: "The Fool"
and "The Hermit". The True Seeker is a union of these two
archetypes: combining aspiration, imagination and Adventure
with Insight, Awareness and Wisdom: a rare combination indeed!

True Seekers Travel their own Path. Although they may appear
to be simply prancing through life with excitement on their face
and a gleam in their eyes they are always alert and aware. And,
because the Decisions and Actions of The True Seeker are based
upon Awareness, Insight and Wisdom he, or she, is not easily
swayed by the slogans, cliches and false-crusades which govern,
and bog down, the masses. The True Seeker harkens only to the
call of new Adventures, new imaginings and new Wisdoms.

The True Seeker understands the Cycles of Eternity and realizes
that Change is eternal, that everything created by man is short-
lived, and that today's fact is but tomorrow's fallacy.

True Seekers understand the importance of being "true to their
Word", their Promises. This characteristic enables them to attract
like-minded others into their lives while also preventing undesirable
Consequences from disturbing their Journey.

The True Seeker is a Lone Wolf who is highly protective of his, or
her, personal Sovereignty while at the same time understanding and
respecting the individual Sovereignty of others.

The True Seeker is Aware of the many Destinies that he, or she,
will encounter during their Travels. These include the Destinies of
cities, factions, nations and worlds. This Awareness provides The
True Seeker the Wisdom to Choose whether or not to participate
in the Adventures and Destinies of others.

The True Seeker understands that he, or she, was placed into
their Current Incarnation in order to experience and enjoy the
Fruits, pleasures and comforts of their earthly Journey. However,
the True Seeker also realizes that these Fruits, pleasures and
comforts are but short-lived material enjoyments that must be
Balanced by the pursuit of Spiritual Wisdom.

And finally, The True Seeker knows that there are only a few
other True Seekers occupying this planet at any given Time.
Therefore, The True Seeker takes comfort in his, or her, own
aloneness, Thoughts, imaginings, Adventures, pursuits and dreams.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

Decisions

There are two types of Decisions: Impulsive and Deliberate. An
Impulsive Decision is ruled by Passion while a Deliberate Decision
is governed by Reason.

An Impulsive Decision is a rash, blind, spur-of-the-moment
Choice we make when we allow the emotions of fear, guilt, or greed
to take control of our mind and our Actions. Impulsive Decisions
also occur when we relinquish our personal Sovereignty to external
pressures created by people or Events.

We justify our Impulsive Decisions with statements such as, "I just
had to do something!", or "I don't know what I was thinking at the
time". Impulsive Decisions, because they are quick and emotional,
are almost always followed by tragedy or regret.

A Deliberate Decision, on the other hand, is a long-developing
process in which we grapple with many different options, feelings
and Demons before coming to a final conclusion.

Examples of long-developing Deliberate Decisions are: changing
jobs, changing careers, discontinuing a Relationship, choosing a
college, moving to a new city...or country.

A long-developing Decision, just like a long-developing Event, has
many intricate ingredients Woven into it. All these ingredients
require Time to simmer, to Marinate, before a final conclusion can
be reached.

When we find ourselves confronted with a long-developing Decision
we are actually entering a period of Change in our lives. We are
confronting the Sphinx and its Riddle. We are entering a period of
Traveling, stagnation, and suspension, in which only Time and
patience can see us through.

Deliberate Decisions are represented Symbolically, by the card of
"The Hanged Man" in the Tarot deck. Metaphorically, it represents
a person in a state of suspension or stagnation who is viewing their
situation from different perspectives in order to Seek a proper
solution to their current dilemma.

Just like The Hanged Man, we too are in an uncomfortable state of
suspension, viewing our situation from different perspectives, when
we are in the midst of a Deliberate Decision. Once we have obtained
all the information and Insight required to solve our current dilemma
our state of suspension will come to an end and we can then proceed
down the next Path of our Current Incarnation.

Unlike the Impulsive Decision, a Deliberate Decision cannot be
explained by way of a simple statement or cliche. A Deliberate
Decision is far too detailed and intricate. Many options, feelings,
and insights, were explored. Many Demons were grappled with.
A great amount of Time, patience, and emotion, was expended in
getting us to our final conclusion.

This is why we find it so difficult when we try to "quickly" explain
our Deliberate Decisions to another person. Metaphorically, we find
ourselves trying to explain a gourmet recipe to someone as if it
came from a ready-made packet.

Deliberate Decisions can be difficult and painful. However, these
are the decisions, and Choices, which enable us to grow. They allow
us to travel new Paths. They enable us to experience new Horizons
that are just beyond our eyesight. They are an integral part of our
Current Incarnation.

See also: "Emotional Decisions"

(Image via Wikipedia)

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

Independent Thought

"Two roads diverged in a wood and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference."
- Robert Frost

"To find yourself, think for yourself."
- Socrates

If we Think, Act, and Believe as everyone else does, what makes us
special?

The Truth is, if we allow ourselves to be governed by the
expectations and dogmas of outside influences we are not special.
We are simply a part of a group, a crowd, or a faction which dictates
to us how we are expected to Think, Act, and Believe.

We merely need to comply and we are instantly accepted into
The Crowd...any crowd. There is no effort required on our part.
By simply conforming to the expectations of the crowd we are
immediately accepted into that crowd and presented with the
Illusion of being important. We relinquish our Individual
Sovereignty for group acceptance. For many persons, this is
quite alright.

We also become part of The Crowd when we allow our Thoughts,
Actions, and Beliefs to be governed by a news media which is
constantly bombarding us with its own special, self-serving,
brand of "information".

Any time we are Thinking, Acting, or Believing the same way as
"everyone else" we cease being unique and special. We cast aside
our Divine Gift of Independent Thought.

The Independent Thinker does not subject himself, or herself, to
mob Indoctrination. Nor does the Independent Thinker succumb
to the by-laws, rules, regulations, and Compromises which shackle,
stagnate, and numb the minds of the masses.

The Independent Thinker is a Lone Traveler on the Road that leads
to new ideas, concepts, innovations, experiences, and Adventures.

The Independent Thinker operates outside the boundaries of group
thinking and is a Trailblazer, a visionary, and a dreamer. The
Independent Thinker is the Lone Wolf that starts the wheels of
Change and innovation into motion.

Independent Thinkers suffer the brunt of ridicule, criticism, and
discreditment only to be eventually proven correct, and worshipped
as heroes, once their ideas and innovations are accepted by the
mainstream of society. It is the Independent Thinker who is the
David that smites the Goliath of mass stagnation and eventually
improves a business, a life style, a society, a nation and a world.

Our ancestors, we ourselves, and our posterity, owe everything we
enjoy, have enjoyed, and will enjoy to the Foresight and Awareness
of the Independent Thinker.

Each one of us is bestowed with the Divine Gift of Independent
Thinking. However, until we Choose to use our Free Will to
experience this Divine Gift it will lie dormant within us.

To embrace Independent Thought is to travel the "road less
traveled". We will not "enjoy" the company of groups and crowds
along this Less Traveled Way. But in the end we will enjoy the
peace and contentment that comes with knowing that we are truly
the Master of our physical, mental, and Spiritual Domains.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009