“Fight Club” is one of maybe half a dozen DVDs that I bought in my entire life. This quote is one of the reasons for it. I think it perfectly sums up my generation, generation born in the eighties and raised in the nineties.

Man, I see in Fight Club the strongest and smartest men who’ve ever lived. It’s the ultimate tension and I see it squandered. God damn it, an entire generation pumping gas, waiting tables – slaves with white collars. Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit that we don’t need. We’re the middle children of history, man. No purpose or place. We have no Great War. No Great Depression. Our Great War’s a spiritual war. Our Great Depression is our lives. We’ve all been raised on television to believe that one day we’d all be millionaires, and movie gods, and rock stars. But we won’t. And we’re slowly learning that fact. And we’re very, very pissed off.

Something about this image is captivating, at least to me. It’s a CD cover for some artist I’ve never heard of.

A lady who lives on a plantation in the southern part of Alabama went up to Birmingham on a visit. Upon her return an old negro man who occasionally did odd jobs for her dropped by to welcome her home and to tell her the news of the neighborhood.

“Whilst you wuz gone Aunt Mallie died,” he said. Aunt Mallie was a poor old black woman who lived in a tumbledown cabin half a mile away.

“Oh, that’s too bad,” said the white lady sympathetically. “How long was she sick?”

“Jes’ three or fo’ days,” he said.

“What ailed her?”

“They didn’t nobody know. One mawnin’ she up and fell sick and she kep’ on gittin’ wuss and wuss ‘twel de fo’th day come and den, all of a suddenlak, she hauled off an’ died.”

“Who was the doctor?”

“She didn’t have no doctor – she died a natchel death!”

From “A laugh a day keeps a doctor away” by Irvin S. Cobb

I became interested in meditation a few months ago. For as long as I remember I was very skeptical about it. I didn’t think it worked for anything. But some time ago I decided to give it a try and see what happens. In large part I made that decision because almost every book on the psychology of well-being that I’ve read for class or on my own recommended it (for example Happiness Hypothesis by Heidt or The How of Happiness by Lyubomirsky). Also a surprising number of scientific articles (in psychology) stressed meditation’s positive influences as well. Turns out it does work. At least for me. I find it helps to reduce my stress level not only during or right after the meditation but for the whole day and longer. If you do it every day as usually advised then you’ll notice that your stress threshold is much higher, meaning something really big has to happen to throw you off balance. Also I found that the time right after the mediation is when I am very creative and productive. I tend to resolve issues that were on my mind for a while, I find solutions to problems I had, I make up  my mind on subjects I couldn’t decide on for a long time. It really “clears my mind”. As much as tired that expression is it really is the best way to put it. It’s sort of a restart for your “stream of consciousness”. Anyway, I could never find any manual or instruction that was suitable for a beginner like myself. I was looking for something simple and easy. The best I found is the chapter from the book on creative imagination by Roy Eugene Davis. Read it below and see if you like it. It has other ideas from the book intertwined with the meditation aspect but is very concise and useful nevertheless. Also if you can find a meditation group that you can join I would recommend it. I found it very difficult in the beginning to sit still with my eyes closed for more than a couple of minutes at a time. Being in a group helps you concentrate and overcome that initial hurdle. Once you gain confidence you can start on your own.

“Resting at the Seat of Power

The seat of power, creativity and intelligence is pure consciousness. Out of the pure consciousness everything else emerges. Therefore, consciousness is the cause and the support of external manifestation. If a person can learn to consciously rest at the seat of power, creativity and intelligence he can then move onto the field of action with understanding and virtually unlimited potential. The process by which one does this is known as meditation.

When I speak of meditation I do not even suggest, or imply, a mysterious or complicated process. The practice of the methods explained here will not in any way interfere with one’s religious beliefs or philosophical views. We are concerned only with bringing ourselves to the true source within, from which everything else is extended into expression.

During our practice of meditation, which takes but a few minutes a day, we are not actively concerned with projects, goals, personal improvement or any dramatic happening. After we learn to meditate we will find that projects are more easily completed, goals are more easily reached, personal improvement is noted, and some unusual and welcome happenings occur; not during meditation, but afterward as a result of our increased awareness and improved ability to function.

Meditation, when properly practiced, is not subconscious conditioning. It differs from the active process of creative imagination. If one desires to use the technique of creative imagination it should be used after meditation, because then the mind will be clear and powers of concentration greater.

Here is how to practice for greatest benefits. Twice a day make an appointment with yourself and retire to a quite place where you will not be disturbed. This can only be any room at home, an unused office at your place of business, or wherever you decide. Just sit upright in a relaxed posture, with hands on your thighs. Close your eyes and become aware of the internal workings of your body. Withdraw attention from feet, legs, hands and arms; bring the attention and feeling back to spinal column. Do not use suggestion or effort. Just turn within easily and naturally. Withdraw your attention from the senses so you are no longer aware of your immediate environment. It does not matter if you continue to hear noises at a distance, as long as the greater part of your attention is centered within. Then, lift the attention and feeling up through the spinal passageway to the midbrain. Do not visualize or use great effort. Flow the attention inwards. Listen, look, be aware. If you hear a sound, perhaps a high pitched sound, put your attention on it. Do not analyze, picture, or strain. Just flow to the look and be aware. Rest in this relaxed, aware condition for several minutes. Do not force it.

With practice you will be able to enter into a serene, clear state of awareness. You will transcend thought, mental images and feelings. Yet, you will be conscious and at peace withing yourself. This is not a trance condition, for you will be clear and in full possession of your innate abilities. Do not make the mistake, while meditating, of trying to “see things” or receive solutions to problems. Meditation is for the purpose of helping us rest at the seat of power, creativity and intelligence.

After meditation, when we begin to flow our attention outward through the senses, we can retain the clear awareness and function from a more objective and capable point of view. Come out of meditation easily and feel high-frequency energies flowing down from the brain, through the nervous system, into the body. Feel that all systems: circulatory; lymphatic; and glandular, are functioning perfectly. Just assume this to be so. Feel at peace and in harmony with your environment.

Now, if you feel inclined, this is the time to use creative imagination for the positive purposes already decided upon. Many find that it is not required at this time, because they are so aware, and so intuitive and spontaneous, they just seem to do the right things at the right time and all relationships are in perfect harmony. Goal setting, problem solving ans decision making are best gone into at his time, just after meditation. One of the reasons for this is that we are then mentally and emotionally unburdened and can make more rational decisions.

There are other benefits to derived from regular and proper meditation practice. Tension is one of the major enemies of people in an industrial society. Meditation allows deep relaxation and removes tension. The result is better function on the mental, emotional and physical levels and even a clearing away of some psychosomatic illnesses. Through self-understanding, as a result of meditation, we become more honest with ourselves and more realistic in our relationships. We tend to think in terms of essentials and we use tiem and energy more wisely.

Meditators commonly report an increase in their powers of concentration, better memory, more energy and a more optimistic outlook on life. Also, because of greater self-sufficiency mediators do not rely as much on drugs, alcohol, overeating, or neurotic social games.

It is important to meditate on a regular basis. Ten of fifteen minutes twice a day is a useful pattern for the average person. This keeps a person anchored in pure consciousness and helps him retain a balanced outlook. Improved function, and performance, will be the indicators of success in meditation practice. Be alert, at times of great challenge, and avoid using meditation as an occasion to escape from responsibilities. Preoccupation with occult matters is a diversion from the personal responsibility of functioning in this world. Since we are concerned with learning how to function creatively, out or our true center which is consciousness, it is really a practical step to learn to meditate effectively.”

From “How you can use the technique of creative imagination to see your dreams come true” by Roy Eugene Davis.

I have an interest in something called positive psychology. There is a center of positive psychology here at the University of Pennsylvania. If you are into self-help at all, most people are, here is your chance to help the study that is trying to determine which self-help techniques really work and which are hollow promises. You need to email at reedpospsych@gmail.com to get further instructions. Below is the description of the study. You can also visit the website of the Positive Psychology Online Research Program to check out other studies that you can help out with.

“21-day self-help study

Open to all who wish to participate

Help psychologists develop self-help techniques that work. The Positive Psychology Lab at Reed College is looking for people to complete a self-help technique online. Participation involves an average of 5-10 minutes per day for 21 days. Improve yourself as you contribute to research! Email reedpospsych@gmail.com for more information, or to sign up.”

- Public schools, health care system, giant water parks, I mean the same reason anyone comes to America.

They were holding an examination of aspirants for the position of principal of a colored grade school in Louisville. One of the most promising candidates for the vacancy was a small yellow man, who wore shiny, gold-rimmed spectacles, and bore himself with that air of assurance, which learning sometimes imparts.

The superintendent of the public school system was sounding the qualifications of this person. The subject was syntax. The inquisitor would choose a word at random from the lexicon and the applicant would give his conception of its proper definition.

Out of a clear sky, so to speak, the superintendent sped this one: “Jeopardy.”

The candidate froze stiff. His eyes rolled in his head as he recoiled from the shock.

“Which?” he inquired softly.

“Jeopardy.”

“I believe you said ‘jeopardy,’ didn’t you, suh?” said the little yellow man, still sparring for time.

“Certainly, ‘jeopardy.’ You know the word, don’t you?”

“Oh, yas, suh, fluently.”

“Well, then, since you are familiar with it, what is your understanding of it’s meaning?”

Like a man preparing to dive from a great height into vastly depths the candidate took a deep breath. Then gallantly he leaped headlong.

“Well, suh,” he stated, “in reply to the question just propounded I should say that ‘jeopardy’ would properly refer to any act committed by a jeopard.”

He got the job on the spot.

Taken from “A laugh a day keeps the doctor away” by Irvin S. Cobb

I’ve taken this course a few months back and it was terrific. I know nobody says “terrific” anymore but I can’t help it. I learned some basic yoga, learned cool breathing meditation techniques and most importantly met awesome people of all sorts of backgrounds and interests. Granted it is quite long, 5 days, but the positive impact it will make in your life is tremendous. And if you are a student it is dirt cheap, like 15 bucks per day including food. Pardon me but this actually cheaper than dirt. What to expect: lots of hugs, some dancing, fun games, team work, more hugs, practical advice on dealing with everyday stress, even more hugs.

Penn Consciousness Club and Art of Living Club Present: YES+ Personal/Community Wellness Course
The YES+ course is a fun, innovative, and experiential life-skills training program that empowers young adults to develop a relaxed, stress-free mind and an energetic, healthy body, using tools such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, self-exploration, and emotional development. There will also be optional educational sessions on the weekend nights featuring films and presenters on social justice, sustainability, food systems, alternative economies, and education reform. The goal of the course is to help make Penn and West Philadelphia healthier and more open communities. We would like to bring together 50 open-hearted, passionate and creative people interested in personal well-being, community development, sustainability and social action, and see what insights and developments unfold from that space.  This course will be offering a significantly discounted special rate for students and University faculty/staff. The course is entirely non-profit; any proceeds will be donated to the Philly Yoga Rave event happening in March.

Dates: Feb 9-13 / Times: 6PM-10:30PM weekdays, 11AM-7PM weekends / Location: TBD, UPenn Campus / Meals: 5 vegetarian dinners included / Cost: $70 students, $130 faculty, $250 otherwise / Questions: artoflivingpenn@gmail.com / Application: here by Feb 2 / Medical Research: here / Last Course Video: here / Flyer: here / More Info Flyer: here

The quote below is from a book called “Peace of mind” by Joshua Loth Liebman that I found at a thrift store in Norristown. Parts of it resonated greatly with me and so I will be sharing them with you. This quote I printed out and hung above my desk so I can see it as often as possible. I tend to underestimate my own strengths and overestimate my competition in everything I do despite all the evidence to the contrary.

“There are myriad ways in which we show contempt and cruelty rather than respect and kindness to ourselves. Feelings of inferiority are among the commonest symptoms of self-hate. How often we attribute to our neighbors abilities and powers which they do not possess! We feel inferior to them, and an infinite amount of tragedy comes from this form of self-depreciation and inner self-contempt. We yearn to be like these others; to buy the same clothes, the same furniture; to speak and act as they do. Our exaggerated idea of their abilities is a weapon against ourselves before the altar of someone else’s personality. The fallacy here is that we tend to see ourselves as an imperfectly evolving “process” freighted with old shortcomings and inadequacies – while our neighbors are seen as finished products, surfaced at least with the lacquer of assurance and poise. If we could but realize all men and women bear within themselves the scars of many a lost battle, we would judge our own lacerated skins less harshly.”