One Human, Snowballs and a Paradigm Shift?

Posted on 07/26/202007/26/2020 by LiFE is NOW...®

Recently a black man offered his opinion to how he thought the world could be a better place. His sentiments echoed those of our own. Now, the mere fact that we have to indicate the person speaking was “black” is sad in and of itself (as color should not play a role in defining our ability to be moral, just and kind); but in order to illustrate the segregated nature of reality it is noted.

This particular individual (paraphrasing here) said, ‘As soon as we start looking at each other as human beings (not black, not white or any other color) and as Americans, things will get better’.

Agreed. Think about it! It has to start somewhere. Someone, somehow has to set aside egos and past perceptions and begin to look at others in a different light. One person, one human being looks at another and acknowledges them as a fellow human; not a different race or religion or some sort of hurdle to overcome or burden to carry. Simply a fellow being, just like them.

That person, in turn, then looks to another and the same shift occurs; and it snowballs. This is the beginning of the “Paradigm Shift”.

What we mean by a paradigm shift is we all need to start considering things from a different perspective. Set aside our preconceptions and egos and simply be human. Open our minds to alternatives.

A paradigm is defined as a typical pattern, a standard, perspective or set of ideas. They are beliefs that go unchallenged for generations. We grow up being taught certain thinking patterns and ideas based on our community, schools, family or friends. Our thoughts may change over time from life experiences or they may be further ingrained. In either case, what if the ingrained patterns of thought (the paradigms) are outdated, immoral or just plain off? What if the paradigms shifted?

And, what if the thinking patterns and perspective of everyone shifted in the same direction? No black, no white, no democrat, no republican; just humans being human. One human race, moral and invincible.

It is noted that perhaps “…the greatest barrier to a paradigm shift, in some cases, is the reality of paradigm paralysis: the inability or refusal to see beyond the current models of thinking.”.

We believe as intelligent and emotional beings we can overcome this barrier.

LiFE is NOW…Help Shift the Paradigms

Paradigm Shift Tee

We’re all Playing in the Same Band ~

Posted on 08/28/201204/02/2020 by LiFE is NOW...®

Spending more time these days in the online world, what with Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and all the other blogs and forums I’ve begun to notice (which I’m sure you have but maybe just haven’t put the pieces together – it took me a while too) that as much as we all try to be different and unique which results sometimes in being judgmental toward others, we are very similar after all.

We suffer from the same ailments, similar family crises and work issues. We have similar dreams and goals. The highly connected internet world not only has made the world a smaller place but if you look closely enough you will see that although we live in different countries, speak different languages and have different cultures, we are very similar indeed. Blogs, posts, texts, tweets and forums have shed the light on the fact that we are not the only one in the world that has a sore shoulder, needs help installing a microwave or has a teenager that is acting up.

We try to march on with a stiff upper lip and being strong, thinking we can handle this alone since no one else has this exact problem confronting them, when in fact there are many of us out there suffering the same struggles.

It doesn’t matter where we live, what we look like or how we speak; we are human beings and as such have similar issues. One can take this to the next logical step and say if we are all human beings and have similar struggles why not be less judgmental toward our fellow beings. This is not to say that we don’t have differences and we should get along all the time; but maybe we look at these differences with a little less emphasis and cut the next person a break rather than berating them. You never know what they are going through. We don’t have to love everyone all the time but maybe perhaps we can be a bit kinder and make that particular moment a good one for both us and the person we’re interacting with. It might be the exact issue you dealt with while leaving the house that morning.

Maybe this catches on and goes viral as we say in this new hi-tech world. Wouldn’t that be nice. Monday morning headline: “Non-Judgmental Kindness Goes Viral Overnight”. Anger and hate certainly spread like wildfire. The news is proof of that. Why is it easier to spread hate than it is to spread kindness? Perhaps it takes ourselves to let just a tiny bit of our deepest emotions show. Maybe we’re afraid to show this softer emotional side as it may be perceived as weakness rather than kindness. Who knows?

Try to remember that although we may dance to a different drum now and again, we are all uniquely similar and we’re all playing in the same band.

LiFE is NOW…Join the band!

Independence…a word worth fighting for

Posted on 07/03/202007/03/2020 by LiFE is NOW...®

It’s been a long time since we’ve read the Declaration of Independence. Nearly 250 years ago the document was penned, signed and a call for independence was unfurled upon the world. This was not done lightly or without thought; as they knew that such a call came with the knowledge it would need to be defended and continuously fought for. This still holds true today.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776

A stated belief of equal beings and absolute Rights with a common purpose of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Simple, to the point. It is interesting that Rights, Life, Liberty and Happiness were so important to the authors, they capitalized them to ensure they were not looked upon lightly. And, Happiness (in this legal document) is mentioned twice!! Who are we to argue with the founding fathers. Let us forge ahead in our pursuit of Happiness.

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 (final paragraph)

Pretty powerful stuff if you ask us. In order to maintain the state of independence they pledged their lives and honor, and staked their fortunes on the declaration. Let us not do anything less in our continued fight to be independent in ourselves and our country. Celebrate the 4th of July for our unalienable right of independence forged in 1776. And let’s be absolute in our fight for our own independence and free thought.

Time is fleeting but the unalienable Rights of Life and Happiness remain for us to continuously and mindfully seek.

Please don’t take that lightly, march on every day toward Life, Liberty and Happiness…after all, it’s the law.

Link to full transcript

We explain our “Entering LiFE…” logo!

Posted on 11/06/201903/29/2020 by LiFE is NOW...®

So, it appears some of our designs require some minor explanations in order to understand the thought process behind them. For example “Entering LiFE / EST NOW”. We thought it was pretty straightforward but everyone’s perspective is different and the thought process is coming from a different background.

Anyway, everyone loves those town signs welcoming you to your next destination. It’s usually a happy time like a vacation with your kids as you get excited moving that much closer to your destination. Well, the same goes for life; at least is our eyes. The thought process is that its time to enter life, get in the game; and it is always established NOW. Life is not a destination but a constant state of being and rather than float from one moment to the other; enter life, get in the game and start participating.

Change is good, right?

Posted on 09/08/2019 by LiFE is NOW...®

Change is good, right? Traditions are good, right? Well, which is it? Change or No Change? I guess it’s up to the individual. Or is it?

They say yoga relieves stress through meditation and discipline (ritually practicing over and over, the same time each day). Then there’s sleep. Experts tell us to try to go to bed the same time each night and get the same amount of distraction free sleep to keep our bodies finely tuned and in line with bio-phases.

Both, establishing rituals and patterns; without change. These are both supposed to add happiness and health to our lives. But, do they?

Then there’s change. Change brings questions, projecting, stress and distractions. Sounds to us like change is bad…really bad, even. Not so fast, let’s think about what happens during No Change and Change.

Picture yourself driving in a snowstorm – the snow mesmerizing as it zooms through the blackness toward the windshield. The rhythmic sound of the moving windshield wipers.

Nothing changes and hours later the temptation is to fall asleep.

How about the work day. Alarm goes off, out of bed, drive to work, work all day, drive home, cook, eat, sleep, alarm goes off; repeat.

Sometimes No Change can be bad. It’s all in the “relative perspective” of the person dealing with it. Let’s look at it from the other side. Not the right side or the wrong side, just another side.

So what if you’re comfortable in your own skin, your family and work life is great and all is wonderful in your world? Wouldn’t not changing anything be a good thing?! Maybe knowing you have a job and co-workers to go to every day gives your life stability. Wouldn’t No Change be a good thing?!

Then there’s traditions. The definition of tradition is: : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior. An established or customary pattern of thought, action or behavior??…ouch!. Put that way tradition doesn’t sound so good!

So where does tradition fit into Change vs No Change? Well, what if a customary pattern makes someone happy, soothes their stress? Since it’s a tradition there is less likely to be worrisome changes to be dealt with? Wouldn’t that be a good thing? Maybe. Depends on which side you’re on. Take for example apple picking and Christmas decorating; the things that keep some of us grounded and make us happy; while boring the hell out of others and adding stress to their lives trying to keep up with traditions set so many years before us; without our input.

Here’s one that has more likely than not happened to many of us. Your boss calls you into their office and tells you the job you’ve been getting up every morning and faithfully going to and working at for the last 14 years no longer exists. Wait! What? You will now be doing a job you are unfamiliar with and may not have the experience to fulfill. BAM! How’s that for stress level!? Can you feel the cortisol coursing through your veins?

For some, yes. For others it’s an opportunity. An opportunity for advancement. An chance to meet new people and cavort in new social circles. A chance to simply try something new. Again, it’s all “relative perspective” for the person whose life the change is affecting.

So, is change good or bad? Who the hell knows? It’s all in the eye of the beholder. But one thing is for sure, the question keeps the world interesting.

Just remember regardless if you’re a “Change” or “No-Change” person; LiFE is ALWAYS NOW. Make the most of what you choose.