tragically flawed hero
in the throes of
meaningless suffering
while conscious being is fleeting
calling out for justice

undeveloped savior
favors the growing myth
seeking salvation in a sandy grave

gods laugh
without good reason
for an all too human perspective
that waxes and wanes in the sky
balanced deliberately

boundless energy
not reduced to the profane
not expanded to the sacred
spontaneously organized
with the passage of time

through my thoughts
through my emotions
through my actions
experience my divinity
experience my humanity

Mindfully. Peacefully.

1. Stop reading books/websites about how to get out of debt, declutter your office/home/life, or find your dream job. None of these conditions exist.
   
2. Commit to exercising each day.
   
3. Stop the self-sabotage and negative self-talk.
   
4. Meditate 10 minutes or longer each day. (Stretch: Sit in Zazen once a week.)
   
5. Don't go digital on February 17. It'll save money and liberate time.
   
6. Commit to an anti-inflammation (mostly vegetarian) lifestyle.
   
7. Eat 75% local (100 mile) nutrition.
   
8. Eliminate packaged foods to all extent possible.
   
9. Maintain the "clean desk" policy at work including multi-project, single-task approach.
   
10. Identify and apply for international opportunities for scientific exchange for 2009 and 2010. (Stretch: Participate in an exchange this year.)
    
11. Reduce waste in the household. Increase recycling.
    
12. Determine and follow a financial plan and schedule for home improvements (roof, bathroom, deck, etc).
    
13. Learn to play the Djembe.
    
14. Develop a new social circle of friends that is not predicated on work or alcohol.
    
15. Attend at least 6 meetups.
    
16. Enjoy a glass of wine occasionally.
    
17. Fully fund TSP retirement account. Partially fund Roth IRA. (Stretch: Fully fund the Roth IRA.)
    
18. Expand the garden beds. (Stretch: Plant dwarf fruit trees.)
    
19. Explore rain water catchment for irrigating the garden beds. (Stretch: Implement.)
    
20. Be open to other's involvement in my life.
    
21. Ride my bike for enjoyment at least twice a week, weather permitting. (Stretch: Use bike/trailer to do local shopping on weekend. Big Stretch: Ride to work once a week.)
    
22. Attend a weekend retreat at a local monastery.
    

Good Fortune. Harmony.

At the turning of the sun, I remind reaffirm myself of my vows:

Poverty
Simple living is not about living in poverty or self-inflicted deprivation. Rather, it is about living an examined life — one in which you have determined what is important, or "enough," for you, discarding the rest.

Celibacy
In 2008, I will manifest health into my life through an efficient, reasonable and integrated nutrition, exercise and health plan. I will make reasonable accommodations to my health plan to account for periods of disruptions. I will maintain a positive attitude throughout 2008 in order to faciliate good fortune. I will be patient and forthright with others and myself. I will allow myself to achieve success and to occasionally fail without guilt. I will manifest unbounded love and acceptance. I will recognize the human and the divine in myself and in others.

Obedience
Reporter: "When you pray, what do you say to God?"
Mother Theresa of Calcutta: "Nothing. I just listen."
Reporter: "What does God say to you?"
Mother Theresa: "Nothing. God just listens, too. And if you don't understand that, I can't explain it to you."

My first ride to the grocery store went well this morning. I left about 8:30 am and was home by 9:30 am. Crossing US 150 wasn't too bad - hardly any traffic. Picture of my bike & trailer under the cut.

( Here is my bike & trailer. )

If I remember, I'll try to pack my camera and take pictures of my travels about the city on my bike. My confidence is high so I might actually ride to work this week.

One thing I noticed is that people in cars are in a hurry to get places. I'm a little more resigned accepting of the time spent traveling and enjoying the breeze and view.

words seeking love
sent to the four corners of the earth
law and justice succeed
worth and talent reside
cruelty vanquished
living in splendour

I think that the UN should send this by registered, signature-required to every leader in the world. This is the anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights signed in 1948.

( 30 articles )
http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.htm

Thank you, faerywolf, for this link.

creative nonviolent protest