on being pampered....

[Big Bear]

We have grown accustomed to wealth and opulence
When we can no longer afford those little things advertised on t.v we feel life is unfair.

Simply put we have had several generations that have been spoiled and pampered by generations that had very little.It was their hope that we would not struggle.That we would not have the hardships they endured.

What have we lost becoming so reliant on technology?On things(and I mean things)other than our own self-reliance?

Do we know about wilderness survival?Can we garden,hunt,sew,work on plumbing,electricity,mechanical problems with the car,etc...?Could we survive if the world went off line tomorrow?

These are serious questions that are important to answer.John and I talked last week(sorry about being late on this entry John)about prior generations pulling through incredibly hard times.I talked of my Clan Mother that had virtually nothing growing up and barely enough food.On top of this the Freedom of Religions act would not pass until 1978,so the people of my Tribe could be arrested for smudging or praying outdoors.

John and I talked about the incredible journey in the book,The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz.John and I strongly advocate that you pick up this book and read it.In it you will find an incredible story about human will and determination.I won't talk much more about it as it is a gem worthy of discovering.

So where do you stand?
Can you do the above?I know I sorely lack on some of the things I mentioned.Why would you want to?We can never guess with certainty what tomorrow brings.It is important to be prepared,but at the same time to not be fearful.Fear begets fear.

It is better to learn something new each day with a positive attitude and then give thanks at the end of the day .Access your day.Was it a day of discovery or a day of living the life of the pampered generations?

Every change takes time,don't be hard on yourself.Just learn and love and trust that each day you will become more self-reliant in an ever changing world....

peace,
jason

[gruntbrain]

Those of us who have been "lucky" enough to live the easy, pampered life can create purposeful challenges to that existence. Spending less & exercising more( or at least with more intensity) are wise moves that may prove to be lifesaving.

[Andy62]

The more structured and protected the environment the weaker the individual. I would add based on my personal experience and observation that they really are the least happy as well because they never test their limits in various areas and become slaves to their external objects. You have to get out and risk new situations, relationships, experiences. You will never have enjoyed that new car if you keep it safe in the garage and you will not have truly experienced you life unless you take it for a few test drives and open her up to see what she can do-it's fun.

[Big Bear]

Great,great reponses Andy,RUBBERBUS,and gruntbrain!

Many times that unattended roadside apple tree will be the hardiest.Long after the pampered and pruned,'make a living trees' have died off we see them along Maine roads in their unusual twistings and turnings to reach towards the source; the sun,and beyond.Thank you my friends!

peace,
jason

[gruntbrain]

The opposite gender is an external "object" that at times pampers & enslaves us.

[Aaron Hoot]

Great post Jason! We have taken some conveniences that our fathers made to make their lives easier and abused them to a point where they are not a convenience anymore but a necessity. Very few men these days know anything about electricity, mechanics, plumbing and so on. Man I don't hardly know anything and I can't tell you how many times other missionaries call me to do these things for them. A lot of times they just don't want to get dirty. What you said about the apple tree makes a good point. I read an article the other day about it is the old apple trees and not these new hybrids that make the sweetest fruit. It is the old trees that are usually the hardiest and not the new hybrids. The new hybrids were made to produce quickly and beautiful fruit. The tree is not designed to make tasty fruit or a strong tree just to put out. That is part of what is wrong in the states. Many of us have forgot what made our country great. We have taken skill and replaced it with expediency. For example, I used to cut meat for a living. It was amazing to watch the old butchers who trained me break down the sides of beef, pork and mutton and give us the cuts that we enjoy today. The time before last when I was stateside, I was talking to a good man who cuts meat for a grocery store and he told me that the old time butchers aren't needed there anymore. It already comes prepackaged and only requires a few cuts- you no longer have to break it down.

As for pampering, I do like to occasionally pamper myself. Have you ever tried shaving with a straight razor? You talk about getting pampered, that is the way to go bud! Take one of those old badger hair brushes, some old shaving soap, work up a lather and go to town. It really feels great!

Your friend,
Aaron

[Andy62]

Take it as an adventure. The risk of change can be both challenging and exciting. Moving life from acquisition centered to experience centered can be fun. Enjoy the ride.

[John Peterson]

Hey Jason,


As usual, you have addressed issues that are all too real. The fact is, that the America of the pre 9/11 era is a thing of the past. The world has steadily changed. I'm sure that it is not lost on anyone that is reading this post that the world has steadily been moving in a different direction since that autumn day in 2001. I doubt that anyone does not see that the entire world's economic system is on the verge of complete collapse and with it the world's social systems as we understood them are heading toward complete chaos. I can't help but believe we have entered that time that was predicted by the Biblical prophets, and given to people all over the world through the Hopi Prophecies, Mayan Prophecies, and many others that all reference this time of tremendous and unprecedented change that is happening NOW! This is the time to learn to become as self reliant as is possible.

---John Peterson

[Andy62]

For the last 30 years the world has become "hooked" more and more on economic steroids-"Credit." The withdrawal from this drug is going to be painful. There can be no doubt that the whole world is going through and will continue to go through massive economic, political, and social change. Change in the world causes power voids and that means conflict as different hopefuls strive to fill the voids to build their power and put in their systems and belief structures. This is the time for self reliance and strength. We each must develop our individual intuitive and creative abilities. Listen to your "internal voice" as it is the ultimate survival mechanism.

[John Peterson]

Hey Andy62,

You and I are on the same Chapter and Verse and the truth is that it is also a time of tremendous opportunity for individuals to step out, step up and become more complete human beings.

---John Peterson

[Big Bear]

I so agree with what you have written Andy and John!

We have(culturaly)lost interest in the 'internal voice'within.Part of this has to do with following the analitical thought process as oppossed to the intuitive.In Psychology for instance we went hook line and sinker with the thoughts and ideas of Frued(though many are good they do not paint the entire picture of the human condition).I often wonder what would have happened if we went more in line with Jung?In psychology anyways.

The internal voice is the yin to the yang of everyday waking consciousness.Both serve a vital importance to our lives.If we continue to deny one,than the other predominates and will lead to an imbalance.Yang thought patterns have controlled human existence for a long time.The rational mind unimpeded has brought death,destruction,and the habits we now are trying to divest from.Yin thought in balance with Yang can allow us to be the totality of who and what we are.

A small example.I was told many years ago by and Elder that you shoul not share much of your visions with people that cannot understand as the general populace has been trained to'turnoff'this part of human existence.I was told especially with therapists as they will consider you'crazy'.

When I do work with teens I try to have them listen to the inner voice that warns of danger.Many,many through the years have found themselves leaving a situation that could have become dangerous by just listening to this voice.

There is so much to this-will post more later on this.

peace,
jason