EXPERIENCE

My teacher asked, "If a tree falls in the forest and you do not hear it, does it make a sound?"  Well, of course it would.  Why?  Well, from experience of felled trees, the rustle of leaves and the whoosh of air and the thunk as the trunk hit the earth would resound.  Yet, if one were deaf, the experience would be that it did not make a sound, but instead, a feeling - a swish of air rushing past as it moved from vertical to horizontal.  I suppose there are many ways one might perceive the falling tree.

The thing is that one doesn't have to have the experience in order to understand what the experience can be.  One could share a perspective of an event, and others can realize that it happened, just like that, to them, based on their process of sensing things. 

Just because I wasn't there doesn't mean it didn't happen - it only means that it didn't happen to me... So, did the tree make a noise when it fell in the forest?  I can only imagine since I wasn't there... and I can experience it vicariously when one who was in the woods tells about their experience of it.  That's the beauty of it.  

OBSERVATION

Cultural exchanges present new ideas that can be incorporated into your current philosophy, or enjoyed then set aside.  When each one experiences other customs - celebrating the differences while relaxing in the similarities, it seems that many can thrive as individuals in a society.  Key to this is an understanding of and respect for another point of view.  People and viewpoints are not mutually exclusive.  If one, then not the other, does not apply.  Both may be... and both have beauty.  Look for it and you will see.

ADVICE

The simple truth can have the most profound influence, so stick with the basic facts of the situation.

TILT (This I Learned Today)

Mindfulness is a key attribute to conscious living.  One exercise that helps intensify awareness is concentration - like in this food meditation.  The idea is to slow down in order to enjoy and appreciate  the food that you eat and the effort that went into creating it.  Consider doing a food meditation with, say, honey roasted almonds -- or whatever is your favorite.  Pick up a nut and really take it in -- its feel, the way it smells.  Now, think about the journey your morsel took from growing and harvesting and shelling and toasting to get to you at home.  Let it touch your lips as you put it in your mouth and then chew it purposefully, taking in its texture and flavor.  Isn't that the best bite you ever ate? Absolute heaven! Try it!  Truly, this is food for thought... and thought for food, I guess.

AND A COUPLE OTHER THINGS

Speaking of almonds... L.I.P.^TM balm will sweep over your lips with sweet almond extract and a rich blend of other swell stuff.  Just wade 'n sea.

Let your dreams manifest... get out of your own way... be your own cheerleader... believe in your self.  It is okay to admit that there is a lot you don't know.  In fact, it is very healthy - and it leads to learning.  So go, into the woods where there is much to discover.  Grow...