Mindset – Breakaway Consciousness

#Quote Of The Day | #Mindset | #Perspective | #Confucius

“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
– Confucius

Poker, Writing, And Life – Seeing & Accepting Things As They Are | #Mindfulness | #Life | #Writing | #Poker

“Nothing we see or hear is perfect. But right there in the imperfection is perfect reality.”

“If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything, it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few. ”
― Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind

BreakwayIndividual.com
Zy Marquiez
June 19, ,2019

Poker and life share many commonalities, as previously discussed.

That said, in this particular piece, we will also couple writing to it since this also shares many commonalities with the aforementioned, and in the original conceptualization of this write-up, writing and self expression were the main focus. Given the poker theme that gets addressed in this blog at times, I chose to merge all of these to expand upon the ideas a bit. Essentially, we are going to explore some of the commonalities that self-expression has with poker, writing, and how that delves into viewing things at face value and accepting things in deeper ways from a subjective level.

One vanguard commonality that poker shares with life (and writing) is the expression of an individual in the way they play their game. Just like an individual in poker expresses themselves with what they wear, how they speak, how they act, and how they ultimately play, in writing, as in life, it is no different.

In writing, however, the individual uses a different array of tools for self expression. Writers can employ themes, diction, metaphors, arguments, insights, and much more. Tempo, imagery and reliability are also things that can create a huge feeling of kinship between the writer and the reader. All of this allows for thoughts and emotions to be conveyed in countless forms, and for self expression to take place.

In my personal case, I find that when I subject myself to certain emotions conveyed through writing, or even news, and videos, my emotions can get quite affected. Not always, but enough that I have been cognizant of this for a very long time.

Now, allow me a quick aside that merges into what will follow thereafter.

Throughout the full latitude of my life, I have had certain issues with reading thoughts that people share which are negative (or could be seen as such) in nature. These types of feelings and thoughts people share that have a certain ‘negative’ vibe to it are merely individuals expressing themselves. And I say negative loosely, because perhaps a person is simply expressing themselves, and they are misunderstood. Some people might only want to express thoughts on a darker subject, not with the intent of creating a negative vibe to it, but perhaps in a cathartic way. And just because a reader (such as myself in this instance) takes it negatively, doesn’t mean the aim of the piece was to create negativity in its intentional nascent conception.

Though this above example talks about reading from my subjective point of view that stems from my willing exposure to those who express themselves in writing, the same can be said for poker and life in my personal case.

Instances where a player berates another at the tables, or a person mistreats another with disrespect and so on, have always bothered me at a deeper level. And I’m not saying we shouldn’t be affected, only that allowing your emotions to run you over if such is the case with me, isn’t exactly healthy. One can be bothered significantly by an issue without letting that issue overrun them.

Now, if you think about it, an individual’s ‘self expression, whether it stems through the medium of writing, in poker, or in life, that expression is simply one side of the polarity of positivity and negativity, albeit, through the gateway of emotions and the mind.

That a negative circumstance or thought (or my misperception of it) bothers me so much says a lot about me on many levels. Though, what I think it says more than anything is that, even if I have always found such things stressful since my youth, that doesn’t mean I need to let it affect me, if that makes sense. In other words, while every single person has the freedom to express themselves as they so desire, I also have the freedom to accept that in its totality, and NOT let it affect me, and even learn from it if possible, as I am attempting to do now.

I say this because I’m trying significantly to take a slightly more Zen-like mindful approach to reading certain things in particular, which I usually avoid in general due to it causing stress.

Then a thought struck me: just like I can lockdown my emotions in a game of poker and keep them in check, as well as the stress involved in it, why couldn’t I do that in reading or seeing something that bothers me? This doesn’t mean I excuse poor treatment of another human being in any way shape or form, if such has taken place. I am merely stating that I should not allow my emotions to override my logic center, which is something that can easily take place and it’s a social engineering weapon employed often by the mainstream media.

Why do you think the mainstream media nigh always appeals to emotions and nigh never to logic, or even better, a holistic approach? Ponder that one.

Individuals that are highly emotional are much easier to manipulate than those that have a sound and holistic mindset. But just like too much emotion can affect a person, too much logic can as well, which is why a delicate balance has to be struck.

Seeking a delicate balance and a more mindful Zen-like state of being coupled with acceptance of what I s taking place is the approach I have been slowly taking the last few days, and I am appreciating it because one thing I learned a long time ago is that, anything that bothers you says something about you. Anything that bothers you a lot, says even more about you. While obviously, this can be positive or negative, the point is that our emotional response to a situation has endless ways in the way it can play out, and being able to come to terms with it is incredible for seeing the world as it IS, rather than how you think (or wish) it could be.

The world, just like individuals, simply are. And just how I am okay accepting myself for me, as everyone should accept themselves as well, I should be cognizant of others and their thoughts, feelings, and so on.

That need not mean that I need to agree with them, not at all, or give a pass to something that’s downright wrong that goes against what I feel is right. It’s just that seeing things for what they are is one of those obvious, and yet, not so obvious subtleties life offers. It’s not unlike the sky, it’s there, but most people don’t pay attention to it. Not seeing the subtleties in life, is not unlike having a kaleidoscope at hand, and not seeing the countless intricacies that it offers due to its unique perspective. That’s missing out on a LOT of things one could see, and even learn from if exposed to such.

Is the glass half full or half empty? To me, that doesn’t matter.

What matters is what is inside, and what you can learn from it.

In this case, my cup has been half full with fear of myriad things, which has historically affected how I see and accept the world for it is, which is why my stress increases proportional to my inability to accept things, and which has undoubtedly has affected my health throughout my life.

But at least I am coming to terms with it. Hopefully, that’s a big first step in the right direction.

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Author’s Note:

[1] I know I meandered a bit hither and thither, but, there was just a lot I wished to address, and I just took a more instinctual way of constructing my thoughts, rather than a logically structured way in which I aim to follow at times, so if this seems like a lot of spaghetti got launched at the wall in order to seek what sticks, it’s EXACTLY THAT!

[2] I have posted an iteration of this elsewhere in the form of a letter, or perhaps, journal entry might be more precise. I have opted to share it here, though in a significantly more fleshed out way because I think the topic deserves some serious consideration.

This started simply as me putting my thoughts to paper based on many things I had been thinking about of late, with what is shared being that which I thought most noteworthy.

I find it highly fascinating how many points of views different circumstances can offer. Not learning from them when you can if you simply make an a proactive effort is leaving life lessons by the wayside. At least, for me that’s how I feel.

And what’s life about, if not about growth, to a certain extent?

Hope you all have a great evening.

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If you find value in this information, please share it. This article is free and open source. All individuals have permission to republish this article under a Creative Commons license with attribution to Zy Marquiez and BreakawayIndividual.com
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About The Author:

Zy Marquiez is an avid book reviewer, inquirer, an open-minded skeptic, yogi, and freelance writer who aims at empowering individuals while also studying and regularly mirroring subjects like Consciousness, Education, Creativity, The Individual, Ancient History & Ancient Civilizations, Forbidden Archaeology, Big Pharma, Alternative Health, Space, Geoengineering, Social Engineering, Propaganda, and much more.

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#Quote Of The Day | #Mindfulness | #Thoughts | #Mindset | #Simplicity #QualityOfConsciousness

“You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.”
– James Allen, Author of As A Man Thinketh

#Quote Of The Day | #Mindset | #Friends | #Friendship | #Thoughts | #QualityOfConsciousness

“I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.”
– Abraham Lincoln

Note: I absolutely love this take on dealing with people that dislike you or downright hate you. It’s definitely a proactive approach, but it’s also an approach that extrapolates upon what a mindset of seeking common ground can accomplish with other individuals.

#Quote Of The Day | #Mindfulness | #Moment | #Life | #Mindset

“Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different. Enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will). Being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).”
– James Baraz

Mindfulness, Loss & Friendship

“Friends are medicine for a wounded heart, and vitamins for a hopeful soul.”
– Steve Maraboli

“There is nothing on this Earth more to be prized than true friendship.”
– Thomas Aquinas

BreakawayIndividual.com
Zy Marquiez
May 5, 2019

The last few days have been a blur.

Ever since my grandma died, I’ve sought to keep my mind as busy as possible, and it’s worked most of the time. Though keeping my mind that autopilot-focused usually personally leads me to getting more done, it definitely removes a lot of the mindfulness I usually employ.

It’s in that mindfulness that I make my best decisions, respond well to situations, and take a very holistic approach to instances (most of the time) while also being able to remain fluid to whatever happens. Not unlike a navigator adjusting the sails proportional to the winds and using what could be a problem to become a solution.

With the unintended and yet detrimental removal of mindfulness from my mental routine the last few days through an autopilot process, it reminds me of how used to operate with Poker at a time. Except with Poker, 90%+ of my personal autopiloting is somewhat detrimental, while at least here, it’s helping me cope. That doesn’t mean it’s the best option, I’m not sure what the best option to coping is. That said, not talking about losing someone and holding it in isn’t one of them, and that’s not something I’ve done at least.

The coping mechanism I believe I employ is very similar to my emotional mechanism, for lack of better words.[1] In a sense, it puts me incredibly guarded to my emotions, much more so than usual, and I can see myself being a bit despondent and distant due to that.

Being cognizant of these type of emotions and others is something that gives me a starting point at least to move forward, and when junctioned with the fact that I realize I need to employ mindfulness, then there’s light at the end of the tunnel at least.

Moving forward, I’m going to attempt my usual streamlined approach of being Mindful as much as possible, while still allowing myself the latitude to disengage if my mind becomes mush as it’s been some of these last few days due to that emotional overload.

All the above is shared (1) to remind myself first and foremost that there are always options and options are great, and taking any one route, such as autopiloting, without considering others is just selling yourself short. As well, (2) to help anyone else that’s dealing with loss realize that everyone copes differently, and that’s one of the best tenets human beings have.

It’s in our differences that we often find kinship. Now, whether kinship stems from differences or similarities with others, the point is that nobody is ever truly alone, no matter how painstaking it feels when you lose someone, especially someone who you love so dearly. It might feel like that, especially given that what we feel is our feelings, and not that of others. The fact that we as individuals experience these feelings independent from others, regardless of what negative feeling it may be, often makes it feel like it’s only us, and just us. Such isn’t the case.

As, John Reese once said in Person Of Interest:

“Everyone needs someone to talk to.”

And if a person – any person – cannot find someone to talk to after losing someone, then humanity is in a much more sorrowful state than I even though. But humanity isn’t, and hopefully will never be. This is where friendship and a genuine caring for others shine brightest.

For it is in the caring that others, that we cast a reflection of ourselves. When we show someone else we care over and over and over again by our actions, it (1) not only carries out ‘emotional bank account’ deposits merely from being friendly and kind which will help the other person(s) be able to stay afloat amid the seas of life, but (2) it also shows your inherent nature deep down at the being level, within the core of yourself. In other words, such actions show who you truly are as a person, as an individual.

While your spark might seem gone, or significantly diminished after losing someone, your inner spark is still casting light as it always be. But at times, it doesn’t hurt, and in fact often helps, having someone else light another candle in the darkness; because nothing cast away darkness like light.

And nothing in this world cast light like true friendship.

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Notes:

[1] I realized that calling emotions ‘mechanized’ is problematic. A better alternative as an adjective escapes me and it’s really early, so let’s go with it since I wasn’t being literal.

[2] I also realize that each of the subjects of mindfulness, friendship, and loss, could be tackled independently. I chose not to in order to remain pragmatic while also letting what was on my mind flow naturally.

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If you find value in this information, feel free to share it. This article is free and open source. All individuals have permission to republish this article under a Creative Commons license with attribution to Zy Marquiez and BreakawayIndividual.com

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The Spectrum Of Balance | #Water | #Mindset | #Balance | #Choices

BreakawayIndividual.com
Zy Marquiez
April 28, 2019

Balance is an interesting thoughtform.

Most of the time, people will say that an individual must seek balance, and that is totally understandable. Being out of balance can often leave us gravitating to one side of the balance spectrum so much so that we risk permanently remaining there for long for myriad reasons. But not all ‘imbalance’ is bad per se.

My contention would be, if something significantly positive is being created from the imbalance, and the imbalance is something that isn’t necessarily detrimental to the individual in a considerable sense and is reasonable, then the imbalance could spur growth, rapid progress, and the like. Such imbalances could be spending a sizeable amount of time working (whether overtime or otherwise), spending too much time in books, spending too time with friends, or spending too much time alone, so on and so forth. The actual ‘cost’ of each of the aforementioned ideas varies, but if the outcome is pointedly positive, then that is good. If they are not, then they are detrimental.

Each of those instances of imbalance can cause the individual to progress considerably and the expense of it might be worth it. That’s for each individual to decide. My argument isn’t to argue for, or against balance. I am merely stating that there is a positive side to both spectrums if one looks at them openly. That said, most times an individual is imbalanced is probably bad, but that’s for each individual to decide themselves.

One of the best thoughtforms to couple with balance is water, for water is nigh always seeking balance, seeking stability. But water isn’t always balanced.

Water, sometimes, unleashes its power when the need be arises, whatever those obstacles may be. Sometimes that power has a positive effect, sometimes that power has a negative effect, not unlike what individuals go through. Ascertaining which is which is paramount, because often what is inherently negative feels positive, but its net effect isn’t so.

By way of example, let’s take coffee. For me, I often couple coffee to work, and it ‘helps’ me get things done. But as much as I would love to say that drinking coffee is positive all the time, it isn’t, not even close. It wouldn’t be so bad if it was just a cup, or two. That’s understandable, and the net effect of that isn’t too terrible. Now, when one starts getting to 6-12 cups in a day, then there’s a serious problem.

Yes, I am getting work done most of the time through that. Yes, I love it. Yes, I feel good when I drink it. But taking all those things into consideration, is it something that really helps balance me, or no?

I would argue, if I am honest with myself, most of the time it isn’t. Except I mask this fact with my emotions because it feels good. It feels damn good.

In fact, coffee is probably one of my worst habits. I feel great? I drink coffee. I feel tired? Drink more coffee. Want to get work done? Drunk lots of coffee. Want to catch up with a friend? Drink coffee. Want to spend time in solitude in my own world? Drink coffee. Want to work out? Drink plenty of coffee. Want to read a book? Coffee. See, there’s no instance under which I wouldn’t consider coffee.

Considering it isn’t the problem, options are always good. The problem is acting on it, an acting on it in an unbalanced way. Now, there are rare times when I am steamrolling through work, reading, workouts, and that coffee helps me so much so that it is considerably advantages and incredibly net positive. But the fact remains, most of the time it isn’t.

Just as someone cannot step in the same river twice, an individual cannot be in the same circumstance twice. Similar, yes. Very similar? Sure. Nigh carbon copy circumstance? Maybe. But each circumstance is never the same. What each circumstance dictates, and how balancing actions follow that are always up for rumination, and that should be pondered at length.

Perhaps it is best to follow in the footsteps of water. For water always follows balance or imbalance based on circumstance. Except, for all individuals including myself, its crucial to remain cognizant that this circumstance and the imbalances that could manifest are leading towards something positive that spurs resounding growth, for it isn’t, then what’s the point?

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Author’s Note:

I wrote the above because I find myself struggling with finding balance, or imbalance, when the situation dictates. The notion seemed worthy of consideration seeing as all individuals go through struggles in life, and one could argue that balance plays a key factor in every single one of this, regardless towards what side of the spectrum it goes.

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