Observing deep meditation and prayer

       Many times when we think of meditation and prayer, we think of either the stereotypical martial artist or shaolin monk seeking one-ness with the universe or a person on their knees asking the Faceless Man for things and solution. While either scenario tends to happen at times or what have you, I have decided to take both to somewhat different purposes and scenarios.

       Lately, between regular intervals of workout routines, I take a few minutes to meditate. In this process, I close my eyes and let my mind take me within to reflect on what's going on and everything within. I recall one time some asian guy, after I got up from post-workout meditation, telling me that my chi (life force in Chinese) is very black like a big black rock. Interesting how when I took time to meditate today, I saw what he saw. I saw a big black rock, towering over me like a giant -- except this time, the rock had cracks and through the cracks emanated blinding light, struggling to break through.

       Oftentimes, when we pray, we do a hell of a lot of asking, begging, pleas and demanding. I do none of those in prayer. Sometimes, all we need to do is simply take that time to unbottle a bit, dwell and express our worries, without the asking, pleas and what have you. Just let it out gracefully. Truly, I do believe in a God that responds when we ask but many times, we do so much asking. I wonder sometimes if God is waiting for a day where we stop asking him for stuff and that we genuinely just talk to Him.

       In the process of taking on prayer and meditation in this way, I find myself a bit quieter afterwards, let alone more relaxed. I definitely recommend this to anyone.

       As far as my workout routine, I decided to take a time out from my Bane goal and mix it up a little. Aside form crunches and pushups, I'm also doing reverse pushups, sprawls, jump squats, shadow boxing and a touch of tae bo just to mix it up.

A call for solid journalism and a word of encouragement for my brothers/sisters of faith

       Instead of leaving one gigantic FaceBook status like many are accustomed to, I've decided to do my writing here on the subject. I will begin with a very simple story form my senior year in high school.

       I had three very influential teachers at the time by far in regards to English and History -- Banks, Poska and Talon.

     Banks was the teacher that always pushed me in being a strong writer in regards to bringing out solid points and examples to strengthen my arguments about something based on whatever material is presented to me while also being creative in my delivery instead of being generic and typical of what would be read in a thesis or essay.

       Poska pushed me on another part of the spectrum. Yes, it is fine and dandy to get really passionate about a subject and bring up as many suppositions, conjectures, statements, theories, rhetorics and beliefs -- but if you did not have the concrete and solid facts to prove it, your argument is pretty much invalid. He was a general in the sense that whenever we had a given statement to prove or disprove, he required that whatever argument we presented, we also cite proof by way of books, chapter, page, verse and so on. If from an interview, the magazine, channel, date and year. If from the internet, there better be dates, times, names and other sub-sources involved.

       Talon was that wacky yet amazing middle of the road. He believed in standing up for what you believed in or were passionate about -- assuming you had solid evidence and information to be the backbone of something you believed to be truth. This came from a guy who was able to balance a chair on his chin. I saw it back in 2004 in the beginning of class that spring afternoon.

       With all this said, it brings me to a particular thing I want to bring to light -- where did all the sound journalism go? You would think that in this era of information, social media and technology, the field of journalism would be sound solid and powerful -- where a solid conspiracy theory can be undisputed if well-researched and not just parroting whatever is whispered in their ear. Sadly, it seems that in an era where emotion dominates logic, even in politics, something is amiss.

       I will look through video after video on Youtube, all in relation to statements of theories that are supposedly backed up on "facts" and sadly, many (but not all) by the measure given by my teachers Poska and Talon, fall short and their arguments are reduced, when looking closely, to mere conjectures, theories and polemic. Whether it be proving Satan's evil nature, the truthful existence of the grand scheme of the Illuminati, Evolution whether it is fact or forever trapped as a theory or even some wacky conspiracy that the Aurora Massacre shooter is supposedly a patsy, it is necessary that whatever case you present, you bring solid, concrete and undisputable facts. Opinions come and go and sure as hell, everyone has them but facts and solid evidence stand far more convincingly as a juggernaut than any simple or complex emotion one may feel about it.

       There was an article insinuating that the Jamie Holmes presented as a high-in-regard student and the Jamie Holmes we saw in court and is guilty for all that he did in that theater were, perhaps, two completely different people. To the untrained eye, let alone anyone who doesn't have time to truly study up the facts, this may be true. However, to someone who actually takes the time to study what is presented, especially the physically aesthetic, they will see that such a theory is false and a result of poor study of the human anatomy and physiological behavior. My sister proved before my very own eyes that despite the theory, it is the very same guy. The pictures were taken on completely different times and also the angle and zoom of the photo changed the perspective of simple things such as the nose, eyes and ears. Not only that, the angle, tilt, mood and expression of the individual can alter the appearance but when carefully analyzed, they are one and the same.

       As far as conspiracy theories regarding the Illuminati, Secret Societies and Freemasonry, it must all be challenged and all that is spoken must be presented with solid evidence. Freemasonry definitely is very prevalent. They are no secret anymore. There are lodges in Bushwick, Jamaica, Staten Island and other places. The NY Freemason society even have a website now (http://www.nymasons.org/). As for the Illuminati, mind control, MK Ultra and Programming, there are truthful sources about them scattered, both official and unofficial. Whatever you do, if the person talking about it has no strict solid sense of citation, don't go by it.

       This also reminded me of a time where someone was told that X company does raises at X time and that they offer full time scheduling and promotion. Sadly, that person was in for a rude surprise because that X company (which I will not name), doesn't promise or deliver much on that. Ladies and gents, when you're digging for info in regards to a job, don't ask a noob about how things run in the company, talk to those who have been there for at least well over a good year and a half or two.You'll far more likely get the real nitty gritty from them.

       Finally folks, to drive it all home in all sincerity, it is okay to challenge what you know, the authorities you are submitted to and everything presented to you. This last part I specifically write for my dear Christian folk.

       For years, as a young man struggling with my faith over the years, I have challenged many things. Some things never cease to amaze in being real to me and other things I have found to be either rubbish and completely unimportant towards the end means of a life in pursuit of spiritual harmony, love and sanctity. It's been over 12 years since I decided to walk the path of Christian faith and quite honestly, I have challenged the status quo most Pentecostals make towards things that are overemphasized (such as physical and cosmetic appearance) and the excessive reliance of a human authority all the while neglecting the fact that at the pearly gates it isn't a man we answer to but a Divine Human Being (should you welcome this belief). I have even challenged and put myself in opposition about how many Conservatives treat people that may not connect, agree or believe in our faith. Last I checked, if any Christian wants to be able to have reasonable open communication about the Christ they supposedly worship, it is imperative that they follow Rule #1. Love one another (John 13.34-35, look up any version, it tells you the same message). Where there is demonstration of genuine, compassionate love the way the Jesus that is worshipped is demonstrated, the walls will go down, even if by a little and then the expression and explanations begin. Even if others may not agree, it is no reason to treat them as though they are beneath us. The Era of Repent or Die came and went with Christ's resurrection. Do Christians traditionally believe in a return, judgement and renewal of this world into a new one? Yes -- however, if your motive for following Christ is out of fear of some doom or punishment, perhaps you need to check your motive.

       Here's a nice comparison I was once given. The cat tends to be very wary of its surroundings, nearly to thep oint of suspicion and even fear. The dog, when seeing its master, who takes care of him/her, they come running and as foolish it may be, they run towards the master with very little to no regard towards their surroundings or obstacles. Think about those scenarios and then think about the nature of your relationship with the God you supposedly believe in.