The answer does not exist without the question

"The answer does not exist without the question". This is an interesting idea. It is in my view essentially true of all things. Now I am not saying that the question must come first, only that they both co-exist, they both are independent of each other as well as tied to each other. They exists as both the individual and the collective at the same time. This is a universal phenomena, all things have an individual aspect and a collective aspect.

There cannot be oneness without individuality. One owes it existence to the other. Duality and non-duality are another way of expressing this concept. One is can only exist with reference to the other. I personally prefer the expression of the individual and the collective. The answer and the question together form a collective but still have individual existence contained within the collective.

My body had individual systems, the systems have individual organs, my organs have individual cells and so on, this is in my own small universe within. I exist as an individual person, in my family, in my city, in my country, on this planet, in this solar system and so on in the universe outside.

At all times we are all individuals and together as a greater collective. At all levels.

Thank You

"I like it here, it is so peaceful"

I heard someone say this recently. I have heard others speak similarly at times. "I like it here, it is so peaceful". This comment was made in reference to a geographical location, away from the city, more nature, larger properties, nice views and some farming. I have gone away and found my self in places where I have felt this as well. A place that seemed to have an influence on me that I felt more peaceful.

Is it that we are away from the congestion of the city and the lives we live there, that we sense this peacefulness? Is it that we sometimes need spaces like this to recognize what peace is? Perhaps in our busy lives we rarely find peaceful moments and when we enter a place that is quieter, we can feel more peaceful.

This is interesting, but I wonder, why do we need to go somewhere to find peace. Really I don't think that we actually find peace in a place. I think that the peace is already contained within and these places trigger our realization of peace, at least for a few moments. I believe that we can have this anytime, that we don't have to go anywhere to find it. It is here now, if we choose it. It is within and becoming aware of this one can visit it within anytime.

Contained within the busiest times are small moments of quiet. Between the raindrops of a shower is quietness. It is here that peace is always available. One can always take a moment, anytime, anywhere, and find a quiet place of peace.

Thank You

Talk Less Listen More

I received this message the other day. "Talk Less Listen More"; I know that this applies to me and my life, perhaps it may apply to others. "Talk Less Listen More", I tend to want to talk more, make sure that my point is expressed and heard, but to really "Listen More", is just as valuable if not more so. If I listen more than I can start to see others views better. I can start to see their suffering or joy better and then respond to them more appropriately. If I can do this than my own suffering may be diminished or my own joy increased. I may be able to serve others better. This is an important message, and that is why I share it today.

"Talk Less Listen More" is not just about your voice and your ears, this is about your whole being, your body language, your attitude, your words or lack thereof. Being more aware of everything is listening more. Serving is listening more. Stepping out of always doing and stepping into being.

Thank You