Sunday, February 27, 2011

Happy Is As Happy Does (commentary)

Happy Is As Happy Does
By John Trent

Another early morning and the fog drapes heavy on the southern pine and live oak. Minute droplets gather and collect, only to fall, creating the sound of light rain throughout the wooded landscape. It is dark and I cannot see, yet, the vision of peace and serenity is ever-present. It is beautiful and I am happy.

While enjoying the solitude with my trusted friend Magnolia, quietly we sit, experiencing this amazing gift of life together. As I inhale the calming essence of the predawn darkness, my mind wanders and contemplates the day’s forthcoming chores and ‘to do’s’. With my thoughts quieting, this quote from Buddha ‘popped’ into my head. He wrote, “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

So very true, happiness never decreases when it is shared. As my beloved Magnolia makes me laugh and smile everyday, it is sincerely warming to the soul when I can do the same for a friend or stranger. So many times at work, I am asked, “How are you today?” I respond with the simple, “I woke up this morning and took a deep breath, it’s going to be great day!” and I truly believe it will be.

As humans, we have the ability to choose our emotional state. Granted, there are many who, justifiably, live in fear and are tormented by their circumstance. However, for those who are able to read this message, I must assume we are more fortunate than not. God grants us choice. Though not exempt from negativity, will still have a choice. How many times have you ever thought while at work, “Oh God, it’s only Monday.” It’s easy to do, but what if you thought and said…… “It’s going to be a great week”. At least your chances for a better week would improve.

As I contemplated Buddha’s words, I was reminded of how fortunate I am. Even though I might be tired, in pain, or emotionally drained, I am afforded a fresh start, a new beginning each and every day. With my past completed and the mystery of the future unfolding, I can start each morning by thanking God and smiling, a smile that I can share with someone else today.

So be a candle and share your ‘light’ of happiness with someone. Pass it on… who knows, maybe you’ll inspire someone to have a ‘great day!” Much love to all, John

The Drifter

The Drifter
By John Trent

Whither the wind blows, there falls the seed
Within a forest of concrete he drifts the day
Invisible to most, undesirable to many
Searching his existence while we walk away

Our town today, maybe your town tomorrow
Clothes torn and soiled, no shoes on his feet
“May I have some change” or “got a smoke”
He begs for your mercy, but he'll always retreat

Falling, wandering, not knowing where to go
A soul lost and lonely as his days turn to years
With cardboard for shelter and scraps for his meal
He lays on the concrete with eyes filled with tears

The Wisdom of Magnolia (commentary)

The Wisdom of Magnolia
by John Trent

Woke early this morning. Got up around 04:30am, came downstairs, got a cup of coffee, and was greeted with a giant smile from my beloved Magnolia Belle. I'm always amazed at how cheerful and happy she greets each day. She is truly an angel with four paws.

As with many of life's events and random thoughts, her smile and unconditional love gave cause to contemplate her beautiful spirit and essence. Without effort, she is very wise and an excellent teacher.

When most folks look at a bulldog, you often hear, "she's so ugly she's cute" or "wow, that a modern art masterpiece"! Though I vehemently disagree with these statements, I must admit these loving creatures have been 'engineered' by man to have features unlike any other dog. Short and stocky front legs, taller more muscular back legs, a thick v-shaped body, an abnormally big head with a mashed in face, large folds of skin, and big beautiful, expressive eyes.

However different, or unusual, she is beautiful. She is intelligent, curious, playful, extremely loyal, gassy, funny, and full of unconditional love. Always, and I mean always, she greets me in the mornings and after work with grateful and loving eyes. She is a very special being.

How many times in our lives have we passed judgement on others for the way they look? If we're honest, we do so every day. We even judge ourselves. Often, we allow our impressions to turn to prejudice because of appearence, brands of clothes, financial status, and race, without ever speaking or knowing the person. Unfortunately for us humans, it is a very difficult behavior to unlearn.

What we look like or what we have, really doesn't matter. What matters is how we treat ourselves and those around us. Like Magnolia, we must allow our unconditional love and true essence to radiate from our physical selves. Allow others to see our substance, not our clothes or how beautiful we think we might be. For in the end, beauty is only skin deep.

Because she is genuine in her nature, Magnolia looks past my imperfections. As a result, I am able to do the same with her. She is perfectly imperfect, a beautiful manifestation of and from God.....and so are you. So I ask you to consider this thought, stop focusing on the physical and look deep within. Focus on what really matters. Just be you..........

Hope each of you have an amazing day. Much love to all, John

The Gift (commentary)

The Gift
by John Trent

Gratitude can be expressed in many ways. By giving thanks to friends and family for being , well, friends and family, or by waking up, taking our first breath, then expressing our gratitude to the Creator for being alive.

Last night I read this quote from Henry Ward Beecher, "The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!" This is so very, very true.

Inevitably, when we are down on ourselves, angry about our current situation, or ungrateful for our circumstance, life has a way to add more trials and tribulations. Our percieved reality becomes cluttered with obstacles only for us to fall and continue a slide into self imposed despair. Buddhist refer to this as Karma. Some might call it fate. I just call it life.

When we lose sight of what is most important ... God, family, and friends..... the most simple of all gifts, we sometimes forget to be grateful for all that we do have. So when we get lost in our own woes and desires, take pause, and remember what's really important. Most likely, it's already in you possession.

Many times, when I find myself consumed with frustration from the day's events, I take a minute to recite this simple prayer.

Almighty God, the source of life and strength, help me to create the story of my life as beautifully as created the universe. Help me to recover my faith in your truth and my silent voice of integrity. I ask that you manifest your love in every word I speak and action I take. For today, my heart and soul is filled with gratitude for this amazing gift of life and for the ability to create my own dream of heaven. Amen

I hope you find this helpful. Have a great day and be grateful for today.

** Note**
The above prayer is based on a similar version by don Miguel Ruiz from his book 'Prayers'. I have re-written the work to be more in line with my own beliefs.

Live Long and Take Chances (commentary)

Live Long and Take Chances
By John Trent


Throughout life, our respective paths are filled with countless crossroads. As teens, we were willing to take more risks and face the consequences as they came. Whether fearless, stupid, or maybe a touch of both, we had the courage to take "the road less travelled".

As adults, we say we are more wise, but, in reality, we tend to be more conservative and afraid. We force ourselves to over-think each action and decision in order to ensure the absolute and best possible outcome. The beauty of youth is that you are not tied to a specific lifestyle, nice things, or perceived social expectations.  We just didn't have much to lose; we were free. Lao Tzu said that we should, "Manifest plainness,embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness,have few desires." He further explains that we can once again enjoy the great mystery of life if we unshackle ourselves from the temporal nature of all things and, especially desires. Basically, we need to get outside the "adulthood" box.

Throughout the history of mankind, there has always been risk takers. Most of the technology we enjoy today is evidence of someone who was willing to take risks. Old man Emmerson said it best,"Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. What if they are a little course, and you may get your coat soiled or torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice. Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble."

So........ I suggest to each of you to take a risk today. Take a chance! Though we are no longer fearless teens nor is there a likelihood we will discover the secret of human teleportation, we can still experience the excitement and joy of life's grand mystery and "boldly go where no man has gone before". Sorry guys! I couldn't help the Star Trek reference, but take some chances and live.

Live long and prosper!

To Thine Own Self Be True (commentary)

To Thine Own Self Be True
By John Trent

"To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." ~William Shakespeare, Hamlet

What is it to be a person of integrity? We speak of attributes such as professional, intellectual and artistic integrity. However, the most philosophically important sense of the term generally relates back to our basic character. What we beleive.

As I contemplated Shakespeare’s line from Hamlet, I was thrust back to the days of my youth. From my earliest memories, I recall being taught the principles of right from wrong. “Don’t do this” or “Always tell the truth” were simple, but powerful statements that ensured my understanding of this important learned behavior. Our parents, schools, churches, society, and our own personal experiences taught us to act with integrity or so I thought. Often, more than not, our definition of integrity became our moral compass.

On the other hand, Saint Thomas Aquinas suggests that humans already have this characteristic deep within their psyche when he wrote, "Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do." Again, so what is integrity? Is it learned or are it's elements implied; thus leaving it for our own self-determination? In my most humble opinion,yes,we are what we've learned, but we each are guided by our own free will.

To know the answer, we must look past our circumstance and look deeply into ourselves. By doing so, we will find our true nature, our integrity, and the path to salvation. No mattter what our culture or society teaches, to become an integral being we must be willing to extend our virtue to the deserving as well as those who are not; then, you will be able to experience the true essence of integrity.

Let Go, Let God (commentary)

Let Go, Let God
by John Trent

When nature unleashes its fury and a storm descends upon us, waves of wind and rain are released upon the land. Limbs break, the earth is eroded and even stone can be washed smooth; but seldom does it last the entire day.

Heraclitus (c.540 – c.475 BC) wrote,” Everything flows and nothing abides, everything gives way and nothing stays fixed.” So, much like the storm, we need to recognize that our efforts are temporary. Whether we are experiencing a joyful or difficult circumstance, it too shall pass.

In order to find personal peace, we must realize the impermanent nature of all things and learn to ride the current of natural events. In conclusion, Joseph Campbell wrote, “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us.”…… So enjoy the moment and just “go with the flow”. I promise you’ll be happier.

It Takes Courage (commentary)

It Takes Courage
by John Trent

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." ~ E. E Cummings

From the time we are born, we are molded and shaped into what our parents and/or care givers believe we should be. Our learned behaviors blossom into our ‘individual’ set of values and character; yet, we never really get to be who we truly are.

As I contemplated the E. E. Cummings quote, I was reminded of the trials and tribulations of a dear friend while in secondary school. Unlike the many, she was fearless. Unafraid to be her self, she faced constant ridicule from those who wanted to fit in or to be one of the so-called ‘popular’ kids. Though she didn’t wear the iconic clothing or footwear, she was proud of who she was. I always admired her courage.

Somewhere, deep inside, our true nature remains hidden. Afraid of being judged or fearing we won’t be accepted, adults pretend to be who they are not. Our jobs, our schools, our religions, all have expectations on how we should look or behave. Ultimately, many come to believe in this façade and pass through their earthly existence without ever knowing who they really were.

Several years ago, I asked myself, who am I? As I delved deep into my psyche I came to the realization that I was not who I thought I was. Yes, I was a husband, a son, a brother, a father and a co-worker, but my outside didn’t reflect my inside.

Through this journey of self-discovery, I found my true nature......the man and human being I am today; liberated from the conventional wisdom and expectations of others. Lao-tzu wrote, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” So, I did. I let go. I stopped being afraid of being judged. I stopped being what everyone expected me to be. I learned how to live again and my dear friend, I found the courage to just be me and by the grace of God, I’m afforded a new beginning, each and every day.

Forgiveness (commentary)

Forgiveness
by John D. Trent

Life is an exercise in forgiveness. It is the most essential act for overcoming life's challenges.  However, forgiveness can be difficult. As humans, we tend to dwell on the injustice we have experienced; thus, allowing our emotions to control our actions and words versus the sensibility of our minds.

Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, "To reconcile conflict, we must have the ability to understand the suffering of both sides."  Though very difficult, we must make time to understand and to mindfully contemplate 'Why' we feel violated or wronged. In many cases the offender is dealing with their own internal struggles; thus, they say or act in a such a way that is unacceptable to us, but behave in a manner which is consistent with their own reality or perception.

By not forgiving, we become a prisoners of our own ill will and feelings. As written in Ephesians 4:31-32, "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor,and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."  Consider the last time you forgave someone.... how did it feel?  Did you feel relieved?  Did the preverbial 'boulder' disappear? 

In summary, Catherine Ponder wrote, "When you hold resentment towards another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link".   In the end, we must consider whether or not to be held hostage by our own negative feelings or allow ourselves to be free.  I hope you choose to be free......for life is too short.

I'm going to start off this morning by forgiving myself!  I feel better already

Saturday, February 5, 2011

The Art of Boredom (commentary)

The Art of Boredom
by John D. Trent

Good morning friends and family,
It's about 46 F, overcast, and drizzling in Savannah this morning.  The forecast calls for much of the same throughout the day.  Now, some folks might become agitated, as weather conditions will interfere with today's events; however, I would like to offer a simple solution..... today is a great day to practice being bored.

With all of the "white noise" of our modern world.......our work, running here and there, this club, and that association, we have forgotten the simplistic art of being bored.   We have been desensitized to accept today's hyper-drive environment and the idea that we must constantly be doing something, even if its not work related.  More, more, more is the mantra for our times.

Now, I'm not suggesting we quit our jobs, go meditate on a tree stump and become hermits in the mountains; though, it does sounds rather appealing some days!  However, what I am saying is that we all should slow down and learn to appreciate the simplicity of each present moment we're granted.

Lao Tzu said, "In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present."   Wow.....  In family, be completely present.   I think back to the days when I was so busy with clubs, kids sports, business, associations, and others expectations that I was unable to be "completely present" in anything, especially my family and friends.

Over the last couple of years, I have slowly extricated myself from many of the self-inflicted expectations of "belonging" and have moved towards being in "the present"; thus allowing me to truly appreciate "the art of being bored".  I promise, the more you practice, the more you will realize you're not bored.....you're content and at peace.

Have a great day and much love to all

Easy Chair

Easy Chair
by John D. Trent

Old and fluffy,
And made for comfort
The showroom smell long gone
Stains on the outside
Springs sprung on the inside
But makin’ you feel right at home

Lean on back,
Get’cha feet propped up
You’ll be feelin’ as light as air
With Hank Junior a playin’
You’ll start a swayin’
Honey, let me be yo’r easy chair

Now, I ain’t brand new,
And I kinda fit in
Loose screws definitely missin’
Might look out’a place
Sure take up more space
But comfy, I am, when we’re kissin’