“Being powerful without honor & moral values isn’t being strong at all. Rather it’s brawn made up of fear & greed masquerading as same & failing miserably. Bravery with honor and valor on the other hand is a most magnificent thing to behold.” ~Plh
Always true, from the smallest every day bravery to the largest.
With much affection, I wish you well.
Penny ~ Plh
… To Those Unfit To Rule!
But before there is power there is greed. Greed manifests the most amazing array of wrong thinking. The biggest of which are various and highly creatively justifications for being greedy, although different terminology replaces the word greed in this vindicating process.
Greed is amazingly like a virus and once getting a firm hold on a person’s psyche, it spreads like wildfire. And it is highly contagious.
So how much of a prosperous society is predicated on greed and how can one control this insidious emotional and mental disease?
If I suggested the cure for greed was simple, I’m pretty sure no one would agree with me. But if the words “personal discipline” were added to the mix, well then many more things become possible.
Sadly like the internet most of us have no self regulation. We emote all the various array of emotions at our disposal, with little regard for whether actions we take as a result of strong emotional wants (not needs) are a good thing or not.
And we confuse the leaders we elect or choose to follow by connotating greed for power with strength of character. But since, as we are probably aware, (if at a subconscious level) the desire for either power or the “good life” is now greed totally run amok, I’m thinking we’re about to pay a huge price for our own individual needs that (for many) have slowly been morphing into a part of the current greed scenerio.
So is there a way to conquer greed? I think not. Certainly not with the current view that more and even more is better, (regardless of the cost to others) and not until humans “as a whole” recognize and positively accept that each of us is a part of “the whole” of a complete living ecosystem.
And not until we all understand true abundance can only happen when the “whole” meaning “all of us” work together “as a team” for the good of everyone, not for just our own individual selves or a chosen few.
~ Penny L. Howe
And the other thing is we all know it’s true. At least those of us being honest with ourselves. today’s mess came about slowly and in a rather insidious manner as we in the “civilized societies” became accustomed to listening, then viewing, then participating in the latest great new commercial thing, including gas guzzling or electronic machinery and now modern technology.
Problem is we haven’t kept pace, in terms of full awareness and understanding of “effects” that so many of these ever increasing “modern” changes have caused to our lifestyles. Mega Industries whipping out processed food (with much of the natural things leeched out and many artificial chemical preservatives added). The never ending new tech. devices. plastic toys, plastic wrap and plastic bottles (plastic everything actually) all for the sake of convenience creating an out of control approach to what we eat, how we eat and when we eat. How we do, what we do and when we do it.
The breakdown of many family units who struggle, on the one hand to keep up, but meanwhile seem to be able to have many of the technological devices (at the expense of more debt). And meanwhile most of the people on the planet are poor, or much worse. Our responsibility – YES! Because it is the mega companies going into these emerging countries (as well as our own) that, in many cases have increased their poverty through irresponsible activities so their gigantic concerns can make more money!
Everything is so mixed up. Billions are wasted annually, by our government to “protect” us. But nobody’s really keeping an eye on how the money is being spent and why.
The oceans are filled with plastic refuse and other waste, detritus and litter. We’re using up our “fresh” water at an alarming rate. We’re poisoning our lands and killing millions of creatures annually through neglect and careless decision making.
I could go on and on. But we already know these things. Take our great country of USA. I am proud to be an American, and of the bravery of our soldiers who’ve been sent to foreign shores, many to not return, or who return wounded (and should be honored and helped, not forgotten as many are). But I’m increasingly ashamed of my government. Who seems to be oblivious to the damage we’re doing to ourselves and our lands.
Politicians (for the most part) are more concerned with being re-elected and keeping their salary or are power hungry and all to frequently buying or should I say selling into those gigantic mega International Conglomerates, I mentioned earlier, because of financial support they will receive. We’re pretty sure if a politician speaks we’re being lied to. And for good cause.
If a politician isn’t busy being involved with cultivating people and influence then they appear to spend the rest of their time pointing fingers and accusing those with whom they are in disagreement. To the end nothing much gets accomplished at the government level, except chaos, confusion and disagreement. And I believe this is true in many other countries as well. Money, commercialization, commodities, greed, and the need for having it all, have replaced many important values we as a people need in order to survive and thrive.
We have lost our way, and I’m fearful that it will take some severe natural disaster for us to come to our senses and work together again, as we always do in times of crisis and disaster – and why is that, anyway … why can we only be good to each other when conditions are extreme?
What’s the next step? What can we do to help? I don’t have an answer, I feel in many ways I’m just one of the many that is part of the problem here and unless we the people, unified can come to a consensus and make some hard choices to change our current out of control lifestyles (so filled with daily waste and neglect), to work on improving our attitudes about one another, I fear things are not going to improve any time soon. In my opinion.
And I’m an optimist by nature, so that’s saying something. I hope my words hold some value and you’ll consider them carefully. I do believe each of us can make small changes that can be of help and I know there are those doing that very thing. So I stay hopeful in spite of all my words above.
I do believe in mankind, although I also believe it is time for more women to be in positions of power. We’re more empathetic, more willing to listen to other viewpoints besides our own, and (because we bring life into the world) are far less likely to see war and the killing of innocent lives as a solution to things. Again in my humble opinion, only.
Sincerely,
~ Penny
“Curiously Committed to Seeking”
Is there a proper place where we should be?
There are those who seek knowledge for the purpose of knowing a thing for it’s own sake. The curious ones.
There are those who seek power so they might control the lives of others.
There are those who seek wisdom so they might increase the nature of their own understanding, using this learned knowledge to assist both themselves and others in life’s travails.
There are those who seek to follow others. Their place being to dwell among those who wait to be lead by other seekers.
“Seeking Fearful Refuge”
Seeking has its dangers. It can come with confrontation, disappointments, and betrayal, for there are many who fear seekers. Holding them in the same fearful regard as the unknown.
Curious seekers may fear the unknown, but their desire to discover, understand and explore the unknown is greater than the sum of their fears.
And finally there are those who both seek and follow. Alternating their course of action during their life experience depending on choices made.
For all of us, the seekers, non-seekers and those in between, there is still a sameness of purpose. A single thing desirable to all of us, whether the thought be subconscious or at the forefront of our minds.
We all desire to know of the proper place where we should be, where we belong …
” … but where ever the place may be, no matter our differences
– we do belong together!”
Evolution of the “Brutality and Killing Concept”.
Is there a justifiable rationale for violence? Humans have evolved enough to come up with numerous reasons. Reasons that sanction cruelty. Reasons that explain the need for brutality. Reasons why it’s “okay” to use excessive force. Reasons to KILL.
What gives this cruel concept it’s lasting power, a force and life of it’s own …
… Fear! Hatred, Prejudice, and Greed feed those who seek Power! Those who also seek monetary wealth which fosters Corruption. Our own individual weaknesses give those who would profit from same their ability to control, maneuver and use whatever and whoever is necessary to achieve their private goals.
Intensive research (statistical data of the numbers killed in our world’s history, up to present day) point to two reasons for these deaths:
Number One: Religion (wars and persecution)
Number Two: Controlling others: the need for Power
The above two reasons are facts not an opinion!
Over the years, we humans have perfected the “Brutality and Killing Concept” by accepting an animalistic belief that it is unfortunate but somehow “okay” to either take a life or at the very least misuse, abuse and ignore a life’s need to survive. A rationale that “the end does justifies the means” because of … “pick a justification”! And yes we hace accepted this as a ‘sad but true’ fact in our own lives. But is it hardwired into our physical make-up? I hope not. I hope it is something that can be reprogrammed because honestly, right now, it’s not looking so good.
Too many of us seek selfish and personal, petty self gratification at the price of others, safe in our artificial world of “okayness”. So what’s happening to others is viewed at a distance, (starving, brutality and death) is just not our problem, until the day it happens to one of us or ours, close up and personal and then it becomes our problem too. But when we (humans “en masse“) finally realize the wrongness of cruelty and brutality as an unresolved problem for everyone – will it be too late?
Killing for ANY reason is wrong. BRUTALITY for any reason is wrong. IGNORING for any reason is wrong.
Can all mankind learn the “saving lives” concept? We most urgently need an “app” for that – to be downloaded into our consciousness or more specifically … our “conscience”!
Thank you for reading,
~ Penny
Did you know that over half of the people on the planet are female? Did you know that almost every single child (both male and female) born from a woman, experiences their first sense of being loved from a woman? Did you know that the far majority of women on the planet are nurturers who care for and nourish the growth and development of their own children, their siblings, their partners in life and later on, their aging parents?
Did you know that most women will stand up and fight when their family’s well-being is threatened? Did you know that in more and more countries women are better educated and making a greater difference, not just at home but in the community and far beyond?
Did you know there are more images of the “beauty” of women than any other, on the planet? Did you know that some of the most beautiful and enduring poems and stories ever written – have been written about the love for a woman?
SO WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT OUR HUMAN SPECIES … when (according to the most recent statistics from all countries on the planet – including the “free” and progressive USA – currently trying to take away some of a woman’s rights) so what does it say – when BRUTAL VIOLATIONS AGAINST WOMEN are the most ignored, tolerated and dismissed in our justice system) of any crime on our planet? (And most domestic violent cases go unreported for the same reasons)!
What does it say?
And I guess for me, my main question is, “where, do we … (Parents, Grandparents, Brothers and Sisters, Family members, Friends, Associates, Fellow humans) … where, do we tell growing young girls they can go to be protected (from violence directed “specifically at them” because they are “females”) in life, when it’s not their home, their community or their country? Where?
….
My personal plea to you –
“There is no justifiable excuse for cruelty – None!” – PLH
“Is it perhaps time for the “silent majority” to do something about this – NOW! And do you really care enough about your Mother, Sister, Family member, Friend, Any female, to really make a difference? Or are you going to let this continue! Because it’s getting worse – guys, a whole lot worse!
Penny L Howe, 2013
And bottom Line – what does this say … about us!
“Dear Mr. President Obama,
This is Penny, yes one of your constituents. I’m having a problem right now, along with most of us other 300 million citizens.
I’m just one American out here in Washington state … but I’m worried. I’m hoping you can help me understand what’s going on.
As I was taught (in school) about the governing process (in our democratic country), our wise founding fathers set up a counter system of checks and balances to make sure that each branch could (if needs be) check the actions of others. This was done to insure that no part of the government had too much power.
And as I understand it, each of our elected representative’s main job is …
DEFINITION OF Elected Representatives (Senators, Congressmen): Those individuals voted to REPRESENT their local constituents (me and others)
… to help (the duly elected (voted for) TWICE President of the U.S.A. – that’s you) GOVERN our country.
“So WHY, Mr. President is one tiny group of Elected Representatives (see
definition up above) in fact one person in particular … holding our Government and the people of the Great United States of America hostage?
Usurping his own elected position by carrying out his own private agenda at the wishes of a very few other people. And doing this at the expense of the American people – BY STOPPING THE GOVERNING PROCESS ITSELF!
Please, answer me. I need an answer. More to the point, I need you the chosen leader of this country to figure out what to do! Soon!”
Thank you, Very troubled in Washington, Penny L Howe(Just Penny’s “two cents” worth here)
… and yes I am fully cognizant and aware (politically) of what’s ‘actually’ going on, how it happened, and why. I am being focused with my letter to the President to create (hopefully) a stronger message! I love my country and fellow Americans (all of you) very much, Thanks, Penny
Okay, so unofficially, I’m “officially” back. What this ‘playfully’ means is originally, I’d not intended to blog until completing current projects, but even as I worked towards this goal, I discovered my connections to people online have become an important part of my day’s activities. Like brushing my teeth, only more fun. Therefore I will endeavor to blog and visit (as I can) while continuing on with other projects.
There’s a saying – busy people get more things done and I do
understand this – a truth actually. When we’re busy we tend to boost our “thinking and doing” power, our mind subconsciously organizes things more efficiently so we can stay “on focus” with our tasks.
Right now, as I write this, It’s early Sunday morning. I’ve had my first cup of coffee. Listened to the birds singing. It’s cooling down now, mornings and night. Autumn is here. And I love each Seasonal change!
While enjoying my hot morning beverage, I considered how lucky I’ve been to find YOU. You light up my world. You remind me (daily) what I’ve known my whole life. That we ALL – have value, are fun, special and unique, There 
will of course always be the sour apples, and the confused and misguided, but by and large, almost everyone brings a special “something” to the mix.
This makes being online, and blogging a most excellent “on-going” opportunity. To make new friends from everywhere around the planet. To make the “world” smaller, where we are all metaphoric neighbors, where we truly are a community of loving people – WHO CARE. This is an awesome opportunity, statistically speaking “we” (you and I) are in a very small percentage of the whole number of people who live on our planet.
The majority of our fellow humans cannot read or write and their living conditions may be harsh and brutal. But we “who are communicating online” are speeding up the change happening on our planet. We are doing this (each day) by blogging what we are doing, by making friends, by understanding each other better, by connecting.
All by itself – this is changing how we view each other across the globe and this in turn engenders how we feel about things. And what we share with those who do live nearby. Our context is expanded. Our knowledge and understanding more universal, our ability to look at change, a little bit easier.
When a person is troubled, knowing they are not alone, can be all it takes for them to become empowered, to move forward, making a difference as they do so. Even in the smallest of ways. A ripple can become a wave after all. For the first time EVER, there is a growing world-wide community that is not exclusively bound by government mandates, localized secular and/or religious beliefs (I refer to the POWER aspect of these organizations, not the important and cohesive structures of each one – needed for us to be (somewhat) civilized.
We are meeting and sharing (thoughts, ideas, and images – some spiritual, some creative, some personal) and while we respect each other’s faith and the underlying traditions that have shaped each of our “peoples” progress forward, we’re discovering there is a sameness and commonality to our thoughts and concerns. We are becoming more balanced in our outlook!
As we connect we begin to realize (everywhere on this planet) that we are each more alike than not. And now being instantly connected and somewhat unfettered by the power of propaganda, whether it be “news media” or the powerful 3: ‘Big Business’ ‘Government’ and ‘Organized Religion’ we are getting to know each other at a fundamental and basic level. And we like what we’re learning. Without a doubt this represents for us (all humans) …
… an amazing opportunity! Isn’t it wonderful? I think so!
Have an excellent day, thank you for stopping by,
~ Penny
They found her in the early morning, she was curled up in a fetal position inside the depression of a large rock. The sharp cool tang of mountain mist still clinging to low hanging clouds. They had almost missed her, except for an ethereal glow that surrounded her … and those sounds; unearthly, softly penetrating.
Not the kind of sound you associate from hearing, but one felt inside your mind, your heart. A mourning, soul searing sound that was gut wrenching in it’s sadness.
The children found her first and then the adult villagers came. All standing quietly, a few feet away staring in awe. They’d never seen an angel before. And no one had ever heard of an angel crying.
The villagers spoke quietly between themselves in whispers. “Do angels cry?” “What’s she doing here?” “How did she get here?” “Why is she here?”
And then a small child spoke the words that were foremost in everyone’s thoughts, “Why is she crying?”
No one knew.
The crowds grew larger during the day, still standing respectfully at a distance but when the clouds cleared away they noticed her teardrops turning to gold as they landed by her feet and trickled into the crevaces pooling around her.
“Look” one of the villagers shouted. She’s crying tears of gold, all else was forgotten as the crowd surged forward to collect the fallen golden teardrops that lay everywhere around the little angel. But before they could reach her they began to hear a second sound. This one more like a soft growing thunder in the sky.
Above them they saw first one and then another until there was gathered above them a mighty host of angels, soaring and gliding angrily above and around the sobbing little angel. Her tear drops rolling down her pale cheeks turning into sparkling gold as each one struck the rocks making a small pinging noise.
The hovering angels swooped down forming a protective circle around the angel.
The villager’s were angry but wary of the large angels. “Why do you stop us, one asked, “there is gold laying here. “Ours for the taking.”
One of the Angels landed in front of the speaker. “Do you know the true value of each of these teardrops?” He asked. “Do you truly understand what you are racing to have?”
There was silence.
“Then I will tell you.” He gestured to the crying angel. “She, our most special little one, is the true guardian angel for all human life on your Earth. For countless millenium she has watched mankind kill one another. First for survival, then from fear, then from mistaken religious beliefs and power and now from greed.
Today, on your planet, the worth and value of your civilization is not based on the health and well being of each human but on how much money you have. She has waited and waited for humans to learn that there is no greater value than the worth of a single human life, and you have not learned this.
And so now, for each human killed by another human, she sheds a tear of gold. And that is the value of her tears of gold. Each fallen tear, a fallen human life. She thinks, hopefully, you might actually understand if she cries enough tears while you continue to take each other’s lives (as if it is something that was ever acceptable) while making creative excuses used to rationalize the truth (unwillingness to be involved, beliefs, intolerance, power, riches,) your inability and unwillingness to understand, grow and learn.
So here’s the lesson for today. Each time a human willfully takes or allows the life of another to be taken there is a new rate of exchange to think on “A golden teardrop = one human life!” It really is about understanding the value and worth of what is really important! Life is – anything less is not acceptable!
~
Penny L Howe,
The Why About This 