Our Societal Tightrope

It is insanely easy to become disillusion by the society we live in; to view the corruption of high-profile businesses, or how consumed 'these kids today' have become in their mobile phones. Equally, it is insanely easy to view 'non-conformers' of our society as primitive, or backwards. It sometimes seems as though we can only fall into one of these two categories.

As we become more open to question the world around us -- an important stage of awakening ourselves -- it is highly important that we remember that nothing (or at least the majority of things) in this world are bad. Becoming aware of the materialistic world around us does not entail the rejection of all that we see -- though, if it helps you as a person, then that's a valuable lifestyle choice to make. The original concept of money is good. The concepts of capitalism, democracy, and socialism (though I realise many people may disagree with this statement) are all good. However, it is when these concepts are taken to far over one side, when they loss touch with their original concept of good, that they become corrupt, and detrimental to the state of out being.

So how does this apply to our everyday life?

As we begin to become more conscious of ourselves, and how we fit into this world, we must also become increasingly aware of whether we are using or abusing the resources that our society has given us. Our flashing iPhones and gadgets are fantastic; I personally have been lost in the city one too many times. But is it always necessary to be on them? To have them beside us, as though we need them to breath? And so, we must work out how to balance this into our lifestyle, without either falling into the two traps: constantly Facebook-ing 24/7 on them, or deciding to throw our cross and holy water at them. This is just one example, of so many more things! Phones, in essence, aren't bad, however we must make sure we are using them correctly.

The resources we have been given may often appear contradictory to the lessons we are often given in awakening our soul, and becoming in touch with who we are. However, it is vital that we keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with evolution -- biological, or technological. Be excited as we find new advances in our sciences, and our daily gadgets, but always remember to question the necessity of its use, and what dangers may be involved.

Happy balancing!

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Publishing Contract Received

I am happy to announce that I have received a publishing contract with Astraea Press, for my novella Honeyflower and Pansy, set to release early next year.
Please 'like' the Facebook, support this debut novella, and receive information about its release!

https://www.facebook.com/Esme.L.James?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

With hopes of educating little, autistic Sage, Amanda Daryl’s family find themselves living in a town which has an unfinished story to tell. When plans for the school’s construction are abandoned, Amanda’s instincts lead her to fight for her sister’s honour; unknowingly paving the way for experiences she could never have anticipated.

Faced with a drunken café owner, amusing new friends, and little Sage, who simply cannot stop eating, Amanda’s journey becomes comical, inspiring, and at times, heart-breaking. To achieve her goal, Amanda discovers she must first address the ghosts of this town, and place it back in motion. 

And then of course, there is Tristan; the mysterious boy always lurking near the edge of the forest, who best expresses his emotions through flowers.

Honeyflower and Pansy attempts to capture humanity at its highest, and lowest points, ultimately offering a message of hope. It explores the different types of love that can be found in the world, even the ones found in the most unexpected places. 

9 to 5, What a Way to Ruin Livin'

Pre-school care. Primary School. Senior School. Undergraduate Degree. Graduate Degree. Internship. Work. Die.

This, is what we call The System.
And the thing is, this path isn't -- at its core -- a bad thing. It's only become detrimental because it is now 'the' system.

It is uncommon for people to say they love the job they do.
It is uncommon for people to be pursuing their passion in life as a career.
It is common for people to question, re-think and fully reject the career they have chosen later in life, realising it is not fulfilling.

What is a good job? By our society's standards, a good job is the one with the highest income rate. But as we've established, money can not provide any source of happiness (SEE: http://childrenoftheawakening.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/contentment-and-why-new-shoes-wont-help.html), which most likely answers why unhappy employees outnumber happy ones by two to one*. So why do we continue to put ourselves through this system which lasts a life time, only to realise at the other end that we've achieved nothing from it? Because its 'the system'; and in this society, you can be shunned, alienated and outcasted if you don't follow it. It's not the 'norm'.

There is no denying we need many business and workforces in order for our society to function effectively. But let me ask you a question; how many of us actually know the ultimate goals of the companies we slave away for, day by day. What are they trying to achieve? To their goals match up with our visions for societies, our values, even our morals? In the most cases, not many of us actually think to question what the ultimate goals are of our companies, but they have people slaving away 9-5, five days a weeks, so they must be working towards something. The majority of people sacrifice the majority of their lives to these workforces, so it would be wise to question what exactly they are sacrificing their gift of living for. Are many of the companies even necessary, or a way to keep us busy?

As I mentioned at the beginning, the system is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it must be held in mind that it is a system, not the system. Lets change the way we view work. I want to find a good job, one that makes me happy, lets me do what I want to do, and allows me to have a positive and productive impact upon the world. Money is not my goal, happiness is. I have been given my talents and strengths for a reason; to use them, to fulfil my potential. Otherwise, we are simply letting ourselves waste away and corporations to grow stronger.

Are you really prepared to give up living to allow Ink. Co. to reach a new height of ink cartridge sales?

"And after all, if you do really like what you’re doing, it doesn’t matter what it is, you can eventually turn it – you could eventually become a master of it. It’s the only way to become a master of something, to be really with it. And then you’ll be able to get a good fee for whatever it is."

~ Matt Slick

I would advise everyone to examine this lecture by Matt Slick, which asks the question of What If Money was No Object?

http://themindunleashed.org/2014/06/money-object-everybody-including.html

"...if you say that getting the money is the most important thing, you will spend your life completely wasting your time. You’ll be doing things you don’t like doing in order to go on living, that is to go on doing things you don’t like doing, which is stupid. Better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing than a long life spent in a miserable way."

Peace and blessings!

* http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/10/10/unhappy-employees-outnumber-happy-ones-by-two-to-one-worldwide/