Do You Fit In?

I don't fit in, but I tend to make friends wherever I go, anyway. As quirky and original as I think I am, there is always someone else who I have something in common with. This past year I have also worked on getting to know people instead of dismissing folks outright as being too 'traditional' or 'lame' or whatever to hang out with me. Most of the time people really are how they present themselves to be, but sometimes I am pleasantly surprised. I've made 3 good new friends who are close to where I live. I still don't fit in exactly anywhere and most people think I'm just way out in left field, including my friends and family, but that's ok...I can be who I am and still make meaningful connections with other people.

This blog entry written by Trula Breckenridge. Thanks for visiting Positive Emergence: the Zine for an Ultra Life!

Focusing on The Advancement of the Mind & Dangers of Science

I think that human beings turning within and focusing on the advancement of the mind and soul is less dangerous and less scary than the current output of scientific advancement. I say this because I don't think it's possible to truly, really, turn within your mind and soul and then cause harm to others. It's like, if you start exercising and eating just what you need, it's almost impossible to be obese. Or if you clean your house everyday, it's almost impossible for it to be filthy. I think that when human beings make a choice as a species, or maybe it will just happen naturally as we evolve, to focus on the mind and soul as ways of understanding or controlling reality and less on science, we will choose to cause little to no harm to ourselves individually and to others using such tools as science. I think this is a direct outcome.

This blog entry written by Trula Breckenridge. Thanks for visiting Positive Emergence!

Why Are We Ashamed & Full O f Fear?

I do think the world would be a fantastic place if we all acted out of love and pride instead of shame and fear. I think people feel ashamed sometimes because they feel it was their fault that they are in the situation they are in. Even if it is, they stil should have enough food to eat.

I know this was how I felt for a long time. I felt ashamed that I had not been responsible and had done things that led up to my being poor and it's fallout like being evicted, getting utilities turned off, etc. Or I felt ashamed that I couldn't do better for my kids, move them somewhere with good schools or shame that I couldn't afford private school. It took a minute for me to realize that economic status or not, my kids deserved to go to clean, safe, and academically competent schools just like the kids of the middle-class and wealthy. The shame wasn't that I couldn't afford to move to an upscale suburb (then) or pay for private schools, the shame was that this country does not provide equal public schools for all children regardless of the economic status of their parents.

In many ways when I look back on my life I feel a sense of shame that I allowed myself to be victimized by others, and didn't take responsibility for myself at an earlier age. But - I do think that we have a responsibility to other people as well. I feel a sense of shame that I have not done what I can do to help others.


This blog entry written by Trula Breckenridge. Thanks for visiting Positive Emergence!

Getting There Despite Myself

In my journey to become a positive and proactive emotionally sound person I have, on a subconscious level, often deliberately sabotaged myself and put stumbling blocks in my own way when trying to make progress on goals I have set for myself. I am coming to understand why I do these things and what I can do to make the necessary changes within my psyche so that all of me is focused and supportive of my personal development. Sometimes it feels like I am fighting against myself. But I am getting there, despite myself. I am changing, growing, and improving bit by bit, day by day.

This blog entry written by Trula Breckenridge. Thanks for visiting Positive Evolution Zine!

Go Through the Back Door

For every nine people who denounce innovation, only one will encourage it. For every nine people who do things they way they have always been done, only one will ever wonder if there is a better way. For every nine people who stand in line in front of a locked building, only one will ever come around and check the back door. Our progress as a species rests squarely on the shoulders of that tenth person. The nine are satisfied with the things they are told are valuable. Person 10 determines for himself what has value.

Za Rinpoche and Ashley Nebelsieck in the Backdoor to Enlightenment (Three Leaves)

Subscribe to MSPmedia: Indie Publishing, Production & Positivity by Email

This blog entry written by Trula Breckenridge. Thanks for visiting Positive Evolution Zine!

Twistori

This is very cool: Twistori is the first step in an ongoing social experiment, based on twitter. Check it out, the 'Love' topic is especially heart-warming and inspiring!

Subscribe to MSPmedia: Indie Publishing, Production & Positivity by Email

This blog entry written by Trula Breckenridge. Thanks for visiting Positive Evolution Zine!

I am Not Pyschic and Neither Are You

The main problem with communication I have is I am not psychic like most people.

LOL!

Seriously, some people talk to me like I really know what they are thinking & they really know what I am thinking. I'm like, huh? I used to think this was just my family, friends, husband, and kids, but nope, apparently the entire human race is psychic except for me, ha.

The next problem I have with communication is that when I ask for clarification, often people take query as a challenge or a confrontation. This is especially true online. Face-to-face talking is often easier for this reason; because people can see I am genuinely asking, not trying to challenge or confront them.

Lately I have been prefacing questions with something rather than directly asking. For example I might say, I am not sure I understand; what do you mean? rather than just What do you mean? Sometimes that helps. Overall I try to clearly express my ideas rather than assume that the other person just 'gets it'.

This blog entry written by Trula Breckenridge. Thanks for visiting Positive Evolution!

Express Your Ideas to Help Improve Your Listening Skills

When people respond to me with things I did not say, it's good reminder for me to pay attention to my own listening skills.

The clearer I express my ideas aligned with my intention, this increases likelihood that others understand what I am trying to say.

I also need to remind myself I am not psychic. If I feel confused about something someone says to me, I should ASK for clarification rather than assume

In this way I learn & experience less friction when talking with others

Yes, sometimes attempts at clarification are rebuffed. Still, one must try. it is never a mistake to try :)

Originally posted to my twitter. Follow me for positive tweets throughout the day

Subscribe to MSPmedia: Indie Publishing, Production & Positivity by Email

Trula's Smile on First Day of Spring

I like my smile. I am looking forward to a positive season of renewal and growth. Happy Spring!

Subscribe to MSPmedia: Indie Publishing, Production & Positivity by Email

This blog entry written by Trula Breckenridge. Thanks for visiting Positive Evolution Zine!