To anyone I have ever offended or where I have caused misunderstanding, I apologize; I don’t mean to and I hope that you can forgive me. The fourteen year journey from…whatever that was, can bring out the onion for sure.

“Stay safe; be cool and I love each and every one of you.” -L.L. Cool J, November 8th, 1991, live in Salt Lake City Utah at the 49th street Galleria. We were young teens in age and toddlers in emotion; and we could feel the love from one of our heroes.

Peace. And by the way, top O’ the Mornin to ya; and happy Friday!! 🙂

Hi Everyone who sees this post. Just have to say that I loved watching the pope in the United States on the news. Gave me hope. Been needing to see the beauty that took place that week. Thank you America and thank you Pope Francis. 🙂
I will be sending you prayers, good wishes AND vibes. 🙂

Much love,

O

As soon as you accept things as they are, how you would like them to become is already starting to happen.

~ Owen

Greetings,

The journey of fourteen years has led me to many answers as well as questions. I’m happy to say that I feel that I now have reached a point where I have more answers than questions. However, there are still some missing pieces of the puzzle, but I am on them! While reading the book: A History Of Marriage, by Elizabeth Abbott, I am reminded of how fantastically well one can understand something (anything) by diving right into the history of it. The history of any given thing shows where people were coming from from the earliest recorded times into more recently and into modern times. Understanding origins and beginnings helps to understand the present and the future.

For example, did you know that marrying for love is quite recent, just since the Middle Ages? I was astounded by this little tid bit also. To us now, it may seem obvious to marry for love. That being the case, why are divorce rates so high? Maybe love is not enough…. Well, your grandparents, (maybe your parents) likely could have told you that. Assuming, of course that you have any of both left, (yes, any of both.) Well, it is the age of stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and Diabetes, the diseases that are easily prevented by eating the way we were intended to eat all along… But the soap operas, radio stations, conversations with the milk man… why didn’t they tell you? Where is instant wisdom-just add water when it is really needed?

Abbott gives a full history from early beginnings of what marriage was, into what it more recently has been and what it is now, to where it can go and how it can be. Marriage has been changing for a very long time-revolving door like. In fact, it’s hardly stayed exactly the same for more than fifty years. Marriage itself evolved right along with a society rapidly increasing in pace. If we look back, we can see that virtually everything has been an attempt to keep up with “progress for the sake of progress,” an attempt to keep up with society. Which changes faster, society? Individuals in a marriage? Or, marriage itself? Which one is expected to keep up with the others? Which can go?

Religions that place so much emphasis on marriage and marriage in a certain way, at such a young age seem to forget about society and that all have to live in society. Instead of forever insisting that marriage “stay this way always” (once again, when did always begin?) how about religion providing an alternative way to live by those suggestions, those maps it has created. This would essentially be a way of leaving society… Why, you may ask. I think the most suitable question is why not? You could say: “we can’t live or work in churches.” But all of us can live and work just fine in society right? It’s working grandly for everyone, right? No. There are loopholes. Actually there is much work to do. Actually, in some ways, society is a mess. The current reality is that people must hold to what little love and security they have to hold. At the end of the day, which has more say, the bills that need paying, the need to earn a buck and pursue pension, or the pastor? Which makes more sense? Society, or church? (that is, living in one). Which is toxic? Which is healthy? Both about either? Neither? Who has these answers?

Currently, the two are being mixed anyway. Church and state are supposed to be separate. The founding fathers of America had the wisdom to see that this was necessary. Still, the mixing happens. The blending is not working for some; I know I’m not alone. For people who have (or who have had) brain disorders, AKA mental illness, whether society or religion, currently, there is no real place for us… Both society and religion have shown that. Rigidity is not conducive to spirituality. Adapting and flowing allowance for a world that has so drastically changed since ancient text is imperative. It is time to gain the wisdom to see with clarity where an issue (societal to individual) may very possibly be something like an exception for reasons we may not yet understand-“wisdom in me”

Some Clarity

It is my intention to educate and promote awareness, pointing out the existing loopholes with intention to help tighten them. I am not here to make waves. However, I would like to be understood. There is no reason why any man or woman on the planet should have to go through what I have been through. I say this not in boasting; neither to be pitied but to illustrate areas that need work reconsideration and attention. For me, it has indeed been a wild ride, one I wouldn’t recommend. I’m glad it’s over. It would be great if others can avoid it. My duel, my bone to pick with society and religion is my experience-fourteen years of emotional pain, trial and error. I see the whole picture now. It is with the complete collapse of everything that I had worked so hard to build and grew to love, that gives me the foresight of these major loopholes. There is work to be done on all levels.

I am happy for those folks of whom religion serves as their all. People finding their place and becoming happy is a great thing, and a big part of what life’s all about. But there are some for whom it doesn’t fit. I explain below.

Jesus fully understood that prior to spiritual sermons and before one could be expected to follow a religious system, that individuals’ basic needs must first be met. The bare framework of religion can provide a solid structure for life to thrive, but the framework is a part of the whole, for others to fill in with life-things-living, particularly in the spiritual sense. There is much mention of the garden, the living God, the light, life, living, creation for a reason. These more closely represent our beginnings much more than do our man made bricks, asphalt, 9-5’s, and mortar of society that we try to call living, that we try to call life. There is no life but life.

The positive experiences that I have had through the years with religious leaders are something that I do acknowledge and remember very well; but when it came down to it, the hands of these well intended folks were pinned by the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the factory; both the religious one and the societal one. The negative experiences I have had with religious leaders are noted also. I have forgiven and moved on, but have taken the lessons learned. I know where I stand, at peace and confidence, respecting the natural flow and going in baby steps, but I know who I trust and who I do not.

As mentioned in my second book, Life Is Conscious, there are spiritual people and there are religious people. They are not so easily one and the same. Each have their place…

To any listening religious folk, with all due respect, please don’t so quickly assume that you fully understand living in the light, or being planted in the light when your most frequent pulpit of preaching is very much from within a building. With that, please don’t automatically assume that you fully understand where we spiritual folks are coming from, or that we are any less spiritual as we are without that building.

The living universe, the living light is alive and has less to do with buildings and much more to do with life-living-life; the living life-force of all creation. The times of old mentioned in ancient text when men and women walked and talked with God, an open communion are some of the oldest for a reason. It is because our collective progression has actually been a digression. Now, we are so far off collectively that miracles, God, spirituality is the obscurity, the rarity, the foreigner. I would like to see this turn the other way now, an open field for anyone who wants to explore this. Are you with me?

I submit that ideas and options in this world have become so diversified in this touch of a button society that the cookie cutter, factory-stamp answer is no longer the answer for everyone and it’s time for all to just accept this. There are some for whom it doesn’t fit and they are still every bit as spiritual, loving, tender hearted an keenly tuned in to a spiritual life line, their creator. We feel closest to our creator by being among what was created-creation… (life) oceans, sunshine, rivers, soil, animals, forests. We have a strong reverence for creation and our mother earth and preserving her resources and all life upon her is among our top priorities. It becomes a part of all that we do and can easily be interpreted as obsession to others. We have been saddened and disappointed in the destruction of creation having been called progress, with money as the means-the reason-from top to bottom. We see the role that both society and religion have played in this. Again, education, understanding, cooperation and meeting half way is the goal. The positive change that is taking place in this way is noteworthy.

I suppose that I am at least one of many intending to show this because here I am. Our intention is to educate, harmonize and we come in peace, wanting to help and heal and be healed. However, we submit that it is time to change some things.

It is after this major collapse in my own life that I am again asking some questions, but I do have some answers.

To my readers, I strongly recommend the book A History of Marriage. Eye-opening! As with any part of history, it wasn’t always pretty, and was quite rocky, rough, especially for women. History stays. It is a permanent etching, a lesson from which we can all learn. Often times, it is cold hard reality. The evolution of a tradition as it is so commonly called changed right beside and was influenced by the well known atrocities of society in history such as slavery, war, poverty, disease and famine. I am not yet finished with reading the book, but will be soon.

These questions are not only for me, but for all. Do you know the answers?

More of my own books coming up with them. Much work; they will will take some time.
Thank you for reading.

This concludes “the real chapter.” Keeping it real. It’s where I’m comin’ from. It ends here as we hit the brick wall that now collapses. At least the brick wall has moved now though, but my head really hurts… Wished I would have at least had a helmet. A battering ram? There is stubbornness and then there is rigidity.

Well, this is a fitting end of the past 14 years. What do I know? (besides that my head hurts that is)?? I am here… I do know that… I’m not in an institution, not in jail, not on the streets, not addicted to anything, nor in a gang. I am here with a job, (both to do and retain) 😉 reptiles, photos, a plan and life… Now that says something.

All about keeping positive, finding the bright side, daring to dream, the brick wall of reality, familiarization between the brick wall and the clouds, keeping it real, but by damn! with the resilience to dream too…

So without further ado, climb with me from the rubble; here’s to a change in direction now.

O is for onion. Raw onions are a bit strong in taste for most folks, even though they are “SO good fo ya health.”

Alzheimer’s disease is caused by eating too much meat and dairy, (too much cholesterol). Sure, there are other factors, such as persistent negative thinking, one track mindedness, and accumulation of metals such as aluminum in the brain; but plaque formation in the brain largely due to cholesterol and saturated fat (meat and dairy) is a huge factor in Alzheimer’s disease. Notice that all of the above mentioned can be controlled by an effective wellness program.

Now you know.

I invite you to learn more about this yourself. Dr. McDougall, Dr. Fuhrman, T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Neal Barnard, Dr. Pam Popper….

Thank you for reading.

Owen

How much of what a person wants, or says they want is actually in attempt to compensate for pain and lack? Imagine with me that every person as an individual had their version of enough (satisfied) and was without pain. Further, they could see that this would last… With this new view, now what would each person want?

Old friends reunite

“Alright gentlemen, we have reached a decision and here’s the deal. Noise and shenanigans are reserved for the friggs on Fridee. The Thing on Thursdee to remember is that those Valhalla assemblies take place by a clear field so that we can keep an eye on you. There is to be no throwing rocks at the lamps, or the caravans that sweep the street, no human look-alikes in the intersections; keep the canines quiet, no archery in the backyard, and no construction barricades in the field, flashing ones or not. You comply with these rules carefully, and you may have your party.”

“Oh, we’re on it Howard.”

It’s an inside joke. Don’t mind us. 🙂 Keep up the good times.

O

I finally found one! A typewriter that wasn’t electric. It even came with a whole bunch of extra ribbon. Summer Seasonal Post nearly finished. you may pre-order now. During a rare thunder storm in July here, I am reminded of how fun it is to unplug. Obviously, being written on a typewriter, the unplug element is strong. The Seasonal Post is available to order online, but the content written is not.
$4.00 shipped.

Feel free to laugh, but let the typing continue. 🙂

Pre-order:

Greetings,

After the time span written in my memoir, The Wellness Diaries 2001-2011, many things happened. I was trying to do a lot at one time from any combination of bus, bike and boots. There was joy, pleasure, fun and relaxation. There was also pain, hardship, stress and fear too. It all added up to part of my experience, part of the journey. The whole picture will be shared in upcoming writing projects.

For now though, a brief update seems to fit: After realizing the impact of the ten year detour that my life took due to the mental illness, I have major plans. 🙂 I am looking forward to getting caught up after being virtually behind in experience for my age. Initially, it would be easy to get upset, and I could say that ten years of my life were wasted due to mental illness. I know better than to use such language. So please watch your damn mouth when around me. 😉

Having recovered though, but knowing how to watch and take care of myself, I do know myself and my limits. Just as a person with Diabetes who, through taking excellent care of themselves, is able to go off of their insulin with doctor’s consent, they would know to not jump head long into eating three doughnuts and a milk shake a day.

I simply see all of my experiences, the joy the pain, as part of the journey. Coming real though; I still have a lot to learn. I’m not my age in some ways; I am not almost forty. There’s no way! As far as experience goes, I really do seem more like someone who is in their twenties. Common things like jobs, schooling, social experiences, traveling, etc, the things that most folks were able to do at ages 23-28. For my age, I have less experience than average in all of these ways. As experience goes, I would fit more with the average person who is in their twenties, than someone in their late thirties… Still, it is what it is. For example, at age twenty-five, when most people are in the middle of college, and/or nearly ready to graduate, I was in the midst of the battle with Schizophrenia. Most people who are almost forty are well established in their lives, either in career, relationships, family, or any combination of all three. I look forward to finally being able to establish these things. School, work, life, loved ones-regular things, the things that people do. They are the same things that I am just now having a fair chance to start working on them…See this??? And I am looking forward to it!

“It’s life John. Activity is available.”
-Jennifer Connelly, in the film, A Beautiful Mind.

I have learned throughout this journey just how much there is out there!! Yes, I managed to cram a lot into this time. The detour that my life took due to the side swipe of mental illness took a total of fourteen years! It’s been quite the ride. Perhaps some people who know me would disagree here, but emotionally, I feel that I am actually age seventeen. Feel free to laugh; it’s okay. I have to laugh about it sometimes too. I have a lot to learn yet; but I feel like my experience has added wisdom, knowledge about life, people, animals, and the earth. These combinations, and ways that I have started to learn them are just the things that are not taught in school. Maybe this is because only experience can teach them. Oh yes, these are handy to have as a teen. The journey has seemed like a journey through humanity, a look from the beginning, our origins. I have developed an ability to look at the overall picture.

Having said that though, I am a reasonably well-behaved teen. It is what it is. I strive to live by sound rules, and I do my best with the set of circumstances that landed in my life, the big collapse of things. One takes the sad times, moves on, even the joy, takes it with them, and moves on. One cannot dwell for too long on the hard times.

I look forward to starting my plans with the fair chance that I now have, applying wisdom, cycles and order toward my goals and everything involved therein. I definitely have my work cut out for me.

These days, I don’t really use the term botanist. This was fitting for the time when I was so enthusiastically studying plants in depth on my own. It is still fitting in the sense that I see things from the beginning lens of creation/life that was here first. This lens will always be part of me. Before people, there were animals. Before animals, there were plants, trees, lichens, mosses, ferns, lush vegetation… You get the point. During this time of enthusiasm was when I was pushing Botanist on a Bike, the small, indoor plant maintenance business with an eco-touch. This title fit nicely while writing some pertinent books. Always, I’m a plant, animal and earth guy, always interested in the natural world-since I was a kid. I think that we are all plant people, and some just may not know it yet. Everyone knows there is nothing quite like growing your own tomatoes, and eating them at a party with your friends in the salsa that you made fresh from everything in your garden! I know enough about plants to know how much I don’t know. It has been amazing to see another side of things and see how much my coworkers at the nursery know! They can tell people all the flowers that bloom throughout the summer and into the fall, which plants blossom the longest. I have learned to appreciate others’ knowledge, and their contribution to the world and the earth as their own knowledge, abilities are applied. I still love going to the mountains and feeling confident to pick a Service berry, Thimble berry, or an occasional Eleagnus fruit, or even a leaf and feel comfy in which plants I can safely eat as I walk. I thoroughly enjoy my experience with plants and being able to view life from this lens, the studying on my own that I have done, and the botany classes have both been rewarding. As plants go, I know them fairly well, and I just love them. They are now part of me. (After eleven years, I should hope so.)

I now have a car! After three and a half years of bus, bike and boots, it was time. I felt ready. I regret nothing about those years of learning to pack lightly, keep my wits about me, watching the weather, my own legs are the vehicle to take me there, awareness of the amount of energy expended, when to conserve, when to splurge, etc. It was an education in and of itself and nothing is wasted. This part of my journey almost felt like something of another time and place. However, it was time for some safety, security, not being so exposed to everything/everyone including the elements. All is part of the journey. My car is an old school ’97 with no A/C and I’ve had fun with that thing! I strive to be mindful about my driving as much as possible while working, and I look forward to a time coming very soon when I don’t have to drive quite so much. However, it has been a refreshing and welcome lesson in applying balance. It is a counter balance to my taking bus, bike and boots for three and a half years. I have learned other things being in my car, and it has given me some security and shelter from the loud noises in the city. As a veg, I like to think that it will all balance out as I do this amount of driving for a short time while making it count as I am rearranging many things in my life.

I still don’t take medication, preferring the natural approach that I have worked very hard to discover, learn, and apply it for myself. It hasn’t been easy, but very worth it. The extremely hard work has paid off. It works very well for me.

Last but not least. Three years of hardship, and high levels of stress have lead to anger issues and brain chemistry, which very closely resembles PTSD. I am actively working on these, and I feel confident and optimistic about where I am going with them. I don’t call it an illness though… It is not. I watch my language…It is hygiene… I know myself. I know my limits. There is a lot to positive, determining-self-talk and language.

There you have it. Thank you to all of my readers throughout the globe!! I thank you a hundred times over for your support, good wishes and positive energy. Truly. Feel the love from here my friends.

I am now here. I am Owen Staples. There is work to do. There are loopholes. They exist in society, religion, even in the family unit. Early on in my life while setting out to just do what people do, I found them by accident. Just trying to do what people do did not work for me… There’s my first lesson… I have some things to say about my experiences, whether writer or not. I am here to tell it how it is, how it was and also how it can be. Tell on I will until I am done… Namaste.

-Owen

Click the image to get the book:


< The Life Is Conscious book is available through Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, or it can be ordered right here. Order Life Is Conscious directly from Owen:

Greetings,

Individuals are where they are on their journey. There is no need to compartmentalize, judge, place boundaries and lines, as it is a journey for each. Always remember also, that everyone will likely take a journey at some point in their life.

One part of the WD/LIC philosophy is choosing to see the brighter side of things, and training one’s mind to do this more often. This also means working to make the bright side a bit brighter. This is no easy task and it takes a lot of practice, trial and error, but it can be done and is being done.

I have learned the hard way: Being on a journey doesn’t mean invalidating others on their own journey; and either deliberately or inadvertently clobbering another with the optimism or high vibe club-a virtual vibe snob. Glad to share what I know, having learned the hard way here, through the school of hard knocks, trial and error. This is indeed a thin line, because people who are on a productive, happy path are climbing. Their vibes are up; they are thoroughly enjoying their learning and growth while on their path.

Meanwhile, another person, say, a coworker or sibling is not quite ready for their major growth spurt, and/or climbing phase. So, instantly there is a vibe collision. Merely being in the presence of one another; things won’t mix very well with these two parties. This has to be understood, but more importantly, it must be understood that neither are in the wrong… Further, neither are in the right to place blame. It is simply a matter of instant opposites, regarding where each is on their journey; it is a combination that doesn’t readily mix such as oil and water. So, the most obvious, is to not force the mixture! Wherever possible, as much as possible, the one who is on the growth spurt and climbing phase must be allowed to do so. The one who is not quite ready, don’t try to test your strength at this time, compete, keep up, or prove anything. Know that your time is coming. Be where you are. Stand where you are.

People must be on the same page here exercising patience, compassion and respect where each is on their journey, coupled with the understanding that everything is a choice; but that there is wisdom, cycles, order and timing in everything. It is a difficult thing to see when one is in a place of maintenance, just “getting by at this time,” knowing that their turn is coming soon, to see that this is the one who is often clobbered by the ones who are excited about their path. “Smack! I’m so optimistic. I don’t need to wallow in that squire anymore with these folks.” Remember that haughtiness, arrogance goes both ways, from up to down, from down to up. Those in the up have responsibility and so do those in the down. Things will balance out and reach the middle, but everyone has a part to play while it does.

People are where they are. Remember to respect the time and season of another on their own journey.

Now, in fairness, both places are valid. This is why things can become tricky because where the exuberant one is coming from, yes, mingling with people who are still negative and not quite ready to journey too much, for too long can easily cost them their vibes and can cause them to backslide on their path. This is why one of the first things to understand is that oil and water just don’t mix and there should be as little mixing of these as possible with respect and politeness on and from both sides.

Having said that though, this does not mean that one is wrong and another right, and so resist the urge to clobber, or be high and mighty. One doesn’t say to the Spruce sapling after planting it in the ground, “just grow damnit!”
One begins their path when they do. There simply is no forcing it.

The natural, whole path is all about wisdom, order, timing and cycles. Each person will have their turn to grow and blossom. Those who are starting the path, yes, be careful about mixing with negativity, but don’t become high and mighty about it either. Chances are, just a few weeks, months, years prior, you were not at your best, when climbing and growing seemed out of the question.

This takes much practice, patience, trial and error. It goes both ways, to and from both sides, where all have a part to play. We can avoid many conflicts and much tension if we people, from individuals to communities to societies simply let go of the need to compartmentalize, draw lines, place two-hundred in the good box, to then place fifty in the bad box. These days are gone my friends.

Major conflicts can arise and definitely have arisen throughout history from our need to control, define what may need no definition, place lines, and compartmentalize. Wellness is about the individual, throughout the many aspects of spirit, mind and body. It should come as no surprise then, that spiritual health, mental health, and physical health are all parts connected to the whole of well-being. The state of each always influences the others. Balance.

One term fairly common in mental health language, is hyper-religiosity. Balance varies per individual according to needs. This may seem complicated, but actually the truth is simple. Keep balanced. Don’t hurt others. Spiritual health, mental health, physical health. Try to work on each and aim for balance.

Remember some of the key rules:

1. No one can dispute the reality of another, so don’t try.
2. Do no harm to others. You cannot inflict harm, or pain on another either emotionally or physically without them feeling the need to retaliate. In the words of the Dalai Lama, “help people where you can, and if you are unable to help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
3. People are where they are on their journey. And it is okay where each is on their journey. Respect timing, order and cycles and the natural flow.
4. When dealing with others, put respect, politeness, kindness at the forefront, not sarcasm, rudeness, teasing and cynicism.

Always be kind and patient to yourself and others as you journey. We have all been through some things. We are all learning to get along, because we are all practicing and growing in new ways. So most of all, enjoy the journey!

Thank you for reading.

Click the image to get the book:

-Owen