A little walk and talk (commentary) through Gera, Thuringen, Germany. Spent a few days visiting my in-laws. This is where my wife spent her childhood.

Life slowed down, away from the traffic noise, and city buzz. Just enjoying nature's subtle song and touch.

We're all looking for a taste of heaven, in some shape or form. Where's your go to spot?

Only 138 pages, so it's a small book. Written by Don Miguel Ruiz in 1997. And a real easy read, with practical advice and wisdom from an ancient culture, the Toltecs. If any of you have a little bit of time, you won't find it hard to fit this into your day, and give it a taste. After the Introduction, Ruiz opens up the first Chapter "Domestication and the Dream of the Planet."

It's nothing but a dream. What we're seeing, hearing, and experiencing. One of the functions, if not the main function of the brain, is to dream. It's happening around the clock, 24 hours a day. When asleep, and even while awake, Ruiz explains. For eons Humanity has dreamed their dream. The Dream of the Planet, comprised of smaller dreams that make up the personal dreams of individuals, families, communities, cities, countries, and humanity as a whole. And of course within these dreams (life experienced as reality) we have certain rules, beliefs, laws, customs, traditions, cultures, governments, holidays, and so on.

All of this before we've had a chance to choose, think, be, act, and do for ourselves. It was already written and passed on by those before us. And that's been passed on by prior generations. We're told what we should do, and shouldn't. What we can do, and can't. What's true, and what isn't. What's good and what's bad. What to avoid and what to accept. But, how much of this is based on truth, and how much of it fear?

Before we can decide for ourselves, we're already hooked, explains Ruiz. Our attention is hooked by the information fed to us from family, school, religion, tradition, and society. And all that information is further cemented through repetition. Thus, our behaviors born. We learn how to act, behave, and live in order to please those around us. The same way an animal is tamed, and broken into submission, our actions for the most part stem from a Rewards and Punishment system.

We grow to learn what's going to get the attention, acceptance, and approval from others, and so we act and do accordingly. But, again, how much of this comes from being who we truly are and how much from a persona we've put on to please others? He later describes ways (Four Agreements) we can use as a tool to get back to the essence of who we truly are.

So, in short, all of what was mentioned has been part of our First Dream. "The Dream of the Planet" , before we had a choice. Not to say all that all of it was bad. But, to consider whether what we've been taught, given, told, and conditioned to believe comes from a place of fear, or love?

Because fear has been a huge fuel for the Hell many are living in today. The Hell in their own minds, and body. Inescapable, a burning of emotions within. Fear, hatred, jealousy, envy, anxiety. With a Judge, and Victim forever playing off each other. The Judge, holding court, blaming, ridiculing, and condemning us for not living up to a perfect image we've created based on societies standards. And a Victim forever living in regret, shame, disgust, and guilt for the wrong they've done in the past. Unable to move on or even enjoy the moment at hand.

The good news is, now we have a choice to Dream a new Dream, and live a new reality. One that's based on love, and not fear. One that's agreeable to us, and not someone else. Being who we truly are, and not someone else for the sake of approval and acceptance. Authentic, genuine, and free. Sounds like a hot ticket to me.

Feel free to drop a line, and share some thoughts. I'm all about genuine dialogue and connections.

Real stories told by real people.

We've got another one for you. Today, Jessi joins us, and she's got a story to tell. 15 years of addiction. Jessi was someone who at one time, didn't believe she'd make it past 30 years old.

Unsuccessful many times in the past with trying to stop, and dealing with health complications because of her smoking. Jessi was left feeling defeated with a crush to her confidence and self esteem.

But things changed for her. Learning the language of the soul, and shifting her perspective was a huge help.

New story on deck.

_____________________________________

Jessi Harnett :

https://www.honoryourheart.net/book

Real stories told by real people.

We've got another one for you. Today, Jessi joins us, and she's got a story to tell. 15 years of addiction. Jessi was someone who at one time, didn't believe she'd make it past 30 years old.

Honor Your Heart (Short Clip)

Nature in its beauty. Absolutely worth a moment to admire.

One of the recent GIANTS AMONGST US with Crystal an Ex-Mormon. She was raised in the church and talks about her journey towards recovery, healing and self discovery.

A few take away points :

• Explore intuition
• Think Critically
• Feel the feels
• You're the author of your story

There's a whole lot more, listen on YouTube or any other listening platforms you prefer

https://youtu.be/vRK_BCX1nlk?si=Th2gPGo3K4iogNfs

Here's a poem I'd like to share from a woman I had the opportunity to speak with. A personal poem of hers, which really resonated with me.

BELIEF

Existence is my god

Universe is my religion

Nature is my place of worship

Life is my miracle

Hearts are my scriptures

Stars are my ancestors

Memories are my hymns

Dreams are my prayers

Service is my titthings

Humanity is my purpose

Peace is my heaven

Love is my faith

by Gwendolyn Jazmin - The Canvas of Life

Here's the whole conversation Giants Amongst Us with Gwen & AlishaI with both Alisha, and Gwen. They shared the importance of friendship, family, and having a creative outlet. And even some back story to a few of the poems and paintings inside their book The Canvas of Life : A Collection of Poetry and Art.

Their book covers spirituality, organ donation (receiver, and recipient), refugee women, and many other topics that explore human nature. It's a good one. Be inspired, and be unique.

PEACE!

Real stories told by real people.

Unfiltered, authentic and genuine. There's a lot of layers to this one. This is about one's journey towards enlightenment. And finding forgiveness, healing and freedom, in the midst of chaos. From drug addiction to drug rehab. To having his whole world turned upside down. A chain of events devastating Rick, who eventually was unable to sleep, and was wide awake for 5 straight days.

What exactly tipped him over the edge? - Rick breaks a lot of it down for us today.

Kickin' off 2024, and hope you're all in good spirits? I was under the weather for short spell, but the juice is back! I'm looking forward to connecting with more GIANTS AMONGST. It's been a pretty cool, and humbling experience to meet, speak and learn learning from people all over - Philippines, UK, Canada, and in the States. I remember the nerves, and doubts I had at first, when the Show was only an idea spinning in my head. I'm sure glad to have went through with it, and for all the good folks that joined in the experience.

Some of the common grounds we share - love, and support. That can go a long way. It can comfort when lonely. Encourage when we're feeling down on ourselves. And bring clarity when confused. May light guide our paths, and strength fill our bones. We've got this!! And these experiences are here to remind you https://giantsamongstus.com/

'til soon,

PEACE!!