My changing landscape

[Guest guest]

Sat Nam ya'll!

My neighborhood is going through a period of change. 30 years ago, it was

where all the junkies hung out. 20 years ago, it became the gay ghetto of

Houston. Now that we have it all decorated nice and pretty, the Yuppies are

moving in by the droves. There are several reasons I'm not thrilled by

this, but none of them apply here.

I was out shopping with a friend today and we realized how much we give

each other directions based on what used to be there. "Turn left at the

house that's where such-and-such bar was. It's across the street from that

snazzy boutique we used to go to and down from the original vintage clothing

store." You get the idea.

I began to wonder tho, how much of my life takes it's direction from things

that are no longer there. I spent many years reacting to, taking direction

from, my father who had passed away and was no longer there.

That's what this conscious living thing is all about isn't it? Being clear

about our motives and purposeful in our actions.

This weekend I was very focused on discontinuities. Bad movie edits,

statements that cancel themselves out like "Earn Free Gasoline". Nothing

earned is free. Not much to say about it all. I really think I'm just

noticing in the world around me the things I will be or ought to be looking

at in myself. My pet hypocrisies. Behaviors that are ill-suited to who I

am Becoming. My ability to lie to myself. Hmmmm. Always changes! I guess

I just pick up the first one I come to and deal with it, then move on. This

is one of those times in life when I have to choose Happiness over Pleasure.

Pleasure is instant, Happiness is a long-term investment. Oh well, that's

enough of my palaver!

 

Sat Nam, Leo