Society

Great Thought Leader: Jiddu Krishnamurti

One of the best things about University in particularly the study of Liberal Arts is the emphasis on critical thought and debate. One of the most unique speakers I have ever been exposed to is Jiddu Krishnamurti, an incredible mind with provoking perspectives in relation to the study of human understanding of “the self” and concepts within religious theory, thought and reality.  Enjoy. 

j-krishnamurtiJiddu Krishnamurti /ˈdʒɪduː ˌkrɪʃnəˈmɜrti/ (12 May 1895 – 17 February 1986) was an Indian speaker and writer on philosophical and spiritual subjects. In his early life he was groomed to be the new World Teacher but later rejected this mantle and disbanded the organisation behind it. His subject matter included psychological revolution, the nature of mind, meditation, inquiry, human relationships, and bringing about radical change in society. He constantly stressed the need for a revolution in the psyche of every human being and emphasized that such revolution cannot be brought about by any external entity, be it religious, political, or social.

Krishnamurti was born in British India and in early adolescence, he had a chance encounter with prominent occultist and theosophist Charles Webster Leadbeater in the grounds of the Theosophical Society headquarters at Adyar in Madras. He was subsequently raised under the tutelage of Annie Besant and Leadbeater, leaders of the Society at the time, who believed him to be a “vehicle” for an expected World Teacher. As a young man, he disavowed this idea and dissolved the Order of the Star in the East, an organisation that had been established to support it. Continue reading →

Modern New Age: Cottage Inspiration

Modern Cottage Inspiration 

Nature is my Church where the soul truly feels at home, I’m a fan of the city grew up in big urban environments but nothing feels more natural to me than being surrounded by awesome trees, hiking trails and lakes. I’ve been listening and reading a lot of  personal development and motivational authors such as Brian Tracey, Alana Watts, and my personal favorite James Allen this year. As a result of this growth I’ve re-engineered my personal definition of success, happiness and true contentment. 

 I’ve been researching and looking at cottage lots in Ontario and they are reasonably priced between $7,000 – $20,000 for over an acre of land. The container-ship style of Cottage-Home has really caught my eye, I think it is awesome. The name of the project below was called Containers of Hope I could not agree more with name. 

The Architect of this development is Benjamin Garcia Saxe. Designed and built for under $45K! 

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Energy East & New Western Partnership

The Foundation of Western Economic Development 10847878_804895662123_8172244044740078784_n

It shouldn’t be a surprise to the east of the rise of economic prosperity of western Canada. Our nation is already very vast with plenty of resources and economic opportunity throughout however the Western Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan have taken things to another level with the New Western Partnership.  And  it hasn’t got as much attention as you would think but the Energy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) proves how ahead of the game and serious the region is on taking a leadership role in regards to policy and economic development framework of a National Energy Strategy for Canada on a provincial and federal level. They have exercised there provincial powers to attract global investment into strengthen there individual and regional economies. The east can learn a thing or two in regards to co-operation, I can’t help but feel for  Atlantic Canada with the exception of New Newfoundland & Labrador  the mainland has become under stress as old established communities continue to fight tough economic and demographic trends that don’t weigh in their benefit. A monumental and historical commissioned study/report titled Now or Never: An Urgent Call to Action for Nova Scotians commendably does an excellent job of highlighting these challenges, and it is encouraging because it seems to put an emphasis on taking appropriate action and does not sugar coat the facts.  Continue reading →

Western Mission Complete

Ottawa_-_ON_-_Parliament_Hill

Photo Credits: Wikipedia

Today is Canada Day, I feel it is very appropriate to deliver this post on the Nations birthday, I feel more nationalistic than ever before. Like many of my peers and friends who live and work in the major urban centers of our country like Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Halifax the focus today is all about uniting under one flag, one country, and one land. It is a time when provincial rivirialies and regionalism is set aside and we celebrate the amazing opportunities, freedom and beauty our country has to offer the world, we are an example of how modern civil society should function,where democracy and liberty reign as the core values of who we are as a people, “True North Strong and Free!”

I left Ottawa, Ontario roughly  a year ago today. I went to discover and understand the depths of the Canadian Energy sector, a business move that turned extremely personal. My work in the office led me into the field, a strategic and rational decision considering the reality of the economic landscape of Ontario. I wanted to know what was so special about Alberta it was a tremendously powerful learning opportunity and I took advantage with the support of my friends, family and loved ones. Living in the Nation’s Capital you really start to feel a sense of Nationalism, and although we are a Civic Nation unlike our American cousins to the south, I wanted to know more about Canada’s deep wealth of energy that was stored beneath the ground, I knew that if I was going to truly become an expert on the topic I should have the necessary credentials, experience, and knowledge to truly understand what is going on and that is why I choose the Trade of Pipefitting, a trade that ranked a respectable 23 out of 50 top jobs in Canada according to Canadian Business Magazine 2013 survey.  I had simple questions such as; are the “Oil Sands” developments in Fort McMurray an evil place of greed, deceit and environmental destruction? Or a wonder of human ingenuity, engineering, and scientific discovery?  The answer is personal depending on your cultural learned values and or perspective but having been on the ground I feel Canada should be extremely proud of it’s responsible energy development. The opportunities that will be available for individuals who take personal responsibility for their own welfare and diversify their labour skill set to enhance their standard of living especially over the next 30 years is incredible.  Alberta is expected to grow from a province of 4M today into 7M+ by 2050, that is still less than the population of the Greater Toronto Area alone, however an incredible influx of people nonetheless which will drive further growth and business in many different sectors.   Continue reading →

Emotional Freedom and The Self

“If you truly want to be happy in life, you should tie it to a goal not to people or objects” – Alberta Einstein

Peace in Oneself 

Who are you? A simple question that many find difficult to answer, our identities can be tied to many different things, in the field of entrepreneurship where ideas are encouraged, the “idea”, “concept” or outside projection can begin to influence who a person truly is. The key to overcoming being lost in any journey is to find a true sense of inner peace and self fulfillment within one’s own being. When you tie your happiness to an individual or object you will find that this feeling of happiness or sadness (emotion) is impermanent. When you tie your happiness to any independent source outside yourself, you have thus lost yourself and will in turn not be able to genuinely connect with other people. In business, trades, life in general it is all about relationships no matter the audience. I am starting to find that all too often the most important relationship that matter the most is ignored. This is the relationship within oneself, something that would seem elementary but that is easily forgotten especially when focused on impermanent ideas and concepts.  Continue reading →

Quiet Space and Reflection

Quiet Space and Reflection 

In my heart I hear the beat of the plains, the vast wild space that enlightened my heart to the possibilities and endless opportunities that live within the open heart. Quite spaces where an individual can reflect on what is most important in life, not business, politics, or a new idea but the relationships that define and help make us who we are. It is almost one full year of quiet spaces and reflection, and the loss of love burns the heart. However more than ever it is important to sink deep into thought to acknowledge and protect the best of what was lost. – Jerome L. Downey, April 2014

     

PeaceCountry

JFK 50 Years Later: America Remembers

Kennedy, “Inaugural Address,” Speech Text

Kennedy, “Inaugural Address,” Speech Text

 

JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY, INAUGURAL ADDRESS (20 JANUARY 1961)

[2] We observe today not a victory

John_F__Kennedy_Wallpaper_by_OckGal of party but a celebration of freedom–symbolizing an end as well as a beginning–signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.

[3] The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe–the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.

[4] We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans–born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage–and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

[5] Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

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Funny But Important Political Commentary

Distinguished_gentleman

I came across  gold the other night,  The Distinguished Gentlemen had me in stitches  I thought it was such a great comedic social political commentary almost to good to believe. I was 7 years old when this movie hit the theatres back in 1992 way to young at the time to appreciate its whit and comedic flare.  However I am happy I can watch it now and don’t have to dig for a VHS or DVD copy.  Thank you Google and YouTube your the best! 

Plot 

A Florida con man uses the passing of the long time Congressman from his district who he just happens to share a name with, to get elected to his version of paradise, Congress, where the money flows from lobbyists. But soon he learns the nature of the game and decides to fight back the only way he knows how, with a con.

 

[youtube_sc url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNE4_L2rKNk”]

Napoleon Hill – Think And Grow Rich

I had a meeting in Ottawa, ON with my mentor and fellow Mount Allison Alumni Isaac Goodine a few months ago, halfway into our conversation he in-trusted and handed me his personal copy of a book called Think and Grow Rich written by Napoleon Hill originally published in 1937. The copy in my hand was a 30th anniversary edition that was re-published in 1967. The book was in frail condition but well intact and over the next few weeks I would begin to learn more about this amazing person who helped inspire a generation to live with more  purpose and conviction in their life.  

Napoleon-Hill-Old-12

Napoleon Hill in Later Years.

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We Become, What We Think.

This was a random and  inspired post that was driven by a need to share a positive message. Messages of floods, criminal activities, political mischief  etc. I find these constant negative messages drain my energy, and through a verity of  mediums, Twitter, Facebook, Google Search, On-line News Publications, not to mention old fashion Television. I figured this could be a nice  switch up and so I created this post . The production and visual content is not the most amazing, however the content and message is more than worthy of a listen.

thoughts

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