Know God, Know Peace - No God, No Peace

 "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." - Lord Acton

One doesn't have to look far to recognize that the realms of politics (along with compliant, subsidized media) the corporate jungle, all the way up to the "halls of justice," operate devoid of any moral compass. There are many a great writer/journalists that can and have, researched and written exhaustively, on these topics. Each infinitely more qualified than I, to illuminate these matters. All to say, there's no need for me to try in kind. Break your dependence on MSM, loosen your death grip on your pet notions about "how things are..." open your propaganda addled mind and consider, things are not always, if ever, the way they are presented (again & again....)

 As disheartening and down right terrifying at times that this can be, one might presume they could seek solace in their "spiritual community." Surely those that identify with, while immersing themselves in, the doctrines of moral fortitude; that listen to talks about such virtues as unconditional love, compassion, empathy, integrity etc. while lining their bookshelves with books espousing in kind (along with transformation in 7 - 12 steps) would offer a safe haven, a respite, a sanctuary - a virtual "harbour within which one could seek shelter from the storm." 

Right?

WRONG!!!

While I won't suppose to tarnish all spiritual circles everywhere, how could I? I have not experienced all that gather everywhere together, and in solitude, across the far reaches of planet earth. But I can assure you, that in some "communities" (where once again there would be those in attendance, for whom sincere seeking, and altruistic visions comprise their hearts) while at the same time their are pockets of those, that seek "personal power," for whom resistance to the allure of control, proves to be impossible to resist. So then, instead of an oasis of peace and serenity, there is cut-throat politics, character assassination, even hostile take-overs. So enmeshed in identifying with position on organizational hierarchy, humanity can place a distant second, while truth becomes collateral damage.

One must exercise considerable discernment when considering becoming involved in such circles. Groups or leaders branded as "spiritual," are definitely not all created equally! It can be quite disheartening to bring heart and soul to such a gathering - only to experience one form of abuse or another. After all isn't that the sort of behaviour you came to leave behind?

I suppose the truth is, all varieties of dysfunction, that comprise the challenges of the human condition, can be found in and outside, of spiritual circles. It's not a reason to stay, and may well be just cause, to move on. For me, it is important not to let such experiences harden my heart. Forgiveness may be invoked for those involved (including myself). I can take what I learned about myself, as grist for the mill of my continued evolution. While I believe in the value of forgiveness - I wouldn't set myself up to be victimized by the same people again, nor others that conduct themselves that way.  There are lessons to affirm regarding my gut senses/ intuition and paying attention to "red-flags" when I become aware of them. If it seems "off" it probably is. Trust that and get out. Also true, I don't want any of them living rent-free in my head nor do I care for the prospect of, wreaking havoc on my wellness, by harbouring resentment.

People will do and be who they are, there is nothing I can do about that. I do have the choice regarding how I show up (or not). 

"Be the change in the world, I wish to see."

"God grant me the serenity 

To accept the things I cannot change

The courage to change the things I can

And the wisdom to know the difference."

Rob O'Neill (December 16, 2025)

Simply Said

 Greetings to any, for whom this collection of musings finds it's way to you. I have been relatively inactive on this blog (okay, in all honesty it has been languishing somewhere between stagnation and obscurity). I can't say that it was vastly well distributed and read even when I was more consistent (much more). But I did discover there was far more readers than I imagined.

So for now, I will say, I'm going to take another stab at it. I don't know the frequency at present. I think to any hope of keeping anyone's attention, it needs to have some consistency and cannot wait for me to "be inspired." If you've ever read this blog before then you know it consists one occasions of poetry (of sorts) while the musings, meander around encompassing personal experience, perspective, and witnessing of "slices of life" and sharing of what I'll call in this moment - "consciousness dumps..."

Let the games begin: "Jesus" was quoted as saying, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:40)

This passage (or the idea my memory held of it) came to the fore today. My partner and I, were having lunch at a coffee/eatery, which is midway from the small town 2hrs. north, where we spent the last 4 or so days, and Victoria which has been "home" for me, my entire life (or said another way, seems like and eternity..) We were nearly ready to leave, when a women was observed going table to table down the long corridor asking people for "spare change." On the one hand, given the state of the economy and the crushing inflation - who has spare money (or money to spare) - except of course, the ?governing bodies that have created the economic crisis, but good luck getting any money from them. You have to travel to some offshore tax haven. But I do digress.

Eventually she made her way to where I was still sitting and asked me the same question she had posed to each table in turn. I said yes, I could come up with something. Am I brimming over with money? Hell no! I got some pension money coming in and that's currently about it. However, I just finished lunch, I would be completing the journey down island in a warm, dry car and be brought back to my apartment (home) also warm and dry (albeit a little low on provisions). I reasoned the $3.00 I gave her would neither make or break my day (how do I know that when I go to the grocery store I won't end up being $3.00 short? I don't, I don't know much - I suppose that's me exercising a little faith).

I can hear some already - "what are you doing, she will just spend it on drugs..." she just might! When I decide to give someone money, I divest myself of any opinion or notion that I have any right to decide what they will, should or should not, spend the money on! For those of you thinking this way, the last time you got a cheque (or auto-deposit) did it come with restrictions or opinions on how you spend it?? (likely not, though those same government bandits, will do just that if left unchecked).... So lighten up on the judgment about what someone else may do. Then there is the other crowd.... "teach a man (or woman) how to fish......." well enough of that too! She wasn't asking for a fish (yes I'm infinitely aware of the parable and use of metaphor). This was an in the moment request (and presumably need) it's not my place to be her "life coach..." in my judgement, she looked tired, she already had to wrestle with herself, and run the risk of some self-righteous inflection be directed her way, each time she asked. Maybe, just maybe people just need a break...

Did I save her life? I don't know... Will this change her life? I don't know that either. She asked me for something and I decided I was able to oblige her request (if even in a small way) she thanked me, I wished her well.... and she moved on. 

Is life really "that simple?" It could be... I don't like how much the government (at all levels) robs from me in taxes. I disagree with their policies and the premises under which they extract that money. I largely don't believe much if any of it is going where they would have us believe it's going. I also don't know how to solve this dilemma. The scenario I described previously is not to "virtue signal" or paint myself as a hero (I'm not looking for accolades) - just describing an example of me - being the change, I want to see in the world. Simply that! I don't know how to stop the wars. But, I have a fighting chance of disarming the arsenal within myself. I don't know how to stop the globalists, but I will refuse to comply with any of their agenda and ignore their "catastrophes!" 

My adopted mother used to say of me, "you could complicate the Lord's prayer" (no she didn't write a book on child-rearing) she also said, "you're as stubborn as the day is long...." she didn't teach me self-confidence or self-respect when I was child. However that childhood served as "grist for the mill..." for my ongoing spiritual journey. She was right, I can over-complicate things - answer: KISS (Keep it Simple Sweetheart). My "stubbornness" at times is nothing more nothing less - than just that. However, it has also be refined to yield persistence, resilience and the ability to stand for what I believe in. Which as time passes I realize means I may well stand "alone..." In the instance of this story, perhaps my actions subject to the scrutiny of others would have me standing alone... However, what if those very actions were what convinced her, in that moment that she wasn't alone????

Say What Needs to be Said

 During time near lost, known as "Ye Olde"

Was said: "All that glitters is not gold

For they that uttered, words so bold

Languish in exile, receive shoulder cold

If every individual possesses

A unique set of fingerprints

How incredulous then

That Creation/Creator

Imagined humanity

In its entirety

Would be reduced/enslaved

By severe domestication/homogenization

Why would one insist

That only that which

Has been sourced from

Steeped narratives

Can then yield credibility

When wisdom

From yester-year

Reminds:

The emperor

That laid claim

To being clad newly

Was, butt-naked!

All is not

As it appears

Awaken from 

The doldrums of hypnosis

Surrender not

Your critical eye

Lest resigned

To be plunged

Ever more into silence

"No prophet is accepted in his hometown"

A heroes welcome eludes those that seek & speak

the truth (though by it's very nature, it must come to light)...

R. O'Neill (December 07, 2025)

Liberating Shadow

I'm not an "educated" man
What story then
Could be told
Let alone
Relevancy

One lifetime
Three surnames
Foundational
"Identity"
Undefined

Conversely
Allegiance
Self-determined
Aligned within
While
External conflict
Rages

Accolades
Sweetly flavoured
Pitfalls
Enjoyed
For a 
Fleeting moment
 Then
Released
Before
Being dashed
Upon the
Fickle rocks
Of
Disapproval

Neither
Defines me
Neither then
My 
Undoing

"Unexamined life"
"Not worth living"
Though
In doing so
I'm 
Hard-pressed
To 
Recall 
Anything noteworthy

It's entirely
Possible
Whatever time
I have left
Might be
Best spent
Atoning
For acts
of
Omission
and
Commission 

While 
Endeavouring
To
Do no
Further harm

 

Freedom - "Just Another Word.....?"

 If you are at all like me, and your "spiritual" exploration/development, personal growth/healing has involved the trolling of bookshelves that bring those matters in print to your attention, then you've heard of Robin Sharma (a.k.a - "The Monk That Sold His Ferrari...")

Over the last 5 years I have been the owner and rider of a 2002 Harley Davidson Softtail Nighttrain motorcycle (which I was informed earlier today, sold at an auction). It was a journey of its own last week when half-way through my one week up-island vacation, I rode back to town on the bus (an approx. 2hr trip) to pick up the motorcycle and ride it back more or less the same distance, the same day - in order to place it in the hands of the auction house for this weekend's auction.

I was reminded of Sharma's book, by this personal saga of my own. I have indeed written a book, I also now have just let go of what for some, would be a coveted material possession. Though that would be where the similarities between Sharma and I end (as far as I know) - though the last picture I saw of him illustrated we both have parted with our hair (me 15+ years ago, as my hair began parting me, rather than me it.... I wouldn't know when, where, how or why Sharma made his "hairstyle choice.")

Am I a "Monk" before, during or after my sojourn with the motorcycle? I make no such claim. I also didn't nor don't claim to have been a "biker" by virtue of having owned the motorcycle. I have tattoos and piercings (many of which I had before owning the motorcycle). Needless to say, human inclination to over -simplify and categorize would have different people create different stories, based on observing the afore mentioned choices.

If anything media and politically driven pigeon-holing and derisive/divisive labeling has only worsened over the last few years - so the "boxes" that are available to further subdivide and label one have expanded exponentially. And maybe never, has there been a time when it is more important that one "know thyself!"

I feel a great sense of relief the motorcycle is gone now. The novelty was wearing thin. I satisfied my desire and curiosity to "own" a Harley. But as time advanced, I was less willing to have my day to day life centre around this rather pricey mode of transportation (albeit purchased used). I never "identified" with it, though I admittedly got a little kick out of it from time to time when someone complemented the bike. That said, as is true of anything externally located, the impact on one's inner reality was/is, fleeting at best.

I listed the bike at the end of last summer (not in hindsight, the time to move a motorcycle) perhaps reflective of my indecisiveness at the time with no true resolve to get it gone. As I pondered it's confined occupation in part of my parking spot - the concern for the need to ensure it's appropriate maintenance, additional cost to insure it (if I chose to ride it) and time out of my life to just ride it, for the sake of riding it; it became more clear that I was done with it. 

So the relief I feel now, is the removal of the psychic weight of "owning" this bike. I truly hope whomever bought it, will ride it into the ground (by which I mean thoroughly enjoy it - I don't wish them or the bike any ill will).

Does this mean that I embrace the "you will own nothing and be happy..." credo of the World Economic Forum? No it does not!! I don't believe for a minute that any of the agenda of those self-appointed/declared, "elites" in any way, serves me or humanity as a whole; (unless it could be considered, that the gravity of their visions, for enslaving the world, are enough to shake people from their collective doldrums and to stand for the world they want to see). I don't even acknowledge them to be "elite." They certainly have more money than many, (including me) can even conceptualize - still I believe that the value of each individual member of humanity,  ought not be quantified in terms of dollar value. Therefore their vast wealth, makes them no more important than anyone else, they simply have more money.

The difference is, I liberated myself, from this motorcycle (just as I freely chose to buy it) the choice was not forced on me, the motorcycle was not taken from me. Even with their vast wealth, they are not satisfied, they want complete control of the world, it's resources and the people that occupy it. Follow the money for yourself, you could simply start by considering all the bailouts and money directed at MSM (which is your money by the way, money that is being increasingly picked from your pocket in the form of continual tax hikes and government driven inflation). How likely are "journalists" etc. to ask government   the tough questions, to subject them and their policies to critical thinking?  Why is it instead of any questions or commentary that scrutinize government policies, members of the media simple parrot government talking points which accentuate a very myopic narrative? Many new broadcasts in North America are sponsored by major corporations - with the evening news team then bite the hand that feeds them and do any actual "investigative reporting?"

Ask yourself whether you feel any safer these days -  career politicians, corporate CEO's and billionaire would be philanthropists, are continually haranguing across all forms of media platforms, that they know best - some literally claim "to be the science.." everyone should unquestioningly, follow their instructions as they know (and care for) what is best for the rest of us?

The government looks after their own interests - CEO's will always do what is necessary to benefit and be accountable to, the shareholders. The government promised to keep a cap on deficit spending and then blamed the current financial situation (first on "Covid" despite one of their own announcing that billions of dollars of that deficit where already spent before word one was spoken about Covid) then it's world events responsible for inflation. The government and it's policies are destroying the economy - taxes upon taxes (where is this "plan" to combat climate change?) There is no plan. The bank of Canada mandated only to keep a handle on interests rates have raised them more times in the last couple years than health "authorities" flip-flopped on the efficacy of masks!! Interest rates are being hiked to off-set out of control deficit spending - taxes are continually raised to off-set irresponsible government spending directing the burden on the citizens of the country.

We are being gas-lit (continuously) - you can't even go to bed one night and get up the next day and have words and phrases from the English language still mean the same thing.

When did it become a crime to think for one's self? The same people that claim to be defenders of democracy are defaming and cancelling anyone that questions or criticizes their policies. I tell you what - turn off that idiot box "Smart T.V." (it is doing nothing but dumbing down the population) if you look out your window - or witness something at work or in your community that causes you to stop in your tracks (deep in your gut knowing full-well this is "off!!" Do not run to your local (or national media source) to have them authenticate what you know to be true (or at least suspect). Don't let anyone tell you a pile of shit is a bouquet of roses!!

There is nobody (repeat nobody!!!!) to whom you should sign over your well-being to!! 

The Hopi's were right..... "We are the ones we were waiting for." 

It's time then to suit up and show up and collectively decide what kind of world we want to live in - otherwise, there are clearly those, that are only too prepared, to shape the world according to their vision!!

We've all seen glimpses of what that might entail - which was more than enough!! Freedom to choose is priceless. A great many freedoms have been surrendered (willingly), doubtful they will be restored. No tax implemented, is every removed, freedoms lost will not be regained, except at great cost.

I suppose a cross-road of grand magnitude now presents, once again including freedom to choose.

I would suggest one need choose mindfully - there is so much to be gained & everything to lose!

Rob O'Neill (July 29, 2023)

A Bite More Than I Could Chew (Another bite turns to Dust)

 In less than a week's time I have returned to the blank page, endeavouring to not so much resurrect the fallen writer I once was, but rather; to sift through the malaise of the last couple years and write with the voice of that this journey has defined and prepared it's release. I'm not attempting to amass statistics reflecting number of views, not looking to assemble a "readership." I wouldn't know what to do with a readership if one were to appear.

When this "blogging" began, perhaps 8 years ago, I've lost track; I had no idea anyone could, or would read my content. Then I discovered, quite by accident, the "back office" and learned in fact there were a growing number of people reading... I put some time and energy into trying to grow these numbers - both for the blog and a book that I eventually wrote. At this time, I need to write for the sake of writing. Writing will be, the end and the means. If history repeats itself, the act of writing will open some doors and close others. At some level the act of writing feeds me. I will let that be inspiration for now - to serve the urge to write. If it so happens that this pursuit produces content that touches, moves or inspires others; well, wouldn't that be wonderful?

A recent experience inspires me and/or restores my faith in the good forces at work in the universe. A couple weeks or so ago, I went to a local market on my coffee break. Along with a wrap I bought for lunch, I bought a cookie that was discounted due to be close to, or past it's best before date. Hey, I like a bargain as much as the next guy. When I proceeded to eat said cookie, I realized it was pretty hard. One would expect some dryness etc. from an a stale cookie, but this was really hard. Anyway, I was going to make the best of it. It didn't taste half-bad once some bites could be broken off. Still, maybe this spoke more about me "Jones-ing" for a cookie than any benefit from the cookie.

I was chewing on a piece that I managed to bite off, when I bit into something hard and "crunchy." At that point I suspected that despite the texture of this aging baked goods, there was nothing in the cookie that would crunch like that!! I spit out a couple of these hard chunks - that simultaneously I recognized and with a swipe of my tongue over my front teeth, recognized as pieces of my dental bridge!

The prevailing wisdom that followed was, well my bridge is broken (or at least the veneer of one tooth is) nothing I can do about it now, I might as well finish the cookie.

I got back to the job site and showed my co-workers what had occurred. This bought me some additional time to contact the dentist's office and see about an appt. They had an appt. that afternoon near the end of their day (which meant I needed to leave work early). They were sure, even if the bridge was repairable, that it would happen then and there. So I went in on the premise that this was to be an assessment.

The dentist was more than an hour behind getting to me - I guess he must have abandoned the idea he was finishing "at 4 p.m. (my scheduled time was 3:30pm - which I was early for).

He came in had a look and indicated that the only way to make an "effective" repair would be to replace the entire bridge (though he then conceded that, this bridge being itself, over 40 years old and himself doing a repair on it 5 or 6 years ago, was withstanding the test of time). I indicated that there's no way I can afford a new bridge - "let's set our sights on fixing this one!" He proceeded to do just that. I was pleasantly surprised to be having it attended to sooner than later, now I wouldn't need another appointment!

As one might guess, this was a costly turn of events, the cost of the repair was $375.00! I didn't have the money in my checking account - so for the time being I put the whole thing on my credit card. I had mixed feeling about that. I was grateful to have credit enough to cover the emergency repair - but I had been for sometime previous to this situation, diligently working on (now here I will say) resurrecting my financial status; part of which involved paying off my credit card. Now, I had a sizeable balance - again!!

I considered the situation for a time, and decided to take the money from an account I had been accumulating for the purposes of taxes next year and pay off the balance. I reasoned I could resume savings while at the same time would not be accruing interest on a credit card balance.

I then decided I was going to contact the store and see if there was anything they would be willing to do to compensate me. I was given a number of their head office - so I recounted the story once again. I was asked to submit to them a copy of the repair invoice and I included the receipt from the store that showed my purchase of the cookie (and wrap) to collaborate my story. I was informed that she would be in touch with their insurance people and get back to me. When she contacted me again - I was told that they would give me a gift card for their store for the equivalent of the repair bill and the grocery purchase, the combined total being nearly $400.00

I was happy that this unfortunate incident - which I had initially thought was going to plunge me deeper into a further financial abyss, had taken a rather unexpected turn for the better.

I had no idea of the significance of that gift card with respect to what the near future had in store. Two weeks before Christmas we were hit with a winter storm that dumped a couple feet of snow - the work week that was to follow was entirely lost and the week between Christmas and New Years, we were already scheduled to be off. Next my employer contacted us all and offered to switch our time off to the week lost to the snow storm and we could work some or all of the week that was originally going to be our Christmas break - by that time the snow had melted.

So as it happens I will have three days of unexpected work, I have been judiciously saving money from the previous cheque, there may be something in the way of "stat" pay included in this coming pay day and I have almost $400.00 on a gift card for groceries (which arrived via the mail today)!

I couldn't have imagined any of this would happen nor the way it unfolded. I might add, I made it a point to speak up regarding all that occurred to each of the various players I needed to interact with next. I did not however come in with "both pistols blazing," I simply shared the facts, and invited the parties involved to suggest what might be possible, from there I let go of expectations of outcome.

After what has now spanned years, of political, corporate, and media deceit, deception, coercion and manipulation (with a complete lack of accountability from any of them) - this recent incident and outcome, as I alluded to earlier was refreshing and restorative.

There is good in the world - for this I am grateful!

R. O'Neill December 29. 2022

Back - For Better or Worse

 As the year bumps and grinds to its finale, from the personal maelstrom of existential quandary, uncertainty, apathy, resoluteness, and now perhaps a decision - I'm called to my long "lost" blog. I don't know whether to apologize to those that have followed in the past or to myself for this longstanding absenteeism. No longer a patron of Facebook which I was recently inspired to deem Zuckerberg's universe of deception; I will no longer be able to draw attention to new posts through that medium.

 I'm not sure that the readership that I once had, entirely came via that portal anyway. More than ever, I wish my musing, rants, missives, anecdotes, prose and poetry to reflect truth - therefore; as far as I'm concerned, most all the "social media" platforms are incongruent with truth. I won't know, whether indeed this blog platform will prove to be problematic - I may well seek alternative media sources for my personal writing and potentially submission recipients in the New Year; whether I experience censorship on this site or not.

If the blog does find its way to previous or new readership I will endeavour to communicate location changes when and if applicable and as I am able. What has not changed, is my fairly minimal acquaintance with navigating the online world. The way things seem to be going these days, is people are shutdown, censored etc. abruptly, so it might then follow I'm throttled before I can communicate anything. Equally true, my "status" as a pretty small fish, may well mean that my "sphere of influence" might be viewed as equally minuscule thereby evading the watchful eyes of "fact-checkers" and censors.

As I sit in neighbourhood cafe and look over top of my laptop screen four images catch my gaze; they include another local artists rendition (oil paintings) of four more artists of note: Jim Morrison, Marilyn Monroe, Paul McCartney, and Elvis - three of four passed over, though their lives have left a lasting impact. If I ever had some concern for that sort of "immortality" or legacy, I believe it is markedly subdued, if present at all. My impression of these four is that they at least artistically expressed themselves authentically. I don't actually know how much they "played to the audience," or media moguls etc. Even if, or despite that, they unquestionably brought their unique selves to their art form and by extension, their lives. None without their personal demons, I guess only they know, to what degree they were able to quiet the inner angst - while they lived.

I believe my writing in the past to have been to the best of my ability at the time, authentically me as much as I could muster, devoid of pandering to social agreement or approval seeking. If these last few years have cemented anything in my personal GPS it would be that if I write, I have no interest in massaging the content for anyone, I have experienced wholesale abandonment, vast "ghosting" - professional transition and I suppose one would say an entire restructuring of social connection. Some of this may well have been the natural attrition of personal relationships akin to Marianne Williamson's attributing relationships to be of three types: "for a reason," "for a season," "for a lifetime." Others, who knows really - in my experience seldom (if ever) do these parting of the ways, come with an explanation. In still some other cases - it can be directly attributed to my stand and beliefs with respect to the events and narratives that have held the world captive over the last three years. Really in hindsight, these were not relationships of any depth or substance if they dissolved so readily - the true colour and timbre was revealed - like it or not thus it was to be (often I did not "like" - it was rather painful) however likely for the higher good.

Given my penchant to "people-please" the vestiges of survival strategies I embodied much of my life - this last few years has shown me, there is zero use in showing up any other way than as my true self. Nothing was gained maintaining the facade and veneer of an engineered persona. Many I experienced in my life only "welcomed" me as long as I echoed their perspectives and beliefs. When I couldn't or wouldn't, no longer able to endure the discomfort of my own incongruence they were gone.

Someone said,  speak and live the truth you may not have many friends, but those that come into your life will represent your true community (paraphrased and without credit - as I don't remember who said it). I suppose I'm squarely in the speaking and living phase of this evolution. As far as I can see, the "decks" have been cleared of false friends & pseudo-community. It has also been said that "nature abhors a vacuum" - so it is possible relational transformation is on the horizon. I recognize that I can very readily bask in my own company - both a gift and sometimes a detriment, if I allow it to carry too far. I don't seek to isolate entirely - nor do I suffer from any delusion of grandiosity or self-importance. I'm just getting older (than God for that) and I have a growing desire for honesty and equally increasing lack of appetite for bullshit, drama and games.

The last three years comprised of lies, manipulation, coercion and full-scale abuse have demonstrated to me that I have a zero tolerance policy for it in my life. I quite honestly don't know where these decisions, forged in chaos, pain, fear, grief and sometimes despair - will lead me. I have decided to live a lie, imbues a life that may well prove to be not worth living - one can run, but not hide from themselves so good luck to those that think they will attain peace by following the crowd, through virtue signalling or looking to false idols for their sense of identity or protection. I mean that sincerely - if this is your choice, blessings on your journey, I don't wish you any ill-will. For me a life built on a foundation of dishonesty, power-seeking, control or fear will never be one of inner peace and satisfaction. Quite the opposite, the collective maw of those influences will never be sated.