What You'll Get Is What You See

 Frequently, though, as I'm just getting back, to the practice of writing, what was, may not be entirely true now. What I was going to say is that often, a "writing prompt," would occur to me from within (at least that's where I would experience it). Today, I'm going to go with a question, that is one of many, from a source, that was put togethe,r to seed discussion in a group setting. I trust it will serve equally well, to get the windmills of whatever it is, that activates within me, to begin churning out some form of content.

The question: "If I change the way I look at the world, does the world I look at change?"

I believe that theme has been attributed to the idea that, One doesn't see the world as it is, but rather sees the world as they are." It is suggested that ones inner state of being, will shape the way they then, view the world around them. I have seen this quote/claim as being attributed to the Buddha. I have no idea whether he actually said it, or if he is the only one that said it. Much that is said, is repeated verbatim or paraphrased over and over again. I believe also he said, of his teachings/tenets, that don't believe it just because he said so, go out in the world and test if for yourself. 

Anyway, what of this idea? I have discovered (so to speak), that one can go a considerable distance, down the proverbial rabbit hole, with the idea around beliefs, inner states of being and to what degree they in turn, shape one's world view. I don't personally know where the bottom of the hole is, and what truth it holds, overall I have more experience with digging myself deeper and deeper, not always does it serve my best interest.

For example where I am (the region I am now living) it's raining. Now if I get it in my head, that the entire day is now going to "suck," because of the rain, well, what hope is there, for a day, that presents as anything, but what I have "decided" it will be.

Was it Gene Kelly that was "Singing in the Rain?" The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band crooned, "If You're Ever Going to See a Rainbow, You Gotta Stand a Little Rain." Another song lyric suggests, the singer's eyes will not be turning red, due to the Raindrops that persist falling on his head. And finally who could forget "Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens?"

Reviewing these perspectives, one can see a rainy day, isn't necessarily cause to declare the day a right-off!

What of war, poverty, pestilence etc.? They most certainly will persist, but in what way, does dwelling upon any or all of these things, serve to lessen or eliminate them? I would assert that the more I hold in mind, a certain viewpoint,  the more "evidence," I will find to uphold those views. I can definitely say, that never, has my continuing to point out the presence of darkness, ever, brought more light.

I don't know where depression and attitude intersect or if they do. I can say, there are countless examples in my life where a change of attitude (mine) had a profound and rather immediate effect on my life.  A change in attitude can not only change an isolated interaction, it can change the trajectory of ones whole life. So then, does my attitude shape the world or does the world shape my attitude?

I remember many years ago now, I had begun working as what was called a Nurse's Aide/Orderly. My first job was in an Extended Care facility. The unit I worked on was unique in as much as all the residents were not seniors. However on one occasionc, I was interacting with one of the seniors. I don't know how close the world was to "Nuclear War," at that time (or if it even was) but there was plenty of suggestion, that the threat was ever present and of course, there were those, most likely to bring it about and those that were the self-proclaimed saviours. I would say of my life back then, in hindsigh,t (I embodied a lot of fear) so the prospect of Nuclear annihilation, became imminent, in my mind. During the conversation I was having with this guy, I bemoaned the "state of the world," and invoked that, as justification, to throw my arms in the air and declare: "what's the use...." it's soon to be all over....

This guy wasted no time in taking my argument to task. He said, "Look there has been the threat of attack, invasion, war etc. constantly, some materialize, many don't ...... if you spend what's left of your life, in fear of what might happen.... you will have wasted your life..... what are you going to do with your life? Put your attention on that!

That was about 45 years ago... yes the world has seen many wars, "acts of aggression," etc. Has my life been rendered free of fear? No! Has there been, all along the way, up to and including now, reason to feel fear, Yes.... Do I always need to allow that fear to immobilize me and colour my viewpoint, perspective and behaviour? Once again, No!

To quote one last song - Michael Jackson sang: "If you want make the world a better place, took a look at yourself and make a change.." Not unlike what Gandhi said about "being the change you wish to see in the world..." Maybe, just maybe, if I busy myself, growing myself to be a better human being, I won't l have so much time, to find fault with "the world."

I will quote now the words that I find always inspiring, albeit at times daunting....

God, make me an instrument of your Peace

Where there is hatred, let me sow love

Where there is injury, pardon

Where there is doubt, faith

Where there is despair, hope

Where there is sadness, joy

Oh Divine Creator

Grant that I not so much seek

To be Understood, as to understand

To be Consoled as to console 

To be loved as to love

For it is in giving that we, receive

It is in pardoning, we are pardoned

It is in dying that we awaken to eternal life.

On that note - peace out!

Can One Day be, Like No Other?

" Another day, another opportunity....." Opportunity for what? Will what you envision materialize... upon said other day or anytime at all? Well, increasingly, I entertain that it is possible that what was doesn't absolutely hold true for today. Though some "realities" take hold and are not subject to change for a very long time. How much, can any individual effect change, on those deeply entrenched life occurrences? 

For example, though I have moved (from one city to a much smaller one) I still reside on Vancouver island, which is part of the Province of British Columbia (one of the geographical sub-divisions of "Canada." I personally don't wave a flag to identify with any of that, but perhaps it offers the reader some context. There was just a "provincial election," which resulted in a vastly different representation, whenever the Legislature reconvenes, than what existed previously.

The New Democratic Party lost, resulting in a significant majority, being made possible for the BC Conservative Party. How different will this make life in British Columbia? Time will tell ..... 
Urban myth would have one believe, that NDP is all about the people and looking after "workers...." they would have one believe, that they and for the most part, only they, are champions of the oppressed. Are they? Well they say yes, as do the media pundits, that spin their narrative. But there is much to suggest that if they ever did occupy anything a kin to center/left, they have drifted farther and farther to the left. At this time, to disagree with their policies, to speak out won't land you in exile, but for sure your career might well abruptly end, while your reputation is destroyed, you may roam "free" but for all intents and purposes, you will exist in social/economic/professional exile.

The NDP that were handed their butts, had a majority (albeit razor thin) still had two years left in their current mandate when their "leader," a self-proclaimed "Socialist..." decided to call a snap election, on top of an already scheduled Municipal election. Why? (only he knows for sure what his motives were...) however, he began his campaign, down the path of blaming the all Canadian scapegoat Trump..... no doubt there are some realities in Canada and else where, in the world that Trump, is only making worse. However, there are far more problems in this country, that pre-existed him even getting back in office. Politicians at all levels of government have been exploiting the long standing (insecurity driven) Canadian past time, of dissing Americans, whipping it into a frenzy and directing all that rage at Trump (an all to convenient and long-standing distraction from what is actually going on here at home. The now ex-Premier tried to about face on his campaign multiple times, desperately trying to justify the millions of dollars that would be spent on this unnecessary election.

The NDP are all about growing the size of government (not unlike the federal "Liberals,") both levels of government are constantly crowing about job creation, but upon closer examination, the jobs are for the most part, public sector government jobs (paid for by taxpayers)... in sectors where failure results in "government subsidies...." more tax dollars...... Private investment and large companies are getting out of Dodge. While these charlatans virtue signal their way into manufacturing what exactly?? Inflation is out of control (government printing money) crime - steadily rising, homelessness (increasing) food bank patronage (off the charts)... 

So then, will the newly appointed to office, BC Conservatives "save the day...?" Honestly, I don't know. In a world where those claim to be the champions "for the people" (communists and fascists along with their watered down comrades... the "socialists...." always began their scourge, by creating the crisis and then convincing the people, they would save them from their imminent demise), once the bait was taken the trap snapped shut quickly and mercilessly. There is no more "black and white" in political arenas than any other facet of life, it is still after all, comprised of human beings along with the human condition. 

Apparently BC hasn't had a Conservative government for a very long time. The vast majority of those that bothered to vote, convinced that they were holier than thou, by electing and re-electing those that were "for the people.." everyone else, were only there to do the bidding of the corporations.... Those on the left label anyone that disagrees with them, an "right wing extremist....." if you so much as ask a question, cast doubt on a popularly held notion..... dare to voice another viewpoint ... boom!!! You're relegated to the right wing and to the extreme at that...... All the while, those that claim to be all about inclusion, and equality, protection from hate crimes, racism, bullying, violence...... go at anyone that disagrees with their viewpoint.... screaming, red-faced, eyes-bugged out, spewing language that is anything but, tolerant, respectful, compassionate, empathetic - it is nothing more than rage/violence..

So then, if one faction can present so completely and absolutely, as those that represent all that is good and yet turn a blind eye; to social decay, growing poverty, increased crime etc. What's to say, that those wrapped in a different veneer, go on to come off, far from what they sold themselves as.

Here's what I know, the analogy used, to discredit government's, that run massive deficits (printing money that has no under-pinning.... driving the Province or Country, further and further into debt) as being flawed, based on the premise that, if you ran your personal finances that way, spending money you don't have, borrowing money beyond your ability to service the debt.... then borrowing more money make the payments on the previously borrowed money..... eventually, leads to a shattering crash!!!! 

How do I know, because I've lived it! If financial planners used visual aid, citing the habits and financial practices of two types of people .... I would be the poster boy for "don't do this......!!!!!!"

The federal Liberals and the now out-going NDP handle the money they've been entrusted to oversee, like drunk sailors on shore leave. Run out, print more, raise taxes ... rinse repeat... Those that support them are too busy consuming the myriad of distractions to really scrutinize those that are stealing them blind.

For the life of me I don't know how the idea of Conservativism can have been twisted to represent nothing but evil.

Conservative.... "Easy Does It..." "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" Don't put all your eggs in one basket..." Save for a Rainy Day.... These are what I think of when considering what it is to "conserve..." Long did I ignore such wisdom.... and now I pay the price (pun intended...)

I know that there are those that hide within a "Conservative" representation, that harbour ideas that are not all squeeky and wholesome..... This is absolutely true of those that come on stage and instead of Blue, they are wrapped in Orange, or Red or Green...... whatever it takes to convince enough people to vote for and uphold, their passage to office .... then the most egregious practices, are sold through the smoke and mirrors, wrapped in your favorite colour, and proclaimed to be for the common good of all that is good and of course each in their chosen group, are the embodiment of just that, the rest must perish as that is their lot!! 

So then, where lies the "opportunity..." I'm thinking more and more for myself .... (that could be the answer right there).... I believe there is not much to be gained by continuing to bear witness to the political stage and that it hopes to purvey and convey....

Moment to moment day by day, search your heart, if something seems off, wrong, out of alignment ... good chance it is.... Then the clear (not easy) choice is to say NO!

From Eternity to Here

 I reckon I should begin this missive, with some account, regarding time spent absent, from this platform. Can I do so without telling a story, possibly, but it's not about to happen. So now having given fair warning, if you don't feel inclined to "engage" the story, perhaps you're in a hurry, maybe you have developed an appetite for 30 sec (or less) sound bytes or "the elevator presentation," you are free to be on your way: Vaya Con Dios!

Interestingly, I'm not even sure how long it has been, even if I were to track time through looking at the last post (date) .... I'm not entirely sure I could account, for every drop of water, under the bridge from then until now.

In general terms, I think I lost my inspiration to write, during the "world event" (2020 - 2024) or there abouts. Previous to that, the content was something of stew, framed within, my personal "spiritual" journey/exploration, stream of consciousness, musing (sometimes bordering on "opinion" ... some might have said "over-opinionated." observations, contemplation, quest for the truth.... I believe I continued, at the onset of said world event, but the longer it continued, the more despondent I became. There would be nuanced facets, to what was going on for me within myself, however, I could exercise some brevity here, and acknowledge that my mindset at the time, spiraled into that which could be expressed thus: FUCK IT!!

I began to doubt that I had anything further to say, and it seemed to me in a rather dumbfounding and inexplicable way, many were satisfied to be spoon-fed - what to believe, whom to hold in contempt and how they could best define themselves, through a "virtuous lens." from the likes of the CBC. What can be said about a "news" outlet, that owes its very existence, to on operating budget that is 75% taxpayer funded, yet they turn off the comment section on their feeds, so that no one can interact with their claims and proclamations. I believe, I just said all that needs to be said.

All this time later, I sit in front of a new (refurbished) laptop - my previous computer retired itself a few weeks ago (was it backed up.... ya at some but effectively NO!) So much for me has been about an ability and willingness to let go. The old laptop could be seen like those sand mandelas the monks make it was, it served and it is finished. I attempted to access this blog platform and could see things I had written in the past, but was unable to gain access to the compositional section of the platform,  that made possible, writing. 

Following various threads of fragmented, woefully inadequate tech knowledge, some google searches, multiple verification codes, invitations to provide a recovery email, and finally a list of different email addresses that were familiar enough once I saw them, but that were inaccessible to my mind, when presented with the notion that the blog platform would be associated with a particular address. Well that narrows it right down then!! Bloody Hell! One of them contained, a surname I no longer use (yes legally) along with a email provider's name that has been "inactive" for many a day.

Some combination of all of that has resulted in my ability to actively engage this blog platform once again, for how long? Who knows!!

I know longer live, in the city of my birth (Victoria) I have taken up residence in a small town 2 hrs. north from the province's capital. Most of this past year, has been spent traveling back and forth from Victoria to Parksville, where more recently, time here, was spent house hunting, as I had managed to sell my condo in Victoria. I now have a "manufactured home" within a manufactured home park - in the lingo of some (if your following along) that could in effect, make me "trailer trash..." It is a lovely home, the park is on a dead-end road, that takes me from my front door, 5 min. down the hill to beach access, where I can walk, as far as I care to, in either direction along the shoreline. No longer am I awakened at all hours by sirens and emergency vehicles, subject to the growing, sprawling density, and insufferable "woke" politics.

I opened the door to significant change and a shit-ton of work, all of which is now demonstrating itself to have been a divine gift to my nervous system. I can attest newly, to the adage, "to make an omlette one must break a few eggs.

That it not be entirely self-indulgent, I hope my continued (revisited) want to write, will reach and resonate with others. I would still need to clarify, I will write because it feeds something in me, in addition to that,  the last number of years, has removed for me, any last threads of a willingness, to massage my content, to appease the sentiments of anyone else.

This seems a good a place as any to wrap this session (or cease this wrap). I just received a call that my vehicle is ready to pick up (I brought it to a local dealer) in response to some "recall" issues that needed addressing. The journey with this vehicle might well feature in a story of its own, contingent on my "recalling" to spin that yarn.

Peace Out!    

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