tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15842618630460240582024-02-08T05:06:18.466-08:00The Time is NowA place to ponderKamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-81112722214705112572014-03-30T21:33:00.000-07:002019-01-31T13:40:05.286-08:00Something different.time travel<br />
inner stellar<br />
star system<br />
rather unraveled<br />
faster falling<br />
falling faster<br />
indeed seems<br />
what we<br />
need is<br />
conscious cleansing<br />
obnoxious entities<br />
corroborating misery<br />
hardly incomplete<br />
tardy sympathies<br />
discarded liturgy<br />
littered energies<br />
without discression<br />
expressions alleged<br />
but never <br />
will they<br />
catch them<br />
ingested contraceptives<br />
cause they<br />
egg and<br />
seed is rejected<br />
infested intellect<br />
radio wave's<br />
deception, now<br />
melded minds<br />
congested lack<br />
the introspection<br />
adversely affected<br />
by the<br />
spoon that<br />
fed them<br />
spiraling further<br />
in to <br />
deeper regression<br />
signs unseen<br />
without vision<br />
inner wisdom<br />
inI's mission<br />
not afraid<br />
to stray<br />
from the<br />
path that's<br />
given.Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-1782825438868904212013-12-28T19:22:00.002-08:002013-12-28T19:24:13.954-08:00I AMI AM a dew drop on a leaf in the sun glistening<br />
metaphysically<br />
intrinsically radiating light like a prism<br />
closing my eyes and my mind<br />
i transmit divine energy throughout my chakra system<br />
opening the seven gates of heaven i realize the kingdom lies within.Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-51080482813233067662013-01-04T00:55:00.001-08:002017-09-03T11:50:45.321-07:00skepticThese keys i place my fingers upon are quite deceitful. They give the illusion of being tools for creating, but all too rarely do they fulfill this purpose. All because of one:<br />
<br />
The backspace.<br />
<br />
Like an extension of my ego, that little voice in my head, it has become so easy to dismiss something that could be worked with little effort and molded into a piece of art.<br />
<br />
In the past there was the eraser: A useful guy when you needed a little editing, but without the propensity for destruction like his vigilant successor. Both have the same ability to nullify one's thoughtfulness, but oh how different these two are.<br />
<br />
The pencil is an eloquent tool. Gliding across pages like a swift summers breeze, a vehicle for the magic of inspiration. At times it's works can seem effortless, and quickly a concept is born. But then of course there exists the pencil's nemesis:<br />
<br />
The eraser.<br />
<br />
His only job, to destroy, but will he use his powers for good or for evil?<br />
<br />
Well, that is up to the artist. The eraser brings with him the ability to allow one a second chance at choosing their words. What a worthy purpose to serve.<br />
<br />
Yet, as all things in life, there are two sides to every coin. On one side he is precise and exact, and on the other side he brings irrevocable damage and perdition, but even if he is used in the latter form, still the pencil's mark remains. The eraser can try, but never will he fully remove the impression of endeavors past.<br />
<br />
And then came the computer....<br />
<br />
The computer is a vastly different machine than the pencil, but it can be used to serve the same purpose. However, the act of typing is not nearly as swift and fluid as the old pencil. The amount of effort required to bring forth one's thoughts to page is far greater than holding a piece of graphite clothed in wood and sweeping it across a blank canvas.<br />
<br />
Of course, there are many things a computer can do that a pencil could never dream of. Such as: The ability to organize your thoughts into folders all neatly housed inside one tiny box, or to give you access to a vast array of resources that can help you paint the picture which is beheld in your mind's eye.<br />
<br />
But there is that voice.... That voice in your head that says: "This is rubbish.", and rather than having to exert any physical effort to bring forth destruction, this voice now has a button:<br />
<br />
The backspace.<br />
<br />
This button is far removed from it's predecessor the eraser. Unlike our old companion, the backspace leaves no remnants of former inhabitants to the workspace. In one fell swoop this button alone can render an artist mute, empty, and alone.<br />
<br />
It once took effort to destroy, and creativity was an untamed stallion set to roam the land with the wind, but the tables have turned, and the effort is now in creative prosperity, while destruction lingers ever so watchful, waiting for doubt to creep in.Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-2169517009900331532012-10-02T22:54:00.002-07:002012-10-02T22:55:52.663-07:00Thicker Than BloodWe've been homies since the day we met<br />
You opened doors in my head that led to success<br />
You showed me the true meaning of being a friend<br />
Ever someone did you wrong it was forgive and forget<br />
You turned the other cheek when others have shown disrespect<br />
Back then I was hot headed so I tried to attack<br />
You're my brother, my friend<br />
Dog I got ya back<br />
You told me that's karma's job just chill and relax<br />
We smoked a number, drank boose, and had laughs<br />
Watched the bullshit blow over and pretty soon it had passed<br />
Graduated high school now life's moving fast<br />
My dumbass went and got married right off the bat<br />
It was then I realized our friendship was true<br />
Cause all the other homies hated my chick and they flew the coup<br />
A year down the road the only friend I had was you<br />
You never judged my decision<br />
Just let me keep livin<br />
All the while grinnin<br />
cause deep down you knew<br />
That even though I was in love<br />
it wasn't love that was true<br />
Then she and I broke up<br />
I fell to pieces, you scooped<br />
all that was left back together<br />
pat my back, said it's cool, I always knew that wasn't the right girl for you<br />
I said why didn't you stop me<br />
You said that's not what bros do<br />
You respect me for me so i'ma let you do you<br />
<br />
The greatest person that i've ever met<br />
we have our differences but they are never a threat<br />
Cause our bond is thicker than blood<br />
Brother, for you, all I have is respect and love.<br />
I just wanted to thank you for being you<br />
Please don't stop<br />
Whatever you do.Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-32667689304772128182012-09-29T03:20:00.000-07:002013-12-24T02:40:28.673-08:00Be Here Nowwhat's life and what is death?
surely more than just concepts to ponder while i'm lying awake in bed
seems most of our path on this rock is dimly lit
they say you'll see the light when you have your last breath
I guess if life is the present then death is the gift
the moment you accept everything as it is
as you play back the tapes of everyday that you lived
the times you couldn't make it
though you gave it your best
or when you faced your demons as if they didnt exist
the highs, the lows, even the mids
your last goodbye, your very first kiss
all the road rash and bruises
art and music
the way grandma always made you your favorite food dish
you see
life is a game and death is just an illusion
but the day to day grind causes all kinds of confusion, for now we have our fears, or as I like to call em delusions,
but one day we'll sit back and laugh realizing life was made for our amusement.Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-90451478915460265872012-09-26T16:19:00.001-07:002013-01-09T02:57:49.699-08:00Note To Selfevery day is a challenge<br />
in this life i lead it's hard to achieve balance<br />
from what i've seen winning isn't about talent<br />
ambition or valor<br />
when good guys finish last<br />
with a head full of questions left unanswered<br />
was it worth it taking a chance<br />
when in the end you feel so worthless<br />
you say you tried your best<br />
but homie can you be certain<br />
that on your path<br />
there isn't a wake of those who love you<br />
you left hurtin<br />
when your maker closes the curtains<br />
will your spirit rise and flourish<br />
or will you be consumed by the flames<br />
of all your fears and burdens<br />
<br />
cause<br />
life is a mystery<br />
gotta piece the puzzle together<br />
and find the missing link<br />
shatter the pattern of history<br />
only then will i fulfill my destiny<br />
<br />
said<br />
life is a symphony<br />
gotta play from the heart<br />
to find the right key<br />
scatter the notes how they're meant to read<br />
only then will i rest in peaceKamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-82377989259545911942012-09-26T14:10:00.003-07:002014-03-10T00:59:48.719-07:00The Veil of Illusiontell me<br />
why are there pyramids on a dollar bill<br />
ancient evil concealed behind the masonic seal<br />
at the top of thirteen steps behold the light that shines<br />
trying to trick your mind imitating that which is divine<br />
lucifer disguised as the all seeing eye<br />
practicing idolatry and force feeding you lies<br />
whats worse is that his roots are buried deeply inside<br />
of every single institution you've ever believed to be right<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>it's a hard pill to swallow but don't wallow in sorrow</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>it's all an illusion you must escape the delusion if you want to survive</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>you must imagine yourself with no limits and undefined</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>you were created in god's image so you're one of a kind</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>overstand that and you'll be simply sublime</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>an infinite prime</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>a perfect fusion of truth</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>an omnipotent union that you cannot divide</b></span><br />
<br />
we're coming to the end of an age the end of the times<br />
but please don't believe the first savior in sight<br />
another wolf in sheep's clothing through the dark of the night<br />
tricking you slowly just like they do all the time<br />
history repeats itself so why aren't we seeing the signs<br />
we're headed towards world war three and the fourth reich<br />
how could they just let the nazi party slip through the lines<br />
it's cause the illuminati is wicked and was funding both sides<br />
<br />
that's why <br />
they've turned civilians to soldiers and ruined their lives<br />
they poison our food and they're bleeding us dry<br />
then they pump you full of prozac so you can't even cry<br />
but they have the nerve to call marijuana a crime<br />
please<br />
these overzealous fascists are the reason why<br />
most of the people who hear these words will believe they're a lie<br />
so if you're pissed then throw a fist up and raise it high<br />
while you're at it grab your black flags and we'll hang em to fly<br />
but violence isn't the answer we gotta fight with our minds<br />
with the power of truth now tell me who's on my side <br />
cause all i see is political violence<br />
governments trying to<br />
silence our voices<br />
limit our choices<br />
flying planes into buildings <br />
killing civilians<br />
instilling fear in our children<br />
waging war against so called villains <br />
wasting trillions<br />
what the deal is?<br />
don't listen to the t.v. it will deceive thee<br />
designed to blindfold your eyes and feed you lies<br />
it's the chains that keep you tied down<br />
modern day slavery in the mainstream<br />
media steadily feeding ya <br />
pop culture mind torture<br />
meant to distract and keep our minds off track<br />
this shit is whack <br />
we need to take our existence backKamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-83812939495603684092012-09-26T13:58:00.003-07:002014-03-10T01:30:33.463-07:00Transcendencemysterious catacombs<br />
hidden worlds beyond the pupil<br />
delirious sick circle<br />
revolving doors trappin you within<br />
ladies and gentlemen lets begin...<br />
<br />
evolving intricate patterns spin<br />
when i'm switchin dimensions<br />
sittin with distorted perception of Escher position<br />
ascension through planes of existence by way of astral projection<br />
dark thoughts phantom nous<br />
introspection divine<br />
my mind finds truth in reflection<br />
manifestations of salvation observed in constellations<br />
contemplating information that makes us<br />
larger than life<br />
ramifications of indulging temptations<br />
sensations of being cut down to size<br />
finally i've received answers to questions which i had once pondered why<br />
scaling the rugged edge of sanity with peace of mind<br />
letting go of misconceptions which were once contrived<br />
stepping through the shadow finding divinity on the other side<br />
still ego continues battling<br />
but in time it too... must.. die.Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-86626175453086395922012-09-26T13:54:00.001-07:002012-09-26T13:54:40.875-07:00Our Divine Naturei was,<br />born screaming, red in the face<br />lend me your lobes and i'll give you a taste<br />get out of my way if you ain't here to listen<br />twenty three years ago i was sent here on a mission<br />to teach people the key to heaven lies within them<br />we just need to focus and be attentive<br />lets get cohesive and make a plan that sticks<br />shining like diamonds with each puff of cannabis<br />tomorrows anew but nothings greater than the present<br />the time is NOW so we should never neglect it<br />introspection has got me thinkin that life is only what you make it<br />so i'm takin my doubts and breakin em down to basics<br />rearrange em, mold em, shape em<br />turn the tables and change my thinking<br />open my minds eye to illuminate the oasis <br />that sits adjacent to vacant waste pits<br />in the recesses of self<br />step through the shadow and realize <br />depression is a tool to your health<br />a treasure found covered in dust on a shelf<br />blow off the cobwebs and discover spiritual wealth<br /><br />hard to imagine till it happens to you<br />it takes a lot of shit to get a garden to bloom<br />but like a lotus flower or the ugliest duck<br />the most beautiful creations tend to rise out of the muck<br />like the odd horse out with a jockey that never gives up<br />winning feels better when you've been down on your luck<br />cause once you hit the bottom shit can only look up<br />no need to sit in sorrow just grab the next rung<br />it might be dark for the moment but tomorrow we'll be seein the sun<br />the key to success is believing in love<br />we're in this together through the best and the worst weather<br />just have a little faith and a whole lot of trust<br />that your needs will be met<br />there's no need for regrets if you keep this in mind <br />please believe me because<br />i've been down in the trenches warmed many benches<br />and been the victim of some vicious shit<br />but no matter what i'm never givin in<br />cause life is splendid when you keep pushing on<br />take a punch turn your cheek and feel the strength that erupts<br /><br />no need for retaliation when you've developed understanding and patience<br />life is amazing so what are you waiting for <br />take the plunge<br />dive deep in the rivers of bliss and swim in everlasting greatness<br />peace is attained when you stop holding on to hatred <br />calm your thinking and give thanks that you even have air in your lungs<br /><br />we've got power beyond our wildest dreams, but for some reason can't conceive <br />the reality of our divine nature<br />there's nothing to fear because we are eternal beings <br />fate didn't leave you stranded in this land of lost souls<br />we put ourselves here as a game to watch our powers unfold<br />so sit back and enjoy the ride you'll be surprised<br />once you let go you gain more control.Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-6374528829323515532012-09-26T13:51:00.000-07:002012-09-26T13:51:10.150-07:00Untitled #2sometimes<br />
its hard to stay in check<br />and not live my life in regret<br />when theres no change in my pocket <br />and im up to my neck in debt<br />i get to trippin and i dont mean no disrespect <br />but i start slippin back to old tendencies<br />bad habits of self neglect<br />at times its hard not to fret<br />when the life you been livins a wreck<br />you got too many buttons to press <br />and even though you try your best <br />to disconnect the wires that signal your stress<br />in the end it seems a hopeless dream<br />cause even marvelous attempts keep bringing dismal effects<br />thats why i need to focus <br />pause for a moment and take a breath<br />blaze a sack of potent ass doja and just relax<br />learn to count my blessings instead of my chips<br />and earn a new perspective<br />an appreciation of the things i do have<br />sit back and smile cause i really dont got it that bad<br />i love life and everything that comes with it<br />take my ups with my downs its all stupendous<br />remain conscious and ill never stay suspended<br />in the same stagnant waters in which ive been swimmin<br />begin to build bridges<br />instead of burnin em down<br />start wearin a smile instead of a frown<br />happiness abound<br />behold the light<br />a new king is crowned<br />i got the recipe to keep livin life in ecstasy<br />cant let doubt get the best of me<br />nor stress when im tested now<br />pleased with the fact that <br />regardless of the hardships endured on our path<br />the world always keeps turnin around <br />dont be nervous wanna learn ask how<br />i know it sounds absurd just observe the sound<br />you still got fears watch me burn em down<br />we're gettin closer better merge the next turn is town<br />we gotta get out and spread the word through the crowd<br />share what we've learned so we can be certain we've found<br />the path to righteousness with the sense of a hound<br />no more head in the clouds when your sniffin the ground<br />once you're on the right track its okay to be proud<br />with faith and intuition sharp as a scepter<br />we can sever the chains in which our burdens are bound<br />no more misconceptions nor discontent <br />troubled waters in which <br />with out direction <br />we were once destined to drownKamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-59649831654892630912012-09-26T13:39:00.001-07:002014-03-10T02:22:06.951-07:00Ethereal.Love.Crafttwist the herb <br />
listen<br />
observe<br />
what lies beneath the eyelid<br />
words do no justice to the truth<br />
but still i try my hand at rhymin<br />
just a dude upon this chunk of rock<br />
a vagabond wearin holes in my socks<br />
travelin on to the next spot that i can kick shit off<br />
i need to focus to keep the prize in sight<br />
if my plans remain potent i'll grasp the apple of my eye<br />
i got faith so my hopes never became hopeless<br />
don't give a fuck of your doubts i'll smoke em like dope <br />
quick to roach spliffs<br />
approach this mic like i molded these words with devotion<br />
cause thats exactly what was done<br />
inspiration has lit my path with the wrath of a thousand suns<br />
and i will never turn back to the darkness that was once<br />
attached to my heart stealing every ounce of my love<br />
a titans fist squeezing the last breath from my lungs<br />
at times it seems life is a ladder without any rungs<br />
thats why we gotta collect the tools we need to build ourselves up<br />
then we will rise at once far past the flight path of doves<br />
traveling onward through this sphere of atoms that seems so fucked<br />
sail past the shining stars above in a makeshift craft that we call love<br />
live in infinite bliss and erupt in jubilation<br />
no more trials or tribulations<br />
demise nor devastation<br />
cause theres no time for violence or hatred <br />
once the fact is grasped that<br />
all is ONE.Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-22979645832035976702012-09-26T13:32:00.000-07:002012-09-26T16:58:02.650-07:00Can't Stop. Won't Stop.im standing here in the shadow of city lights<br />
thoughts hanging like corpses from gallows <br />
and im wonderin why<br />
why im standin here<br />
why theres holes in the atmosphere<br />
why cops run this town and nothing <br />
significant ever happens here<br />
unless we make it happen<br />
please peep what im tryin to speak<br />
because we're here to verb<br />
actions speak louder than words<br />
still im rhymin in verse<br />
kickin out the jams like MC5<br />
till the vinyl bursts<br />
my mind is parched <br />
i'll never stop my quest<br />
until i quench my thirst<br />
i'll run through the gauntlet<br />
when it's my turn<br />
duck all the punches <br />
and bend through the curves<br />
i gotta stick with it<br />
i cant submit when it hurts<br />
even when the solid grip of life<br />
keeps twisting my nerves<br />
i know if i persevere<br />
i'll see the tables reversed<br />
once this fable is over<br />
i'll learn my lesson for sure<br />
and i'll never perish for my spirit's preserved<br />
in the lighthearted bliss of overstanding<br />
the hardships that i've endured.Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-38203806417589422272012-09-26T00:22:00.004-07:002012-09-26T17:05:56.705-07:00ImagineImagine your self living outside of the box<br />
no white picket fence<br />
no doors<br />
no locks<br />
you can go outside but there's no sides to walk<br />
no nosy neighbors with those snide remarks<br />
that you can see in their eyes though they never talk.<br />
<br />
Imagine.<br />
Imagine yourself in a timeless spell<br />
bliss intrinsic<br />
suspended in an infinite realm<br />
no worries<br />
no fears<br />
delusions<br />
quarrels<br />
nor tears<br />
enriched with new sense from this plane of existance<br />
that which remains now<br />
a forever that never ends<br />
your spirit lighter than a slight wind on a feather's tip<br />
infused in an ecstatic trip<br />
like a warm rush from a cool kiss<br />
as lips touch the winter's breeze moves in.<br />
<br />
Imagine. <br />
Imagine the intangible<br />
where all is ONE<br />
everyone's God and God is love<br />
inexplicable abundance of limitless sums<br />
a wealth that is greater than anything you can touch.<br />
<br />
Imagine.
Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-63151753418619551332011-12-25T01:20:00.000-08:002012-09-26T17:10:25.518-07:00Love Life: Live LoveLife is like a movie<br />
but the only button we can press is play<br />
with a never ending plot as far out as the depths of space<br />
some days i want to shout cut<br />
forfeit it all and step away<br />
living in doubt when forced to analyze this mess i've made<br />
sitting in sorrow contemplating things that i'm too stressed to say<br />
i'll go to bed tomorrow, but then awake in yesterday<br />
still tired as hell waiting for the twist of fate<br />
hoping when i get there i won't realize that i've missed the train<br />
it's hard to listen to intuition when it whispers like drips of rain<br />
brain blistering in pain since the day ichose to live this way<br />
but out of darkness comes light and light can be everlasting<br />
like the spark that ignites a flame devastation builds understanding<br />
what doesn't kill you only makes you ponder<br />
it's the hard times in life that make each of us stronger<br />
that little bit of inspiration that keeps you going even longer<br />
better believe me if life was easy it would only be getting harder.Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-62147723880520805432011-12-25T00:48:00.000-08:002012-09-26T13:24:54.941-07:00UntitledIn a multi-spectrum of color<br />
I fade to grey<br />
Too complex for one hue<br />
I assume attributes of each shade<br />
My palette is rich in tones most won't perceive<br />
My heart is a paintbrush<br />
Watch as it steadily bleeds<br />
Color me confused<br />
Staining the canvas in disbelief<br />
Misinterpreting the patterns while I keep repeating history<br />
I've got a waste basket that's full of crumpled leaves<br />
Torn from a notebook worn around the edges just like me<br />
Hold up I'm so shook, but I try my hardest<br />
Regardless of how bad of an artist I might be<br />
I got a pocket full of hope and a head full of dreams<br />
And I know if I keep pushing on<br />
One day they'll be achievedKamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-73784755154131140242011-12-24T18:00:00.000-08:002011-12-24T18:00:31.369-08:00The Upside of Down Imagine you are lost at sea. Your boat has capsized, and you are now floating on a life preserver. After three nauseating days on the cerulean abyss your only desire is land. To your amazement you float upon an enormous island paradise. The island is full of animal life, running water, edible plants, and suitable shelter materials. Being the most remote place in the world it has an abundance of resources that could last a lifetime.<br />
<br /> All is well except for your desire to get off the island and back home. A month has gone by, and you are really getting tired of being stuck on this island, so, bored to near death you decide to explore. Along your journey you stumble upon a large cave opening. You fashion yourself a torch and proceed inside. The cave goes very deep with many different passages, and soon you find yourself just as lost, hungry, and vulnerable as you were on the open water. Nothing at this point sounds better than being back at your camp.<br /> <br /> Why is it that as human beings we rarely appreciate what we have until it is gone? We experience many emotional highs, but these quickly fade as our desire, ever striving, craves for more stimulation.<br /><br /> Many people live their life in such a manner that, if it were a movie, they would constantly be pressing fast forward. Often we look towards tomorrow for satisfaction and oversee the treasure today offers. Alternatively, some are too busy living in the past to see what lies in their path. These are the roadblocks keeping us from realizing the amazing gift we have been given: The present. It can be difficult to understand how negative experiences can have positive effects in our lives, but no matter what undesirable situations we may encounter we should always be thankful for the present moment. <br /> <br /> Lets go back to the ocean, before your boat had capsized. What was the reason you decided to gallivant across sea? Maybe you were frustrated with work, school, or home and decided to take off and clear your head. What do you think the positive outcome of your boat sinking and becoming lost at sea might be? Could it be that you now want nothing more than to be home? The place that, until recently, you wanted nothing to do with. It is in times of hardship that we begin appreciating what is normally taken for granted. What better way to discover what we want than learning what we don’t want?<br /><br /> Anything worth having is worth toiling over, and it is the times when we are put to the test that we realize exactly what it is we are fighting for. <br /><br /> Many people have a hard time overcoming adverse situations and feel hurt or angry as a result. Too often we fall prey to our own insecurities and feel as if we are at a disadvantage, yet we fail to realize that we’ve already endured what ever horrible problems we feel squandered by. We should look at bad experiences as obstacles we have overcome and allow them to uplift us instead of drag us down.<br /> <br /> The great Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu wrote: “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” This quote is a testament to the fact that we should not dwell on negative experiences. If you are content with what you have then you will not suffer the pain of loss. How can you be a victim if nothing is lacking?<br /><br /> We will all face obstacles which are extremely difficult, but the key is to accept that these are aspects of life that cannot be changed. Suffering happens, and to oppose it is to suffer exponentially. We must stay vigilant to ensure we always remain conscious of our thoughts, words, and actions; to always remember where we came from and what we have achieved. <br />
<br /> In the words of Gautama Buddha, “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world.”<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forgive. Never forget.</div>
<br />Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-26640859227241051782011-12-24T17:57:00.001-08:002011-12-24T17:57:11.763-08:00Freedom Isn't Free Trade<br />
<br />
Nothing in the universe is more magnificent and awe inspiring than
Earth. Over seventeen billion miles of space have been explored, yet
Earth is vastly unique compared the rest of our solar system. This is
because Earth has the perfect balance of conditions to make sustaining
life possible. Upon this large chunk of space rock exists a vast
ecosystem of fauna, flora, and other natural resources. Since our
genesis humans beings have been discovering new ways of improving our
livelihood which include the construction of tools, improved farming
methods, and innovative utilities. Since the industrial revolution
started in the mid 1700’s Earth has seen a giant rise in production, and
with this came the rise of trade. Free trade is the process in which
global markets are integrated so that all countries may trade openly; a
process which I believe could be a vital part of our survival if enacted
properly. However, free trade typically benefits wealthy businessmen
and shoves the producer on the back burner. What we need is a system of
fair trade where the producer is not only being compensated fairly but
also has basic safety standards and quality of life. <br />
<br />
Whether you are aware or not, every aspect of our lives can be
linked to globalization. A majority of goods in America are produced
elsewhere and imported into this country. Many of the delicious produce
items that we consume regularly are grown outside of the US. The ability
for people to trade their goods globally is wonderful, and there are
many reasons why we should pursue globalization, but without the proper
checks and balances it is a recipe for disaster. One thing that it seems
people forget to realize is that Globalization is not a new concept.
There have been international trade routes in existence for thousands of
years, yet within the last century legislation has been passed that
changes the way we do business. <br />
<br />
The North American Free Trade Agreement, drafted in 1992 during
George H.W. Bush’s administration, but finalized and signed into effect
during president Clinton’s first term, is a treaty intended to dissolve
trade barriers between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Proponents of the negotiation claim that it improves overall gross
domestic product for all three nations, creates more job availability,
increased exports, and increased transparency through nations. On the
other side of the fence are those who oppose the legislation claiming
that it supports corporate expansion, limits environmental regulations,
and promotes outsourcing which in turn diminishes employment rates.
Since the signing of this bill Americans have seen a rampant loss of
employment due to the level of industrial jobs shipped to Mexico which
in turn has played a role in the foreclosure crisis.<br />
<br />
The modern rules that delegate how trading occurs in the global
market are overseen by the World Trade Organization. The WTO is an
international organization whose aim is to supervise and liberalize
trade on a global level. Their goal is to “help producers of goods and
services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.” Their
mission statement sounds like a great way to make some positive change
in the world, but like the old adage goes you can’t judge a book by its
cover. There is a dire need for all of the outcomes that the WTO aspires
towards, but these goals are not being accomplished. Yes, import/export
sales numbers are at an all time high with many countries in the tens
of trillions in sales, but there still exists an obscene balance of
power that prolongs global injustices such as poverty, illness, and
starvation. They expand and conquer under the guise of humanitarian
efforts all the while hundreds of thousands of mothers watch their
children starve to death everyday. With such high profit margins you
would think it would be quite simple to help impoverished nations, but
there is a grotesque abuse of power going on by the corporate elite.<br />
<br />
In dissolving trade barriers between nations it allows for jobs to
be outsourced to low income countries who will do the work for a small
fraction of the original cost. This has had some very undesirable
outcomes, not only at home, but specifically to the citizens of these
poor nations. Many of these countries have no existing labor
regulations, so working conditions can be very unsafe, workers are not
compensated fairly, and environmental standards are not being upheld. <br />
<br />
To get a better understanding of the inequalities of free trade we
will take a look at the coffee industry. Seventy five percent of coffee
in the world market is produced by small scale farms. The average coffee
farmer earns fifty cents per pound for their goods. These farmers don’t
have efficient machinery to harvest their crops; they bend over and
pick them by hand. They do not have vehicles to drive around fifty pound
bags of coffee, but a lucky few do own an emaciated burro. These people
are being paid pennies for goods that sell in the US upwards of nine
dollars per pound.<br />
<br />
Many Americans complain of the rampant increase in illegal aliens,
but they fail to see the fact that hundreds of thousands of workers are
displaced every year, and they flee to America in hopes of finding a
prosperous way of life. It wasn’t but a few hundred years ago that
Europeans started swarming to America in hopes to escape their rich
oppressors. It took a revolution, but they stood up for their rights and
won. It is time for the citizens of this world to take the power back
from those who place themselves in high accord. We need to establish a
system of fair trade wherein people will be fairly compensated for their
efforts, basic safety needs will be upheld, and workers will have
unalienable rights. The current system we have only furthers our global
crisis and it needs to be reformed before we all lose our livelihoods. <br />
<br />
“What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?”<br />
-Yeshua Ben Yosef<br />Kamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584261863046024058.post-87182038907821140282011-12-22T23:50:00.000-08:002011-12-22T23:50:13.524-08:00AlphaZeta PoetaAspiring to<br />Be a better version of me<br />Confused at the way things never are what they appear to be<br />Dismal<br />Enigma<br />Forgetfully thinking nothingness abundantly<br />Grams of weed the only thing that sets me free<br />Hope floats but here I sink, lost at sea<br />I am<br />Juxtaposed between hellish fiends and divinity<br />Knowing that I know not<br />Limits are like skateboards, I push them with ease<br />Morbid thoughts the consequence of<br />Numbing yourself with substances<br />Once the fun begins you'd rather die than ever quit<br />Persistence the only ally in a world of enemies<br />Quiet contemplation has got me thinkin that<br />Reality is just a messed up dream<br />Something's got to give before I<br />Tear at the seams, overwhelmed by the<br />Ubiquitous impostors posing as kings<br />Vainglorious bastards<br />Whimsically tugging
emotional strings<br />Xenophobic tendencies start to invade<br />Yesterday's gone, but one thing will remain<br />Zetetic meKamryn David Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09508960417368555914noreply@blogger.com2