Chasing the Rising Sun

Whispers from inside… What do they mean? The significance locked in the attic of the mind; an intimate spirit sealed away under life’s inhibitions. Torn pages of an unfinished story. Temporarily lost in a web of ignorance.

Chasing a sunrise….

Knowing is believing… Believing with your own eyes is faith. Pure unadulterated energy: Flowing freely. Based on truth and personal experience; hard work and perseverance.

A key to enlightenment sits in your hands. Turn the handle to unlock the door; the door of understanding. An entry that opens to more: More happiness; more knowledge; more whispers that translate the truth – your inner voice of wisdom…

Chasing a rising sun…

A truth that dictates you; your deepest desires. A means to happiness; on the side of a windy road of existence. Its path leads us past childhood; adolescent and adulthood. Our shadow of abnegation follows close behind; perseverance and determination, energy and non-duality…

…Finally catching the rising sun


John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Creed - A poem

One night’s perspective teaches the soul creativity. My perceptions stir; in a revolving door— My thoughts are its vehicle, traversing through body and air, bringing positive energy ever so near….

Faith in energy breeds patience and love. A universe that defines light and bends time. It builds a stairway to knowledge and foresight, its starlight pulsing, reflecting the night sky above.

Daytime brings understanding, mountains apart, the cloudless sky above, the ocean’s air exhales a salty breath. My worries fly away on the wings of the day, intertwining my thoughts together for my mind to pray.

Positive manifestations, enriching light; defines who I am. It breeds relaxation, mental agility, and soaring flight.

To know is to love, to love is to be, to be is the basis that your fingers reach. An open mind earns a healthy soul, the building blocks to happiness; the key to being whole….

Day and night merge into one, on an enlightened adventure to becoming one. To being one— One with pain and the understanding of sorrow, one with triumph and happiness under the sun. A middle ground of compromise that sees the evening shades of dusk – Not as the end of day, but as the beginning of another chapter …

Casting a golden shadow over all that is known; and all that is to be discovered. An enriching path to enlightenment, searching out the keys to life— Happiness and appreciation, the keys to Self-Actualization.

Thus, the door to a Responsive Universe……..

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Do you believe in Karma?

Much of what I discovered in regard to Karma transcends my knowledge after an “awakening” I experienced several years ago. I have always understood what Karma meant by definition, but it was not until I realized I was living blindly through ego and false perceptions that a new understanding took shape. Having now connected to the boundless vision that is my unfettered heart and mind, married as one; I see life as a learning experience where the common denominator is positive energy and love. Karma is that catalyst that connects actions and thoughts with the quantum ripples of energy that in essence creates this dynamism in life here and hereafter. Knowing this, I carefully execute every action in life knowing how it can affect me and those that surround me – always cognitive of love and its healing attributes. There is now a fundamental sense of what is right, wrong and what the meaning of life is, sans of religious dogma and cultural trappings.

In Buddhist and Hindu teachings, the law of karma, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, states that for every event that occurs, another event will follow. This second event is the direct result of the first event and will be pleasant or unpleasant depending on its cause. In earlier blogs we already discussed the metaphor of tossing a stone into a calm pond. Our actions whether good or bad are like that stone cast into the tranquil waters of life. The ripples of water are the energy force reverberating outward in every direction. What happens when the ripples reach the edge of the pond? Do they die out? Quite the opposite, they bounce from the edge of the shore and reverberate back to the source. Similarly, karma is an action that brings inevitable results. Much in life is relative and in regard to karma, every action will create an opposite reaction. Its root lies in the universal concept of cause and effect and the principle of rewards based on one’s deeds. Religious quandaries aside, karma can be used as a tool of ethics for any race or creed. If anything, karma reveals a constant pattern of behavior governed by rules of conduct that emphasize right and wrong as well as responsibility for one’s actions. Even as children, we understand the difference between good and bad. Without even involving religion, we can relate to the presence of good and evil in our lives with relation to individual and societal platforms of actions. Unlike other faiths where sins or wrongdoing can be forgiven or admonished, karma is true justice and those that do wrong will be punished. There is no recourse with karmic energy – once an action or ripple of energy is created, there is nothing that can stop the next sequence of events: hence the equal reaction.

The boundaries of religion and blind faith do tend to blur into the concept of karma. Is karma something of fables or ancient parables? Does it require blind faith or can it be proven as a law of nature? There are many differing viewpoints to this principle. One such principle is the theory of brain chemistry and how it relates to emotions. The human body is considered to be a highly organized population of approximately 50 trillion cells. There is scientific evidence which alludes to actual human emotions like anger and love creating various but independent chemicals reactions within the brain. Imagine the chemicals of our emotions relating to metaphorical weather patterns, which affect our population of cells: Enlightenment and bliss being the most perfect climate for life; with anger and fear being the perfect storm for negativity. The wellnesses of one’s cells are dependent on the climate as dictated by ones actions. Thus more positive actions in life create more conducive brain chemicals geared to pleasure and not pain – a process which can be described as brain chemical karma. So, in essence, our actions in life and the end reaction can register within our brain activating various brain chemical reactions that can illicit moods whether positive or negative. So, in theory, negative actions can create internal suffering and positive actions can create internal feelings of wellbeing and happiness.

There may be peripheral chemical reactions contributing to the science of karma as well. Decades ago, Boris Iskakov a Russian engineer and scientist, suggested that the “Equation of Karma” lies in an invisible “Global Lepton Gas”, consisting of extremely light particles called microleptons. He describes microleptons as much lighter than electrons and capable of freely penetrating anybody and anything in the Universe. The idea of a microlepton gas appears to echo the 19th-century notion of the Universal Ether. Ether or Aether, was the term used to describe a medium for the propagation of light and energy. The concept of Ether has mythological origins and even the ancient philosophers Plato & Aristotle wrote of Ether as a Fifth Element. There are many theories abound in regard to this “luminiferous” energy. Scientists like Hendrik Lorentz have studied this theory and modern physicists have even weighed in on such musings acknowledging that though unproven, current theories of relativity do not fully dismiss the premise. According to Iskakov, such an approach enables scientists to use the mathematical apparatus of Quantum mechanics to describe an information-energy field of interconnections, signals, events, and processes. These actions in life can be carried across paths of light and energy and thus return to the source as karma.

Another concept supporting karma is Newton’s third law of motion which states that for every action, there is an equal opposite reaction. Within an action is energy, always changing form. A human action creates an invisible Quantum motion of force at the subatomic level. These positive and negative actions and reactions flow through our conscious and subconscious world. Thoughts and feelings are material forces carried by super weak pulses of electromagnetic energy. Visual, audible, and other images exist in the form of clusters of superlight elementary particles. Thus positive and negative actions can be equated with energy which is always in motion. Living elements take in this energy, and our own minds can manufacture it and diffuse it into our surroundings. Einstein described the world as a place of matter and form dictated by a Quantum field of energy that comprises everything. Other notable scientists and psychologists including Dossey, Byrd, Bohr, and Heisenberg, however, have proven that we no longer live in a Newtonian or mechanical Universe. Instead, matter as enormous as a Red Giant Star or as minute as an atom have an invisible energy pulsing through them. Quantum physics shows that startling results are found when we study patterns of energy on smaller levels. Experiments reveal that when elementary particles are broken apart and observed, the act of observation itself alters the results. It is as if the elementary particles are influenced by the positive expectations of the observer. In a mechanical Universe, this theory would not be possible. Such theories within the world of Quantum physics do help support the idea of karma from a scientific view – though there is still much to prove from an analytical and scientific basis.

There are some promising theories that are still evolving to help shape karmic science. Still, karma can exist and be explained from a more humanist or philosophical view point. Yet, there appears to be some misunderstanding in regard to an action and the subsequent suffering or rewards that follow. As an example, if a person creates harm by physically hurting someone, they will not be greeted immediately with an equal karmic reaction – like accidently breaking their own arm. Much like the proverbial stone cast into a calm pond, there is not just one ripple reverberating outward but many ripples. Thus we cannot pinpoint the exact time or actual event in regard to a karmic reaction. Karma can be received in many forms. These could include suffering from the guilt or depression of a specific negative action or reaction to enduring bad luck in an unrelated area years later. There is really no consistent pattern related to karma and how it rewards and punishes actions. Many variables can be associated with a positive or negative karmic reactions:

1. How will a specific act of karma affect other peoples psyche later?
2. How will a person’s own psyche affect his/hers own future actions or feelings?
3. What actions will the victim or recipient take against you?
4. Will observers react to a specific karmic action or reaction.
5. How will your credibility be affected by positive and negative actions
6. How will this action make one respond to future control patterns and ego?
7. Will a specific action create personal sorrow or remorse?
8. Will a specific action help instill a higher level of awareness or responsiveness?
9. Will a specific action fuel further greed and manipulation?

The point is, we really do not know specifically what type of karma will affect us or others as the variables are many. The value of this message is that whether or not karma is born from an energy life force, chemical emotions within the brain or Newtonian laws of nature, it is prudent to be aware of one’s actions because they will affect others and the action itself can and will affect you. Karma has relatively the same meaning as the “Golden Rule”: “Do unto others as they would do to you”. Examples of statements that mirror the Golden Rule appear in Ancient Egypt, for example in the story of The Eloquent Peasant which is dated to the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (c. 2040–1650 BC). Clearly this is not a new concept. Because we live in a revolving Universe of matter and energy, where something begins in the world, will eventually be the place where it also ends. This concept supports the mechanics of karma in regard to energy. According to Einstein’s theory of a Quantum Universe, we do not live in a world that expands to infinity. Imagine for a moment it was possible to draw a straight line across the Cosmos, in theory it would end exactly where it began. Stretching this theory further, our actions come back to us as reactions. The law of karma explains just this: Causing positive actions in life will create positive reactions that foster a better state of well-being. What we create will eventually return to us as an equal reaction: Hopefully a positive reaction. Theories in Quantum physics help support this. This theory also supports the realm of the afterlife. As stated before, when we create positive actions such as good karma, this energy that we create is based on existing energy and cannot be destroyed (it can only change form), proving that at some level we are enduring; that immortality is linked to our True Nature which feed on positive karma.

There is some debate as to how negative karma is caused. I believe that negativity is a human invention and does not exist in the Universe beyond our planet. Negative energy is unique to creatures with cognitive powers and rationality. The Universe is based on Quantum energy and gravitational reactions that cause life and death through a sequence of events. Death itself is not negative; it is a natural part of life. Yet, negative energy does exist here on Earth. It is an energy created only by humans and wielded by humans. We wield the power of God and our actions are more powerful than we know. As stated humans can create a living hell on Earth; just watch the evening news at night and get a taste for yourself. I love CNN but even I need to take a break from the chaos of the world; watching the nightly news can literally be overwhelming and downright depressing at times. You may ask: If Humans are derived from the Universe and its energy, then negativity must be a facet of the Universe? A facet? Maybe… But negative energy has no purpose within the Absolute Universe. Negative energy can only thrive on Earth. Positive energy is a life source and can thrive anywhere imaginable – Here on Earth, the Cosmos and yes the afterlife.

There are several theories that help explain how a “Karmic Universe” could exist; brain chemicals governing our emotions through actions is one example of internal suffering and wellness. Exterior energies that operate at the Quantum sub atomic level also could carry our actions full circle. There are also a myriad of social responses and reactions that can be products of our actions and thus cause karma. Much like faith, there is a jump across the canyon of what can be proved and what merely speculation is. Still, there seems to be enough evidence of a force that governs moral edicts making that jump in blind faith more of a small step forward instead. Lets face it, we all live in a Responsive Universe…

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

The Responsive Universe

Almost a decade ago, I wrote a self-published work which I affectionately called The Sixth Tier, A Handbook to Enlightenment. It was comprised of six chapters which focused on various ways to search and find Self-Actualization in a world of indifference. I did get an offer from a small independent publisher but decided to have it self-published instead. I was hesitant to accept the publishing offer for several reasons. First, I was going to have to sign away the rights of a book that I put my heart and soul in. Secondly, I was not finished with the whole body of work – I knew deep down this was not my best foot forward; there was room for improvement. Due to the pressures of ego and other false perceptions, I rushed the entire writing process. There are many good elements to The Sixth Tier, but it was not a completion of the process – it did not reflect my life’s work. Thus, at the end of The Sixth Tier I wrote, “To be continued”.

Since 2002, I have studied Buddhism extensively and I have continued to put to work the many ideas and concepts found in my first published effort. Nine years later, I have emerged as a much more complete person. I have challenged my false self and settled into a new-found notion of True Nature – an unwavering energy found within that is driven by a Quantum Universe. Over the years I have toyed with new ideas and wrestled with old philosophical quandaries. About four months ago a new-found inspiration encircled me. I began to rewrite The Sixth Tier as it should have been written nine years ago. I am proud to introduce my latest endeavor: The Responsive Universe – Meditations and Daily Life Practice.

We have always lived in a Responsive Universe; one that defines our connection with humanity and the Cosmos: From which all energy and forms arise. Within these new pages are powerful words, meditative techniques and daily life practices that will help the reader find happiness in a world of mediocrity. We all have within our grasp the ability to wield the power of God as it relates to the Universe. Coupled with Buddhist ideals and new world philosophy, The Responsive Universe will lead the reader into the world of self-discovery focusing on issues of ego, karma and a complete deconstruction of organized religion. By following the creative and insightful daily life practices, you will learn to be free from fear and ego with a spacious new vision of your true self: A new vision bathed under the liberating light of Self-Actualization and Enlightenment.

Earlier this month I dotted the last period on the last sentence of the last paragraph. I am now actively pursuing an independent firm to professionally edit and publish The Responsive Universe. I hope to have good news in the coming months.

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Sometimes it is all about perspective…

The concept of “perspective” is an important facet in each of our lives. It is easy to take such a simple notion for granted. What people may not realize is that every action and reaction in life is filtered through your personal perspective at a given point. Your point of view or how you process information is significant in how moods and emotions play out in life. When you are in a good mood, then your perspective may be positive even when unforeseen challenges arise.

Here is a quick observation that I made this morning. Look at the first picture below: Just another pretty flower in bloom this fall season; delicate, purple and worth appreciating if only for a moment, right?

Then I stepped back and took in my entire surroundings: In the distance, an asphalt plant and directly behind the flower, a polluted retention pond full of trash and other debris. Even the flower that caught my eye turns out to be the product of a weed.

Still, based on my perspective, beauty can be found in the most unassuming places. Whether it be an element of nature or even another person. When we are mindful of our surroundings and even our thoughts, things will present themselves in inspiring ways – especially if your perspective is a positive one. Enjoy your day!

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Suicide bombers suck!

I read in the newspaper the other day that 31 people (mostly friends and family) died at a funeral service at the hands of a suicide bomber in Pakistan. These innocent people were paying their final respects for a tribesman who publically opposed the Taliban. Some misguided religious zealot crept into a peaceful funeral service with explosives strapped to his body, detonating a powerful explosion – the result, 31 people dead. What a tragedy!

We hear of this all the time: Attacks on weddings, funerals and other events where people are merely trying to celebrate life when around them there is nothing but fear, hatred and death. Despite our criticisms of America, at least we can live in relative confidence that our family and friends are safe from such atrocities – our children are safe.

Still, there is emotions that sit well below the attachments of family and friends. Whether people agree or not, we are all a part of the big picture – this immense Universe that creates everything – Setting Dogma aside, I do not care what religion or cult you are affiliated with, blowing up innocent people at a funeral has got to be the farthest thing from trying to better yourself and achieve some form of enlightenment or nirvana. From the deepest and most intimate corners of my soul, I feel killing people indiscriminately is an action that takes a person the farthest away from reaching any form of bliss or self-actualization. It shows their own innate fear and lack of love at unimaginable levels. People like this are sick and they are the reason we as a collective humanity cannot reach our evolutionary potential beyond the hate and fear that shrouds our planet. It makes me sick…

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Religion is not rare.... We are!

Within this immense Universe that is everything, rarity is in itself rare. There is so much space, matter and energy present and with a borderless periphery expanding to nothingness, one would think that anything rare is a contradiction. Rarity within the Universe is… well, peculiar. Still, rarity exists in the form of red dwarf stars, black holes and other worlds capable of sustaining life; and even rarer, human consciousness… And what is even more amazing is how human consciousness connects to everything that is… The Universe, the Cosmos: Everything that exists. Talk about being a cog in the gigantic wheel that is everything.

Somehow, someway, everything is connected through energy in wavelike and particle like form – as explained by quantum mechanics. Still, humans are not even close to tapping our potential brain power. Sure, mechanically, we use 100% of our brain. Maximizing usage of the brain is another subject. Clearly, we are just scratching the surface of our evolutionary existence – our spiritual destiny. It appears we might be still hundreds if not thousands of years from understanding the Universe as it truly exists. For example, scientists and physicists are still puzzled as how to write an equation that links our knowledge of fundamental gravity and fundamental particle physics for electromagnetism: The theory of everything!

Do you wonder now why religion exists? It feeds the hungry even if its nourishment is bland and weighted with calories, and for many, that is enough. There is something born from ego that creates this unnerving quality or emotion of fear about the unknown. It is fear of the unknown that fuels religion. Ironically, all of the answers can be found within. If people could just stop for a moment and think inward instead of outward; if for a moment we could all unite based on our commonality and stop fighting over our differences; maybe there would be a shift in perspective. Maybe things would change for the better?

For thousands of years, cultures isolated by geography have looked into the sky for answers. The ancients have turned to the sun for its healing qualities, to water for its salvation and to food and land for nourishment. Sometimes I wonder if it is as simple as that… Everything tangible and within reach could be all we need? Religions tend to create these Gods in the form of superheroes and we can never measure up to the omnipresent benchmark that is laid forth. Our role models are movie and sports celebrities and all this pressure seems to set us up to fail.

Something is not right… Do you like what you see in the world? War, famine and corruption… Why does religion seem to fundamentally fail? It is because people look to others for their faith instead of looking inward. Once one realizes that everything they need spirituality is already inside, gone is the element of fear. Gone is ego and false perceptions of self. All that remains is our true nature which was handed to us at birth. It is society that has molded us to be fear mongers, saddled with ego and this false sense of self-esteem.

The Universe created stars, planets and yes Earth. Through incredibly rare circumstances, humans exist here orbiting this ordinary medium sequence star. What is truly incredible is that we are conscious! This ability to connect to energy and a higher level of spirituality is not born from religion. This gift came from the Universe that created you and me. You and I are a product of the Cosmos, something so immense and grand that even our top scientists in the world can’t solve its mysteries. So, let us revel in the beauty, love and immensity of it all. We do not need to understand everything, only to be confident that we are a part of something so amazing that it transcends religion and even this mortal world we call our home.

Do I believe in God? Absolutely, it just does not mean I have to understand or define it. Once you are one with heart and mind, there is no need to define God. Knowing I am a part of the system that is God, the Universe and everything that exists; it is enough to dissolve fear and work for the common good of humanity.

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Would you call it luck?

Welcome to my 50th blog post here at the Responsive Universe at Blogger.com

An interesting thing happened to me today in London, Canada. I was traveling on business and making a sales call in the downtown area. Typical of populated areas, I had to park several blocks from the actual address. I paralleled parked, doubled checked the locked doors and began the journey on foot to the intended destination. I was about two blocks away when I unconsciously felt for my money clip that always sits snug in my right front pocket. My money clip is my mobile financial lifeline, especially when traveling on business. It holds all my cash, credit cards and identification. Losing it would be a catastrophe.

Well, as luck would have it, it was absent from my right pocket. My heart skipped a beat as I feverishly checked all my other pockets; it was nowhere. My first intuition was that it must be in the car – maybe it fell out of my pocket and slid between the seat and center console? Worse, I dropped it on the sidewalk. This could be bad… I briskly rushed several blocks back to my car. I did not see it anywhere on the sidewalk, but with all the people walking back in forth it would be gone for sure. I reached the car and feverishly opened the passenger door which was facing the sidewalk and began searching the seats and surrounding area; nothing. This is NOT good: I could be stranded in a foreign country with no money or I.D. I walked on the traffic side which was a little unnerving as cars were passing closely by. I opened the driver’s side door as fast moving vehicles blurred by in the corner of my eye. …Nothing!

Then I glanced down on the ground where I originally exited the vehicle. There on the street in a disheveled heap, my money, credit cards and I.D. When it fell, the silver clip must have popped off with the cards and cash jettisoning into a complimentary bonanza on the asphalt. What was astounding is that the wind didn’t even blow the money away! Yep, there it sat, unmolested and all relatively in order. I quickly grabbed the contents and regrouped over on the sidewalk.
What a relief… What luck! I immediately looked up to the sky to thank the dynamism in control of this windfall. My eyes were immediately lured to a large tree shading my car. The sun glistened through its wind rustled leaves. A feeling of warmth and bliss enveloped my body and mind. There was a karmic energy quality present – a gift I suppose. I took a deep breath, exhaled and felt the like the luckiest guy in London.

Huh, and I thought picking the Bears to beat the Falcons this weekend in the office pool was pure luck…

I am grateful, blessed and reverent. Thank you….


John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com

What is a Lightworker?

What is so curious about light?

A simple word…

A simple concept right?

The sun rises each day and brings warmth and illumination to our lives. Yet throughout our mildly chaotic existence we tend to take such an elementary concept for granted. The sun rises and the sun sets – it is something we can depend on but for most of us there is very little thought or contemplation channeled toward such a rudimentary concept.

I am very connected to light – especially pure sunlight unfettered by clouds and shade. There is something powerful and healing that goes beyond just natural Vitamin D production. I feel a quality of spiritual energy associated with sunlight. It soothes, heals and brings clarity and space to my being. There is a connection that seems to sit just below the surface of ordinary. While in Sedona recently, I found that Energy Vortexes like Bell Rock were more intriguing and inspiring when bathed in direct sunlight: Vibrant colors, vivid textures and if you are mindful and rooted in the present, there is almost an energy infused dynamism associated with the quality of the experience. I sense it where ever I roam, even in my back yard.

Think about it, without the sun’s light, we would not exist. Light breeds and sustains life. When you look at the dictionary definition of light you might read this: “Something that makes things visible or affords illumination”. If you dig a little deeper you may read: “Also called luminous energy, radiant energy”. This secondary definition is what really interests me: It is all about
ENERGY.

So, why is this important?

Quantum mechanics is the study of matter and energy, in particular the fact that energy is absorbed and released in minute quantities, and that all matter displays wave-like and particle like properties, especially when viewed at subatomic levels. Quantum mechanics suggests that the behavior of matter and energy is interconnected and that the effect of the observer on the physical system being observed must be considered part of that system. Further, this connection with humans and the Universe explains why Karma and an afterlife are possible. From a scientific standpoint, this energy is dependable and unwavering. Quantum energy can also be defined as a life source that connects to everything that exists in the Universe: From distant stars and galaxies to microscopic atoms within your body. As proven in quantum mechanics, everything has a quality of interconnected energy associated with it. All of this energy is indestructible and energy cannot be destroyed, it just changes form. Light is a form of this energy.

When you are pondering life’s’ whims; especially as it relates to God and the creation of the Universe you can’t deny the concept of light as a source of everything good and positive. The Big Bang which created our Cosmos was a birth of light. Our evolution into a new spiritual consciousness and awareness is bathed under the illumination of Enlightenment. “Lightworkers” or “Lightworking” is any contemplative being committed to the development of inner presence and the elevation of awareness in self. There is this deep urge in all of us to yearn for something beyond our current evolutionary track. There is an awakening reverberating across the globe and we all are a part of this renaissance. We are all lightworkers; it is just that many on this planet are not fulfilling their true destiny. As humans, we use only a fraction of our brains true capacity. There is still so much more to learn and discover. The beautiful thing is, our spiritual and philosophical destinies are tangible – Enlightenment is within our grasp. I truly belief we were born enlightened – free and unfettered. It is social conditioning, ego and false-self that clouds our true nature; our ability to see the light. The illuminated path is not found under the false pretenses of organized religion. Everything related to God and the Universe – everything that is everything is inside us already. We do not need ancient parables or dogma to show us the light. We are a part of something so vast and magnificent that it boggles the imagination. We were born into this life to love and love is the purest form of energy. It is quite okay to not understand or comprehend all that is present. It is enough to know we are a part of the big picture, illuminated by the sweeping hand of energy and light.
So, the next time you step outside and feel the warmth of the sun, stop, ponder and revel in the energy that is present. It truly is a gift.

John C. Bader

responsiveuniverse.com

A simple Pause in the Day....

On the lighter side, I just returned from a great bike ride near my home. Nothing like a little fresh air, sun and exercise to start the weekend. There is a wonderful trail that winds and traverses through several forest peserves near my neighborhood. There are tree tunnels where the light refracts through the leaves, small ponds and peace and quiet to be found around each bend. Above is one of the views I enjoyed: Simple, tranquil and inviting. Such environments seem to spur creativity and inspiration like this short poem I just wrote:

A perfect cloud floating by; its message unclear as it drifts up in the sky. A calm wind contemplates life’s whims. The rustle of wind in the trees – A kaleidoscope of color; then a feeling like no other: A lightness is sensed deep inside, as another summer day travels by.

Be kind, find moderation, compliment a friend or love one and above all enjoy the weekend!

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

The Dirty Three Letter Word - EGO

Sigmund Freud talked about the ego as part of the psyche that consciously governs the Id, a source of instinctual energy. We often become so entrenched and buried in control patterns (hard-wired behaviors and emotions), that we lose control of our egos. As society molds us, for better or worse, two people emerge from one human. Jekyll and Hyde are a famous literary example of this psychological phenomenon. As I have written before (in The Responsive Universe), two forces of empowerment determine our behavior and life paths—one sees reality as a true reality which is tied to our True Nature and the other sees a reality laden with layer upon layer of outside influences, masking and clouding our True Nature. The latter force creates an ego that, if unchecked, fosters negative self-esteem. The ego itself, whether good or bad, thrives on ideals, beliefs and laws that determine a perception of the world and life that is larger than the individual. It becomes the governing force from which we unknowingly base our daily actions.
The ego is born in childhood, and often on the road toward adolescence, it develops bad habits. As a child, the ideals and beliefs that make up that realm beyond us come from others. Nothing is more important than having other peers around who approve of you and what you wear and how you look and speak. We then frame our belief system around this need to be accepted. We carry this pattern with us into adulthood. Have you ever heard the term “keeping up with the Jones’? There is this invisible benchmark that is positioned at unreachable levels. Our role models are celebrities and sports athletes that tend to set the bar so high that as ordinary people, we are set up for failure. Fashion magazines and television programs show us how to look and behave. And, then there is the hypothetical Jones family who lives down the street and the pressure of keeping up with their attractive lifestyle.

How many times have you sat at a stop light and watched the person next to you preen in his or her luxury automobile, basking in the attention you are apparently directing his or her way? What was once a childhood control pattern—being the coolest kid in the eyes of your peers—becomes an unconscious habit later in life. We become ego feeding junkies, so entrenched in what other people see and think, we lose sight of the true being that exists stifled under these false layers of confidence. The ego becomes a runaway train that can only be stopped when you start thinking for yourself and redefine that realm beyond you that determines your self-esteem and subsequent actions. Once we do this, we achieve the first step to self-actualization.

So, how do we confront our egos? Well, you already have taken the first step by simply being aware that you have an ego and it may be in possession of your true nature. Start attaining more clarity in your daily life by being more conscious of your actions. You need to ask yourself where the source of this root action lies. Are you making the choices based on other people’s approval, self gratification or are you making decisions and actions based on unadulterated motives – unselfish and unfettered? By being more aware of the root of our actions and control patterns you will begin to take power from the ego and slowly begin moving toward the power of your True Nature. This is the true progression of a self-evolving human – less ego and false-self and more pure, unfettered actions and reactions rooted in positive energy.

John C. Bader

www.Responsiveuniverse.com

Morning Mania!

Today might be a morning of philosophical tirades….

It was one of those crisp autumn mornings here in Chicagoland: Sure the sun was out at 6:15am, but it was a chilly September dawn and it was terribly difficult to roll out of bed and hop into the shower. Even worse are my son’s neurotic issues with socks. Getting him ready for school is in itself a challenge: Not only does he have to wear his socks inside out; they need to be a specific brand (the ones with the gold arrows on them!). There is a pile of other socks in his drawer (some new and ready for service) that do not meet approval and soon I am late to work because I am on a sock crusade looking for a match so he can move on to chocolate chip Eggo waffle mode. I will not even get into detail of how long it actually takes for him to put on a pair of socks – excruciating is the only word that comes to mind.

Today is picture day in the 4^th grade and last night I was clearly instructed by the wife (the better half) to take my son for a haircut. Well, actually she requested this last week and I squandered the entire Labor Day weekend enjoying the last scraps of summer. So, last night after work we stopped into Great Clips to get the deed done. Of course, being that it is picture day the following day, other parents were scrambling to make their children somewhat presentable for the big photo shoot. I do not know about you, but I have a real problem waiting in Great Clips. There are unruly, snot sniffling kids running amuck in the waiting area, the stench of hair products and there is something about watching other people get groomed that does not resonate well with me. Now I know where my son gets his sock issues from. After being told there was a 45 minute wait, I made an about-face and aborted mission. Fast forward about an hour and the bathroom floor in my house is blanketed with my son’s buzzed hair. Talk about taking matters into your own hands! That is about the time my wife walked in with her mouth agape. Shock and awe best describes that scene.

Back to this morning… Once we settled the sock issue, next was the pants debacle. My son will not wear jeans unless he is threatened. Being that I am not one to inflict more emotional damage in one day, I let the jeans issue pass – but, there is a caveat to the morning dressing dilemma: there are no clean pants other than jeans! At this point I am ready to pop a Xanax and throw back a martini. Then I paused because clearly I am well outside the radius of my center. Writing blogs about Energy Vortexes, the beauty of nature, enlightenment and being mindful is one thing, practicing what you preach is a whole other deal. After a couple deep breaths, I found my center and then laughed out loud. Instead of feeling stressed out, I was amused by the comedy of the moment – shaved heads, socks and insanity before school. Nothing makes things better than hugging your kid and laughing about a completely neurotic morning before picture day. I just hope he smiles when the flash goes off.

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Manifest Destiny - Finale

Wauconda, IL (home)
4830 Miles Traveled

searching for round chakra rocks at the beach was a simple walking meditation exercise that achieved full mindfulness of the moment.

And so my adventure ends, “Meditating across America”, to Manifest Destiny. Over the course of two and a half weeks, I have traveled through 12 states and visited many amazing places and people. In some ways it was a bittersweet trip: It was wonderful to see family and friends in California; to surf and soak up the Pacific sun and the opportunity to travel and hike some of the most beautiful places west of the Great Lakes. Yet, there was some challenging aspects to my trip as well. Driving seven to eight hours a day was arduous and the plight of America in places like the Navajo Nation and tornado devastated Joplin were eye opening experiences. Still to drive across so many diverse geographical regions and exploring the different cultures and demographics was in itself rewarding

The premise of this journal series was to explore Energy Vortexes across America. As discussed in previous blog entries, scenic places of beauty tend to hold higher levels of energy – or so I thought before disembarking on this road trip adventure. As I traveled across the Great Plains, spacious views would open up for miles in every direction. There is a quality of space and openness associated with big sky vistas. In the mountains of Colorado I connected to the epic beauty and grandiose sights of the Maroon Bells near Aspen. There amidst the snow-kissed peaks, I felt peace and inspiration that bought forth an acute level of awareness; a natural high of sorts. Across the red canyons and ravines of Utah came feelings of comfortable desolation and revelations of how small we really are in the grand scheme of the Cosmos. When I finally reached the coast, the healing ocean and scenic coastline brought back vivid memories of childhood but also the loss of my firstborn ten years ago. Bittersweet indeed, but seeing old friends and family made the trip all the more rewarding. Then of course there is Sedona and its famous healing vortexes. Hiking up Bell Rock was an amazing experience. I found the longer I stayed in Sedona the more energy I felt. There was even a lack of energy sensed upon my departure from Arizona. Throughout the entire trip I focused on my mindfulness of the moment – keeping my center and thoughts rooted in the present. I enjoyed some very productive and energy infused meditations, especially under the watchful eye of God; in the tranquil and unfettered dominion of nature. Yet, even through the hustle and bustle of Chicago, peace was found. Truthfully, I can even find peace and inspiration meditating in my living room at home. So what conclusions can be deduced from all of these experiences?

It seems we are all products of God. The natural beauty of the Maroon Bells, the Pacific Ocean and Sedona are all products of God – as is the City of Chicago and the utter desolation of Utah’s southern deserts. Everything is a product of God. When I use the word “God” I am describing everything that exists in the universe: The vibrating waves of Quantum energy, the love we feel for a friend or spouse, the loss of a child and the birth of another. The essence of God is indefinable as it relates to the universe. To even think one can comprehend such concepts and designs is egoistical and futile. We as humans have yet to evolve to a level where the concept of God can be truly defined and understood. Still, we can revel in its beauty and immensity: The beauty of nature and the beauty of energy as it relates to our True Nature. It is enough to know we are a part of something so vast and special it tends to overwhelm the rational mind. It seems there is an energy and peace within us all – and all of this is somehow connected to nature and our intrinsic self. We can touch and wield its energy and power through compassion, karma and mindfulness. Still, the true, unfettered nature that is Mother Earth seems to bring us closer to the concept of God as it relates to everything. Maybe the synapses that connect humans with their soul or True Nature are easily coupled by raw unadulterated beauty – this is especially true for the many people that do not connect to these rudimentary concepts with ease. For many, the ego and a false perception of life muddles our True Nature and it takes amazing energy sources like Sedona to help bring forth this clarity. For a lucky few, the energy is already found inside our being – a source of empowerment that can be found in even the most ordinary places. So, it seems the concept of God as it relates to the universe and the concept of energy as it relates to Cosmos is already found within. Places of beauty like the Maroon Bells and Sedona only help us connect to this dynamism with more vigor and intensity. The challenge for all of us is not to seek out places of beauty like mountains and canyons, but seek a beauty and energy that lies within. It is then, that a true responsiveness of energy and life transcends this existence we call life.

My journey to Manifest Destiny is complete.

John C Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Add caption

Manifest Destiny - Part VIII.

Jefferson City, Missouri
4150 Miles Traveled

Well, I am not a good liar, so I am not going to try to embellish the last two days of travel. Since departing from Albuquerque it has been a grueling drive. People within my car have turned to the dark side (including me) and the only thing keeping us sane is the amazing food in Texas and Oklahoma; the side effect is that I think I am gaining weight! The underlining theme in these parts is the horrific drought that seems to have its knarled knuckles around the region along HWY 40. You can see it in the dried up river and stream beds and also the deprived looking livestock. Ironic because in states like Iowa and Nebraska they are literally under water. In the interest of not being completely boring, I am going to pick my favorite memories or inspirations from every city/state I visited so far on this amazing voyage as I “meditate across America”.

Chicago, IL: Wrigleyville and catching a Cubby game. What a great experience: The food, the people and the scene in and around Wrigleyville was a fun and exciting day.

Nebraska: I have never seen so much corn in my life! The thunderstorms we drove through were harrowing to say the least. The spacious qualities are unending.

Colorado: Stunning, stunning and stunning: Maroon Bells is a must if you travel to the Rocky Mountains – great energy!

Utah: I love the desolation and I am glad we did not run out of gas on the 120 mile stretch that looked like a scene out of Mad Max, Road Warrior.

Nevada: Vegas Baby! Need I say more?

Dana Point, CA: Visiting friends and family was a blessing; going surfing for a couple days – priceless….

Arizona: I love this state too! Sedona is an amazing place and its healing energy vortexes are unmistakable; especially if you are mindful and aware. My hike up to Bell Rock was a great experience I will never forget.

New Mexico: Great Indian culture and the sunsets are amazing! I loved the painted desert to the east.
Texas: I only drove through the panhandle, but I had some great pulled pork BBQ that was to die for. They need rain!

Oklahoma City: I ate at the best Mexican food restaurant ever!. Have you ever been asked if there was only one type of food you could have on a desert island, what would it be? For me, it would be Mexican Food. Ted’s Cafe Escondido is a must. The service and food blew me away. They go way beyond the normal to exceed their guest’s expectations.

Missouri: We were lost in the Ozarks looking for the road to Jefferson City when a Bald Eagle zoomed across my windshield – I just about crashed in awe. Also, you can’t help but feel compassion for the folks of Joplin who got pummeled by a tornado just months ago. The damage is real and they still need our prayers.

Tomorrow, St. Louis and the long drive north back to Wauconda, IL. In a couple days, I will finish with one final journal post under the “Manifest Destiny” title, thus completing my journey, meditating across America. It has been a great trip!

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Manifest Destiny - Part VII.

Albuquerque, New Mexico
3150 Miles Traveled

I was sad to see Sedona go in my rearview mirror. I feel as if there was an amplified energy that continued to build the longer I stayed within its red rock reaches. I felt some amazing feelings of energy akin to the beauty that is Sedona but it was the lack of energy entering New Mexico that was more perplexing.

I visited the City of Gallup, just across the New Mexico border from Arizona. My Wife and I wanted to search for reasonably priced turquoise jewelry. My Grandfather, an old cowboy familiar with these parts said we should search the trading post/pawn shops that dot the border. The prices were through the roof despite a slumping economy, and disappointed, we did not purchase anything. I drove out of Gallup with a cold negative energy that seem to float over the dusty streets. It seemed as though all the local Indians were pawning their family heirlooms to make ends meet. The poor neighborhoods that dotted the landscape east were a grim reminder of how depressed west New Mexico really is. I felt sad for the Native American people that call this region their home. I felt a negative energy from people and the surroundings and was happy to leave for Albuquerque. All I can say is my heart goes out for these people. I think they need and deserve our compassion even if they greet tourists such as me with cold, indigent stares – not to mention, negative energy. I know Native Americans are very spiritual people and unfortunately they are victims to the social/political climate here in the US.

Still, the day was not a complete bust: Once in Albuquerque, I was greeted with an amazing sunset. I sort of consider myself a sunset connoisseur. I especially love tropical sunsets as the sun sets over the ocean. Still, here in Albuquerque, with the sun setting over the desert mesa, this moment (as shown below) is hard to beat. Sunsets can bring so much energy to just an ordinary vista. One does not need scenic mountain peaks or red rock canyons when the perfect painting of clouds and refracting light can make any moment at dusk extra special. This was a special sunset and I will post this journal now and continue to enjoy the afterglow that greets the night in New Mexico.

Tomorrow, the panhandle of Texas and then Oklahoma City as I grind my way home back to Illinois. Between you, me, and the cactus out here in New Mexico, I am ready to come home!
We will talk soon

John C Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Manifest Destiny - Part VI.

Sedona, Arizona
2830 Miles Traveled

Image by Tracy Dunbar

After reaching the ocean on my trip to Manifest Destiny, my travels now loop back to the Southwest deserts. I traversed the brutal Mojave Desert from California to Arizona, where I experienced 115 degree temperatures. My journey across America in search of Energy Vortexes now takes me to Sedona, AZ. Sedona is famous for its spiritual and meditative powers; a power or energy that seems to transcend all religion and faiths. An Energy Vortex is a unique place that exhibits subtle levels of swirling energy that some say actually permeates from the red rocks and outcroppings surrounding Sedona and Oak Creek. During my adventures in Colorado, I confirmed that the more picturesque and scenic a site is the more energy it seems to permeate. The Maroon Bells near Aspen, Co. are a perfect example. Still Sedona is a little different. One can always find higher levels of energy in natural places of beauty. Energy can be found in trees, mountains and even people. Yet, here in Sedona, there is a dynamism that takes the concept of energy to an entirely different level. It is even a viable business as paid guides lead tourists to the different Vortex points around the region.

For more pictures of my trip to Sedona, please visit: http://responsiveuniverse.wordpress.com/

I experienced three individual Energy Vortexes while visiting Sedona and its outlying areas. The first stop was the “Airport Vortex”. This particular Vortex can be found close to town, off of 89A on Airport Road. The Airport Vortex features a chasm saddle shaped mesa which is surrounded by many canyon walls and rusty rims. I hiked up a trail that lead to a lookout that provided inspiring views. The key is to look for special Juniper trees which dot the hills sides. Most Juniper trees are normal looking as their branches and trunks reach straight for the sky above. Still, if you are mindful of your surroundings, look for the occasional twisted and gnarled variation that indicates there is a higher level of energy present. It was my Wife that actually found the perfect spot: The trunk and branches of this specific Juniper where twisted and tormented as if there was a mysterious force at work. It was here with Canyon views in all directions that one could feel a change in the environment: An uplifting feeling that welled up from within.

The next stop was the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a beautiful stone Catholic Church nestled into the red rock canyon walls overlooking the “Cathedral Rock” Vortex (off of Chapel Road). The Church was beautiful as was its immediate surroundings: The canyon walls displayed textures and faces that look like they had stories to tell. The Cathedral Rock Vortex looked like a monument built by God sitting alone on a desert floor. It’s towers of red rock and spires where magnificent. At the time, there was a lone thunderhead sitting directly above the edifice. The clouds here in Sedona are interesting: They tend to swirl and make odd shapes that seem indigenous to this region.

The “Bell Rock” Vortex is considered the most famous and powerful of the sites here in Sedona. It is here I took several hours to climb its red features and actually meditate for 45 minutes in a special spot near a twisted and tangled Juniper tree. Bell Rock is located off of HWY 179, just North of the Oak Creek Village. I was exhausted and a bit cranky after driving 500 miles the day before through scorching heat. I also have a wicked blister on my foot the size of a quarter (thanks to hiking in California) that makes walking and climbing painful and challenging. Yet, as I hiked to the mid section of Bell Rock, there was a noticeable energy transformation: I was enveloped with a complete attitude adjustment and my pain and sore muscles were washed away. It was clear there are healing properties at work at Bell Rock. There was a point at the top of my climb that I had the entire monument to myself – my meditation was peaceful and inspiring. During my meditation session a large thunder-storm began oscillating to the west. Its distant thunder almost seemed like a warning that this is as close to heaven mortals are allowed to travel. Almost immediately, the stifling 99 degree air dropped to the upper 70s – goose bumps materialized on my skin and a shiver rolled through my body. At one point, I laid on my back and watched the clouds swirl above the Bell Rock peak – much like Maroon Bells, there was this visual evidence that high levels of energy were present. It was enough to feel its healing qualities, but there is also tangible evidence of energy as well.

I have to be honest now. I have traveled over 2800 miles in search of natural sources of energy – It is my opinion that all places of beauty hold higher levels of energy and lets face it, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have worked hard over the years to be spiritually mindful of my interior qualities as well as my surroundings. I have a clarity and responsiveness to life that has taken years to craft. I feel the energy here in Sedona and there is no doubt this is a special place. From a scenic standpoint, it is a 10 in my book. Still, I felt similar energy rushes in Colorado and even in my back yard at home. My honesty disappoints me in the fact that I was hoping to come to Sedona and find something magnificent. I did find inspiration and peace, but that is intrinsic to my being. Maybe the beauty and energy is all inside us and certain places like Sedona or Maroon Bells helps facilitate a better medium to connect to such energies? My wife brought up a good point: Annamarie stated that maybe such places like Sedona require more effort? It might take 5 individual hikes up to Bell Rock to slowly preen the energies present – and maybe each experience will be different: The gift may be the combined experiences over years of appreciation. I can tell you that this will not be my last trip to Sedona.

Up next, New Mexico as I meditate across America. There is more to come later this week as I begin my long drive home.

John C Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Living with an Open Mind

I find it very interesting how over the span of the last millennium science and philosophy have continually evolved. At times the changes are so drastic; they yield entirely new discoveries that rewrite history books and scientific journals. Think of this for a moment: The 1500′s brought forth an amazing renaissance of thought. During the life of Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, the church and state of Europe still had a firm belief that the Earth was the center of the Universe around which the sun and all stars revolved. Any individuals, including Copernicus, who contested this long- held theory, were many times persecuted and punished. The Catholic Church was one of the biggest advocates of this theory. It took one man however to set the world on its heels – an Italian Astronomer named Galileo Galilei. At the turn of the 16th century, through use of the scientific method, Galileo proved that the Earth was not in fact the center of the Universe. Believe it or not this was still thought to be a ridiculous theory and was even labeled blasphemy. Today however, we know that the old theory of the Earth and even the Sun as the center of the Universe is ludicrous. Yet, Copernicus and Galileo were persecuted until the day they died for a theory they believed in and even proved scientifically.

What I find interesting is that all the kings, priests and church and state officials of the era believed with unfaltering faith that the Sun revolved around the Earth, yet they were mistaken. It was not until March 1984 that Pope John Paul II finally conceded and corrected a 350 year wrong. It took 350 years for the Catholic Church to reverse its stance about a basic law of Astronomy. In addition, open-minded thinkers like Galileo and Copernicus died before their beliefs to the contrary were lauded as a monumental scientific discovery. Is this a tragedy? Probably not – they died with their belief systems in place. Still, I can only imagine their frustration – seeing the ignorance that ran ramped through the highest echelons of power. Yet, this does parallel modern life in many ways. As long as you have faith in something, whether right or wrong, you will instill into it a strong belief system that defines you. You may even be punished or ostracized by individuals or groups who do not see things your way. Ignorance, racism and religious persecution are problems our global community still faces day to day.

My point is, as free thinking individuals, there is a need to question authority. To confirm that what we learn in life from a societal, political and spiritual view is valid information. It is important to remember that thinking freely with an open mind is one of the most extraordinary gifts we have as humans. Galileo and Copernicus were free thinkers in a very close-minded world, yet their discoveries revolutionized how we perceive ourselves and our world today. We are not the center of the Universe – we are merely one part of something so vast it boggles the imagination. Yet one principal will remain constant over time: Humans will still always desire to understand why we exist and how the Universe operates. Who knows? The thoughts we think today may seem crazy to those who live generations in the future. The vital thing is for everyone to live with faith in their belief systems along with a complete trust and openness for change, void of persecution.

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Life's Meaning

Boundless, clarity and responsiveness for the present: Stillness encourages harmony.

My reverence creates positive thinking; an admiration for simplicity.

Veneration for my surroundings, mindful of my body and energy; awareness of my infinite vision that transcends all dogma.

A journey of self introspection. Void of persecution and stigma; karma, the watchful eye of my progression.

Peace and tranquility: Unfettered and unswerving are my feelings: A dynamism in the moment that outshines past and future, fear and fantasy.

Bringing forth compassion born from intrinsic nature.

Unlimited is my ability, love and bliss my sensitivity as wisdom unravels lifes meaning…


John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com

A Black Sea of Peaceful Tranquility

A black sea of peaceful tranquility, dimly lit by a myriad of pinpoint light. The endless void that is life, death and infinity: Existence and intelligence; energy and purpose, boundless in periphery and dimension.

The stars are other worlds, scattered sparsely among the sable background of the unknown. Time does not exist, sounds are muffled and light never reaches its destiny. Yet, somehow, there is purpose as proven by human existence.

A capsule of humanity and society plowing an invisible trail through the open unknown; searching for spiritual subsistence and always on the edge of cessation. Still, always in the hands of optimistic prosperity.

John C Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com