Suffering...

Who we are is not defined by our mental or physical self, or any projection thereof...  We are, simply, consciousness of being.  An expression of the Source in this moment.

The Sages taught us that life is suffering.  If we resist this knowledge we fall deeper into the realm of Ego which, in turn, compounds more suffering for us and those in our lives.  This empowers the Ego and causes us to see life through it's destructive windshield.  We then try to define ourselves through work, achievements and material possessions in an attempt to differ ourselves from others.  Separate ourselves.  We are special.  We are different.  We are better.

However, if we embrace suffering something wonderful occurs.  We bring patience, humility and acceptance into our lives.  This enriches our understanding of being, who we truly are (the consciousness beyond thought, the observer of thought) and how we have always been connected to that presence.  We will rise above our daily stresses and move away from the worship and desire of material possessions in the attempt to distract or fulfill our being.  Instead, simplicity and beauty will fill our spirits.  By accepting suffering we free ourselves of the Ego and, conversely, transcend.

I wish you peace,
g

Thoughts

We all have them... Sometimes, they have us.

Thoughts can be our advisors,  companions and supporters but they can also be our enemy, demons and poison.  If we carry the right energy and listen to what is bouncing around in our heads (rather than letting the gerbil run mindlessly on the wheel) we can select the constructive thoughts and release the noise.  The difficulty lies in the consciousness of thought and the recognition of what is healthy for our souls and what is destructive.

Being in the moment is a key step.  The ability to control yourself by not taking the thought train but instead walking mindfully will aid in this journey.  With so much noise, whether media, technology or our own personal strife, we can get lost from the moment.  By limiting our "blinders" we can free ourselves from suffering and move into real self discovery, balance and peace.

Wishing you peace...
g

Mistakes

A wise man once said:

"We all make mistakes but it is how we deal with them that shows our character."

Hmm...

Mistakes are a part of our lives, we cannot escape them.  It is the natural order of things.

Mistakes have the power to be our greatest teachers if we are open.  Typically, it is our Ego that gets in the way but something magical happens if we learn to put It aside and trust in ourselves.

Witness how we grow through our faults and how we are very unlikely to repeat them if the lesson is embraced.  Alternatively, when we try to hide or turn away from our slip-ups, we miss the point and are prone to repeating them over and over again.

Know this is natural.  Laugh and be thankful for your blunders.  Turn to face them and correct when necessary.  Do not be afraid of making mistakes nor taking chances that may cause you to do so... Life is short and risks mean not getting it right the first time.

BTW, the wise man was my father.

Blessings,
g

Understanding...

Why do we work so hard to understand the way of things...?  Whether creation (life and existence), behaviour (people's actions and opinions) or loss (death and other) we have this immense drive to figure out why?.  Do we believe that by grasping this knowledge we will be free of pain and confusion? What if this pursuit is the cause of our suffering??  We do not ask a flower why is it a flower, rather, we enjoy it's fragrance and the beauty it imparts in our being... So, why do we need to figure it out?  Simply accept all that is and be present in the moment.  Watch how you feel and respond to life.  Do not try to figure out why people act a certain way or why something happened in your life.  By attempting this you evoke more confusion. Instead, stay clear and see what is happening.  This will provide you the opportunities to move forward and be in the right state of mind to deal with your situations.  Do not judge.  Accept what comes into your life, could be good, could be bad... It will be what it will be.  We cannot control, all we can do is see and try to live openly and with love for each other.  It is when we are quiet and open to the moment that true understanding is granted.
Blessings,
g

Empty Mind...

Moon in the early morning sky

We all lead busy lives... It is the reality of our culture. This, in many ways, is the foundation of our frustrations and misgivings. With all the "noise" in our heads, how can we find peace? How can we marvel in the moment and take in the beauty all around us? It is difficult, and sad, how we miss so much as we race through this life. We all know time is precious (and increasingly so as we age) so why do we rush through our days? Take the moments to breathe and see what encompasses you... Whether a walk in the woods; the moon and stars shining in the night sky; a sunrise or sunset; and one of my favorites, the laughter of your children; just stop, sit and breathe... Take it in and watch how it makes you feel. Remember, an empty mind is a still mind, one that is open to simply being...
Blessings,
g

DEVO Training Day!

The first of many for 2011, our season kicked-off (unofficially) this past Sunday. Had a great turnout and perfect day for our snowshoe.  With all of the fresh snow and barren trails, it was an ideal workout especially for those who took turns breaking trail!  Just ask Soren ;)

Where are we heading?

Beautiful Day!

I don't know about everyone else, but the gainers were talking about how tired our legs were a couple of days later...!  Here's to the next one in February when the camps officially start!

GO TEAM HARDWOOD!

Daisy and Carter discussing "who won"

First hill sprint!  OUCH!!

We've only walked 1.82 kms????

Trekkin' out

A special shout out and "thanks" to Glenn for guiding us through all the new Wilderness sections cut in the Fall of 2010!  See everyone again in February!!

PD Days ROCK!!

What do you do on a PD Day?  Take the day off and make the most of it with your kids... What else!?!
Where do you go, you ask?  Why, JOYRIDE 150, of course!!

Gabe launching into the foam pit

Daisy in the Pump Track

gainer grabbin' some air

Glenn rippin' in the corner

What a day!  You can't imagine a better place to ride your bike in the middle of winter (especially when it was -20 degrees C!) with a team of friends and athletes. That's right, some of the Hardwood DEVO squad made it down to test and hone our skills on stuff like Pump Tracks, Skinny Trials Sections, a Cross-Country course, the Street Park, Jumps, and of course, the Foam Pit!  A major "thanks" to Mark, Shannon and Scott for opening early to accommodate us fanatics from Simcoe!

Glenn reminded us that Simmer would call this day a "moment".  Couldn't be more true... Great friends, family, experience and fun.

Gabe fishin' Rene and the bike out of the foam
 

gainer and Daze figuring their next line

Luke, Jedi and MotoX wearing smiles!

the boys

If you are looking for the best fun on two wheels, make sure you visit JOYRIDE 150!

The FANATICS!