The Friday Dose is a collection of cool, interesting and surprising things that are chosen for their potential to distract you away from any painful thought loops that may currently be disrupting your sense of perspective. Enjoy.
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Today’s dose is a mixed bag that has the potential to have something for everyone. We can start with the incredible photography of Trey Ratcliff. I’m a big fan of this guy—I love how he uses light. You see, this is a good example of how to be in the world. It’s easy to look at a photo and say, I like that, but it’s something else altogether to come to know yourself by asking yourself a following question—why do I like that? That is what introspection is and it’s a form of meditation. To continue to ask yourself the why underneath the why. In fact, all you would have to do to become enlightened is simply follow that simple course: continue to ask why until you comprehend the concept of (Buddhist) Causality and therefore you “understand.” It’s actually much easier and much more fun that people expect. It’s why I enjoy the sessions I do so much. They’re filled with, “Oh wow! That’s a fascinating way to see that.” Trey Ratcliff proves that he can walk past something you do and he sees something you don’t. And that’s amazing, because Trey’s blind in one eye. It just goes to show how much vision is worth in your life.
The Incredible Photography of Trey Ratcliff
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Next is the fascinating story of Henry Molaison, who in 1953 was subjected to an experimental “psychosurgical” procedure designed to cure him of his epilepsy. Instead Henry woke up to find out that he had lost the ability to form new memories. Despite having a history prior to the operation, Henry had no immediate past. Every single time he met Suzanne Corkin was the first time, despite the fact that she was the researcher who studied him for over 45 years. And while his story is considered a tragedy, that valuation judgment is made from the perspective that anything that is not common is therefore wrong. But of course Henry was the ultimate Buddhist. He was forever living in the Now. What the “tragedyists” fail to notice is that Henry was famous for three things. No memory, being remarkably good-natured, and being consistently happy. We could all learn a little something from Henry. Here’s a terrific audio documentary on Henry and his amazing life:
The Unforgettable Life of Henry Molaison
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And we’ll end on a short film by the Higton Brothers. Facebook is a fairly recent invention and yet it has entirely reshaped the public social sphere around ego. Life has become a competition rather than just an experience. It doesn’t matter if you like your life, it matters more if others like your life. And yet much like verbal and written communication, it leaves a lot of room for intentionally misleading truths. Comparison is the act of ego. As you move through life it is critical to always keep in mind that what you perceive is almost certainly not what is actually there:
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxVZYiJKl1Y#t=145]
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Now go use your power of choice and your ability to aim your thinking and create yourself an awesome day and weekend. All the best to all of you.
peace. s
