Get What You Want

When we want to get something, acquire or accomplish anything with lasting results, there are many ways and levels to attract it. If it is by looks, then we need to be disciplined in diet and exercise, etc. If it is by knowledge, then we need to put effort into studying. If it is by wealth, we need to make a lot of personal sacrifice and work hard over a period of time. If it is by a kind heart and maturity, then we have to mentally train ourselves through awareness practice and consistency. Whatever the method, effort with results is the key.

When we do things continuously and with effort, there will be results. When we do it sporadically, our results will be sporadic. If we only go to the gym once every six months, we will look like we only go to the gym once every six months. If we only drive by a gym once every six months, we will look like we only drive by a gym once every six months. Similary, if me focus, practise and control our minds with Dharma every single day, we will look like we control our minds. We will look like we are practising the Dharma. We will see transformation.

Peace out, Ricky.

'Shields Up!'

Occasionally we meet people whose energy is so negative and overpowering that we need to protect ourselves. The best way is not to fight back, but to affirm your spiritual power. If this fails, create a protective mental shield around yourself to stop their destructive energy getting through.

If you are a Star Trek fan, you will remember that when the Starship Enterprise is under threat, the Security Officer creates an electronic force field around the ship which repels the attack. Use this idea to protect yourself from physical attack. Say 'Shields up,' and imagine yourself surrounded by an impenetrable forcefield. Affrim that nothing can harm you inside your safety bubble.

This may seem wacky at first, but give it a try. Like all techniques, it becomes more effective with practice.

Peace out.

Fishing or Sex?

Four men went fishing. After an hour of sitting on the riverbank, one said,

'You wont believe what I had to do to get permission to come away fishing this weekend. I had to promise my wife that next week I'd redecorate every room in the house!'

The second man said,

'Thats nothing! I had to promise my wife I'd tuft the whole of the back garden and build swings and a slide for the kids.'

Man number three smiled.

'You dont know when you are well off! he exclaimed. 'I had to promise my partner I'd renovate the whole of the kitchen for her and build a pergola in the garden!'

They continued to fish in silence. Then they realised the fourth man hadnt spoken.

'Hey Jerry!' said the first man. 'What did you have to do to be able to come away fishing?'

Jerry struggled casually.

'I just set my alarm for five thirty,' he said. 'When it went off, I turned it off, cuddled up to my wife and asked, 'Fishing or sex?' She turned over and said, 'Dont forget your jacket.''

Cheers.

The Law of Reciprocity

The Law of Reciprocity is better known as the Golden Rule: 'Treat everyone as you like to be treated.'However, as others have their own values and preferences, it is better expressed as, 'Treat everyone as they would like to be treated.' Most people like to feel accepted, approved of, respected, listened to and appreciated.

The Law of Reciprocity reminds us that we get back what we give out. Thoughts create effects which rebound, and so do words and actions. If you want more friends, be friendlier, if more love, be more loving; if more happiness, help others to be happy. Ask not, 'What do I want this person to do for me,' but, 'How can I help? What can I do for them? Everytime you meet another's needs, you meet needs of your own and feel better about yourself.

Peace out.

The Biology of Love

Scientists who have been researching how the human brain operates when a person is in love have concluded that there are three distinct brain system for mating and reproduction - lust, romantic love and long term attachment.

Each of these systems is associated with distinct hormone activity that cause specific feelings and behavioural changes in lovers. When you think of love in terms of these three systems, it makes it easier to follow what stage a person is in and to better understand their actions.

Love has been shown to be the result of a specific group chemicals and brain circuits working in specific areas of the brain. In simple scientific terms, love is triggered by a combination of brain chemicals, including dopamine, oxytocin, testosterone, oestrogen and norepinephrine; in much the same way, these chemicals drive other mammals to find suitable partners. Once our brain has identified a suitable partner based on certain criteria, the brain goes into overdrive to rpoduce the chemicals necessary to create the environment to attract that person.

Throughout human history, marriages were an arranged event based on wealth, status, family rivalries, tribal groups and politics. Today, this approach has generally dissppeared and most people now marry for love.

When it comes to mate selection, humans focus their attention on just one person. This distinguishes them from most other animals. A courting male pigeon, for example, will puff up his feathers and approach as many potential partners as his energy will allow. Humans, however, usually have a shortlist of candidates but intensely target just one.

Ricky.

Different Flowers For Different Occasions

Whether for your mother, sister or girlfriend, buying a woman flowers can be a minefield. Turn up to a birthday bash with a petrol station bouquet of frayed petals and flimsy stalks and you might find yourself wearing the bouquet down the back of your trousers. Take on board this little lesson in the language of flowers, on the other hand, and you will be heralded as a model gentleman.

To say 'sorry'.
It may be the hardest word, but so much easier to say with flowers. The rare blue rose symbolizes peace and being hard to come by will earn you extra brownie points. Daisies are said to cheer people up and mark new beginnings. Hydrangeas represent understanding, tulips and hyacinths forgiveness, and bluebells suggest sorrowful regret. Alternatively, you could give her a guilt trip with a handful of withered flowers, the symbol of rejected love and petrol stations.

Anniversary or Valentine's Day.
Forget-me-nots for true love, constancy and memories. Cacti, despite being prickly, symbolize endurance. Red roses are a little passe but if you must go for them buy one or dozen - eleven red and one white with the white representing your true love. Just be prepared for the question, 'Who do the other represent, you cheating bastard?'

Mother's Day.
Yellow flowers are bright and cheery and symbolize adoration, gracefulness and friendship. Dahlias, elegance and dignity, magnolias, magnificence and benevolence, and violets loyalty.

Grandma's Birthday.
Pink roses sit well with the oldies as they speak of friendship. Purple flowers are often related to royalty and admiration - perfect for the Queen Mum in your life. Irises denote faith and wisdom. A word of warning: dont send Granny orange flowers or chrysanthemums, or worse orange chrysanthemums (orange symbolizez lust! And, well. chrysamthemums are usually put on grave).

Ciao.