Thursday, June 27, 2019
Collective Soul
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18398218" data-resource="episode_id=18398218" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "E Roland from Collective Soul Releases New Album Blood" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
From stem to stern, BLOOD delivers in full. Witness the hard-charging skitter of “Over Me,” the optimistic declaration of “Right as Rain,” the hopeful uplift of a man “Changed,” and the tender promise of “Big Sky.” The album’s final track — the reflective, poignant acoustified coda “Porch Swing” — features background vocals and tasteful dobro licks from none other than Styx guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, who was beyond thrilled to contribute to the cause. “I’ve always been a fan of Ed Roland and Collective Soul’s recordings,” Shaw says. “I thought about adding more parts than what Ed asked me to do, but as someone wiser than me once said, ‘Don’t paint over the masterpiece!’”
BLOOD is the culmination of a quarter-century of COLLECTIVE SOUL--Ed Roland (vocals/guitar), Dean Roland (rhythm guitar), Jesse Triplett (lead guitar/background vocals), Will Turpin (bass/background vocals), Johnny Rabb (drums/background vocals)-- assessing not only where they’ve come from, but also where they’re going. “I think BLOOD expresses where we’ve been on this life journey,” observes Ed Roland. “And we’ve done so with songs featuring piano and strings to those with a lot of guitar riffs. BLOOD is an accumulation of all the different styles we’ve used over the years, but it’s still COLLECTIVE SOUL. I think it’s the best we’ve ever done. I know you should think that, but I really do think it’s the best. It’s a good, consistent record. We’re just so proud of it.”
Ever since the barnburning rock band from Stockbridge, GA burst onto the national scene with the runaway success of their multi-Platinum 1993 debut, HINTS ALLEGATIONS AND THINGS LEFT UNSAID, and its ensuing mega-smash hits like “Shine” and “Breathe,” they’ve been on an upward trajectory that’s seen them play to sold-out audiences across the globe while concurrently amassing a most impressive catalog of beloved songs instantly recognizable by their titles alone.
That 25-year touring tradition kicked off April 12 in Clearwater, FL, as the band headed out on their U.S. tour which should last through the end of the year. Later this summer, they’ll embark on their “Now’s The Time Tour” with Gin Blossoms starting May 25 in Atlantic City, NJ.
Holes In The Soul
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18400507" data-resource="episode_id=18400507" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "Holes In The Soul" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
If you had holes in the soles of your shoes you'd do something about it. But to have holes in your soul? Those mood swings, sudden emptiness, lack of energy, a feel of less and not more. Holes in the soul. You're barreling down the highway at 200 mph enjoying the good times then suddenly you've got engine problems or a flat tire. On this podcast I jump into such a moment. Learning how to listen to the holes without letting friends and family get inside them to continue the act of breaking things apart.
Monday, June 24, 2019
From The Root Of A Tree
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18360807" data-resource="episode_id=18360807" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "From The Roots Of A Tree" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
I'm a connections type of guy. I love following the continuation. There can't be a point A without a point B, C, D and E. In getting there what was the expected process? What was named a failure versus a solid step in the right direction? On this podcast I dive into the subject of how we truly don't the roots of a tree. You can't take out a shovel and start digging. That's putting the life of the tree on the line. If you sit flat on the ground and stare outward you can almost see some of it's feelers stretching long and far. We still don't know the real extent and or continuation of the seed. So often we speak of our own roots we put the attention on where we've been and not where we're growing. Refocusing your energy on such a journey teaches you awareness and how much expected ability can be invested. Personally I've always believed the most beautiful part of a tree has to be the roots! To be so loving in the way of courageously stretching for water and other nutrients only to share it all with the trunk, limbs, leaves and you and me. Without those roots would we have air to breathe? What about your roots are they keeping things outside your mind body and soul growing in forward emotion? Get your heart out of the past and feed your moments of Now. Your roots need to be healthy.
I'm a connections type of guy. I love following the continuation. There can't be a point A without a point B, C, D and E. In getting there what was the expected process? What was named a failure versus a solid step in the right direction? On this podcast I dive into the subject of how we truly don't the roots of a tree. You can't take out a shovel and start digging. That's putting the life of the tree on the line. If you sit flat on the ground and stare outward you can almost see some of it's feelers stretching long and far. We still don't know the real extent and or continuation of the seed. So often we speak of our own roots we put the attention on where we've been and not where we're growing. Refocusing your energy on such a journey teaches you awareness and how much expected ability can be invested. Personally I've always believed the most beautiful part of a tree has to be the roots! To be so loving in the way of courageously stretching for water and other nutrients only to share it all with the trunk, limbs, leaves and you and me. Without those roots would we have air to breathe? What about your roots are they keeping things outside your mind body and soul growing in forward emotion? Get your heart out of the past and feed your moments of Now. Your roots need to be healthy.
Friday, June 21, 2019
Rebuilding Confidence
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18336782" data-resource="episode_id=18336782" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "Rebuilding Confidence" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
We all share a personal language with the selves we stand with. How we talk with others doesn't usually match how we communicate with ourselves. To gain our wandering attention. To inspire and influence the inner self. To listen while that invisible feeling fights to be seen on the outside. How we share thoughts with ourselves is often a very private time and rarely does it become part of your outside walk. On this podcast we dive into those moments where your life feels like its being hit by storm after storm. The idea of finding freedom from stress is the furthest shape of reality. Learning how to communicate with yourself is a chore. It needs to work all the time not just when you're in the mood. I do a thing called Hidden Speak. I put words together that aren't supposed to be figured out by a passerby. If you were to page through my daily writing it comes across as uneven pavement on a path so thin the earth has planted new rows of weeds. Hidden Speak. It's a safe way to allow every emotion you're burdened with to have an outside voice on a page that nobody not even your future self will be able to figure out. But the good news is... You got it out.
We all share a personal language with the selves we stand with. How we talk with others doesn't usually match how we communicate with ourselves. To gain our wandering attention. To inspire and influence the inner self. To listen while that invisible feeling fights to be seen on the outside. How we share thoughts with ourselves is often a very private time and rarely does it become part of your outside walk. On this podcast we dive into those moments where your life feels like its being hit by storm after storm. The idea of finding freedom from stress is the furthest shape of reality. Learning how to communicate with yourself is a chore. It needs to work all the time not just when you're in the mood. I do a thing called Hidden Speak. I put words together that aren't supposed to be figured out by a passerby. If you were to page through my daily writing it comes across as uneven pavement on a path so thin the earth has planted new rows of weeds. Hidden Speak. It's a safe way to allow every emotion you're burdened with to have an outside voice on a page that nobody not even your future self will be able to figure out. But the good news is... You got it out.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
By Way Of The Shadows New Day
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18327143" data-resource="episode_id=18327143" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "By Way Of A Shadows New Day" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
If you're ever searching for a place of fun, near safety and or adventure then pick up a writing instrument and word doodle. We draw circles all the time and attach faces, flowers, butterflies or things we can't describe. Do it with words next time. Put thoughts and expressions together that don't belong next to each other. You're exercising your imagination. It doesn't have to make sense. Just give yourself permission to say anything without there being judgement. On this podcast I come across a page of my daily writing from August 26, 2016. Nearly three years ago. It made me laugh out loud. Not because its funny. I had no idea what the writer was trying to say. Even more fun was the next page where the collected thoughts of the person writing couldn't believe it either. Nor did the writer at the time want to go back and try and explain what was put down on paper. Writing isn't supposed to be so business like. It's a tool that communicates with others but are you talking to yourself? Learning more about those days when life seemed to be more fun and less stress filled. I've always believed there'd be more writers in the world if teachers would put more energy into helping children draw pictures with their words instead of stuffing their noses in books. If you don't know the impact of words what kind of mental gallery are you sending the little minds? Words! Grab a dictionary and see if you're using the right words in the right place and then play with them. Mark Twain was always fascinated with the accents people had in their writing. He didn't want to hear your physical voice. He wanted to read your words.
If you're ever searching for a place of fun, near safety and or adventure then pick up a writing instrument and word doodle. We draw circles all the time and attach faces, flowers, butterflies or things we can't describe. Do it with words next time. Put thoughts and expressions together that don't belong next to each other. You're exercising your imagination. It doesn't have to make sense. Just give yourself permission to say anything without there being judgement. On this podcast I come across a page of my daily writing from August 26, 2016. Nearly three years ago. It made me laugh out loud. Not because its funny. I had no idea what the writer was trying to say. Even more fun was the next page where the collected thoughts of the person writing couldn't believe it either. Nor did the writer at the time want to go back and try and explain what was put down on paper. Writing isn't supposed to be so business like. It's a tool that communicates with others but are you talking to yourself? Learning more about those days when life seemed to be more fun and less stress filled. I've always believed there'd be more writers in the world if teachers would put more energy into helping children draw pictures with their words instead of stuffing their noses in books. If you don't know the impact of words what kind of mental gallery are you sending the little minds? Words! Grab a dictionary and see if you're using the right words in the right place and then play with them. Mark Twain was always fascinated with the accents people had in their writing. He didn't want to hear your physical voice. He wanted to read your words.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Breaking Through
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18316722" data-resource="episode_id=18316722" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "Breaking Through" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
In all things I do there needs to be a purpose. First the plan. Then a reason for the season. I'm sure I drove my parents crazy. Who? Why? When? How? Trust me when I say a long list of decision makers at the workplace closed me out because I always wanted to figure out newer and better ways to reach those we were trying to touch. Every business has an expectation. If you aren't sharing the mantra or activating the mission what becomes of the product? On this podcast I step into a layer of experiences that take the words we use and finally see that what's being shared could actually be breaking people in two. As a martial artist we were trained to break bricks. Moving energy from a valuable source and pushing it outward. Most stand above the bricks like Gods then shove their weight into the purpose. I chose to showcase the incredible amount of energy that builds up in each of us while meditating. I was going to break four bricks from a push up position. Building that energy to the point of moving elements from the universe. In the moments before my second degree black belt test I was having an extremely difficult time seeing my vision come true. I sat with my Master. He spoke of gaining access to permission. Had I asked the bricks if I could break them in two? Once we break something it's not going to be the same again. Which opened my heart to the moments that we walk through an everyday world. Do we ask the people we are with if we can break them? I've had my share of bosses who never brought that question forward. It makes you aware of the words you share. It clears your heart of the ideas of trying to climb invisible ladders. We are all on the same page. Problem is... Do you truly know what's written on it or is it just another object you have to learn? The bricks I broke on test day are still with me. They are part of my forest. I guaranteed them a place of peace. They would never be in two by becoming one with the trees and all things connected. It makes me wonder about the pieces that so many in the workplace create. If your job is like mine once there's separation those that once busted tail to bring the product to the client no longer share. Life moved on. Maybe it's time to take note of the energy we push through the air and become aware of the damage by activating the unseen amounts of peace that still exist. Bosses always remind us of how our jobs are our family. Funny how Oprah Winfrey never tries to reunite that unspoken dysfunction.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
The Lyrics From Billy's Forest Chapter 158
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18309866" data-resource="episode_id=18309866" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "The Lyrics From Billys Forest Chapter 158" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
I received a letter from my sister. She was deeply feeling the presence of our brother who had passed away a year and a week earlier. I very peacefully replied, "He has risen." Within seconds a little boom boom pow hit my social media. Her reaction was anger, "I don't want to think of him as a spirit. I need him in flesh." I'm no expert here. But it was obvious that we were seeing this life and death thing a little differently. What I wasn't going to do was step freely away from what meditation and prayer has mindfully shaped in the growing heart. We've all been in this place with loved ones and it always feels like there's never a right answer. I did begin a new way of communicating. I now ask her during troubled times, "How would you like me to answer your email or text?" On this podcast I allow the reality of the moment to still have a voice while continuing to learn what the best way is to keep the family together and not watch it tumble apart like I've seen so many. The loss of anyone or anything is tragic. A huge hole sits in this place you thought you had control of. What are we going to put into it? I don't know if it's because I'm a daily writer or that I trust God but the physical act of loss in my heart has actually taught me to embrace the journey. To be present with where family friends are and allow them to have a voice or a memory within the paragraphs I pen. I actually started a very special journal dedicated to my brother but stopped putting things in it. I was injured not by the loss of his everyday place but by how much I didn't really remember about growing up together. We all deal with things differently. Being patient is a brilliant decision. Try not to shove your side of the belief onto others. Before my brothers passing my sister and I hadn't talked in nearly two years. We'll never get that time back which is why it's so important to support each others without judgement.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Sharing The Same Space
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18298079" data-resource="episode_id=18298079" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "Sharing The Same Space" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
We all go through those moments where a ding on the hand or leg goes unexplained. We know something happened! There's a mark! So often we blame our dates with forgetfulness on being too busy. Not enough playtime or away time to break free of the stress and aches. On this podcast I take note of an ink stain on my left hand. I'm right handed! For some reason it totally took my imagination out. Such little stuff that knocks us off balance. What about text messages and emails you forgot to send? The messages you don't remember putting out there? Those days when a friend of many years walks up and there's no way you're going to remember their name. I see life as a giant memory stick and each of us are attached to its system of saving things. We're all sharing the same space. When should we de-frag the moment so it doesn't crash the main computer? Learning how to break down your path and decisions is a heavy project. The beginning is easy to handle but hard to maintain. Digging up old junk can be fun. Keeping your mind body and soul clear of future debris is a huge kick in the pants and path. Coping with life when your mindset is telling you how full you are. People endlessly ask you about your moods. Have you asked yourself the same? Getting a lock on you and not a knock in the head. Staying ahead of those moments you totally don't remember but you did do it. So what's next?
Friday, June 14, 2019
Plant It Or Stuff It In Your Pocket
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18270324" data-resource="episode_id=18270324" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="light" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "Plant It Or Stuff It Into Your Pocket" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
I'm just as guilty as anyone. The very moment a dark cloud appears on the horizon we attempt to pick up positive seeds that could very easily get us through the potential of there being a storm. As a daily writer I begin each new sunrise with positive words and not the weight of stress, fear, doubt, shame or guilt. It helps to build a better first step that can never be predicted. You'll never catch me in a conversation about last nights dream. Good bad or ugly the moment it's brought up on social media or face to face you've invited that source of energy to have a place out here in reality. On this podcast we dive into the subject of keeping control of where we grow. Learning how to see through our own words and expressions without alerting the world of how it is we truly feel. I call it Hidden Speak. You aren't creating a false world. You're inviting yourself to begin a new path of emotions. We do more damage to ourselves than those we so often accuse. In the process of no longer beating ourselves up the daily walk should be supporting yourself with something positive. But beware. How you learn to talk to yourself or release from yourself has a strange way of becoming your way on the outside surface. I was once hauled into HR for sharing a positive thought to a coworker. They were offended. How dare I bring light to their darkness. When that happens just shrug your shoulders and move through the moment without fighting back or complaint. I love it when the hard working employees at McDonalds take my money then say, "Have a blessed day." It instantly recharges my battery. When you bump into things like this think of it as a seed. You get to make a choice. Plant the seed or stick it in your pocket.
I'm just as guilty as anyone. The very moment a dark cloud appears on the horizon we attempt to pick up positive seeds that could very easily get us through the potential of there being a storm. As a daily writer I begin each new sunrise with positive words and not the weight of stress, fear, doubt, shame or guilt. It helps to build a better first step that can never be predicted. You'll never catch me in a conversation about last nights dream. Good bad or ugly the moment it's brought up on social media or face to face you've invited that source of energy to have a place out here in reality. On this podcast we dive into the subject of keeping control of where we grow. Learning how to see through our own words and expressions without alerting the world of how it is we truly feel. I call it Hidden Speak. You aren't creating a false world. You're inviting yourself to begin a new path of emotions. We do more damage to ourselves than those we so often accuse. In the process of no longer beating ourselves up the daily walk should be supporting yourself with something positive. But beware. How you learn to talk to yourself or release from yourself has a strange way of becoming your way on the outside surface. I was once hauled into HR for sharing a positive thought to a coworker. They were offended. How dare I bring light to their darkness. When that happens just shrug your shoulders and move through the moment without fighting back or complaint. I love it when the hard working employees at McDonalds take my money then say, "Have a blessed day." It instantly recharges my battery. When you bump into things like this think of it as a seed. You get to make a choice. Plant the seed or stick it in your pocket.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Addicted To Something
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18259871" data-resource="episode_id=18259871" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="light" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" data-cover="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/images.spreaker.com/original/08e11768b8e69eae0bf15e55c7b6f76a.jpg">Listen to "Addicted To Something" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
My dad used to accuse me of running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Coming from the state of Montana where we raised chickens I knew exactly what he was talking about. I don't suggest that you fall witness to it. I only invite you to picture how your journey looks to a lot of people entertained by the craziness that surrounds us. Why are we like this? Some might think it our way of trying to live as much life as we can before the rug is pulled from beneath our feet. It goes deeper than that. We are addicted to something. No really! Something. I didn't put any other word in there like drugs, alcohol, shopping or eating. I said something. We're always up to something. We need something to do. It's that something that has its claws dug deep inside. Something. On this podcast the goal is to help you understand how rewarding it is to live in the presence of Now. Not an easy place to hang your hat. It's too easy to grab our something and hightail it into a past that can easily be written by way of locating new friends. Something is taking you out. Something is making you happy for a moment but its distance is hard to digest Something is always going on and the inner child needs to be fed a full bottle of that something as often as it can. Getting that something under control is what you can do in the now. Be mindful of it. Be present with you and how feel now. Not tomorrow looking back. Now. Honest transparent conversations with your self take that something and turns it into a choice. It can either be a tool or dead weight. Something to think about poisons what needs to be activated. We think too much and then get tired of the idea that its been on your mind all day. Turning something into physical movement allows your creative source of energy to be clear to grow. I'm not a fan of writing your thoughts on a computer but if it helps you begin to understand the core of your drive then put yourself on that path. You'll later learn the actual act of writing does amazing things to your mind body and soul. Get control of your something. We're all addicted to it. If it wasn't for Google calendar you'd be running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Candy Coated Plastic Smile
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18248733" data-resource="episode_id=18248733" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "Candy Coated Plastic Smile" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
As everyday people we do whatever it takes to make sure we show up and land the performance. In those moments no matter how much we love or hate what we're doing there needs to be an end result so that tomorrow will still carry fuel in the tank. The one thing I took from Elton John's movie Rocketman was how he utilized the empowerment of pasting a candy coated plastic smile on his face before every performance. He had to raise his game or face a huge crowd looking back at him wondering how they'd get their musical high. On this podcast we dive into that candy coated plastic smile and how much of an impact it may or may not have on your life and style today. Learning to face those post production blues moments. One minute you're riding a wild high only to face plant your ambition the next hour. Being aware of how you arrive into each new day is a self discipline that requires constant attention. For most of us our biggest buzz kill is that image in the mirror. We see the stories in our eyes but the candy coated plastic smile tells you how everything's gonna be alright. I do three things everyday that prepares the creative self how to build moments of victory and success while facing the uphill battles of having an unseen path and yet you know you've got to keep growing. 1. Make your bed the very second you get out of it. 2. I write my prayers in a book. To physically get my entire body involved. 3. I take a very early morning walk with my out of control dog and on that journey I tell myself what today's intentions are. Then I come into the studio with a cleared heart and vision that has goals to meet. It doesn't mean I'll conquer every mountain but it keeps me alive in a moment I have control of.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
The Lyrics From Billy's Forest Chapter 157
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18236755" data-resource="episode_id=18236755" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" data-cover="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/images.spreaker.com/original/26e99c20744356072c36d1fbde6c93f3.jpg">Listen to "The Lyrics From Billys Forest Chapter 157" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
A thought traveled through my daily writing. Living an authentic life means? Calling everything real? Learning how to not overreact during times of change? Openly I admit that as this daily writer there are multiple times I show up on a page not being truthful with the words. I use daily writing as a place of meditation and or empowering the moment with newer steps and choices. Therefore I rely on what I call Hidden Speak. Utilizing the power of words to keep myself focused on building the new day not ripping it apart before it gets started. As a creative person there comes those moments of self entanglement. The imagination feels there are no fences around it at night while I sleep, why does discipline have to be played out once the writing instrument meets the page? Being authentic is a great thing but it's constantly challenged by the un-authentic self that wants good to come to the day even if it means word play on a page. It's no different then a boss, a friend or family member that uses their voice to build you up or let you slip a few notches by way of judgement. Nothing turns me off more than hearing someone say, "You rock! You are the man!" It's overused and is often brought up during times when there's nothing new to say but hey lets revert back to the old go to crutch. I have a preacher friend that loves to use the word authentic. He uses the word in the way he shares his message. By being authentic with those who look up to you for guidance teaches us to be real with every moment and opportunity. Living in the present is a beast! Trusting the present is a monster! Being authentic gives you control. Rather than running from... You run toward. Are you being authentic with your un-authentic moments of trying to tame the stress? Being aware of where you stand and react is a great place to grow. Stay focused on your path. That tree you're about to hit is going to hurt a little less if you put on a helmet.
A thought traveled through my daily writing. Living an authentic life means? Calling everything real? Learning how to not overreact during times of change? Openly I admit that as this daily writer there are multiple times I show up on a page not being truthful with the words. I use daily writing as a place of meditation and or empowering the moment with newer steps and choices. Therefore I rely on what I call Hidden Speak. Utilizing the power of words to keep myself focused on building the new day not ripping it apart before it gets started. As a creative person there comes those moments of self entanglement. The imagination feels there are no fences around it at night while I sleep, why does discipline have to be played out once the writing instrument meets the page? Being authentic is a great thing but it's constantly challenged by the un-authentic self that wants good to come to the day even if it means word play on a page. It's no different then a boss, a friend or family member that uses their voice to build you up or let you slip a few notches by way of judgement. Nothing turns me off more than hearing someone say, "You rock! You are the man!" It's overused and is often brought up during times when there's nothing new to say but hey lets revert back to the old go to crutch. I have a preacher friend that loves to use the word authentic. He uses the word in the way he shares his message. By being authentic with those who look up to you for guidance teaches us to be real with every moment and opportunity. Living in the present is a beast! Trusting the present is a monster! Being authentic gives you control. Rather than running from... You run toward. Are you being authentic with your un-authentic moments of trying to tame the stress? Being aware of where you stand and react is a great place to grow. Stay focused on your path. That tree you're about to hit is going to hurt a little less if you put on a helmet.
Monday, June 10, 2019
Ron Swoboda
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18227915" data-resource="episode_id=18227915" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "NY Met Ron Swoboda Releases Here's The Catch" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
Considering their play on the field in their first steps as a franchise in 1962, it remains astounding that the New York Mets won the 1969 World Series over the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles and became known as "The Miracle Mets." Those early seasons since their inception were some of the worst in baseball history. Their play was laughable at best, and that's being charitable. But their strategy of putting together as many young players as possible led to a cohesion that would pay off in ways none believed before 1969.
Ron Swoboda was a fine player in his day. Never a superstar, he was the epitome of the working class player, the "Every Man" on the field. But his passion for the game, and that of his teammates as well, is what made this team grow up, grow together, and startle the sports world. In a delightfully self-deprecating style, Mr. Swoboda recaptures the moments and memories in his new book, HERE'S THE CATCH: A Memoir of the Miracle Mets and More (Thomas Dunne Books / St. Martin's Press, on sale date Tuesday June 11, 2019, $27.99).
From the beginning of Ron Swoboda's first season with the Mets in 1965, any "miracle" would have simply been a winning streak of more than three games. The team averaged 100+ losses per season in their first six years. However, things changed in 1968 when legendary Brooklyn Dodger Gil Hodges took over as manager. Wins became more frequent, and the confidence of the young team grew. At the start of the 1969 season, the young core of the team -Tom Seaver, Cleon Jones, Tommie Agee, Ed Kranepool, Jerry Koosman, and Ron Swoboda - began to see in themselves a team that could surprise the experts. Mr. Swoboda takes the reader on a memorable journey, day-by-day and game-by-game. He introduces us to some of the more colorful characters the game has known, and builds the drama of that incredible season through all the peaks and valleys. To the reader, it almost feels as if you are in the dugout with the team.
For younger or even casual fans, the stories will be an eye-opener. Players didn't make $20-30 million per season 50 years ago. $100,000 was a huge headline-grabbing salary. The life of a ball player Mr. Swoboda talks about is that of a generation when some of the players had to work second jobs in the off season. Teams really were more of a family back then, with players' wives and kids helping each other with daily life events. And as Mr. Swoboda relates, a real underdog like the Mets reflected the psyche of America in the late 1960s. Between the tragic assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., Robert F. Kennedy, and the violent street protests in the U.S. against the Vietnam War, the country really was looking for some type of feel-good story, and underdog to rally the cause.
And then came the magical moment in October 1969 at Shea Stadium: The Mets were about to clinch the World Series win. Mr. Swoboda - who had endured ups and downs as a player for the previous two seasons, could finally feel a sense of great pride: his RBI (run-batted-in) was the clincher in the deciding game, and the previous day he made the greatest catch in the field in Mets history. For a moment, the "Every Man" was "Superman." The importance of that moment was so unique to that franchise that today a steel silhouette of Mr. Swoboda's amazing catch greets visitors at the right field entrance at the Mets' new stadium, Citi Field.
Considering their play on the field in their first steps as a franchise in 1962, it remains astounding that the New York Mets won the 1969 World Series over the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles and became known as "The Miracle Mets." Those early seasons since their inception were some of the worst in baseball history. Their play was laughable at best, and that's being charitable. But their strategy of putting together as many young players as possible led to a cohesion that would pay off in ways none believed before 1969.
Ron Swoboda was a fine player in his day. Never a superstar, he was the epitome of the working class player, the "Every Man" on the field. But his passion for the game, and that of his teammates as well, is what made this team grow up, grow together, and startle the sports world. In a delightfully self-deprecating style, Mr. Swoboda recaptures the moments and memories in his new book, HERE'S THE CATCH: A Memoir of the Miracle Mets and More (Thomas Dunne Books / St. Martin's Press, on sale date Tuesday June 11, 2019, $27.99).
From the beginning of Ron Swoboda's first season with the Mets in 1965, any "miracle" would have simply been a winning streak of more than three games. The team averaged 100+ losses per season in their first six years. However, things changed in 1968 when legendary Brooklyn Dodger Gil Hodges took over as manager. Wins became more frequent, and the confidence of the young team grew. At the start of the 1969 season, the young core of the team -Tom Seaver, Cleon Jones, Tommie Agee, Ed Kranepool, Jerry Koosman, and Ron Swoboda - began to see in themselves a team that could surprise the experts. Mr. Swoboda takes the reader on a memorable journey, day-by-day and game-by-game. He introduces us to some of the more colorful characters the game has known, and builds the drama of that incredible season through all the peaks and valleys. To the reader, it almost feels as if you are in the dugout with the team.
For younger or even casual fans, the stories will be an eye-opener. Players didn't make $20-30 million per season 50 years ago. $100,000 was a huge headline-grabbing salary. The life of a ball player Mr. Swoboda talks about is that of a generation when some of the players had to work second jobs in the off season. Teams really were more of a family back then, with players' wives and kids helping each other with daily life events. And as Mr. Swoboda relates, a real underdog like the Mets reflected the psyche of America in the late 1960s. Between the tragic assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., Robert F. Kennedy, and the violent street protests in the U.S. against the Vietnam War, the country really was looking for some type of feel-good story, and underdog to rally the cause.
And then came the magical moment in October 1969 at Shea Stadium: The Mets were about to clinch the World Series win. Mr. Swoboda - who had endured ups and downs as a player for the previous two seasons, could finally feel a sense of great pride: his RBI (run-batted-in) was the clincher in the deciding game, and the previous day he made the greatest catch in the field in Mets history. For a moment, the "Every Man" was "Superman." The importance of that moment was so unique to that franchise that today a steel silhouette of Mr. Swoboda's amazing catch greets visitors at the right field entrance at the Mets' new stadium, Citi Field.
Corky Laing
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18227609" data-resource="episode_id=18227609" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "Corky Laing Legendary Drummer Releases Letters To Sarah" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
Corky Laing started his life in 1948 as the youngest of five siblings in Montreal, Canada. His early bands enjoyed a good local following, opened for
many of the popular British invasion acts and, ultimately, got a record deal with Atlantic Records in New York. Through the teenage summers, his band was a regular on the Island of Nantucket, Massachusetts and frequented clubs in New York City. In September
1969, his life changed for good when Mountain happened. There started a few crazy years of rock mayhem. Mountain was followed by West, Bruce and Laing – a super group featuring Leslie West, Jack Bruce and Corky that was destined for greatness, but brought
to an untimely end by the darker forces of the music scene. After West, Bruce and Laing, Mountain continued to tour and record on and off. The months and years off left Corky with plenty of time for his own musical explorations and other careers. He released
a solo album, almost set up another super group, worked in a driving service and in real estate, had a senior position at Chappell Music and became a vice president of A&R at Polygram, Canada.
During his career, Corky has played, written and toured with the who’s who of rock. Keith Moon was a close pal, and Levon Helm, a mentor and friend.
Eric Clapton played on his solo album and Tony Williams recommended to Jack Bruce that Corky should be included in West, Bruce and Laing. Corky Laing All Star Show Band included Mick Taylor, Lester Chambers and Meatloaf. Corky has written, among others, with
Peter Frampton, Mick Jagger, Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson, and obviously, with Leslie West, Felix Pappalardi and Jack Bruce. At the Lone Star Café in New York, he partied with the likes of Robin Williams and John Belushi.
However,
Letters to Sarah (Polite Bystander Productions, 2019) is a rock autobiography with a difference. In addition to the exceptionally honest and endearing voice of Corky chronicling the ups and downs of his life, there are excerpts from dozens of
letters (out of the c. 200) that Corky wrote to his mother, Sarah, between the years 1963 and 1997. She had saved them all. The letters were a way for Corky, away on the road for years on end, to keep in touch with his roots and also, to make sense of his
life. This continues in Letters to Sarah, as Corky relives the first 50 years of his life, up until his mother’s passing in 1998.
The book opens with a Foreword by the incomparable Kinky Friedman. It was written together with Corky’s manager and partner, Tuija Takala, PhD, who is
a widely published academic author and who, initially discovered the letters to Sarah tucked away in a box at Corky’s rehearsal studio.
Taking A Clear Walk
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18226835" data-resource="episode_id=18226835" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "Taking A Clear Walk" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
My mother constantly reminded me as a child to stop keeping up with the Jones'. She felt too much time and money would be wasted trying to stay ahead of where I assumed other people were. Once we got there someone nearby would pass us by with even a greater plan. The digital age has totally taken advantage of this behavior. A friend or family member gets a new iPhone and the next thing you know you're out to make the playing field even. On this podcast we discuss the affects of what we are really doing to ourselves and how changing a few words in a day to day walk can invite peace rather than pieces. Being a daily writer I'm blessed with the opportunity to revisit thoughts and patters that turned into crazy or victory filled paths. Word choice has always been a major player on those pages. In looking back though, I'm realizing something different. Take the word Open. Preachers and teachers endlessly tell us to open our hearts or open our imaginations. Sounds like a brilliant plan until you realize the barn door isn't keeping out the cold. Dad used to shout at us all the time, "How many times do I have to tell you to close the door?" I wish he would've taught us to close our hearts. The weight of everybody's world sits in the core of your next decision. We spend boat loads of money trying to fix what we can't see or to mow over it with Red Bulls and fancy coffees. Nearly a year ago I stopped saying I have an Open heart. I began walking a Clear life. Being present in this moment of now knowing that nothings getting in. There's too much and it needs to be clear. Utilizing the strengths and gifts already shared without having to dump more expectations into an area of your life you'll never use again. The new term Up Skill is beginning to take over the world of business. In order to survive the ever changing forefront of business employees will need to Up Skill. Sounds like a brilliant plan but where are you going to put the information mentally and physically if you're already overtaken by guilt, shame, doubt and fear caused by the last change? I'm a freak on time management. I'm even a bigger freak on knowing where my head and heart are. Learning how to clear them both will prove to your system of choices how great of a leader you are. It will require time. There are so many levels of understanding and each is very truthful to whom you'll grow into. It's never too late to begin a clear walk. Trust it while growing forward and outward.
My mother constantly reminded me as a child to stop keeping up with the Jones'. She felt too much time and money would be wasted trying to stay ahead of where I assumed other people were. Once we got there someone nearby would pass us by with even a greater plan. The digital age has totally taken advantage of this behavior. A friend or family member gets a new iPhone and the next thing you know you're out to make the playing field even. On this podcast we discuss the affects of what we are really doing to ourselves and how changing a few words in a day to day walk can invite peace rather than pieces. Being a daily writer I'm blessed with the opportunity to revisit thoughts and patters that turned into crazy or victory filled paths. Word choice has always been a major player on those pages. In looking back though, I'm realizing something different. Take the word Open. Preachers and teachers endlessly tell us to open our hearts or open our imaginations. Sounds like a brilliant plan until you realize the barn door isn't keeping out the cold. Dad used to shout at us all the time, "How many times do I have to tell you to close the door?" I wish he would've taught us to close our hearts. The weight of everybody's world sits in the core of your next decision. We spend boat loads of money trying to fix what we can't see or to mow over it with Red Bulls and fancy coffees. Nearly a year ago I stopped saying I have an Open heart. I began walking a Clear life. Being present in this moment of now knowing that nothings getting in. There's too much and it needs to be clear. Utilizing the strengths and gifts already shared without having to dump more expectations into an area of your life you'll never use again. The new term Up Skill is beginning to take over the world of business. In order to survive the ever changing forefront of business employees will need to Up Skill. Sounds like a brilliant plan but where are you going to put the information mentally and physically if you're already overtaken by guilt, shame, doubt and fear caused by the last change? I'm a freak on time management. I'm even a bigger freak on knowing where my head and heart are. Learning how to clear them both will prove to your system of choices how great of a leader you are. It will require time. There are so many levels of understanding and each is very truthful to whom you'll grow into. It's never too late to begin a clear walk. Trust it while growing forward and outward.
Friday, June 7, 2019
To Finally Be
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18202387" data-resource="episode_id=18202387" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "To Finally Be" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
As a child we witnessed so many times the image of an owl asking how many times does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop. The owl impatiently made it to three. To this very second that image still has an impact on the choices I make daily. We are given our walking orders at birth. This is where you will succeed. This is where you need to be. Along the path we pick up crumbs of inspiration and totally get sidetracked as to where it is that we were told to become. During those distractions we find every reason to fade from the required passion because society tells you where you need to be. I can't count the number of times where I was told, "If you can't do what I'm suggesting there's the door." I physically hate those words and terms. It's an instant disconnect with the decision maker. On this podcast we step into some pretty deep areas of change that need more than your personal dreams. To finally be means to reach an area of your ambition that other people have pretty much commanded you not to become. I don't laugh when I tell future broadcasters that it took me 37 years to finally become the radio person I wanted to be. Yet in participating with continuation of all things involved I needed every bit of those 37 years to stand on this path. Mountains and walls don't exist in your life. People do. They're what's standing in your way. People. In all things that you do at work you aren't serving yourself but their needs and expectations so that they will continue having a position of decision making. You are part of the continuation. Being in control of what's to become requires your knowledge of not the past or future. You need to be present in your now. Know of how you feel when being told what to do and how to do it. know of how you react when blame of failure lands on you yet it was the decisions of those ahead of you that caused the storm. Be in your now and control your now when higher decisions poison your reasons for wanting to lead but all you hold is a slip of paper baring the word follower. To finally be. I don't believe in the term there is no I in teamwork. Oh yes there is. There can be no team unless you are an individual first and always. Never forget that your job is always making someone else look good in front of their leaders. To finally be means to become by way of your decisions.
Thursday, June 6, 2019
We'd All Eat The Fruit
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18192101" data-resource="episode_id=18192101" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "We Would All Eat The Fruit" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
I've never denied that I'm an optimistic pessimist. No matter how positive the moment my heart is always preparing for everything that could go wrong. A lot of incredible energy is spent on my mothers endless command, "Save it for a rainy day." This podcast was extremely tough to set free. I go all out real on what it's really like to be someone that spends a lot of time getting ready for all things negative more than celebrating the glory that's dropped into our bucket maybe once or twice a week. As much as I think I like motivational speaker Tony Robbins is every reason why I do everything I can to stay away from his message. He is the temptation. You will buy the books and spend too many hours watching what you think is an inspirational video but in reality its a very long commercial. He is the snake in the Garden of Eden. Which is extremely tough for me to write because there have been countless moments where I've activated the lessons taught only to realize the real world isn't playing what he preaches. That's what this episode is about. Teaching yourself to see truth more than the pretty pictures people post on social media. Looking beyond what we assume to reach the truer story. The most powerful people on the planet have bad days. I want to hear about that. I want to know how they deal with getting horrible stomach cramps and there isn't a bathroom nearby. I want to hear what it's like to sit in their glory and not believe a single sentence in the story. Being rich and famous is only paint on a canvas. When I sketch out the shape of the human face I endlessly question the artist within if I'm going to allow the image to be fake happy or reality sad. If you catch me staring into your eyes during a conversation without words spouting out, let the moment happen. I believe everything your sharing I just don't trust the journey. In all things there is struggle and loss. If truth is what you walk. Then start sharing the real story. There is glory in failure.
I've never denied that I'm an optimistic pessimist. No matter how positive the moment my heart is always preparing for everything that could go wrong. A lot of incredible energy is spent on my mothers endless command, "Save it for a rainy day." This podcast was extremely tough to set free. I go all out real on what it's really like to be someone that spends a lot of time getting ready for all things negative more than celebrating the glory that's dropped into our bucket maybe once or twice a week. As much as I think I like motivational speaker Tony Robbins is every reason why I do everything I can to stay away from his message. He is the temptation. You will buy the books and spend too many hours watching what you think is an inspirational video but in reality its a very long commercial. He is the snake in the Garden of Eden. Which is extremely tough for me to write because there have been countless moments where I've activated the lessons taught only to realize the real world isn't playing what he preaches. That's what this episode is about. Teaching yourself to see truth more than the pretty pictures people post on social media. Looking beyond what we assume to reach the truer story. The most powerful people on the planet have bad days. I want to hear about that. I want to know how they deal with getting horrible stomach cramps and there isn't a bathroom nearby. I want to hear what it's like to sit in their glory and not believe a single sentence in the story. Being rich and famous is only paint on a canvas. When I sketch out the shape of the human face I endlessly question the artist within if I'm going to allow the image to be fake happy or reality sad. If you catch me staring into your eyes during a conversation without words spouting out, let the moment happen. I believe everything your sharing I just don't trust the journey. In all things there is struggle and loss. If truth is what you walk. Then start sharing the real story. There is glory in failure.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
A Great Place To Belong
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18177855" data-resource="episode_id=18177855" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="light" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "A Great Place To Belong" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
I spent some pretty incredible time with the members of the Las Vegas based band Bakers Dozen yesterday. A thought that stood out in the conversation was how they describe their journey through music, "You wear on your sleeve what you listen to everyday. Therefore our music is connected to all things played." Lets break this thought down. If we are present in our place of now and it's what we've been listening to, how does your day react to the expected constant change? On this podcast I go back nearly three years and study the words of my daily writing. I ask my present place in the now if I was talking myself into being positive or was I actually living it? Being aware of where you presently stand doesn't require a map. You need to be present in what your heart and head are endlessly delivering. No day passes that I don't cross paths with another hard working deeply dedicated person that likes their job. I am convinced that hating politics is nothing compared to how the average everyday person deals with their 8 plus hours of workday expectation. A very close person said to me the other day, "Be grateful that you aren't in corporate radio anymore. The art is gone. The purpose is stale." My mother would look at this statement and clearly reply, "Every job in America goes through this. Stop thinking that your career is different than any other." You wear on your sleeve what you listen to everyday. In August of 2016 the words I put down on paper were extremely positive. Nearly three years later I question the writing behavior. Was I talking myself into a good day or was I activating what was already positive? Tich Nhat Hann teaches a very valuable lesson. If you want peace. You have to walk in peace. All things must be mindfully peace filled. You can't be choosy. Being aware of the moments being played out in 2016 allowed me to make a choice in the presence of now. Be positive or be negative. If positive is where I want to place my decisions and steps. All things, including my writing need to be positive. Its a journey. An extremely long walk but mind blowing when you arrive. Getting there requires a choice. Then you have to activate it.
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
The Lyrics From Billy's Forest Chapter 156
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18167347" data-resource="episode_id=18167347" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" data-cover="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/images.spreaker.com/original/4b5773c832c2c110acdc05f533b8ba7b.jpg">Listen to "The Lyrics From Billys Forest Chapter 156" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
In April of this year I penned out in my daily writing about what it's like to live with an invisible God. Which pretty much sounds like fighting words. Within those paragraphs I spoke of the possibility of God having shape. How would we treat him or her differently? I arrive in my recording studio every morning at 5:30. I see a lot of Carolina sunrises. I take my wild out of control dog for long walks several times throughout the day. I live in a forested community. Many of the trees were planted by me in 1997. Twenty two years ago. These trees are now taller than my house. When the journey began they were barely six inches in length. I bring this up because we began today's thought talking about an invisible God. Through whose eyes am I looking? In our own everyday paths and journeys we face more questions than we can handle. Job promotions that should've gone your way but failed your heart again and again. Family and friends that can't stop judging how you live. The high price of food and gasoline. The weight of the world is out of control which forces us into a thought, "Where are you God?" I chuckle. The very moment I was typing onto this computer screen God was writing "Where are you child?" On this podcast I openly share what was moving through me during that moment when I needed sight. Truth is... It became my insight. Writing things down on a daily basis teaches the walker and traveler how to be aware of where you stand. The journey of writing may first appear as poetry or storytelling. In the weeks ahead you'll begin a life of truthfulness. Through writing there is this place of growth. It now becomes your choice to live with it or continue your way with the invisible God.
In April of this year I penned out in my daily writing about what it's like to live with an invisible God. Which pretty much sounds like fighting words. Within those paragraphs I spoke of the possibility of God having shape. How would we treat him or her differently? I arrive in my recording studio every morning at 5:30. I see a lot of Carolina sunrises. I take my wild out of control dog for long walks several times throughout the day. I live in a forested community. Many of the trees were planted by me in 1997. Twenty two years ago. These trees are now taller than my house. When the journey began they were barely six inches in length. I bring this up because we began today's thought talking about an invisible God. Through whose eyes am I looking? In our own everyday paths and journeys we face more questions than we can handle. Job promotions that should've gone your way but failed your heart again and again. Family and friends that can't stop judging how you live. The high price of food and gasoline. The weight of the world is out of control which forces us into a thought, "Where are you God?" I chuckle. The very moment I was typing onto this computer screen God was writing "Where are you child?" On this podcast I openly share what was moving through me during that moment when I needed sight. Truth is... It became my insight. Writing things down on a daily basis teaches the walker and traveler how to be aware of where you stand. The journey of writing may first appear as poetry or storytelling. In the weeks ahead you'll begin a life of truthfulness. Through writing there is this place of growth. It now becomes your choice to live with it or continue your way with the invisible God.
Monday, June 3, 2019
The Smile In The Mirror
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18156749" data-resource="episode_id=18156749" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "That Smile In The Mirror" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
We're all guilty of it. Shoving that fake smile through mood swings and attempts at making sure the show goes on. In the movie Rocketman, Elton John makes his challenges and unstoppable changes no hidden secret. The mirror serves as that one place of guidance. Once the eyes are locked onto the corners of your mouth putting on a clowns face, the ability to bring your capability forward rises to a comfort zone of "Lets get this thing over." Here's where most of us go wrong. We become addicted to the fake. There's only so much energy inside each of us and activating a fake smile uses up a lot of what's required to reach the end of the day. Where do you go when being fake is actually empty? On this podcast we cover that very subject. Learning how to be you rather than a fake you. It's ok to say "I am me. I have feelings. I have emotions." We've convinced ourselves that being happy all the time, even when it's fake is the only path to take. Fake happy comes with a price. No matter how tall the walls or high the mountains, the inability to bust through the moment forces us to start digging a hole to get beneath the blockage. The deeper the hole we make the more we should be reminded of how Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel eventually became stationary. Everything was being built around them. Where are you at with your fake smile? Here's something to think about. Authentic smiles affect the curves of your eyes. When you fake your smile your eyes to actually frown. It also infects your vocal inflection. Be aware of what you're putting out there. It would be a lot easier on you if you walked in truth. It's a journey to get there but well worth the experience.
We're all guilty of it. Shoving that fake smile through mood swings and attempts at making sure the show goes on. In the movie Rocketman, Elton John makes his challenges and unstoppable changes no hidden secret. The mirror serves as that one place of guidance. Once the eyes are locked onto the corners of your mouth putting on a clowns face, the ability to bring your capability forward rises to a comfort zone of "Lets get this thing over." Here's where most of us go wrong. We become addicted to the fake. There's only so much energy inside each of us and activating a fake smile uses up a lot of what's required to reach the end of the day. Where do you go when being fake is actually empty? On this podcast we cover that very subject. Learning how to be you rather than a fake you. It's ok to say "I am me. I have feelings. I have emotions." We've convinced ourselves that being happy all the time, even when it's fake is the only path to take. Fake happy comes with a price. No matter how tall the walls or high the mountains, the inability to bust through the moment forces us to start digging a hole to get beneath the blockage. The deeper the hole we make the more we should be reminded of how Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel eventually became stationary. Everything was being built around them. Where are you at with your fake smile? Here's something to think about. Authentic smiles affect the curves of your eyes. When you fake your smile your eyes to actually frown. It also infects your vocal inflection. Be aware of what you're putting out there. It would be a lot easier on you if you walked in truth. It's a journey to get there but well worth the experience.
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