MAKE SENSE

commons.wikimedia.org	'MAKING SENSE' IS HOW OUR UNIVERSE WORKS! Making sense is a necessity of life. It's how our universe works. Why do we say, "Things happen for a reason"? Because they have to. The things that make up our universe don't operate independently of one another. Everything and everyone is connected, continually producing a cause and effect...all the while wearing away our rough edges, like sea glass. Making sense is the fundamental meaning and balance of life that keeps the stars in the sky, and our universe evolving and moving forward. That's not to say that things can't get confoundedly confusing and chaotic, making our heads spin at times, but there's a purpose to it all and lessons to be learned. Just as hurricanes clean out the mangroves and floods feed the soil, human disasters should be embraced as opportunities for improvement. Many people believe that 'unconditional love' is at the core of everything, yet what else is unconditional love, but a caring concern for all things in a manner that makes sense? That said, some people could confuse crazy 'blind love' with unconditional, yet sensible love. So, for the purposes of My "Make Sense" Journal, I focus on 'making sense', with unconditional love for the universe as a given.
Thinking Man by Rodin commons.wikimedia.org	HOW YOU CAN 'MAKE SENSE' - Open your mind and consider all the possibilities! Consider all points of view, connect-the-dots, and make informed decisions. Because we learn from everything - the good and the bad, the large and the small, the day and the night. Everything has something to offer, something to teach us. Don't focus on failure, worrying, or complaining; but instead, acknowledge the problem, identify potential solutions, and take action. You can hope for the best, but plan on the worst. Also, don't think that good things will happen without an honest effort and hard work on your part. And most of all, don't trust those in 'authority'. Do your own due diligence and always be vigilant. Here are some practical steps to making sense on any subject: Observe Analyze Use logic Experiment Do research Work with others Question everything Honor your instincts Make up your own mind But always keep an open mind
https://commons.wikimedia.org	THE PRINCIPLE OF RISK MANAGEMENT - Spread Risk, Don't Concentrate It! As the saying goes, "Don't put all of your eggs in one basket". And don't count on your Plan A working out. Always have a Plan B & C. It's a basic principle of risk management and of life - spread risk out, don't concentrate it. This is why we have a government with checks and balances (sort of); why the U.S. Congress passed anti-trust legislation (though not well enforced); why an unelected One World Government is a really bad idea; and why the power grid and other utilities should be locally owned and operated (which many are not anymore), so that if there is a disaster, natural or manmade, large swaths of the country will not be without power, water, etc.. That's why local self-reliance - knowing how to live in our wild world and how to do lots of things yourself - is *essential* to any real security. And that's also why you shouldn't obsess over things like relentlessly taking photos of the family or endlessly redecorating your house. What if it all goes up in flames? Then what? Instead, use your time wisely and on truly deserving projects. Just sayin!
https://commons.wikimedia.org	PHILOSOPHY: Everything's Connected So Everything Gets Respected! We're all in this 'boat of life' together and need to work together for the benefit of all. That's because, at life's most basic elements, everything is connected. Trite, but true. Everyone and everything are made up of energy and vibration. There is no real separation. What affects one, affects us all. However, we are not all born with identical capabilities. But it's that diversity that helps humanity survive and thrive. Which is why we should try to understand and respect all people and things, no matter what their circumstance. It's also why we should live our lives for the ‘common good’, not the ‘favored few’. This is not an endorsement of communism, at all, but it is a recognition that life can't be all about winners and losers. Yes, competition is a necessary and good thing for our evolution into a better society, but we don't want to leave others behind as a result. Which is not to say that we should engage in mindless compassion. There will be times when we must make demands of each other, give way to righteous anger, defend ourselves against attack, and imprison those who have gone seriously astray. But our demands must be just, our anger should be followed by sensible solutions, our defense should be in proportion to the attack, and prisons should focus on rehabilitation, not punishment. Humanity needs a meaningful philosophy to serve as our foundation in life, and what makes sense to me is that "Everything's Connected So Everything Gets Respected".
https://commons.wikimedia.org	CHARACTER: Set high goals, good intentions, realistic expectations, a can-do attitude, great work ethic, & sense of humor! We should strive to live in an 'environment of excellence and integrity', not a 'culture of complacency and cowardice'. Set high goals and good intentions, like 'World Peace' and building a 'Paradise on Earth'. Although others may mock, these are great goals and definitely attainable. We can have beautiful cities and a lovely countryside filled with happy and industrious people. We simply need to set our sights on those goals, but also keep our day-to-day expectations realistic. Life is not linear - it's not a straight line. Instead, expect incremental improvements; two steps forward, one step back. For, *we are living through the “School Of Life” which has endless lessons to teach us all.* So, the next time something supposedly 'goes wrong', don't think if it as a 'bad thing', but instead, think of it as another lesson, another character-building opportunity for you to learn from, so that you can continue to improve both yourself and your community. To meet life's challenges, we should aim to be 'universal beings', full of diversity of knowledge and experiences, skilled to perform as many tasks as possible, and prepared to face both victories and defeats, but not forget to have fun in the process. All work and no play is a recipe for a dull life, and that's not what we're aiming at. Our goal is for an exciting and exhilarating life, full of charms and challenges, victories and defeats, all of which will improve everything for everyone.
https://commons.wikimedia.org	BELIEF SYSTEM: Believe in higher powers and happy endings...eventually! It makes sense to believe in a loving and benevolent higher power and supernatural forces that we can talk to and ask for help, who are watching over us, guiding us through our many lives to do the right thing; that everything happens for a reason; that there are no coincidences in life; and that ‘all will be well’ in the end, maybe not in this life, but in our future lives. It's comforting to believe in these things, even if we can’t prove it, and even if it isn’t true. Why? Consider the alternative; that there's no divine power to help us through life, and that we're all alone in this world without anyone to turn to. Now that’s depressing and disabling! It paralyzes people into believing that they are helpless and hopeless. That's why we need to believe in higher powers. In fact, doctors have known for centuries of the power of belief to heal the sick through the use of placebos or sugar pills. However, beliefs can also cause disease and death. Scientists have discovered that their intensions or beliefs can sometimes determine the outcome of experimentsq2 for success or failure. That said, there is significant, if not overwhelming, evidence that there are other dimensions to life and a higher divine power that offers limitless help, love, and joy. So, it makes sense to empower yourself, set good intentions, and hold strong beliefs in a benevolent higher power and happy endings, maybe not in this life, but eventually! (Read Dr. Eben Alexander's books on this subject)
https://commons.wikimedia.org	ORGANIZED RELIGIONS Organized religions can feed your soul, create a strong social network, and help a community in many significant ways. However, they can also divide us into 'teams', pitting us against each another unnecessarily. Organized religions can also seriously distract people from their civic duty, and encourage people to be more concerned with the church's and their own needs, rather than the public good. Going to church can make many people feel good about themselves, without doing much good for society. In fact, a religious institution's nonprofit tax status often discourages, if not prevents, them from taking a stand on political issues that can affect peoples' daily lives in profound ways. If you are a member of an organized religion, it is important that you not be a mindless follower. Keep your eyes open and your mind curious. Lastly, many people think of themselves as spiritual and believe in a divine power, but have decided not to align themselves to any organized religion. That is what my husband and I decided to do, although I'm not sure that was the right decision. It was more of a gut instinct. But, if you really want to be a member of a religious group, but can't find the right one, then start one of your own, just don't register as a nonprofit, so that you can say what's really on your mind and in your heart!
https://commons.wikimedia.org	LOYALTY, PATRIOTISM, & PRIDE: Keep it all in perspective! We can be proud of our country, our family and friends, and even ourselves, but don't let our pride, loyalty, or patriotism blind us to reality or convince us to do the wrong thing. That attitude can corrupt our character, distort our thinking, and lead us into making poor decisions. Celebrate accomplishments and acknowledge faults. Stand firmly for what we believe in, do the right thing, try to coax others to our point of view, but always keep an open mind. And remember that we're all part of the Family of Man, so let's keep our pride in perspective!
https://commons.wikimedia.org https://commons.wikimedia.org	OUR HEALTH & THE PLANET: What goes around comes around! Learn lots more at: WildFoodies / HealthAlertPhilly / HealthChecklist / ZeroWasteAmerica Our health is our number one asset. We can't help ourselves or others if we're feeling sickly and our mind is a muddle. We also can't be healthy if the planet is polluted. What goes around, comes around. So, we need to take care of both people and the planet. How? Keep things simple and do without the junk. Learn about our wild world for food, medicine, and more. Also, learn how to grow cultivated crops and make our own stuff. Why? Because we'll never really know what toxins may be lurking inside the products we buy, including medications, vitamins, and supplements. Even organic standards can't protect the public from secret toxic ingredients. And, don't trust your doctor and public health officials, the government, etc., because their education, too often, is based on private profits, not the public health. In addition, I strongly suggest that people completely avoid 'socially acceptable' drugs such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and other recreational drugs; all of which makes people more anxious, not less; plus exposes people to an overload of estrogen, a female hormone, that can cause cancer and disrupt sexual development. Keep in mind, that whatever we consume also ends up in our drinking water, including drugs. What effect does that have, particularly on growing children? Not good. Personally, I also avoid dairy, glutens, and nightshade plants, which encourage inflammation and could lead to cancer. We should also minimize our exposure to radiation from various sources, and reconsider the use of LED lights. Think twice about wearing over-cushioned shoes, low-hanging pants, and tight clothes. Even sitting in bucket car seats can affect your spine and give you leg pain. And many sports need to be redesigned as to not injure participants unnecessarily. Try a daily dose of moderate exercise, mindful walking, and a bit of dancing. Good health is about our minds as well as our bodies. We need to surround ourselves with uplifting and inspiring people, places, things, and thoughts, so that when bad stuff happens, we're ready to turn that lemon into lemonade. When it comes to good health, everything matters!
	ORGANIZE YOURSELF & CREATE YOUR OWN "MAKE SENSE" JOURNAL - To keep yourself on track! Create your own "Make Sense" Journal (in print &/or online) and organize yourself to be "goal oriented", so that you can be productive, fulfilled, and happy. Besides, it’s hard to help others if your life is a chaotic mess. Start with your home - make it your sanctuary - warm and cozy, clean and tidy, uplifting and inspiring. Also, make & post LISTS to help keep your life balanced and on track. Your goals and objectives may change over time, but lists will help you stay focused. Lists help remind you of important tasks and things you enjoy. Daily To-Do List – Think if it as triage, listing things you have to do that day. It can include anything: housework, homework, appointments, taking a walk, fun stuff, etc. Short Term Objectives – Training, classes, building or creating something, learning crafts, hobbies, volunteer/activist stuff, etc. Long Term Goals – Careers, business, marriage, home, children, etc. Make A Budget - Live within your means and avoid debt, because financial problems are a major source of stress. Problems & Solutions List - When things start to overwhelm you, list both the problems and possible solutions, and then get to work on them. My Favorite Things - Create a binder of great photos and list of books, movies, art, songs, sayings, jokes, etc., that will remind you of uplifting, inspiring, and downright funny things you enjoy! Begin your own "Make Sense" Journal (binder) to help you express yourself and work through complex issues. Keep it to yourself or share it with others... like I have! Just don't let your lists and journal overwhelm you. Keep everything in perspective. Do your best, then let the universe do the rest!
https://commons.wikimedia.org	ORGANIZE OTHERS - Build a neighborhood network to help in good times and bad! We need to help each other, because we can't make a better life for everyone all-by-ourselves! It is particularly important for our neighborhoods to "Be Prepared" for any natural or man-made disaster. Because if yours is the only family on the block with food to eat, that's not going to 'go down' well with the rest of your neighbors. The first step in organizing your community is to put together a pamphlet (A Neighborhood Network Organizer) that features helpful information on one side, such as civic meetings and reminders, then on the back side add a 'skills share' and 'networking feature' where people can check a box to indicate if they are interested in getting together with others for any interest, hobby, or discussion groups. Talking to others about civic affairs is particularly important. We need to come together, exchange information, and encourage civic involvement. Just keep in mind that some discussions can be contentious, so remember that we get out of people what they have to offer. We can disagree without being disagreeable and criticize constructively. Organizing your community will give people a sense of belonging and encourage them to focus on skills and issues that will make our communities more resilient.
	ENGAGE IN CIVIC AFFAIRS - It's extremely important to stand up and speak your mind! For important details on public meetings, see: ProtocolsForDemocracy.org A Sensical Society depends on civic engagement, which is why our Meetup is focused largely on public meetings, as well as local self-reliance. Learn to speak your mind to those around you and those in authority... because most people and politicians are not mind readers! Meet with your political representatives and go to your local town or city council meetings, committee meetings, school board meetings and the like. Follow the issues, stand up and speak out, send emails, and write letters...respectfully and using constructive criticism. And get your friends and neighbors to do likewise. Your voices make a difference. Today, most government public meetings are also broadcast online, cable, and radio. So, your audience can be quite large. Also, note that anyone can attend school board meetings. Often parents are reluctant to speak out for fear that their children will be treated unfairly as a result; and that's a real concern. So, it's important that grandparents and other members of society take an interest in our children's education... because they are our future. And remember not to be loyal to any ideology or political party, but instead, work on the issues that make sense and unite people!
	Learn more at "THE ISSUES"!