It is worth while to read and contemplate ancient philosophers and their way of seeing the universe. To the Stoics the universe is perfectly made. It is logical and divine. According to Cicero: “It remains no less true that nothing is more perfect than this world, which is an animate being, endowed with awareness, intelligence and reason.” citing Luc Ferry, A Brief History of Thought (2010) at 21-22. In essence the Stoics weere convinced “that a ‘logical’ order was at work behind the apparent chaos of things and that human reason was able to discern the divine character of the universe.” Id. at 22.

Being of this mindset Marcus Aurelius saw nature as a harmonious whole serving as a model for human conduct and the order of things: “All that comes to pass with justice. You will find this to be so if you watch carefully. I do not mean only in accordance with the ordered nature of events, but in accordance with justice and as it were by someone who assigns to each thing its value.” Id. at 23 (citing Marcus Aurelius, Meditations).

Today following the discovery of quantum physics we can say the universe is alive and in constant motion. All matter is interconnected. Although the Stoics did not understand quantum physics, they understood the universe as living order.  Recognizing this reality allows for an understanding of the universe and how we and all are interconnected. In the end Marcus Aurelius is likely correct justice prevails in a universal way.

“The human energy system is an energetic webbing that permeates the entire body. It is the system that empowers the body and energizes and enlivens the mind, providing the energetic foundation upon which the body is built. It is the network through which all life energy flows.” Kilham, The Five Tibetans (1994) at 10. Kilhan points out we are incarnate beings meaning we are beings who live in bodies.

For the highest form of existence we coordinate our body and mind. To do this takes practice and exercise. For example the practice of yoga teaches to be in tune with the energy currents of our body. In this way we consciously unite mind and body.

In the 1920s an American geographer, Edwin Dingle, lived in Tibet studying with Tibetan Monks. His studies included a series of five exercises known as the Five Tibetans. These exercises, yoga in nature, increase strength, energy and mental alertness. They open up the body/mind energy system and balance energy.

Start slow. Work up to 21 reputations each. Keep doing the Tibetans on a weekly basis. You will be pleased with the result.

The baseball writer/statistician Bill James refers to baseball players having both peak value and career value. Peak value refers to the player’s performance during the best years of his career. Usually this is when the player is between 26 and 30 years old. Career value refers to the player’s performance over his career.

Life can be looked at in the peak value career value way. We can think of many examples of famous people and not so famous people who have a few great years and then flame out to ashes. We also know people who never flame out. These people have “life career value.”

People who have life career value keep going in adversity. People with life career value stay productive throughout their life. People who have life career value foster quality relationships. People with career life career live life as a marathon. They finish the race. They may hit a wall from time to time, but they continue through and accomplish quality in their chosen pursuit and in their relationships.

I started a self defense class recently, and it has started to change the way I react to certain events. The old me would be upset if a stranger  was inconsiderate in public. I might even say something to him or her. The old me would take the time to argue with a stranger who expressed an opinion I disagreed with.

The new me chooses not to react. Now I ignore an inconsiderate stranger and don’t give him another thought. The loudmouth opinion stater that I disagree with does not phase me.

From a self defense standpoint this results in less chance of interacting with a violent person. From a psychological standpoint  being the new me has a calming effect. Now that I ignore inconsiderate people and loud mouths I have less stress in my life. I think this is one reason people say “don’t sweat the small stuff.” It makes life safer and less stressful.

Last week I read  late January and early February is the most depressing time of the year. This is because for most of us in the Northern Hemisphere the days are short and the weather is dreary. The holiday season is over and we have weeks of winter ahead.

While this may be true as far as short days of winter, there is no reason to despair. Challenge yourself to get better at something. Grow your knowledge by reading something worthwhile. Better foster a relationship.

You have control over how you grow your life. Use the days of winter for positive change. Remember life is what you make it.

All actions take place in time by the interweaving of the forces of nature, but the man lost in selfish delusion thinks that he himself is the actor. But the man who knows the relation between the forces of Nature and actions, sees how some forces of Nature work upon other forces of Nature, and becomes not their slave.

Brihad-aranyaka Upanishad

Rich, Poor conflict strongest in 24 years (The Associated Press 1/12/12).                                                 The Associated Press article says “Americans now see more social conflict over wealth inequality… .” About three in 10 Americans polled said there are “very strong” conflicts between the rich and the poor. The share of U.S. wealth held by the top 10% of the population increased from 49% in 2005 to 56% in 2009. Id.

The United States government considers wealthy as having a household income that exceeds $250,000. Although this is a significant income, wealthy is a relative concept. The breadwinners of a family making $250,500 in an expensive area of a major city with typical family overhead most likely do not consider themselves wealthy.  But this family is wealthy compared to a family living on under $30,000 a year which is close to the official poverty level.

One should not feel guilty about making a good income;  one should not feel guilty about being fortunate; but one should remember how tough it is for those who must live on a minimum income:

-Give dignity by showing respect for others regardless of their income level.

-Give to charitable causes that help those less fortunate.

-Refrain from flaunting wealth.

-Remember it is not what is outside the person that counts it is what is inside.

-Remember we are all in this together.

Renew your brilliance. This is the privilege of the phoenix. Ability grows old, and with it fame. The staleness of custom weakens admiration, and a mediocrity that is new often eclipses the highest excellence grown old. Try therefore to be born again in valor, in genius, in fortune, in everything. Display startling novelty-rise afresh like the sun every day. Change too the scene on which you shine, so that your loss may be felt in the old scenes of your triumph, while the novelty of your powers wins you applause in the new.

Baltasar Gracian, The Art Of Worldly Wisdom (Seventeenth Century).

As we start the year many have made a New Year resolution. Some will resolve to lose weight. Some will resolve to exercise. Some will resolve to break a bad habit.

How about resolving to take control of your life? This means you taking the initiative to make things happen. This means acting instead of reacting.

When taking the initiative use your intuition and common sense. If something does not feel right deal with it immediately up front instead of passively letting it unfold to your detriment.  Trust your instinct and first impression which are usually right.

Practice taking control of the small stuff as well as the big stuff. Actively live every moment doing what you know is correct. Move methodically to your long term goals recognizing each day is a step to fulfillment. Take control and make a difference every day.

Recently I went to a local store, the type many shoppers were at on Black Friday. On Black Friday there were news stories of shoppers fighting one another to buy things. As Christmas approaches there will continue to be lots of shoppers, and more battles over merchandise.

When I was at the local store I noticed the Salvation Army bell ringer. There was no line for the Salvation Army money can. Only the bell ringer with rarely a person stopping to give.

Giving is still done. Giving will always be done. The Giving Tree story teaches how unconditional  giving makes a tree feel good and fulfilled. The tree never thinks about itself. It’s first thought is about giving even when giving is at its expense.

This season many will give nothing. Some will give a little. A few will give greatly in relation to their ability. The many will feel nothing. The some will feel some satisfaction. But the few will know their giving whether in time or money has made a difference and they will feel great.