Timeless Philosophers - Musicians

There are philosophers by occupation and there are philosophers who share their philosophies through their occupations. An example of the latter would include music artists.


One of my all-time favorite music artists is Jason Mraz. I don't know much about him or his personal life, but his music speaks volumes to me. On the surface, it seems like he's just another dude with a carefree approach to life, but I think that there is so much more depth to his words than people give him credit for. 

At the very least, I feel that some of his tracks make for great theme songs as I stroll by this road we call life. I personally consider him as one of the greatest lyricists of our time, and subsequently, one of the greatest philosophers of our time. Lady Gaga would be a close second. Hah.

Here are a few of my favorite tracks:

1.  Live High
2. Only Human
3. I Never Knew You
4. Love for a child
5. Living in the Moment

Little Floater Miracles

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." - the Little Prince

On some afternoons when I am at the backyard, I just relax on my chair and stare at the sky. I enjoy the sight of the floaters I don't normally see - the squiggly circular worms that follow my gaze - and more.

This year, I've noticed even more beyond the regular floaters. I noticed the tiny microbial dots constantly moving around, illuminated by the sun's light. They really do look like dots, but they shine like stars. I feel like I'm actually star-gazing during the day.

It's like our eyes are the microscopes, and we can can observe another world living in the normal flora of our eyes' vitreous humour. It's like there are stars dashing around in seemingly random patterns in an invisible universe.

Just knowing that they're there is a beautiful and an amazing thing for me. Now I can go stargazing anytime I want to, whether it be day or nighttime.

Love Love Day! - Valentine's Day 2014

I don't think Valentine's Day is stupid. It's up to you whenever you want to celebrate your relationship this day or not. Heck, you can celebrate it daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly if you want. I say that any reason to celebrate is a good reason to celebrate.

Anyway, here is one of the things I did for my Valentine this year.

I gave her one of her favorite perfumes called "Modern Muse" by Estee Lauder, and clipped out some 2-hours worth of home-made massage coupons. A little corny, I know, but I was hoping she liked corn.

 

I folded the massage coupons with personal notes and hid them around the house. 

 

 

We didn't get to eat out and watch that new Lego movie like I planned, but overall, I think that the night went very well. :-)



Peaceful Driver Challenge

CHALLENGE

Drive defensively. Even if someone drives recklessly, just keep calm. When they honk at you, cut you off, or flip you off, just let it go. Smile at them and send them happy thoughts. DO NOT curse at all. Keep the peace and drive on.

This was a particularly difficult challenge for me. I've always loved driving, but I picked up some bad driving habits along the way. Over time, I've developed some unhealthy automatic reactions that I noticed I needed to change. I remember Lisa saying something like 'driving angry is like a poison that eats away at your organs while the other driver is happily driving along, oblivious to your pain.' It was relevant to me because I used to stress myself over reckless drivers. It was like I was telepathically asking them "How the hell did you get your license!?" while giving them the 'stare.' I'm glad I've changed. Now I love driving even more.

The Tree Thing

Here is a simple way to help keep yourself happy. Just do the three thing.

The Tree (3) Thing

1. When you wake up, name three things that you are thankful for.
2. Say three positive things about yourself.
3. Say three positive things about nature.
4. Say three positive things about someone else.
5. Before you sleep, name three things that you are thankful for.

Make this a daily thing. Make it a habit. Do the tree thing whenever you see a tree.

* Once you master this, you can easily mix or add 3 things on each step. For example, you can add three goals you want to accomplish on step 1.  


 



 

Parking Lot Challenge

CHALLENGE

Instead of trying to find the closest parking space, go farther down the lot. Park on a space with no cars to your front, left, or right, then walk to your destination. Log some extra steps!.



This challenge is easy on a sunny day. Sometimes walking a bit farther actually saves time from hovering through the parking lot, searching for a space that's closer to the store.

Stairs Challenge

CHALLENGE

Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs. Do this every single time, whether you're only going one floor up or ten floors. Climb those stairs fast, maintaining proper posture.



I remember a co-worker, Clare used to only take the stairs at work --- and we worked on the 4th floor! I thought it was a little funny, but good for her if that's what she wanted to do! Well, I've been doing this challenge and I can totally see why now. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, this challenge can give you a quick boost of energy. You're going to log in some extra miles and build some serious calves. Skip that elevator, baby!