mortal = subject to death
all men are mortal – or are they
life fears death, an ending, a destruction, a permanent "no more"
life is matter, earth is matter
space is the absence of matter
is space the death we fear
energy is the capacity to perform work or activity
E=mc2
energy can be neither created nor destroyed
matter (mass) can be neither created nor destroyed
life can be neither created nor destroyed
death does not exist
only in the context of human creation do living things die
we are only energy vibrating at variable rates
solid, gas, liquid
WHY THEN DOES LIFE CREATE
what is energy striving to achieve while in that tenuous tri-state of solid, liquid, gas that is life?
how beautiful that life is all three states of matter working syncretically/symbiotically - but why?
why this delicate harmony?
if life creates not to escape death but to preserve this triad of energy then why?
to become conscious of itself - to witness and know itself, the universe unfolding and folding in upon itself eternally?
yes... i believe so...
11.17.2008
less is more
I fear dreams, ambition, entrepreneurial endeavors, goals, plans, obsessive self interest, vigorous career moves, grasps for fame, attempts at fortune.
I don't want to do anything spectacular with my life. I don't want mediated attention (yet, I write this blog...). I don't want to strive to achieve some self-eclipsing success. I don't want to contribute to society. I don't want to leave anything behind.
I want less.
of everything man-made
even dreams.
Since I was a child I've always been a dreamer and believed in the fecundity of my dreams - that like seeds they could be nurtured into a manifested reality. As Americans, I think we're acculturated to dream and believe in the power of dreams. After all, dreams make. dreams do.
But perhaps we've done too much. We've drown the world with our dreams and created an excessive amount of artifacts, so much that we don't know what to do with it all but dump it into the oceans, burn it, bury it, or enshrine as some mile marker in the history of our culture's stride of "progess".
As I live in New York City I meet so many impassioned people doing doing doing doing many things with their lives - but all seem to be striving for the creation of some sort of life-product: a material manifestation of one's life - that will be revered for its contribution to the progress of society. Whether they know it or not, that's what they're doing - artists, scientists, architects, designers, writers. it's manic and neurotic. in some ways I think western civilization is obsessed with creation. if we don't create then we'll be forgotten or left behind.
I'm not advocating that people should stop creating, although I might find solace and appreciation from such high moral and ethical behavior. I'm merely saying, don't expect anything from me. I feel guilty enough creating this blog, all these words and images. I want a simple life. I want to believe that I'm somehow beyond creation–that I'm ready to embrace telepathy or universal understanding, forgiveness, humility.
What can be said without words? What can be accomplished without goals? What if we put that old tool, the mind, to rest? What if we just rely on intuition, impulses, desires, instinct, necessity? What would the world look like? Who would we be?
yet we are here, a nation of dreamers. and rather than participate in this narcissistic national ethos of creation I'm going to stand back and witness it. Do little or nothing–only what is necessary, and strive for less.
I don't want to do anything spectacular with my life. I don't want mediated attention (yet, I write this blog...). I don't want to strive to achieve some self-eclipsing success. I don't want to contribute to society. I don't want to leave anything behind.
I want less.
of everything man-made
even dreams.
Since I was a child I've always been a dreamer and believed in the fecundity of my dreams - that like seeds they could be nurtured into a manifested reality. As Americans, I think we're acculturated to dream and believe in the power of dreams. After all, dreams make. dreams do.
But perhaps we've done too much. We've drown the world with our dreams and created an excessive amount of artifacts, so much that we don't know what to do with it all but dump it into the oceans, burn it, bury it, or enshrine as some mile marker in the history of our culture's stride of "progess".
As I live in New York City I meet so many impassioned people doing doing doing doing many things with their lives - but all seem to be striving for the creation of some sort of life-product: a material manifestation of one's life - that will be revered for its contribution to the progress of society. Whether they know it or not, that's what they're doing - artists, scientists, architects, designers, writers. it's manic and neurotic. in some ways I think western civilization is obsessed with creation. if we don't create then we'll be forgotten or left behind.
I'm not advocating that people should stop creating, although I might find solace and appreciation from such high moral and ethical behavior. I'm merely saying, don't expect anything from me. I feel guilty enough creating this blog, all these words and images. I want a simple life. I want to believe that I'm somehow beyond creation–that I'm ready to embrace telepathy or universal understanding, forgiveness, humility.
What can be said without words? What can be accomplished without goals? What if we put that old tool, the mind, to rest? What if we just rely on intuition, impulses, desires, instinct, necessity? What would the world look like? Who would we be?
yet we are here, a nation of dreamers. and rather than participate in this narcissistic national ethos of creation I'm going to stand back and witness it. Do little or nothing–only what is necessary, and strive for less.
11.11.2008
today i bleed
still wearing all these wires and heart strings
despite a deeper knowing and a wider perspective
today I bleed
within this mess of amassed flesh
a beating mind set 9-to-5, sleep, wake, eat
to survive these streets and the dissipate heat
I BLEED! I want to yell into these cold canyon streets, "I BLEED!"
these words are escaping through clicks at finger tips
swift as the leaves swirl over pavement when trucks pass
out a gaping hole in this hollow hull
"the first steer rolled out on the floor to be bled, skinned, and dressed"
BLOOD LET
let go notions writ in stone that stone begets stoic men with stone minds
spouting, spewing, spillage
sometimes it's gonna hurt
seeping dry from bloodshot eyes
that stones and scabs like dams to defy
could it be so wrong to feel the weight of this world
drain from flesh and drip from mind
what crime! what crime!
to be alive and never cry
despite a deeper knowing and a wider perspective
today I bleed
within this mess of amassed flesh
a beating mind set 9-to-5, sleep, wake, eat
to survive these streets and the dissipate heat
I BLEED! I want to yell into these cold canyon streets, "I BLEED!"
these words are escaping through clicks at finger tips
swift as the leaves swirl over pavement when trucks pass
out a gaping hole in this hollow hull
"the first steer rolled out on the floor to be bled, skinned, and dressed"
BLOOD LET
let go notions writ in stone that stone begets stoic men with stone minds
spouting, spewing, spillage
sometimes it's gonna hurt
seeping dry from bloodshot eyes
that stones and scabs like dams to defy
could it be so wrong to feel the weight of this world
drain from flesh and drip from mind
what crime! what crime!
to be alive and never cry
11.07.2008
four foods that have changed my life
Tonight I was eating a leftover red quinoa dish I had made the night before, absolutely delighting in it's beauty, taste, and benefit to my health. It got me thinking about other foods that I've incorporated into my diet in the past few years that have really made an impact on my health, my culinary palette and my choice to support sustainable agriculture. As we move into the holidays, a season focused on food, it's as good of a time as any to share four foods that have changed my life:
#1: QUINOA
If you're not cooking and eating quinoa yet you're really missing out. Pronounced keen-wa or kee-no-uh, this tiny seed originated in the Andes and was first cultivated by the Incas. Though it looks like rice and cooks like rice, it's actually not a grain, but a relative of leafy greens like spinach and kale. Nutritionally, quinoa is a complete protein - unlike rice and wheat - it contains all nine essential amino acids and is high in dietary fiber, iron, phosphorus, manganese and magnesium.
Because my diet tends to be low in meat, quinoa is a great way for me to get the same protein benefits I would otherwise miss out on, plus added minerals! It's also a fairly sustainable crop that requires little use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides - making it a good choice when supporting sustainable crops and agriculture.
It comes in a few varieties. My favorite so far is Inca Red - the color is marvelous!
#2 HEMP
Another winning seed comes from the Hemp plant. Like quinoa, the hemp seed is a complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. The seed can be used in many different ways as far as consumption is concerned. It can be ground into a powder then made into products like Hemp Milk - similar to soy but with more nutrients and no health risks, Hemp Bread /Baked Goods, Hemp Oil, Hemp Butter, Hemp Protein Powder - or it can be eaten raw and mixed into cereals, salads, and other dishes.
Hemp Milk is my favorite milk alternative because of its taste and nutritional value. I use it in cereals, baking, and to drink - it doesn't seem to mix well as a creamer in coffee, but I'll still add it occasionally. Also, like quinoa, Hemp is a highly sustainable crop requiring little water and no pesticides. It uses also extend beyond the dietary, leaving no part of the plant to waste.
#3 CHIA
You might be catching on that seeds are way underrated as a source of food and make up a large portion of my diet. Chia is a super seed that comes from the Mint Family (Salvia) and originated in the central valley of Mexico. First cultivated by the Aztecs as a major source of food, it can be eaten raw (i.e. sprinkled on cereals, pastas, and salads), ground into a powder and used in soups and baked goods, or soaked in water (or hemp milk) and eaten like a pudding.
As far as nutrients are concerned, chia is a superfood. It has one of the highest contents of omega-3 fatty acids of any vegetable source, is high in antioxidants, fiber, calcium and protein.
Chia has become my morning meal. I soak it in a mixture of water and hemp milk to make a gelatinous additive to either granola or oatmeal, complemented with chopped fresh fruit. It's like yogurt - only so much better! It's also a sustainable crop!
#4 COCONUT
Coconut is, yes, a nut, like almonds and walnuts! Albeit a very large one - at least in comparison. The main reason coconut has won me over is it's high nutritional value and source of fat. Yes fat. Coconut is very high in saturated fat, and while that might cause many to turn their heads in fear of risks to their cardiovascular system (i.e. high cholesterol), fear not! Coconut oil (the oil derived from the meat of the nut) is an excellent source of a healthy form of fatty acids that are essential to human health and commonly found in animal products. It's rich in lauric acid, which is known for being anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal, offering great support to the immune system. Also, coconut is easily digestible and its protein converts into quick, healthy energy.
Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy and it's uses extend beyond the culinary - leaving little waste after cultivation of the entire plant.
I buy a jar of Coconut Butter and spead it on a slice of hemp bread (or pancakes) for breakfast or for a snack. I've also used it as a butter substitute in baking and as a glaze on raw desserts. I also have a bottle of Coconut Oil that I use with cooking, similar to olive oil - but it has a higher smoke temp.
One thing that strikes me after typing this is the fact that nearly all of these foods were staples in indigenous diets - people who survived off the land with little to no technology for thousands of years - and lived healthy lives in a healthy cooperation with their environments.
You're likely to find all of these food products at your local cooperative market or health food store, and if not you can always order online.
Also, if you've read this and would like to share any info or experiences about foods that have changed your life, please comment! I'd love to hear and learn from you!
#1: QUINOA
If you're not cooking and eating quinoa yet you're really missing out. Pronounced keen-wa or kee-no-uh, this tiny seed originated in the Andes and was first cultivated by the Incas. Though it looks like rice and cooks like rice, it's actually not a grain, but a relative of leafy greens like spinach and kale. Nutritionally, quinoa is a complete protein - unlike rice and wheat - it contains all nine essential amino acids and is high in dietary fiber, iron, phosphorus, manganese and magnesium.
Because my diet tends to be low in meat, quinoa is a great way for me to get the same protein benefits I would otherwise miss out on, plus added minerals! It's also a fairly sustainable crop that requires little use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides - making it a good choice when supporting sustainable crops and agriculture.
It comes in a few varieties. My favorite so far is Inca Red - the color is marvelous!
#2 HEMP
Another winning seed comes from the Hemp plant. Like quinoa, the hemp seed is a complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. The seed can be used in many different ways as far as consumption is concerned. It can be ground into a powder then made into products like Hemp Milk - similar to soy but with more nutrients and no health risks, Hemp Bread /Baked Goods, Hemp Oil, Hemp Butter, Hemp Protein Powder - or it can be eaten raw and mixed into cereals, salads, and other dishes.
Hemp Milk is my favorite milk alternative because of its taste and nutritional value. I use it in cereals, baking, and to drink - it doesn't seem to mix well as a creamer in coffee, but I'll still add it occasionally. Also, like quinoa, Hemp is a highly sustainable crop requiring little water and no pesticides. It uses also extend beyond the dietary, leaving no part of the plant to waste.
#3 CHIA
You might be catching on that seeds are way underrated as a source of food and make up a large portion of my diet. Chia is a super seed that comes from the Mint Family (Salvia) and originated in the central valley of Mexico. First cultivated by the Aztecs as a major source of food, it can be eaten raw (i.e. sprinkled on cereals, pastas, and salads), ground into a powder and used in soups and baked goods, or soaked in water (or hemp milk) and eaten like a pudding.
As far as nutrients are concerned, chia is a superfood. It has one of the highest contents of omega-3 fatty acids of any vegetable source, is high in antioxidants, fiber, calcium and protein.
Chia has become my morning meal. I soak it in a mixture of water and hemp milk to make a gelatinous additive to either granola or oatmeal, complemented with chopped fresh fruit. It's like yogurt - only so much better! It's also a sustainable crop!
#4 COCONUT
Coconut is, yes, a nut, like almonds and walnuts! Albeit a very large one - at least in comparison. The main reason coconut has won me over is it's high nutritional value and source of fat. Yes fat. Coconut is very high in saturated fat, and while that might cause many to turn their heads in fear of risks to their cardiovascular system (i.e. high cholesterol), fear not! Coconut oil (the oil derived from the meat of the nut) is an excellent source of a healthy form of fatty acids that are essential to human health and commonly found in animal products. It's rich in lauric acid, which is known for being anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal, offering great support to the immune system. Also, coconut is easily digestible and its protein converts into quick, healthy energy.
Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy and it's uses extend beyond the culinary - leaving little waste after cultivation of the entire plant.
I buy a jar of Coconut Butter and spead it on a slice of hemp bread (or pancakes) for breakfast or for a snack. I've also used it as a butter substitute in baking and as a glaze on raw desserts. I also have a bottle of Coconut Oil that I use with cooking, similar to olive oil - but it has a higher smoke temp.
One thing that strikes me after typing this is the fact that nearly all of these foods were staples in indigenous diets - people who survived off the land with little to no technology for thousands of years - and lived healthy lives in a healthy cooperation with their environments.
You're likely to find all of these food products at your local cooperative market or health food store, and if not you can always order online.
Also, if you've read this and would like to share any info or experiences about foods that have changed your life, please comment! I'd love to hear and learn from you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)