F.A.G LIVING!

The crucial factor influencing how well we can respond in any given situation seems to be the level of mindfulness we can bring to bear upon the moment. If we don’t care to be present, unconscious decision-making systems will function to get us through to the next moment, albeit in the grips of (often flawed) learned behaviors and conditioned responses. If, on the other hand, we can increase the amount of conscious awareness present by manifesting mindfulness, we expand the range of our possible responses. Even if disposed to anger, we can choose to act with kindness. This is the essence of our freedom in an otherwise heavily conditioned system. ~Andrew Olendzki

F.A.G Spirit!!

The Buddha emphasized the Middle Way, which he likened to the successful playing of the lute, the strings being not too taut, not too loose, but with just the right amount of pressure. We all need to seek a way to bring forth such balance in our own lives. I deeply believe that it is vital to our spiritual practice that we become spiritually disciplined. Without spiritual discipline we are never going to wake up or advance on our soul’s journey through this life. But our discipline must be wedded to joy, and we must find pleasure in the myriad wonders that this life offers.
~ Joan Gattuso , "The Balancing Buddha," Tricycle Winter 2008

F.A.G FAMILY! The Winter of 2010

...as the sun settles in the sky this afternoon and the snow starts to melt away...I realize that soon this winter season will be over and Spring 2010 will be here....this winter has been a very special time for me....I was home due to surgery since Nov 1st and I have been able to spend some quality time with my fabulous humble family...my son is now 16.5 and doing so well...the pups are our loyal companions...we had our last litter of puppies leave us on Christmas eve...and on New Year's eve my son's dream came true...after 12 years of teasing me for a Golden we were able to rescue JAKE...he fits in perfectly with our 'fur famly'...and has become best friends with our cat RYANSEACREST....as I ready myself for a new adventure in my life..my reflections of this winter are pretty simple...I am so lucky...lucky to have such great friends, family and most importantly- a son who I will treasure forever...It wasn't easy to create a family as a single gay dad...but so worth the effort...parenting is difficult at times as I try balancing all of the pressures of life...but at the end of the day....he is my greatest treasure, my greatest JOY...so, if you are looking to create a family...I urge you to do so...however that happens for you...discover family in 2010....discover your greatest treasure. Happy -almost- SPRING 2010!....Loving thoughts from here! David Christian Hamblin

F.A.G Inspiration!

It’s easy to feel goodwill, compassion, and empathetic joy for people you like and love, but there are bound to be people you dislike—often for very good reasons. Similarly, there are many people for whom it’s easy to feel equanimity: people you don’t know or don’t really care about. But it’s hard to feel equanimity when people you love are suffering. Yet if you want to develop the brahma-viharas ("sublime attitudes"), you have to include all of these people within the scope of your awareness so that you can apply the proper attitude no matter where or when. This is where your heart needs the help of your head. ~Thanissaro Bhikkhu, "Head & Heart Together," Tricycle Summer 2009

F.A.G Spirit!

Looking at your life in a realistic and balanced way allows you to keep your ego from deflating or growing out of control. There are many areas of your life that you can take pride in and that are recognized by others. It is important to look at your life in a way that takes both your successes and failures into account. Both are valuable parts of an individual’s experience—success, because it bolsters your self-confidence, and failure, because it leads to wisdom...thank you fabulousOM!..
Sometimes it's hard to get over the failure...I should know...spent many moons being sick about some of my choices...yet in the bigger picture every 'failure' has shaped who I am today...and that MAN is pretty amazing! Namaste my F.A.G friends...Namaste!

F.A.G LIFE ADVICE!

Being a sensitive person in this world can sometimes feel very draining due to the fact that we are very receptive to the energy of the people and environment around us. Still, we want to be part of situations that involve small or large groups of people, and we would like to do it without becoming overwhelmed or exhausted. With a few simple strategies we can entertain at home and socialize in the world without running the risk of losing ourselves in someone else’s energy or giving our energy away. All this takes is a little time and practice, and the result—being part of social events without ending up depleted—is well worth the effort.

The whole purpose of this self-care ritual is to help keep yourself strong energetically when you are in a situation that could potentially be draining. For example, if you are having a party, you might take some time to prepare beforehand. Just as you spend time cleaning your home and preparing food, it is essential to prepare your inner home for the event. This can be as simple as taking a mindful walk or a cleansing bath, or engaging in any other activity that gives you energy. You can even just sit alone for a set period of time, tuning in to your energy and connecting to yourself so that you are less easily carried away by the energy outside of yourself.

Keep in mind that it is always acceptable to excuse yourself for a bathroom break or to step outside for a moment. This can give you the time and space you need to check in with yourself and correct any energetic imbalances you detect. Whether you are at home or out in the world, taking care of yourself in this way enables you to keep your energy strong, even as you open yourself to others.

F.A.G LOVING KINDNESS!!

The one who practices loving-kindness sleeps and wakes in comfort and has no bad dreams; he is dear to both humans and creatures; no danger harms him. His mind can be quickly concentrated, his expression is happy and serene. He dies without any confusion of mind. Loving-kindness protects him. ~ Anguttara Nikaya