Daily Ramblings – Spiritual Saturday – Watch What You Let In

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Books, Movies, Negativity, News, Positivity, social media, Spiritual Saturday, spirituality, Video Games

I read an article a little while back and the article was about a spiritual leader who realized that the negativity in our lives is due to what we let in. He went on further to explain that negative books, movies, video games, music–anything that brought in any type of negativity would result in projecting that negativity in the world. 

Have you ever analyzed how you feel after you’ve watched an hour of the news? How about reading the news? How about watching news on YouTube? How about discussing a posted news article on Facebook? I’ll tell you how I felt. I felt like throwing my laptop through a window. 

Who wants to be bombarded by COVID, lives being ruined by riots, cities on fire, etc. Who wants to watch news reports of “non-violent” riots with buildings burning in the background?

I gave up the news months ago and already notice a huge difference in my stress levels. I’m just calmer. I still scan the news, but don’t watch it, don’t listen to it, and do not obsess over it. Yep, COVID is still around. Yep, the riots are still going on across the country. Yep, Biden and Trump are still at one another’s throats for the election. Not much has changed.

If you are stressed out or negative, take a look at what you are letting in.You may be impacted by what you read, watch, or listen to. Pay attention to how you treat other people. If you notice a change or realize people are being more negative toward you, this is the indicator. You see, the world reflects what is inside you. The more negativity you let in, the more negativity you broadcast. Conversely, the more positive you bring in, the more you broadcast positivity. 

Take a look at what you are bringing in. My simple act of reducing my news consumption has made a huge difference in my life. 

Have a great Saturday, folks!

Until next time…

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Thankful Thursday – Music

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Gratitude, heavy metal, Meditation, memories, Movies, Music, Reading, Soundscapes, Thanks, Writing

I have always enjoyed music. It seems that we are all wired to music, in light of how popular it has been throughout history. Music entertains. Music reminds. Music inspires.

I like to listen to music when I read. I can’t listen to music with words, because it is too hard to concentrate, but instrumental music is a common partner when I read. I also enjoy listening to music when I write.

Again, I have to refrain from listening to music with words while I write because it is too hard to concentrate on what I’m doing when I listen to the words. Interestingly, I have found that listening to certain types of music invoke emotions that are helpful when I am writing an action scene or an emotional scene. I can’t listen while I write, but I do listen before I write.

Another type of music I like listening to is trance while I do cardio or heavy metal while I lift weights. Trance helps me deal with the monotony of cardio, while heavy metal helps me achieve the aggression I need when I’m trying to push myself to my limits.

I like listening to Asian music, sound scapes, and other cerebral music when I meditate. It helps my mind calm down, while I concentrate on the breath.

I even enjoy listening to movie soundtracks. When I listen to the music of Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, Star Wars, or even the Godfather, I can see the various scenes play out in my mind. It is amazing how much the music impacts a scene in a movie.

Think about the dark music in the original Halloween movie or The Exorcist. When you hear these songs, you automatically think about these movies. It is fascinating.

So today, I am grateful for music that helps me write, workout, relax, and visualize my favorite movies.

Happy Thursday!

Until next time…

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Thankful Thursdays – Grateful for Sis

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Enjoyable, family, Fun, Grateful, Movies, Shows, Sister, Talking, Thankful

My Dad had a hernia surgery this week and is recovering nicely. In light of this, my sister wanted to come up and stay with the family to help out when and where needed. Since she, like most folks, is working remotely for her company, it didn’t matter whether she was here or at her place.

My sister is always bringing some humor to the place. She likes to laugh and enjoys watching good movies, hanging out with the family and friends, and talking with friends on the phone. One of her endearing qualities is being so excited to watch a movie together and then falling asleep partway through. This happened when she was over, as we watched Joker for the first time.

So today, I’m grateful for my sister. She’s a good soul who loves life, loves to have fun, and loves to talk. Thanks for coming over, sis. It was a great few days together.

Have a great Thursday, folks!

Until next time…

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Spread Your Wings Sunday – Week of June 7, 2020.

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Action, Adventure, Comedy, Genres, Love Story, Movies, Science Fiction, Spread Your Wings, Weekly Challenge

Wow! Another week has passed us by. I think time flies when so many things are going on.

This week’s challenge: Watch a movie in a genre you normally would never watch. For example, if you watch a lot of action/adventure movies, watch a comedy or tear jerker (Steel Magnolias is one example).

In the comments mention the movie you watched and what you thought of it. Did it suck or were you surprised by it?

Until next time…

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Spiritual Saturday – The Power of Music

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Benefits, Genre, memories, Movies, Music, Nostalgia, Spiritual

Could you imagine watching one of your favorite movies without the music? It would change the experience dramatically. The music adds layers to the story by the pictures and the feelings the music brings to us.

I use music for all kinds of activities. When I am reading, instrumental music works the best, as long as it is not too heavy. I enjoy calming music while I read. Sometimes classical, most of the time sound scapes.

When I’m in a bad mood, I like to listen to upbeat music. When I’m feeling nostalgic, I like to listen to music that reminds me of something. Try listening to the music you liked when you were in high school and then tell me you didn’t see pictures of your proms, trips, and football games playing through your mind.

Then there is the music that is special to you, like a song you and your first boy or girlfriend chose to be yours. I guarantee you’ll see that person in your mind when the song kicks off, along with the things you did together.

Music is also a huge motivator for me. When I’m in the gym, music drives me from one exercise to the next. If I’m lifting weights, there’s nothing like a good heavy metal tune. If I’m doing cardio, my music genre of choice is trance.

I try to listen to music every day. I enjoy the feelings associated with the music I listen to. I don’t have a favorite music, but definitely am not a Country Music fan. I can attribute this to all the country music my grandmother tortured me with when my brother and I stayed over. To this day, I cannot stand Conway Twitty, Gene Autry, or Johnny Cash.

If you have not tried it, try listening to music when you read, write, study, or exercise. It will give you a huge boost. It does for me, at least. I’ll stop here.

I hope all of you are having a great 2020 and getting some rest and relaxation today, after returning to work.

Until next time…

Dave

 

 

Daily Ramblings – Thankful Thursdays – Ah, Holidays!

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Christmas, Coffee, family, Friends, Good Conversation, Good Food, Good times, Grateful, Holidays, Movies, Snow, Thankful, TV

Today, I’m thankful for the holiday season. I don’t really care about the gifts and such, but I enjoy relatives visiting, the Christmas lights, the tree, the snow, and all the food that comes this time of year.

This year my brother and sister are coming to town and it’ll be great. We’ll watch movies, talk as a family in the living room, eat out a few times, and maybe even catch a movie at our local movie theater. Then there’s the Christmas dinner, which will be Mom’s recipe for roasted duck! Yummy!!

Obviously, the gifts are fun, but I get a kick out of people opening my gifts, not so much the gifts I get. It’s nice to get people something you think they’ll like. It’s also fun to just enjoy the vibe of the family being together, reminiscing about times past.

I realize we should all be giving to one another all-year long, but because this time only comes once a year, it is special; you know?

I realize for some this is a traumatic time of year. It brings back memories of family members who have passed and the gaping hole they have left in the family. This is just tough and my heart goes out to all of you who are experiencing this. That being said, I would recommend throwing yourself into a charity or volunteering. I’ve always found that when I give of myself, my problems fade a bit. I know this is probably a simplistic solution to your problem, but I wanted to throw that out there, in case you have never tried it. It works. At least it does for me.

Well, that’s it for today. I hope all of you have a great Thursday!

Until next time…

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Spread Your Wings Sunday – Do Something Fun

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Do Nothing Day, Fun, Good Food, Internet, Movies, Spread Your Wings, Weekly Challenge

Challenge #1 (provided by Five-minute Journal): Be extra wonderful to yourself today. I’m talking almond lattes and extra delicious food.

Challenge #2: Treat yourself to a movie and get that popcorn, gummy bears, or ice cream. Make it an event!

These should be easy. Everyone likes movies and good food. Try one or do both. As always, feel free to comment when you have completed one.

 

Until next time…

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Thankful Thursday – Holiday Season

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Christmas, Eating out, Exchanging Gifts, family, Friends, Good Food, Holidays, Movies, New Years, Thanksgiving

Today, I’m grateful for the holiday season that is fast approaching. My family celebrates Thanksgiving and Christmas. I used to be a big New Year’s Day fan, but frankly, my religious New Year occurs on the 23rd of October, so other than watching the ball drop on TV if I remember, it’s not that big of a deal.

 

I think the best part of the holiday season for me is the ability to just do whatever on these days, eat what I want (think potatoes, cranberry sauce, pies, cakes, and cookies), and hang out with family that comes to town.

This year, my Brother is coming to visit for Christmas. Mom and Dad are obviously excited about their middle son coming home, but so am I and my sister who is also going to be coming up to hang out with us. It’ll be a grand time!

During the times family comes home we gather in our home theater and watch movies, hang out in our living room over coffee in the morning, and go out to dinner once or twice during their stay to give Mom a break from cooking. If my brother comes, it guarantees us to get in some time on the Xbox.

What is so interesting about this venue is the ability to interact with so many people around the globe. What are the holidays you celebrate in your part of the world, and what do you do?

 

Post these in the comments below!

Have a great Thursday, everyone!

Until next time…

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Spiritual Saturday – Watch what you See and Listen To

Tags

Influences, Inputs, Movies, Music, Negativity, Reading, Surroundings, The News

Sri Harold Klemp discusses how negativity in music and other inputs can pollute the body. It is wise council.

If you are not feeling well or seem to be in a bad mood, look around at your surroundings. Is there someone in your life that is exceedingly negative? Is the music you listen to filled with negativity? Are you watching a lot of violent shows or movies?

I love heavy metal when I work out. I love to watch a great action movie with lots of violence. I like politics and the news. One of the areas I began to notice that had a dramatic effect on my well-being was the news. Every time I would watch CNN, MSNBC, FOX news, or even catch Rush Limbaugh on the radio I would become very angry and stressed out. I decided to cut back on this stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I still scan the news. What I changed was getting too involved in the stories. When I did that, my life smoothed out a bit. I was less anxious and angry. I was more relaxed.

These are just examples. For some of you, none of these may have any effect on your overall outlook. This is individual. If you do get into a funk, start monitoring what you’re watching and listening to. Watch what you are reading. Many of the things you may be exposing yourself to may be harming you, without your knowledge. Experiment. Cut down on the sad or negative music you’re listening to. Watch movies that are uplifting instead of violent. If any of these changes, lighten your mood, you have solved the mystery.

I’m posting this early today, because I have some things to do tomorrow and wanted to get this posting out of the way in advance. If anything in this article helps you, leave a comment. I’d like to hear about what you learned.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Until next time…

Dave

 

Daily Ramblings – Phoenix – Final Day

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family, Friends, Games, Good Food, Happiness, Joy, Movies, Phoenix Trip

I’m writing this early because I’ll be busy cleaning up my brother’s house and getting packed up for my flight on Thursday the 13th. This trip was a terrific time. It started with my niece’s wedding. It was a wonderful ceremony and went off without a hitch.

Then it was a full week of reconnecting with friends, good food, and lots of laughs. It was also a great time to hang out with my brother, play some games, and binge watch some shows on Amazon and Netflix. I also got in some writing, reading, and some much-needed quite time to think about things and reflect.

I like my reflection time. I think about all kinds of things, like what my life would be like if I did this or that in my past or what I could change today and what effect that would have on my future. I like thinking about my family, my friends, books I have read. I even like to think about thinking sometimes.

I hope all of you enjoyed my Phoenix trip! I did. Friday, I’ll be back to my posting schedule. I really appreciate all of the new followers and the time you took to investigate and learn about my blog.

Until next time…

Dave