Category: Lunar Letter (English)

While the laws of man may be bent and broken, natural law is God’s own special token.

Man in his infinite wisdom has created a series of laws which, while perhaps necessary, are not natural laws.  Natural laws do not yield, nor do they change, at the same time man’s laws are in constant revision.  From the beginning of time in when men came together to live in societies, laws have existed to maintain some type of social order.  In the same way, natural laws also promote order in a world which frequently seems to have none.

Every species has nature’s law ingrained within its blueprint to fight for survival.  Faced with any adversity, there is something in our being which activates to overcome any calamity.  This is natural law.

Both man’s and nature’s laws have their own interpretation of life and death.  The natural instinct to continue living is so strong, apparently it is impossible for a person to strangle them self to death, because their body will reject the intent and not allow them to do it.  Obviously there are many ways to achieve the same objective, and men have no doubt discovered most.  Nevertheless, we can also ask ourselves if this also obeys the ultimate natural law which reminds us that one day we will all face our own last bell.

While we might consider natural laws to be unfair, they are the most impartial because they are non-revocable and non-negotiable.  When we let an object drop, gravity will automatically bring it down to the ground.  While we may modify its drop, the tendency will be to always fall.  When we stop interfering with its descent, nature’s law of gravity will continue steadfast to its resolve.

In our continual search to establish order in our societies, we frequently forget about natural law which flow so easily…

Those who flow as life flows know
They need no other force
They feel no wear, they feel no tear
They need no mending, no repair.

~ Tao Te Ching

Life does not have to be so difficult and, in its essence is really quite simple.  We often over complicate our lives trying to obey laws which are made by men and women in suits who play in glass houses; by men in collars and nuns in habits; and too by those who wear so many different types of ornaments.  The tragedy is of course, when we are unable to obey each and every one of these rules imposed by others.  In these times we can feel as if we are lost in an endless and somewhat meaningless maze.

At the end of the day, the curtain goes down, we get back home and eventually get ready for bed.  Let it be natural law and not man’s laws which lead us magically into a deep wonderful sleep and ultimately shows us the best road to take.  Deep inside we know what is correct and incorrect; we know between what is right and wrong.  To achieve what we desire, we need simply obey those laws which are established by a divine power which perhaps goes so much farther than any of us can possibly imagine.

When we sow seeds of hope, service and support, we begin to follow perhaps the greatest of all natural laws; The Law of Cause and Effect.  What we do today determines how and where we will be tomorrow.  If we want more, we need only give more because in terms of life’s great laws, perhaps there is none greater.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL III 39

I now realize I get out of life exactly what I put into it.  Life is a boomerang and will return to me exactly what I give it.  If I want to get more, I need only give more.

I now realize things are not always as I wish they would be, nor are they always as they seem.  Some things which used to seem right, now seem so wrong; and some things which used to seem wrong, now seem so right.

I now realize people are bundles of emotions and are moved more by what they feel than by what makes sense.  When we appeal to people’s hearts as well as their minds, we are soon stepping together, I find.

I now realize there are certain things which are non-negotiable and can never ever be changed.  My word is my honor and there is nothing more important than keeping my word to others and to myself.

I now realize life does not need to be so difficult, and we tend to make it much more complicated than it is.  Making a living requires no particular skill, but making a life truly worth living is a work of art in progress.

I now realize what I thought once might be, can now never be, though other wonderful things have happened to me.  While some visions slip by the wayside, I realize right now I have this moment, so time is on my side.

I now realize there is nothing I can do to take back something said.  Sometimes the best we can do is to take our hat in our hand, humbly reach out to he or she we have harmed and simply say, “I will do better next time, shall we try again?”

I now realize it is better to be a mediocre original than a perfect copy.  While we are often taught to fit in and be part of the crowd, I have found there is excitement in individuality and boredom in mediocrity.

I now realize if the world is not as I want it to be, perhaps there is something wrong with me.  The world is perfect in its own imperfect perfection and if there is something to be fixed, then likely it’s me.

I now realize that while we may know many people, if we have one or two true friends, we are truly fortunate.  Many will come and go; some will stay with us and grow.  As for me, I’ll take those who stick around and go with the flow.

I now realize no matter how much I know, there is always something else to know.  Whatever my small part in this wonderful world may be, I realize it is up to me to see and experience all I can possibly be.

I now realize there is nothing in life I should really fear.  Nothing can happen to me that does not have some kind of solution, though granted, the solution is not always near.

I now realize, the best I can do is the best I can do.

I now realize, I am simply am who I am.

Doing the best I can.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL III 38

Adversity drives the process of natural selection while creating more life and prosperity.  In nature, the wind of adversity has its own special reason.  It serves to clean the air and to spread the seeds from millions of trees and plants all over the world. The essential role the wind plays in the reproductive process is perfect in its own imperfection.

On the wings of the wind, seeds are spread to faraway places where they will find their new home and begin the germination process.  They begin to take root in the soil as their leaves open to find the sun.  When the wind returns with force and determination, the new seedlings are tested as they cling precariously to their perch.  It’s a fight of life and death where the weakest are uprooted and tossed aside, while the strongest dig deeper to defend their territory.

The wind of adversity plays a similar role in our lives.  If it weren’t for the trials and tribulations which mark our path, progress would be very limited.  Obstacles in our path strengthen our resolve and develop our creativity.  Inclement weather causes us to make clothes, predators lead us to make weapons and geographical limitations have caused us to develop modes of transportation.

Those who never face the strong wind of adversity are those who eat, breathe and reproduce without ever really experiencing the true pleasure of living.  Those who overcome challenge develop a particular instinct not just to survive but to thrive in any circumstance. The difference between one person and another isn’t in what can be seen in their physical being, rather in what they have experienced.  Success does not belong to the one who has been given a lot and lost a little, rather to the one who has been given a little and attained a lot.

Those who fight valiantly for success know they are capable of losing everything and coming back, while those who begin with a lot and lose a little find it difficult to bounce back from adversity. Life does not consist in having a good hand and protecting it, rather in taking the hand we’ve been given and playing it to the best of our ability.  The wind of adversity isn’t an impediment to progress, rather a force which allows us to face the storm, spread our wings and soar on the wings of success.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL III 37

Not everything is as it seems and not everything seems as it is…

Let’s look at the example of any famous player now playing in the World Cup of Soccer. We see his incredible ability to dominate and control the ball by making precise passes as they advance and, of course, scoring spectacular goals which cause the crowd to go wild. 

But, do we know:

Where he comes from?

Who helped him along the way?

How he acquired the great ability which now seems to come so easily?

Life isn’t a picture with no history, rather part of a process which creates our own story over time.  The history of a superstar, who now earns so much money and has worldwide fame, can be one of many different tales.

Perhaps his is the story of a boy born in a poor neighborhood who played with a ball made from rags.  Maybe he didn’t have much raw talent but with tenacity and perseverance was able to get good enough to become known, and fortunate enough to play with a local team where he then showcased his talent creating greater opportunity.

Or, perhaps his is the story of someone who did have great innate ability but who instead found someone along the way who recognized his talent and then proceeded to help him refine and define it.  Though his path to stardom may have been more direct, it is no less dramatic due perhaps to his own tremendous expectations, as well as those of others to achieve success.

Each may be at the height of his career and ready for more, or perhaps, on his last legs unable to give anymore.  Regardless of each situation, it is difficult to know the road traveled by each to play in the World Cup.  We can only imagine the tears which have been shed in valiant effort and the happiness which has been born through each of his life experiences which have led him to where he is now.

We should not praise, honor, judge or criticize anybody solely for where they are right now.  We all have a story to tell and a history which has been written.  We never know the rivers someone has had to cross or the battles they have had to fight to attain the little or much they have right now.

There are many similar roads to be taken though more important than the one we take is the attitude with which we take it.  While there are certainly circumstances which go beyond our grasp, ultimately we are the ones who decide what to do with each incident.

We can regret our lousy luck and perish in our own pity party or rise and rally and continue to fight with all our might for what we believe is right.  Let’s avoid painting a picture full of terror and strife, but instead strive to make one bursting with color and life.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL III 36

Everything has its time and, there is a time for everything…

As each season has its phase, so also do we have our epochs, one of the most important of which is renewal.

During the winter, the plant and animal kingdoms slow in pace allowing them to endure the cold winter.  A change in metabolism and activity is necessary to survive the inclement weather.

Our own cycles also require different amounts of effort depending on circumstance.  When we go through a difficult situation, it is normal to pass through a period of grief which allows us to renew our strength and continue forward.

If we were purely logical creatures without an ounce of emotion, perhaps our recovery and renewal period would not be necessary, but the truth is we are emotional beings trapped in a logical body.

Being always motivated and energized regardless of the situation seems to be a worthy ideal.  Nevertheless, our emotions are the result of innumerable experiences which form an integral part of who we are.  To imagine we can control our emotions 100% of the time is a sure road to frustration.  At best we can direct our emotions to get more rapidly to renewal.

Our brain tells us:

Don’t worry, everything is fine!

Just forget about it and move ahead!

Nevertheless, after the loss of someone close or even a job, it isn’t so easy to simply bounce back and continue on.

We should invest time in our renewal to be able to rise and rally despite life’s difficulties.  To achieve this and to help take control of our thoughts and direct our emotions, we can use these three words which Augusto Cury offers in his excellent book Change Your Life.

Doubt:

• What we believe to be true
• What keeps us awake or perturbs us
• What drives us and why we do what we do

Criticize:

• Negative thoughts
• Anything which denigrates us
• Norms which we do not agree with

Determine:

• Where we want to go
• Our attitude toward life
• How we are going to live

Those who achieve great things in life are not those who live without emotion, rather, those who are able renew themselves doing what they most desire.  Doubt is the foundation of knowledge, criticism the initiation of improvement and determination the beginning of a better way of living.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL III 35

Normally we think of time as being lineal, but…

What if in fact, time is three dimensional?

When you can, right now if possible, close your eyes and think of someone specific.

How long did it take for them to come to your mind?

We can bring a person to the present in an instant, be they dead or alive, in the next room or on the other side of the world.

Let’s look at another example.  With that same person in mind, imagine a time you were with them at an important moment or event.

How long did it take for you to perceive not only the place but also colors, smells and ambiance?

The process occurs in milliseconds.

Now, think about the following:

What happens when we are no longer alive?   Does everything in time simply stop, or does it continue?   And what about us, do we continue or do we cease?

While there are many thoughts and theories as to what will happen and, we will no doubt find out in good time which one is true.  In the meantime, what happens with relation to time when we are no longer here?

There is one thing for sure, in the same way we come into the world with nothing, so also shall we leave with nothing but, then what?  That is the question.

I propose that when we are no longer here physically, we can still be present.  Think for a moment of another loved one.  This time, think of one who is no longer here physically.

How long did it take for them to come to mind?

The barriers of time are hurdled in an instant.  Memories of our mother’s smile, our father’s advice, the laugh of a special aunt and so many other recollections are brought instantly to mind.

Our mind is a marvelous machine capable of overcoming any situation we can imagine.  Time converts from two to three dimensions when our mind brings past experiences to this moment.

Many worry about what happens when we finish this marvelous journey we call life and pass to another reality yet unknown.  Nevertheless, we can create our own eternity in this moment, sculpting moments which can be remembered through the annals of time by our loved ones and, perhaps others as well.

How can we make sure we enter into the third dimension of time?

How about by taking the time to:

• Read with our kids
• Pay attention to our spouse
• Advise someone who is new on the job
• Realize that everyone is in their own special world
• Call loved ones, family and friends just to say, “Hey how are you doing?”
• Know that though we may be only one more in the world, to someone we are their world

No one has all of the answers in life but we can give our best effort day in and day out to assure our existence persists into eternity and becomes three dimensional.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL III 34

By the way…

Hey, how are you doing? : )

It’s the year 2024…

Juan and Maria walk on a path which winds alongside the Guaire River in Caracas, Venezuela on a beautiful afternoon during Carnival.  Their daughter is dressed like a princess and their son as Superman.  While the couple sits on a bench, they watch their kids running around excitedly playing with water balloons.  In the crystal clear waters of the river, fish are abundant and the visitors buy food to feed them.  The dedication by the staff to keep this beautiful natural park in impeccable condition is evident.

The couple thinks back to just ten years ago, when this walk in the park was impossible for many reasons, among them:

• The water in the river was not only cloudy but also toxic
• Neither the culture, nor the infrastructure for tourism existed
• People wouldn’t walk out in public parks with their children for fear of being robbed or kidnapped
• The socio-economic situation in the country was a time bomb about to explode as
  two opposing groups struggled passionately for power

As if heaven-sent, students from BOTH SIDES drove change to make Juan and Maria’s walk in the park with their children possible.  The area between Las Mercedes and the river has been completely recuperated and restored to its pristine beauty.  It is now home to restaurants renowned worldwide for the culinary expertise of their chefs.  The parks lining the river are nothing short of spectacular.  The area is now compared to La Recoleta in Buenos Aires and The Champs-Elysées in Paris.

It was the younger generation in Venezuela who raised the flag of UNITY.  They determined that most important was not from which political party you came, rather finding a solution to their problem.  They found the recipe to live in harmony giving spark to a new era of progress in Venezuela.  It was the first step of many which has converted Venezuela into one of the hottest vacation spots in the world in just one decade.

Some of the changes they implemented to attain incredible prosperity over the past ten years were the following:

• Distribution of the profits from oil in three equal parts
  1/3 for education
  1/3 for tourism infrastructure
  1/3 for every Venezuelan citizen
• Lifting all price and currency exchange controls
• Restructuring of the police, national guard and military
• A campaign for unity where the central theme was: TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIEVE ALL WE BELIEVE POSSIBLE

The first year, when they lifted price and exchange controls, was particularly difficult.  The challenge was great but the people in Venezuela were greater.  With incredible
spirit and determination, together they were able to overcome the difficulties which had inhibited progress.  Implementation of these strategies now allow Venezuela to boast one of the lowest homicide rates, a high degree of personal and jurisdictional security, along with one of the best standards of living worldwide.

Despite an initial shock to the system, thanks to the student movement in February of 2014, they succeeded in UNITING all sectors to find a solution.  Together they built a progressive country where each citizen has the same rights to prosperity and well-being.  Now Venezuelans worldwide are proud have been born in this paradise which is…

VENEZUELA

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL III 33

 

As time goes on we realize no matter how much we know, there is always something else we can learn.  There is no limit to the amount of knowledge we can acquire.  Surely if there was some way to know everything there was to know about a certain topic today, no doubt by tomorrow there would something new to learn.  The dynamic nature of thought and knowledge goes far beyond what we can possibly imagine.

Suppose we are in the middle of the forest on a dark night.  We light a fire for light and warmth.  The area which is illuminated by the fire represents what we know.  It is what is close at hand.  What lies beyond is dark, unknown.  It is exactly in this area, which lies beyond what we can see and perceive, where we can find the answers to the most important questions of life.  This is why it is fundamental to shine a light into the darkness.

Our school system teaches us to memorize facts and figures, enabling us to give light only to a limited area.  To penetrate the darkness with a ray of shining light we need to learn how to think and create.  We live in an era where we can access a vast storehouse of information in seconds with a single click.  Nevertheless, this can limit the construction of thought and the development of our creative potential.

Regardless of how much we may know about a particular subject, it is important to challenge ourselves to think about the following:

What can we learn?
What do we want to achieve?
Why do we do things in a certain way?
Who can teach us to achieve our objectives?
Where can we find these people to help us?
How can we improve what we do?
When should we start?

In the midst of darkness and uncertainty we come into the world.  Similarly, knowledge also comes from the shadows and holds extraordinary possibility.  When we begin to think and create different ways of doing even the most routine things, we bring light to what was previously an impenetrable darkness.  Our creative potential knows no limits.  There will always be something else to know and discover.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL III 32