THE FIRST ONE – Why?

Hi there!  Welcome to this, my first blog on the "Life In The Shell" site.  I thought for my first entry I would try to define it's raison d'etre.  As life moves inexorably forwards, and I accumulate all manner of stresses and strains, I felt I needed something to help me exercise and relax both mind and spirit in equal measure..  Somewhere to share my philosophical musings or draw attention to articles of interest - maybe even spark debate in these stale times in which we live (ladies and gentlemen, watch very carefully over the coming years as I demonstrate to you how to 'eat your own words' in the public domain..).  Anyway just to be clear, member's contributions aside, these musings are mine alone (unless I state otherwise), and any harm, discomfort or destruction caused to anyone or anything in the process is completely unintentional (unless I state otherwise).

Tenzin Gyatso (a.k.a the Dalai Lama) has stated many a little gem of wisdom in all his lifetimes, but the one I read and admired most recently is his fervent belief that the true natural state of humanity is compassion, and not hatred, as one might otherwise be lead to believe..

“We humans have existed in our present form for about a hundred thousand years. I believe that if during this time the human mind had been primarily controlled by anger and hatred, our overall population would have decreased. But today, despite all our wars, we find that the human population is greater than ever. This clearly indicates to me that love and compassion predominate in the world. And this is why unpleasant events are "news"; compassionate activities are so much a part of daily life that they are taken for granted and , therefore, largely ignored”.

So, in the best traditions of human behaviour when it's back is up against the wall, let’s work cooperatively and compassionately towards resolving some of life’s little dilemmas, have a little fun along the way, and try our best to be mature(ish) in leaving no stone unturned! There may even be the occasional flash of wit and/or humour..

As the Dalai Lama is also quoted as having once said..“people are too serious.. all the time, too serious”.

Peace!