James Hall, Guest
Waking Times

The most dramatic contrast in the rule of law against the architects of financial theft can be seen in the way America protects their banksters and the accountability that Iceland imposed on their financial crooks. The fact that the orthodox financial press refuses to cover the incarceration of Iceland’s Bankers Face 74 Years in Prison While US Banks Profit After Your Bailout, is clear proof who really controls the political and economic institutions in the United States. As for the courts, America has long ago shredded the rule of law in this country.

“Five top bankers from Iceland’s two largest banks — Landsbankinn and Kaupþing — were found guilty of embezzlement, market manipulation, and breach of fiduciary duties. Though the country’s maximum penalty for financial crimes currently stands at six years, the Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments to extend the limit. Most of those convicted have so far been sentenced to between two and five years.”

Over the last few years I’ve been really interested in the term “Authenticity.” Partly because it is thrown around so much and sounds pretty pretentious. And partly because I spent so much of my life consciously and unconsciously trying to define myself in a singular, unified way.  I thought living authentically meant figuring out the one label that best described me and then tailoring all my choices and actions into that one type.

It’s kind of like the stereotypical high school archetypes: the jocks, the nerds, the drama geeks, etc. When we associate with a distinct identity or group, we feel certain and safe. We know what to say and how to act. The problem is that human beings aren’t that simple. We’re complex, ever-changing, and inconsistent. As we develop more mature ways of thinking about ourselves, we feel conflicted: We acknowledge growth, yet still want a unified and consistent identify that we can hang our hat on at any given moment. It doesn't matter if we label ourselves in a positive or negative light, a single identity creates stagnation.

We find it fascinating that so many human beings will go to such extremes to avoid sitting with their feelings. They distract themselves endlessly, filling every moment of each day with busyness, electronics, consuming themselves with other people’s behaviour, and various ways to numb themselves through substance abuse. As the emotions get louder and louder in their desire to be heard, the effort required to drown them out gets bigger and bigger. Over time, these people end up exhausted and ill, creating some kind of crisis in their lives that requires them to finally slow down.

Dear Ones, your emotions are not to be feared! They are wonderful indicators of what honours you, what you truly require, and who you really are. Why on earth would you want to deny the very things that allow you to express your delightful humanity? Your resistance to the emotions is what is causing you the discomfort, not the emotions themselves. Most emotions, just like you, are desiring to be heard and acknowledged, and then are happy to go on their merry way.

Stress is something that I’d say we’ve all had to deal with at various points in our life. Some of us more than others, depending on a variety of different factors, with our reaction to it often being a predominant one. If left untreated, stress can actually develop into of a number of challenges within the body, including an overall burnt out feeling.

Luckily, stress is something that can be managed and eliminated if dealt with properly. Check out the list below for some effective ways I’ve found to reduce or eliminate stress from your life:

1. Meditate

This seems obvious, but the benefits of regular meditation are outstanding! The great thing about meditation is that it can pretty much be practiced anytime, anywhere, and it is an instant stress reliever. If you are able to get into a regular routine with meditating daily, it is very likely that your stress levels won’t only lower, but you’ll find that things that would normally stress you out don’t even bother you. Check out How To Meditate: 6 Methods That Can Get Anyone Meditating.

God said:

To think, what life would be if you could live without regret. As it is, you pile up your regrets. You trip over them.

There is a secret to being without regrets. The secret is to get out of the past. Let go of the past, and you will no longer be crowded with remorse. A sense of guilt is something you impose upon yourself. Imposing upon yourself is not a wonderful thing to do.

Regret, remorse, repentance are not noble or heroic. Insights are good. Have an insight, and then be done with it. Letting go is a great secret in life. Holding on is hanging on to the past.

You are not your past. The idea that you are holds you back. You are not even your present, dear one. That is not who you are. Who you are is your Being. Who you are is what you are. Your Being is something sweet and to be glad of, if only you would accept this.

I am your inheritance. I am your offering, and I am totally Being. It is not a myth that you inherit Me. From before your inception in this life, I have been yours. I am your hold on Reality. I am the Essence of you. You are My beloved.

The past, as you see it, is like a wolf who clutches you. The wolf is a proponent of your past. Don’t go there. Your past could be beautiful if you didn't let the past get caught in your craw and pull you down.