To Be or Not To Be? Or B2B?

There is a debate I am often find myself in the midst of, and that is the difference in life lived based on symbolism or literal interpretations. Another way to slice it is pattern observation vs. a search for mechanisms.

I'm reading a book called The Year of Living Biblically, by A.J. Jacobs. Basically it recounts his attempt to live a whole year by following the Bible as literally as possible. Here's the catch, he is agnostic about God, so the interesting bit to watch is whether the year instills any deeper sense of spiritualism than before. I recommend it to anyone interested.

But it exemplifies my point in that there is a debate going on. We can often be just as happy by following the intent and meanings of traditions without being trapped in a closed system of belief. And there are those out there who will only abide by strict letter of the law (and by this I am not referring to our legal infrastructure, but to general instances when people say "My way or the highway") and everyone one else should too.

And so here is the issue: Even having the debate about who's system is better is a fruitless one, and here's why. You can never truly know who's belief is better any more than you can know if we all are seeing exactly the same color green. We can assume that we have functioning eyes, therefore we see the same, but there is no way for us (yet, for all you sci-fier's out there) to access the exact data stream of ther person sitting next to you. Without that data overlayed and compared to yours, there is no way to know.

Everything is just speculation at that point. And speculation is assumption, and we all know what it means to "assume"... it makes and "ass" out of "u" and "me". :)

I don't actually have any emoticons for that one so sue me. See you later.

About Me More

I have a varied background. As such a bit of a Renaissance Man: artist, acupuncturist, herbalist, nanny, teacher, CEO, meditator. I have traveled to many parts of the world and yet still reside in Hawaii first and foremost- home.

The art came first and still defines all that I do; from current work to finding creative solutions to business issues. Though dabbling in various mediums I am a painter at heart, closely followed by being a calligrapher. While living in NYC (getting there in time for the riots in the 80's) I studied at the Cooper Union, and went on to successfully pursue freelance work in calligraphy, illustration, and the very occasional computer job (pre-dot.com era), while the rest of the time immersed in painting.

Eventually the call of the open road led to travels, more art, studies in Tai Chi and Chinese medicine, marriage and much more. Travels included Europe and Asia, with a stint of 3 weeks in meditation in Burma.

Teaching has also been a central part of my life, and have taught various subjects in college settings to private students of Tai Chi. Given a chance I would be happy to be found teaching painting, but most subjects are suitable as well.

I have also been active in the business world running a small herb company that focuses on organic Chinese herbs and developing social justice programs. The management style that I have evolved can best be described as very eclectic but focused. I'm very good at getting diverse personalities motivated and working together.

Most important to me is the mission to work well and be helpful with those in need of inspiration and guidance. If there is anything that I can help you with feel free to email me at:
bright_art AT yahoo DOT com
(thats so the spambots don't catch the email, little bastards).

Peace and be well.