The Birthday

Today is one of my best friend's birthday. 31 years on this earth! I can say that Adam has been one of my closest comrades in my journey through this turbulent life. he's stood by my side through a multitude of events and happenings. Happy Birthday to you Adam!
I met Adam in 9th grade at Buena High School in 1993. we weren't close friends, but we hung out with the same circle of guys. we also lived in the same neighborhood, and when he got his license he would give me rides to school in his old Jeep. man that thing was totally outdated. in the crowd, I was never popular with those in the nucleus, but I orbited them like Pluto orbits the Sun, on the very outer rim of their popularity. I went through a lot of rejections, disappointments, and dismissals, simply because I wasn't cool enough. when you're a high schooler, popularity is almost as important as your education. you strive so hard to be like the one's who the school considers popular, and the truth of the matter is that your emulation is just not enough. Adam saw that in me, that I was never going to be cool enough. he then took me under his wing. and I think he respected my decision to break away from "the crowd" and begin the quest of becoming an Individual.
we started hanging out, and eventually became best friends. he stood up for me, sympathized with me trying so hard to be accepted, and stood by me. no other person in that time in my life made as much of a difference as he did. we were quite wild in our adolescence, ditched a lot of school, but we made it through high school, and emerged from graduation on the brink of becoming men.
over the years, we've only seen each other a few times, but the letters and the phone conversations kept coming on a regular. he now lives in the hottest city in America. he's a percussionist, a writer, a lyricist, and a great friend. I admire his work ethic, he practices a minimum of four hours a day in pursuit of a continual sharpening of his skills.
we are five days apart in age, which puts us under the same astrological sign, which is strange because we're so much different from each other. that, I think, is what makes our friendship successful. we come to the table with different additions to the friendship. he has taught me much.
even though I have't seen him in years, I know that he's with me in mind and spirit. he's the type of person who knows when he's wrong, and his heart weeps when he feels that some things just don't change. but I have faith in him, and I know he'll make it to pass through the threshold of bliss, for in essence that's what he's seeking.

Happy Birthday, my friend and brother.

Dr. Stephen Strange

Friday

Today is Friday, and although I don't feel inspired to write, I'm gonna attempt it anyway. there's not much on my mind, other than my school work. I have an essay due on Monday in Eng 330. I have a response paper due later on this afternoon. I do my best to stay on track, but this morning I overslept, and missed the bus. so, I arrived in class half an hour late, yet my instructor was kind enough to not count it as an absence. why do I have such a hard time keeping schedule? I sleep too much.
if you've noticed, I just took a paragraph break, due to the overwhelming criticism of my former style of writing. also, I was told that I should capitalize the words at the beginning of each sentence. being an English major, I should know better. but all is well. I simply want the words to get out there, to get some exposure, even if it's only one person per blog entry. time will take its toll, and eventually the word will spread. I've already advertised on two free sites, but so far no one new that I know of has entered my domain. eh, I suppose it just takes time.
I don't have in hand a particular issue to talk about. maybe this blog is simply about random banter and rambling. I'm sure that although I don't feel like writing, the act of writing itself will manifest some sort of topic either in the midst of writing, or post-writing, after I have gone from the lab. I got a response from one of my favorite artists on myspace, Tony Rich, which was pretty cool because I wrote him and told him how his music has influenced my life. his response was warm.
I had a dream that my leg bone was completely severed, that it was moving around. it didn't hurt much, just an ache. I could move it around, slide my skin off and on. it was almost if it was connected, but severed at the same time, down to the bone. I could walk on it, but I had to shift it into position to create movement. the dream world is strange.
I just thought of something: potentially, I should write a "thank you" blog, to all of the people in my life, to describe how they have influenced my life. that would be good.
I suppose there's not much else to write, other than to sign off.

here's to mindless rambling.

Dr. Stephen Strange

Control

Control comes in many forms. you could be controlled by your government, your peers, your superiors, the media, the news. control could be a good thing, but if it hinders your ability to exercise your God-given freedoms, then you should eliminate these exterior sources. I don't watch the news, because it's always BAD news. I don't allow my government to exert its agendas upon my life. I do my best to live a life of peace and tranquility, so I don't buy into the media-driven agendas of the Global War On Terror. the people within my circle allow me to blossom my mind's flower, and I do my best to live on this earth with harmony. it's hard to achieve, and if you seek it, it could take a lifetime to come to that epiphany that all of us are linked to each other. why do governments wish to launch missiles upon a population in the intent of conquering another person? why do they push on us these subliminal, hypnotizing messages, that force us to support a bureaucracy that is intent on establishing an Order that extends from East to West? this blog has no real form, other than stating that some control is unnecessary. in future blogs I will dig deeper in the realms of Control, as well as theories on the government and its agendas. you really have to ask yourself, will you allow others to control you, or will you allow yourself to be free in both body and soul? be the commandeer of your life's ship, take the helm and guide your ship into the waters of intelligent thought and nirvana. if you have trouble with your peers controlling you, step back and examine why you allow this to be so. until you assert your individuality as a unique being and control your own choices and freedom, you will be the slave to the next man's agenda.

peace to the liberation of the soul.

Dr. Stephen Strange

The Truth About Sadness

Sadness is an essential emotion. it allows you to experience the depth of your heart. many in this world are numb to this emotion, especially in the realm of love. today, I lost another opportunity to conceive a relationship, and I am sad. but this feeling gives me the strength I need to learn the lesson that is posed here: that not everyone you have your eye on is meant to be in your life. my sadness within me cultivates my love and all of its depth, harnesses it, sharpens it, smooths it out, so that when the right lady comes along, I will be able to give her the entire expanse of my internal universe, and then some. being sad is a natural emotion. and it is a beautiful one at that. if you are a sensitive soul, you will go through many rejections, disappointments, and let downs, but being that sensitive soul gives you an advantage. it lets you know that you're still alive! not every woman you meet or inquire of is shaped according to your mold. there is the saying that there's a match, a mate, for every person on this planet, in the course of a lifetime. so, what this means, in a positive perspective, is that you must go through all of the heartache and disappointment to find the true reflection of your heart. if there's only one, then you have to sort out the other 3 billion women in the world, to find that diamond in the rough. your heart has its mate, its counterpart. not every heart is shaped the same way, does not have the same dimensions. keep your head high, and although she didn't say yes to you this day, you must understand that your request was declined for a reason. she's just not the one. so, in my travels throughout life, I know that I'm going to have climaxes of affinity for women, and I hope that they possess an affinity for me as well. but if they don't, I know to move on quickly. yes, I allow myself to be down and feel sad, hang my head, let my heart bleed a bit, but that sadness that is coursing through my arteries keeps me alive, and keeps me hopeful.

to love, in all its purest forms.

Dr. Stephen Strange

Being Selfless

I think that being Selfless is a hard thing for us to learn in this American society. yet, it is the most rewarding activity that a sensitive, loving soul can engage in. I know that I extend my love to my family and my friend circle, yes, because they deserve it, and have earned my friendship through years of dedication, trust, and love. but what about the people that you don't know? I find it often hard to mistrust people that I don't know. it is easy to formulate the concept that you are going to help someone you don't know, but when it comes to execution of that kindness, the bridge is high and long. if you are to be a selfless being, you must include all of your physical and spiritual reflections, because we are all linked by the same Creative Force, which is God. he dwells in all incarnations, and we must love them. trust is something that is earned, but charity in the form of a kind word, a dollar, or a helping hand is given freely. granted, I don't have 6 billion dollar bills to give to the populus of the world, but when that moment comes into your periphery, you'll know it. someone will come to you, arrive at your place of being, and they will require of you some form of energy. this is the manner in which the universe reacts to you, it brings people into your lives for the enrichment of your soul. giving is only a conduit of that enrichment. it is basically an exchange of soul energy, the kindness, the love. not everyone of the people that you meet as strangers will require a dollar. maybe they will require a helping hand, such as opening a door for someone with physical limitations. or they will need your wisdom to see a certain issue from a fresh, different perspective. others will need your love, and your patience that comes in the form of a listening ear. to be selfless you must look beyond your own ego, that thing that centers around the "me" concept, and you must look to others. be observant, and be ready when that stranger comes into your presence. this is the love that you must extend, in order for the energy to come back to you in the law of reciprocity, for the universe will know when you yourself will require this type of energy (love) to be given to you. we all need each other, and even if you only meet face to face with that person for a split second fraction of a lifetime, it will be all worth the while. be at peace with yourself, love unconditionally, and the universe will replicate this energy, and give it back to you.

to the love of the universal family....

Dr. Stephen Strange

A Bit of Free Time

free time is a good thing, especially if you use it constructively. I tend to have a lot of free time during the week, because for one I have a 3 hour break in-between my first and second class. that's where all this writing derives from, the break, the free time. how do you approach free time? do you read books, talk to relatives, create art, write? It says in the Bible to never be idle, so get yourself busy with something constructive, something positive, something that you can say you did that was good. I myself like to partake in all of the options above. my family comes first, because my family is my foundation, my support. I write in this blog, and although it is fresh and new (only a week old) I still am making headway with the size of my entries, and the library itself. I plan to have a blog written for each day, until the capacity breaches. but by then I'll have my own website specifically constructed for my writings. busy yourself with things that you can show account for. never waste a minute of your life, because in mere seconds could it be taken away. I am no Zen master, I don't always exhaust my time with productive, positive endeavors. I have my idle time. the first step to getting into the habitual mode of using your free time wisely is to be conscious of that need. 24 hours just seems to be not enough. for those of you who have children, you may be scrambling to find just one moment's of peaceful free time. my sister resembles this description: she has three children, is a working mother, and raises her children by herself because her husband has to work the 2nd shift at a manufacturing plant just to support the ones who stay at home. even if you measure the span of a lifetime, there seems to not be enough time. my wisdom on this is to break down your moments into projects, and see how much you can accomplish in that time period. my uncle said that we should only strap on three projects in one day, any more would be too heavy to bear. start out small, then work your way into much heavier reservations. plan to do one thing a day in your free time for a week or two, write down when you begin these tasks, and then record if and when you complete them. if you have a record, you can see your progress. after a week or two, or even a month, add on another project to handle in your given free time. I'm loaded down with books to read, being an English major, and I read for at least 2 to 3 hour a day. when I'm done with my daily requisites, I dabble on the PC and my keyboard and make music. or I go to the pool to relax. we as physical beings need some free time spent on relaxation. it is essential to the body to take a break and rejuvenate it. we only have so much battery power, so we must recharge. take it one step at a time when it comes to managing your free time, for that's all you can do. one step in the right direction will take you one step closer to completing your projects. if you don't know what to do with your free time, sit down with someone else and brainstorm. you'd be surprised as to how the stimuli of another mind can help you figure out what to do with that extra bit of time. try to dedicate at least an hour a day to yourself, and only yourself. you are the center of your universe, so you must take care of yourself. staying positive for yourself means that you can stay positive for others. if you are drained of energy, it's hard to lend some energy to others, seeing as how it is expended. stay positive and manage your time. and lastly, have fun. no one can ask more of you.

free time is blessed time....

Dr. Stephen Strange

Freedom of Thought

I think for this entry, I'm just gonna ramble. that's one of the things I do best. what's on my mind this morning? a girl. but I'll pass on that one, reserve that topic for a later date, because I don't even know her just yet, and I'm not going to jump the gun yet, not even gonna load that gun with shells of description and banter. another Monday has come, and it's back to school. my professor let us out early due to the class not being prepared: we didn't read the required material, so off we go into the wind. a quick return: she's pretty, very pretty. borderline beautiful. I was conflicted last night. I wanted to record some lyrics, but didn't feel in the mood. I just didn't have the desire to make sound. I got about less than 3 hours to fiddle with this blog, and surf the web. maybe I could do some research, or listen to some music. well, that's what I'm doing now, sampling musical tranquility. my friend is unsure about asking this girl out, or even talking with her. he's got that complex where he thinks he's sure he'll get rejected. but that's all good, we all get rejected every now and again. yet that's a good thing, because it eliminates potential candidates for love and romance. you whittle down the selections, and you fare better. I'm going to start freelancing, to try to get paid. I'm bored with being poor. what's the definition of a good woman? she's gotta be intelligent, articulate, pretty in both a physical and spiritual fashion, and she has to put her faith in God, in whatever form he comes to her. I'm hoping to do some writing for my class tonight. I've got a long day ahead of me; one portion complete, two more to go. I'll be here until 5:30pm, but my classes are interesting so I have no reason to complain about time taken. Flying to Guam, I've learned, is out of the question, because I don't have the money to pay for a plane ticket. that money's gotta go elsewhere. but I am flying to Texas to see my uncle get married. what a joyous occasion! I'm looking forward to marriage, but one step at a time. whoa! slow down Self! take it easy! be patient! she'll come....

here's to freedom of thought.

Dr. Stephen Strange

The Ending of a Good Day

another day has come, and now it is the ending of it. I am about to go to sleep. I think of all the thoughts that course through my mind during the expanse of a day, and I wonder were they good. maybe my dreams will take me to that place where she dwells, to the love that I've never known in my waking years. it's weird how we connect with people in our dreams that we normally don't see in the hours of our awakening. I would like to go to the pyramids of Giza and meditate, pray. I consider those hours that I spend with people that I haven't seen in decades in the dream realm just as important as spending time with them while my eyes are open. I hope to greet those people that seem to orbit me, like a planet orbiting a solar star, in the dream, and when my days on this earth come to a close, I hope that I can step into that everlasting dream, and spend eons with the ones who love me so.

remember the dream....

Dr. Stephen Strange

A True Reflection

having a brother is one of the most precious of gifts that this life can give. right on time, my brother was born in early October of 1986, when I was a wee eight years old. I loved him from the moment I saw him, but really I didn't know how to be a brother. as he grew, I saw my face in his, because we're brothers, and we have similar facial traits. I remember how much he looked up to me, and how I was the complete opposite of what he needed. what he needed was a big brother that would show him how to explore the world through fresh eyes. instead, I shunned him out of my own bitterness with myself, and I cast him aside. I think that while I was giving him the cold shoulder, my heart was weeping because I so wanted to be a great brother. it's weird, because although you're doing bad, the heart so yearns for the good. and I could've been a good example to him, but I wasn't. now, he's grown, and is a man. I didn't know how to show him the love I truly felt for him. but now, we are both men, and we have a really good relationship. I can remember the times when he was at Palo Alto, and would do these little shows, and about how much I admired him for his innocence and beauty. he wore thick glasses from an early age, but that only made him look more cool and unique. I feel in debt to him, because of my lack of love that I showed towards him. I am a tender soul, and although I have truly forgiven myself for my absence in his life, I still wonder about how I could've changed the way I related to him. what a man he is! he's an entrepreneur, a hustler, and a good person. I don't regret having him in my life, but now I wish I could make up for the lost time. the most poignant memory I have of denying him my brotherhood was when he came up to me on the basketball court in Arizona. any little brother would be so eager to learn what his big brother was good at, and I imagine that all he wanted was for me to show him something new. he came up to me, and I told him to get the fuck off the court. how cruel can one person be, especially to a child at such a tender age. I often wonder did he sit in his room at night and wonder why his big brother did not love him, and want him in his life. if I were him, I would've wondered why my big brother didn't want me to be his little brother. now, he may not remember all of this at all, or he may see the memories with clarity as if it were only a moment ago, but I know that a section of my heart is dedicated to those memories that I harbor myself. forgiveness is one thing, but forgetting is even harder. my point here is not to wallow in my sadness and regret, but to remember that I owe him, I owe him that big brother now that he didn't have then. the pictures he used to draw me in his spare time. he looked up to me because I was good at drawing, and he tried his best to emulate that talent. I remember how he drew me a picture, and said that it was to his "Bruthr", because he was so young that he couldn't spell "brother" correctly. but that makes it even more meaningful. so what I want to say is, that although I wasn't there for him then, I'm always here now. I learned from those years of mistake, and now I am the brother that he needs, if he ever needs me. I dedicate this to the little brother whom I denied as a child, but is now with me in this present day. you are truly a great person, and you don't know how much I look up to you. your soul is more valuable than all of the diamonds polished in the history of the universe. you shine like a supernova, and you give birth to blessed things. you're an inspiration to me, and I thank you for being my little brother. I love you.

to the little boy who looked up to me so genuinely, to my true reflection....

Dr. Stephen Strange

Thinking....

I think, therefore I am;
I am, therefore I think....

The Well

I breathe in her fragrance,
trace my fingertips along her face,
wade in the waters that flow from her mouth,
speak silent whispers into her flowery ears,
see through the open windowpanes of her eyes,
travel quietly through the doors of her heart,
seek hungrily her honeysuckle words,
dine on her pleasant laughter,
drink from the deep well of her tears,
and dwell in the great mansion of her soul....

The Mistakes We Make

mistakes often come when our minds are preoccupied with the external world. they come in the form of thoughts, actions, and words spoken. I tend to make a lot of mistakes, but someone told me that we all make mistakes, and that there's no reason for you to harbor resentment towards yourself, or beat yourself up over these infractions. God loves you regardless. the mistakes I make, on a daily basis, get me down on myself, but I know that time spent on trying to reason through these mistakes is time wasted. remember, once that moment has been executed, that moment is gone, written on the tablet of the past, finalized and commissioned for the unchangeable moment set in stone. I think that mistakes come to us, to those of us who are conscious of our minds and our self, in order to teach us a lesson. you can't know the good without the evil, the sweet without the sour. I'm really sick and tired of making mistakes, but that is the finite nature of my physical existence, that no matter how hard I strive for perfection, there are going to be included some imperfections, flaws that I cannot change. you can apprehend the coming moments, but in some sense you have no control as to when these mistakes make themselves a part of your psyche. I have bad thoughts, thoughts that plague me on a daily basis, but I know that that part of me is only ego, that it is the devil within trying to consume my true righteous self. we all have it, that little voice inside our heads that are hellbent on perpetuating the war of the Selves. it cannot survive without you, you should know that. it lives off the energy that you provide it, almost like a source of food and nourishment. feed your mind positivity, and that will become manifest. feed it negativity, and you will be at war with yourself for the rest of the day, that is if you're like me. I tend to beat myself up over petty crimes, but they are crimes nonetheless. you have to master your mind, control your body, and allow your spirit to roam free in the infinite potential of your psyche. the imagination is a magnificently powerful mechanism: it can serve you for great and illustrious thoughts, or it can be the shovel that digs the earth for your grave. the Bible talks a lot about "imaginations." if you know how to think in a wicked manner, then you know how to think in a good manner. it's all a matter of fluxing your chi, your energy, and focusing it on the positive. after years of conditioning, you might be prone to only think of the bad thoughts that you are used to projecting on the silver screen of your mind. but, it's a matter of manipulation, that you can (when you put forth the right force of energy) think imaginations that are so beautiful that even the angels stand in awe of. we are put on this earth to edify each other, primarily, but secondarily, we must edify our own self. and the control center of your life is your mind. what you put in, eventually comes out. the seven deadly sins are simple enough to fall victim to. what about the seven virtues? if you lend your soul energy to the seven deadly sins, how much more can you lend energy to the virtues? I use "seven" here to parallel the deadly and the flourishing. if you are prone to this type of lifestyle, a deadly one, then start manipulating that energy and start focusing the beam of your mind on things that are beautiful. start utilizing that chi for the good, instead of becoming another statistic in the Book of Life. God only wants you to succeed, and to flourish with prosperity. his wrath comes only when you have completely abandoned him, which in turn means that you have abandoned YOURSELF. God exists within us all, so we must use this gift we call mind, and populate the world with beautiful creations, such as stories, inventions, peace, love, poetry, music, and anything else that will reflect the light of the positive sun. when I make my mistakes, I try to center on my chi, try to figure out why I thought what I thought or did what I did, and then I move on. life is such a brief period of time, in that we have no real excuse for being idle. go out and spread love in the manner of the gift that has been given you. to all of the unique persons in my life who have stood by me even when my mind was in the depths of the darkest and coldest of dungeons, I cherish you. you all know who you are, and I thank you for your love. remember this, love is the most powerful force in the universe, because it says that God is Love! so trust in God, and love yourself as well as your reflection brother, with all purity and all sincerity. perfection comes along this path.

be beautiful in all your mind's creations.

Dr. Stephen Strange

Music

music is an elixir that allows us to open up our minds and hearts, to experience the myriad emotions that course through our consciousness. I often notice how a particular song can bring out a certain feeling or emotion, and I ride that wave like a surfer until the end of the piece. I am a ballad connisseur, and I love to feel the hues of love while it is being articulated through sound. sound is one of the most dangerous yet humble of all forces. you can make love to Marvin Gaye, you can reflect with Tony Rich Project, you can serenade to Babyface. our world would be extremely bleak without music. I grew up in the decade of the 80's, so I come from a beautiful, traditional background of great music: The Police, Stevie Wonder, Journey, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Fleetwood Mac, Michael Jackson, and many more that need to be mentioned, but at this time and place don't really feel like writing out their names for a paragraph or two. I grew up with good music, and it has defined my life. I can recall songs that manifest a specific emotion that I felt when I was younger, and it teleports me back through time that is nestled in my mind's eye. my theory is that there is at least one good song on every album ever cut. I have to thank my parents for establishing a solid foundation of music from such an early age. I remember that we had an old record player, and lots of LP's that spun on a daily basis, constantly filling the airwaves with great sound. growing up in a decade of original music was great, because it distinguished it from all other decades; but that's the fate of every decade: it separates itself from it's constituent decades, establishing its own flavor and fragrance. can you remember the music that you grew up on? I can, and I cherish those days. music is still defining my memories, because I listen to music all day long. I go to school with my mp3 player. I listen at home. I make my own music as well, with my own unique fingerprint embedded in the essence of its marrow. don't underestimate the importance of music, because although there are billions of artists out there, you have your own ear for what you enjoy listening to, and you should trust it. I know what good music is, but that's merely my opinion on the music. trust the music, it will take you where you need to be.

fill the air with beautiful sound.

Dr. Stephen Strange

Philosophy of the Self

today's thought is on philosophy. we can study the great philosophers such as Socrates, Kant, or even Nietzsche, in order to get a better understanding of how our minds operate in respect to the tangible world we call the universe, but ultimately we must formulate our own personal philosophy that governs the choices we make, and how we make them. a strong influence on our own seclusive philosophy is our parents. they guide us into adulthood, then let us loose to examine the world with educated eyes. though this is merely an elementary education. we must open books. books read allow us to construct our own individual worldview, through the eyes of studious pupils, and they help to shape that sphere of thought, which we carry around in our minds, which is housed in the physical body. my teacher told me that all things are relative, that everything in the universe is integrated, a part of everything is a part of everything. the air you breathe, the tree standing outside of your home, the animals, your friend. if everything is made of energy, or atoms, then all things must be integrated and relative to the next entity. my teacher is a 5%er, but that only scratches the surface to describe his persona. he's decided to take me under his wing and guide me through the teachings, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it, because I'm learning a great deal. the one thing in life, when it concerns others, especially others that you learn from, is that you must be a good listener. I myself am a terrible listener, but I've been conscious of the fact that I am inept when it comes to listening, so I can say that I'm working on it. it's all under construction. the God is intelligent. (I know that I'm getting off into a tangent; I'm allowing my mind to unravel these thoughts as they come....) I say "God" because God is man, and man is God. that is not to say that I am God, what I mean to say is that I am a replica of the original manifestation of the Godhead, and that I recognize the God in my teacher. you, even if you don't know it on the conscious plane, are an integral part of the God plurality. you are God's reflection, which makes you a manifestation of God. I believe the essence of God to be in all things, that it's possible that this substance we call the "Universe" is actually the all encompassing mind of God. Psalms 82 said that "ye are gods." In John 10, Jesus spoke to the unbelieving Saducees and Pharisees, and said, "is it not written in your law that ye are gods?" I believe that there was a first God, an original entity, and he gave birth to man, poured into this shell we call the body his breath and essence, and duplicated himself. a lot of contemporary Christians would scorn me for this perspective. I consider it more than a perspective. I not only "believe" in God, I "knowledge" in God. belief is stock put into something that you think you know is true. knowledge is concrete, and cannot be refuted. once you "know" something, it becomes knowledge, and becomes irrefutable. this is my philosophy on the issue of God and his/her existence. but back to what I was trying to explain before I went on such a fun tangent. your own philosophy, built and constructed by your knowledge acquired and by the wisdom you have attained, is yours and yours alone. consider yourself unique if you stray away from the norm of collective philosophy. it is good to be solitary in intelligence. yes, there is common knowledge, but you have to take that knowledge and shape it in the fire of your mind like the blacksmith and forge your own sword. your mind is the mechanism of housing information. your tongue is the sword, which takes that knowledge like a whetting stone and sharpens its blade. we have features about our head which are extremely dangerous in regards to the wicked being. Christ said in Revelations that he would fight the wicked with "the sword of his mouth." the tongue is tricky, because it can unleash both good and evil, and the repercussions of both ends of the spectrum are tremendously powerful. in summary, I understand the elemental importance of forging your own personal philosophy, because it helps you understand the physical, tangible world, but also more importantly, distinguishes you from your human constituents. it makes you unique, and that's exactly what you are, a unique creation.

a toast to nirvana.

Dr. Stephen Strange

Moms and Dads

the elders are the roots of the trees, and the youth are the fruits. this is a saying that can be heard all throughout 5% ideology, and is based on the aspect that the wisdom is with the older generation and that the future is with the youngsters of the new generation. moms and dads can be invaluable sources of wisdom, for they've been around the block longer than you and I. moms are supposed to be there to give tenderness and compassion to your plight, and dads are supposed to be there to guide you into manhood and maturity. my mom is a hard worker, she's been working and taking care of our family for decades, and that trait I respect tremendously. my father was a military man, which gave him both discipline and a thorough work ethic. I don't see eye to eye on every issue with either of my parents, but they still deserve the respect that they've earned from years and decades of trial and error. raising kids, I imagine, cannot be easy. I myself don't have any children yet, but when I get there, I just might be able to feel what it's like to be responsible for such a small creation. and then I will be able to watch them grow, hopefully into something better than I. I think our parents look into the mirror each day and wish that their kids don't repeat the mistakes of their generation. this is not to say that they did anything wrong, it's just that when you become a conscious adult, you see with clarity all of your flaws and positive attributes, and probably hope that their children don't make the same mistakes that they made. this isn't submission, or even despair. it's compassion. I'm almost 31, so I feel I've got a late start on parenthood due to the fact that I don't have any little ones, but I also have other obligations, so I might not be able to handle such a small creature either emotionally or monetarily at this moment in my life. I've learned so much from my parents, both good and bad. my mother taught me how to be passionate about what I do, and my father taught me that I must work hard and depend on myself in all endeavors. that is not to say that I don't need help. I need it in many aspects, but I know that eventually those people that are helping me this day may not be here tomorrow. death is a debt that we all pay, and it comes without warning. I want to send out a great appreciation for the gifts that my parents have given me, both positive and negative. many of my attributes are acquired from mere observation of my mother and father. and I have to say to her, the lady of my life, thank you for creating me!

remember those who remember you....

Dr. Stephen Strange

Positive Programming

a wise man told me on this day that our limitations are based on our external programming, in the form of parents, siblings, friends, media, the education sector. his point was that within us is a wellspring of limitless potential that we can unleash as long as we believe in our perspective of ourselves. is it possible that all that talk that has lasted for nearly 31 years is just a bunch of horseshit? media tells us that if we are not pop stars and models, then we're merely "ordinary people." the educational system tells us that if we didn't get that A, that we came oh so close but didn't fit the bill. and although our parents truly love us, they may have passed on to us the programming that they were subject to when they were children. it all begins at an early age, this programming. the second point that this sage makes is, that we must re-program our minds, in the respects to the fact that we can do anything as long as we are not tethered down by negative thoughts, words, and perspectives. what the hell is wrong with our society? it's disgusting how the media bullies us into believing that we are below these so-called "role models," that if we are to amount to anything substantial, then we have to be like these people. I'll never be Michael Jordan, but that doesn't mean that I have to give up the fun of playing the game of basketball. I'm no Arnold Schwarzenegger, but that doesnt' mean that I have to look down on my physique and say that I'm less than good or weak. I'm no politician, that's for sure. but does that mean that I have to be ignorant of the issues that are being delegated on the docket these days? this man I admire, has been giving me great words and concepts for a long time, and this post is my way of saying thanks. if you are to elevate your mind state above all limitations, then you have to let go of the conventional programming that you have been subject to all of your life. in other words, don't just start thinking outside of the box, completely throw that box away, drop your mental shackles and walk away from that cube.

strange thoughts roam alone.

Dr. Stephen Strange

Weary Thoughts

this is my senior year at University of Kentucky, but my collegiate career is scattered all over the place, from Western Kentucky University to Lexington Community College to Bowling Green Community College, and now I'm at UK. college is important to me, because it is mentally challenging, a stimuli that leaves its residue well after the class has concluded. I work hard for my scores, and I feel that I've made some progress. it makes no difference what you do in life, just as long as you put your best effort in, and put one step forward at a time. being an English major has its benefits, like being able to write papers with ease. that is not to say that I am a great writer. on the contrary, I am a learner, a student of both English and Life. and I will never cease to learn. we all go through stages of stagnation, where we reach a plateau in life that we feel we'll be marooned on for the remainder of our days. then, the wind picks up, and the blessing comes, then it boosts you up to the next rung on the ladder, and a new plane of understanding commences. I feel like I've been on this current plateau for many months now, maybe even as long as a year. but now I have this blog, and I intend to write in it at least once a day, to get my thoughts out of the congested mind. I have to make a correction about the statement I made earlier. IT DOES MATTER WHAT YOU DO IN LIFE! stay positive and keep a righteous state of mentality, and then the options of what you can do are limitless. subsequently, you can do whatever you want in life as long as you keep it good, and then work your best to achieve a solid understanding of what you choose to do. excel at everything you put your mind to, simple as that.

welcome to the laboratory.

Dr. Stephen Strange

Friendship

Friendship is a gift from God. when people come into your life, it is for a reason. the Bible states that all things happen according to time and season, so when you have friendships, you must cherish them, because although we live life, we are subject to death at any given moment. I'm the type of person who has few friends, because I choose carefully and am selective about who I let into my heart. your mind is the pinnacle of your existence, but your heart is your center. that's where the light is, generated by your solar plexus, resembling (if you can see it) the brightness of a star or supernova. I know that when you have someone who's been your friend for more than a decade, they are really your extended family. I consider my friends my family, and I feel through their words that I am family to them as well. the blessings of friendship come through laughter, knowledge, a smile, a handshake, a wise word of exhortation, even a look from the eyes. count your blessings, and appreciate those persons that choose to being in your heart's circle. if you are truly blessed with friendship, and with somewhat of a fair multitude of friends, you can easily say that you don't have a best friend, because all of the persons that you trust with an indefinite amount of emotion and happiness end up being a best friend, parallel to the others you consider best friends. my perspective is that he is equal to he, that she is equal to she, that there is no favortism. hold on to those who believe in you, because they are the pillars that hold up your mansion. your foundation is God, but the pillars in your cathedral are often times your friendships with people. they've come into your life because of providence and fate, but also because of personal choice and volition. they choose to be there for you, so you must in turn be there for them. placing your trust in others is not an easy task, but once you have earned their trust and they have earned yours, then it becomes as fluid as water.

until the next episode.

Dr. Stephen Strange

Rhymes

here's a post of my rhymes, that were written within the last year or so.

Whip my tongue around,
surround sound, brandish the holy crown,
pound destruction fingerprints on the ground,
all heads on the planet kneel down,
rip through cities, nuclear energy,
demonstrate the capacity of a genius,
reverse the course of time, rewind,
attack those that oppose, before the conception,
of the fetus, bloody rose, lyrical interception,
race across light years of space,
invasion of the human race, face elimination,
permanent disgrace, disfigure the structure of your face,
a writer who folds linear space, with one stroke of his pen,
illuminating the soul within, architectural construction,
fine draftsmen, cataclysm of the third eye dimension,
the mind is heaven’s ascension, four horsemen,
pillage the mental plane, doctor Stephen Strange,
the earth consumed in flames, attack the DNA arrangement of your brain,
molecular derangement of the clinically insane,
brain wavelengths blur the lines of infinity,
between damnation and divinity, criminal insanity,
rewriting the pages of humanity, global calamity,
new breed of emcee species, translate through subliminal CD’s...

that's one rhyme, I'll post more sporadically, because I don't want the whole library to be posted in one session.

Dr. Stephen Strange from Emotional Confliction

A Cup of Coffee

today begins with a cup of coffee. I woke up about half an hour ago, ate some leftover pizza, and made a few phone calls. connected with Sepia Filter, and my sister, but the others weren't available. my day begins with a cup of coffee because this is when the motion begins, the activities are about to take shape and move into the realm of the kinetic. I usually put some French Vanilla creamer in my coffee, no sugar. sugar is sweet, but it's really bad for you. I plan to begin a paper in my Eng 330 class, and finalize my paper in Eng 230. I'm the type of student who worries that he won't do all that well, but when the results come in I usually excel in my endeavors. I love school, but the reality of the matter is that I'm getting burnt out. if I can endure for the next 3 to 4 semesters, I should be fine. I just feel tired. but enough of that, that's negative energy, of which I really don't need. my palate has become conditioned to think about the negative instead of commissioning the positive in all matters. I've made some adjustments about my perspective on my life, mainly to simply keep my head straight, and to stop doubting myself. my family is one of the most important aspects of my life, because they only see the good in me, whereas I tend to see the negative. it's hard to look in the reflection of a mirror because you see who you really are, both good and bad. that's my rambling for a paragraph; now onto something good.

how many of you who are reading this blog are writers? a very wise man, a contemporary poet named Marvin Bell, said that if you want to learn how to write, and be good at it, you have to read. simple as that. also, you must explore other greater writers, and read their material. most importantly, you must write. there's no way around it. exercising your pen or typing away at the keyboard is essential for writers, mainly because you're expressing yourself, and practicing your craft. pick up some books, either from a local bookstore or from a college campus bookstore on Creative Writing, it's useful. read as much as you can. open the pages of the dictionary when you read a word you don't understand. find a poetry group. take a literature class. and for those who are already in school, make sure you partake of the English classes that are offered. the first novel that I picked up was in 1990, a book entitled, Midnight by Dean Koontz. I love the way he writes, and many of you may be familiar with his work. if not, then get affiliated! he's a great writer with an impressive imagination, who has written well over 60 novels in his time. I don't see myself being that prolific in my writing, but I think that this blog is a good outlet to begin writing material, and having it published. in future blogs, I'll post some rhymes that I've written. I am a lyricist and a writer, just not as disciplined as I would like to be. but in that aspect, you can be anything as long as you work at it, practice it, and use it. utilize your third eye, the mind, and become that which you desire to be. I also make music. my cousin Sepia Filter (my partner in crime) designs instrumentals, the genres ranging from Electronica to Hip Hop to Dance. he's got a gift that is unique, and I hope he continues to create great sounds. he's the engineer in this group we call Emotional Confliction, and I'm the lyricist. I love to rhyme, but mostly I love to hear the song once it's been completed. check us out at the link below.

the gist of this blog is to expand your mind, and be the artist that you wish to become by practice and thought.

Love, Peace, and Happiness....

Dr. Stephen Strange

www.myspace.com/emotionalconfliction

Drunken Monk Style

often times in our lives, we shapeshift mentally. the form takes a myriad of shapes, whether we drink alcohol, or whether we smoke weed, or whether we just zone out in some form of meditation. I find it important to explore these realms. our minds are malleable, and they can operate on different levels. I am not advocating smoking weed, or even drinking. my point is that our minds are succeptible to different modes. one can meditate and achieve this state of mind. others need stimuli in the form of external influences. I myself, like to drink a few beers, and zone out. I think a lot about my past loves, for I am a hopeful romantic. I think of old friends, and wonder how they are in this day and time. I often wonder if they are thinking of me, at the same time I'm thinking of them. am I remembered? I hope so, because if you haven't left your brand on the skin of the mind of others, your remembrance is weak. one man could be forgotten in the whole scheme of the world and history, which is utter destruction. we all die, but to be remembered lends eternity to your existence. I wish they think of me. and I wish to be remembered by my words and actions. mostly by my words, because words can travel further than a movement of a hand or eye.

Peace,

Dr. Stephen Strange

Understanding the God within

understanding your potential as human beings is difficult. people try to keep you down, and limit your potential in life. yet, there is a force within, that Chi or God energy, that has limitless potential, and if you access that force, you can do just about anything. now, there are certain limitations that gravity puts on you, specifically in the department of talents and abilities. don't think simply that because God exists within the Self that you can run the 100 meter dash in 9.5 seconds. most people can't, except Olympic athletes. this blog will be short, but the gist is simple: seek yourself, find yourself (which could take a moment or even a lifetime) and discover what you are good at, what is proficient about your character. everyone of us has our potential talents. me, I write and that is what I do. not to say that I am a great writer, most definitely not. there are greater writers, which makes the writing process easier due to the fact that you have other influences to draw from in the world of literature. a student without a teacher is hindered in his studies. a pupil without a master is without the expertise that he needs to blossom and transform into what he should become, or whatever he is pursuing. being the greatest is lonely at the zenith, and if you consider yourself the greatest at what you do in that specific field, you are cheating yourself the benefit of learning from more seasoned artists. I say "artists" here because I am an artist, and I know that I have much to learn concerning my talents and my crafts. the Bible states that God dwells in the temple. the temple is the body, and our minds are housed in that temple. understanding the God within is crucial to learning that we as human beings, rather, as spiritual beings, have limitless creative potential. it does not take a genius to figure this out, but the concept is hard for some to grasp. they simply don't understand. but understanding comes after years of study. knowledge first, then on to the wisdom. refer to Psalms 82, it might shock you. another point I must make is, Peace is not a state of being, it is a lifestyle. if you have peace in your eye, on your tongue, and housed in your mind, that is a good start, but you must exercise Peace in all realms of your cipher, your circle, your circumference. pursuing Peace is not an easy task, due to the fact that we have war all around us, which comes in many forms. I myself, I have a war within, and it wages on the battlefield of the mind. Peace is something you live, speak, and breathe. Peace is the twin sister of Love.

Peace,

Dr. Stephen Strange

Today's Wisdom: February 12th, 2009

today's wisdom begins with my cousin Blake, of whom I have the utmost respect for. he's a musician, a computer scientist who makes mad bank, and a good friend. we spoke last night about his conundrums concerning the relationship he has with his co-workers, specifically an asain man in his department. Blake designs websites all day, coding and tapping away at the computer all day long. he and his colleague (the asian man) aren't on the same page in the development of their website, almost like two rivers going in opposite directions, and he's getting very frustrated. in the realm of creating music, he's a lion on the prowl in the jungles, but at work he's considerate towards other's feelings. he is a sensitive man, and I admire that quality in his persona. the advice I gave him begins with one step, first: to assess the situation, find out what authority he has over the pending project. that's the basics, the foundation. once he finds out that he does have the authority to lead the project, he must address the issue of not being on the same page as his colleague, who in all respects, operates in a different fashion. secondly, he should go to his superiors, find out what kind of leverage he possesses, and then execute that authority in a respectful and proficient manner. basically, be a leader. be someone in whom the company can trust to get the job done in an efficient manner, but in respectable business-like profession. I found that giving him the advice that I thought was necessary to be very self-satisfying. I would like to convey those notions to the paper, and write some material on the issue of positive thought, and elevation above your self-imposed limitations. there are only self-imposed limitations, because you as a self are only limited by YOUR SELF. Self is the God of your universe. you are the center of your circle, and those 360 degrees that you possess must be laden with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. you must pursue to enhance your self in a positive manner. kindness goes a long way, and respect is greeted with respect, if you are dealing with a respectable person. trust in yourself along your journey to self-revolution. there is only one revolution in this universe: it is not a nation that must rise up, but your own self. the prophet Muhammad said that the true Jihad was the Jihad of the self. trust in your abilities, as God trusts in your abilities. from my own spirituality, I've learned that we as human beings are replicas of God, manifested in the physical form. know that God loves you, and you shall succeed. don't just wallow in that love, don't allow yourself to stagnate in that love. Do something with it! spread it to others, and you will enrich the rest of the world, even if it's only in your front yard. which all this goes back to my cousin Blake, he's gotta find out his dimensions in the work realm, and execute the process with authority in order to get the job done, and with precision.

Dr. Strange signing off, keep your mentality positive.

Greetings!

I am Dr. Stephen Strange, a self-titled poet, who writes rhymes, attends University of Kentucky as an English major, creates music with my cousin and partner Sepia Filter, and reads a great deal. I am a philosopher, an artist, a writer, lyrcist, a student. this blog is for those who seek a perspective on the attitudes and fluctuations of the mind of an artist. study, study, study!

Dr. Stephen Strange