#018 How to think of Violent and Traumatic Events like Terrost Attacks

Sometimes, the biggest enemy, to peace, freedom and intellectual honesty, is within our own head. Keep a cool head and think honestly and act courageously, before you submit to some form of ignorance.

How to think critically and not be swept up by the propaganda, into doing what “they” (either the terrosts or the government — or both) want you to do.

#017 Being Present and Aware

Many of the problems of today, stem from a lack of awareness in the present moment. Many of us become enthralled in repetitive cycles and fail to recognize the best course of action in the present. Latching onto accepted processes solves nothing and creates many of the problems that seem unexplainable.

#016 Slowly Cultivating Improvements

If you want to improve your life in a sustainable way, make the changes slowly.  Changing too many things at any given time, will usually result in going back to the way things were.  You have to change slowly, so you can maintain consistency.

#014 How You Could be a Software Developer

A short discussion on ways, that I am aware of and versed in, to become a software developer, either as a regular “job” or as an entrepreneur. I discuss Java Enterprise development, PHP, template development, mobile and game “app” development, etc.

Recorded on 12/13/2012

One of the keys to long-term freedom, is having some form of economic freedom. One of the freest, least regulated and most flexible means of obtaining economic freedom, is available in software development. With software development, you can often:

• Work from your own home
• Start a small side business which can grow into a full-time business
• Make simple; but useful programs and sell them on already existing marketplaces
• Learn technologies which are always changing and keep your mind sharp by adapting to them. Circumventing the use it or lose it, problems which often accompany areas of work that are more static in nature.
• Have skills that are rare and valued by customers and/or employers and consequently, be valuable to them, with the accompanying treatment.

These are characteristics which many would love to have, in the earning of their living; yet few actually do. The tools are available, however, and accessible to anyone; to do all of these things, without even a college education.

The bottom line is, its the end product that matters most, in software. If you can be good at building/designing software products and produce consistently good/stable results, you can make a living in this field. It doesn’t matter who you are or what degrees you have. Degrees can be helpful; but there are cheaper and easier ways in.

#013 Why Public Schools Should be Abolished

If we got rid of public schools, the flood gates of innovation would be opened up and an entire ecosystem of options could emerge. I think it would be better for everyone, for parents, teachers and students. It would be especially good for people who are tired of paying property taxes into a black hole and those being forced to pay to educate other people’s kids, as well as those who’s kids have already grown.

Recorded on 12/13/2012

Read the rest of this entry »

#12 Striking the Root: Underlying Causes of Unease in the Individual

If there is one thing of importance that I have learned over the years, it is the lasting significance of addressing underlying causes and the futility of symptomatic relief. Today’s discussion is from the Japanese Tea Garden in Monte Sano.

In this discussion, I describe how I have worked on these issues for myself using Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, etc. I also discuss how others can find solutions for themselves.

#11 How to make Real Change in Society

Political action is not the road to effective change. The way to really change society is to start with yourself, your own groups, your own businesses and work your way out. The further away from your self you get, the less of a chance you have of changing anything.

Recorded on 2012-10-17

#10 Principles, Persistence & Consistency

Techniques to achieve your dreams, in achievable increments, one day at a time. The mental technology you need, to truly make a difference in your life.

Recorded on 2012-10-15

#9 On Tai Chi & Skepticism

Some thoughts on the skeptical perspectives on Chi and the martial use of Tai Chi. My thoughts on the shallowness of external martial arts.

Recorded on 10/8/2012

#8 Some Initial Thoughts on Unschooling

A recent free domain radio podcast with Stefan Molyneux and Dayna Martin got me thinking about unschooling.  I was already well aware of the topic of homeschooling; but unschooling takes homeschooling to a new level.  I believe unschooling is actually the application of the non-aggression principle in the homeschooling environment.

Here is MyStrangeMind Podcast #8, an informal podcast about my thoughts on unschooling, discussed as I play with my little boy Teagan.