Faded Jeans Living

I have no idea if there was anything in the water, but we sure did end up with several amazing Masters from that time period.

Socrates (c. 470–399 BC)

He was a classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy. Through dialogue he encouraged people to think deeply by asking questions, look at their assumptions, and arrive at conclusions. This type of dialogue, the Socratic method, helped us form a deeper pursuit of wisdom.

Confucius (551–479 BC)

A Chinese philosopher and teacher who founded Confucianism. His teachings emphasized morality, social relationships, and justice, profoundly influencing Chinese culture and philosophy. He benefited all of us today by promoting values that contribute to social stability, respect, and community cohesion. He also promoted life long learning that is key to personal development.

Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) (c. 563–c. 483 BC)

The founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, attained enlightenment and taught a path to overcome suffering, which became the foundation of Buddhist philosophy and practice. When we practice mindfulness and meditation we can thank Buddha for these well-being practices. He emphasized self-awareness and the pursuit of inner peace that help us today navigate life’s challenges.

Lao-Tzu (around c. 571- c.531)

He has benefited us today by teaching the value of living in harmony with nature and embracing simplicity. His concept of wu wei encourages us to handle life’s challenges with ease and flow, reducing stress and forming inner peace. His ideas on humility and flexible leadership have influenced modern approaches to effective and compassionate governance.

These figures, among others, left a lasting legacy that influenced various domains, including philosophy, art, politics, and religion.

What was going on during this period that may have helped bring forth these Masters?

There was a lot of global crisis going on plus much growth that fostered deep reflection and the search for new ways of understanding the world and how humans could start to play nice together.

In China there was great instability and warring states. In Greece, there was the rise of the city-states, trade was growing, and the development of democracy was beginning. In India, there was a rigid cast system and much spiritual dissatisfaction that led to questioning traditional beliefs.

What can we take away from all this beyond what these great souls have taught us?

From history we can learn and grow. We can reflect and listen to others with compassion and empathy. We can embrace adaptability and balance and make ethical decisions. We have way more in common than we believe.

No matter where you live and who you are…

• A child is hungry; we all want to feed them.
• A daughter holds her dying mother’s hand; we all cry.
• We mess up; we all beat ourselves up from time to time.
• We witness an amazing performance; we all stand and applaud.
• We look at the eyes staring at us from the mirror; we all wonder who we are.
• When one feels all alone; we all want to hold their hand.
• We experience our child’s birth; the world stops and we all feel our heart grows 10x flooded with a love for one never experienced before.
• Our kids marry; we all celebrate for their joy.
• We pet a puppy; we all smile.
• We push ourselves through our fears; we all feel our soul when it gives us a high-five.
• We go to bed at night; we all worry about our loved ones.
• We hear a great joke; we all laugh.
• We see a pizza; we all want some. Okay maybe that’s just me.
• We build something with our hands; we are all proud.
• We see someone sad; we all want to give them a hug and remind them they are a divine creation.
• We hear beautiful music; we dance.
• We have big dreams for ourselves; we all have even bigger dreams for the next generations.
• … you get the point?

We have the love within and around us to have a harmonious sustainable future – together.

Become a Master.

Peace,

Dwight ❤️