Is it actually possible, that our reality is only a figment of our conscious perception? Having a dream that seems so real, almost more real than some life events when fully “awake”, seems to lead one to ponder what is reality? Of course fifty years ago, many would have been unable to fathom the great instant connectivity via the web. Life is “really”, at the end of the day a mushy multi-coloured paste of swiveling currents of inner consciousness, ambient energies and environment.

Life can be tough or life can be easy. That lecture of “state of mind” to make life as sweet as little tree bird chatter is a misconception. Living in a country with dire prospects can hamper any hope of hope! Think of the caste system in India or being a woman in some countries. It is not all clear cut as one situation is never equal to another. It is a matter of generalisation. To help perceive we have examples. Watching an informative show of a poverty stricken family in some rural village in Africa does not lay out the pattern for the inhabitants there. There is the idea that money rubs out all hardship. Did we ever forget that life is extremely empty without concomitant relationships? The relationship between parent and child, between partners can all lower life enjoyment regardless of the financial factor. Our ecosystem is complex, our bodies and lives are as well. Try to downsize, live in isolation, it will not clear out inner turmoil necessarily, if inner perception is a component of reality.

For each individual, we might serve ourselves well by recognising that what works for one may not fit for another. Yes we have similarities, affinities; yet respect individuality. Within one country there are usually more than several ethnic types, within one neighbourhood there may be a single religion and tight community but a simple survey would reveal highly different likes and dislikes within it. Even family home life is a juggle, with each family member needing personal space to develop into his/her own unique potential. Life is funny though! Here is a thought. About a hundred years ago, articles would state “man” to cover all humanity. In common popular writing media currently, it is more correct to state “men and women”. As we become more open to acceptance and less ignorant, there may be a need for a term to cover men and women together. Remember some people are born as male and female with two sex organs. They may chose the one sex over another via surgery but it is possible some may be proud to be as they are. That was meant to lighten the spirit, although it may freak out some. Laugh.

The biggest gift any one can develop is humour. The ability and sense to laugh at life and oneself is “happy therapy” and literally can make you lighter! Lighter in spirit and lighter in weight as laughter gets those abs working. We all try and evade the “draining person” which means the one that always moans and groans. If you find loved ones walking away, pay an ear to your output of words. Do not banish light with gloom and doom. In fact living in South Africa with continuous black outs is a perfect country to develop stress management and patience skills to deal with frustration. It is a matter of “retrograde adaptation” in South Africa for many inhabitants. Watching the international scene, having expectations and wanting better for the future all leads to anguish in “retrograde adaptation”. Anger, all those negative thoughts; it is all really a waste of energy after a while. Should we just accept life and be happy with it? Go with the flow and chill out, is that the way to be during tiring times? If we all sat back and waited nothing much may alter. Remember life is complex so we need some “fighters”. If we all were gold chasers there would never be enough to cover everyone’s needs.

Life is about balance. Our lives are journeys. Your path can cross another person’s path; it may converge with your best friend or house mates. The thing is one starts out alone and one ends it alone but relationships certainly lead to a fulfilling and fun journey. Surely, for many it is mundane in a journey of predictability and repetitive scenery! Have a laugh; the sun always comes out eventually after the storm. Oi! With global warming, you can count on tons of sunny days.