The Provenance.

Welcome to The Provenance. In this section I relay my greatest gems of insight and inspiration that I've graced upon during my time here on earth.

Simply put: there is no road map to life, much less your own, specific journey. But there is a certain know-how that can assist you in fully realizing your own significance, and move much better with your own internal flow of inspiration. Some call this know-how "the laws of the universe", but while it is important to know how the universe operates (and how we function and interact within it), there is so much more to existence than simply having a bible of sorts to rule your life by. For this reason, some of my selections may be abstract (and they ALL require you to do something with the knowledge contained, this is not "feel good"-therapy shit) but, given the proper internalization, I believe you will be able to breath more freely, live more fully, and revel in the infinite that is your own self.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, that is fine, just go at your own pace. Look into what speaks to you, not what you think will "get" you something. Life's journey is meant to be enjoyed always, even during times of difficulty, and not just valued for the "crowning achievements" one could seek.

With that, I will begin my recommendations:



Zen and the Art of Happiness.

I recommend you start with this book. Aside from being really short, it's filled with insight and wisdom about how to not only live a better life, but understand your place in the universe. 

I actually just finished my second run through this book a few days ago, and I can't think of a better book to start your journey with; I also recommend that whatever speaks to you on a deep, know-it-to-be-true level should be something you refresh yourself on every so often as well.

Zen and the Art is a testimony, more than anything. The writer, Chris Prentiss, delicately adds bits of his own life to back up what he is saying. So many times during my first read I was thinking "Pffff! Yeah right! Easy for this rich author guy to say, he probably hasn't got a care in the world!" Only through reading the book did I eventually find that the author has not had the "easiest life", but he has made it one of joy and growth simply be the mindset he conveys through this book. It wasn't long after reading such inspiring stories that I started to notice my own adoption of Zen practice began to work, and work well.

In simplest truth, perception is reality. We can take any given situation or event any way we choose, but if we do not take it with an open, willing to grow mentality, we will only hinder ourselves and suffer for the journey ahead of us. It is, however, not enough to simply repeat a couple of affirmations to yourself, nor is it enough to simply agree. To really embrace life, you have to learn through experience what works (and what does not work), for you. 

So I invite you to share the journey of self-exploration with me. Read the book, apply the principles to your daily life, even if you don't believe them! Keep at it, and eventually, if you don't give up, you will see things for yourself. Things specific to you that I could not possibly write about. Because in the end, a person walks their chosen path alone, and only you can recognize the flow of your being when you begin to be carried by it.


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