Any of us would certainly be outraged if our family, friends or neighbors were attacked, punished, raped and murdered by our military. Yet these occurrences happen in Latin American countries and those perpetrating these crimes against humanity are often trained at the U.S. based School of Americas.

This past weekend was the largest demonstration of opposition yet at the military training school in Ft. Benning, Georgia. Over 16,000 peacefully demonstrated – more here.

Tom Gilbert

The minute I got out into the cool air and bright sunlight to walk my dog this morning I realized once again how important it is for me to get outside and experience a little exercise. It’s a beautiful day here in Albuquerque. My dog is a fun-loving 7-month old Chow/Labrador who is constantly in the moment – just like all dogs.

Life is happening whether I like it or not. The simple but profound acts of gratitude can do a lot to change my attitude. In fact, gratitude is not simply a warm and fuzzy feeling. It is an attitude and an action. No matter what is going on in your life you can find something to be grateful for. Breathe in the air, take in the sunlight, help another person and thank God for the opportunity to be here.

Tom Gilbert

Two of the hardest things I find to do on a consistent basis are: 1) be real (authentic – the true self) and 2) be present in the now.

I think they may be connected. Those times when I do feel present in the “now” I sense that I am being truer to myself.

Monday wordplay

Contemplate, integrate, instigate and cogitate. Ruminate, stimulate, titillate and abdicate.

Agitate, obfuscate, intimate and alienate. Complicate, separate, infiltrate and assimilate.

Concentrate, motivate, deliberate and meditate.

Tom Gilbert

Today is Veterans Day, a national holiday in the United States. Through the years many men and women have served their country and those who’ve experienced combat have been through something that is difficult to explain or share with those who haven’t.

This year is especially poignant with so many of our military personnel deployed in war-torn Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our prayer today is for all these veterans. We thank them for their service. We pray for the healing from war. We pray for peace.

The Veterans History Project was created by Congress as a way to help preserve the stories of our veterans. Many are elderly and there is an urgent need to know these stories so that they may be shared with others. Anyone can participate in this worthy project and you can find out more at the Veterans History Project website.

Tom Gilbert

Looking back to look forward – there is real value in reviewing our past. It is essential to live in the present, but if we don’t know our patterns we are bound to repeat them. This is why personal inventory can be so valuable.

The very nature of an online journal puts me in the vulnerable position of having my thoughts expressed continually. My opinions will modify and change over time. It’s inevitable. But, if my message wavers from the consistency we promote at Living the Solution then I certainly need to be aware of that and respond to it. Is it progress or regression?

There are links to the many past months of journaling on this site (here) and it is helpful to me to review from time to time. The pattern I see is the ongoing instruction, learning, reflection and discovery of my personal journey which I gladly share with you in hopes of our mutual spiritual growth. Much of what I find and share is found on the Internet. There are many good web writers and sites for us to explore. You can see some of the ones we’ve discovered at our links page.

In this new week we can continue to walk in the light, grow in the light and reflect the true light. As John the Baptist testified, we are not the light, but we can point to it.

Tom Gilbert

While many days I awake positive and looking forward to the day that is not always the case. What has helped me is to consciously make my first thoughts be ones of gratitude and praise. It really works.

Still, there are going to be those days when it is tough going. That’s when we have to open up our “spiritual toolbox” and do some work. You can make it during those times, but just remember that in the meantime it is the mean time.

A very good Daily Thought from our friend Pete Reinbold should help you with this. Check it out here.

Tom Gilbert