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You are the World and the Cause of All Suffering..This article is the second part in a four part series called, “I am the world.” I took a different approach in this article and wrote a short-story. It's a fairly long article, about 4,000 words, so I recommend printing it out or reading it in two sessions. One of the things I want you to do is replace the character Julia with you and actually do the actions suggested to Julia at the end of the story. The night is shining bright tonight with millions of stars covering the black sky. It almost looks like the sun burst into a million pieces creating small pebbles of light.  Julia is lying on the ground, looking up into the starry, starry night all bundled up in a sweat shirt that is two sizes too big for her, a black tassel cap that has a gold fuzzy ball on top, and a pair of black sweat pants that fit her just perfect. Her boyfriend, Raymond, is lying next to her and these two are what you may call, “A match made in heaven.” Raymond is about six feet tall, skinny with toned muscles, slicked back brown hair, and a French nose no one could forget. He looks and feels like one of those French underwear models who knows every great wine and could be called “Pierre.” Anything Raymond wears is a perfect fit. He could be in a brown sweater top, black pants, and brown shoes, and he's still able to pull it off. There's just this charm and peacefulness about him that makes his presence desirable. Julia is quiet similar to Raymond when it comes to charm and presence. Julia is rather short, about five foot three, charming and elegant, with long, flowing brown hair, a cute freckle face, and model like body tones. The two of them are just laying there, enjoying the bright night, at least, that's what Raymond thought. He rolls over to lean on his side with his hand resting on his head and he see's Julia crying a river of tears. He doesn't even need to ask what's wrong because this is nothing new. Julia has been battling herself and the world over the past year. She feels this hidden potential and greatness inside of her, and understands her purpose, but she feels she is being held back by an unstoppable force. It's a sad day, I would say, when someone knows their Divine purpose in life, but is failing to put any use to it. I think if humans her treated like horses everyone would be living on purpose. Julia is an amazing and gifted actress. Her presence on stage is breath-taking. It's like watching God act. Everything is perfect-- each sentence she speaks, each emotion and expression she plays, and each bodily movement she displays on stage are like all the angels coming down from heaven and enlightening the audience's experience. However, fear runs Julia's life. Instead of beating to her own drum, she is letting others write her music. Not knowing how to take responsibility, she points the blame at her family. Julia thinks and feels that the reason to why her dreams are not becoming reality is due to a choice she has to make: The approval and respect of her family or her beloved vision of acting. Either way, she feels doomed because the consequences are unavoidable. She could live her dream and take the chance of her family abandoning her. Or, she could live the life of what her parents want, ditch her dream, and take the apparent safe route in becoming a corporate accountant. An accountant? Every time Julia hears those words a cold shiver runs down her spine. She pictures the boredom, the nightmares involving income statements, and the trap of working 9-5 for the rest of her days. She's not meant to be an accountant. Sure, an accountant has it's purpose, but she is meant for the stage, for the red carpet, and for all those women who aspire to be someone. Julia can't let those people down and she knows it. However, she also doesn't want to let down her family. Her father is 3rd generation of a long line of accountants. Her great grand-father was an accountant, her dad's dad was an accountant, and her dad is an accountant. Since Julia is next in line, she must fulfill her family tree's destiny of being an accountant. Trapped...that's the best word to describe Julia's mindset. And her Mother, well, that's her biggest problem. Anyway, the night rolls on, the tears keep coming, and Raymond has nothing to say. This has been going on for such a long time now that words cannot mend this house divided. The night continues to what is, never deviating from its purpose. While all is lost for the two young people lying on the blanket among the starry, starry night. Side Note: Do you feel you have plenty of Wealth? Become a Wealth Builder Member and Discover your 52-week Money Magnetism Program. A House Divided Against itself Cannot Stand
“I don't know...maybe 10:30 this morning.” “Well, I have a laundry list of things to do and I need you to take care of them”, her Mother says in a very direct and stern manner. “Mom, I'm always cleaning the damn house and doing the laundry. You know...I'm just as busy as you.” “You watch your mouth young lady. Don't forget who you're talking to. You respect your Mother”, her Mother snaps to Julia. “Yes mother,” Julia replies biting her tongue trying not to flip out. “Well...Mom...The boys lay around and do nothing all day. Why can't they contribute for once?” Julia is really pushing it now and she knows it. Part of her wants to just let it go before her Mother explodes, but the other part of her wants to push her to the ledge and say, “Jump..jump...come on I'll catch you. Aaahhhh ha ha ha ha ha!” Her Mother is still calmly finishing up the last of the pancakes. She seems completely unphased and silent from what Julia was just complaining about. As her Mom begins serving the pancakes on the table, Julia notices this grin on her Mother's face. It was one of those grins that said, “Go ahead, talk and complain, but I got you wrapped around my finger so tight you're going to have to kill me to get you off.” After a few moments of silence, her Mother says something in a very bribery tone.
“No she's not! She is not going there”, Julia thinks to herself. “Maybe I'll just cut the funding from your acting College? How far would your stage dreams get when I pull out that Fifteen thousand dollars I gave you from your savings? Your Father and I will be real please to welcome you aboard our accounting group.” Julia's face and head drop to a submissive pose. Her eyes are gazing at the golden oak hardwood floors. Rage is building up inside of her and she is screaming inside. However, under her rage is fear. Would her Mother really do that and take all of her money? Julia knows her acting studio would get nowhere without that money. Then, she would have to work as a crummy accountant for the rest of her life. Without saying a word, Julia picks her head up, looks at her Mother, and notices the witch like smirk on her face. Julia feels betrayed and all alone. She grabs her duffel bag and heads for the door without even touching her breakfast. Right before she exits, her Mother manages to fit in a few more words.
Julia has just been bought and traded her freedom. In fact, she given up her freedom ages ago and now just realized it. She is stand still, dead in her tracks with her hand on the door knob. She wants to say, “f-off Mother, I'm not coming back.” However, she conforms and agrees.
At last! She is out of the house. Julia runs for her car trying to hold back and fight off the tears. She feels free, depressed, and trapped all in one. Her Mother complains about how Julia is never home, but she hates to be home, especially when she just gets home from work. Somehow and someway her Mother is always complaining and bitchin' about someone.
I'm telling you-- it's always something with her. On top of that, Julia's cleaning is never good enough. Her Mother always knit picks about how this wasn't done right, how this wasn't enough, you didn't use enough cleaner, blah, blah, blah. As far as Julia is concerned, she's happy to be out of there and off to the studio. Who Am I?
Karen is owner of A+ Acting that is located five minutes from where Julia's rehearsal is downtown. It's a small, quiet town and very historic. I think Paul Revere settled in it sometime in the 17th century. It's also a very artsy town. Almost all of the buildings have this old fashion, red brick symmetry to it. The town thrives off of small business. All you see is Mom and Pop stores such as Harriet's blown glass, Elliot and Mary's picture art, Edward Scissor Hands Salon, and A&E Roastery. The closest corporation is about 45 minutes from them. Julia finishes up her last bit of yoga and dance meditation, then glances up to catch herself in the wall mirror. She sees her beautiful body sitting there with her legs spread out in front of her in a y shape. She's staring at herself into her big brown eyes and becomes suddenly anxious. Then, this knot like emotion begins growing in the pit of her stomach and she starts to cry.
Without answering back, Julia quickly gathers her things and runs out of the studio. Julia begins to race down the side walk going in no particular destination and she is holding back what could be an ocean of tears. Everyone that walks by her gives her this concerning stare like they should ask for help, but they're too busy with their own lives.  Finally, Julia ducks away from the side walk into a side alley off the main road. The alley is one of those typical allies-- It has a dumpster, pot holes filled with water puddles, and clothes lines hanging from window to window. She is so concerned with her anxiety, the shape and feel of the alley doesn't even worry her. All of a sudden, a somewhat tamed cry turns into an uncontrollable waterfall of tears. She puts her arm against one of the brick buildings and leans her head forward up against her arm and continues on crying. Finally, after how ridiculous she feels, she gets a hold of herself, cleans up her tears, and says something in complete frustration.
Right away Julia perks up into an alert position. She is frightened and also embarrassed at the same time wondering if this man heard her crying escapade. Other thoughts race through her head: “How close is this guy. Is he going to hurt me, etc.?” Julia fears to turn around and meet what's going to happen next. Finally, she gathers the courage and slowly about faces to where the voice was coming from. As Julia turns around, she tentatively speaks out.
But no one is there.
“Haha, no, you're not going crazy. I'm up here.” Julia looks up and makes eye contact with the warmest, serene, and exuberant green eyes she has ever met. Immediately all of her fears are washed away.
“Who are you?” “I'm whoever you think I am.” Julia is now completely confused. You must agree, this is not how a typical introduction goes. However, this is obviously not a typical man and she can't push out of her head how much peace she feels interacting with this man. He is standing on a balcony about two stories up in a beautiful, historic red brick building. He also has the most peculiar plants on the balcony. One plant is so beautiful it looks like it has 1,000 flower petals.
“You're right, but since I know you so well already I'd figure we skip the small talk”, said the man in a friendly voice. “Why don't you come up? I just got done brewing some Shakespeare Tea.” “Knows me so well? I never met this guy ever in my life. Maybe he's a prev or some kind of creeper”, Julia thinks to herself. However, something is telling Julia to go and take a chance. She thinks what's the worst that could happen? This is the safest neighborhood...
“Can we do that without ordering anything? I don't have any money.” “Sure we can, I know the owner personally. We go way back. And you always have enough money right now.” His words are so smooth, precise, and peaceful coming out of his mouth. It sounds like there is no intention, whatsoever, behind any of his words. He almost sounds like a Zen master or some kind of monk.
They both exchange smiles and Julia begins to head over across the street. What's Your Story?Julia sits down at one of Tia's outside tables and see's the man come out of his front door. He begins to walk towards her and Julia notices how aware of his surroundings he becomes. It seems like he appreciates every waking step and breath he takes. He has this mindfulness and appreciation for beauty that Julia has never seen before. Finally, three handshakes, one blessing of a tree, and helping a toad cross the road later he makes it Julia.
“Hello Lao, I'm Julia.” Lao is a tall, Chinese looking man. He is wearing all black, silk pajama looking clothes. Lao's head is completely bald like Mr. Clean and he has a rather odd Zodiac looking earring in his left ear.
“S-sure, sounds excellent”, Julia replies in an uneasy tone. Everything Lao does is graceful, calm, and relaxed. He even spilled some tea on his left arm sleeve and didn't even flinch to clean that up. He is totally focused right here and now. Julia now feels at peace, as if she had her favorite rum drink to take the edge off. She decides to jump into conversation with Lao as if she has known him for 20 years.
“You are not separate from anything”, Lao explains. “Everything you see and label outside yourself is an inner projection of your self image..” Lao continues on in the most gentle and sweetest tone, “Nothing has meaning except for the meaning you give it.” “You're crazy”, said Julia. “Only if you think you are, then I must be”, Lao replies in his Zen like tone. Julia raises her head and looks to the sky giving these pulsating and short “Ha-ha's”, like the worlds smartest and snobbiest brat was stumped by the dumbest person. Julia can't believe what she just heard, but before she could defend herself, Lao says something most enlightening.
Lao brings his cup of tea to his lips and takes a small sip waiting to see if Julia says anything. Julia is in complete awe and wonder right now. She has a cup of tea in one hand and a blank, space-like stare on her face. She begins to think about all the problems she has with her Mother and how her Mother is keeping her trapped and making her choose between family or her dreams. Then, she realizes how great her life is when her Mother isn't around and how well she acts and performs on stage when she isn't there. But when her Mother comes to the show, it's as if Julia's personality dries up into a raisin and her performance becomes below average. Finally, Julia becomes conscious of the fact that they only fight when Julia is there.
The desperate words reach Lao, but he is not moved by them. It seems like you could set him on fire and that still wouldn't stir up any negative emotions. He might even be grateful for the fire and turn it into a positive situation---“At least I was warm.” There is a few seconds of silence, then Julia snaps out of her blank gaze and catches Lao's eyes which are beaming with love and acceptance.
“How you think and feel about me is ultimately how you think and feel about yourself. How could you first judge someone without first owning that thought?” Julia is stunned, confused, curious, and angry all at the same time. She doesn't know whether to cry, defend her point of view, or just get up and walk out. Before Julia can do anything, Lao cuts in gracefully.
Julia looks puzzled, but she is now intrigued.
Lao gives this subtle head nod expressing “of course I don't mind.”
Julia thinks to herself, “A writer? Several books? Who is this guy?” Lao continues on seeming very excited, “The truth is, storytelling is every individuals most talented profession. I don't care if you're a professional football player, you are still better at storytelling.” Instead of lounging in her seat, Julia is now most attentive at the edge of her chair fully engaged in the conversation. Although, it's pretty one sided as of now. Being an actor, Julia loves poetry and a great book. She always thinks about writing and has so many questions for Lao about what he writes. However, something inside of her keeps her voice quiet and she just listens for the lesson to be learned.
 “What the house means to the neighbors next door is noise, stress, and less freedom because they don't want someone living next to them. “The neighbor four houses down thinks the blue is an ugly color and the neighbor across the street likes the blue and is happy to see more kids on the block.” “So..What's the big deal? Everyone has their own opinion”, Julia blurts out. “Yes! Exactly! Everyone has their own opinion. In other words, everyone has a different story to what they believe is true. They hold onto the story because it works for them. “Drop the story and you drop the meaning, then everything turns to just-is.” Julia sits there with a neutral, blank stare on her face looking down into her tea cup. She is trying to think of something to say, but she is speechless. It's as if Lao is speaking complete truth and there is no reason to doubt and argue. Something inside of her feels at peace, like being relieved after a huge scene during a performance. Her cell phone rings. Julia looks at the incoming call and sees it's her Mother. She lets out this big sigh and it's obvious to the world how irritated Julia just became. She presses the ignore button on her phone, while Lao is observing the whole situation and promptly speaks up.
“No, it's just my Mother (the voicemail tone rings) she's been on my case since I was born. I seriously think she hates me and wants to kill my dreams. “It's like I'm never good enough in her eyes.” Lao mysteriously manifested a notepad and pen and is taking notes on the conversation or writing his thoughts down. Julia can't make out what it is. She is kind of taken back, wondering if he is recording this conversation. However, her rage against her Mother far out weighs any matter to what Lao is doing.
Julia briefly notices Lao's watch and sees it's 1030am. She immediately jumps out of her seat like a bee just stung her.
“What are you rehearsing?”, Lao calmly says. Julia is out of her element right now. She is frantically getting her purse together, checking her phone, and looking up and down both ends of the street trying to figure out which way to go.
Julia is now standing upright and seemed to completely drop her worries away, then she gets into her stage character.
Julia then takes a bow as if this character and scene is a reality. Lao is enjoying the whole act. He's just sitting there thrilled and excited to see Julia living her passion.
Without leaving room for Lao to respond, she pushes her chair in and begins to hurriedly walk away.
“Julia--Wait. Do me a favor?” “Sure, what is it?”, Julia replies in a stunned voice. What could he actually want from her? “Do you know how to end suffering?” “Ya, you just drop the story. No story, no suffering”, said Julia in kind of an annoyed voice because she is going to be late. Lao stands up to make sure Julia gets the point he is about to say.
“Well....ummmm...no, I don't think so”, said Julia, now attentive because she wants to learn something. “Do you want to end suffering and be free?”, said Lao in a Chinese, Mr. Miyagi voice. The problems Julia has between her Mother and her dreams race across the screen of her mind again. She begins to feel anxiety and hatred.
Lao then holds up his paper and pen and says, “Then write down all the stressful thoughts and problems you have with your Mother. And I'll see you at your show tomorrow night.” Lao then smiles and Julia smiles back. The smile acted as an agreement that Julia will commit to Lao's suggestion and they'll talk after the play. This article is part 2 of a 4 part series. Look for the next article (part 3) called “You Attract What You Are” then the final part, “Responsibility or Suffering.” Part 1-- It Takes One to Know One Part 3-- You Attract What You Are Part 4-- Responsibility or Suffering Return from Cause of All Suffering to Creative Wealth Building Home Sign-up and Instantly Receive Your Exclusive Wealth Building Membership
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