Reflecting On Getting Old

Old man, look at my life
I'm a lot like you were
Old man, look at my life
I'm a lot like you were
Old man, look at my life
Twenty four and there's so much more
Live alone in a paradise
That makes me think of two

Love lost, such a cost
Give me things that don't get lost
Like a coin that won't get tossed
Rolling home to you
Old man, take a look at my life, I'm a lot like you
I need someone to love me the whole day through

Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that's true
Lullabies, look in your eyes
Run around the same old town
Doesn't mean that much to me
To mean that much to you

I've been first and last
Look at how the time goes past
But I'm all alone at last
Rolling home to you

Old man, take a look at my life, I'm a lot like you
I need someone to love me the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that's true
Old man, look at my life
I'm a lot like you were
Old man, look at my life
I'm a lot like you were

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Neil Young
Old Man lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group

Note to Self: Quit being a Grump Old Man

Ah, my friend—that’s a beautifully honest question. The fact that you’re asking it already means you’re not stuck being one. You're waking up to something.

Let’s start with this:
"Grumpy old man" isn’t who you are—it’s just a mask the soul puts on when it’s tired, disappointed, or feeling unheard.

So how do you set that mask down?

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🌱 1. Find the Source of the Grump

Grumpiness is usually a secondary emotion—it covers up something deeper:

• Is it resentment from feeling unappreciated?
• Frustration at how things have changed?
• Sadness from things (or people) lost along the way?
• Loneliness pretending to be anger?

Sit with that when you feel grumpy. Ask: “What am I really feeling underneath?” No judgment—just curiosity.

---

🪞2. Speak From the Heart, Not the Armor

Old patterns make us bark when we really want to connect.

Next time you’re tempted to criticize or shut down, try flipping the script. Say:

• “You know, I’m feeling kind of off today, and I think I’m taking it out on everything around me.”
• Or: “I’m sorry, that came out sharper than I meant. Let me try again.”

That kind of honesty cracks people wide open. It also softens you from the inside out.

---

🎸3. Reignite Wonder

You’ve lived long enough to see behind the curtain of a lot of life’s illusions. That can make a man cynical. But it can also make you wise.

Want the antidote to grumpiness? Play. Create. Explore. Wonder.

• Keep learning guitar. Let the kid in you come out and mess around.
• Go somewhere that humbles you: under giant trees, beside ancient rocks, with your dog and the wind.
• Ask young people deep questions—and actually listen.
• Laugh at something stupid. Make someone else laugh.

A grumpy man is often just someone who’s stopped feeling free to be light.

---

🔥4. Rage Into Compassion

You’ve earned the right to feel pissed off. But what if you transformed that fire into something else? Like:

• Mentoring someone younger.
• Showing up for someone who needs steadiness.
• Turning pain into stories, art, even silence with presence.

Compassion doesn’t make you soft. It makes you dangerous to despair.

---

☀️ One Last Thought

You’re not a grumpy old man.
You’re a man standing at a threshold—between what was and what could be.

You’re allowed to let go of the old armor and be kind, curious, playful, real.
People will feel it, and it might even change them too.

Want help building small daily practices to shift your vibe? I can help with that too.

Flexibility Leads to Mastery

Here's an illustration that represents how flexibility of approach leads to mastery. The wise figure navigates multiple paths with ease, while others struggle on a single rigid route, emphasizing the power of adaptability.

This idea—of letting go of rigid expectations and embracing adaptability—can be a powerful shift in how you approach goals and self-improvement. It’s especially relevant to you, given your mix of structured skills (like construction, property management, and dog training) and your natural curiosity about spiritual growth, dreaming, and music.

The Problem with Rigid Expectations

Rigid expectations create pressure and often lead to frustration when things don’t go exactly as planned. Some signs of this mindset include:

• Feeling stuck when progress isn’t happening in a linear way.
• Getting discouraged when results take longer than expected.
• Overanalyzing every step instead of taking action.
• Comparing yourself to an idealized version of where you "should" be.

This is like your dream’s struggle with ordering those graphic blocks—when you try to force things into place, they just jump around, creating more chaos.

The Power of Adaptability in Self-Improvement

Instead of forcing a strict system, adaptability allows you to:

• Course-correct with ease (like your smooth 180-degree turn in the dream).
• Respond to challenges creatively rather than being derailed by them.
• Work with your natural rhythms instead of fighting against them.

It’s the difference between forcing discipline onto yourself versus finding the right flow that allows progress to happen naturally.

---

How to Apply This to Your Goals

Here’s how you can shift your approach in different areas of self-improvement:

1. Guitar Playing: Play First, Perfect Later

• Instead of pressuring yourself to follow a strict routine, incorporate deliberate play.
• Let yourself mess around with the guitar, experiment, and follow curiosity first.
• Focus on small wins—can you play something enjoyable for just five minutes? If so, that’s success.
• Instead of thinking, "I must practice X amount of time daily or I’m failing," think, "Each time I play, I improve."

This makes practice feel lighter and more sustainable. Progress naturally follows.

2. Lucid Dreaming: Focus on Awareness, Not Control

• Instead of trying to force lucidity every night, just increase mindfulness and presence in waking life.
• Trust that your mind is already learning how to become lucid. Your dream about amethyst showed that even a small thought can shift your awareness.
• Enjoy the journey—every dream experience (even non-lucid ones) has value.

3. Fitness & Health: Go With What Works for You

• Instead of forcing yourself into a rigid fitness plan, find movement you enjoy.
• Some days, strength training might feel great. Other days, a walk or stretching may be better.
• Listen to your body instead of following a set program to the letter. Adapt, but stay consistent in showing up.

4. Dog Training: Read the Dog, Not the Manual

• Dogs don’t all learn at the same pace.
• If a technique isn’t working, rather than pushing harder, try a different approach.
• Success comes from understanding and adjusting rather than sticking to one rigid method.

5. Business & Career: Flow With Opportunities

• Instead of feeling pressure to find the “one right path,” stay open to opportunities that align with your strengths.
• Keep experimenting with ideas (whether tiny houses, property management, or nonprofit work).
• The right path will emerge organically through action and reflection—not by overthinking.

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Mindset Shifts for Adaptable Growth

Here are a few ways to reframe how you think about goals:

🔹 Instead of: “I need a perfect plan before I start.”
✔ Try: “I’ll figure things out as I go.”

🔹 Instead of: “If I miss a day, I’ve failed.”
✔ Try: “One missed day doesn’t erase my progress.”

🔹 Instead of: “If this method doesn’t work, I’m stuck.”
✔ Try: “There’s always another way to reach my goal.”

---

The Core Lesson: Flexibility Leads to Mastery

When you dropped expectations about physics in your dream, you made an effortless 180-degree turn. That’s the secret to mastery in anything.

• Instead of forcing yourself to fit a system, design systems that fit you.
• Rigidity creates resistance. Adaptability creates momentum.
• Growth is an organic process, not a straight line.

If you keep this adaptable mindset, everything—your guitar playing, lucid dreaming, dog training, and even your career—will unfold with less struggle and more success. Keep flowing, and the results will come. 🚀

 

Ride or Drive? Sage

Prompt: I am thinking of getting a three wheeled motorcycle, I am over 70 years old, it will be expensive. I have had a motorcycle for much of my life. I want to travel with my dog to out of the way beautiful natural areas or of spiritual and cultural interest to me. I have found the freedom of bing on a motorcycle very realxing, uplifting, exciting and possibly profound. How do I tell if this is a good idea. What do you think Sage?

This sounds like an incredible idea, and given your lifelong experience with motorcycles, it’s not just a whim—it’s something deeply connected to your sense of freedom and exploration. Here are some key points to consider when evaluating if this is the right decision:

Pros:

1. Enhanced Stability & Safety – A three-wheeled motorcycle (trike) offers greater balance than a traditional two-wheeled bike, which can be helpful as reaction times naturally change with age.
2. Comfort for Long Rides – Many trikes are designed for touring, with comfortable seating and space for luggage and even accommodations for your dog.
3. Freedom & Adventure – You clearly value the spiritual and emotional benefits of riding. This could be a powerful way to explore places that hold deep meaning for you.
4. Dog-Friendly Setup – A trike gives you more room to set up a secure and comfortable place for your dog to travel with you.
5. Less Physical Strain – A trike eliminates the need to hold up a heavy bike at stops, reducing strain on your body.

Potential Challenges:

1. Cost – Trikes can be quite expensive, especially new models. Consider if the investment aligns with your financial situation and whether a high-quality used model might work.
2. Storage & Maintenance – Ensure you have a good place to store it and consider the maintenance needs compared to a traditional motorcycle.
3. Practicality for Off-Road or Remote Areas – While trikes handle highways well, they may be more challenging in rough or unpaved areas. Research models designed for adventure touring.
4. Comfort for Your Dog – You'll need to customize a safe travel space for your dog, with considerations for temperature, wind, and security.

How to Decide:

• Test Ride a Trike – Spend time on different models to see if you enjoy the experience as much as you did on two wheels.
• Rent One First – If possible, rent a trike for a short trip to experience the feel of long-distance travel before committing.
• Consider Your Ideal Journey – Picture yourself and your dog on the road. Does it excite you? Does it feel realistic?
• Check Financial Comfort – If the cost feels like a strain, see if alternative ways (a used model, financing, or downsizing other expenses) could make it more accessible.
• Talk to Other Trike Riders – They may have insights on specific models that would suit your needs.

Sage’s Perspective:

If riding still calls to you on that deep level of freedom, joy, and connection, it’s worth exploring. You've spent a lifetime understanding motorcycles and yourself in relation to them, and this seems to align with who you are and how you want to experience life. If the practical considerations check out—your comfort, your dog's safety, and financial feasibility—then I think it could be a beautiful, fulfilling decision.

Would you like help looking into trike models, modifications for dog travel, or mapping out potential routes to meaningful places.

Yes: I am looking at 2024 or 2025 Spyder Rt.
Response: The Can-Am Spyder RT is an excellent choice for your touring aspirations, offering a blend of comfort, advanced features, and ample storage. 

K9 Moto Cockpit: A custom-built motorcycle dog carrier designed to mount securely on various motorcycles, including the Can-Am Spyder. It offers personalized upholstery and is sized according to your dog's dimensions.

Yes I would like your advise on mapping out potential routes to meaningful places.
Response: 

• Pacific Coast Highway (California, Oregon, Washington)
• Southwest Desert Circuit (Arizona, Utah, New Mexico)
• Rocky Mountain Loop (Colorado, Montana, Wyoming

• Great River Road (Mississippi River)
• Badlands & Black Hills Ride (South Dakota)

• Blue Ridge Parkway & Appalachian Trail Region
• New England’s Mystic Route

Prompt: This is one of the trips I am considering. Would it be safe? How could I make it safer? The Huichol people in Mexico, specifically in the Sierra Madre Mountains of the Nayarit region, where they live in remote villages and are known for their vibrant, intricate beadwork and yarn art, which often depicts their deep connection to nature and spirituality.

Response: Embarking on a journey to visit the Huichol people in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Nayarit is a commendable endeavor, offering deep cultural and spiritual insights. However, it's essential to assess safety considerations and take proactive measures to ensure a secure experience.

Safety Considerations:

• Regional Crime: The U.S. Department of State advises travelers in Mexico to remain on main highways and avoid remote locations due to concerns about violent crime and gang activity.

• Targeted Violence: Most violence in Mexico is directed at drug traffickers and those associated with them. Tourists have not been targeted.

Recommendations for a Safer Journey:

1. Engage Local Guides:

   • Cultural Tours: Participate in organized tours that facilitate interactions with the Huichol community. For instance, the Nayarit Huichol Tour offers visits to Huichol villages, including traditional ceremonies and opportunities to purchase authentic crafts.

2. Stay Informed:

   • Travel Advisories: Regularly consult the U.S. Department of State's travel advisories for Mexico to stay updated on safety recommendations.
     Travel

3. Travel Logistics:

   • Main Routes: Stick to main highways and avoid traveling at night, especially in unfamiliar or remote areas.
   • Local Insights: Seek advice from locals or tour operators about current road conditions and any areas to avoid.

4. Cultural Sensitivity:

   • Respect Traditions: The Huichol people have a rich cultural heritage. Approach interactions with respect, seeking permission before taking photographs and being mindful of local customs.

5. Health Precautions:

   • Medical Supplies: Carry necessary medications and a basic first-aid kit, as medical facilities may be limited in remote areas.
   • Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you have ample water and snacks, especially when traveling through areas with limited services.

By taking these precautions and approaching the journey with respect and awareness, you can have a meaningful and enriching experience visiting the Huichol communities in Nayarit.

Before Picture: DTE People & Sales Genius

Before Picture: DTE People & Sales Genius

Numbers: Work w/Cindy on spreadsheet
    Traffic
    Leads Phne + SM = Total (Need to track call we answer, not just messages)
    Lead/Consults
    Leads that have no 2nd contact (why?)
    Consults/Clients
    Ave $$ per sale                                
    Repeat Clients
    Referals that become leads then clients (track radio of Consults/Clients separate for referalls)

Money: Enough to do want I want.
    Tine off/Travel
    Three-wheeled motorcycle (Spyder RT w/Rory Seat)
    Retreats
    Spiritual journeys
    Help our kids
    Help Vets

What I like now:
    Change lives by training dogs
    Lack of routine
    Schedule my own time
    New challenges

What I don't like: 
    Toll on Cindy
    Lack of profesionalism, random quality
    No steady growth going forward
    No real team building
    Stress around $$$
    Struggling w/IT systems

    Lack of creativity
    Lack of progress on training Rory & Roxie
    Lack of progress on supporting Vets

Before Molly

Preparing for DesBio's Evolution Weight Management Program

 Detox for 1 week, Then

40 Weeks of 500 calorie/day diet
w/Homeopatic Support to direct diencephalon to release secondary fat

diencephalon

41 Days! Starts w/2 days od fat loading (max out)

Recommended 3 L of water daily

No..Grains, Starchy Vegtables, Sugar & Artificial Sugar,  (Stevia & Xilitol OK) 1 melba toast  or grisisi breadstick OK

2/day  Moderate sugar fruits (not two of the same per day) (Except Apple Day if gaining weight)

2/day Vegtables (zero fat during this phase)  1/2 cup salsa (Vegtable or fruit)

Protein 3.5.3,0 os Raw/Cooked

Beverags: Water primarily, herbal tea, black coffee

Extras: Juice of 1 lemmon, Spices, Zero fats & oils

Side effects: Leg cramps: 99mg potasium  Constipation: alo vera juice, liquid mag citrate Fatigue"vit B12, Immune: Vit C

hAcg Evolution drops, stop 1 day/wekk, 3 days before end (IMPORTANT! Will gain back weight)

Exercise: 20-25 min cardio, 15 min of light weights 5xWeek, Max 45 minutes/day

Then 3 weeks of Maintenance, then Normalization

No gum or mints

Wow! I get one

1. Have Caroline on board to help track progress.

2. Start detox tomorrow (Friday)

3. Set up 40_ day plan.

Active Imagination

Make It Conscious is a platform dedicated to the cultivation of self-knowledge, freedom, and authentic growth. We provide insightful content, comprehensive training, and personalised coaching, guiding those who seek deeper self-understanding and spiritual development.

 https://makeitconscious.com/

Our Approach

To facilitate this growth, we’ve developed the Seven Habits of Individuation model – an integrated modality for psychospiritual evolution. Utilising depth psychology, active imagination exercises and divination arts, we assist you in uncovering and integrating all aspects of your Self.

YOUR PATH OF SELF-ENQUIRY

78 Gold foil Tarot Cards with Guide Book Tarot Deck for Beginners and Professional Player

Mesa in the Moonlight

Working my way through Mastering the TolTec Way, by Susan Gregg, She invites an image of Mesa in the Moonlight to help focus our meditations, 

Works for me