I was introduced to blog about a year ago that focuses on ideas about how to live the best possible life we can, in the battle against conventional beliefs. It is a chronicle of ideas, life experiences, and adventure travels written by Chris Guillebeau. If you have the time I highly recommend checking a few of his posts. While his writings can be a bit lengthy, there is some great inspiration, ideas on how to work more efficiently, and tips on traveling the world…. and who does not want that?

- Rustin Coburn

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For anyone who does not think REAL change is happening right now, you are looking in the wrong places or you are not awake. A major shift in conscientiousness is taking place before our eyes, and for the first time in human history people around the world are joining together and taking action.

A perfect example of this, is Kony 2012. This has become the most successful online campaign in the history of the internet and went viral faster then any other video…EVER. The video sheds some light on the massive global atrocities of the LRA, but really it is about something much bigger. If the global community can work together towards bringing Joseph Kony and the LRA down, then we can use it as a spring board towards massive change and eventually world piece. For the first time ever, we have the tools and human awareness to do this.

We are truly seeing a new generation of justice and peace. The world we have always wanted is coming.
Get Ready!

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Get in touch with Ink Monstr, who is the official print partner for Colorado Kony 2012, and/or Denver Awareness on April 20th.
Time: 6pm
Where: Commons Park
** Help spread the word by putting up posters across Denver and give a global voice by acting locally

Not in Denver?
Do your part and take action HERE
Cover the Night and get involved on April 20th:

Get involved in Denver with Denver Awareness

KONY 2012 (part 1) :: I hoped you have watched this video, because the powers that be seem to have taken it off the web.

KONY 2012 (part 2) :: follow up and the amazing progress that has already happened around the world

Well it’s official: It’s Spring. One of the best parts about the state of Colorado is the ridiculous number of days we see sunshine every year (see even MORE awesome things about Colorado here), and we are entering the sunniest stretch. While I’m sure many of you are sad to see the snow melt away, just as many are likely ready for warm weather (I’ll admit- it is nice to venture outside without donning a “Michelin Man” outfit).

One of my favorite parts of the change in season is cruising through the streets of downtown: sun on my face, wind in my hair. And I know– as the temp continues to rise, so does the appeal of your air conditioned auto, but I’m writing you today to remind you of the joy of riding a bike.

Do you remember being a kid, riding around your town or neighborhood? Racing your friends… maybe traffic (what, just me?)… Before you had a drivers license. There was pure elation in those moments.

Too many people think of bicycling as a mere means of transportation, or a form of exercise. Both of these associations carry a negative connotation in society today. And while it’s true, a bicycle can get you from A to B and make you huff and puff, it’s also downright fun. (Although, to state the obvious: you will save precious ozone and denero between point A & B, and you miiiiiight shed some o’ that cottage cheese clinging to your ass in the process. Minor pluses… I suppose…)

Now you may be thinking: “I don’t own a bike and they’re expensive.”
But you don’t have to have the newest, flashiest, 42 speed with cappuccino maker and 7″ handlebar LCD installed. Besides, that shit is gettin’ stolen. A bicycle does not have to be pricey, and it should never be pretentious. It should merely be an expression of yourself. If you want something that can go back and forth from trail to road– get a used mountain bike. If you only plan to bar-hop in the flats of downtown (as fast as your .14 BAC permits)– build a single speed. Then spray paint it. Pick up some tassels. Make it you.

If you’re still not sold on buying something, the geniuses at Denver B Cycle made a bike as easy to get your hands on as a Red Box movie. Rent one.

A final incentive to get pedaling is the notion that the bicycle is the most efficient machine man-kind has ever created. In fact: the energy efficiency of a bicycle has been estimated to be the equivalent of the average car doing 1,600 miles on a gallon of gas. And that’s pretty awesome.

So, now that I’ve planted the seed, water it. See if it grows on you. If it doesn’t, no biggie– your car is still in it’s spot.

- Ches Sheridan Arms

My writing process typically begins with 5-15 open tabs in my browser– the majority of which are completely unrelated to one another. I read a little of this one, I scan that one for a second. I will probably mosey on over to Facebook or my email at some point.

As I was thinking about the unorganized manner in which I approach my writing I started to wonder what habits stifle creativity, and what habits encourage it to flow freely into words on a page (so to speak).
I sat down to compose a post for you on a riveting topic (something to look forward to next week!). Poetically, however, my  creative process lead me to stumble upon this cool little video. The music is different… but the animations and ideas are rad.
Enjoy:

What is your creative process? What do you do to encourage creativity?

- Ches Sheridan Arms

“You’re not your job. You’re not how much money you have in the bank. You’re not the car you drive. You’re not the contents of your wallet. You’re not your fucking khakis. You’re the all-singing, all-dancing crap of the world. ”

Ok, so maybe Tyler Durden’s soap box is a bit too tall for me to stand on, but what he’s getting at here truly resonates with me– as I’m sure it does for many of you. The notion is: Don’t let your social status or your possessions dictate who you are.
However, Tyler’s last sentence here implies we cannot do this because we are no better than anyone else. I beg to differ. I strive to do better and be better every day. And in many instances, I believe we can be better by possessing less.

A while back I was geeking out on Mashable(a website that covers digital culture, social media, and technology news) and ran across an article titled 4 Big Trends for the Future of Sustainable Tech. The whole article is awesome and I highly recommend the quick read, but #3 on the list really caught my attention. The concept is “Micro-Living,” and the idea behind it is that we can reduce, or do away with, much of the material goods we accumulate in our lives.

Think of a goldfish in a bowl. If you put a tiny goldfish in a big bowl, it will fatten up and grow to the size of it’s environment.
If you put a perfectly content human in a big space, they find themselves yearning for “things.” They will seek to fill that space– unnecessarily.

If you get bored with life ever, then do NOT read this post….it is not for you…

time is but a perception of reality

A few months back I posted a short vision on “How to Slow Down Time“, and today I would like to add a Part 2…. although keep in mind that none of what I am writing about is scientifically proven, or backed up by any “Real Authority”, “Professional Establishment”, or anything else that you might find in-between exclamation marks. It is purely my thoughts and experimentation with life. To be clear, my main focus with this exploration is to learn how to have more time, thus creating true freedom

On the last post I asked if it was possible to actually slow down time, and what this might mean. Time is maybe the most valuable thing we have to offer and gain, and yet why do we continually waste it? I was reminded of this again when watching the movie In Time…. I recommend it.

Why can we not be present and live for the moment upon us? All these wonderful digital devices, social media, messaging tools, etc can disconnect us even more. Have you ever seen a group of friends out at a bar all sitting around a table fixated on their phones? Caught up in what has happened, what other people are doing, or what we might do in the future. So silly when you think about it…. but I have done this myself. Why?

Why can’t we live for right now? What is getting in our way? I ask these questions because there is something deep inside our lack of ability to be present that I believe to be the key to slowing down time.
If you have the courage, I challenge you to the following exercise. Start with one hour a day and build from there:

• Do not worry about any future responsibilities, difficulties in your life, things that make you anxious, fears you may have, anger, frustrations, sadness, or negativity of any sort.
• Do not look at your watch or phone or any electronic device.
• Completely engage yourself in what you are doing or who you are with.
• Think about your own breath, and how blessed you are to have everything that you have.

What do you think? How did time pass for you?

- Rustin Coburn

Today, thousands of sites around the internet will cease operation (“go dark”) in protest of SOPA– the Stop Online Piracy Act. With the internet so integrated into our lives, anything that will drastically change it, will drastically alter our way of life as well. Because of this, I think it’s important to have some level of understanding of what the SOPA and PIPA acts are poised to do.

Now, I know you’ve all been inundated with status updates, emails, and articles talking about this potential internet game-changer. If you’re anything like me, once a certain topic starts to blow up your news feeds, you start reading around it– unconsciously dismissing it as “SPAM.” SO- I tracked down a short little video produced by the hilarious Matthew Inman over at The Oatmeal (if you aren’t familiar- The Oatmeal is a little website filled with comics and other hilarity discussing current issues).

For those of you who hate sitting down to read an article, or simply don’t have time, this is a laughable 1 1/2 minute crash course on this controversial issue:

I’ll be the first one to admit that this is an extremely partisan overview. But, isn’t that the point of something this controversial– to take a side? A strong position?

If you disagree with this video and feel SOPA/PIPA could create positive change, I implore you: Share your thoughts and point of view!!!

After all- that is what the anti-SOPA stance is all about: freedom of expression!

Below is another video that goes into much more depth. I wanted to include it for those auditory/visual learners who do have some time to get their knowledge on but don’t feel like reading another article. I also encourage further reading at http://americancensorship.org/. And be sure to check out their nifty infographic HERE.

- Ches Sheridan Arms

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PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

Last week I stumbled upon an amazing video from a TED talk, that my friend David showed me.
A little glimpse into our very near future of how we can and will interact with the world around us. Prana Mistry’s invention is very intriguing and raises some thoughtful questions:

• Could this really be a free open source technology for all of us to use?
• Will this better our lives by freeing us from the confines of our computer and desk?
• At what point is human integration with technology taken too far?
• What happens if this technology is purchased by the government or used for evil?

What do you Think?

This photo has nothing to do with my post, really just thought it was a neat shot.

Micheal E. Porter, I am buying you loads of delicious beers or scotch or both. Or a shot and a beer. Or if you prefer fine wines, I enjoy those as well. I hope you drink is all I am saying.

Recently, Michael wrote an article in the Harvard Business Review Blog named Creating Shared Value. Here Mr. Porter, explains that many of the wrongs of capitalism is due to companies outdated approach to creating value for their participants (customers). He argues that businesses over the past few decades have ignored their participants most basic needs. Michael explains this has created a huge gap between business and society, and because of this gap, there is a great opportunity for businesses to bring true value back to participants (consumers) and society as a whole.

In my opinion, this is one of the most inspiring reads in business today. Not because it is based on a nice idea, or because it is an amazing concept, or even because it is a possibility. I think it is so damn inspiring because again, in my opinion, he is absolutely right. Additionally, not only is he right, major brands and businesses are moving in this direction in their operations, business strategy and marketing. Pepsi and GE, a couple of brands you may have heard of, are currently implementing strategy, supply chains and operational programs based around the thought that they MUST create more value for the community, for their participants and for the environment. These businesses believe if they create more shared value, they are increasing their future profits, their future market share and their future brand equity.

Read this selection: “Shared value is not social responsibility, philanthropy, or even sustainability, but a new way to achieve economic success.”  Baller.

I am sooooo tired of hearing from idealistic contemporary hippie (I do realize this is a hugely general statement, and for that I apologize) folks that business is the problem; capitalism is evil. In my somewhat educated opinion, Creating Shared Value is a visceral, even tangible solution. Fuck, it’s beyond a solution, it is an opportunity. Excited.

-Tyler Browning

Age 0-20 is spent growing- molding yourself into the person whom you want to live the rest of your life as. Age 60-80 is spent in useless dying. Age 20-60 is spent with useful potential. 1/3 of that is wasted sleeping. 1/3 of that is wasted at a job. This leaves 1/3 of 40 years free, which is about 15 years (rounding optimistically up). 1/3 of that is wasted on chores and obligations.
That leaves 10 years in which to live. Not 80 like you thought. That is why life seems so short. It is short.

A few weeks ago I wrote a post titled Living In the Moment. It discussed the notion that we are all so busy in life we rarely take the time to “stop and smell the roses.” After considerable contemplation of this conception I’ve come to some conclusions:

• Most people I know consider me “time challenged.” Why?
• It’s not that I don’t respect other people’s time, it’s that I sincerely respect my own.
• I value the quality of my time at any one moment much more than I value having it allocated as “efficiently” as possible to accommodate those around me.

I know I’m not alone. Do you associate with these conclusions as well?
Perhaps you disagree entirely and perceive my conclusions to be selfish.

This week, I’d like to continue my musings on the topic of [thoroughly enjoying your] time while introducing you to the concept of Monocronic Vs Polychronic senses of time. The link I listed here talks more about individual senses of time and it’s an excellent little explanation of the concept. However, In 1959 a famous anthropologist, Edward T. Hall, originally introduced the theory in regards to cultures around the world.

• Monochronic cultures are cultures in which individuals structure and schedule their activities in a linear fashion, based on clarity of purpose, and economic progress. “Time is money.”
• Polychronic cultures tend to be more fluid and less structured. Having several projects running at the same time (multi-tasking) is both natural and stimulating, and people are put before punctuality.

Monochronic culture runs the Western World. That’s not to say that everyone is a monochron — far from it. But life, work, and society are organized according to monochronic principles. Conversely, in Mexico, Latin-America, and many parts of Africa & Europe the culture as a whole is considered polychronic.

Personally, I am a Polychron (with a few monochronic tendencies). It’s likely that you associate with one column of the chart above more than the other. I wanted to share this with you because I believe it can teach you a lot about yourself, including how you fit into the world and how you get along with others.

Moreover, I’m sharing because (as illustrated above) life is short. By understanding how we perceive time perhaps we can learn how to get the most fulfillment from it. Anyone can “stop and smell the roses”– but some people only truly enjoy their aroma when it doesn’t interfere with any of their other carefully laid plans. Others find greater satisfaction when they randomly stumble upon the roses and put all lesser obligations on hold.

How do you best enjoy the smell of life’s roses?

- Ches Sheridan Arms