Dream Of Interdependent Society

I was going into Home Depot a while back and I wanted to put up some shelves in my house. I was going into Home Depot and it said, at the time I lived in Massachusetts and so it said right on the front there it said, “Massachusetts’s do it yourself center.” It says that in every state, whatever Ohio, Kentucky or whatever state you’re in.

I looked that sign and I had an interesting thought, I said you know what’s so funny, is that do it yourself doesn’t mean do it alone. Do it yourself doesn’t mean do it alone, and what do I mean? I’m going into this big store, I didn’t make the store, and I’m going in to buy shelves. I didn’t make the shelves. I didn’t make the screws. I didn’t make the hammer. I didn’t make the drill. I didn’t do any of that, I just went in and bought it, but somebody else did it for me.

Yes, I’m doing it myself, but I’m not doing it alone. Imagine if I’d had to make the drill or a shelf or do that, it’s like Napoleon Hill in Think and Grow Rich when he talks about having to actually make your own breakfast. Having to swim to China to get the tea, and drive down to Florida to get the oranges, you know, do all of these things. Who made the car?

We live in a vast inter-dependent universe and world, whether we want to believe it or see it or acknowledge it or not. We live in an interdependent world, not an independent one. We want to be independent, but what we really truly are is interdependent. I mean who made the computer you’re sitting in front of, did you? Of course you didn’t. Did you make the phone you’re on? No. We are interdependent. The better and deeper we understand and use that truth then the deeper, better, and higher we will get in our results in our life.

That is the essence of a loving mirror principle. It is a principle, it’s not a person, it’s not based on you and me, and it’s a principle that is whether we like it or not. I have to say in all honesty that it's annoying sometimes. It would be so nice to just do it yourself. Again you’re doing it yourself; you’re just not doing it alone.

A dream that is not interpreted is like a letter that has not been opened.
—from The Talmud.

We are living in a dream-deficient society, to borrow a term from Nancy Grace, a teacher of the dream phenomenon since 1989. Ours is a society that talks about dreams only when they are interesting, that is when they are nightmares or movie-ish. Otherwise, we have become content with just waking up for the day, easing back into our routine work life, and not minding interpreting our dreams and what they are trying to tell us, just letting them accumulate-- a treasure box of letters forever unopened.

Dream Interpretation Unlocks Metaphors

Not remembering our dreams is also like having a conversation but remembering only the nice grand parts of it, while missing the subtle details and nuances that make dreams more meaningful.

Here are five ways to make the most of your dream and dream interpretation then:

1. Keep a dream journal or diary. Make it a habit to write down your dreams of night before. Do this right away upon waking up; don't trust yourself that you can remember your dream later in the day. As an exercise, this may sound tedious, but it'll grow on you. You'll be amazed to read about your dreams after a month, two months, a year.

2. Discuss your dream with your family, friends, or loved ones. There is an irreplaceable feeling of relief and liberation in being able to share your dreams with people who know you. They might offer their own versions of dream interpretation, helpfully adding to the rich layer of meanings in it.

2. Write a poem, or a song, or even make a film out of your dream.
Musicians like Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, Sting, and Shawn Colvin all write songs inspired by their dreams. Painter Joan Miró would deliberately deprive himself of sleep, sometimes for several days, just to inspire himself to paint wondrous characters and sceneries that have percolated in his head. As a matter of fact, the Surrealist movement utilised the fantasies of their dreams for inspiration. (Think of Dali's melting watches and clock.)

4. Don't be afraid or shy to consult a dream interpreter or even a psychic. If you don't feel comfortable discussing your dream with your loved ones, especially when they are included in the dream, then a total stranger may be the better person to interpret it. Oftentimes, the best dream interpretation come from people who don't know you, and, thus, are able to take an objective point of view from your dream.

The idea of a paperless society has been the dream of computer enthusiasts for many years. Along with the “cashless society”, the hope that computers would replace the written word has resonated through sections of American society for many years. Although home computer usage has grown incredibly in the last 15 years making this seemingly possible in the near future, government agencies are slow to catch up. Libraries will have shelves of books for many years too come.

With home computer and Internet usage at an all time high it is no surprise that public libraries are struggling to make ends meet. Research that would have in the past required the use of a library can now be done much faster using a home PC and a few hours on Google. Couple this with the fact that library computers are generally out of date and over crowded, home research becomes the obvious choice. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in association with the American Library Association (ALA) recently funded a study that shows the demand for computer and Internet services has stretched existing library resources to capacity. The study also shows that “more than 73% of libraries reported that they are the only source of free public access to computers and the Internet on their communities”. Although there is clearly great demand for these resources, there is little growth ahead. During peak usage hours it is not uncommon in some communities to have an hour wait time for computer access, and only 25% of all libraries report they have the computers to meet demand according to the ALA. Most libraries have not had a substantial increase in computers or technology since 2002.

This lack of technology is doing the most harm to the poor. Americans who have home computers and a fast Internet connection may not realize that large portions of society are cut off from the potential this technology can bring. Many Americans are now at the point where they could not imagine not being able to access the Internet, and the knowledge that would be denied is enormous. As a bastion of knowledge it has fallen to libraries to upgrade their capabilities and help more people access the information they need.

Cost is an issue in upgrading the existing public library technology infrastructure. Tax revenue is still the primary method of funding public libraries, but local government taxes have not been enough for a long time. It has become necessary to increase fines associated with library use and solicit donations in order to make ends meet and provide information services to patrons in need of a computer. Even using older refurbished laptops and desktops that have been donated or purchased has not offered enough saving to allow libraries to catch up to demand.

A new method of cutting costs and reducing computer wait time is wireless networking. By using wireless and Satellite Internet more than 17% of libraries claim they can reduce wait time by becoming a “Wireless Hot Spot” and allowing patrons to access the Internet from their own laptops as well as the library’s. This solution also solves many bandwidth issues libraries are having, but not all. Considering that some libraries still use dial-up Internet access any improvement in this area would be helpful.

Dream girl, dream boy, dream house, dream job, dream car, dream vacation, dream wedding…I can go on with a list of dreams forever. Whatever it is that we dream of and no matter how many or how little those dreams are the most pressing problem for almost everyone is how to achieve those dreams that they often times drop out at the third stride upon seeing how long and tedious the journey would be towards achieving them. “I can’t become a company president.” “I can’t get a job. I don’t have a college degree.” “I can’t swim.” “I can’t sell.” The world is full of it. Ironically, what these objections really mean are the opposite – “I want to become a company president.” “I want a good job.” “I want to swim the ocean.” “I want to sell something.” It’s so sad that just as our enthusiasm start to build up as we contemplate about our dreams or goals, potential hindrances get in the way almost instantly.

Yes, the desire to get what we want in life has always been there with us. But the question really is “Just how big and definite is that desire?” Is the desire huge and definite enough to influence us to really, really, really go for it despite the obstacles? Just how much do you want to translate your desire into reality?

To follow, without halt, one’s aim: There's the secret of success. - Ana Pavlova

Desire is the seat of all power. It’s the ultimate key to personal success. With desire

•wars were waged to conquer a coveted land or a coveted seat in the monarchy or government

•people set out to build empires.

•successful people make things happen

To illustrate just how powerful desire is let me recount in my own words an inspiring story about a man who desired to work with Thomas Edison based on the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

Edwin C. Barnes was, in the words of Edison himself “…like an ordinary Tramp.” Barnes was a commoner with a common desire to work with a prominent person. But what set him apart from people who merely desired was that his desire was definite. It was clear to him what he wanted. He didn’t want to work for Edison – he wanted to work with him. But before he set out to achieve his goal two adversaries stood in his way. First, he did not know Edison nor did Edison know him. Second, Barnes did not have enough money to pay for the train that would take him to Orange, New Jersey where Edison was at the time. But did these difficulties discourage Barnes to carry out his desire? No. He did set out to meet Edison and worked with him, eventually. You see, at first, although Edison saw that Barnes had made up his mind to stand by until he succeeded and that he gave him the opportunity to get what he asked for, Barnes worked for Edison for a minimum wage. Yet, nothing stopped Barnes in achieving the coveted goal of working with Edison. He persisted until opportunity presented itself one day and Barnes, on the prowl, seized it instantaneously! After Edison perfected the Edison Dictating Machine, his salesmen did not warm up to it. Barnes saw gold when everyone else saw crap. He knew he could sell the machine. And sell he did with passion and great enthusiasm, keeping an eye on his goal. He sold it so successfully that Edison gave him a contract of distributorship with the entire US his for the taking! His business association with Edison not only made him wealthy, he inevitably achieved his goal of working with Edison.

With a clear and persistent desire Barnes got what he wanted despite the many hindrances that could have dispirited him at first step. He turned his desire into a reality. He made things happen! Do you think you could do the same? Don’t you dare think that Barnes’ success story is like nothing else. You know so well as much as I do that the world is full of such stories. Now, sit for a while and know exactly what you want. Make it clear and make it specific.

Strong desire is an essential motivation to all successful people. If desire makes things happen for many successful people why shouldn’t it make things happen for you? Because unlike Mr. Barnes, our desires most of the time are not definite and burning enough.

What is it that you really so strongly and definitely desire?

To learn more about how to realize your potential, I urge you to read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. It’s one of the all-time best sellers out that there that has helped countless of super achievers make it to the top of the game.

Unless you work in a Communist State or in the Public Sector, all businesses are interdependent. What this means is that without other similar businesses around, your business would struggle to exist. Is that a good thing?

The supply chain

Although you may think that you can survive by yourself, just stop and think about how reliant your are on receiving your wholesale supplies. This doesn’t just apply to products. There are many wholesale suppliers to the service industry such as IT Services or the Yellow Pages. Could you really exist without any external help?

Keep your supply chain options open

It’s all and well having a reliable, automated set of suppliers. But what happens if a supplier goes bankrupt? What happens if a supplier goes on strike? You have to have an alternative plan in place in case the worst happens.

If you don’t have an alternative plan in place then it’s your customers that will suffer. Even although you may have existing service level agreements in place with your suppliers, nothing is guaranteed in business.

Arrange an alternative supply chain

There are bound to be supplier companies out there dying to win your business. Why not arrange a ‘first alternative’ option with them? I.e. If your existing suppliers let you down, you’ve already arranged which company you will call. This has two benefits for you. You’ve already ascertained that the alternative supplier has the capability of meeting your volume requirements. You’ll also be able to agree a price before the emergency happens. Then the new supplier won’t be able to hold you to ransom.

Are your competitors really your competition?

It’s also important to conduct a thorough analysis on your competition. Then meet them for lunch. First of all review your local competitor’s product and service offering. Review how much they’re charging and who their existing clients are. The chances are that after you take your magnifying glasses off you’ll realise that your businesses are more different than similar. This means that you both have a lot to talk about.

You don’t have to be scared about meeting your ‘competition’ for lunch. You’re not going to talk about you existing profits or your existing operating systems. So you’re not divulging any significant trade secrets. The worst thing that will come out of the meeting is an occasional customer referral. The best thing that will come out of the meeting is a long-term strategic alliance.

Do you co-exist or are you making things hard for yourself?

The majority of businesses that try to survive without continually analysing their supply chain and interacting with their so-called competition aren’t living up to their full potential. The fact that businesses are interdependent is a good thing only if businesses themselves recognise it and embrace it. Only then can they take full advantage of the subtle relationships that can significantly impact their customer offering.

A life begins; an aware being has been born. Limited physically only by his genetic code the infants mind is a completely open vessel. As months pass the child becomes more aware of itself; its conscious mind begins to learn via observation. By the time the child learns to talk its mind has already become molded. Molded by the words he has heard, the actions of the people around him and his family's ideas of right and wrong. School has yet to begin and the child is already full of preconceived notions.

School starts and the "formal" learning begins. In the first day of school the child must learn to exist in a dynamic different from his home life. People are different; there are things to be learned. Albeit elementary school isn't very heavy on the three R's but it sets up the future for the child and how he is going to learn. Just like education systems, religions and corporations know that if you want your message or idea to stick, you have to get them when they're young.

So life looked at in this way begins to look more like a process, a process of learning; a process of being educated. Sadly, this wonderful tool, the ability to remember what you have been taught, is the reason why our global society has yet to find peace as a whole. It is because of education, or lack there of, that wars are fought. People die because of the way they are educated. Their education creates their beliefs, their beliefs create their actions.

Education is a wonderful tool, yet what is being taught does not always support the further evolution of humanity as a whole. Our governments aren't going to help; the lack of education is what helps the government keep control of the people. The corporations aren't going to help, they need drones to run their machines. This is left entirely in the hands of the individuals; the individuals with the power to educate themselves and educate others in a way that supports us all, not just some but all.

So how do we take action, how do we help foster beliefs of compassion, acceptance and peace in humanity? Communication is the key, we must learn to communicate and learn from one another. We as the masses, the people, for the first time have the means to do so. The internet is the most valuable tool to bring awareness of these things into the forefront of the mind. For the first time in history almost any one can instantly connect and develop communication with others from across the globe. Never before have we been this interconnected.

From trading partners to allies, the entire globe is interdependent on one another. We must learn to work together. We must be teachers. We must bring awareness to new ideas and help manifest a greater world. Look at the world today, is this the best that we can do? We have all this technology, all these wonderful toys, yet we still fight, we still argue, we have wars. We can do better. So let's do it. Learn something new, have an open mind, and be change. Change yourself, change the world.

A dream that is not interpreted is like a letter that has not been opened.

—from The Talmud.

We are living in a dream-deficient society, to borrow a term from Nancy Grace, a teacher of the dream phenomenon since 1989. Ours is a society that talks about dreams only when they are interesting, that is when they are nightmares or movie-ish. Otherwise, we have become content with just waking up for the day, easing back into our routine work life, and not minding interpreting our dreams and what they are trying to tell us, just letting them accumulate-- a treasure box of letters forever unopened.

Dream Interpretation Unlocks Metaphors

Not remembering our dreams is also like having a conversation but remembering only the nice grand parts of it, while missing the subtle details and nuances that make dreams more meaningful.

Here are five ways to make the most of your dream and dream interpretation then:

1. Keep a dream journal or diary. Make it a habit to write down your dreams of night before. Do this right away upon waking up; don't trust yourself that you can remember your dream later in the day. As an exercise, this may sound tedious, but it'll grow on you. You'll be amazed to read about your dreams after a month, two months, a year.

2. Discuss your dream with your family, friends, or loved ones. There is an irreplaceable feeling of relief and liberation in being able to share your dreams with people who know you. They might offer their own versions of dream interpretation, helpfully adding to the rich layer of meanings in it.

2. Write a poem, or a song, or even make a film out of your dream.

Musicians like Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, Sting, and Shawn Colvin all write songs inspired by their dreams. Painter Joan Miró would deliberately deprive himself of sleep, sometimes for several days, just to inspire himself to paint wondrous characters and sceneries that have percolated in his head. As a matter of fact, the Surrealist movement utilised the fantasies of their dreams for inspiration. (Think of Dali's melting watches and clock.)

4. Don't be afraid or shy to consult a dream interpreter or even a psychic. If you don't feel comfortable discussing your dream with your loved ones, especially when they are included in the dream, then a total stranger may be the better person to interpret it. Oftentimes, the best dream interpretation come from people who don't know you, and, thus, are able to take an objective point of view from your dream.