SCAMMERS Are Everywhere! - Amway

Remember my blog post from a few weeks ago? About how I met that friendly girl in a Joan Fabrics?

Turns out next time I met this young woman in a coffee shop, she was really starting pushing this whole idea about her mentors and learning and business. Asking me if I was interested, and being completely vague.

Sorry, but your target (Me) is much too smart to fall into a pyramid scheme.
I told her I was apart of one before and she insisted that her mentors were against this. What a strange thing to say... I never said anything about her mentors as I made this comment during unrelated small talk.

She then lent me a book to read called the Go-Giver. She asked if I could finish it before we met again. Well I sat down and read it over night, it was promoting meeting people and making connections and not expecting anything in return for your acts of kindness to ultimately make you rich.

This was raising all the red flags in my head, so I googled this exact situation. Thank god for the internet. Turns out there was someone on Reddit that experienced the same thing.

People in this Reddit thread confirmed this situation was a scam. That this sounded like the company Amway. 

Amway (short for the American Way) is an Indian company that uses others to sell their products. Sort of like a Pyramid Scheme. "...Amway has also been using influencers for an extra boost, particularly in the beauty space. Shah, explains that influencer-marketing brings in a certain amount of credibility and helps them reach their target audience efficiently." - says Indiantimes.com

Well needless to say, I returned the book back and that was the last time I would meet this poor person who was trapped in the scheme. The sad part about this was that, as far as I know, she did want to lead a successful life and work less and live more.

Every one can agree that the 9 - 5 work week is excessive and people would rather be doing other things and living their lives. I guess this is a pretty easy subject to draw people in. Especially a millennial like me. We want to live more and work less. Something that is not a truly easy task more or less impossible. If anyone says other wise, they are probably a Scammer.

I just believe that the work you do should be moral and justifying. I hope she gets out some day. And I'm glad I was smart to avoid it, and have Blogger to share my experience. 

Thanks for reading and be safe out there!
Remember, to be friendly to those you meet, but don't let others take advantage of you. :) always be suspicious. 

Why Would You Backpack Solo? - My First Trip

I recently took a solo trip to Afton State Park in Minnesota. I chose this destination because I was most familiar with this location. I took my camera with me to capture my experience. Check out this video of my trip:

Were you scared to go alone?

When I first moved to Minnesota 4 years ago, the first month was terrible.
I had NEVER lived alone. I cried almost every night. I never experienced having No connections to go to for help or to only rely on myself.

I was scared when I moved here at first, but once I over came this fear I blossomed and grew as a person. I had to adapt. The benefits of making that decision out weighed the emotional consequences.
When I went camping by myself, I really didn't have a strong emotion of fear.
There was a moment when I heard wild coyotes howling, but realized they wouldn't bother me.

I proved to myself that everything alright, that nothing bad happened and I came out alive. I didn't need someone there to help me. In our minds we can create illusions or stories of what could happen. That's the "fear". More often than not its a stretch from the true.

I wasn't going to get murdered in the woods. It was more likely that if I walked in a populated city to have things happen to me. More people, more chance of problems. Less people, less problems.

Why not bring some one with you?
I've brought people along before. It is nice to have company. In fact, I prefer it. But I don't have a dependable crew of backpacking friends to hike through 30 degree weather.
This is not car camping, it's hard work and you go deep into the wilderness. You have to hike a mile or more to your campsite and carrying everything you need on your back. It's hard to ask someone to do that with you.

It's nice to go at your own pace and stick to your own plans. Make decisions that don't rely on other's opinion. This was MY trip and I was on my own schedule. I was able to capture a lot of awesome shots by taking it easy.

Overall, I wanted to take a backpacking trip this fall season, despite others saying they couldn't make it. It's something I don't like to pass up, because the backpacking experience is relaxing and rewarding.

What was your goal for all this?
The main reason is because I spend 40+ hours a week within an office building looking out the window. I'm not the kind of person who likes to be inside.

I also need alone time. Since I live with someone, and work around people all day, it's hard to do that completely.

I needed time to reflect on my life and it's progress in a open and natural environment. To get back into reality and out of my busy mind.

Instead of worrying about the "emergency" of getting to work on time, I worried if id make it to my campsite before it got dark. I worried if I brought enough food. I worried if I got injured how would I react in a real emergency. It's empowering to overcome your mind.

The daily tasks we do seem so important, but remove yourself from those and you will realize the true importance of survival and living.

I took a moment to realize that I wasn't alone. All around me in the seemly empty wilderness, life was thriving. Just as trillions of cells composed my body, it did with all living things around me. The trees, grass, sleeping bugs, and wildlife lurking. Even the wind and water and dirt are composed of elements with constant chemical reactions. We are far from alone.

Humans are a small fragment of life.
And if you put yourself in the wild away from man's inventions, you will feel this. It all seems trivial and beautiful.

Make Connections - Be Friendly

10/23/18 -- This meeting turned out to be with a scammer check out my more recent blog after reading this--

Today I came across someone totally by chance. Just going to the fabric store to pick up some fabric. We were both there for difference reasons.

"Nice backpack!" Her voice took me by surprise. We got to chatting. About why we were in the fabric store, then about our occupations. Soon we are talking about how we didn't want to work the rest of our lives. How we wanted to spend our time wisely and make the best of it all.

We both wanted to plan for a bright and exciting future. She mentioned she had a mentor for whom she was learning self sufficient business skills and maybe some time she would introduce us. We exchanged contact information and planned to meet again.
It's amazing who you'll meet if you are a friendly and open with others.



Who knows where this relationship or any could take me. Maybe a new opportunity, a good friend, or maybe it she will never hit me up again. Either way, taking these chances are what could lead us to our dreams.

"Always be friendly, always be kind,
Like the most beautiful flower that you can find."

Debasish Mridha


10/23/18 -- This meeting turned out to be with a scammer check out my more recent blog after reading this--

Packing For Backpacking

Today I started to prep for my backpacking trip coming up next weekend. It's always good to lay everything out to see if you are missing anything.

I am staying 1 night and doing a day hike. So I want to pack lite and only bring the essentials.

------------------------------
Here is what's in my pack again if you missed the previous blog:

The rabbit, Goob, wants to come... but he can't :( 

Wearing
Hair Tie
Long Sleeve Shirt
Undershirt
Jacket
Under Leggings
Pants
Long Thick Hiking Socks
Under garments
Hiking Boots

Required
Backpack
Water Bag
Water bottle (Empty, used for getting extra water for cooking)
Tent
Sleeping Pad
Sleeping Bag
Dried Food Packs
Waste Bag
Cooking supplies (compressed pot and burner with fuel)
Head Lamp
Phone Fully Charged (emergency use only)
First Aid Kit
Compass
Park Map
Female Funnel
Pee bottle (I don't leave the tent after dark, too much work)

Luxury
Tiny tooth brush
Tiny tooth paste
Tiny hair brush
Tissues
Change of Socks/Under garments
Compressed Pillow

------------------------------

If you noticed that I hilighted the dried food, that is one thing I still need to get.
Since my last backpacking trip, I have become a veggitarian. So my 2 bulk supplies of dried foods all of which containing beef or chicken, are useless to me now.
I will be giving these to a friend.

So I looked up a recipe blend that I can take with me.

Trail Tacos
2 Oz Instant Refried Beans
1.5 Oz Instant Rice
1 Oz Fritos (Chips)
1 Oz Nutritional Yeast (cheesy flavored powder)
Salt a pinch
Taco Seasoning .75 Oz

I'll be buying the instant Rice and Beans this weekend.

I'm excited! I'll Be sure to take lots of photos and share the trip with you!

Thanks again for reading!

I Work Out, but I'm Gaining Weight?! Oh No!

I just got done with today's work out. It's that good kind of tired. My arms feel like jello.

I go to the gym about 4 times a week. I'm usually at the gym for an hour each time.

2 times a week I start with a run, lift some weights, and do some core workouts. 

The other 2 off days I have yoga, which can really reveal how much stronger I've become. It's a good balance.

Today I weighed myself. It was the first time in 2 months. 
About a year ago I weighed about 140, then I stopped eating animal products and dropped weight. 
I only weighed 114lbs. 
I never exercised during the time I dropped the weight, but today after weighing I now weight 125lbs!

Now we must factor in that my intake of protein has also increased along with my physical activity.
Every morning I drink a pea protein powder in a fruit smoothie (~10.5 grams of protein), I snack on pumpkin seeds throughout the day (12 g per 1 Cup) I also consume a lot of beans in my meals (7 g). 

After researching a bit more... I'm not growing fat, I'm gaining muscle mass!
The weight of muscle is the same weight as fat, but muscle is more condensed. If you are consistent with your weight lifting, you can start to see muscle growth as early as 1 month. 

When you exercise muscles under go stress they take on some cellular damage. You need to give your body time to heal before working that muscle again (causing more stress and damage). I tend to feel sore about 2 days after the workout. If you are sore, that's good! It means your body is doing it's job. 

I'm not mad about the weight I'm gaining. I felt like 114lbs was way too small for me.

Thanks again for reading!

Where Will You Be 10 Years From Now?

I think it's time for me to move on in life.
I dont sit still for long. I need to Start looking at the bigger picture. 5 years from now, 10 years from now, up until the end.
Now don't get me wrong, focusing on the here and now is the most important. But sometimes it's good to take a few steps back and figure out what's next.

Just 4 years ago I graduated college and was  building an art portfolio, putting in 40 hours a week of my own time to create content. Then filling out 8 job applications every day.

That's the competitive industry for ya. It's hard to land a job after college with no work experience in your desired field.

However, I have learned that I can accomplish anything if I really want to. My will and commitment to tasks are no laughing matter. When I say I am going to do something, I'm not joking.

 But now... what do I want to accomplish?
What's next in Mariah's Life?

In December my Student Loans will be paid off and I'll be debt free.
That means all that money I was paying towards student loans will be back in my income cash pool.

This gives me opportunities to try new things and explore what the world is all about. I'm the kind of person who like to keep growing and changing.

2019 is the year of exploration.
I want a meaningful future, where I wake up every morning and excited for what the day brings. Where I help people, and grow the world. My dreams will no longer be about just about me. I want to let others accomplish this dream. And be the person someone can count on.

Self Motivation - Learn Who You Really Are

Getting to Know YOU

Take some time everyday to get to know yourself. We are constantly changing, and adjusting to our environment, hobbies, and desires. You may not like the same things or have the same goals as you did 5 years ago, maybe it's different from yesterday. It's all about discovery and re-discovery. Try new things!

Writing is a great way to organize your thoughts, and reflect on how you've grown. The goal should be to always keep moving forward, no matter where you are in life. 

“Continue to grow and evolve.” - Mahatma Gandhi

I'm sure you've heard of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It's a pretty well known psychology pyramid. This theory follows the idea that humans have category of needs that need to be met. Usually starting from the most important on the bottom of the pyramid and working up.

Physiological Needs - Basic needs such as hunger, thirst, sleep, health, fitness, and well being.

Safety and Security - Also known as shelter, even more so, feeling of being safe in your environment and not threatened by danger.

Love and Belonging - Friendships, family, and support groups.

Self Esteem - A positive view of yourself. Being happy with who you are, and proud of your accomplishments.

Self Actualization - Being aware of your strengths and having a desire to grow and seek experiences. Being the best you can possibly be.

Before you can 'know who you are" and "find your purpose", you must remember to meet your basic needs and comfort. You have to believe in yourself, and have good intentions to move forward in life. Take care of yourself.

Impossible Until It's Done

Try new things. Never limit yourself, based on what you've learned, or what you've been told. Break the boundaries and see outside of the box. Think big, and redefine how you think of the world and your capabilities. If you believe you can accomplish unbelievable things, you will.

Create some goals, and put dates in the Calendar. Once a date is set, you are much more likely to act on them.

“You don’t become what you want, you become what you believe.” ― Oprah 

People Agree 

It's okay if you are a "minority", because the majority are. 

You are not the only one who wants to change, be happy, or accomplish greatness. There are billions of people who can relate and share experiences to help you move forward. Find people with the same ideas as you and work together! Push those naysayers out! 

People who have given up on their dreams, should not drag you along with them.

I'll be you dream cheer-leader, you will do it!

Hiking and Backpacking - Planning Your Route

Once the weather starts to cool off, the bugs are taking a break, and the leaves start to change, it's my time to hike and backpack.

Back packing is traveling with all accommodations on your back and walking a mile or more to get to your secluded campsite. It's the most private way to camp.

I'm the kind of person who needs some quiet time with nature. Being cooped up inside all week long for months on end can really drive me crazy.

I've got a few trips ready for the month of October and hoping to do one more in November before the snow hits. 

There is a bit of planning that goes into this...

1. When is the trip?

I work during the week so weekends are my only option. Some Fridays I can leave early, which gives me an extra hour and a half. I usually only plan for 1 overnight stay and a day hike before heading home.

Keeping in mind that the sun will set, I need to ensure I can make it to my campsite before sunsets. My destination should be no farther than an hour away if I leave early after work.

Just to be safe, I google when the sun sets on the day I'm traveling. 

2. Getting Directions - 

I look up the location and save it to Google Maps. I also find an official map of the par, print it, and circle my main check points.

I note where the entrance is, where the trail head begins, and my destination.
Be sure to bring a compass.

3. Packing -
When you backpack, you've got to carry everything on your back for miles. Packing less is more. You don't often need as much as you think. A backpack that is fully packed up, should weigh no more than 20 percent of your total body weight. That means, my back pack can only weigh around 23lbs total.

I separate my backpack content into categories; Wearing, Required and Luxury items. Everyone has their own comforts. I tend to knock the luxury items first.
Here is my list:

Wearing
Hair Tie
Long Sleeve Shirt
Undershirt
Jacket
Under Leggings
Pants
Long Thick Hiking Socks
Under garments
Hiking Boots

Required
Backpack
Water Bag
Water bottle (Empty, used for getting extra water for cooking)
Tent
Sleeping Pad
Sleeping Bag
Dried Food Packs
Waste Bag
Cooking supplies (compressed pot and burner with fuel)
Head Lamp
Phone Fully Charged (emergency use only)
First Aid Kit
Compass
Park Map
Female Funnel
Pee bottle (I don't leave the tent after dark, too much work)

Luxury
Tiny tooth brush
Tiny tooth paste
Tiny hair brush
Tissues
Change of Socks/Under garments
Notebook
Compressed Pillow
Camera

This seems like a lot, when you list it all out. But most of my equipment is made to be lightweight and compact. For example, my sleeping bag is 2 lbs and withstand temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This efficiency often comes with a price (around $300 or more). There are even better sleeping bags than the ones I have.

It all comes down to total weight. It's recommended that my pack only weighs 23lbs. I choose to inherent some of the extra weight from chosen luxury items.

I'm still very new to this, having only backpacked a total of 5 times. Each time I go, I try to keep track of the things I didn't use, and what I wished I could have brought. 

How to Process and Store a Pumpkin

Today I harvested another garden fresh pumpkin. I was under the impression that, you could only use pumpkins for Jack-O-Lanterns and Pumpkin Pie. Boy was I wrong! I realize now, that there are many recipes that include pumpkin, as another favorable veggie. Check out this Pumpkin Soup recipe, and you'll see what I mean.

I'll show you how easy it is to take a big pumpkin, cut it up, and store it to enjoy this all throughout this fall. 
Note: We will not be cooking the pumpkin for this tutorial.


You'll need some tools:

• A nice sharpen knife
• A Spoon, for scooping out guts.
• Gloves, unless you don't mind getting stinky with pumpkin goo.
• A bowl, to save your seeds (We'll be baking these!)
• Gallon Ziploc bags
• Trash Bag, to toss the guts and skin.

START SLICING 

Start by cutting your Pumpkin in half, removing the steam and discarding it.

Then Remove the Guts, and carefully separate the seeds into their own bowl. Discard the guts.

Now you will want to cut that half of the pumpkin (1), into another half (2), then again (3), and once more (4). This will make it easier for removing the skin. 

Then carefully slice the skin off of the pumpkin flesh, ensuring to keep as much of the yellow as you can. 

Once the skin is removed, you can cut the pumpkin into chunks. Try to keep them even, so that it is easier to cook them later on. 

Store your pumpkin cubes in the Ziploc bags, I filled 3 whole gallon bags to process this pumpkin. 

Don't forget about your seeds! 

Lay those flat on a baking sheet, Sprinkle some Cinnamon, and bake them at 350F degrees for 30 minutes. Yummy snack!

Now you can enjoy delicious pumpkin throughout the fall and winter seasons. 
Tell me what you made your pumpkin into!

Have You Gotten Happiness Yet?

When was the last time you were really happy? For many of us, we can't really recall. In fact, for most people it's much easier to name off several things we don't like, than do.

Taken today of the cosmos, late bloom in the fall.

We all want to be happy, this is true! So, let me ask you, what would make you happy?
If you didn't need to work, and money didn't matter, what would you do? 

What would fulfill you in life?

If you have an answer to these questions, consider if you woke up and it happened tomorrow?

Do you still feel achievement from the goals/desires you previously wanted? Like when you won that soccer game in 3rd grade, getting that Christmas present you just HAD to have last year, or maybe your high school graduation? Did that fulfill you, and continue to fulfill you?

I will answer, that personally, most of my accomplishments do not stand true today, when it comes to fulfillment. Before you won that soccer game, or got that diploma, you REALLY wanted it. You believed it would make you happy. You believed that landing this job would make everything perfect in life.

Bumble Bee in the mid summer enjoying one of my Sunflowers.

It's very important to us as humans to have goals in our lives, and to seek purpose.

Practicing gratitude at the end of every day can greatly reshape the human mind to see the positives. 

Try this at the end of every day for 3 weeks, I promise you won't regret it.

Today I am Thankful For... (list 5 things minimum)

1. Having heat in my car, it's getting colder outside.
2. My friends to watch movies with.
3. The delicious dinner I was able to make.
4. That I'm able to feel the wind.
5. Having hands to type this blog.

No repeats, tomorrow, try to think of new things that happened and you are thankful for.

Taken today of the zinnia, still vibrate into the fall.

Happiness is obtainable, you've had everything you needed all along. No fancy sport car, or job change is going to give you anything that you don't already have.

Lower your stress, be thankful, and accept when things go wrong. This, too, shall pass.

Remember to continue to grow and challenge yourself.

Be the conductor of your life. You are Purpose.

Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup - Vegan Recipe

Just in time for fall, fresh Pumpkin's from the garden are the best if you have access. 

This was my first time growing a garden this year. And I don't regret all of the hard work, the fresh taste pays back. 

Let's get to Tonight's Dinner!

Ingredients:

1 Half Yellow of Yellow Onion

4 cloves of garlic

2 cups of chopped Pumpkin

1 cup of chopped  Sweet Potato

1 cup of chopped Carrots 

2 15 Oz cans of White Beans 

1/2 lb of Shell Pasta

5 cups of Water 

1 cup of Coconut Milk 

Seasons and Spices (all to taste, I add a bunch):

Salt 

Smoke Paprika 

Cinnamon 

Pumpkin Spice 

Optional:

Pop some buttered breast with pumpkin spice, smoked paprika, and Garlic salt in the oven at 350 for 6 minutes.

LET'S GET COOKIN

In a large pot,saute the onions and garlic in your choice of cooking oil, until transucent. Dash some salt. 

Next add your Pumpkin, sweet potato, and Carrots. Cook until the the pumpkin starts to get soft.

Time for the spices Salt, Smoke Paprika, Cinnamon, and Pumpkin Spice. Mix well!

Finally, add your white beans, milk, and water. Let this boil for about 10 minutes with your pot lid on. Stir occasionally.

Last but not least, add the pasta! Cook for 8 more minutes. Take off the heat and cover for 2 minutes, serve, and Enjoy!

If you made this recipe, let me know if you liked it! 

Monarch Butterflies Are On The Move!

Traveling as fast as 20 miles per hour, they make their way south at a distance of 2,500 miles.

About 99% of all North American Monarchs travel to Central Mexico to reach the Fir Forests. Here they will breed and escape the cold weather. Unfortunately, Monarchs aren't doing so well in poluatiom numbers:

Monarch population graph courtesy Center for Biological Diversity. This image is available for media use.

Monarch population has dropped by more than 80% in the last two decades. 

The main causes for this decline is Pesticides and Climate Change. Yes, the Earth's weather pattern is shifting. Sudden drops in temperatures before they have reached their destination is causing a decline. 

Pollinators are important for our food production, with out them, you wouldn't enjoy many delicious fruits and veggies. 

Here is how you can help them keep their numbers up!

Milkweed is the most important plant for a Monarch Butterfly. 

Many will plant these along roadsides and other public works. This Fall, you can directly sow a few seeds into the ground, they will germinate when Spring time come. You can purchase them on Amazon.

Go Out and Try Yoga!

What?!, you haven't tried Yoga?!
Hurry on over to the YMCA or a local studio to sign up! Many locations offer the first class for free. 

Does it really work?
I promise it's not voodoo. This is an ancient practice thats been working for people for over 10,000 years. It combines breathing exercises, inner focus, and muscle strength to reach a state of retlaxation. Release your stresses and give your body a refresher.

When does it start to work?

I've been going to classes 2 times a week through the YMCA for just over a month, but I noticed immediate results after my first class! Improves muscle tone and flexibility. 

Is Yoga Hard?

 The great thing about any work out, especially yoga, you can take it at your own pace. The teacher is there to be a guide and an example for postures. Its easy to feel where your body can and cannot stretch. Set your limits, this will not affect the outcome of relaxation.

They call it a Practice for a reason, 

Every time you go, you can reach a little further than you did before. Which makes it a very rewarding experience. 

Will other people be watching me? 

If this is a concern, boost your self confidence! People go to Yoga for themselves and no one else. 

It's all about you and your body. No one is worrying about your ability or looks. In fact most of the classroom is too relaxed with eyes closed to notice much.  Yoga should be a place to heal from the everyday stressers. 

That being said, I look at others to see the posture or stance I should be achieving from another angle, or if my head is turned from the teacher. But most people who practice yoga are very open to everyone and everything, not judging is apart of the practice. 

What are you waiting for?

Improve your health!

Relax the Body and Mind!

Steghthen your Bones and Muscles!

Stretch and Release Tension! 

Go Out, and Try Yoga!!

Baby Photos Flemish Giant Rabbit - 1 Year Old!

This adorable rabbit is Goob! He just turned 1 years old last week. I've collected some of the photos I took throughout the year. WARNING!!! Cuteness alert!... You've been warned!

What did you think of the Photos? Let me know in the comments! <3

How To Save Money & Spend It

Many of my friends ask me "How do you have so much money?"
Between student loan debt, rent, and other various bills and expenses I still manage to have enough to go on vacation, start a garden or new hobby, get my hair cut, and buy everyone Christmas and Birthday gifts every year.

It's not that I have a lot of money, it's that I manage it well. I have power in my spending.

I have a suggestion for you to try. This can give great control of your income and expenses.
Let's call it the A B C 's of money management.

A - is for Analyze: 

Time to save your receipts and take a good look at your transaction history on a per month basis. It's important to keep track of WHAT you are spending your money on. Every cent counts, this includes withdraws for cash purchases.

B - is for Budget:

Once you know what you are purchasing, it's time to organize it all and add up the monthly totals. There are several Budgeting apps available to make this process easy. 
I personally use Mvelopes.
You could also use Excel or a word program to keep track of your notes.

Separate all analyzed expenses into relevant categories:

Monthly
Student Loans - $1000
Rent - $600
Water Bill - $20
Electric Bill - $30
Phone Bill - $70
Clothing - $50
Groceries - $200
Entertainment - $60

Periodic
Eating Out -$15
Medical - $25
Dental - $25
Gifts - $40

If there is something you want to save for, be sure to include that in your budget so you can see how much can be put into that category each month.

Home Improvements - $45
Vacation - $100

Use your total monthly income to fund your budget, Your total income changes per month based on how many pay days you have.
Things that are required should always be the first thing you fund (Bills, Food, etc.)
What ever is left can go anywhere you'd like!

C - is for Control:

Now that you know what you are buying and where your extra money can go, you have more control over your purchases.

You may be surprised of how many unnecessary purchases you are actually making. You can update your categories so your funding is going towards more desirable spending goals.

A good example might be, every day you buy a cup of coffee for $5 that's around $150 per month that could go towards a vacation.

I'm not saying you should cut that daily cup of coffee, but weigh your options. Which is better to you, that coffee or a sunny beach in Fiji?

You will find that there are flexible areas in your budget (entertainment and hobbies) and not so flexible (bills, loans). 

It's nice to be able to confidently spend your money without worrying if you have enough.

Finally, stick with it! 
Make sure you continue your A, B, Cs and plan ahead. Everytime you use your money, keep your budget in mind. You'll thank yourself when you have extra $$$ to spend and your friends say "How do you have so much money?"

Never spend your money before you have earned it.

Thomas Jefferson

Dreaming of Buildings Falling Down And Tornados

This morning I woke up suddenly due to the illusionary impact of my dream.

Have you ever had this dream before?...

The Dream 

I was in an office building that had to be like 60 stories high. There were large windows that showed the city below, and the 8 tornados that surrounded the area. 

You could see that they were coming closer.

The other officer workers just sipped on there coffee and watched as impending doom approached.

I attempted to leave and go down to the lowest floor, but before I could, the building swayed and bent until I was pushed towards the windows and it started to fall to the ground. 

I braced myself for what seemed to be many passing moments. My mind predicting the impact. 

Boom.

I woke up...

What does this dream mean?

Let's take some time to break this dream down. The mind uses sleep to solve complex problems and reflect on the waking life. You dream in your REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep, closer to being awake. 

Tornado and Buildings 

It's obvious that in the dream I felt trapped. 

I was high in the sky in a building and surrounded by natural forces I couldn't control. I have a personal fear of tornados, so that was why that subject matter was choosen.
The building could have been a reflection of my office job. Or maybe another issue of which I feel stuck in life. 

People Drinking Coffee
The office workers went about their daily tasks despite he chaos around them. They were so engulfed in routine that they didn't about what was coming.
This could be my reflection of how I think our society handles problems. World Hunger, Climate change, poverty, and other major issues.
It could also represent my lack of support group during a crisis. No one wanted to help and no one sympathized.

The Impact - My Death
To fall in a dream represents the lack of control (similar to the natural disasters).
The building collapsing could indicate losing sight of your goals and dreams.

Seems pretty clear that I need to make adjustments in my waking life. That my mind wants some control over it's future or it thinks it will not survive.

I might make some time for mindful meditation this week.

What are some of your recent dreams? Leave a comment!