Talked about suicide overnight at  SeekingClarity's Blog. I was 19, my sister was 20 (10 months older) and no warning, nothing; just gone. Hung herself, it was three days before she was found hanging from a branch on the edge of a river. Of course, it was natural for others to express their condolences and feel bad, but that was also 20 years ago and I have had a lot of time to ask the big questions about why. I have had even more time to expand my knowledge of life, learning, spirituality. As well, my correspondent insisted on being nice to others from now on and I think that is a good endeavour. But is it enough? Is it real? So here is my response for us all to consider:

It's not so hard really. My understanding of life, death and spirit are such that I'm happy for her now. She is at peace and she is still with me. It's interesting really, the people who really suffer are the ones who are here on Earth. After death, it is peace, it is bliss. I know that sounds shitty to say (I trust that you intelligent and depressed people won't take this as a way out, I have a special note for you below) - but the truth is, life is full of pain.

That brings me to "being nice" - I applaud your intention. But I still worry. Is being nice really what is needed? I like to think of being authentic - being real. You can be nice but it can still be so superficial - the truth is, we all have to learn to deal with the complexities of life, relationships, love, and so on. It's not easy.

But I agree, it is important to be respectful, open, honest, and authentic. You can love people and still hate what they do. This is complex stuff and I invite you to check this out

http://www.onemancan.ca/awakening.html

I wrote this because of how we tend to treat one another - on a global basis - in corporate boardrooms - in politics, and on our streets and in our neighborhoods.

There is so much more possible for this world and for people. Remember this: if you or anyone you know is down, depressed, confused, feeling chaotic, bigger things are going on than just what is in your head. We are energetic, spiritual beings, and we need to learn to use all of our faculties: intuition, the body as a radar dish, the emotions expressed through the body, the mind as tool, the heart connection to spirit. Higher intelligence, creativity, emotionality, combine to generate enormous feelings of being "out of control" or "at your wits end" and "in pain." That's letting your mind interpret what is going on. Get in touch with your spirit, that is the calm spot in the centre of the storm.

Anyway, enough of my ranting. Thank-you for your condolences. I really appreciate that and I really hope that you manage well. Great things are in store for this world when Love takes over.