Viva la Vida (Dedicated to Frida Kahlo) by Devi Nina Bingham

Viva la Vida. These words translate as "long live life." It was said by Louis XV1 at his execution during the French Revolution. It is a warning tale for the living. My final painting was completed in 1954 and featured colorful still-life Mexican watermelons chopped in various ways with full fruits in the middle. I was illustrating, 'We all come from the same source, yet every one of us is unique. Long live life in your own unique manner.' I, like the doomed English king, had accepted the certainty of my death. I knew my body wouldn't endure much longer, and my spirit was exhausted, right down to the fractured bones. I never told myself, "It is time to go." I just let it happen. I did not plot my death, but neither did I attempt to recover. By then, I had been devastated by tragedy; my brave heart had made its affirmations to no avail. Like an old, rotting Mexican home, I was disintegrating, brick by brick. In the end, only the chimney remained intact, and the faint odor of smoke penetrated everything. Char had burnt my walls, and the lungs of my house had been ravaged by fire.

When I looked into the mirror, I could see the girl who started out so long ago, in love with and trusting life. She had been buried beneath the bricks and mortar somewhere. I hoped that upon my resurrection I would proceed easily out of my body by sitting up and leaving the rubble behind. And my girl, the one whom I had shielded and adored, would reach out her perfect tiny hand and grasp my father's exquisite hand, hands made like mine. He would not pull me from the wreckage, but I would walk willingly and gladly out to my new home, his home. My father's house. He would look down with a smile I had almost forgotten and say, "What have you been doing, Frida?" And my black eyes would twinkle. "Living life my way, father," I would say. 

Death is not to be feared. The effort to let go of life is hard. But death is as fluid and simple as taking your next breath. I knew death before I realized it. We met in infancy when polio threatened my life. During the accident, I once again saw the face of death. I instantly understood it meant relief, and it would have been simple to leave. But the first two times, I hadn't started living, so I clung to it. The third and last time, I couldn't resist. I gave in because I was proud of the job I had accomplished and the message I was leaving behind. I really had nothing left to say. There comes a time when silence speaks best for you, even a talkative gimp like me. That was my nickname, you know. It was what the school children called me because I walked with a limp. Strangely, I never shed that idea. This is the way I secretly thought of myself. I remained the gimp until my death. Had I spoken that aloud I would have been rebuked by admirers. But it does not matter how anyone else sees you. To me, I was Frida the limpy gimp. How does one rise above a fractured identity? You can ignore the imperfection, but at all times I was aware that under my skirts was a broken woman. I tried so hard because I was not supposed to succeed. It was forecast that I would be wheelchair and bed-bound, and what good can an invalid do under these circumstances? I showed them what I could do. What imperfect Frida with the limp and withered limb could do. I could not run like other children, but I could fly.

When the monarch said, "Long live life," he was headed toward the guillotine. What a thing to say when your life is taken. However, it is only when life is endangered that it becomes increasingly valuable. Then it transforms from a horror to a sparkling treasure. May life continue to flourish. May others follow in my footsteps, finding the fortitude and vision to overcome difficult odds. May they understand the value of a single day, even a few seconds. For living on this planet, however horrific it may be, is a precious privilege and pledge. While alive, we are blind to the perfection of our own life. We curse the daybreak because we are exhausted from our efforts and difficulties. But I assure you that when the sun sets, you will say, "Viva la vida," with your final breath.

Life must be on your terms solely. You are so distinctive and one-of-a-kind that you must be loyal to yourself. And this is something you will never regret. Even if no one supports you, living your life on your own terms is the ultimate success. You may need to make some modifications to be genuine to yourself. People won't always understand. They will dislike and perhaps condemn you. Still, stand. The only other option is to live half-heartedly, never revealing who you are and what you stand for. People will not be moved by a mediocre or lukewarm lifestyle. Only a life spent with enthusiasm, whatever your passion may be. Passionate people make a lot of blunders. You will injure both others and yourself. You will make messes from time to time. People may be disappointed with you. You will be an enigma who is called odd. Frida was an oddball. But isn't it typically the outliers who make a significant contribution to the world? Be open to being unconventional and even criticized. Make strong remarks and experiment with fresh approaches. Blessed are the passionate, since they will grasp life and hold it in their hands.

Take hold of life. Grab it while you can. Say, "To hell with fear." It never helped you any. It is a robber. Be all of who you are, not mostly what you are. This is living without regret. I only have one regret, that it is over.

With Love,

Frida

 

Suffering Fools (Dedicated to Frida Kahlo) by Devi Nina Bingham

The term, suffering fools, can be interpreted two ways. It refers to tolerating ignorance. It also translates precisely as "the foolish suffer." In either case, this sentence has two elements: ignorance, and pain. "Fool" is an intriguing word. It invokes images of clowns and buffoons who are purposefully stupid. Fools who are gullible and will believe any common falsehood. They will follow a leader down a precipice while mocking others' ignorance. However, fools are worse off than the commonly stupid since everyone has been dumb at some point in their lives, such as a newborn. Innocent children may be stupid, but we would not label them foolish. Fools opt to remain ignorant, choosing falsehood.

This begs the question: why would somebody willfully reject scientific knowledge in favor of being uninformed and living in the darkness of foolishness? There is just one explanation. It is because the truth might be frightening. Therefore, the idiot avoids or dismisses it, calling it stupidity. They flip the objective facts inside out to suit their own objectives. But what could be so frightening that an adult would reject established truths in favor of fiction?

Control. Or should I say loss of control? Those who have not sacrificed their egos want to dominate the story. They have eaten a false philosophy or ideology that refers to them as the master, and they enjoy the sound of it. And, like a dog chasing a ball, they rush for the illusion that they are higher. That certain individuals are more deserving and morally acceptable because of their skin color, religion, or financial status. However, this contradicts the words of Christ. For Christ said, "Be the servant of all, and wash their feet." When control begins to slip from their grasp, idiots will ignore Christ's instructions and take matters into their own hands. They will reject empathy, compassion, and even sensibility. Then everyone around them bears the repercussions.

When fools are put in charge, their ignorance knows no bounds and their cruelty multiplies exponentially. The result is that the masses must tolerate lies while the control-hungry sycophants grow thick and fat as ticks, ready to pop on riches. But there is hope, for fools are short-sighted. Or rather, their sight is clouded by their thirst for more. Ravenous for riches and power, they judge themselves to be smarter than they actually are much as criminals believe they can outsmart the police but seldom do. Because facts do not lie, eventually a slip up will uncover their criminal enterprise. Their own hubris becomes the noose with which they will hang themselves. It might take years and wreak tremendous damage and pain to innocent people. But, as usual, the control freaks slip and fall. Never in history has a fool governed the globe or even a single country for an extended period of time. Their reign of terror will only endure a short time, as history has shown that their own mistakes will bring them down. As a result, while you are suffering idiots, remember that it is only a transitory situation, since reality always trumps fiction and reasoning triumphs over rage.

How can you tell whether you're siding with the foolish? You might not. When hatred, greed, or a desire for power takes root, it blurs your vision. Anger and fear have great power. Strong negative emotions impose a set of devilish glasses on you, revealing only what you choose to see. Your prejudices and concerns are mirrored back at you, confirming your darkest assumptions. Can you view the world as it is when you wear glasses that, like a movie screen, show you an alternate reality? You may declare, "I do not live in anger and fear." No? Perhaps you are unaware that you are experiencing fear since it feels similar to rage. Perhaps rage is camouflaged as a need to be in control. Negative emotions will disguise themselves in some way. You will see your truest character in attempts to enslave, control, alienate, and govern people who are not like you. The question isn't whether you experience bad emotions; you do. The question is, what will you do with them?

When you are scared, do you know that it is your job to manage yourself and transform your fear into constructive action? When you are furious, do you recognize that no one else can create rage, and do you calm yourself until a balanced viewpoint returns? The fool does not wish to be responsible for themselves, for it is much easier to point the finger rather than change one's own attitudes and actions. The wise have learned that caustic emotions are their own. The wise have also learned that kindness, generosity, equality and justice are the high road and the only spiritual path. Greed, control, prejudice-these are man-made concepts. They are the lowest path and only lead one downward. So, the wise discipline themselves becoming ever more Christ-like.

I ask you: which path have you been on? Might a pair of the wicked glasses have been placed upon your head? If so, it is not too late to wriggle out of this trap and to see with a different perspective. But you may say, "Frida, what do you know about this? Of politics, psychology, and religion? You were just an artist." On earth, I was, but I was also a revolutionary. To my dying day, I believed that government should benefit the working people, not the wealthy. You may believe Communism is evil or awful. I don't care what your political views are. I am not preaching on behalf of Communism. I'm merely saying an idiot always ends up being embarrassed. They will come to regret disregarding the facts. There are many fine people who were turned into clowns and buffoons because they went intentionally ignorant, and their ignorance contributed to the great suffering of the world.

I implore you to pause and analyze if your beliefs are supported by reliable scientific data. Are they lawful? Based upon facts? Not on anger and fear. Does knowledge dominate you, or did you become engrossed in a fanatical moment? Do you stand on the right side of history and with Christ, who commanded the Golden Rule, or are you among a gang of fools? You, I am sure, are nobody's fool, meaning that, even if you were swept up in the moment, you still make up your own mind about things. Use your own reasoning and logic. Look carefully at the facts and not only what others tell you. Because in the end, you do not want to be on the losing team, of that, I am sure. Please accept this admonishment in the spirit in which it was given. I mean no offense by it. I hate to see so much strife on earth. It is like watching a family fight. It genuinely makes all countries of the world sad, and it makes your ancestors shake their heads for they can see your troubles.

Finally, to those who are suffering fools, the wise: I send all of my strength and perseverance, for it is difficult to see family members and friends accepting lies. You may be dejected because you are unsure what to do. How to persuade them to remove those terrible spectacles! You cannot. It is not your obligation to govern others. I wish I could provide you a quick solution, but all there is to do is say the truth, pray for the truth, and exemplify the truth. Live the truth. If you do, nothing else is expected of you. Also, keep in mind that all is not lost; history shows that in the end, truth triumphs, and love never fails. This should provide considerable comfort. Isn't it true that the stronger power always wins? And there is no greater power in the cosmos than love and truth. It all began and will conclude with these. In the meanwhile, you will have to put up with fools.

With Love,

Frida

Let Gratitude Be Your Guide (Dedicated to Frida Kahlo) by Devi Nina Bingham

Consider all the breathtaking sights your eyes have previously seen, and those they will view in the future, despite life's difficulties. Can you not confess that a wonderful grace has been over your life like an umbrella, protecting you so you can see the beauty? How many times was your life saved, or injury thwarted, and how many times were you completely unaware of the disasters avoided? However, most of us are only aware of our own problems. We glance up into the night sky and wonder if the creators of the glittering heavens are aware of our predicament. In those lonely moments, we may offer a half-hearted prayer, unsure whether it has reached its target. However, we dwell under a covering of kindness that is far more powerful and far-reaching than we can comprehend.

You see, our Creator does not need to understand our suffering, because He already does. We are the ones who struggle to comprehend the gift we have received. For millions, no-billions of souls are waiting to be born onto this globe so that they may have their moment to shine. We come to earth with a distinct and shared mission, to show the type of kindness we ourselves have been shown. Because the earth is a really unique planet. It not only supports human and animal life, but it also serves as a testing ground. In the military, bootcamp is the first test; your mettle is being examined. You'll discover your strengths and weaknesses. Spiritually, Earth is a boot camp where souls are formed and then broken, formed and then broken again until they sparkle like the brightest shooting star. "Why should I be thankful for a bootcamp which I did not ask for?" Yes, of course you have asked this.

You lived as a singular soul prior to birth and will again after death. You only stay in a body for a short period of time. Any soldier would tell you that Boot Camp was a brief phase in their military careers. Your soul was offered a choice: remain in the spirit realm or journey into the vast unknown. The majority of spirits will remain in Heaven, without bothering themselves. Those who follow in the footsteps of Christ (who choose earth) will be rewarded greatly. That daring spirit will be catapulted above the souls who did not choose this testing ground. Why? Because much is given to those who dare. But the prize is not riches, but rather, wisdom. Riches have no value in the afterlife. You cannot take it with you, as has been said. After you leave your body, your money is worthless, and your name may be called at any time. We all believe we can outwit death, especially those who have wasted their lives seeking wealth and deceiving others. So, you see, you happily volunteered to come, and how you spend your brief time on earth will determine your fate in the hereafter.

For some, this letter will be very weighty since they know they will have nothing positive to show in the hereafter. For others, a reminder that we're all in it together. And if you believe God cares if you are a Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim, it is as important as the money you will not bring. For God sees you all as children. Does a parent care if one of their children has dark features, and another light? It makes no difference to a good parent. All that matters is the child's behavior. Isn't that true? Similarly, even if an atheist does not believe in God, they will be assessed only on their good works. That is all and everything.

My life was filled with enormous anguish. However, a unique magnanimous grace fell on me in the shape of my artistic skill. Any ability you have acquired to benefit humanity is a treasure you will present in the hereafter. This is why knowledge is so important. Learning produces knowledge, and you have come to Boot Camp just to learn. To discover and develop your strengths and abilities. Growth is an individual undertaking. No one can do it for you, and nobody can prevent you from it. As you grow knowledge accumulates and it can be used to contribute to the world in a greater capacity. During my brief life, excruciating agony forced me to feel like the victim. As a youngster, I got polio, which resulted in a withered limb and limp. As a young lady, I was severely injured in an accident that crushed my entire body. The ultimate consequence was permanent, chronic agony, inability to carry children, needing to wear body corsets and casts, futile operations, and an invalid lifestyle. However, when I looked at myself, I chose to be grateful for God's grace rather than seeing in God an unexplained and harsh hatred toward me. Mostly, my art portrayed my own anguish, and individuals who had suffered in life stood in quiet before the paintings, bitterly understanding and grateful that they were not alone.

Every one of us has endured. And while we mentally ascend to that realization, our own pain takes precedence. A spiritual person will strive to overcome their own pitiful circumstances. When you meet one, a real one, notice their humility. What is the opposite of mercy? No compassion. Mercy refers to the willingness to save others from pain. Spiritual people are giving people. Teachers, artists, rescuers, benefactors, and counselors. They are present in all sectors of life, and you will know them because giving is the pinnacle of their existence.

I am asking you-are you stuck in your own misery? Are you focused on your own pain and misfortune until you feel the victim? Or will you, as I learned to, rise above what looked like limitations to soar like the eagle? I painted from my bed aided by a specially constructed scaffolding with a mirror above me so I could create art which spoke to generations of people. I painted from my wheelchair, thinking it my very best friend, for it allowed me mobility. That is true gratitude. To say in one's heart, "I am grateful for all I have been given, despite my own pain. I purpose to use my talent to benefit others, somehow." 

During my time on Earth, I couldn't see what would become of my paintings. I merely created to relieve my melancholy. There were moments when the reality of my condition stopped me in my tracks, and I would sink into a deep and terrible despair, contemplating suicide. Then I'd recall that I hadn't finished a specific painting. I couldn't forsake them since they were as important to me as children. I began painting again, and my vigor and purpose returned. In those magnificent moments of resurrection, I transformed into the powerful Frida that you know and love. You loved me not because I was flawless, for I was morally and physically weak. You still adore me because I never gave up. Despite the overwhelming odds, I refused to give way to despair. And I was Frida without apology, ahead of her time. This is what you enjoy about me. And, you know what, here on the Other Side, we all adore you. When we watch you persevere, when your spirit rises and says, "I will keep fighting!" "I will not give up!" We salute you. We are all rooting for you at Boot Camp!

So, my dears, I began this exposition by asking you a question: "If you consider all the beautiful and amazing things your eyes have already seen, and those they will see, can you not admit that amazing grace has been following you?" Yes, you have suffered, as have all great spirits. However, grace is following you, and compassion has forgiven you. Remember this and persevere. Knowing this, bring beauty to the world. Simply open your eyes and feel grateful for everything. 

With Love,

Frida

Are You Ready to Take the Leap of Surrender? (Dedicated to Frida Kahlo) by Devi Nina Bingham

Surrender is an awful word. However, it is an essential issue since it permits us to trust the process. Surrendering is the act of offering one's own will on an altar. Our own wills are the only genuine gift we can give. Surrender is the ability to step aside quietly and graciously when we feel we are due something, to allow someone else to shine. And we will only hand over to someone we trust.

Life sometimes asks us to open our fists and let go of what we thought was ours. Death is one of these occurrences, and so is divorce. And this is why surrender is such a terrifying issue. I am not really prepared to provide counsel on surrender because I fought back when the divorce papers arrived. I resolved to cling closer to what was mine: another human being. Not any human, but my beloved husband. He was mine in the same way that my face, ideas, and emotions were. To rip him from the garment we were both sewn into meant tearing myself. It felt as if I'd been handed a pair of awful sheers and told to skin myself. I had no idea where to begin because letting go was not an option for me. It was not possible. I cared about and loved my animals, and I saw my husband as also a lumbering beast locked in an awful circumstance and striving to break free. I gave in solely because he wanted to be free of me, not because I wanted to be free of him. To tell the truth, we were both caught and unhappy.

He had a roaming urge to make conquests, much as an explorer must leave the protection of his home to explore the globe. He adored ladies in the same way a painter would appreciate a naked lady posing in his studio. He yearned to run his hands over their contours and touch something secret and forbidden. These longings contradicted his duty as husband; therefore, he wandered, despite his attempts to control his appetite. When he didn't come home at night, I didn't have to wonder where he was. He was exploring while in the arms of another. What should a wife do in such an uncomfortable situation? Initially, I took it personally. Was I not attractive enough, not talented enough, not renowned enough, or maybe not a more experienced lover. I blamed myself for not trying hard enough to reach him. The more I tried, putting more effort into resolving our issues, the farther he drifted. My arms would physically hurt at night, so I pretended I was holding him rather than a pillow. The infidelities happened so frequently and consistently that I realized I had nothing to do with his deep-seated desire. Perhaps it was God's grace, but I was able to distance myself from his triumphs long enough to notice the emptiness within him and his juvenile fascination with the feminine form.

He was driven by an instinctive urge. A large part of him wanted to be the spouse I needed and deserved, but he simply could not resist temptation, which came at every step. He had established himself as a skilled and successful muralist. Despite the fact that his face was formed of dough and his tummy was as large and inviting as an oven, women were drawn to his boyish charm. In such a terrible scenario, what else could I do but surrender my little boy?

People do things for unfulfilled, generally unconscious reasons, because their formative needs were unsatisfied. Some individuals still long for attention, while others seek a sense of power and control...there are many psychological requirements that people attempt to satisfy. Sometimes it's just for the excitement of sexual adventure itself. But his was deeper. His eyes were filled with a childlike distrust and a shyness that belied a difficult childhood. I mean, his demeanor was that of an adolescent, not a man. I saw it plainly, whilst others just saw what he wanted them to see. Because I knew him so well, he returned to me after the divorce, and we were married again. We realized that we were intended for one other in a manner that only he and I understood.

He was my shy boy, and I was his adoring Latin madre. I was his solace, his safe haven; I was home, where he could unwind after a hard day. But I was also a personality to be reckoned with. And my art was thriving, attracting international notice. My medical demands were significant and were becoming a barrier between us. He did not want to care for me; instead, he wanted to be cared for. The surgeries, braces I had to wear, miscarriages, and bedrest all became too much for him, so he went wandering again. I divorced him the second time, knowing it had been final attempt.

The termination of our marriage did not mean the end of our love, however. He would pay me a visit to check on my physical and creative improvement. And it always felt the same: two spirits bonded. Regardless of who he was with, the bond between us remained intact. But I wouldn't be honest if I didn't reveal the full tale of my own infidelities. I never thought of them as affairs, since, while I approached both men and women, I was always with Diego in my heart. Others, to me, were either casual dalliances, or vengeance sex. You might say my heart wasn't in it, as I never lasted with anyone for long. There wasn't any adhesive there. Diego had used all of the adhesive.

There came a point when I realized I had to let him go; my lover, my everything, my heart. How can one offer God the most valuable thing while it is still hidden in the heart? It was evident that I had to open it, but I refused. Instead, I took medications and booze in a lethal combination since life had become a nightmare for me. The physical pain was constant and relentless, and I was immobile, a prisoner of my own bed. The gaping hole in my heart shouted out his name like a mother searching for a lost child. A mother will not stop hunting until he is found, and my heart would not accept that it would be empty of him forever. I turned away from that truth. And all along, there was this inner voice pressing me to surrender when I didn't have the strength to. What I needed was someone to sit by me in my pain and say, "It is time to let him go." Perhaps my friends and relatives attempted to inform me in their own manner, but I did not listen. So, I hid the sadness, like a mother might conceal the face of her deceased child. Our love was a corpse, but I refused to look at it to realize it had died.

If I had taken the leap of surrender, the outcome would have been better. It matters how we end our lives. If we are capable and psychologically well enough, we should make peace with the aspects of ourselves that require repair. We may be unable to change either the circumstances or the other person. However, we must tell ourselves the truth. This final cleaning stage, facing our heartbreaks and failings, is crucial. Surrender can be a daily practice, not only a pre-death phase. Take an inventory of what you are fleeing from, every day. Inquire: What is ailing me? What exactly am I terrified of? What is leading me to worry? What is making me depressed? Search your heart on a daily basis, and you will no longer need to run. Perhaps you cannot undo what has occurred, but that is beside the point. Simply give up the hurt, fear, anxiety, envy, or whatever is bothering you. This is the only way to avoid becoming trapped in addictive cycles since the suffering always demands to be acknowledged.

I told you that surrender is a terrible topic. It can also save you. You are welcome to respond, "But Frida, if I give my pain a voice, I will never stop crying." And it may seem that way. However, once you acknowledge the issues to yourself, the weeping will stop. Admitting it is like cleansing the wound, just as I cleaned my physical wounds on a regular basis. Had I healed my emotional scars, I would have been able to paint many wonderful stories of optimism. Give up what you can't carry, what's too heavy. Remember that a bird does not carry anything in its beak that is too heavy, or it cannot fly.

With Love,

Frida

Do You-Against Judgementalism (Dedicated to Frida Kahlo) by Devi Nina Bingham

Gentleness is commonly regarded as a feminine attribute. However, a man's tenderness does not make him any less manly since he cares. Strength reaches down and draws others upward. I knew I was a paradox, a dichotomy. I wore peasant skirts yet sported a little mustache. In a family photo, I wore a suit and pulled my hair back to resemble a man, while my sisters stood awkwardly by in the clothes they were expected to wear. When my parents objected, I informed them unequivocally that they may photograph me in a suit or without my presence. It was not a prank designed to attract attention, but rather a message I was making. What was I saying? Every woman and every man contain masculine and feminine qualities.

Why is there a reaction against same-sex and transgender persons and their marriages? Because it challenges convention. If you truly know yourself, you would have looked inside and noticed the harmony inside you. A forceful lady, a gentle guy, or even an effeminate man is neither unattractive nor inappropriate. Even a manly lady. If you are completely macho, you are a steamroller that others would dread. If you are completely feminine, you will become lethargic and weak-willed. You must maintain equilibrium inside yourself, or you will be unbalanced. Those with all masculine energy become tyrants, whereas those with all feminine energy are ineffective.

This mad, aggressive attempt to masculize males and feminize women defies nature. Nature will reveal you. They are not constrained by pitifully narrow gender norms. They do what their instincts tell them. Nature flawlessly directs them to exhibit both male and feminine characteristics. In certain animals, the father takes care of the children while the mother goes hunting. I could identify thousands, if not millions of such role-bending actions in the animal realm. Are they wrong? Will you point a finger and label them wrong while they follow their own DNA blueprint? If that's the case, you're blaming God who created them. Similarly, you accuse God when you refuse to accept male/female energies that you don't comprehend. Who are you to point the accusing finger? Examine your own patterns of behavior. Look inside your own heart. Even after you've removed the wrath, self-righteousness, avarice, and resentments, you may not be able to judge! Christ, our example, pointed a finger at us and said, unequivocally, "Don't you dare judge." Because it is God's role and judging someone is to elevate oneself above God. Are you above God and His messenger? 

I was judged for being an opinionated woman, a woman with a mustache who would dare to wear a man's suit. I was judged for who I married, for my political beliefs and for what I painted. Even in death I was judged as some reported that I may have taken my own life. Wasn't it mine to take? However, the church has warned us that a soul goes to hell and that there is no atonement for this sin. Is killing yourself genuinely a sin? Even now I do not know, since I am not God. God will decide each situation. How could I possibly know what is ethically absolute for someone else when I hardly grasp what is good or wrong in my own life? When are politicians and clergy going to quit playing God? I will inform you when. When they die, they shall stand naked before God Almighty, and there will be no damning words. The only condemnation they will utter will be for the weight of their own guilt.

There are only two cardinal sins in life that must be avoided at all costs. First, don't judge anybody else. Second, don't squander your valuable Earth time. Don't squander it by focusing on others rather than on yourself. Use the time you have left to clean up your act; that is why you came here. By directing the finger away from yourself, you have taken the incorrect course. Take that judging digit right now and direct it where it belongs. Now you're performing God's work. When you see yourself pointing away, correct yourself. As a consequence, everyone around you will feel more at ease. They will really appreciate your company. Even people who are not like you will notice your kindness, which is Godlike. If God is anything, he is Jesus. And Jesus was the kindest guy who ever lived. He dubbed himself God's lamb. What is a lamb's gentleness level? What is your level of lamb-likeness? How sweet and reassuring was Christ. You don't need to be concerned about who will rule or correct those you criticize, because God is still on the throne, isn't He? Has He asked you to correct anybody? If Christ did not correct gender, why should you? You might be astonished to learn that God will not ask you to stand beside him with an accusing finger, since all of your fingers will be pointing at you. Each soul will be made right in the hereafter. 

Make it your life's goal to balance your male and feminine energy. And if someone appears imbalanced to you, go by and bless them as you go, for God alone is the Creator and Judge. You are not "helping God," because God does not require anyone's assistance. Do you genuinely feel that God needs whatever you can offer? God laughs at your money because it isn't worth the paper it's printed on. And, sure, God is both feminine and masculine, since He is a perfect balance of the two energies: Creator, and Nurturer. What you have done to God by limiting Him to a purely male image is to cut Him in half. I warn you; God will not be happy with this representation. Who is the Mother Goddess that Hindus worship? The same God you call masculine! Who's right? Who's wrong? God is neither one nor the other. God is all-encompassing representations. We are utterly myopic when we categorize God as one or the other. This is my message: ditch the labels and get to work cleaning up your own life so you can offer God something worthwhile. Throw away established preconceptions about masculinity and femininity because they are tripping you up, leading you to a collapse.

If you do this, to only mind yourself, you will find miles and miles of material for inspection and cleanup. To transform yourself is no small feat, but to transform another is an impossibility. And why misuse your time focused in the wrong direction? Do not miss the point of being here. Do you. And that, if done right, could take forever.

With Love,

Frida

5 Ways to Become a Person You Can Admire (Dedicated to Frida Kahlo) by Devi Nina Bingham

You do not become a brilliant soul, someone to adore, simply because you are highly educated or have an abnormally high IQ. There are brilliant intellectuals who have terrible interpersonal skills. There are also affluent folks who are greedy and unpopular. So, having a high IQ or being wealthy does not ensure that you will be someone others admire. What factors contribute to a magnetic personality that makes others feel at ease in your presence? 

1. They have a laid-back attitude. They care, yet they leave you to make your own judgments. They listen and advise you, like a good parent, but if you want to go your own way, they know you'll learn from your mistakes. So, they're not scared to let you make errors. They understand that every error will nevertheless get you to your desired result via a roundabout road. They understand that mistakes are part of the normal learning process. While they care enough to listen and gently make suggestions, the path you take is entirely up to you. There is a relaxed demeanor that conveys, "I would do it this way, but in the end, it is your life and choice."

2. They are honest and straightforward. They do not mince words; they tell it like it is, even if it is harsh at first. Smooth talkers who tell you what you want to hear are more concerned with their own comfort. If the truth is unpleasant, weaker people will skirt it and tell a convenient truth which is generally half the truth. How can you base your existence on knowledge that is only partly correct? Truly honest people share the complete truth about themselves. Life is multifaceted, and this may make things tough at times. Mistakes happen. Dishonesty shines through the mask when others are not open about their faults. It is preferable to be with someone who tells the complete truth and both sides of the tale.

3. They challenge themselves to grow. A superstar soul is one that forges their own path, even if it means traveling alone. They are staunch individualists. They think differently and pursue tough goals that they set for themselves. They venture outside of conventional wisdom. Individualists consider conformity to be one of the worst things that can happen to them. This is because they are striving to attain quick expansion. If you follow trends of the herd, you are not a trend leader but rather, a trend follower. Creativity must be constantly expanding. For example, as a surrealist painter I had a decision to make. I could paint popular topics such as societal injustice that had already been portrayed. I might have imitated to sell my work or painted what was fashionable. But what I saw when I peered inside myself was unlike any style I'd seen before. I was a Mexican who loved traditional Mexican clothes and bright colors, and while some labeled it quaint, I felt that expressing the aspects I was most associated with in moments from my life and experience gave my paintings authenticity. Suddenly Mexico was represented.

I painted images from the perspective of a woman and my own loss and agony was my subject matter. The key is that I searched within for inspiration. While most artists of the period portrayed what was outside of themselves, I delved within to uncover what was hidden deep in my subconscious mind, the unexpressed sentiments and worries. I was concerned about what may go wrong during the surgeries, but I didn't discuss it. Instead of being a bore, I used the horror that was building up to paint images that portrayed it with symbols, patterns, and colors that were familiar to me. Hear me out: art must originate from the heart, and strange imagery directly from the unconscious. Turn to your heart which feels like home, as well as to your anxiety, angst, and desire. Represent what you aren't telling the world, what you cannot say must be expressed creatively. 

This externalization will empower your art. Your imagination will be the rocket fuel that drives you to new heights. Pull what is concealed and prohibited to talk of as if you were pulling water from the driest earth. Consider: "What does it feel like to experience this?" Analogy is a useful tool for artisans. Every worry became a nail in my spine, holding it together. I was making the statement, "Fear is holding me together." This is an example of surrealism. Take what is true and sculpt it into something symbolic. The clay is transformed into a pot with cracks. The stillness of my closed lips (always closed) said, "In every portrait observe my silence." And the observer would wonder why I didn't feel comfortable speaking out. Because I was raised as a Mexican lady to be silent. However, suffering will cause you to remain silent, too. Isn't it true? There are no words to describe what it's like to only know difficulty and dread.  Reality humbled me from the start, thus in all paintings I was depicted as the classic Catholic martyr. I don't mean that I was religious; rather, martyrs are selected by fate to suffer. Giving voice to your silent suffering will challenge and expand your creativity as well as speak to the onlooker.

4. They allow themselves to feel deeply. Admirable people allow themselves to feel fully; most individuals do not accept or tolerate being moved emotionally. They resist being caught away by emotion and have convinced themselves that crying is embarrassing. They are afraid of displaying their true personality to others. I didn't cry in public, even though I had a lot to cry about. I had chronic pain as a result of the failed surgery, the previous accident, and polio. However, I only permitted tears in my portraits. In practically all my paintings tears flow down my cheeks. Why did I add it? Because I was turning my emotions inside out for the audience.

Vulnerability is the ability to feel strongly and express it openly. Another recurring subject in my artwork was the representation of Diego on my forehead. Obviously, this represents my frequent and anguished thoughts about him. These were my raw expressions of grief, worry, and desire. I felt strongly and was not ashamed to share it with my audience. Never be ashamed to feel deeper others. It suggests you're sensitive. You have not allowed the world to harden you and render your artistic abilities meaningless. Your heart is still alive. Never apologize for loving too much, too long, or too passionately. It is a holy gift to the world.

5. They Still Find a Reason to Hope. Depression is something I knew intimately. One does take pleasure from wallowing in misery as a hog wallows in the mud. And one's character can become self-focused when misfortune stays. An accident, a freak accident nearly took my life and left me the gift of pain. But you may reason, you must have had bad karma in past lives. No, this was not the case. Rather, I was given a series of tragic events to deal with. More than anything it was a test to see what I could make of it. Would I wallow, or would I redeem my life? Could I, would I take the pain, fear, and hopelessness and fashion it into anything other than self-loathing and resentment? Not only did my body turn against me, but my heart as well. Usually, a person is given one set of maladies such as an illness or a heartbreak, but not both. Suffering could have stretched out and taken up my whole life, but I refused to give into grief. It was ever-present, lurking in the shadows on the sidelines, but I ignored it and made the most of my talents and abilities.  

Why would a supposedly loving God use tremendous suffering as a test? I asked this question a thousand times, and the response was rhetorical. It said as follows: "Have faith that God has sent this and yet, still loves you." I repeatedly sought a response from God for His brutality, but all I got was a silent reply. My father was a lovely and good man, so seeing a Heavenly father who was a cosmic sadist didn't make sense. This was the same God who had created all that is intelligent and lovely in the universe. Nonetheless, He had left me the unfortunate gift of pain.

Some of us have done nothing wrong in previous lives to warrant heavy punishment. Some of us, like the saints, come to earth, this school of suffering, to master more sophisticated skills like forgiveness and faith. On the surface, these two words appear to be motivating. But when you have to experience them, their masks slip off and they become what they truly are: difficult to bear without crumbling. When excessive pressure is applied to a clay pot, the seams explode. It breaks into bits but also into dust, making it impossible to rebuild. You may never be the same as you were. Some people will wish you were. However, tragedy is transforming.

You were once a flawless specimen. The fact is, that form of you could endure very little force before breaking. Then comes life with its harshness and it fractures you not once, not twice, but so many times that you are reduced to a finely crushed clay. And this impossible scenario is necessary for you to cease, and for God to begin. You were a nice, yet naive, person in the beginning. Now you are a decent and powerful person. 

But why must we be so strong? Because love is synonymous with power. Love selects the mountain and once there you lift someone up. Love always reaches out its hand. Strength is love in action. Not self-centered, egotistical, and worthless, but kind and compassionate. Strength has nothing to do with your ability to withstand hardship. God doesn't care if you appear brave. God sees no value in superficiality. It is better to cry than to conceal your pain. The truest strength is vulnerability; the bravery to confess when you're broken and the courage to keep going, offering life whatever tiny gift you have. Perhaps all you can afford is to choose a wildflower and present it to God. If it is offered with thankfulness, it is more valuable than the gift given by 10 wealthy men in church.

Poverty isn't the plague you've made it out to be. Didn't Christ say it was more difficult for a rich man to join God's Kingdom? Lack taught me a great deal. It taught me to laugh at the selfish American entrepreneurs who believed wealth was the only prize. I grew up in Mexico where I saw folks who were destitute but truly joyful every day. They possessed delight that the American elite couldn't understand who confused money and escape for true joy. 

In my bed, limited by a shattered spine and heart, I worked to show the world that, even if God required me to travel through hell, I still gave something amazing back, if only a reflection of my pain. That gift became my legacy which to this day resonates in every country, the iconic face of vulnerability in suffering. Do not respond, "Wasn't she beautiful?" when you see my severe expression. Instead, say about me, "She was a trampled flower who still raised her head towards the sun."

With Love,

Frida

All Is Ash-On Making Yourself a Better Person (Dedicated to Frida Kahlo)-by Devi Nina Bingham

Everybody loses. Grief is the great equalizer. Each one knows what it is to cry, to experience longing, and to suffer loss. Nobody must explain sorrow and pain for we came into this world through a traumatic and bloody process. A baby's first reaction is to cry, not to laugh. It seems we are programmed from our first breath to expect difficulty. Yet, when we lose what our heart loved the most, whether it is another person or a pet, it always catches us by surprise. The Hindus have a saying taken from sacred scripture: "All is ash." They smear ash on their foreheads to symbolize the ash each one of us becomes at death. It reminds them of a sacred truth: that they are not going to live forever, and neither will anybody else. Civilizations that seem invincible now will rise and fall as time marches on because absolutely nothing in this world lasts forever. It is important to remind yourself of your temporary status for there are worlds beyond which cannot be accessed until you have proven yourself worthy in this one. Thus, it behooves each one to think daily of their fragility, and their responsibilities towards others. Yet, how many people sit and say to themselves, "All is ash?" while feeling gratitude for the life they have been given? This is what it is to be a spiritual being: to reflect on the truth of impermanence.

The Buddha's teachings assert that suffering is caused by clinging to that which will be taken away. It is alright to love another, but love is not the same as attachment. Attachment to things, people, and places happens when we cling. Buddha taught that it is our clinginess, our neediness that eventually causes pain. Why is it bad to cling? Because in our neediness we only think of one person's desires: our own. For example, if I need food, if I am starving, I am not as concerned about anyone else's welfare as I am about my own. My physical need for food will take center stage. In neediness, other's needs come secondary to my own. This is natural; it is the drive for self-preservation ensuring we stay alive. But when applied to love, the other's needs must also be considered, at least equally. If I do not consider your needs and wants as important, you will think me selfish and rude, and our relationship will deteriorate. This is because love gives. It is what love does. Love does not seek to take; it wants to give. When we cling, making our own needs paramount, we are effectively saying, "You must give to me." This is not love, but attachment.

Yet, attachment happens within every relationship. It must, or a bond would not form between two people. Attachment between a parent and child is necessary to form a strong bond. Attachment is a natural, normal, healthy part of being a human and relating successfully. Here is the dividing line between healthy attachment and unhealthy neediness: who comes first. If you put your beloved's needs ahead of your own, that is love. Jesus said as much: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). This is healthy attachment. Unhealthy neediness demands that your need be met. You may say, but what if the other person takes advantage of me? What if I put them first and they do not appreciate it, or worse, they abuse my kindness? I would say: you must expect that this will happen. We are talking about humans here, not perfect angels. People will take advantage of your kindness and generosity because they are imperfect beings. But their immature responses must not dictate your own. You keep being your sweet self, and one day they may wake up and see that you genuinely loved them when others did not. Now, being loving in disposition is not the same as being a doormat. If someone is abusing you in any way, you must not stand for that. Taking abuse is not being loving. It is being a martyr, and you are not here to be anyone's savior. That is not your job. Your task is to the healthiest, most loving version of yourself, but to distance yourself when you have been abused. You see, love is not attachment, and neither is love taking abuse. Love is giving out of a full heart. And it is important to daily remind yourself that you are no more than walking ash, for this perspective on your own mortality will put everything into right perspective.

It is not an easy feat to be a human. I would say it is the most difficult path that can be trod. The great adversity you face is mostly from your own self. Because you struggle with emotions that can overwhelm you and drives and desires for things which are not helpful to you. Nobody has hurt you more than you have hurt yourself. Just look at my life to see. I was a chain smoker, and though the dangers of cigarettes were yet to be disclosed to the public, my own body was telling me of its struggle to breath properly. However, I chose to ignore it. I preferred to rely on cigarettes to dispense with my nervous energy when I could have exercised instead. We get into addictive traps because we are trying to cope with the stress of living, and our own states of mind, especially anxiety and depression. Temporarily these crutches give us relief and momentary satisfaction. But in the long run they can become the nails of our coffin. We make poor choices because we are drowning in negative emotions, and bad habits give us the perceived ability to lift ourselves above our problems, and to breathe again. 

The only solution, of course, is to make different choices; to substitute a bad habit like smoking with a better habit. You might make a fearless moral inventory and ask, "What bad habits have I gotten into?" and "What better habits can I substitute?" Try to remember that making changes is not going to be instantaneous. Your brain will crave and react the way it always has even after you've "made your mind up" to change. Change is a process of alternating failures and successes. I was terrible at making changes that I didn't want to make! Believe me, I am not coming at you on my moral high horse. I am only sharing what I have learned in hindsight. Being willing to improve yourself is a tremendously evolved attitude, and if you try, you are far, far ahead of most people. 

Finally, what is the benefit of being morally superior? By that I only mean that you have an open mind to change. The benefit is first to yourself, for you will be improving your health, your state of mind, and how you spend your money. Perhaps as important is that you will be setting a good example for others. When youth saw a cigarette always in my hand that sent them the message, "It is perfectly acceptable to smoke because Frida does." Had they asked I would have warned, "Do not be like me. This is a terrible habit." People are watching what you do more than what you say, and you want your actions to say, "Be heathy, like me." The world is in the dark place that it is in because there are too many people doing whatever they fancy without thinking about the kind of message it is sending. Please remember: It is fine to make yourself happy, but how you make yourself happy has a ripple effect. Choose carefully. 

With Love,

Frida

National Pride or Nationalism? (Dedicate to Frida Kahlo) by Devi Nina Bingham

National Pride is to align oneself with a government's rhetoric. To forsake all other ethnicities and cultures, and to stand in favor of your own. There is nothing wrong at all with being proud of your country and people. However, beyond that is the danger of Nationalism, and it is a whole other animal. When a government crafts nationalistic policies, it elevates itself above all countries. It adopts a permanent superiority complex, which is to say that it considers all other ethnicities and cultures to be substandard. It compares the ideals of its own to the shortcomings of another country and feels justified in pointing the condemning finger. This would not be such a terrible thing for other countries if a superiority complex was the only symptom. But history shows that once this insidious idea of being superior takes hold, it is hard to shake because not only do the political leaders adopt this strategy, but its people can, too. When citizens support exclusionary policies then terrific momentum can pick up, like a rock rolling downhill, and it is hard to stop such a machine.

Where do these ideas of superiority come from? Why do politicians espouse nationalistic agendas? Because it elevates its citizens in the eyes of the world and this appeals to fragile egos who are starved for self-esteem. Citizens should stop to ask themselves why nationalism appeals to them. But they jump on the band wagon without giving it a second thought as it feels so wonderful to be part of the "in-group." People who have difficulty defining themselves without a job or religion telling them who they are and what they believe are easy pickings for fanatical political movements with a strong and charismatic leader. However, not every tyrant is a nationalist. He may call himself a Communist. But if the rights of the citizens have been taken away such as the right to free speech, then the rights of the state have been pushed forward and individual rights have been pushed back. When government rights trample individual rights or another country's rights, that is nationalism. 

To an extent, every country has nationalistic tendencies, but they normally fall on the side of national pride. For example, a national anthem is sung to unify a crowd at athletic events, so they feel more like one people getting behind "their" team. A national flag flies above the capital building to symbolize "one country under God." Coins, currency, and stamps are country-specific, bearing the language and beloved historical heroes and heroines. There are many such emblematic symbology of a nation and they are recognizable and beloved by its citizens because they hold a special meaning for them. 

But a line is crossed from pride to arrogance once a nation declares a group of people less valuable. And arrogance turns into danger when less-valued groups are designated as sub-human. So, at what point should you begin to worry? Always ask yourself: Is this pride in a country, or does it devalue a group? If it takes away rights of the group for no substantial reason, if it is restricting rights and privileges because a political party does not approve of that group, then the group has become less valued in society for simply being themselves, and that is dangerous. It is dangerous to you because at any time you may be in a group that the political party finds objectionable due to your religion, your skin color, your gender, your sexual orientation, or for any other reason, and there goes your rights. A democracy extends the same rights to all people regardless of their differences because it recognizes their intrinsic worth as human beings. Always ask yourself why rights are being taken away. Has the group done something injurious that harms others, or has the government done something unfair to its citizens? Failure to ask yourself these simple questions can allow a nation's superiority to grow unchecked.

Once the line of superiority is crossed, the law is mangled to enforce cruelty against foreigners or those labeled as the enemy. Justice stops being the standard, and fairness is ridiculed as weakness. The military does not protect rights but enforces punishment. The society quickly devolves into a heartless, sadistic monster where violence and murder are tolerated or condoned. This is the point at which other nations will combine forces and rise up to fight the monster. I hope you never know a world war. If you do it means the line from national pride to nationalism was crossed, and I hope that nation's own citizens will have the courage to stand up against it. If they are complicit, history teaches that the results can be disastrous for the whole world. 

With Love,

Frida

Balancing Head and Heart in Love (Dedicated to Frida Kahlo) by Devi Nina Bingham

Plans go bad, especially with lovers. This is due to the volatility of romantic relationships. The instability stems from the fact that in romance, we rely on our hearts rather than our heads, and the heart may be fickle. It is unstable and unreliable. The brain represents rationality and fair play, but the heart represents passion and acts without hesitation. It merely feels. To make love last, both the mind and the heart must be employed. It's a mistake to rely exclusively on passion to get you through, since that tank runs out soon. When you notice your beloved's imperfections and inconsistencies, you understand they are only human after all. Then, you have a choice to make. If you want it to last, your desire for thrills and excitement must be satisfied elsewhere. This isn't to suggest you won't have recurring spurts of fresh desire for them; you will. But passion is cyclical. It flies away and then unexpectedly reappears. To remark, "I don't love you anymore," means, "I don't feel the same passion for you as we did before." But love does not necessitate intensity. That's not even love. Passion is a rush of intense feelings that makes you feel cherished. It does not mean that the person truly loves you. So, while love might inspire passion, it is not the same as love itself. Rather, love is a choice to stand by the other. The object of your love may not stand by you, but if you genuinely love the other, their lack of love towards you will not erase your feelings for them.

What if you had intended to spend your life with someone, but now you are facing the future alone? How awful to have planned and hoped of never being apart, only to discover that they were simply a fair-weather friend in the end. Of course, I'm referring to commitment. Commitment is required if you want to maintain long-term partnerships. If you have a job, you must be devoted to being on time and working hard, or you risk being fired. If you have a child or a pet, you must be dedicated to placing their needs ahead of yours. Even owning a home necessitates attention to its care. Am I correct? Romantic relationships are no different. They necessitate a willingness to endure the highs and lows of the heart. However, the heart is not concerned with establishing or maintaining a marriage or commitment. It seeks only powerful and charismatic romance, ignoring everything else. This is why any meaningful connection needs commitment, which stems from the mind. You cannot compel someone to be committed when they are not. People "move on" to what they consider "greener pastures." Someone else seemed simpler and more thrilling, just like your first relationship did. However, each new connection looks to be just what you've been seeking for. It is simply because you are looking through "rose-colored glasses." You don't notice the flaws and difficulties that the following person will create. Then they look back with regret, wondering why they didn't try more to make it a success. Simply because, when it comes to romance, they have listened to their hearts rather than their heads.

My parents stayed together and were devoted, but their marriage lacked love. They remained together out of loyalty to their family and to convention. This taught me that while commitment brings security, it does not ensure that the heart is happy. My parents were both disillusioned with each other. Instead of finding emotional pleasure through hobbies or social engagement, they grew to despise each other because they felt uninspired and "tied down." They felt like their wings had been clipped. I realized that each individual is accountable for their own happiness. Do not give someone else the power to make you happy. Couples should have individual interests, aspirations, and creative outlets. So, dedication alone does not ensure a happy marriage. It is a combination of the two: the head and the heart produce a good marriage.

A mutually satisfying relationship is not easy to build, and by easy, I mean thoughtless. You do not build a house without a blueprint, do you? Yet couples enter the biggest commitment of their lives minus a blueprint. Wedding vows are not the same as a plan to build one's life upon. They are promises, but promises are not plans. How much better would it be if couples sat down and crafted a blueprint for their relationship? Do you think they might fare better through the hard times? Enter into long-term relationships having hammered out a blueprint first. Make goals, and craft agreements that both can commit to. Make relationship, and financial goals. Then both of you sign it, committing to the plan. When the feelings of romance fly away as they inevitably will, you have the blueprint to fall back on. You can point to the signed document and remind them, "That is not what we agreed to." You would be amazed how much more committed people will be once they have signed their name to something.

Unfortunately, despite the fact that I signed my name to our marriage twice, we had no agreements or a strategy. My tiny bird disappeared when the grass seemed greener elsewhere. Yes, he returned when he realized he loved me, but he flew away again when things became tough. And for those of you who do not want to stay if your partner becomes ill, please do not marry because everyone will ultimately become ill, grow old, and die. Be absolutely upfront and honest about your intentions and what you do not want. It will save everyone from heartache in the long run.

The most common issue I find among couples of all ages is a failure to express their true needs and desires. Because they do not ask for what they want, they will seek it from others. But if you never ask for what you need, is it your partner's responsibility if you don't get it? They can't read your mind, right? Maybe if you offered them the opportunity to meet your requirements, they would. It is unjust to take your wants elsewhere and violate your vows when you did not give your partner the chance to try!

I am not the queen of relationships; I have had a turbulent romantic life filled with mistakes. However, in retrospect, I realize that we were both lacking in communication skills. And this is where it all boils down: how clearly and effectively you can communicate. We are hesitant to communicate with those we care about for a variety of reasons, the most important of which are our desire to avoid disappointment and conflict. However, understand that conflict is unavoidable in an intimate relationship, and failing to communicate invites conflict. If you are willing, you may be able to resolve the problem. Suppressing your feelings, resentments, and regrets never helped anyone.

It is like sitting on a porcupine. You can only sit so long before it hurts too badly to sit anymore. Eventually the truth will come to the surface. So do communicate, but in such a way that you are not a bomb exploding. This was my issue. By the time I conveyed my sentiments it burst out like a firehose going off. You must find a method to share without overwhelming the other person. We could all be better communicators. Be willing to admit this and change your approach. When romantic plans go haywire, as they always do, or when love abandons you, remember that it was not entirely their fault, no matter what they did. You both missed the mark. And if romance should give you a second chance, use your head at least as much as your heart. True love is both a choice as well as an emotion.

With Love,

Frida

Frida on Peace in Hard Times (Dedicated to Frida Kahlo)-by Devi Nina Bingham

It makes no difference if a person is poor or affluent since contentment comes from inside. You will do much better if you are satisfied, if not delighted, with your station in life, whether poor or wealthy. Nothing can affect you once you recognize that satisfaction, often known as happiness, is an internal job. They may remove your luxuries, which will undoubtedly hurt at first, but even conveniences, which make life more pleasant and simple, do not equal pleasure. When I mention happiness, I do not mean joy, that effervescent high feeling we experience when we are pleasantly delighted. I am referring to tranquility. 

Peace is the lack of anxiety or stress. It is an unwillingness to succumb to anxiety or depression. It is a state of continual affection. Love, unconditional love, can only accept. Isn't this true? It never rejects. When you love your child, you attempt to love them unconditionally, for who they are rather than what they have done. When you love your pet, it is unconditional since they cannot reciprocate your compassion. True love is boundless. When you love this way, without expecting anything in return, the conclusion is always peace, since peace is the outcome of love. To achieve peaceful serenity, we must be in love with something. It might be a partner, a pet, a family member, a friend, or even God. If you love God with all your heart, even if you are on a desert island, you may experience enduring love and tranquility.

Why does love provide calm in our hearts? Peace is an inner knowledge, an internal trust that everything will be well. The world may crumble around you, but when your mission is to love, you will find peace. For example, spending time with an adored dog will make you feel appreciated and therefore tranquil. This is why couples' breakups cause so much sorrow. Because they made their lover the focus of their affection. When the wellspring of love is taken away, so is the tranquility. When we are not at rest, we experience anxiety and sadness, both of which are unpleasant. This explains why some people switch from one relationship to another. It's not that they didn't experience true love; it's just that they dislike the discomfort it caused. The cure to a split is not to replace your partner, but to learn how to replace worry and sadness with tranquility! Even love of oneself may be a motivator to move forward in life. Give yourself the love you wish you had received, and you will discover that tranquility comes effortlessly.

In times of economic distress, you must make a decision to overcome inconveniences such as homelessness and hunger. The best way to overcome fear in grave situations is to remember who you are. Refuse to be overwhelmed by dread. Refuse to be defined by your fears. You are not considered a "loser" because you are jobless, homeless, or starving. You are the same worthy individual who formerly had a full bank account. You are the same amazing person you have always been, only without a job, a home, or a bank account. I say temporarily because your luck might change at any moment and those items may be returned. You see, bad luck is just fleeting. Bad conditions arise and go. Did you observe that? Some days are excellent, some are horrible. You must not be under the impression that all is lost. As long as you have your mind, you will ultimately get back on your feet.

Have you ever heard of a rags to riches story? Mine is the same. I was born to modest parents in a little hamlet just outside of Mexico City. We were not as destitute as some Mexican peasants at the time, because my father was usually employed. But money was always scarce, so I never knew wealth. It wasn't until my work gained international recognition and my paintings sold that I got my own money! I wanted to pinch myself at times because I was so happy for the praise I received from the creative world. However, money was never the reason I became an artist; I would have painted regardless of whether I sold them or not. My inspiration and key were a love of creating.

When I was confined to bed, I resolved to rise above my circumstances by erecting a scaffolding that would allow me to continue painting. I am one of the few worldwide artists who have painted from her bed. Because if you love something, you will not let adverse circumstances prevent you from doing or being with it. Your integrity will find a way around the challenges. When I painted, I lost track of time or whether or not I had eaten for the day, and I forgot about the discomfort that tormented me since my concentration was totally on what I enjoyed doing. 

My advice to you is to not allow anyone or anything fool you into believing you will be lost without them. Yes, you will need time to grieve, but this does not imply you will be lost forever. You may be homeless and have nothing, but do not be afraid. Instead, devote all of your energy to solving issues and doing what you enjoy, and tranquility will come to you. Because peace is actually love, and love is truly peace. Peace has always triumphed over worry and sadness. When you experience tranquility, you do not feel any unpleasant feelings, do you? But peace won't just "happen." It does not arise as a result of pleasant conditions, because it may also provide consolation during difficult times. Throw yourself wholeheartedly into loving anything totally, whether it's your spiritual life, a loved one, a pet, or learning to love yourself, and reject beliefs that tell you you're less than others or that there's no hope. There are no permanent situations; everything can change suddenly. Tell yourself the truth: I have nothing to fear as long as I have something to love and to share. Hard times will come and go. You are the constant. Create for yourself a better tomorrow; do not wait on anybody to make it better for you. 

With Love,

Frida

Why People Fall for Fascism (Dedicated to Frida Kahlo) by Devi Nina Bingham

Men and women are not that fundamentally different. Fundamentally, both sexes need satisfaction, security, a profession, and to be loved. However, this is where the difference arises: how the two sexes approach accomplishing those goals. Typically, males construct civilization, while women sustain and nurture it. I recognize that I am speaking in generalities; there are exceptions. When you compare men's and women's bodies, you'll see that males are larger and have greater muscle mass which makes them physically stronger. When it comes to constructing, strength is key. Women's bodies are designed to carry and feed a child, which makes them natural homemakers. Both construction and homesteading are required for a community to thrive. 

However, in an age of automation and artificial intelligence, planning and construction will be mechanized in the same way that automotive assembly is now. Many gender-specific vocations will be replaced by computers and robots that can operate quicker and more precisely than humans. Even "women's work" such as food preparation and housework will be cheerfully delegated to robots. How will society adapt if humanity's social roles are drastically transformed or rendered obsolete?

People identify themselves by what they do. When asked, "What do you do?" you answer with your job title: "I am a carpenter," or "I work at a dentist's office and am a part-time mom." Occupational responses provide a wealth of information on a person's role in society, including their economic status and role within the family. But what happens when a person's role is no longer defined by a specific task? Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are task-oriented technologies. They are programmed to look for issues and give solutions. They resemble the search and rescue crew. They can outthink and outmaneuver humans in some situations. For example, automating warehouses has increased output while decreasing accidents and improving efficiency. What used to take ten people to do now just requires one robot. As firms aim to enhance revenues, automation becomes an unavoidable reality.

The consequences of being replaced by AI will inevitably lead to a loss of identity. When essential, fundamental identity is lost, humans desire to cling to something. An idea, a leader, a religion--something that feels solid and appears "in control." Insecure individuals feel in control when powerful leaders flex their powers for the sake of the world. This display of power seems comforting and reasonable when everything else is getting hazy and uncertain. Much like the military will attract young men who have yet to discover their way in life, strong direction attracts males since society has sent the message that weak men will be kicked around.

During uncertain and fluctuating times, leaders emerge and assume an authoritarian role. They are accepted at a time when normalcy has been endangered. Be cautious of the larger-than-life characters. Understand that they, too, are insecure; they just disguise it better. They are more deceitful, dishonest, and vicious than most people. They are the "superman," the powerful man who constantly reassures you that he alone is correct. The powerful daddy-types will bluster and bluff their way to the top, then recruit those who will cover for them.

When you observe a dominant power on the global stage, be wary. He rose to prominence because he wanted to be someone significant, and he needed to be in charge. Unconsciously, his subjects desire to be dominated. This artificial control offers the population a false sense of success since they are linked with a leader who appears to be succeeding. However, every authoritarian tyrant harbors a deep-seated sense of insecurity. Explaining this to the insecure sheep is a waste of time. They will only raise their flags and caps higher because they fear something worse than fascism: they fear losing their place, status, and stature, which they are unwilling to give up.

What will halt fascism? Diplomacy never has. Attempting to argue with them will just aggravate them. Making fun of their ignorance has never worked since it is a deliberate ignorance. History demonstrates that the only known cure for an authoritarian system is to physically battle and defeat it. This has taken a league of countries and resulted in the loss of innocent lives as well as the destruction of treasured artifacts and national treasures. Once a tyrant has been entrenched, removing him may practically destroy everyone. So don't be deceived by the bull charging at the matador. Do not be fooled by the crowds screaming for blood. Because in the end, the big, scary bull will fall to its knees when it is pierced by a sword, just like the rest of us. Fascism is a passing fad. Humanity must undoubtedly discover a better method to remake itself in this new age of technology and loss of traditional identity. How is it going to go? That is up to you.

With Love,

Frida