count down babylon

what would you do if you found out that you only had 1 month left to live? After spending time with a friend who recently had someone close to him pass away, I have been absorbed in the simple task of embracing every minute of my own life. Does anyone know how long he or she has left on the earth? Granted, the cycle of life warrants that each day babies are born and each day people die, or are killed, in the natural processes thereof. The question remains whether or not we want to focus is on the past (which we cant change or dwell in), the needless cares of the material world (like buying cars, fashion, and real estate), situations that are out of our hands (like the distorted political views of Democrats), or to EMBRACE EVERY MINUTE OF THE PRESENT, with all of its amazing opportunities and beautiful experiences to be had?

Here in San Diego, I have been spending a lot of time in a small beach town called Ocean Beach and hanging out on its rocky cliffs. It is so much more chill and low-key than the larger more trendy tourist beaches of this beautiful region, and has such a small-town feel. I have also been listening to a lot of Reggae music and going to Reggae events (and dancing in general) with my good friend Irene, herself immersed in natural healing and cultural appreciation. Not only do nature and music give you amazing energy, the ability to center yourself and re-focus your life attention are unavoidable bi-products of such environments. In addition, time spent with friends as well as in centering fitness activities (where it is just you and the resistance of your body) such as yoga, capoeira, running, and swimming are amazing source of self-sustaining energy.

Besides its positive and ultimately calming vibrations, most Reggae music contains some pretty powerful lyrics which I dont think a lot of people REALLY think about. Many of the songs are about Jah (Rastafarian name for God), One Love, Peace and Positivity, Creation, and BABYLON. Granted many of these Rastafarians choose to focus on the prominent use of marijuana often associated with this genre of music (I myself do not use drugs though I definitely understand their culture), but by skipping the plant and boiling it down to the ROOTS you will see the inherent message behind the music. Babylon is in Mesopotamia, present day IRAQ. While I have never been to Iraq, I was in Jordan recently, Iraq's Hashemite neighbor. Not only did I study the Middle East (IN the Middle East), my Christian background gives me a more complete understanding of the significance of Babylon, which continues to be the center of the world.

In fact, everything else that is going on in the world (such as entertainment stars in rehab and interpersonal dramas among the citizens of America) is not nearly as important as these days in Iraq, and its strategical location in the End Times Prophecies. Throughout the Old Testament (or Torah for my Jewish friends) especially in the books of Ezekiel and Daniel, you will see Babylon mentioned several times. Most people do not understand what the War in Iraq is all about, but I will give you a hint that it has something to do with Biblical Prophecy (its a religious war, no?) and thus our days are numbered here on the earth. When the US troops pull out (ode to the Democrats), Prince Hassan Bin Talal of Jordan (Iraq's Hashemite neighbor) will rise up and rule the region. Count down Babylon, the end is near... ARE YOU ENJOYING EVERY MINUTE OF YOUR LIFE, living in the NOW, embracing each new day with positivity, and spreading light and love to those around you?