I know where I want to go in my head, yet part of my heart is still attached to the flesh and trying to love matter. We will see how I fare in the years to come. I will continue to explore that quest in my writings.

A famous comedian now passed on was famous for his routine that “I Don’t get no respect”. Not getting respect means receiving disrespect. Respect is an important word, and a word with many meanings. Here is something to start on from the dictionary which I think would be useful to consider in beginning our brief discussion.

There are different conceptions of outreach, and we may not agree with another view. I am giving one perspective here, and contrasting with what I don’t feel is effective outreach.

Then there are the things everyone would accept are possessions. With these, we decorate our bodies, house them, and move them around. These include our clothes, jewelry, and type of living facility like house or apartment, furniture, vehicles, etc.

Sometimes two creepers may intertwine in such a way to also help each other grow individually upward, moving off the ground and on to a mighty oak tree where they go higher than they ever could alone and touch the stars, and beyond to Goloka.

On any path there will always be ups and downs, and we have to remain steady in difficulties, reverses and success—any of which could deviate us.

We don’t want to preach “at” people, without taking the time to really know them. One emphasis doesn’t fit everyone, though both perspectives are important. What about you? What do you materially love or hate? That will tell you much about your conditioned identity, and how much progress you have, or haven't made.

Stressing the “YES” aspect of Krishna consciousness was part of Prabhupada’s formula for success. He was following the recommendations of Rupa Gosvami when he first tried to awaken peoples’ attraction to Krishna through kirtana, prasadam, and talks about Krishna, and then introducing the “prohibitions” and other principles.

Although I hope never to see up close his tornadoes which destroy our so-called security, their power also inspires me. We are so tiny amidst even a spark of his splendor. When will I stop trying to compete with him?

The world we live in speaks to us loudly, boldly, in no uncertain terms, according to our interest or necessity. What we want from life we notice and pursue. Other things we rarely notice due to lack of awareness.

The feeling of renewal, birth, regeneration and giving to the rich tapestry of life that which they are endowed to be by their physical form. Krishna is the master composer for the unfolding of His majestic symphony of life.

An important truth I have learned: when we remain on the fence regarding a certain decision then nothing happens. We have to make a determination, and then go forward in faith, knowing that even what appears to be a wrong decision can be a steppingstone to our correct course. Mistakes are called experience!

We should think deeply about how giving is really the basis of life and will determine our future in this life and the next. Giving includes withholding where we should have given (we are then giving to our illusion, or selfishness, or negative judgment etc.)

The story of Lord Brahma going to visit Krishna at Dvarka is one of my favorite stories for reminding me of my insignificance. I think of this story when I am confused with other Karnamritas. I get email for Karnamrita dasi the singer, and I get asked if I wrote the biography of Gaura-kishora das Babhaji, or other books.

There are different opinions regarding social issues or philosophy among devotees. Any perspective, side of an issue, or point of the Krishna conscious philosophy can be carried to an extreme in relation to others.

The word enthusiasm has its origins in Greek (en-theos, or having a god within) where it indicated someone overcome with the spirit of some god. It wasn't used then very positively. That definition is still given for the word, but in the last possible use.

Nowadays devotees are often involved in some type of inter religious dialog where we try to connect with different groups to promote more religious understanding and acceptance.

Another year, and what have I given back to Prabhupada and all the devotees? It is late in my life, but not too late, to become the devotee Prabhupada, our Guru Parampara, and our dear Lord envisioned for me.

Death, and dying are events I do think about a lot more now that I am nearing 60. That is not morbid, but actually recommended, so we don't waste our life in activities that don't help us enter more deeply into our Krishna consciousness.