The book, Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place by Terry Tempest Williams is like a journal in that it shares a story and ads personal insight. It can be considered a story about her mother and her battle with cancer. In the book, her mother writes a heartfelt letter, sending sympathy and empathy to a friend that had just had a brain tumor operation. Terry then writes about the power of letters:

“The physical contact of pen to paper, the time set aside to focus thoughts, the folding of the paper into the envelope, licking it closed, addressing it, a chosen stamp, and then the release of the letter to the mailbox–are all acts of tenderness.

And it doesn’t stop there. Our correspondences have wings–paper birds that fly from my house to yours–flocks of ideas crisscrossing the country. Once opened, a connection is made. We are not alone in the world.”

Our challenge to you today is to take time this week to write a letter to a friend. You never know who needs the message that they are not alone.

Thanks for reading. Have a phenomenal one today

Brady Bradley

Life’s Golden Rule

It has been super long since I have posted. I recently wrote a paper for my anthropology of Mormons class that I thought was interesting. It will at least show you what I’ve been up to. It is in no way Mormon doctrine, just some ideas and comparisons that I found to be interesting. Enjoy reading!

In class we have discussed and read about Magic, Religion, and Shamanism. As I respond to the differences between the three I also show how they relate to Mormonism. My purpose is to show that Mormons participate in all three behaviors. I will do this by discussing the characteristics and differences of the three, and then sharing my ideas as to how they are implemented in the practices of Mormons. Let us begin with magic.

Magic
Class defined magic as the manipulating of a supernatural force. The idea is an amoral one, meaning that the manipulation can be used either for good or for bad. We were given many examples of magic in class and discussed the four types of magic: pure, contagious, imitative, and witchcraft. It is not my purpose to discuss these types of magic in this response.
Some examples of magic as discussed in class would be “the force” as understood in Star Wars. Jedi knights have the ability to control and manipulate the force with their minds. And with it they do supernatural things. They use the force to control others’ thoughts, to sense danger, and even to move heavy objects with only the use of their minds.
Our class presentations focused heavily of magic used in the New England territory during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Being part of that culture, the Joseph Smith family members were practitioners of magic. They used magic to search for gold and to tell fortunes. They used it to influence their luck and fortune, to conjure up good spirits, and to expel bad ones. They even used it to change their proneness to depression. All of these methods involved objects such as seer stones, divining rods, parchments, and incantations that were aids in the manipulation of the supernatural force. It was mentioned that the practice of magic is amoral. It might be well to note that the Smith family manipulated the supernatural force for good. It was always for the betterment of themselves and others, never for the harm of another.
Magic today is harder to spot. But it is present, especially in the Mormon beliefs. If you were to ask any Mormon who understands basic doctrines and principles if they believed in the power to manipulate a supernatural force, they would tell you yes. And then they would probably tell you about their belief in the Priesthood.
The Priesthood is magic. It is a way to heal where natural things would not. It is a way to give direction and instruction where natural things would not. The priesthood can move mountains and other large objects that could not be moved naturally. It can bless others in a way that could not be done without the Priesthood.
Other forms of magic could be seen through other Mormon practices and traditions. The garment that they wear is seen as a protection from evil sources both natural and supernatural. This relates to magic that we discussed in class presentations. Magical parchments were used and worn at times to protect form evil. The signs on the parchments symbolized certain things just as the garment does for Mormons today.

Shamanism
Shamanism is different than magic. According to class discussion, shamanism is the manipulating of a supernatural spirit, unlike magic, which is the manipulating of a supernatural force. The article that we read in class by Jack M. Potter is one of significance in its relation to our understanding of shamanism. I find the old ladies that talk to spirits extremely interesting. The travel to the Heavenly Flower Gardens is a trip worth remembering for the people of the Cantonese village of Ping Shan. The voyage itself is a time when the villagers can commune with their deceased relatives that take possession one of the spirit medium old ladies. The communication will usually involve an unresolved issue, a quarrel, or advice. Some will bring peace to the villagers, while some will bring anxiety and distress.
Reading the responses of the villagers to the requests of their deceased relatives shows that they truly believe in the supposed contact. The society functions and changes according to this practice of shamanism. Villagers will plead for forgiveness. They will try to negotiate for a change in their “luck”. They will offer sacrifices to appease the deceased. The communication and belief practically determine the villagers’ behaviors.

Eventually the old lady spirit mediums make it to their destination: the Heavenly Flower Gardens. There they are to inspect the flowers that represent the people of the village. One flower equals one person. Their inspection of the individual flower is an individual fortune telling. The condition of the flower tells the villagers specific things. They can tell the village women who will be barren and who will not. Spirits also are present in the Heavenly Gardens. The deceased can represent omens, good or bad, depending on what they are doing there.
This works for villagers because it is a way to have the answers. If a mother loses her child, she has an answer as to why. One of the female deities that watch over the young flowers has simply decided that the child was meant to die. Another social function that this séance fills is it is a way to preserve their religion and their beliefs. Deceased relatives will counsel the younger generation. Some will be scolded for not having proper images of guardian deities that allow the spirits peace and a permanent place of rest. In the light of preserving religion and belief, it is a way of connecting the families. An experience such as the Heavenly Gardens Voyage will draw the hearts of children to their fathers. They will grow a respect and understanding and especially a closeness because of the communication.
For me, stories like this originally seem fantastic and not true. But through reading, I find myself believing the story. One convincing evidence for me is that the spirit communications are so specific and individual that an old lady couldn’t just make it up as she goes. It would seem that a person in a different world really does possess the ladies. And why not? Mormons believe in an after life, as well as a pre-mortal life. And we whole-heartedly believe in visions and in the possibility of contacting these different worlds. It is easy to think that this type of communication can only happen to those worthy of it. But who am I to decide who gets to be “close to the thinning veil”? Reason states that there must be a natural process to which a person in this world can contact a person in another world. And further reason states that the privilege to do so must be available to anyone, regardless of race, culture, or gender, for God is not a respecter of persons.
Mormonism, in a way, has some similarities to Shamanism, or the manipulating of a supernatural spirit. Mormons believe in an afterlife as well as a pre-mortal life. They also believe in communication between the different worlds. I have heard many stories, especially by early Church leaders, that deal with the communication of the deceased. Those communications form similar social behaviors among the participants. A former leader might counsel the seer, or they might be comforted, or they might be taught about doctrines. It is a way of connecting the past with the present and a way of preserving the religion and the beliefs. Mormons also believe in being close with their ancestors. It is a major part of the Mormon religion to know their geneology, just like it is with the Cantonese Villagers that practice Shamanism.

Religion
Unlike magic and shamanism, which both are forms of manipulation, religion is a form of worship. It is the worship of a supernatural spirit or being. An example of religion is prayer. Prayer is a way to worship the supernatural. In a way, it is similar to magic because by petitioning a supernatural spirit or being to help you or give you protection or guidance you are asking for something supernatural to be done for you. A worship of a God is a way to allow the God to benefit you. I would say that religion is closely related to both magic and shamanism in that sense. Mormons, for example, worship God for a supposedly good standing. With a good standing they are able to access the Priesthood blessings (magic), and they are worthy to receive guidance from the Spirit and other visions, communications, etc. (shamanism). It is through their worship that they are able to access the supernatural.
When we talked about religion in class we discussed three different categories: individualistic, communal, and ecclesiastical. The individualistic form of religion is like the vision quest that we have discussed. It is the personal quest to find deity. Mormons would call this personal testimony or a personal relationship with God. The communal form includes rites of passage and rites of solidarity. That was likened to sacrament meeting for Mormons. And the ecclesiastical form was compared to the Mormon’s general conference where three things happen: 1) The social order is made clear 2) relationships are defined and 3) knowledge is revealed. All three of these forms of religious worship draw people closer to deity. They remind them of their blessings and their life purposes.
One way that I like to look at it is comparing religion to a classroom. It is in the religion classroom that one is able to learn about the supernatural. People can worship deity and learn of deity so that they can become associates with deity and thereby have access to the supernatural. It is in the classroom setting that one is able to learn of magic and shamanism (or priesthood and spiritual communication) and then go and practice it more fully. The relationship with deity enhances the abilities to practice and understand the supernatural.
Worship for Mormons is a major part of their belief. They are taught to petition constantly to God for help and guidance. They sing praises to God and to Christ. They are to be thankful to both in all that they do. In this practice their purpose is to gain good standing and be blessed with supernatural. Mormons would say, “We go to church and learn of God so that we may become like Him and live as He would live.”

Conclusion
All three practices of religion, magic, and shamanism are used to connect the natural with the supernatural. It has been enlightening to me to realize that that is the whole purpose of the Mormon religion. Mormons talk of their journey back to Heavenly Father. They talk of growing close to Him and to His Son. They talk of becoming like them by somehow connecting the gap between the natural and the supernatural, or between the mortal and immortal, ungodly and godly. And they do it in many different ways, some in the manipulation of supernatural forces, some in the manipulation of spirits, and some in the worship of the Beings.

But seriously. I love Subway. It is one of those places that I could eat on a daily basis. I always walk away from eating a sub sandwich feeling satisfied. Compared to Burger King or McDonalds or Wendys (which I love as well, but not on an everyday basis) I always feel like it was a healthy choice to eat at Subway.

One of the greatest things to come from Subway (since Jerry) was the $5 footlong. The idea of choosing a sandwich on honey oat bread and toasting it with american cheese, and putting on lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, a good amount of black olives, sometimes a few banana peppers, then ranch and sweet onion sauce, finished off with a sprinkle of salt and pepper… for just five dollars! Astounding!

It’s fun to think about what you’d spend for just five dollars. Where could you find the most value for that amount? Subway usually comes to my mind. I sometimes gauge my money in Subway currency. I get thirty dollars and I translate it by saying something like, “this is 6 Subways”.

Are there any other places that you could find a lot of value for just $5? I know of one. Life’s Golden Rule. I mention that because it is my company first of all and also because it was food that lead me to the idea of Life’s Golden Rule.

The idea was that so many people will spend so much money to feed their bellys (as well they should), but what will they spend to feed their minds? And will it be healthy things going in there?

Life’s Golden Rule is the best place to feed your mind with uplifting thoughts and pure truth. Right now we aren’t even charging to sign up for our Daily Lessons. If you’re reading this, go sign up now for free. It’s a good thing, believe me.

Thanks for reading. Go get a Sub

Brady Bradley
Life’s Golden Rule

Despite how hard it was to leave friends and a wonderful neighborhood, we still found that we were happy and that doors opened up for us that were wonderful blessings from our loving Heavenly Father.

My Beautiful Family

I haven’t been writing as faithfully as I should and as I now will. We’re going to have a lot of fun, so stick around for the ride.

There will also be much coming from Life’s Golden Rule!

There will be much to come about Cash in a Flash with Robert Allen and Mark Victor Hansen.

Thanks for reading as always…

~Brady Bradley

The other day I went to the Broadway musical Wicked. The other side of the story about the Wicked Witch of the West is heart-warming and inspiring. Elphaba (the “wicked” witch) and Glinda (the good witch) had become friends at school and had largely influenced each other throughout their lives since. Pay attention to the words they sing to each other as they prepare to part ways:

Glinda:
I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you…

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

Elphaba:
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You’ll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend…

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

Life must be lived in a way that we change people’s lives for the good. Every person that we come in contact with must be moved and changed by our kindness and influence. Wicked taught me that friendship is powerful and should not be underestimated.

Make new friendships today, and strengthen the old ones. Change for good, and let yourselves be changed for good.

Thank you for reading! I love writing

Brady Bradley

Life’s Golden Rule

It was such a beautiful vacation. I found a passion for things that I didn’t even know I had a passion for. I love surfing. I love snorkeling. I love beach sand stuck in my hair. I love tan skin. I love the Polenisian culture. I love Hawaii.

A part of me thought that Hawaii was a bit over-rated. That was until my trip.

Isn’t it funny that we have a view about some things in our life that we know so little about. And then how our view can either change or be reinforced by experience.

I think it is important to make this life a life full of experience. Experience is knowledge and knowlege is power because it means you know the truth!

Thanks for reading… definitely more to come

Brady Bradley

Life’s Golden Rule

I would encourage everyone to visit these two sites and help move these forward so that the world will be a better place. I know that it will.

Brady Bradley

Living the Golden Rule brings you success in everything you do in life. Think about it. Success in the family comes from how you treat your spouse, siblings, children. Success in business comes in how you treat your clients, bosses, co-workers, etc.

I spent part of the week in Irvine, Orange County, California talking with some friends about internet marketing and marketing in general. The thought came to me countless times that good marketing is living the Golden Rule. One of the most successful men I know is Mark Victor Hansen, the co-author to the Chicken Soup books. As I spent time with him this week it became apparent why he is so successful. He is friendly, positive, encouraging, uplifting, generous, and so full of life. That was while he was presenting. But I also managed to catch him behind the scenes.

I was talking on the phone outside the hotel when I saw Mark Hansen walk out of the hotel to get in his car that just drove up. The car drove maybe ten feet and then stopped. Mark Hansen got out of the car and walked over to a little girl. I hadn’t noticed her standing by the parked cars looking scared. He bent down to talk to her at eye level, grabbed her tiny, trembling hand and began to walk with her back towards the hotel, Mark looking all around as if trying to find her parents. He began asking people if someone had come by looking for a little girl. Shortly after, an anxious father ran towards his found baby girl and took her in his arms, thanking Mark for his help.

I was touched by Mark Victor Hansen’s kindness, and as he drove away I knew why this man was so successful. He was rich beyond rich, but money was not his purpose or drive. It was helping people. He really cared about that little girl. And he did it even though he thought no one was watching.

Remember the Golden Rule today in everything that you do.

Brady Bradley

The overall feel of the entire National little league organization was that the Giants need to be beat! Even as an 11 year old I was able to feel the competition between Giants’ parents and other team’s parents.

One of the main reasons that the Giants were so good this particular year was a 12 year old boy on our team named Shawn Thomas. The star hitter averaged one homerun a game. He intimidated every pitcher in the league with his big bat.

The final game of the season was the Giants vs. the Braves. The build up to this game was intense. Every coach and their teams were there to support the Braves, because everyone wanted to see the Giants go down. Over an entire season of winning so well we had gained very faithful enemies. The contempt for our team was real and we could feel it.

We started the game true to our reputation. By the end of the second inning we were up 6 to 1. We were confident to win and our opposition was increasing in their attempt to thwart us of victory.

Shawn Thomas, who had already hit a homerun for the game, stood up to bat. The feeling in the crowd was becoming hostile because their hopes of beating the Giants were being crushed. Parents were encouraging the pitcher to do mean things to Shawn, “Bean him!” “Break his arm!” Just as Shawn was stepping into the batters box, the head coach of the Braves stood up to give instructions to his outfielders.

He used his loudest yelling voice to be heard above the screaming parents as he yelled, “SHAWN DEFENSE!” Obedient to their coaches command, the three outfielders ran to the gate in the middle of center field to go take their positions on the other side of the fence.

The reaction throughout the park was something I’ll always remember. Parents who were over the top angry began to laugh. The hostile feeling in the crowd relaxed and a feeling of good sportsmanship overcame everyone.

That simple act from the coach of the Braves taught everyone there that day a lesson. It taught the boys and their parents that it was not acceptable to treat anyone the way they were treating Shawn and the Giants. He didn’t shrug it off like it didn’t matter. He didn’t demand a microphone to lecture the fans. He simply stood to show others how to live the Golden Rule.

The thing that I enjoy most about Wales is that I don’t ever feel guilty sitting down and doing nothing. Time disappears here–there’s morning afternoon and night. Light and dark. No checking the clock, no deadlines to meet. There is no rush to get anything done. The odd thing is that it is at Wales that I get the most done.

There’s something about the atmosphere that makes you want to be productive without any of the pressure to be productive. It’s almost magical.

We all should have a place like Wales in our life that we return to often. A place to reflect. A place to do what we’ve wanted to, but haven’t found or made time for. Read a good book. Write a much needed letter to a friend. I hope that we can all make time in life for the things that are most important.

Brady Bradley

Life’s Golden Rule