Lovely reminder to focus only on what makes life more enjoyable for YOU, and surrender the rest.

Have a great day Derek!

P.S.: Can't wait for your book on How To Live. A little piece in there about "How to be free" would be awesome.

The only reason to go through a door is if there's something on the other side you want.

I thought it was thought provoking

I thought it was thought provoking
You are really a brilliant person and I want to meet you one day

That last door - ii believe it serves a purpose. Although, I’m not wise enough to know when to answer it or ignore it.

I feel the same way about business networking 😅

Derek, you have touched on so many truths. There is so much beauty to be experienced and I believe it can even be found in the business world but you have to be very selective about your business partners and you have to be willing to deal with many failures ( read "teaching moments).

I like this Derek. The last door is social media IMO, I have gone off all SM except to check in with FB every once in a while. Social media created so many splinter groups who want so deperately to control our thoughts and actions. what seems to have started with innocence has been commandeered by anger.

Nice one regarding "Inner Clock" on how to and when to slow it down..

The last one sounds like the Internet.

Wow. As an INTJ I completely relate. I am doing my best to avoid those icky situations but unfortunately in the business world I am often thrown into (and subjected to) the maelstrom. Since money is involved (needed) a radical and immediate lifestyle change is difficult to make.
Thank you for sharing. It made me think.

Derek your a wonderful guy keep your dreams alive!

I quote myself from my song "DREAMER"

I’ve got a story to tell, about my life and a wishing well,
I’ve thrown so many nickels in,
It surprises me that I wish at all,

‘Cause when they fall in, they seem to disappear
But some day soon the well will fill,
To the top with all my dreams,
Then I’ll be able to crawl on top and pick one out
And make my choice, I’ve got a story to tell.

I’ve got a story to tell, of life and all the love I have
To fill my cup is really no big deal,
As long as chains stay off my daily meal.

I will climb any mountain on my hands and knees,
I will sit on the beach and count the grains of sand,
I hope that all people across this great land
Will open up there hearts to dream a dream
And let it live, with in there soul, I’ve got a story to tell.

I’m a dreamer, just a dreamer,
I’ll be dreamin’ till it comes true,
I’m a dreamer, Dreamer from the heart,
I’m a dreamer, just a dreamer,
I’ll be dreamin’ till it comes true,
I’m a dreamer, I have my moments,
I’m a dreamer just a dreamer from the heart

www.drakemusic.com

Pretty much why I changed careers to become a therapist. I left the torture of Corporate America and now help guide other people toward healthier doors and windows.

Love it! I totally agree my friend. Early last year we had a cat stay in our house for 9 weeks. I was very surprised by the way being with the cat changed my inner clock. As a wise friend said once, "I'm not sure where everyone is rushing off to. There's really nowhere to go."

Beautiful!

About accurate view of life:) Thank you for sharing xo

Mmmm. I needed this today. That was refreshing Derek!

Hey Derek,
This has great potential, heading into the land of super relevant contemporary poetry...provocative and immediate is a great combo. It's a deep perspective on modern life.

I have a couple of comments.

For me, you have two stories going...doors/windows...and inner clock.

Inner clock drops out after the first few lines, although you mention daydreaming, which is kind of 'clock-independent.' I really wanted to see how you were going to apply the clock/time reference to the 'no-fun' door. How much time must we spend there? Can we abandon it? Does it induce fear of death/non-accomplishment (That's my bugaboo).

I'm not sure if this is relevant for you, but you opened your very personal door and window to outside commentary...and as an everyday writer/composer with an open door and window as wide as possible, I had an immediate reaction.

Oh...and a Typo: The elderly 'neighhors' is misspelled in the third line of second paragraph.

Best always...keep up your amazing work....may we meet again,

Gary

Love it. Great stuff.

Why do we prefer to hear bad news over good (except when it applies to us)? Would your story resonate without the bad news door? It seems to me that conflict is the thing right now (but perhaps it always has been).

Thanks for your words Derek, sounds like me but that last door I very rarely open and if I do only because one of those poor souls is a friend or a loved one looking for sanctuary.
Best Wishes, Reg

It's awesome how willling you are to follow your son out his door. You won't regret it. I'm sure you already know that. The day comes when he is less interested in playing with you.
Sure, the child needs to assert some independence !
You know it in your head. But your heart isn't quite ready for it !

I always love your perspective on things Derek. So much of what people do is what society has made us feel we NEED to do.

It's not that way at all. We actually can choose the doors we open!

Thank you for your thoughts.

Love this one.So true!

Aaaaahhhhhhh - love this - great post - good words - good subtle calls to action (that of slowing down...listening...being peace-filled). Reminds me of a little book called The Way of the Heart by Henri Nouwen. God bless you today! Always enjoy your thoughts...enJOY your day, Derek!

Hi Derek - I viewed the world that way for most of my life. Likes and dislikes . Preference. And it seemed to lead nowhere for me. So I began to thin out all my opinions, likes and dislikes and preferences. One by one. And the energy that began to rise up inside me was incredible. Joy, love , bliss and happiness for no reason in particular.. All the doors , windows and everything just came tumbling down. Xx

Waste your time wisely. Stop counting days - start making days count. I have a song of that title - won't bore you with it...;o)

In reality, there are no doors or time or space. But while we believe there are, all doors lead only to our true self-- if we see them truly.

The most important door to every person is the door to your heart. Only you can open it, there is no handle on the outside, only on the inside.Jesus stands at your door waiting and knocking for you to let him in so He can love you and save you. Open this door today.

Hi Derek,

I love the imagery and creative spin to your piece! I just wanted to also to add the doors that lead to our inner ca-ca.

Without conscious suffering (accepting, dealing with and moving through any loss and hurts we have experienced so that we can find the meaning and purpose to them), we are not whole, substantive and the most alive.

As long as we deny entry to those doors that lead us to dark places (especially if we're afraid to open them), we are never truly free.

There is a great difference between not opening a door to avoid unpleasantness (and thereby allowing our resistance to dictate our actions) and exercising the freedom of choice to open or not open a door because you can.

Thank you for sharing 'you' with 'us.'

Sending blessings, Love 'n' Gratitude!

Try limiting it to doors. Turn the skylight and windows into doors. Not accurate, but easier to follow as the doors are figurative anyway.

"elderly neighhors" is presumably a typo. I read it as "elderly nay whores" ha ha
Perhaps you are using the "Van Halen" test that I describe here
https://www.peterwhelan.com/what-to-know-about-job-openings/

Thought provoking, ring of truth. "They say I’m supposed to...", is the rub. Free will is our birthright, our choices, the rudder. We drive our own "ship" and "There are no accidents, just happy mistakes" - B Ross. Opening ALL doors and windows will offer the fullest life. as long as we keep sailing onward.

Great analogy, Derek. Love it how it reminds us that we have the power to choose which door to open :)

Could it be better? Don’t care. All I care about is your honest, meditated, thoughts and reflections. Keep being you. Your fans yearn for more if they’re anything like me.

This is a lovely piece of writing, a door opened to meaning and daydreams. Thanks for opening it for us.

Amen!

I mostly feel like crying. So, I would very much like to follow your son through his door.

Nice analogy. My husband and I picked the “kids” door many years ago and today we’ve got 33 kids in Mr Science rocket camp. During breaks, I sing with them teach them music. Kids keep you in the now. I love it 💕

I LOVE your words... I love you, though I have never met you, and I copy Laurel - I, too, want to meet you oneway...

Thank you! I love this.

Yes, we can choose not to open that dark door. For me that is TWITTER. Thanks for the reminder. How does it help to listen and watch all that negativity?

Julie

Beautiful

Oh gosh...this is such a lovely article! And such honest thoughts. Thank you...

Looks like the social networks door. Were everyone hides under fake names and shows no remorse like if was not real what they just did....

To be real.
I read this a few times with much thought.
I love to read your writings. They always seem to come at the perfect time and for this I thank you.

Ever changing, evolving, creating.
Wishing you continued inspiration,
Denise

Sounds like a metaphor for social media!

Having said that, fear is where the growth is

England seems to inspire to poet within you :)

Hi Derek First email I have read this morning. How refreshing clear and simple. We can and do shape our own reality which allows us to share with ourselves and others as you do.

If you have the luxury to avoid opening that last door, you're blessed. Living surrounded by the maelstrom isn't elegant to say the least.

As always, thought provoking. Thank you.

Derek,
What an interesting and creative way of saying this! I always get so pumped when we get an email from you. Keep up the great job.

I hope the UK is going ‘alright’ for you. I can’t imagine moving from NZ to there it was hard when I moved from Pennsylvania to there.

I appreciate you continuing to put forth the emotional labor and teaching and challenging so many.
Clay Steadman

I'm not a "genius", but I begin to glimpse their madness as I tire of the "real world" that people always want to drag me into.

What's wrong with quiet? Why is it so hard to find calm? Isn't there a season for stillness if there is a season for the chaos?

No, I'm not asking anyone to give me answers. Just give me silence and I'm sure I can find the answers inside.

O M G !

Brilliant.

I love you.

You were right on with this ... that one evil door that swings open during a storm always gets the same response from me ... "leave me alone ... I just want to play my guitar!"

Thanks Derek. Lovely post. I, too am actively closing doors to enjoy those windows which truly matter. You're right. Better to live with "real" doors/windows than be distracted by virtual ones. Wishing you continued peace and abundance. Your friend on Cape Cod.

Lovely!

Beautifully said. Thank you.

I enjoyed reading this. And it does seem to have reached my inbox at the right time, perhaps right when I needed it. The universe has a funny way of carefully planning coincidences.

What a beautiful piece, Derek.

I wonder if it's your *version* of the last door that isn't real. Maybe your version is a manifestation of fear, which are real only to you. Perhaps the last door is the most real of all, and not as bad as you think. Perhaps the real challenge is to view the last door not as a set of actions, but a change in your perception, even if no actions are taken.

I love the door metaphor that you've written about. When we open doors, it leads to paths known and unknown, and adventures abound, but the last door to the real world is a nightmarish dream compared to the others.

Thought provoking! Loved the metaphor of the doors and windows :)

I thought the last door was going to be a tv!

Nice :) ... Thanks Derek!

This was the most beautiful blog article I've ever read.

I think it's important to listen to that last door. People there just want to be heard.

That's a lovely use of the house although a bit worried about the door of businesses. Could you end it with a link to all the positive things you do or want to change? Vinnychoff

Great perspective.

I do believe there is value in opening all these doors, because if we can’t enter into, accept and learn from the parts of humanity we deem as ugly or negative then how can we grow from it? Like you say a lot less real, but that probably means there’s are layers and layers that need attention to get to the core of what is. Should we ignore that?

But at the same time, I think we have options in which doors we open more often and to reflect for what purpose. I like the idea that doors are gateways to new ways of seeing and being, give us a reminder we can be more conscious and present with what is.

Thanks for the thoughts!
MC 😁

Hi Derek- interesting view on how all our minds work. And we can choose to open the window or not. If we are busy and happy with the other windows - probably we don’t need to open the last door.

I enjoyed this! If I were to suggest any changes, it would be to expand / deepen your comments about the skylight and the future you see, and the locket and what the views of the past bring to you. I spend a lot of my time daydreaming too just now, it seems to be helping me process the life changes this sad year has brought me. I am wary of giving "too much" power to the past, but I cannot evict it and its lessons, its memories entirely.

I guess we all have OUR preferred doors. Doors that grow us, doors we are happy to open, doors that make our lives enjoyable and doors that are reality socially- constructed to us. heres the best part, we get to choose which ones we would like to open. there is always a choice, easy or hard, there is always one.

Hello Derek,

Each door is a thought. Each door is a new perspective. Each door is an emotion. Each door is an insight..........
By the way, the row of houses looks very Indian.

Your writing and other products go into that door. Is it a one-way door which keeps the pests out?
I think my writing goes out the chimney. ☺ — Derek

Derik,
Very nice, I wanted thank you for sharing your thoughts with the world. I have enjoyed several things you have put out and especially your interviews with Tim Ferriss. Just wanted to say hi

LB

Profound. Inspiring. Thank you.

Beautiful!

...And you haven't even touched on what we’re apt to find on each floor of a home or the stories in your building! Lately I find myself metaphorically locked in the comfort of a rancher and missing the days when I could easily run up and down between floors to get what I needed.

Derek, I love that your life is always open for reflection and examination, which, in turn, is the catalyst for us to do the same.
Xoxo

Nice post, distinguishing distorted windows to the world from doors to reality. I agree that social and mainstream media is rewarded for making people angry. I live in Hong Kong and I hear more about the protests from people around the world than I see with my own eyes. Staying away from noise on Twitter and the front page of most newspapers is a good strategy. Unfortunately the repetition nature of these media focus on the people that irritate people the most, and this is one of the ways people get elected — the attention on more credible leaders is diluted and fragmented because they are unlikely to attract an angry or engaged audience.

Really provocative, and beautifully imaged... the only way you can perceive the future and be open to the magical is in that safe space where the dark door is kept at bay, kept closed.

This is great.

I feel like the dark door also has an amazing marketing agency running 24/7 doing everything it can to make you come and spend time inside. It takes a lot to really avoid that dark door.

Great story and very usefull. Thanks Derek

I agree and would simply add:
Just because there is a door does not mean I should open it.

Thankful,
Tim DeTellis

Beautiful and blessed.

thanks derek,
and yes, abosolutely. same experiences.
i also have this big door, rather a gate,
where i can step back, get out, and watch all these manyfold entanglements all over,
be it social, political, cultural, historical, emotional, scientific, spiritual, sports, wars,
dogmatic religious structures, you name it.
and there is one more tiny little door, which leads towards the other world,
not so easy to pass through, but
where i can observe from the other side.

enjoy your doors

friedrich

Good stuff........right priorities

Jeff

"...I slow down my inner clock."

i find this to be a hugely important practice. it takes many repetitions and loots of patience. we must be intentional about this.

Beautiful. Makes me think of the book ”All my friend’s are superheroes” by Andrew Kaufman and Dorothy Parker’s poem ”Interior” in the difference in spaces and points of view.
The only cure against the real world is a bath or a nap.

Derek,

Great perspective - so true about the “one” door!

I really enjoyed this one, Derek. Thanks!

I always love to read your work. Because I agree with you, I am going to stop keeping up with news.

This reminds me of my experience with integrating meditation practice into everyday life.

After meditation, I have meaningful and intimate experiences. But certain realities of modern day living conspire to remove me from that state (the tube, stressful situations at work etc.).

I can’t close the door, but, with my practice, I’m learning to respond better to the door.

But this ideal house externalizes; so is likely the tool of choice for those aiming to perpetuate privilege. Such cannot last. The other side of the door of exclusion is Inclusion. How it will open may be mysterious and unpredictable, but if a door CAN not remain closed indeterminately (i.e., if the perpetuation of certain key privileges is not durable) then I suppose it WILL not remain closed forever! And those who ignore this door may do so unwisely.

Love MOST of the sentiments. But not all businesses are built on torment and anger. Many are set up just to alleviate those conditions. And those little businesses feed my kids, put a roof over my head, make my wife happy, and make a future for me far more free of torment and anger.

Well said

"I slow down my inner clock to listen"

Love those words

Fucking brilliant. Relatable, real, visceral. I can feel, smell this picture you’ve created. Stay away from that door, dude!

This is a beautiful piece, thank you, Derek. It is inspiring how you seem to so effectively prioritise feeling good. It’s the most important thing as the starting point of everything. Reading this made my already hugely satisfying day even better.

I was just thinking on my commute about my choice to avoid watching / listening / reading the news. Not so much thinking as reflecting on why that is my choice and whether it's a good one. I get the impression that other people find it perhaps lazy or selfish? I can't quite put my finger on the sentiment but whatever feeling that one has toward someone who is ill-informed. But I'm a very action oriented person and I don't see the point in spending time learning about who tweeted what at whom and everyone is mad at this person or company today and YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT FAMOUS PERSON X USES INSTEAD OF SHAMPOO! And then should I make a post about it on Facebook? Instagram? What filter should I use?

Maybe I am ill informed but I don't see the point of being informed if it doesn't lead to anything productive. I'll keep focusing on helping others and hopefully I can do something that makes a difference every day.

So long story short, thank you for your post it feels very timely for me, it is so nice to feel like someone else has struggled with the same feelings. Hope all is well with you and thank you for sharing.

Beautiful. That sounds like my house☺

Thought provoking. You slowed down my clock as well.

Sometimes it’s good to “do nothing”.

Thanks for sharing!

Keep it up!

I liked it and it shows how life should be and we should be happy to open our doors to others. But the door to “ social media” while it can be inviting and sometimes can provide a useful service can also lead to a dark place full of hate & fear.

Just wanted to say I thought that this was lovely :)

Well written and impactful

I hope to write as well as you some day

Thank you, Derek

This reminds me of a TV documentary about a cruise ship arriving on a small empoverished island.

The travellers disembarked the enormous ship to visit the island. The poverty and desperate nature of the situation was obvious to the TV viewer. The cruise passengers observed from the windows of the tour bus as it travelled around a part of the country, no doubt counting their blessings.

After the tour, the passengers reboarded the ship to a reception of hot towels and cool drinks, ready to continue the luxury cruise experience.

I think the doors are the same.

The bad doors are to be observed passively. Negative, rude, mean spirited, selfishness from person and business alike can be observed as a cruise passenger - observe from the window of a bus but don't get out and engage, less the misery rubs off on you. Observe what's through the door and be thankful that your life isn't contained to what lies beyond.

The good doors are like the cruise ship, behind which lie friends, happy and calming experiences and the joys of life. Be thankful that unlike some poor unfortunate souls you have more good doors than bad to go through.

If one can concentrate on maximising contact with the good doors and simply observing without engaging with what lies beyond the bad doors life would be a lot better.

I like it. I wonder if there is another door through the last door that could open light into the darkness without it coming from your house.

At live performances I talk about how messed up so many things are in our present world and say, "And we ask ourselves, what can one person do that is meaningful and effective?" I suggest that the power of visualization and prayer is unlimited, that it has always worked for me. There's a window we can look through and see exactly the kind of world that would be supportive of all life, a world where we are united in the intent to not only survive our past errant directions, but thrive on the results of having a common vision. When enough people use that window with all their passion, desire and emotion, we will turn the page in the evolution of humanity. Me, as one person, created this (of course I had help): https://youtu.be/amqNzoIPvwk

Same boat here. Kind of scary too when some of my friends come into my house and open the “not fun” door without asking.

From a writing perspective, I appreciated the skylight and locket variation on doors and windows (though semantically a locket is not a door or window). I think the door/window pattern could be disrupted even sooner (instead of 3 doors in a row). For instance, the “door to connections” could be a portal, wire, sound wave, or a screen (yikes).

I would change the last sentence to “what’s through the other doors and windows in my life.”

The right perspective on life, beautifully written. I get it and live by it. But sometimes I get distracted and lose it for a while. Until I get a reminder. Thank you for the reminder Derek!

Hi Derek. Thanks for posting this! I totally agree. Since I read Ryan Holiday's book on how the media can be manipulated, I have totally cut down on social media.
Life is better when I'm reading, writing, composing and creating.

Thanks so much for the heads up on this Derek. Metaphorically hugely poignant in our digital age. We definitely win when we succeed in not opening 'that' door. I don't envy those who suffer the critique and jealousy that comes with fame and success. I guess the key is remembering that picking a door is a choice. We can all choose the other doors any time we like and we can actually decide which door is the real world, regardless of what we're told. I may be in the matrix in my head, but I've tricked myself into not believing which door we're told to pass through.

Just keep nipping out the other doors while no one's looking I reckon...

Thank you for posting!. Nice picture of rural spain. My grandmother use to sit on a chair outside her house in a similar way, just watching life.

Thanks for sharing. Echos my recent sentiments too. Especially on how many businesses start from a needy, attention seeking, money grabbing place. Wish more people started businesses for the sake of enjoyment, connection, fun, and positive impact in their community.

Peace. --Eric

Great perspective as always. I can so relate to your article Doors and windows and what's real. I always love to hear from you! wishing you peace, Mark

The real world perspective always got me. It seems to me that they were saying the “fall in line”’world is what they were talking about or the complacency world or the world that tells you to have tunnel vision until most of your life is done and you are just plain old tired from all of the quiet suffering of the you beneath the you dying to get out - that is the world they call “real.”

What is real is to be sustainable and take responsibility for your actions. At least that is as far as I have gotten today.

I’ll be sure to look out my window and to go out the one that leads me to the bike ride with my boys.

Truly enjoyed this piece! I like the use of inner clock.

You got it, Derek. That little door my kids come through just opened to college. It comes fast. Homeschooling them was the best years of my life so far. Now on to the next door. xo

All of that is so true. Even after 45 years of composing 126 CDs of music and teaching Tai Chi I still see the same things that you say. When I was younger, sailng was another hobby and even in the storms I felt more safe and sure of life.

Beautiful. The things we focus on are the things that grow and you are placing emphasis on the things that truly matter. Strong connections to nature, family, and friends enhance our ability to love strangers anywhere in the world. It's a wonderful foundation to counter the chaos behind that door to darkness.

Perfect metaphor for prioritizing where we place our energy. We empower what is real but the energy, time and attention we give to it.

I have two doors and ten windows in my house. They all lead or look into the woods. They shelter me from the storm and welcome me night or day. They teach. They listen. Not for everybody but it sure works for me.

i think that in order to have a good life is essential to have a bad [selective] memory of the past because we all are shipwrecks of life...

Great article. I am happy life has allowed you the opportunity to slow your inner clock and choose to enter the scary door at your own will.

thus the house with many doors and windows

Makes me think of the windows of my childhood house. And the doors I've walked through...

Great setup and beautiful message. I was left wanting a bit more on this topic (not sure what). Maybe some thoughts on how to deal with the no fun door or how to appreciate the fun doors more and live in the moment...

Nice article. It is up to us which door/window would like to open...

So great. I was reminded of which doors and windows to open and which not to. Thank you ☺

Lovely

Wow, this is so powerful. Amazing writing and message, Derek. Well done.

Jeff

We spend resources time and money to hide from that last door, we work nonstop under the impression that it’s more money to to keep you safe. But from your article, and my own life experiences your reality is shaped by what you recognize. Lovely meditate read, D!

Derek
Thanks for this wonderful piece! (peace)

Not a wasted sentence. Very powerful

Hi Derek,
This post really spoke to me. I left my job, tired of being a cog on the corporate hamster wheel. I'm free for the first time in my life after 25 years of slaving away. I was looking out my window this morning feeling like there were so many possibilities going forward from this point. Most exciting, some to your point scary. I'm reconnecting with family and friends, those that truly matter. I don't often reply to things like this but felt compelled to. Thanks for writing.

What our lives end up becoming is a result of which doors and windows we allow to open. The door to mainstream media and the fear mongering news cycle is indeed a door / window I prefer to keep closed.

Worrying about what is in your "sphere of influence" is definitely harder and harder with the world at our finger tips; it takes a careful curation of what doors and windows WE want to open. I agree, Derek, it's worth keeping these closed.

A soothing piece showing the real meaning of life. Enjoyed.

A beautiful prose poem. May all your thresholds and sills continue to invite the best of you.

This is poetry. Thank you for sharing.

Derek,
The answer is both. I've set up my own doors and windows the same way that you have. It's our choice which to look or walk through.
That other door, that's the challanging one. If our house is safe, that allows us the courage to walk through and make the bad door better.

Beautiful. I'm transitioning from a digital maximalist lifestyle to a digital Minimalism lifestyle, and this is a great reminder piece.

Nick

What does it feel like when you internal clock has to change pace? Mine feels like a gripping in my chest at first until I realize that I am so grateful for the person in front of me trusting me with their story, thoughts, and time. Doors and windows can be hard to make work correctly if you are like me and don't do a lot of carpentry until its time to work on my house, when I mess up on my house those mistakes are there to remind me everytime that this is my house and I have to take care of it.

Wow great fun. Enjoyed the imagery and metaphor. Send more!

Choices! I was in Sri Lanka and met a woman from Calgary who was there on a short trip for a wedding and had a driver taking her around the country. As we were talking, she abruptly stopped at something I mentioned. "How can you have a business and still travel for six months?"

Choice...I choose to! Choose! I choose what nourishes and supports you. That's a door I pay close attention to! When I'm full, I am better at helping others at least through my example.

Best wishes....Larry

Cheers, DS!

This was a good one bro!

Well Derek, you were going to avoid people to do your work: You must have felt moved to write.

The dark room is indeed real. Statistically it's real.
Most people genuinely don't want to be ladies and gentlemen.

Most people find it easier to believe in social media than to take responsibility to have journalism ethics. Easier to act like gossiping in a small town than to have gentle character.

Easier to pretend "It must be true or my cousin wouldn't have forwarded it."
In India a man from the government was trying to stop some recent killing, trying to educate villagers that recent social media was false. He was killed... by those believing in social media stories about dangerous strangers. I had to leave the room.

Easy to enjoy feeling outrage, easy to censor something you haven't read first, easy to forward something you haven't even read yourself to someone else equally lacking ethics.

You can't pick your cousins, but—None of my dear friends take the easy way out. They put in the effort to rise to being ladies and gentlemen. I feel privileged to know them.

This window has a safety curtain; you look out but no one else can really look in.

What's your added thought on that Derek...?

Short and simple but amazing. You’ve been an inspiration to me since first hearing you on the Tim Ferris Podcast, I have especially been a better father since that day. Thank you!

Thanks for sharing Derek. There are many ways which we might choose to spend our time, we may observe through windows or engage by opening a door. We’re fortunate that we get to pick and choose where we spend our energy. I’d much rather invest mine in adventures with loved ones than in the slanging match ‘real’ world.

"You get what you concentrate on. There is no other major rule" was said by rhe essence personality Seth, channeld by Jane Roberts.

with best wishes

Peter Panduranga Bayreuther

Beautiful! I feel the same way about my door for my daughter. Everything stops. I go where she goes. It's always insightful and fun.

My email inbox is the horrible door. TV too. And social media. Well, lots of doors open to that world I guess... but I get to choose when and if that door ever opens.

Thanks for the great post!

Thanks for writing this and sharing it. Made me think of my doors and which to keep closed, which to open more, etc.

This is the most profound piece I have ever read from you, Derek. I am actually going to forward it to a rabbi friend of mine who lives in Philadelphia. His name is Rabbi Fred Davidow.
You have written words to think about and live by and I give you a complete thumbs up. Well done, my friend!!
Barbara

Beautiful post!

Just had the pleasure to read your post Derek.

And let me tel you that i agree with you. The door to "an infinite dark room" its real if you choose it to be real. What's real in life, its what we choose to be real.

My first thought was : i will open that door just to clean up the dark, transform it to light and give to my perception a more strength that the real windows and doors are the ones i choose.

Heard about you from my dear friend Luísa Baltazar, a wonder woman i admire. Her recommendations never let me down. Very glad to read and knowing someone like you form your texts, blog and videos. Inspiring Humans....thats one of my choices in life :).

Kind regards
Sónia

beautiful, Derek, thanks for sharing. Love your posts.

Interesting, reads like a poem. I think about this a lot, that the blessed and the elite have the chance to pursue joy and enlightenment while so many good people suffer in filth and poverty not of their own making. So then do the brilliant and powerful angels build lovelier and lovelier castles in their lofty paradise, or do they come down and walk in the filth and pain and try to help heal our world.

This is the path of the Buddha (who became enlightened and left behind a text / teachings) versus the Bodhisattva who delays nirvana to assist those who are less capable on the path.

I love listening to Tim Ferriss, but after awhile, it starts to feel like the brilliant and most capable people on the planet trying to employ more effective strategies to leave the Earth.

timely

That took me somewhere too !

Derek,

I really enjoyed this piece, especially reflecting on the change I have undertaken in my own life and priorities over the last two years. These doors and windows reflect perspectives that matter most and provide a sense of inner peace, perhaps even a spiritual peace, that is easy to lack in an environment ruled by social media and pseudo-public personas. Reflecting on Jung’s comments on the difference between the public and the private selves, are we left wondering more and more about which one is real and do we get that choice? I prefer the reality you offer here. I prefer to reclaim that choice. Have a good week.

Excellent post Derek. It took me quite a long time in my life to keep the 'no fun to open' door closed. It's all part of the journey though so no regrets, but in a happy place now ☺

Beautiful!

I like the doors metaphor. It's something that is under our control and, therefore, we are able to choose which one we're going to open or not.

Thanks, Derek!

Derek
Well said. Times are concerning indeed. The only thing I can offer is the old saying that the reason the rearview mirror is small and the windshield large is so we keep looking forward!
Best
James

EXCELLENT! I keep that last door closed most of the time, because as a wise person once put it, "I'd rather be uninformed than misinformed". Thanks for the thoughts, always welcome here!

That last door is where I hang a light, so those who really want to escape the darkness know they are welcome.

Love it! Your inner clock. Hard to change the pace. For peace to listen, or look. Thank you for sharing. Hold on tight, when necessary, Micheline

Hello Derek,
Yet another pearl of wisdom from the guru himself. Love your stuff and will try and open more doors and windows myself.

Beautiful simplicity- loved this article and I do believe that we will ultimately rise above the pettiness of the mob to create a better world. Thanks so much for this!

Great analogy but have to admit, the 'real world' door also sounds a good one to open and step inside. Perhaps the real world darkness is paradoxically the shadow waiting to be greeted, heard, welcomed and reabsorbed. Would be nice to live without locks and floor to ceiling windows to let in the daylight as well as the darkness 😁

My front door in the Gudalupe neighborhood of San Miguel de Allende opens up to see the coutyard and doors of the church across the strreet. I see and hear the sounds of daily life every day. I hear the crys of "beso, beso" -- kiss kiss when people get maried. I watch people cross themselves as they walk by. My door is a window into my neighbors.

Beautiful!

The door for your son is very meaningful. My husband's dad was a workaholic businessman and successful at it. He didn't go to school plays or football games, yet whenever my husband wanted to talk, his Dad would take a break from his work and give him his full attention. No matter the time, no matter the place. Turned out he had a special door for his kids, too.

Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed the writers perspective in this story.
It seems very simple. Only open the doors and windows that joy and love are behind.

Hi Derek,
Thank you for sharing your wisdom (again). I was recently reminded of this quote: "Fear is that little dark room where negatives are developed" ~Michael Pritchard.

I love that you give space and listen to the elders around you. My wish is we all do that. All that quiet wisdom, so readily aviaalbe, if only we have the patience to give that space. Sure, not every convo goes that way, but so many hidden gems can be found there. Unlike that other, very loud place you speak of.

Thanks for sharing yourself. You always give me renewed hope in this experience we're all having right now!

~April

I have another door and beyond it lies people who I've known for many, many years. I feel a sense of loyalty towards those friends. After all, there comes a time when it's too late to add to this group of people. Shared memories and experiences bind us. But, some of them have become bitter, have made choices which haven't worked out for them. They feel entitled and lack the ability to look in the mirror and take responsibility. When I open that door, I am swept away in a torrent of conflicting emotions. It's never a good outcome. I'm still struggling with this door. Do I keep opening it to check on them or do i nail it closed.... ?

Love these thoughts Derek!

So important for us to measure and meter how often we open each door and what our rules are for letting others in as well.

Great description of the internet / social media as well - but the funny thing is... I had to open that same door to read this beautiful post, so there's always a little yen in every yang.

Gratitude brother!

The last door gotta be Twitter and news feeds

This is really beautiful. Thank you for this. Love the metaphor and how it brings together what is around us, inside us, and beyond us.

Wow! Perfect Derek!

Have a great day

What's really wonderful is having enough windows and doors to choose from, then open them when the need arises. No one needs to open the door to Hell. But very often they go right ahead and do that because of some fascination, compulsion or because of what they think society expects from them.
Personally I'd rather open the door to my backyard where the birds are singing and the dog is chasing a squirrel.
If having cancer has taught me anything, it's taught me that you can't have and know everything. More and more you have to choose where you want to go. And hopefully that's a door or window to a place of peace and understanding, not a place where it's constant stress, back-stabbing and trying to claw your way to "the top" in a society that has an extremely short shelf life anyway.
It's always great to hear from you, Derek! Bill Thurman

Very whimsical view of the 'other doors' and insightful way in which you adapt yourself to those you interact with in each.

But the real world door that you don't like to open is that door that many of us are challenged with, as well. It is a reminder of the Ying and Yang of life; of the light side and dark side in all of us. Not something we like to deal with (or admit to), but more importantly, we must acknowledge.

As I sit in my home office, I have a view of my garden and am tempted to wander out there and putter my day away. But I have work to do. I try to work above the fray of the outside world, hoping to make a positive impact on just few every day.

Thanks for the for sharing.

This is so beautifully written!!! Thank you very much for sharing this with us :)

Love this post, Derek. It's been a beautiful read. Thank you.
I needed it today.

You and I live in the same kind of house, but my house is probably smaller than yours and a lot older to. We both pray for those who look in that door that's no fun to open. Right?

You nailed it. Thanks

I need to get away from Fightbook.

Social media can be used for good. It can be positive. It can be inspirational...but we have to intentionally curate our feeds for that experience! Beautiful, concise post, Derek!

do not open that door. Put a lock instead..

What an awesome and short thought. Powerful.

Hi Derek, interesting set of metaphors to compartmentalize your interactions....

I love this. Hit me in the feels. I don't like that last door so much either. I try to remember, "...be in the world but not of it." Because I'm trying to be responsible. Reliable. For my wife and children. I want to live a lifestyle. I want my life to be art. I'll keep fine tuning to do just that.

Thank you.

Beautiful post! I feel the same way. If something really important is happening, you'll find out about it one way or another. Otherwise, news feeds fear.

Max

Derek,

You have done it again!

Thank you for teaching me in Wu-Tang parlance - an introduction to a new "chamber" of thought!

Cheers,
Amit

This is an important reminder that when we choose which doors to open we owe it to ourselves to be picky. Do you want sunlight or an angry wind? It's your choice. EVERY time. Thank you Derek. Your words started my day off right. I loved it.

You’re flirting with some beautiful prose here Derek!
Thanks for sharing.

Great reminder that we have to choose to open the door that really matters.

Many thanks Derek ☺

Regarding "The Door", my mother used to quote this verse from the bible: John 10:9

"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

For me, Jesus is the door to peace and eternal life. The John Newton song, Amazing Grace explains it this way: "I once was lost, but now I'm found, I was blind but now I see".

Beautiful! I need to put those doors and windows in at my house.

Nice look at life in a different way.
Best, BC

Hello Derek . . . . You have been such a great friend … and yet, we've never met. I appreciate your contact with me . . . . don't stop. Please let me know when you are in Las Vegas again … I would like to "Howdy & Shake". Kindest regards Bob Edgar

I found this essay beautifully done and crafted. The sentiments on the choices available to us all - choices that are there all the time and each leading to something different is an excellent reminder. Life is a series of choices and we often forget that life is not happening to us but rather for us and by us. Time should certainly move at various speeds- depending on who you are spending it with.
thank you Derek!

When I learned that “reality” is mostly a combination of neurotransmitters in our brains I realized we all have the responsibility to make sure our”reality” is as positive and upbuilding to us as possible. Shun the negativity and accept the beautiful bits that create wonderful fireworks in our conscious minds!

As always, magnificent post.

Lovely. Life gets much better when you realize you are free too keep some doors shut.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful glimpse into your home and life, Derek! I, too, choose to keep all doors and windows to what's bad and sad closed as much as is possible and to focus on love, friendship, happiness and the creatures all around me.

That was really comforting, and true. My favorite of your writings. Beautifully written. Thank you Derek!

I prefer to only open and go thru doors where I know I will "connect"and experience "peace" on the other side. Life is too short for the sad and chaotic doors

Hmmmmmmm . . . . . . . You gave us a question; Contemplation is the result.

Thank you

I looked into the skylight and I see a beautiful illustrated children's book about your little house with many doors and windows and where they lead to... :)

This is so unique. I decided that you are my poetic friend. love the picture

Tillie

Derek,
This is exactly how I feel. I am unwilling to be mortified by a media that is owned by companies with political agendas. Anything that encourages fear and anger is suspect. I prefer the everyday reality in front of me.I do my best that way. Those who are angry cannot be very effective as they drive away listeners, or create a mob mentality.
Thanks again for your thoughts
Barb

I didn't see a door that actually made you happy. The door that your son comes through is the closest to that. But there was actually no door the totally led to joy, peace, tranquility nor spirituality.

Everybody needs that door in their life. You asked if there was anything you could add and I suppose that would be it; the door that led to happiness, Tranquility, spirituality and peace.

it will be that door that could conquer the door that you don't want to ever go through and it would be that door that everybody could go through.

Very lovely piece
Rev Tina Redden

Dawn Derek, your inner poet peaked out. Love it. Please keep em coming.

As always, you touch me. I think you should be writing novels.

I really liked this essay. That last door scares me too. Living in America it seems like it is pushing farther and farther into my head all the time. I want to escape it but I’m afraid that if I do I will abandon those who can’t escape all the terrible things that are happening.

PART 2


Please read the first response from me.

windows ??? Where they lead too could be added also


Rev Tina Redden

Knock knock

Who's there.

All of us.

I recently stopped concerning myself with the stock market. Halting opening that door to greed, possible loss and stupid thoughts had led me to a wall taht had blocked all my creativity. Now that precious element that enriches my life in every way is again open for me and I can breathe the clean air and enjoy expressing myself in music.

Knowing what doors to open and what doors to keep closed is so important. Great insight. Thanks for reenforcing what I've been experiencing in my life.
Thanks Jack! Your book is the only paper book I brought with me from New Zealand to Oxford. — Derek

Beautiful piece Derek, reminds me of an art museum I go to locally (Chazen) here in Madison WI from time to time.

Opens the door to introspection to look at the art of others.

One change, I'd remove "Like everyone."

This will open the door for skeptics who are stopped from enjoying the piece by defense mechanisms and so forth.

The goal isn't to prevent triggering, it's to help more enjoy your epic work.

Only adding this per your note's request on the newsletter.

Have a wonderful week!

The news

Great article Derek. Enjoyed reading the passage, based on real world experience and your perception of them, if my understanding is correct.

You have presented a creative division in reality vs. tricks of our monkey brain. The tricks if deciphered and managed well can harness powerful observations and opportunity to resolve and progress self and the society. I like it. The eventual goal is Peace of Mind, since mind has to be peaceful to enjoy anything. Peace is Mind's true nature. Without this fundamental understanding, we (humans) go in circles - debt, stress, overeat, sour relationships etc.

With a little that I know of Vedanta, above thoughts have been shared.

May your stay continue to bring blessings of Peace and Love. We only attract what we are deserving.

I slow down my inner clock to listen. - thank you for this clock metaphor.

yes yes yes

stay with the doors that really matter

thank you derek

So tired of all the manipulation. It’s time to decide my own reality. The reality that I want to choose.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

Beautiful analogy. Thanks

I do not own a TV set, but I have a laptop and a subscription to the New York Times. It's a good way to keep up with what's going on in the world. With the numerous challenges humanity faces, we cannot afford to ignore the news.

Thanks Derek. I appreciate your thoughts :)

I appreciate how thoughts of my doors and windows ran parallel to yours as I read this. Seeing each of these situations in my own life.

That is the writing I like to read.

Thank-you.

Delightful glimpses! Have to rethink my door and window with new eyes. Thanks
Blessings Larkin

Open your doors and windows at your discretion. Your journey is your journey. If you can truly say that you have honor, then the answer to the Universe is, "Be Happy".
This is why I have had my Sanctuary, windows, and doors in the South Island of New Zealand for the past 36 years. I grew up in LA, left in the seventies, tried Vancouver Island for four years, and found that NZ is where I like to open the windows, and let the fresh air in. Your home is where you are, and travel makes the world closer. The world is filled with honorable friends, and they have a nice view too. Experience your life, not the one presented to you on a platter by differing media outlets. Oh, and keep Music LIVE!
Cheers!

Very eloquently written...seems to hit on all of the major aspects of life in today's "modern" society!

I like it! If anything, it is too short...more could be said about each topic.

Great start, Derek! Thanks for sharing your written thoughts!

Windows? I can certainly relate to the many windows in my life; some windows have been good to me and other windows I remain to keep tightly closed for as long as I live.

Wonderful blog and very thought provoking!

My emotions run wild today and it is hard for me not to feel overwhelmed and possessed by them and the thoughts they are accompanied by.

Instead of trying to force order over everything from which I am triggered right now, I saw your email and decided to open it.

I read your article and it brought me a little comfort and a sense of companionship in my journey.

I thank you for that.

Ran

Interesting read...

I have a tree I’m getting to know too..

Two floores up a big old Oak tree
reminds me of where I am in the year.

Loved your audio book, anything you want.
If it was a cassette, it would have self destructed
by now due to over playing 😊

Many thanks...
Rodge..

Nice to hear from you again Derek... always nice when this door opens. : )

Thank You

Peace

Hi Derek. I agree totally. Here, this Radice song fits your picture well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSXAyF-7La0

Yes. What's true or not is only something that you know for yourself, isn't it?
Thank you for this post!

Ah Derek, another tender one, full of sweetness. And then the ugly little bit that was like a dissonant cord. So unlike you, that environment out that other door.
No matter how much we may advance in this spiral, there will always be "Mara". How it beats me up! (And I know all of us). And how my precious, resilient spirit refuses to be obliterated. All this takes place in front of me, right in my tissues. I thought the other day how our very organs, every one of them in their capacity, bear witness to the battles that rage in our minds/beings; the side seeking truth, evolution and expansion, and the other one seeking contraction, division and separation.

I confess that I felt wistful when I read of the precious door for dear friends. I am still collecting mine, and I feel I will, for the rest of my life.

Thank you Derek,

Viviana

PS I sense you are loving Oxford. I came to Zurich instead of Oxford this time. This is where I am at the moment and until August.

Hi Derek,

Happy to read your email, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Some doors are in front of our eyes, and some doors are for our hearts. Through muti dimensional lens you can see the world in your very own way... And the value system as well. Of course,
money is essential for most of the things, but still it has its limitation. Because it never could be the goal, it only serves as a tool ...

Cheers,
Gong Qian

Wow. I think this may be your best yet. That ending! No suggestions for improvement. Just a resounding “more please!’ Cheers Suzi

the person i love
is a shadow of herself
cast through my window

I love the "slow down my inner clock" description. It aptly describes what I need to do more of so I can appreciate what matters. Thanks for the reminder!

I don't open that final door much myself. I believe in carefully crafting my own reality and choose what I let in as much as possible. I love that someone else appears to do something similar.

Derek, I see you've been looking more inward to find the right door for you, which is a strong indication you're becoming dissatisfied with the status quo, as I am.
Since all of us are going to die some day, no matter how much fame or money we acquire, perhaps the right door isn't a door we would fully understand using three-dimensional thinking. That's because three-dimensional thinking has never led us to the understanding of how or why we exist. Even the big-bang theory becomes a joke if you examine it closely.
I've found a fifth-dimensional door that has granted me more peace, hope, and assurance than I had ever received from chasing fame and fortune. And, best of all, this door will not be closed when I die.

Jesus said in John 10:9-11 (New American Standard Bible)

"I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture (or rest). The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

Isaiah Chapter 53 explains why. and how God could possibly forgive you and me for all the wrong we've done. It's a great Door, dude. Take it from your buddy, Dave: After all else fails, try Door #1.

Yep. I find that as I get older that last door get's opened less and less, or at least when I open it I don't step through it as often. It has become more of a window, with a curtain!

"My inner clock" is the only thing you have some control over. Tragically some people don't even know it's there until the end.

Peace

Thank you Derek.
I have very similar doors and windows in my life..

A bit of a gut check, though, thinking through how often I am one of he screaming people occupying space in last door.

I like the perspective of trying to exist in others' more desirable places.

So relatable! And beautifully written.

From the highest plain - one would say it's all in our brain. There's no such thing as reality really... just our perception of the world. More down to earth, some would say we make our own reality. That our thoughts make up who we are and how we choose to see the world around us. It's up to us to figure out and decide how we feel and how we see things and ultimately what our own reality is. If there was such a computer (Sci-Fi has written about some), or an advanced life form - we would be able to see all the threads of life that surround us. This fabric really takes the hundreds of millions of roads and paths that could be followed and condenses them one by one as we make all our tiny, but important choices through-out our lives. We do all of this from inside our heads and build our reality, both inside and out - leading us to Derek's wisdom of doors and windows... which exist in our brains and with our thoughts! We can and do choose... though sometimes it doesn't feel like we have the choice at hand for the one we want to make for ourselves and to shape our own reality. I believe there is some natural flow of the universe... not predetermined, but it technically could be. As macro as the world is around us, our reality is very myopic in view. Where we live, what we do, those nearest to us along with all those choices of days gone by have lead us to a set of narrow choices of what can and will happen in our lives! So, it's a interesting balance of choice and fate that leads us from room to room - as we dare to open those doors and windows and decide which ones we want to be part of our reality and in our lives. Knowing Derek for many years now... You could say, or I would certainly say - not only has he chosen interesting and wonderful doors and windows, but I would go farther to say that he has created and built new doors and windows of his liking in his house that he calls reality!

Very relatable! Most of my life is so joyful and spent in gratitude. However, I sometimes find myself reacting to the "shouting" and viewing this shit as a room with a door that can just be shut seems like a helpful tool for reframing!

My question for you...Is there anything in that dark room that needs to be dealt with to take you deeper in your own personal growth?

Thank you for another thought provoking post!

zen master speaks in riddles!
:)

Real for me is the perception of the movement of my universe in terms of energy and light. True is what I feel and perceive there.. My reality is in fact
a fantasy of my own perception. and vibration.
Anaya

are you a poet nowadays, but do you know that to be great nowadays you have to be creative like what you are just doing -- cdbaby, ,babybook, muchwork, ect

Hmmm, our heart. Reminds me of this verse in the bible - Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 Words that come to mind are love, peace, quietness, and refuge. Love the imagery!

My clocked stopped today when I followed my son through a door leading to a world of pure childlike joy. Watching 5 year old kids and their teachers race in burlap sacks and really enjoy the gentle competition of sports day made my whole month. I think everyone could use a little dose of childlike curiosity and enthusiasm in our self imposed seriousness. I know I do. Thanks Derek for the reminder to slow down and savour.

I first heard you on the Tim Ferris podcast... that seems like some time ago.

I’ve always enjoyed your perspective, how you describe events and people in your journey though life... your words always seem heartening to me.

I live in Maryland and my son just graduated from a local college and is moving to Denver for a job. 21 years has passed quickly. Enjoy the time with your son. I’m sure you have and will continue to.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and words.

Best wishes

Whatever inspires faith, instills hope and engages love is most inviting.

Derek,
Haven't heard from you for a long time. As usual, I always appreciate your Insight. I don't know if you remember me but, for reference, I am the "Grandma Mosee" of songwriting...still writing, still enjoying it and the wonderful people I have met through NSAI....

I'm sure you're son has been the inspiration for much of your work... He must be getting big.. maybe 10 or 12?

Do you have any envolvnebt with songwriting and/or music anymore?

Regards, Dolores Walburn

Interesting dilemma... see what your energy levels are and trim accordingly. Take each day as new... there are important benefits to each - find a balance that suits your circumstances. You give a lot... make sure you have time to appreciate your worth to those around you and don't be afraid to ask for space?

All the best jx

Thanks for making my day, reminding me what’s important.

So true, it's a good idea to limit the babbleon that tries to take over our world.

A good idea to select ones windows and doors with great care.

Thanks for your great insight,

Ross Tonkin

Nice piece of read. You made me dream.

Beautiful.

Hi Derek,

I like your mind and you thinking, always have and I guess I always will. thanks for the thoughts, and ideas, you inspire.


Farewell,

Ernie

Nice observations and being in tune with that IN THE MOMENT THANG called LIFE! You Rock Bro!

It's similar to the buddhist notion of the "householder" - A monk can refrain from opening that door and going through because they only want to focus on their internal world, but the householder is forced to open that door and test their equanimity on a daily basis - in many ways the life of the householder is MORE difficult than that of a monk for this reason. Similar to the Bodhisatva who returns after reaching enlightenment to help guide others vs the enlightened ones who simply move on. Depends on where you feel your calling lies at this point in your life.

Really like it mate.

Live visual representation. Have you seen the new tech by amazon called Polly which makes your posts audio - it is quite real and would help with us poorly reading dyslexia types.

this is just what I needed to read today Derek.

Thank you for writing, and sharing your conscious experiences here on earth.

So glad to hear you are living your life so beautifully.

hugs,
Laura

Fantastic!!!

Feeling good that I haven't gone through that door all weekend. Of course, I wouldn't have found this article if I hadn't gone through the door just now, trying to avoid a minor business task.

'One hidden door is for my dearest friends. That one comes all the way inside, anytime.'

Open this door sometimes and see what happens.....

A different view but yes yes yes!

I've never thought about "windows and doors" in that manner before, and after reading this post, I can see why we need to think about life in this way more often. Looking back at my life (75 years of it) I see many people who opened up doors for me as a child, a teenager, as a young adult. So often I was told that because of health problems, I could not do "such and such, etc." and it was probably an attempt to protect me from an open door they thought I should not venture through. What they didn't know was that my beloved Grandmother and my Dad had other ideas. They were my champions who scrubbed those windows clean and opened up doors that too many people thought I shouldn't even try to attempt to go through. I fooled the naysayers, graduated from HS at 17, gort a great job with several promotions, and married my forever husband at 21, had a baby girl at 22 when they said it wasn't possible. Granted, within 5 months of being married, my Navy husband was transferred far from our hometown, and some relatives thought I should stay safely at home, but we piled what little we had into a small trailer, towed behind a decrepit Ford we got for $1 (and fixed up by my Brother, who was my champion!) and off we went to what to me was a foreign land in Charleston, SC. Not only did we raise our daughter to see her own "windows and doors" even though that wasn't the description we used back then, I picked up temporary jobs teaching typing and computer skills, and we fostered several different children during tough times with their families. All the while, my husband continued to make rank, go to schools for his designation, and made numerous submarine patrols, we just never thought we couldn't get through this. We moved cross-country several times, and even to Hawaii to different submarine bases, but each was a blessing because we met different kinds of people, saw different customs/foods/etc. that we grew to love and participate with. In retrospect, we approached doors with glee, and kept the windows to our world wide open to new adventures. You really reached deep inside of me to realize what I had was special. We are both 75...my husband retired as an E9 with 28 years in the service, and only retired because of injuries that would have kept him from submarines, his great love since he saw the first "Silent Service" program. He had both hips and knees replaced, back surgery to prevent further damage to his spinal cord, and is dealing with a menningioma in his skull, but despite all the things he can't do (walk easily, stand for more than a few minutes, etc.) he inspires others continually. Me? The years have taken their toll, but my hobbies have had to change because of arthritis, etc. but I still have my "window" in the world of card-making and scrap-booking. I guess those doors and windows worked very well for me and mine. Thanks for your insight.

IF the tactical fighting room is no fun, stay out and leave it to the warriors and trolls.

Of course, I know exactly what that last door is, the TV set. Mostly but not limited to the paid advertiser TV stations. I cannot go thru that door any more either. I haven't been able to since the fall of 2016. I found out last week, the young pastor at my church whom I play music with since 2017, had also avoided that door since the exact same time. Nice to have common ground! Thanks for sharing that with us Derek, good to know I am in a better place than most.

This is fantastic, and underlines why I tune out a lot of 'information' that's constantly getting thrown back and forth. :) Thanks for sharing this...

m|p

Yes, social media is a really crazy window with an inappropriate name!

Another thought-provoking read: thanks for sharing!

While your "real world" door doesn't sound so great, do remember, all your other doors and window are also real world too - the "balancers".

My real point is, your world is not so different from that of everyone else. There is good, bad, mediocre, silence, noise, pleasant sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and much more.

If we look or listen, we can seek out the bad stuff too. Of course, some people make a great living striving to keep us hooked to the "fear-side". But we don't have to play that game.

We can choose where to "lay our head", or set our eyes, or open our ears. Or to be less flamboyant: at any moment we can choose what to focus on; what to give our attention to.

For me, one nice, worthwhile corner of the web can be found at Sivers.org. And isn't that a nice thought worth sharing?

You are truly an inspiration Derek. I appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts and advice with others.

Derek
I really enjoy the way your brain works...always an adventure. Thank you for brightening my day.

Great reminder that I can choose which door to open. Many options but what is important to me.

Thank you

How do you recommend that we treat the last door? It doesn't seem likely--or pragmatic-- that it will stay closed forever. I would also not like to leave it open all of the time, allowing any manner of person to come and go as they please.

Thank you for this. I have stopped listening to the daily news and podcasts about politics a few months ago. I will admit -- I feel guilty and like a bad citizen. But I have read other books and listened to other podcasts in that space that have made me either more peaceful or more educated. I'm also less bitter. Hearing others' experiences makes me feel better about doing so. Thanks.

I entirely agree with your thoughts on Doors and Windows and What's real. You asked for suggestions on how it could be made better, so I'm thinking that there needs to be a door going out for service still even after all the wonderful service you have given in the past. No doubt that door is already there, but if not, maybe you would like to put it back.

I live in the country where everyone around me must have five acres by law in order to protect the watershed. I see lots of bunnies and squirrels and rabbits and a great variety o birds. A little new-born faun is running around and around the neighbor's horse pasture because she wants to join her mother on the other side of the fence in the next pasture. The mother is watching. With all the windows open, it is a natural symphony of animal sounds coming in the window with the slight breeze and no mechanical noises. Many of the kids and grandkids are coming here for the 4th of July and the others would be here if they could. I feel incredibly lucky.

I get together with my Baha'i friends often. We discuss ways we can work together for the good or our community. This door is a swinging door. Baha'is and friends visit and we visit them. Maybe your house could use a swinging door.

Thanks for using your internet window and sharing with us.

Truth. “Turn off the news. Build a garden.”- Lukas Nelson
☺ !! — Derek

Now that we have seen how much damage we can do to each other... now that Pandora's Box has been opened... someone had to open the door that reveals a new teacher... who learned how to use technology for maximum good... and... is now ready to share.

That's the door I chose to open.

Let me know if you are ready to see what is behind that door.

Thank you for that timely reminder.

I've recently been making a conscious effort to minimise the time I spend watching or reading the news or surfing the web (cycling excepted!) and living more in the present. Work output is up and family and friends time is up. Rather than feeling like I'm missing out I feel better connected because instead of just liking inane posts and tweets I actually get in touch with friends and family important to me.

Wow. Right in the feels. Very deep, I love it mate

Both worlds are fithging every day in my mind. sometimes when my children (the most beautiful door I have) collide with those horrible people of the world of work, I usually tell them, "welcome to the real world" .... Reading your blog I hororizo what I told him ... And I ask myself again: What is the real world? The one of the affections? The responsibilities? I have no answers. Just one big question. Thanks for let me think about

Deep, man. It's funny because because I don't think anyone can really tell you what's real. We're all living our own realities I'm pretty sure.

Great stuff Derek! Truth well crafted.

Love this piece! The visual is outstanding. A fun platform for the rest of us to run free with imagination. In my opinion, the last door is slowly succumbing to rusty, worn-out hinges. As the world around us becomes more awakened, seemingly at a quicker pace these days, what lies behind that door is being revealed for what it truly is... destructive. Its power, and its power over us, is slowly dimming.

This piece is such a pleasure without the last door. I'd consider covering it in bricks. Let the real world bend to your reality. Its a beautiful one in my opinion.

Very profound, Derek. Thank you for sharing.

Love it.

Love it. Love it. Love it.

So many wonderful doors and windows.

That's reality.

That one nasty door is best closed, perhaps sealed shut.

Thanks (as always) for sharing your reality.

First, Thank you Derek:

Observations:
1. Mass Social Media is designed by some of the most sophisticated scientists armed with the most advanced technology to be addictive electronic enslavement
2. There is no difference between a government trying to control minds and message vice technoindustrialists ("Here comes the new boss, same as the old boss" - The Who)
3. The power to recover control is simple but not easy: Meter your intake and understand the ingredients in the Kool aid you are being asked to drink.

Sadly, the psychologically tortured people who are trying to get attention because they need help don't cease to exist because we ignore them.

I like it. I understand it, and I try to live by it.

I love your writing, but genuinely lost on this one. Of course, metaphorically speaking, it’s a great piece.

Care to enlighten?

Much appreciated,

Derek

Derek,

I enjoyed this post, My thoughts: I have to open that door. That door is what makes the others so enjoyable. In love, it is the difficulties that make the ups so high, and the downs so low.

best
Bill Miller

Maybe ask yourself why you see things behind the 'real world' door that way?
Thanks for the ref to Jack Perricone's book in the comments.

beautiful X

Aloha Derek.
Yes, I know that sheit door well. Locked it from my family years ago when they were young. One of the few times I "put my foot down". lol No need to look there, certainly not pay $50 per month for the priviledge. Of course they can still get access but they have to have strong intent and I will not hijack their free will if that's what they need to see to take the next evolve step.
Ideally and more typically of late, my reality starts in my frontal lobes. Best halographic projector/skyligth I have found to date. :)
Soctt
P.S. That is one cooool blue door! And your laundry is dry.

Choice is my saviour, Derek. I choose to massively limit the view onto that soul sucking real world vista. No social media, no mainstream news just real world connections with those I love and our small country town community. Physical and verbal connections, dinners
With friends count.

Thank you for the beautiful insight. I will open some of those doors more often. What you do really matters to me.

Warm regs,
Steve

Who can tell another what is "real world"? The real world is what we make it, or don't. There is a lot of hate and division in the world today, and the only purpose in opening that door is to let in a little light that is so desperately needed.

Love your real world, my friend. It's a great reminder and refocus.

I know you won't be fooled by the door that is supposed to lead you to the real world. I have a secret door that no one knows about. When I open it, I can walk in a heavy downpour and appreciate getting soaking wet. I can savor every bite of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I can enjoy the simplest of my favorite childhood songs. That is my door to the real world, and I'm continuously striving to open it wider and wider. Great work, Derek!

Hi Derek. I can relate to this. The outside world and what people perceive is the real world distracts us from the important things that out Inner world wants. We all want to experience joy and happiness. Focus on what makes us happy and as you say if it’s not a hell yes don’t do it. When we listen to our inner guidance and let go of what people think life gets easy and joyful. Thanks for reminding me this this morning with your blog. Be well. Terry

What if they threw a social media boycott, and nobody had come in the first place?

yeah, I like that kind of writing, wondering where you are now. the houses look somewhere in the south to me.
Hope you are doing well and getting to where you want to be.
Lots of love and Blessings

☺ <3 Annamarie

The last door reminds me of the 'state of nature' theory in Thomas Hobbes 'Leviathon'. It is hard to avoid being drawn in to the negative gravity of turmoil, but focussing on the civilization we create with the positive people we know and the good experiences in life, with gratitude, helps a great deal.

My friend, Gary Edwards, brought up your name during a lunch meeting last week What a pleasant surprise to see it in my inbox today.
Wonderful and stimulating.
Thanks for sharing!

G3D

Doors are complicated. They don't need to be. They can slide open or shut. They can spin on an axis. They can move toward, or away from. Same with windows. I like windows better in the light.
This helps me understand the many uses of doors and windows.
Thank you.
Teddee

Great analogy Derek.

What I like most is you can choose which door/window you can walk through/stare through.

Yes, children are awesome and can give you focus on matters you may have forgotten or even misunderstood previously.

Thanks for putting this out there. If you have them, please send through other thoughts/observations/matters of interest to you.

Deep, Derek... Very Deep my friend!!!:-0~

When You Change The Way You Look At Things, The Things You Look At Change.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful and powerful tale. I love the metphore of doors and windows and that it is about your choice where to direct your attention and don't let the busyness of the outside world drown out your life. Once you realise that there is no real world out there - there is only your perceiption of the world in your mind, which is the sum of all parts, your values, your past experiences...

The important point that you reminded us that we have to live with intent and not succumb to the loudest noise.

Lovely to read! Assuming last door is media?
All the doors & windows of our live keep us connected to people, places, energies...
There is far less ethics, education and empathy in the world not just in media... so for too many the windows are murky and the house has less doors.
Thanks for opening one of yours to us

Really beautiful observations on the different varieties of doors or gateways in modern life, I share these sentiments as well Derek! As an aside, is there a place in a decent person's life for the reading of grotesque literature that deals with the subject of doorways, such as Clive Barker's novella 'The Hellbound Heart'?

Hello Derek as always I love your words. It help me a lot. Please keep posting.
Thank you very much
Marcos Ariel

Wow, this post is a reflection and crystallization of how much you enjoy life now. Really enjoyed this and triggered something in me that reaonatedbin childhood and thatbis always good. I also feel in wonderland here in China so many things and doors opened unexpectedly and I am wondering is it because we get to see the Sun sooner!

I've already thrown away that door and filled the empty space with bricks. Much better that way. I don't need that door.

Your little house sounds lovely. Yours has more windows and doors than mine, but I am open to renovation.

I really like this. I feel I need a bit more lifestyle design so I don't need to open that last door. Appreciate your wisdom!

Great piece Derek!

GREAT story Derek!

I can relate today in PDX, a place you'd never recognize now...

Here's a link to my DOC film trailer now in the editing process if you've never seen it:

https://vimeo.com/209545780

Our CD Baby connection was a great moment in life so long ago...

Have a Happy ☺!

I appreciate the door you open. I really enjoy reading your thoughts. Thank you!
Blessings~
Lauren

Hi Derek!
I was just thinking about yOu and here you are!
Yes...doors and windows...and opening opportunities or windows of pain and the journey of choices to make...
I love the idea of inner rooms for deeper love..wise.
Yes, it is much nicer to think of the happy doors...especially if yOu might win a prize.."DOOR #..............TWO!.."
To live mostly in this place is traveling light and like the Chinese proverb, 'He who travels light travels far'...but I too feel the burden of the dark door, the door of truth and lies tied so closely it is hard to discern where reality lives.
And yet, who am I if I only pretend that the world is a happy place and no trouble lurks around oh..perhaps DOOR # 9...!!!
But trouble does lurk like a snake slithers and seeks to sneak into all my happy places...
And yet God is able if I let Him ..and this is enough. I can breathe in freedom and open the window and let the sunshine in.☺
So great to hear from YOU, Derek!
The movie is still in the making and I am looking forward to getting the trailer music done for it!
Aha..! Ahaa!!
Have a beautiful day Derek!
truly
Rachel ☺

interesting approach to a view of our worlds or day? i like it...

Nice!

It makes me think of my favorite door, the one that opens to my soul, I'm often held in cosmic comfort when I walk through this door in my mind's eye.

Hugs!

Christina

sometimes the doors are not clearly marked, in my hallway, or sometimes in others'. sometimes you come to consciousness behind That Door, you'd awoken hours before, but you were not conscious, and you realize you are behind that door that is no fun to open. and you are lucky if someone will come in to take you out of there and bring you, back to consciousness...

How to stay happy and Zen the other side of the business door?
A truly impressive feat if anyone can do it.

Jaren Lanier, in his book “10 Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now”, shines a much-needed light on that last window you mention. Worth a read if you haven’t read it already.

PS: sometimes, a son or daughter of someone goes out the door of wonder, and later, that parent hears them calling, but from inside the door of No Fun. for these parents, empathy and compassion is not enough. they need support because of where their progeny wound up. this is painful at second remove, nevertheless, more painful indeed than wounds inflicted by the self. for those children, empathy and compassion for the parents is not enough either. be strong, get up, go help someone.

That was great, I love all the doors narrated throughout the story. It makes me reflect on my own life's doors. The ones that I choose to enter and exit, what adventures may lay ahead on this journey of life.

Thanks!
Chris

Derek, I read your thoughts blog periodically and nine times out of ten I enjoy them a litte or a lot. This was one I felt right down to my core and I feel tears wanting to come out of my eyes as a result of reading. Thank you.

Thanks so much in writing this, Derek. It’s so easily get caught up into the world that has nothing to do with our ideal world that we have power and influence to shape. It’s a timely reminder for me, at my context. Thanks again. ☺

Looking forward to the “How to Live”.

Very nice.

I loved the metaphoric yet realistic tie ins.

One love,
Ryan

I just won for the 2nd time San Franciscos Senator Scott Wieners art Contest!

real to me is creating art and music with the help of heavens angels!!

https://queereyes.eventbrite.com/

EXCELLENT piece, Derek! Nicely done!

Kia ora Derek
Got me thinking about my doors and windows i feel like alot of the time there is only one door and the rest an issue of perspective.
Cheers

Thanks for sharing.

Hi Derek,

Thanks for opening a door to all of us. Great to know that there are so many great people connected like this.

In a sea of too many emails, I see yours and a jolt of joy causes me to open it immediately. Like something I cherish and don't want to end, I'm renewed by it and a little sad that it's over.

Oh that darn internet browser window and it’s news.

The last door is the internet from my point of view, but it may be anything equivalent for the current age and situation you are in.

A really good read, thank you Derek.

I think you’re right. IRL we’re supposed to live in bliss.

I no longer open that door that has the news or newspapers in it either, because the news about my own little world is far more interesting and exciting

I've been pondering doors of late. The reason is this country — the US — seems hell-bent on specialization. I know most people aren't. But among the professions it's a highly regarded direction. After all, no one wants a general surgeon doing brain surgery. And everyone at TED is an expert, a specialist.

But a lot of us feel we have wide capabilities — and it's some kind of madness to close all those doors where we shine.

Nope, say the experts. One door. Don't worry, close all the the other doors and ten more will open.

I'm not sure now.

Wonder what you think.

Cheers from New York City!

—Howard

I like the juxtaposition of the skylight and the locket; it feels like a proportionate and hopeful contrast between future and past, and maybe refusing to believe the best days are behind. The door with the shouting makes me think of the News specifically; the News shows a world through a lens, but the last week I was in San Diego in the real world and I was on a beach for a benefit concert and it was peaceful and lovely.
I also like the "slow down my inner clock"; I did that this week while talking to some old friends, and I will need to do so again when I talk to my little nephews.
And I like "getting to know this one tree well"; Tolkien really believed that trees were important and alive in ways that a lot of other people don't - like something worth getting to know. Just this afternoon I thought of a tree I climbed when I was 4-8. I wonder how it is now, or if it still is.

You were great to listen to on Tim Ferris’ podcast. Been following you since

Thank you for sharing this, Derek. I'm currently at a crossroad in life and have been undergoing some STOP therapy (i.e. disconnecting from my so-called reality to think!). I like your analogy about doors and especially the part where you follow your son and turn off the inner clock. I've consciously not worn a watch for awhile now, and let my inner clock dictate. It's worked so far, and in a way, it's also allowed for me to distance myself from frantic clock chasing activities. This crossroad involves giving up the quest for business success, in exchange for the opportunity to witness and experience the development of four young persons in my family that I'd like to spend more time with, and that involves me moving and uprooting myself to be near them. So I'm holding that door handle, with the noise behind me and am about to walk out from that room. Serendipitous, journeys are aren't they? Wish me luck!

Hey interesting piece only which door opens into your spirituality? Now i dont believe in a god up in heaven looking down on us but i do believe we all need a place where we can connect to each morally. That when someone asks me what religion i practice i always call myself a believer. i believe in the words and actions of Jesus Christ but not so i can go live in heaven after i past but as a checklist on how i treat people and expect people to treat me. what do you think? i

So very true.

Nice.

I saw it coming, however. :)

Derek: Will you check out my book, please?

https://www.xlibris.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-001233536

Glad you found the doors helping keep that one door at bay :)

Amazing.

Hey Derek,

Sweet! How old is your son? I taught 4th grade last year and next year, I’m very excited to say I’m going down to the little ones again🍎

They’re so fun and imaginative.

Thanks for your thoughts,
🍎🎸🎵💕🐨

The last door is really hard for me right now. I mean, I agree I am shocked by it. And I deliberately don't go there. But yesterday something really, really, awful happened in my town. So I heard about it from someone else and then I opened the door to check if it was true. And it was true, and I am so, so sad. So now I don't know if I did the right thing by checking if the story was true. Because now I'm really sad. Is it better that I know the truth? Or was I better off pretending I'm in a different world.

Really like this one, Derek :)

I understand exactly what you are saying. The constant noise of fear and hate, which is 'out there', waiting to engulf everyone's heart and mind, is destructive and depleting. Hold on to your love.

Thank you Derek. Has given me much to ponder on whether to quit Twitter or not!

Thank you for writing this. It's worth meditating on. I think on how you live your life from time to time, and it helps me align my compass, thank you for putting work out there.

I just spent a long weekend beginning potty training with my son. It was challenging, but also so unexpectedly blissful. My job, all weekend long, was just to watch him, observe him, and teach him. I didn’t wear a watch all weekend, because it didn’t matter. Time stopped. Then, last night before going to bed and against my better impulses, I pulled out my iPad to check the news and Twitter. I thought to myself how everyone feels that news and an online presence is what connects us to “real life.” But after the slow weekend I just had with my son, I could see that for the lie and illiusion it is. It made me sad, but it was also a moment of clarity.

Q: What is today's news media?
A: The ugly door...

I love this. I too slow my clock for the elderly, for family and friends and my clock comes to a standstill for my son.
I need to get better at closing that horrible door.
Thanks for the reminder, Derek :) I'm closing Facebook for today.

I loved reading this. I can choose what to focus on at all times. Powerful analogy and reminder, thank you!

Blessings Abundantly.
How are things going Derek? Do you miss the company you sold?

Good thoughts - I like you have those doors that I like to open and visit the good people and places within. And yes there are many who say the only real door is the one we must pass through and deal with the reality displayed there. And many choose that door because it is very profitable while others are in enticed to go forth and become victims. I believe we can make the decision to choose our own doors even though at times we open one that pulls us into the cars and calamities of life. But it takes will power combined with sensitivity and vision.

Thanks for your insightful writing. I so appreciate your words. Donna

Thanks Derek,
Best Regards
Jan

What if? Businesses set up shop showing who’s said and done positive things today? Could they make money when people do good?! Well, one can dream.... Thanks again, Derek, for another mind stimulating piece, with alternative doors to consider. Loving you, Andalin

You are realizing the power of the choices you make, through the doors and windows of your life. I see you have made a commitment to people and things in your life that have the largest ROI and these are intangible assets. The keys to filling your soul. The door that has sustained you is unfulfilling to open and even though it is an important key to being sustainable, you are choosing to limit or balance the time spent there. When your soul cup is full again, finding the key or the light behind the door that feels heavy will become easy.

https://youtu.be/VqdQZCvpIyo

Just last night I decided to take a bit of a social media cleanse—something I've never done before. Then this pops into my inbox this morning, and I know it was the right move. I'm looking forward to seeing what life is like without being influence by the infinite dark room.

A nice one! Yes, the last one sounds like the internet world to me, also.I used to argue about only the political issues with strangers in the past, then I realized it really does no good to anyone and dropped it completely for the last 5 years. I guess we all live amd learn, if we are mature enough:) Loved the photo of the house, also :)

LOVE LOVE LOVE short, sweet, creative and too true! Enjoyed reading :)

Love this Derek.

It is so easy to get sucked into that door and amazing how we can choose to live in those miserable, and how we can sometimes end up there without even knowing it.

Thanks for your wisdom and poetry. Fan for life.

Brilliant....... Your message is so real

This piece was very interesting. Hope there's more to come:)

Lovely, and so true

If sharing peaceful and philosophical thoughts give you peace, it's your right to do that. Meanwhile, this country and the world are engaged in the most brutal, savage, murderous, determined effort by those who have dominated the world through self-justified torture, war, human exterminations, and nearly total control of all means of economic resources and ownership of all wealth, while destroying/denigrating the planet so that it will relatively soon be unlivable not only for their targets and victims, but for those implementing the end of any pretense of democracy, equality or justice. The perpetrators will die with their victims, taking all their excuses, self imposed blindness, and denials with them. They seal their own fate and will not be spared any more than the rest of us. When the will to kill oneself is stronger than the ability to share anything and everything, there comes the moment when those who think they deserve to be the elite, the advantaged, who rationalize their silence in the face of responsibility for the torture and brutality of children denied soap and tooth brushes, forced to sleep on concrete, exposed to the diseases that come from being crammed into cages or layered into slave ships or forced to drink out of toilet and to watch the rapes of their mother and daughters and sons, then the ruling class has descended into such barbarity from which they and their descendants can never recover. If you are not the victims of all these things, they you should be doing something significant to stop it. It was once said that there is no shame in being a slave. By contrast, the shame is great for those have implemented slavery and all that goes with it, shared and made inheritances from the blood, suffering and deaths of others, and lie to themselves about it all. Sooner or later, we all die. If honest with ourselves, we already know, if there is a heaven or hell, which one we are going to. It may not matter now to those destined for hell, but there may come a time when it does. As Dante is quoted as saying, “The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in a period of moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.” Those who do better and do nothing, are in that group. I wish you the will ability to be on the right side.

Great read! My humble reaction: a well-planned home has windows oriented and designated by function. There comes a time, depending on where you are, someone (who has his own menial plan) indirectly puts a blight in your best view.

Because everyone’s plan is random – just like the way crabs crawl.

As for the nuisance, they are everywhere. If taken with optimism, it balances the familiar, making this almost perfect life less boring. Having them around makes one decide to change for the better.

I was surprised the first time I read this. It's different from your other work. At first I didn't like it so much. But a couple of hours later I realised this had affected me deeply, and even more when I read it again. Beautiful and profound.

An interesting piece from someone who has oppened so many doors in his life.

I get this. In my personal life I have had family putting effort into the doors and windows which have pain and suffering through them as of late. Asking them to look through or walk through the ones that bring joy instead of the one with pain is impossible. I think the best thing I can do is look through and walk through the ones I feel will benefit me most and to tell them how great the sky light is may be the best I can do for them. I think I get where you're coming from here. My curiosity is what motivated you to write this? I'm not asking. It would bring forth no new benefit to your thoughts. Thanks for sharing.

So why don’t we nail that last door shut completely and never go in it ?

Beautiful. As someone who has been exploring Taoism over the last couple of years, I think you have hit upon an eternal truth. Thank you.

Hey.

I don't want pets because I want freedom of movement without worry. Recently my cousin moved in with her 2 dogs and a cat who promptly adopted me. I am now a pet owner-by-proxy of annoying attention-hogging mutts, but I'm getting to know my new neighbourhood by taking them for walks, and secretly relish when they choose my lap over hers, hehe.

As to the bad vibes-door, I ignore it. I've become insular, simply because I don't have the capacity to care about *everything*. I don't think anyone has - it weighs one down like cement boots. How do you choose what to care about, then? That, I cannot answer. I guess everyone decides for themselves.

Brilliant to ponder upon, great work, was gonna propose a poetry but not it’s real like, got me thinking of to poems in the four hour work week final page (slow dance) if I’m not mistaken.

Thank you Derek

Hi Derek,

I have the same doors. And the one that is not fun to open feels less real for me too. It gets easier if I focus on seeing myself on everything else.

Thank you for writing about this.

Derek,
Are you talking about watching the news? I felt the piece left me hanging. I was not sure if that what you meant? Thanks. Wendy
PS I was listening to yet another Tim Ferris Podcast and he mentioned IFS so he must already know about it so I was grateful you declined to pass the message on. I should have guessed he had already heard about it. Thanks.

The windows and doors have always been with us, but technology is making them more and more intrusive. We have to exercise more and more self discipline to control what we allow through them....

Hi Derek, I can relate. I'm 30 and semi retired and there's a sense that you have to be informed about the birds eye view of what's going on so that if WW3 happens or something then you won't be caught unaware. I do think though that there really has been this social shift where the majority of people have intense gambling symptoms from exposure to the randomisation in social media apps, as well as a kind of loudness war in seeking attention and that by withdrawing from it you're sort of protecting your sanity. I think there's a kind of sucessionism(?) thing where groups of people are getting together to discuss common interests where it doesn't have the internet thing of infinite population density requires infinite politeness. I could be rambling, but I guess I take a medium is the message approach like the medium of your house with the poetic doors and such is sort of creating the meaning as much as filtering it, and the same thing with the rest of the world horror show you describe, but the medium or terrain is way different where it's like how real is this really when I'm in some proverbial creepy location where the view is obscured, -houses in a way it's like you're approving your territory or that a certain zone is safe, whereas an unfamiliar one is potentially relaxing if it's open and inviting, but horrific if it's like some forest with shadows and the view is obscured... Does that make any sense? So if you want to deal with it you sort of want to vet more sections of the world to interact in? PS. I saw some Australian chocolate ad copying the CD Baby email thing of like "the CD is carried on a royal velvet cushion" almost word for word. Ben

Beautiful, Derek. I’ve missed your thoughtful notes. Ever grateful.

Excellent Derek! Absolutely inspiring and refreshing and also very wise.

Reminds me of the "Doors of Perception" adopted by Jim Morrison and "The Doors".

<3

Cazzy
The Alien
http://www.facebook.com/aliencazzy

Derek,

Thanks for the nice distraction and thoughts. Always nice to think about these things a bit. Good to repeat and find what is real.

What an interesting insight in a persons mind and emotions best way to describe the spiritual world is through metaphors thank you Derek

So true 😀

Brilliant.

Hello Derek. It's good to hear from you again. I love your imagination. You always give plenty of food for thought.

Lovely metaphor Derek.

And then there’s the inner door that leads to all our suppressed and repressed memories, thoughts, feelings and the denied and disowned aspects of ourself. It is what’s behind this door that we project out onto the world and then perceive it as that which comes behind the “no fun” door.

Behind one door I have 4 bikes. Behind another we* have 5. Which bike should I ride today? I suppose that depends on who is taking the trip with me.

The last one sounds like social media. And I am currently a Social Media Manager.

Your writing provokes images that I relate to
I like the way your words inspire me

Don’t forget the most important door. Lots in scripture on
doors and windows.
Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Like it is, Like it was, (Like it will be)

hello!

somebody mentionned The Doors of perceptions by Aldous Huxley

2 more books that resonate with your text:

The Door into Summer by Robert A. Heinlein

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Thank you Derek. Thought provoking... great way of explaining some very useful ways of looking into the different facets of life and also how to remember to give adequate time to others and one’s self.

Thanks again!

I loved living around the world and was fascinated by the amounts of places I lived that had no windows or doors on their homes.

Love this! Thanks for sharig Derek. ☺

Some times I feel there is only this one big dome of glass. But I’m mostly like you, I slow down a bit when I meet people who have something to say. And I really enjoy those encounters with strangers. Those little moments can be great. What worries me a bit is that I have felt a bit anxious in situations with friends. I don’t feel they know me like they used to do. I feel in general I’m more there for them than the other way around. It’s a bit sad but true. Comes with age too though.

This is a great beginning to expand upon! I want more about why it’s less real in the real world and how you integrate that door with the rest. Or if you don’t, how you are able not to and is your life complete that way? I even want more about each of the previous openings before the real world. This feels like you are allowing me to know only the tiniest bit about you. I can care and love you in your writing only in proportion to what you let me see of you.

All good dogs deserve pet pets from the neighborhood kids. It's understood as a universal constant.

Sounds like news and government and the institutions in place to keep us safe are the door that is no fun, that feels like the biggest door. While in reality, most of those things outside the big door don't touch me daily, they are still palpable.

I'd like to adjust the size of my doors. Doors go both ways, because of the big door and doors I may have shut or gone through before, I don't always have the key to people on the other side of some doors that I'd like.

Interesting analogy/metaphor, thought provoking.

When you talked about your inner clock I could actually feel a pendulum clock swaying in my mind's eye. Sometimes the simplest phrases are the most powerful. The story stopped swinging rather abruptly at the end. It could have used a closing paragraph. Great otherwise though!

Great work as always! I look at that doors otherside through the peephole. I know it is there and it serves a purpose of what and who I don't want to associate with. I sometimes peephole through my past to remind me of where I have come from and what I have overcome. But I prefer to leave it on the other side.

Love your work!

Derek this piece is so gentle and so kind.

I often feel that the real world is like this too - dark, violent, disconnected - and it has actually had me stay home, unemployed, for months at a time because I refuse to turn the wheels that perpatuate this machine.

I am recently discovering that the lines of business and communication can be transmuted into love and joy - and in fact, supporting this change is the only way the world will change. I am committed to bolstering the funding mechanism that supports businesses that do good for the environment, the community and of course it's customers. Thank you for being a light upon this path!

Would love to chat if you have any ideas on this.

Much love!

- KK

The last door mentioned is the real door. This door you go through to help others! Granted it certainly is the hardest door, but the most important/ worthwhile.

For the few good things that the final door provides can people be empowered to find alternatives? Preventing babies being thrown out with the bath water, could they make their own door? Carpenters of the world unit!

Beautifully said...

I feel that is a true definition of the current state of our world. I would include the "door" that lead to a maze of other doors that can also lead to beautiful lands or sad encounters; (TV's and 'smart' communication devices).

Yep really good like it .... They say when we die we find it was all for a reason the last door the real world and all its crappy side it can have. Yea I take on the sadness that's happening on the other side of that door. It could be heaven on earth if the politicians and others in control could let go of their greed and power and use it for good. Yep got to learn to enjoy our own road Be there to help others but not opening the door seems to not be the way to go in the real world. Lucky I have the other doors in my real world too. It really is like living in different worlds with different doors.

great analogy and imagery. genuine relationships are truth. the rest is just noise.

Wow, just love your way of writting this blog, almost poetry! Always inspiring! Thank you so much for being such a nice human being!!

This feels so true. How do we navigate the inputs and outputs of our life, where do we look, where do we stare, gaze, or delve deeply.

The question that hits me hard as someone who has largely turned away from news broadcasts and the soap opera of mainstream media is this: what is the responsible relationship for me with the news if I want to be a part of changing the system, don't want to shirk my responsibility to my community or country if my voice or activism is called for. It is a question that lingers.

Thank you for sharing this gorgeous piece.

Very well said, Derek. I, too, believe that we spend far too much time looking out our "windows" at "news and views" when we should be listening to our own hearts and minds. The "media" these days (both great and small outlets) seem to be nothing more than propaganda outlets ... regardless of which "side" they are on. Every story is filled with spin, posturing, and vitriol for the other "side" in an effort to whip up the populace and cause dissension.

Within each of us is our vision of truth: Our experiences. Our faith. Our convictions. Our beliefs. Our goals. Our dreams. Our fears. Our loves. It is so very important that we spend time gazing out those windows and waling through those doorways. Not to ignore and isolate us from "the real world" but, rather, to INSULATE us from the damage that can be caused from subjecting ourselves to someone else's "truth". Isn't that, after all, why there are windows and doors in our homes and businesses?

I am writing this little note as I gaze out a very large patio door that looks into my back lawn and at the rooves of houses behind me. I'm wondering just how many of those folks are using their windows and doors to let things in, keep things out, or ponder what extraordinary opportunities exist in this amazing world we live in.

All the best to you and yours.

Beautiful post, Derek. Thank you for sharing!

Hello Derek,

Very nice to hear from you...I trust all is well and your move went without a hitch. I enjoyed this peace a lot this morning. It reminded me of my
Life's Real Priorities...

#1.People
#2.Money
#3.Things

I apply this methodology to all of life's trials and tribulations. It has yet to fail me. Keep up the great work my friend,
Chao
Jimmy

You continue to amaze me. That's deep stuff.

Real world is in nature, Family, dreams and memories... and the smiles that come with that...

Learn about "mitote" (if you already don't know)

Thanks for sharing Derek.

Cheers

For every negative there are more positives, its a law of nature. Also without the dark would we recognize the light? We need not fear the loud bustling door as much as we think. The closer we get and really study it the more we realize it is dominated by people, just people with people emotions. Grown ups are actually just children in grown bodies. Their personalities really don't change as much as people would like to believe. By looking and listening on a playground you can see into many futures. So enjoy all your doors, they make up the entirety of the human experience. In that particular door though proceed with caution. And as always, Celebrate Your Talent

Enjoyed the story, Derek - as always.
There's an old saying I heard a while back that seems to fit your story - "let the man who opens the door be ready for what's behind it"

I'd much rather stick to the doors that lead to "Legacy Life" related items - family, friends, personal passions, & self-development. Sounds like you would too.

Keep up the great work
Mike "That Helpful Dad"

Thanks for this Derek! Protect your house!

Thanks for sharing Derek - I can very much relate to this as an introvert, esp. the part about the noisy, tortured world.

Lovely photograph!

Thank you. I remember a time when I dropped out of the race, reset my compass and found some peace. That road was at times calm and at other times extremely unnerving - humans find a centeredness in the known, even if it is unhealthy.
I have no idea why, but I do know, for myself, that my own precessional wobble is natural and I am the navigator and captain through the waveform. Life is about the seeing things as they are, being of service when you can, and turning away when you cannot.

Cheers!

Hey Derek, lovely post as always, but I do take issue with some aspect of it.

I viewed the "dark door" initially not as social media, but as media in general. I think it's critical to keep a pulse on the news just enough to motivate oneself to take action (but not so much that you're overwhelmed with despair). For example, I spend a lot of my free time working on making the US voting system more democratic, advocating for carbon pricing, etc. I wouldn't have this drive if I weren't aware of the scale of these problems via good journalism.

One read of this post is a kind of "stick your head in the sand" mentality. I know your writing enough to surmise that's probably not your intent. I wonder how you could change it slightly to avoid this takeaway for others who are less familiar though?

nice!

Derek, this is great. Here, I don’t worry about my finances, my business, my insecurities. I simply peer into the life of one of my inspirations and enjoy the ride.

Thank you
Parker

Reminds me of this book in a way:

“The man who comes back through the Door in the Wall will never be quite the same as the man who went out. He will be wiser but less sure, happier but less self-satisfied, humbler in acknowledging his ignorance yet better equipped to understand the relationship of words to things, of systematic reasoning to the unfathomable mystery which it tries, forever vainly, to comprehend”

Aldous Huxley

So beautiful

I SO agree with you on the fear mongering angry forms of capitalism. It's gotten out of control... At Sunset I sit on our little balcony watching the birds interact as the sun sets over the ocean and every night I am reminded that life is precious and beautiful.

A refreshing reminder of simple beauty. Thank you for this perspective Derek :)

Reads like a lyric poem. And it is less real. The windows and doors in your real life have served you quite well as you've navigated those "other" apertures.

Derek, very timely post for me. First, I'm just getting around to reading Stranger in a Strange Land by Heinlein and the main character alters his internal timeline based on the situation which is an interesting way of looking at how you should apportion your time based on the situation.

Second, because more and more I find myself closing the door that's "really no fun to open." I'm torn because I grew up thinking I should be knowledgeable about what's going on in the world but the more I close off this door to the things going on in the world that are beyond my control, the happier I seem to be.

Lovely thanks for sharing

I love how you think Derek. Thank you!

Thanks Derek!...this one had a lot of meaning for me. #24 summed it up pretty good too "So much of what people do is what society has made us feel we NEED to do.
It's not that way at all. We actually can choose the doors we open!"...and you seem to be making good choices about your doors and windows. Please keep writing these most excellent suggestions for staying creative in a sometimes MAD, MAD world.

Thank You Derek for the beautiful, personal, insightful vulnerability you share. Always the artist, you operate on many (freelance) levels of emotion and survival. Thank God for your sweetness and the many levels of awareness you share and operate on. That's where it all begins.

What about doors that have windows in them... the kind where you can see whats going on but not sure if you want to enter that world because of what appears to be happening. Maybe this "view" can hold us back from just going for it!
I was actually wondering, two days after posting this, if that last door should be a window, since those people can't actually enter my house. — Derek

Thanks for this!

Intriguing

Interesting we have free will to choose
praying for a gods will
reading the new
testament
its the only
sacred
book of its kind thatncan impart revalation
marketplace
in these days we r in
eventually direction an ideas come
there r different kinds of rivers
the one you mentioned is fairly large
investing the little
i have
sending it out there
yeah thought provoking
thinking of what a pastor said once ... do not despise small
beginnings
thank you
blessings

Oh my these words pull at my heart:
“I’m getting to know this one tree really well..”
“One door is just for my son(s).”
And “One hidden door is for my dearest friends. That one comes all the way inside, anytime.”
These are my favourite doors, how eloquently you’ve described them.

I Can Dream Again

John 14:6... I am the way, the truth, and the life...No man comes to the Father but by Me
:)

Pure poetry...in my opinion your best words ever Derek, imagination overload for me....that's a good thing... thank you for sharing.

It's because I've had the pleasure of running into thinkers, philosophers, whatever you want to call them (people like you Derek).... that i've been able to turn off news media, social media, "the real world" for the past 4 years. It's a very nice piece. I enjoyed it and will continue to practice living in the moment and for the moment.

Derek,
Wow man, just gotta say I am very blessed to have met you and to get these very insightful posts from you. The 'dark' door completely mirrors something that I have been feeling for a long time, but you really accurately depicted it and how we should respond to it (i.e. there are much more important things to focus on).

THANKYOU for this. Made me feel good.

The end sounds like Television/Internet. Prior to the dark scary stuff life seems beautiful when you enjoy the simple things.

Great read to stat the day. Thank you

.
Hi Derek, good to hear your'e alive and well and having fun with all the doors to open and close at will.

Hey Derek,

I couldn't agree more about your final point about these "doors" in your life.
In a world so negative we need to funnel positivity & filter our input on a daily basis.

Having an "attitude of gratitude" has recently been a great addition to my daily routine.
It's also important to stay current with the state of the world & the news, but I don't think its all necessary information! Our mind is a temple, it needs to stay strong.

Always enjoy your articles.

Take care.


-Dan

Pursue what only brings you joy! We must find it behind one of those doors!

Enjoy which door you choose to open when you feel free to open it Derek.

Love that. Thanks Derek.

Reminds me of "Sum", By David Eagleman. Have a great day, thanks again for sharing.
My next book is based on Sum, because I loved it so much! — Derek

If this article were in a book of poetry, the following page might simply say:

And Isn't It Funny
how many more characters
we humans assign
to the doors
we'd rather not open.
(As if we need to explain our reasons.)

[Well done making the agony of that door palpable. The tension rises with the pouring out of words. I surmise, given your first line, (not that it matters) the doors, windows, and locket ("locketaway" perhaps?!) are metaphorical at least in part, because of course many live without windows or even a door... But I do HOPE you have many literal doors and windows on this Oxford stop along your magical journey. The benefits (yet dangers in some ratios) of natural cross ventilation...ahh the stuff of another piece.]

Good story that describes modern day life.

I loved ❣️ what you wrote. It was like seeing all the things you saw beyond those doors. It was touching except for the horrible last door. I would keep that firmly closed.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/boundaries-martyn-richards/

timely reminder for human experience lost in multiple dimensions of reality, becoming less capable and in control of resources in our physical sensorially constructed side, where there is great potential, if you will take a moment of sivers and imagine it this way. thank you for your contributions derek. your part is much felt and appreciated.

Excellent - brilliant piece!

Yeah, the world is insane, basically.

Reality is always subjective to some extent, a bridge we continue to construct while walking on it.

Loose too much of the outside -> madness

Loose too much of yourself to the outside -> madness

But then also:

A frog in a well cannot conceive of the ocean.
Zhuangzi

Derek! I just scrolled down to see how many comments there were, 471 in two days! Wondered..should I even bother writing something..hmm..it is so great to see how a certain part of our human condition is evolving, those of us who have decided, they will create their own reality, I decided to close the last door completely, actually metaphorically I demolished it and built a wall to replace it, all the stuff behind it still exists and yes I am aware of it, but I don't involve myself in it anymore, life is so much more enjoyable these days. Kind of like your post from 2009 "https://sive.rs/hellyeah".

Have a great day!

Realizing what each door leads to and whether it is deserving of your time and energy seems to be a neverending battle. But it is the noble fight because somethings need to be held in higher regard. Thanks for the reminder.

Exactly why I'll never own a TV again... but this is also one of the best arguments to close out my Facebook account. It's tough though, I like certain aspects of it. I can't seem to make my inner clock stop working. Any advice?

There's a quietness to your reflection that I really appreciate. You have a way of somehow observing both your inner and outer world (which are both the same from the perspective of consciousness) in a very unobtrusive manner that seems to allow you to see more clearly than most. I sensed this peace in you when reading Anything You Want, especially the conclusion. It seems to be growing in your current evolution and I wish you all the space, doors and windows in the world as you continue your journey.
✌🏻❤️🙂
Fred
www.EnergyRichLiving.net

thank you for saying that its not always a fun time - that there is a lot of wrong and horror out there that is what makes the world not perfect , so its ok to have made mistakes and realize that perfection isn't what we should be striving for!

That last door is the hardest to open. No one enjoys opening it, we all run from it. However, opening that door, slowly, is the best way to expanding your comfort zone. Good things come from crossing hard barriers. If you're not expanding your comfort zone then you're coasting. If you're coasting then you're going downhill.

Great piece!

Last night, I opened a door. It was one of those large doors that required at least two people to get it open. I was well-groomed and she was right next to me in her white dress. I managed to open the door by myself somehow. My inner clock stopped functioning the second we took our first step inside the door. Our hands were interlocked and intertwined. Inside, I lost sense of space and gravity. I just was. The song that was playing was foreign to me. I couldn’t understand the words, but I was able to make out that they were some sort of a blissful prayer. The dearest faces to me were all there. Radiating. There were strangers too. They all were happy too. I also saw floating dark holes scattered in the air of the room. I ignored them all. They followed me out the door and they seem adamant in wanting to loom around for good. I will pay them no heed.

This one seems a little different for you, but I like it. Like biting into a ripe orange -- sweet and powerful.

I’ve always said happiness is a choice and this reminds me why. It was a contested point in my household growing up as other family members claimed being unhappy in the real world was a requirement. The choice is always there, in each moment, for all of us.

After awhile - maybe this is what being an adult is - you start to open the doors that don’t feel good less and less because you realize you don’t have to anymore.

Cheers Sivers, to keeping most doors shut.

Thanks Derek. Blessings. 🙏🏼

As you have noticed before Derek, I read all the comments.

I see where several readers have said the door is TV, and that's why they don't do TV. I was puzzled, (No Star Trek?) but then I reflected that maybe they mean television news.

I daresay that once a person starts getting their news from the newspapers, they never go back to TV news. Newsprint is standard journalism, while TV news can often be "infotainment." (see writer Neil Postman) Where I live there is no such thing as a Fox (TV station) newspaper.

I find it disturbing that fewer people said the door was the web or social media.

Is this some sort of blind spot/denial? I hope that in my lifetime people will come to realize that social media is not journalism. The problem for some folks is that to admit that "journalism ethics" means "to strive for truth" is to therefore be accountable to truth yourself. For some, that standard is too high.

I love this. The timing of my reading this was perfect; I felt like I had just opened my own door of infinite darkness a few times this week. What a wonderful reminder this was to pay attention to the other doors and windows of my life. Thank you so much for this!

I have been opening more and more doors with light shining through them lately, and the Vitmanin D has really perked me up. ;)

There are many truths to perceive in this world.

But only 2 matters to us humans:
* Out there, there's nothing. No God to console us, no heaven to rest. Just empty nothingness.
* We are going to die. So make the most out of this very moment, because that's the only thing we get to perceive.

So, it's ok that you decided to open only certain doors and not the others.

(thoughts I have after reading Jed McKenna's "Spiritual Enlightenment" book)

(also testing this comment system that I'm implementing for my static site, just like yours)

No need to respond. Just wanted to say thanks, and that this really hit home. It’s true! Thanks for putting it in such creative and plain way. Beautifully written. I’ll be sharing this with my in-laws 😆.

Well said...Nice;)

There's a house I pass sometimes, when I've got the time to take a stroll.
I discovered it by accident once and like to call by now and again to see if anything has changed.
I pause outside, as the area is peaceful, taking my time to absorb the sights and sounds. I always see something new, details I've missed.
For a while, not much changed, but recently I've noticed signs of life.
Sometimes I catch a glimpse of someone within, working feverishly. It's just a silhouette though, a faint suggestion.
Some days, when I'm feeling brave, I walk up the short path to the door and consider knocking.
Then I change my mind and retreat, instead searching the windows for those within. I usually catch my reflection. It reveals something in me, triggers an understanding.
I'll knock someday, but I'm not ready yet.

It sounds like you got it right.

a great reminder that we have a choice in what we engage with. interesting that the description of the last door is vague enough that a number of the commenters assumed you were referencing different things (social media, the internet, the corporate world). to that end it could be so many things: toxic work environments, network television, tabloid magazines, etc. we all know which doors and windows fill us with happiness when we open them and which ones create tension. something I admire most about you, Derek, is that you are not only aware of the countless options to engage with, but choose only the ones that fill you up - encouraging us to do the same.

nice one.

I have been trying to avoid the news for a long time, it upsets me too much what are meant to do for every problem thrown at us?.... I have to watch some though.... I have to be aware of the major events we're all being put through.

To my favourite emailer !
x
Si

Very nicely put Derek

always our choice...thanks for the reminder of our doors and windows.

A great, valuable read Derek, thank you.

Here's to configuring my life to not need to open that last door very often at all. Kudos for you doing it. I turn 50 in 10days... I haven't configured my life, or is it just my perspective, to let that door alone yet...

Great story, accompanied by a cool picture! :) ..

... but if someone says 'that's the real world' they are greatly mistaken... (in my opinion)

It's just like going on a journey/travel trip/holiday. You read all these horrific things about a certain country from abroad, but then when you come there it's almost always way different than what 'media' portrays, or those scary stories that a lot of travellers tell each other... but of course it works because you should always be a bit careful right?

Hey, like said, I found the post interesting and enjoyed the perceptions of slowing down, businesses/modern world and doors used as channels of entry. You describe well, and reading the text has a flow to it.

Anyhow, a little feedback also... Considering the title, something was missing for me of what is real; the darker perception of the self. I'm pretty convinced that we all have that side, some stronger than others. Anyhow, as we all carry our challenges, demons and that shaded area of personality constructing itself as time goes by, one door could be owned to facing them? Entering a room full of mirrors of the past and present self perhaps?

Oh, and the infinite dark room reminds me of social media. A perfect fit!

-Ruth

Sometimes we have to open that last door to rescue those who are trapped behind it and want out.

Hey Derek.
Good reminder to focus on what matters in life.
You have a good perspective on many things. I appreciate your openness to share.

I read a good book that had a similar message...
“...one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent...”
‭‭

Hi Derek!
I like your analogy. It is familiar, inviting amd powerful. All at once.
Hope you are well.
Bill

This is different from your posts that I have read, but it is similar in that it makes me think…what you are revealing…how does this relate…. Like Ruth commented, I think for me there is also a door or maybe it is a window to the perception of our darker side.

It is interesting how houses all have doors and windows, but are different in their placement and what they connect.

On the door that is not fun to open, I wonder how that door will affect the other doors and windows if we avoid it.

Comment 500! Perfect way to start.

Great post Derek. Don't suppose you spend any time looking at ponds, reflecting inside yourself eh? ;)

Cheers,

Jamie
puddles — Derek

1. I believe one of our (those of us who recognize the affliction I'm about to mention) key responsibilities is to help people who repeatedly, unknowingly embark on a journey to go through the "bad" door. So many people have developed an automatic response to go through that door which leads to pain and suffering - and the worst part is: they don't believe they have a choice - or that other options are (always) available.

2. Regarding all of the doors and windows: Sometimes pathways from one lead to another...

The "Watching the World go by" photo reminds me that my wife always reminds me that I drop the "D" in WorlD and other words ending with the D sound. I suppose I grew up in a time/place where that was not important. Perhaps I will try the "D door" someday! I hope that things go well for you, best wishes from the "old guy"

As always, very well said and stated. The world we live in, the world within each of us all different but a lot alike. We as the people and human beings need to turn the corner and make the change of the DOOR we do not want to open. Up to us to open it and be the change beyond that Door we wish not to open. Up to us to make the difference in the next 7 generations. I know I do not want to leave behind what we have now to the 7th generation! Be the change our ancestors died for, A'ho!

Thanks for being a peaceful person, Derek.

I like it! The ending creeped me out. I don't think you were going for straight up horror, but I reacted to it for sure. It also seems a bit unfinished to me in a way. I wonder: "But what does your inner clock do when you open that door that is no fun?" Maybe it's just coming from my desire for the story to continue. And I'm guessing that that last door is speaking to media/internet and maybe something to do with fame.

what a concept

tell me how can I be rich like you

Love it. Well-written.

Wonderful to hear your thoughts Derek! Thanks for continuing to share. Alex

Metaphors stick for me, and I'll be adding this one to the ones that guide my life. Thank you for this powerful insight Derek. It's beautiful.

We live on the same earth, but in different worlds.
We all have doors and windows that we choose with or without purposes to open, close or ignore.
Many people think they open those doors and windows to explore and grow, but sometimes, it’s not that what we experience impacts the way we think, it’s the way we think determines the experience that we want to explore...
Therefore, some people think that they explore and grow, but actually, they keep on validating what they believe.
So, we have to put down everything before we open any door or window, we have to let go our existing thinking mode or experience before we learn.
There are always our favorite doors, windows and journeys, but we have to always keep some space, for complete new things, which will open new opportunities and bring new insights to our life.
Everyone is a gust in our life, let’s all enjoy our journeys with them.

The news.

I think the analogy with one’s physical living space is a powerful one. And the fact it ties in with the email I sent you just before reading this, took me aback! Was this the suggestion that you and I might share a certain level of artistic synergy, in the short amount of time we’ve been communicating - a possibility that excites and fascinates me.

What I was saying in my email was the sense I get of a world in a massive state of flux at the moment. All social, political and professional norms are being challenged, and I feel we’re losing elements of what defines us as ‘humanity.’ The unwillingness of those who are successful and established, to help new talent progress through saddens and frustrates me. It was something that traditionally was always there - especially in the entertainment industry. Thankfully, this does not apply to you, I should add! And it’s probably the stark contrast between those negative experiences I’ve encountered, and the warmth and enthusiastic engagement I received whenI first wrote to you, that’s triggered the need within me to highlight this significant difference.

From the perspective of your analogy: there are doors that are either locked or faulty. Stuck inside, lacking information about why those doors are malfunctioning, it’s all too easy to assume the responsibility must lie with you. It’s hard in such circumstances to keep a level perspective, and understand the fault may well lie on the other side, beyond your control. Or that it’s not actually a faulty door at all. It’s just one whose time has not yet come to be available to you to open..

Either way, I found this a really useful, vivid analogy, beautifully written, as always. And when you mention your son, it served as a reminder to keep reviewing our priorities in life, so the most precious ones are always where they should be - right at the top of that list!

Can I just add - that I love the comments this has generated below. I love reading them, as they serve as evidence that there are people out there who I don’t know, but who are looking for the same things I’m looking for. That sense of commonality of purpose gives me hope, as I gaze into an uncertain future. It would be great to be able to reply to others’ comments, as well as to your articles, I don’t know if that’s maybe something to think about?

I hear you brother!
Don't listen to others (they might be crazy)... listen to yourself.
It's your life (not theirs)... open only the doors you want.

Thank you for this powerful reminder to choose one's inner voice over the cacophony of egos, and to choose meaningful connection over just being the loudest sales pitch.

Thanks for the post, Derek! I like the idea of these different ways of connecting with the world and prioritizing the ones that are most meaningful and positive.

This piece reminds me of a quote from Anais Nin that I find applicable to my life, and your house analogy. :)
"I never knew I was creating a world which was an antithesis to the world around me which was full of sorrows, full of wars, full of difficulties. I was creating the world I wanted, and into this world, once it is created, you invited others and then you attract those who have affinities and this becomes a universe.

Here's to a beautiful universe!

Always brilliant

Lovely thoughts, made me reflect on my own doors and windows.

Thanks Derek, I REALLY needed this today :)

What a wonderful text!!!

That last window for me is "NEWS"

Hi Derek
If the door with the screaming strangers is your inner world and not the algorithm-run mass media than the “real world” is past all that will fall away once they are no longer needed - and the passage to the “next density of being” is super narrow!
Love & Light
Meryem

As a carpenter I have build, framed, and installed many interior and exterior doors, skylights, and windows.
I've also been called a poet from people who have listened to my songs. (I was also a musician for many years. And even sold my CDs on CDbaby! :)

I always felt there was a correlation in poetry, lyrics, and how things close and open.

Well done

Derek

Liked " Doors and Windows "

It has a lot to say , deep thought that keeps your attention . Today when I read it , it probably was a deeper thought for me , due to various reasons .

RDM - R.D. Martin
( Bob )

True. There are so many people that seem nice and easy going and turn into monsters online.

Thanks for sharing, Derek! I liked this one a lot!

It’s the first post I’ve read on your website.

It’s a very lovely written piece and very approachable. I had to read it a few times to fully sink in.

Your son’s door sounds like a fun door to be, one I’d like to be at all the time. My wife is expecting so it’s not a door I have yet but I’m super excited to open it when the time comes.

Your real world door is a stark reminder of everything outside that can hurt us. I’m in two minds whether to protect my loved ones from there or to kick it open and face it together as I believe there are valuable lessons that can be learned from there.

"The elderly neighbors take so long to tell me their stories. I slow down my inner clock to listen."

This really struck a chord with me, an excellent sentiment.

Thanks for the re-focusing reminder. It’s important to aim your attention.

Have a good one!
Tony

As part of my job I talk to people all day and it’s interesting how many after 15 minutes will let me in a door to their lives, it makes me feel special to earn that type of trust.

love it... thank you.

Beautiful. Calming. I hava a choice who and what I give my attention.

Love your insights! Reminds me of the “bramaviharas” - the practice that leads to a serene & poised mind. So many doors are positive, but there is that negative door that is absolutely facing us each day. The solution is not to deny its existence, but rather to acknowledge it, see it for what it truly is, and then develop a dispassionate attitude - one that doesn’t need to open that door or engage with what’s out there.

Looking forward the reading more of your writings!

This is stunning.

Such a vivid depiction of life. <3

This is very much how I see the world, which is why I have always considered myself to be closely aligned with Derek. I think a lot of the negative things that exist and have happened in the world circle back to a fear-based way of thinking that says that we should protect ourselves from potential evils. But I find that most of the evils that exist have been perpetrated by people who feel justified in their actions because they perceive that they are protecting themselves, or their families.

Well written Derek I think it's great that we are able to choose to shut the doors and windows to anything in the outside world we don't want to be part of while being involved with the life of our children and neighbours. Thank you for sharing your thoughts

Very poetic!

Thank you for writing this Derek. Really good timing for me and a nice pattern break from the “system” we’re tethered to. Appreciated the moment of contemplation...

Beautiful. Excellent poetry. Keep it up. I really enjoyed reading this. Thanks.

To me this shows how important our homes & lives are and deserve respect from the person that occupies the home & those that enter through the many doors. One person entered my home & lfe through an acquaintance door and was disrespectful of both my home & me. After giving this person several more chances with no improvement I no longer welcomed her into my home or life...thus shutting &locking the door. My only regret is not acting on my gut & doing it the first she entered the door.
Cheers

Gee ! What can one say ? I didn't get it ? Was I suppose to ? I saw the photo of the house ! It's not haunted is it ?

I hope you are laughing , as you read these words ! Was there truly...some veiled meaning in your essay ?

Seems you are settled down ! Nice to hear from you . Don't take my response as a re-buff, from your insights ! What it did do.........for me.....is it told me you have found your home ! May you live in peace .

Cancel my first reflection upon your comments , regarding your house ! It finally dawned on me , you were pointing that finger at me !As one those culprits, outside your gate/door !

Great ! I get your message , clever !

Yeah ! I got one of those doors......It's where, I get these, email messages from budding singers and promoters .....well we got to have 'em !

Bobby

Love it! Thank you sir.

Derek,
This was more than just an article. Pure poetic expression. Thanks for the inspiration and wonderful thoughts!

Hi Derek

I've thought a lot about doors prior to reading this and seems to me there's a big difference in doors and windows.Doors need doorways but doorways don't need doors...

Thanks for this.

More on on this viewpoint: https://lizdj.uk/the-house/foundations-get-hung-up

best poetic

Liz

My doors and windows are similar. I tend to let anyone in the window/door that I hold closest to my heart, the same place where dear friends and family live. Many have called me naive and in fact say this is a weakness of mine, but I tend to give trust freely.

My time though, and I mean my real head space, I struggle w the balance and the realization that I might be reaching capacity in some ways.

I hear the noise and hostility that you speak of regarding where businesses live, however I see an opportunity, to stand out differently.

Sometimes when you combat noise w action and not silence, and statements of simplicity with insights that speak to the root problem... something amazing seems to happen and the noise simmers so that something more productive and beautiful shows through.

My offer still stands.
Kristen

Read this jetlagged combing through too many ignored emails after 3 weeks travelling. Loved it. Great reminder of the power of attention - you got mine this morning at 3am Sydney time.

Ciao Derek,
Thank you, this is a beautiful poem. I happen to share a lot of the windows you describe in your poem. I also agree that the last window is just a very small part of "the reality", but unfortunately it is a loud one and gets a lot more attention than in should. But it does not need to be that way.

PS: Speaking of windows, I just installed a new skylight in my flat, the upstairs neighbors are furious! LOL

You seem ready to read Jed McKenna, have you? Love you work, thank you for the great example.

I kept this email "unread" for 26 days because I knew I would eventually find a quiet moment to sit with it, let it soak, and then be happy I didn't delete it. Derek thank you for helping us feel connected to a greater sense of what it is to be human. I hope you and us followers continue to evolve and change the world by choosing doors like the first seven ones you described.

I would go further and say there are some closet doors upstairs that you may not want to open too. Maybe the time is not right, or you already know what is in there. But usually at some point those doors need to be opened and what is inside is confronted. If, as some responses say here, this one door is for social or news media, then a coping strategy is needed to organize and keep at a distance the screams for attention. For me, it is the other doors I choose the timing of when they need to be opened and dealt with. Well, sometimes I can choose, but sometimes what's inside bursts into the room, and then needs to be dealt with.

Thank you.

Fantastic observations. The beauty of this is that the piece itself acts as a window for us all. A window which helps us appreciate the windows and doors which surround us each day and night. While the world has in Brooks's words, "got itself in a big damn hurry" it is the windows which can help us slow down to appreciate the beauty of life. Thank you Derek.

The closest thing to that last window , I think would be my phone.
A great article to remind us to focus on the other windows.......

I have a second line. A flip phone i use when that last door doesnt need to be opened. its for just friends and family. this system has really helped me segregate the two. put a lock on the door if you will

I've always loved your use of Metaphors; that's the way I like to learn; word and visual association. I remember meeting you at The Hollywood Expo @ The LA Convention Center, back in 98', as you were going inside from the underground parking lot. I've come along way from then Bro and I would love to hear your thoughts...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCeSFjTXQKg

Hi Derek ~

Thank you. Beautiful.

This is incredible, exactly what I needed. A clear and simple refreshing sense of focus. Love your material always!

Your parable about doors and windows reminds me of a favorite poem, attributed to the Sufi woman, Rabi’a, who lived in the 700's CE:

I am fully qualified to work as a doorkeeper, and for this reason:
What is inside me, I don't let out:
What is outside me, I don't let in.
If someone comes in, he goes right out again.
He has nothing to do with me at all.
I am a Doorkeeper of the Heart, not a lump of wet clay.

- from Doorkeeper of the Heart: Versions of Rabia, Translated by Charles Upton

Valuable concepts. Thanks for sharing your perspective so succinctly, as always.

Keep the doors and windows open for everyone and every thing (maybe not all at once) that we need to give our total attention and focus when they enter; it's better to deal(open the door) with the difficult things without delay. The windows allow us to peer out to see what may be coming, even if it's foreboding.

Both color doors and windows look awesome. Thanks:)

This is so relevant to what is going on right now in social and news media. I've been sharing with my contacts in those medium. Hopefully it will become viral. Not in the Covid19 way ...