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Ceremony of Welcome

2011-09-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

Ceremony of Welcome

A welcoming ritual for a new family member creates a lovely energetic bond for all involved. Just as our inner landscape is constantly shifting and changing in response to the world around us, the dynamics of the families we belong to evolve over time. When we welcome an individual into our family—whether that individual is human or animal—a transformation takes place, a shift in the energy of your family unit. The birth or adoption of a child, the introduction of a spouse or stepparent, or the choice to bring a pet into your home can mark a new direction in the life of the family as a whole. A simple welcoming ritual can serve as the platform upon which every member of the household, old and new, gathers together to joyfully mark this new phase of family life. Encouraging every member of the family to take part in the ritual, will foster a sense of unity and help members come together. Grow into the new family paradigm as a group.

The transition from one family dynamic to another isn't always straightforward. The needs and desires of new members of a household may not always correspond with those of other members of the household. It is precisely because the introduction of a new family member can interrupt the flow of energy upon which the family previously thrived that it is so important to respect the change and honor the induction of the new addition. When welcoming an adult into your family, a sand ceremony can reinforce each member's individuality and symbolically integrate the newest family member into the whole. During the ceremony, parents, children, and extended relations are given sand of a different color or texture and, one by one, pour it into a thoughtfully chosen container. The rainbow of sand can then be displayed as a reminder of family unanimity. To honor the introduction of a child, parents can hold a ritual during which they formally introduce their child to the other members of the family and invite each to speak a blessing over the child. Welcoming a pet can be as simple as coming together in the presence of your new friend and articulating your intention as a family to provide it with a loving and secure atmosphere in which it can flourish.

As each family is different, you may feel more comfortable using a ritual or ceremony of your own design to welcome the new member of your household. However you choose to honor your new family member, know that your decision to acknowledge the manner in which your household has grown will make the transition a beautiful and memorable event in your family history.

Klahowya

Two Bears

Beneath

2011-05-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

Ever experience a situation where you’ve found yourself lashing out at someone without meaning to. Then later berating yourself for losing control and feeling guilty for treating the others badly. While it is natural that our emotions and moods will get the better of us, we can learn to control them and avoid difficult situations. Often, when we lash out, it is because we are having a difficult time controlling the emotions that come up inside of us. We may feel afraid, or frustrated, maybe stressed out, or angry. Having these feelings boiling up inside of us can be very uncomfortable. It is natural to want to release them. When we release our feelings by directing them outward and toward someone else, they inevitably impact the person to whom we are directing our discomfort. They not only get the brunt of negative emotion, they can actually experience this energy as a physical force hitting their bodies.

Practice Makes Perfect

When you find yourself in a situation where you are about to lash out at a person, try to center yourself by breathing slowly and deeply. A few slow inhales and exhales can help ease the intensity of your feelings before they escape you. Later, when you find yourself in a more reflective state, recall the feelings in your body just before and during your outburst. Note where you feel sensations coming up in your body, then ask yourself, are they connected to any core issue or experience from your life. If nothing comes to mind, then revisit the situation again, exaggerating the details of what happened by indulging in outlandish “what if” fantasies. Exaggerating the event after the fact can help expose the unconscious reactions behind your heated response. Understanding the motivation behind your reactions can help you avoid lashing out again when a similar situation comes up. In learning to navigate around your emotions, you are giving yourself the tools to feel better the next time your emotions start to boil. In doing so, you will be taking care of yourself by alleviating your own uncomfortable feelings while respecting and protecting those around you.

Loss Becomes an Adventure

2011-05-30T13:09:00.001-07:00

When we lose anything that we cherish, the sense of emptiness we have can be overwhelming. A space that was filled, is now a empty and the feelings of pain, loss, and separation can sometimes be difficult to bear. While it is always important to honor what we’ve lost, sometimes a loss can also represent a chance for a new beginning. When we are ready, the void left by a relationship, a job, or a dream can be viewed as open invitation, to be filled with new experiences, new knowledge, new job opportunities, new dreams, new people, and new ways for grow.

There are many ways to weave threads of loss into a blessings. If you’ve lost a job or ended a relationship, your first thoughts may be to fill the emptiness with a similar job or the same kind of relationship. It would benefit you to try not to rush into anything just to fill up the emptiness. The loss of a job can free you up to explore new opportunities, especially if you’ve outgrown the old one. Likewise, the loss of a relationship can give you a chance to rediscover your own interests, explore new passions, and meet different people.

When seeking what is good in what seems like a bad situation, may make you feel uncomfortable. Try to remember that you are not making light of what you’ve lost or replacing it cold-heartedly. You are surrendering to the fact that sometimes we need to let go and allow what is new to enter into the open spaces created by our losses. To do so, you are honoring the old and welcoming the new into the open space, an open mind, and an open heart. Life becomes a renewed.

A Blue Rose

2011-05-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, detergent and Clorox. So off I went.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen-years-old.. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Steve."

"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked. "Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.

"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement, because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him.

I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's Garden; however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden."

She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" and then I had tears in my eyes.

May I suggest, the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why?, because, by the grace of GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

From an old dandelion! Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

"People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel!"

Gardening

2011-05-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

I have been planting in my garden this past week and it has been a wonderful change from the poor spring and long winter here in Washington State. The sun is out, the air is clear, the temp. is a springtime low 70's. I have met several fellow gardeners from a novice to an old veteran for gardening. The casual conversation brought up memories of chats when I was a much younger man. The topics were the same, weather, rain amount prospects of a good yield since we are forced to plant so late this year.

I plan on finishing the seed and the last of the starter planting tomorrow. Then I will drum in and honor Earth Mother and pray for a good harvest, for storing this fall as well as sharing with those less fortunate.

Awakening our Spiritual Path

2011-05-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Remembering who we really are is the first step in awakening to our spiritual path.
Throughout the journey from birth to death, many people choose to question life, strive for improvement, seek out knowledge, and search for the divine. Simply put, this is the essence of spirituality. One’s spiritual practice can take on many forms, because embracing the spiritual is a very personal pursuit. While many people do relate their spirituality to a God or Goddess, this quest for the divine, or oneness with the universe, always springs from within. It doesn’t matter where you find your spiritual path. We are all fundamentally spiritual beings and the essence of that lies in knowing one’s true self and finding a peace that comes from within rather than the outside world. It is in remembering this that we awaken to our personal path.

The spiritual path springs forth from a daily routine that reaffirms our personal connection with a purpose or a way of life. Practicing compassion, gratitude, appreciation, forgiveness, generosity, meditation, and taking care of one’s wellbeing can all be a part of one’s spiritual life. If you are new to exploring your personal spirituality, remember that this is a process. You may want to spend a few moments each day giving yourself a spiritual gift. Try a new form of meditation, visit a sanctuary, or explore a specific deity.

Accepting the importance of spirituality can be a healthy decision, because a spiritual practice tends to include habits that promote healthy living. Take the time to carefully determine the action, thought, and ritual that most speaks to your soul. Remember that your most profound spiritual experiences may also come from the simple intricacies that make up your life. See the interconnectedness of all things. As you explore your “inner work,” you will be walking your spiritual path and feeling your oneness with the universe.

11 questions

2011-05-14T18:07:00.001-07:00

Creator commands people everywhere to change & to start by consciously thinking about what they are doing & why they are doing it. That command has led me to these 11 questions.
QUESTION 1: Can you put your spiritual beliefs into words?
It’s easy to profess faith in God, especially here in church. But what kind of God do you believe in during the secret times? How would you explain your idea of God to a person of another faith? Can you put your profession of faith into words? Do you have a creed you can believe in & live? What spiritual principles do you live by, work by & stand by? Then there are questions regarding your belief about life after death. Do you believe in heaven? Do you believe you will be reunited with those you love, after death? What do you believe about the person & mission of Jesus Christ? What do you believe about His birth & His miracles? His death? His resurrection? It has been proved that a vital religion must be articulate & it is a well-known fact that faith to some individuals is so precious that they are reluctant to talk about it. But for your own personal test, I ask you to think about what you believe & why you believe a particular way.
QUESTION 2: Do you live as though what you believe is true? It is one thing to profess a faith & quite another to practice it. Ask yourself, “How much of my faith is just a mere verbalization of words & terms out of which a lot of meaning has gone.” Unity teaches tithing. Tithing is a test of belief. Either you believe in the spiritual laws that Jesus taught or you don't. William James once said, “The average religious believer has a religion made for him by others, communicated to him by tradition & retained by imitation & habit.”

STORY: A man told a story about when he was a boy on his grandfathers’ farm. His grandfather had a herd of rams in a gated area. He called the boy over & he said, “I want you to watch what’s going to happen now. This is a life lesson. He called the first ram over. The first ram jumped over the gate. Then the grandfather said to the boy, “Watch this.” He opened the gate so it was no longer in the way of the rams, but every ram followed the first ram jumped over the gate that was not there. He said, “Son, throughout your whole life, I want you to think about what you are doing and why.”
High school principal, Max Keller, challenges his students to take initiative in opening new doors to opportunities. He says,” You’ll never get anywhere if you stand around waiting for someone to hand you the remote control.”
QUESTION 3: Does your faith meet your need? (in good times & in times of crisis) It is easy to be helpful & optimistic when we’re riding the crest. The faith that matters is the kind that sees a person through the bad breaks & guides the person through the valleys. When you rate your faith, ask yourself whether or not it is a stabilizer in times of triumph & tragedy. Just as steel is tempered by plunging it into cold water while it is red-hot, when we emerge from a dark night of the soul experience, we are immeasurably strengthened & I have found it also prepares us to help others. As someone once said” What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.”
QUESTION 4: Do you set aside special times for spiritual development? While faith can’t be put into a box & religion shouldn’t be restricted to certain areas or special hours, people of great faith have always set aside stated times for meditation, prayer, & spiritual exercise. A priest was once asked for the secret of success of Bishop Fulton Sheen. He said, “His strength & influence are generated in silence.” Martin Luther had this famous saying, “If I have 6 hours of work to do, I spend 2 of the hours in prayer 1st.”
In South Africa, on a cliff overlooking Echo Cave stands a grove of 150 year old fig trees that have survived a duel challenge: growing in rock with no apparent source of water. There is no rain here for 6 months of the year & the trees need 6 gallons of water a day just to survive. They get it by sending their roots down through solid rock. Tree roots are genetically programs to know that water lies beneath them & the roots secretes a kind of lubricant to soften the roots path. Fig trees rely mainly on a single taproot to find water. As it grows it explores the rock for cracks & weak spots. It takes a fig tree 70 years to go 150ft & in this location is the deepest known taproot in the world growing to 400ft. As soon as it finds water it stops growing & starts pumping water back up into the tree. Jesus climbed the mountain, prayed & then he came back down & used that spiritual energy to feed & uplift. We can’t remake our lives the way we remodel our homes. We can’t call in an expert to draw up plans & then hire someone else to do the work for us. Nor can we move out while this process is going on & then come back to a finished product. We may get suggestions & advice but we must do the job ourselves. The same instinct that is in the root of the fig tree is in us but as ‘conscious & reflective’ beings with free Will we must choose to set aside times for digging our roots deep into God, whom Jesus called the Source of Living Water. Like the fig tree, once we have our root anchored in that Living Water it will pump continuously into our lives. Most people today are knee deep in water & dying of thirst.

QUESTION 5: Is your home life better because of your spiritual path? Someone once said, “When a person gets religion even his dog & cat ought to see the improvement.” Religious profession should build a happier life. You can rate your faith by asking yourself: “Does my attitude in my home contribute to an atmosphere of affection, mutual respect, & cheerfulness?
QUESTION 6: Does your faith give you a sense of companionship, even in times of solitude? A common criticism leveled at Americans is that as a group we are afraid to be alone. We are told we don’t want to know ourselves or analyze ourselves. We are accused of looking for continual means of escape. This, we are reminded, accounts for our frenzy for cars, entertainment, radio, TV, especially reality T.V. and our insatiable desire for travel. How about spending time in the silence in solitude? True faith provides a feeling of spiritual consciousness. That is to say, our religion should give us a sense of oneness with the universe & our Creator. How do you rate in this respect? A person is never when he or she is with God & God is everywhere present.
QUESTION 7: Does your faith give you a new outlook on your job & a new approach to your work? There is an old saying, “Work is worship.” Of what use is religion in the workday world if it doesn’t provide a usable philosophy for you when you are on the job? You can get an appraisal of the vitality of your faith by the way in which you find your place in the work world. How do you fit yourself in that place? How do you devote yourself to it?
This brings to mind a story about a simple-hearted, hardworking nun. She was observed, many years ago, while on a retreat. As the many guests finished eating & piled up the dishes to be washed, the lone nun stood quietly with her arms elbow-deep in sudsy water & listened to a troubled woman pour out her woes. The Nun listened intently while methodically washing plate after plate. I marveled at her patience & acceptance of such an unending, thankless chore. I asked her, “How do you do it, day after day, washing all those dishes alone & still having the patience to listen?” She looked at me & smiled. She said, “I just imagine that I am dipping my hands in the pool of Bethesda.” By focusing her attention on stirring up God’s healing waters, she did her daily chores with serenity & a listening heart & offered care & comfort to everyone she encountered.
QUESTION 8: Does your faith give you a sense of security in meeting life?
STORY: A well-known story about the early career of John Wesley who co-founded with his brother Charles the Methodist movement, which encouraged people to experience Jesus Christ personally, tells of his fear during a storm at sea. He was on board a ship & was terrified with fright. As he shook, he heard a group of Christians singing. They were praising God. Wesley asked them, “How in the world, in a storm like this where we might all perish in the next instant, can you sing? They said to him,” If your faith can’t serve you during a storm, what is the good of it?” To estimate whether your faith is just a fair-weather faith, ask yourself, “How do I react to storms whipped up by worry, fear, finances, relationship problems, health challenges & unexpected emergencies? Does my faith give me a sense of security in meeting life? Does it help me to look inward rather than outward for my Source of security & abundance?

QUESTION 9: Has your faith ever inspired you to do a good deed? One of the most rewarding acts is to give without a thought of getting, to help without wanting help in returnA clerk in a supermarket tells this story. She glanced down at the long line waiting at the cash register she was operating at the supermarket. She said, “Dear God, help me to be more like you.” She prayed & thought about the message at church & how she was told in every instance to ask herself, “How would Jesus handle this particular problem?” She scanned a loaf of bread. She said, “That will be $1.09.” There was a small boy in front of her & he dumped a fistful of change onto the counter. As he did this, she heard the others in line say, “I thought this was an express line! I always get in the wrong line? Wouldn’t you know there would be some kid who would ruin my day?” She heard another person say, “It will take her all day to count that kid’s money.” She counted every one of the pennies & he was short 28 cents. She gave him an uneasy look & his cheeks turned pink. Then she asked herself, “What would Jesus do?” Quickly, she picked up the receipt & scribbled on it, “I owe this register 28 cents.” She slipped it into the register along with the boy’s coins. She pressed a paid sticker on the bread & handed it to him. His eyes brightened & he said, “Thank you, ma’am.”The disgruntled complaints of the waiting customers no longer made her nervous because they noticed what she had done & it had changed their day, also. She said, “My heart felt light. It didn’t just last that minute; it lasted the whole day. I had a faith I took with me to work & I had been successful in emulating Jesus on one small occasion.”
The finger of God never leaves identical fingerprints and You are the finger of God in every situation.
QUESTION 10: Does your faith command your deepest loyalties? In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous short story, “The Face of the Mountain,” a young boy stares at a face carved in granite & regularly asks tourists in town if they know the identity of the face on the mountain. No one does. Into manhood, midlife, & old age, he continues to gaze on the face at every opportunity, until one day, a tourist passing through exclaims to the once-young boy who is now a weather-beaten old man, “You are the face on the mountain!”
Meister Eckhart put it this way, “The eye with which I see God is the same eye with which He sees me.” It means our highest loyalty should be our recognition of our oneness with God. St. Francis de Sales said, “Remain either in God or close to God without trying to do anything & without asking anything of God unless God urges it.” With which eye do we see ourselves? Which closeness do we wish to stay near? It is all very well to say that we want God to command our highest loyalties no matter where they lead, but how do we react when they do not lead us where we think we ought to go?
QUESTION 11: Is your world different because of your faith?
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are what God has made us." How many cares one leaves behind when one decides not to be something, but to be someone. The bottom line is: “If our spiritualism does not change our world, it very likely has not changed us very much”.
*Do not mistake “God” to be the only supreme power name.
*Church can be a room [or an alter in a room] set aside for meditation and prayer.
*Meditation can be in any form and associated with spirituality [or not].

Kundalini

2011-05-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

We all possess this widely unknown energy power called Kundalini. It sits at the base of our spine.

Each person is believed to possess a great reservoir of dormant feminine energy. This energy lies tightly coiled at the base of the spine and is often associated with the serpent. Kundalini energy is part of the life force, so there is always a minute amount flowing through your subtle body. Only when properly understood and awakened can it express its full potential, rising through you and energizing your senses. You can awaken your Kundalini through different forms of meditation or yoga, though the process should be undertaken slowly. Hastily opening of the Kundalini center can cause headaches and other physical symptoms. Raised properly, respectfully, Kundalini energy has the potential to spring forth as active kinetic energy that may result in altered states of consciousness.

Once you have tapped into your Kundalini, what you experience will be unique. Some people experience the rising of the Kundalini upward through the chakras as spreading warmth and a feeling of extreme wellbeing. Others find they have more energy and libido and are consistently happier. Awaken your Kundalini and you may find yourself getting sick less often. The results vary from person to person, but the benefits are generally positive. You may be thinking about raising your Kundalini on your own. One way to do this is to draw the Kundalini up through the Shushumna [the passageway that travels through the center of your body toward the head] by visualizing the energy as a serpent traveling upward. But only bring it up a little at a time and use caution. If you experience headaches or a burning sensation, you may be going to fast and should consult a teacher.

Though awakening the Kundalini can be a difficult experience, it can also be a rewarding and exciting one. As the raw energy of the Kundalini is transformed into a potent storehouse of refined energy waiting to be utilized, you will be tapping into a rich source of creativity and awareness.

There are many books on the subject. First search your library and see if you have a book or two that you understand. If so, look in the reference back pages for more deeper information on the subject. The more you know, the better you are prepared to do your Kundalini meditation.

MOTHERS-DAY TRIBUTE

2011-05-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

A mother’s love is God’s love expressed. It comes in countless different shapes. I hope each of us has a precious memory of his or her mother. & that each of us can give thanks today because of that precious memory this morning. There’s nothing in the world as valuable as the memories you hold sacred inside of your mind & heart.

Close your eyes just for a moment & think of one attribute that you most prize that was an attribute of your mother. Think of it now in her honor. Would you give up that memory & experience of love for money or anything else in the physical world? I don’t think so.

MEDITATION
I invite you to close your eyes & in the silence of prayer that is to follow, I pray with you for you to accept God’s love. Dwell on God’s love for you. Think about God’s love & most of all, how you abide in God’s love; a love that will enrich your life, satisfy your every longing & fulfill your heart’s every dream. God’s love in you is greater than any disappointment. It will override any obstacle. It will lift you above every mountainous difficulty. It will renew you. It will show you the goodness in others. All this wondrous Mother’s Day, rest in God’s love. & place your Mother in prayer in God’s love. There is no finer gift. Let God love you. Let God’s love come through you. In the silence of prayer
Relax & let go. Let the great love of God enfold you. God’s love is greater than anyone or anything. God’s love is so great that it fills all time & all space. It’s instant; it’s compassionate; it’s constant tenderness and forgiveness. The love of God delights to bless. Let God’s love fill you. Let God’s love move through you. If an outer challenge appears, say quietly “God’s love is greater.” Realize, through your prayers, the nearness & availability of God’s love in the Silence.
Meditate often on the limitless bounds of God’s love. Consciously abide in it. Let this love draw you unto itself until you rest within the very heart of it. God loves you. As you sit here in this wonderful church, God is loving you exactly the way you are. God loves you now. This love is so great that there is nothing in all the universe to prevent It from showering Its blessings on you this moment. God loves you. God loves you, and how great is this love. How wondrous is this love. God’s love is greater than anything you face. (Silence) Through the power of the spoken word, let us affirm & decree for our lives: God’s love fills my life with good. I accept God’s love & I am blessed with joy. I accept God’s love & a fulfilling in my life of love in the perfect outer form. From our indwelling Christ, we give thanks for the love that has come to us in many forms & especially for the love that has come to us through our Mothers. From our indwelling Christ, we thank God for love that is coming to us continually and eternally; never ceasing. Amen.

M.O.T.H.E.R.
It was a special event & he was late. I wonder what his mother thought? Was she upset or angry?
It was only 9 miles from Nazareth to Cana. The wedding would last 7 days; at least he could have been on time. Then, all of a sudden, there he was, along with all his friends.

She looked about & saw the servants talking to each other. She knew something was wrong. & then she realized what it was; they had run out of wine.

She went over to her son, Jesus & said, “Jesus, they have no wine!” He just looked at her & said, “Woman what is that to you? My time has not yet come.” Then he walked away. . .
only to return a few minutes later.

They must have talked again, because she went over to the servants & said to them, “Do whatever he asks you to do.” They did & of course you know what happened. Jesus saved the day. It was the first miracle & it says in the Bible that after this miracle that his disciples believed in him.
As we reflect on Mothers today, Mary, the mother of Jesus certainly reveals one of the traits it what it takes to be a Mother.

1 “M” Mary had this wonderful ability to look beyond the appearance and see the potential in her child. This is the ability illustrated in the story of the wedding of Cana.

In the Hebrew culture, it was most important to celebrate a wedding properly. The celebration set the foundation for their whole marriage. The family took great care in the preparations, so when Mary found that the family had run out of wine, she knew it would be an insult to the family, bad luck for the couple. To run out of wine just as the guests were arriving was the worst possible thing to happen. Mary turned to her son, looked at him, and knew he could do something.

Don’t you wonder how she knew Jesus could do something? Do you think it’s because he’d been practicing turning water into wine at home? I don’t think so. She knew purely and simply because she was a mother. She could look beyond the impossibility of the appearance and know that he would come up with something. A mother believes in her child.

Do you remember times like this with your mother?
Didn’t she always just know that you could do it?
When you were in your first band concert, or took the SAT’s for college, or had your first heartbreak didn’t your mother know that everything would work out & be fine?

I can remember many times my mother just smiled & said, “I know you can do it.” I’d say, quietly to myself, “Sure, if you think it’s so easy, you do it!” Yet, she was right, sooner or later, I always did it. A Mother knows that there is tremendous potential within her child & expects it so come out. The ‘M’ of Mother is for the Mary-like quality that sees beyond the appearance to the potential within each child.
2.”O” Another quality that makes mothers so special is openness. Mother’s are open to whatever is right & good for their children; whatever is the highest and best for their lives. I wonder, if while Jesus was growing up, he ever went to his dad & said, “Daddy, I want to become a carpenter just like you.” Joseph might have said, “Great. I can see it now. . . “Joseph & Son.” If Mary had heard that she probably would have said, “Oh, that’s nice son,” which from a mother translates, “I don’t think so. . . or dream on.”

From what little there is about Joseph in the Bible, we still get a picture of a practical man. Can you imagine Jesus going up to Joseph & saying, “Dad, when I grow up I’m going to be the savior of the world.” I can hear Joseph saying, “Right. . . what kind of security and benefits does a job like that have?”
Fathers (the intellect) is practical.
I can imagine Jesus going to Mary & saying, “I must be about my Father’s business.” & Mary, as his mother, knew her son was destined for greatness. She was open to unlimited possibilities for her son.

Growing up, one of my mother’s favorite expressions was, “Where there’s a will there’s a way, those who reach the top, first much climb the hill. “ I got the emotional support – the pushing I needed from my mother.

My mom can’t carry a tune or play & instrument but she decided her children like her father would be musical. We learned to play instruments. She encouraged me to participate in school plays and programs. She enrolled me in extra classes on weekends & during the summer. She sent for college information, scholarship information, financial aid information. She often said she robbed Peter to pay Paul to put us through school & to give ‘her children the opportunities she didn’t have as a child.

So, when I think about Mothers, I think 1st about those 2 qualities: the Mary-like quality of seeing the potential, and the quality of being open to whatever is for the highest & best for her child.

3. “T” in mother represents toughness. Moms are tough, when they need to be really tough. Let’s go back to the story of the wedding. I think Mary got tough in that story. Let me give you an example. Let’s suppose you’ve been taking piano lessons. You go over to your aunt’s house for a holiday & there’s a piano sitting there. They say, “Oh he takes piano lessons, make him play something for us.” You think, “Oh, no! My hour has not yet come for me to play the piano!”

I can see this at the wedding feast where Mary looks at Jesus, in that special way mother’s have of looking at sons. “Jesus, they have no wine!” And Jesus saying, “Mom, so what? That’s their responsibility. My hour has not yet come.” But Mary got tough. Jesus performed.

One sunny day, out of the blue, the Mommy bird seems to ‘turn against her child & pushes her baby out of the safety of its nest. Mothers do that all the time. Mothers have to be very tough. Children often resist going forward by refusing to do whatever it is that is best for them. It could be studying, practicing, getting a job, or even moving out on their own. Mother’s have to get tough & say, “It’s time to move on.”

I have a friend who had trouble growing up & moving on. He said his mother kept telling him it was time for him to move out & he kept saying, “Mom, I’m not ready.” So first she began to charge him rent. Then for his birthday, she bought him dishes, pots & pans, sheets, blankets, flatware, etc. All the while he kept saying, I’m not ready. Well, his mother was really tough. One summer he went on a trip & when he came home, there was a moving van in front of the house. His parents were moving across the state. He says, “I guess mom figured she couldn’t push me out, so she just got Dad to leave town with her & just leave me behind.”

4. “H” Another quality of motherhood is ‘heart’. A mother’s heart isn’t where you think it is. There’s a special place in your mother’s house that contains her heart. It’s a secret & sacred place where time stands still. For some Mother’s it may be in the closet. For others it may be in a drawer. For some it may be in an attic, a box, or a truck somewhere. It’s a special place where your mother has stored all the memories of you.

Remember the black silhouette of the side of your face you made when you were in kindergarten? Do you remember the outline of the hand you made that looked like a turkey? You go to this place, open it up & you’ll find papers, pictures & priceless, wonderful memories. Your mother’s heart is here.
Here’s a poem a child wrote to her mother & found 50 years later as she cleared her mother’s house after her death. Who’s always been your closest friend right from the start? Who listens to your hopes & dreams & holds them in her heart? Who always has a friendly smile & plenty of hugs to share? Who loves you just the way you are? It’s your best friend who will care. . . your mother.

5. The “E” aspect of M.O.T.H.E.R. is energy. When you won the race, or hit the ball, who was the most excited & jumping up and down? I remember my mom preparing dinner & ‘supervising’ me learning to play the flute. Hour after hour listening to the same note, saying it was so wonderful. I remember her sitting in the pouring rain in the first row of the bleachers watching the half-time show as I marched in the band. She loaded us on the bus & took us to the Peter, Paul, & Mary concert. She stayed up all night baking cookies for my 16th birthday party & then again for my wedding.

Who was it that got so excited when you made your first batch of brownies? Who was it who comforted you when you didn’t get asked to the prom? Today is a special day to honor special people. A time to think of those wonderful qualities of a mother: the Mary-like quality of seeing the potential, openness, toughness, heart and energy.
6.”R” how do you look to for those memories that sometimes flood your mind and warm your soul. She is the one who will remember all that needs remembering.

There’s a famous Mother’s Day song called M.O.T.H.E.R. Do you remember it?

M is for the many things she gave me.
O is only that she’s growing old.
T is for the tears she shed to save me.
H is for her heart of purest gold.
E is for her eyes of love-light shining.
R is for right, for right she’ll always be.
Put them all together, it spells Mother. . .
The one who means the whole world to me.

In summary:

M is that marvelous, Mary-like quality of moving beyond appearances and seeing the potential.

O is for openness; knowing whatever is for the highest and best for everyone, everywhere.

T is for toughness to make that decision that it is time to launch them from that comfort nest.

H is for her heart of purest gold . . . her mother’ s treasure.

E is for that energy that is always there to support you.

R is what every mother really wants for mother’s day and every day. . to be remembered.

And let’s do that right now, just close your eyes for a moment. Visualize your mother in your mind’s eye. Tell her how much you appreciate her for all these qualities. If your mother has made her transition, know that there is no time or space in prayer, lovingly tell her all the things you appreciate about her. She’ll hear you. Mother’s have great ears. Take one quality, one special quality, and say, “Mother, this is what I appreciate most about you.” And now, give thanks to God that this person is a part of your life.

“Thank you God, for Mothers, angels full of tenderness and care. Thank you, mother, for the hours of comfort that came just knowing you were there. Mother, your love made our house a home. A place where we all gathered. You faith has lifted up the load and filled our hearts with laughter. Though problems come and problems go, your faith and love in me still grow. Thank God for you dear Mother. You know I love you so. Amen.”

THE MOMMY TEST

I was out walking with my then 4-year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground & started to put it in her mouth. I asked her not to do that. “Why?”

“Because it’s been lying outside & it is dirty & probably has germs.” At this point, she looked at me with total admiration and asked, “Wow! How do you know all this stuff?” Uh, I was thinking quickly, “...all moms know this stuff. Um, it’s on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don’t let you be a Mommy.” We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information “OH...I get it!” she beamed,” So if you flunk, you have to be the Daddy!”
Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

STORY: I want to close this sharing with a writing called a Mother’s Journey.

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. “Is this the long way?” she asked. The guide said, “Yes & the way is hard. You will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning.”

But the young mother was happy & she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children; she fed them, bathed them, taught them to tie their shoes & ride a bike & do their homework & brush their teeth. The sun shone on them & the young mother cried,” Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.”

Then the nights came & the storms & the path was sometimes dark. The children shook with fear & cold, & the mother drew them close & covered them with her arms. The children said, “Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near & no harm can come.”

Then morning came & there was a hill ahead, & the children climbed & grew weary, & the mother was weary too. But at all times she said to the children, “A little patience & we are there.” So the children climbed & as they climbed, they learned to weather the storms. With this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all...unconditional love. When they reached the top, they said, “Mother, we could not have done it without you.” The days went on & the weeks & the months & the years & the mother grew old. She became little & bent, but her children were tall & strong, & walked with courage. The mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars & said, “This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much & are now passing these traits on to their children.”

When the way became rough for her, they lifted her & gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers. & One day they came to a hill & beyond the hill, they could see a shining road & golden gates flung open. The mother said, “I have reached the end of my journey. Now I know that the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity & pride, with their heads held high, & so can their children after them.”

& The children said, “You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.”

They stood & watched her as she went on alone & the gates closed after her. They said, “We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence.”

ANGEL OF TENDERNESS

CHORUS: I’m the Angel of Tenderness
Here to be strong.
The Angel of Tenderness
Now I’ll sing you my song.

My strength comes from kindness.
My strength comes from love.
My strength comes from gentleness
From my Father above.

CHORUS

True power comes from
The stillness within
Where God’s love is calling us
To our home in Him.

CHORUS

Walk softly on the earth.
In love play your part.
Treat all life tenderly.
Live from you heart.
I’m the Angel of Tenderness
Here to be strong.
The Angel of Tenderness
Now I’ve sung you my song.
MOTHER OF MINE

Mother of mine you gave to me
All of my life to do as I please
I owe everything I have to you
Mother sweet mother of mine

Mother of mine when I was young
You showed me the right way things had to be done; Without your arms where would I be
Mother sweet mother of mine
CHORUS: Mother you gave me happiness
Much more than words can say
I thank the Lord that He may bless you
Every night and every day

Mother of mine now I am grown
And I can walk straight all on my own
I’d like to give you what you gave to me
Mother sweet mother of mine

CHORUS: Mother you gave me happiness
Much more than words can say
I thank the Lord that He may bless you
Every night and every day

Mother of mine now I am grown
And I can walk straight all on my own
I’d like to give you what you gave to me
Mother sweet mother of mine
Mother sweet mother of mine

MOTHER

Mother, you hold me in the palm of your hand.
Mother, you are the great support.
And your child----- (Your child)
Wanders endless trails. Your child, (Your child)
Trying to pierce the veil. (REPEAT)

I turn and turn and turn to catch a glimpse of you.
I turn and turn and turn to see your beauty.
And the sweet fragrance of your multicolored beauty fills my mind. I must not forget.
It is you always that is shining in the background of my mind. I must not forget. I must not forget.

I know you, but I can’t remember where or when I met you. I see your form, it’s so familiar, but I cannot reason why. I know you, but I cannot keep my gaze fixed firmly on you. You see, my mind has its way, and at the gates it goes to play.

And the sweet fragrance of your multicolored beauty fills my mind. I must not forget.
It is you always that is shining in the background of my mind. I must not forget. I must not forget.
I must not forget. I must not forget.

I turn and turn and turn, to catch a glimpse of you.
I turn and turn and turn to see your beauty.
I turn and turn and turn to catch a glimpse of you.
I turn and turn and turn to see your beauty.
To see your beauty. To see your beauty.
For I am your child!

M – O –T – H – E – R
A Word That Means The World To Me

“M” is for the million things she gave me;
“O” means only that she’s growing old.
“T” is for the tears were shed to save me;
“H” is for her heart of purest gold.
“E” is for her eyes, with love light shining;
“R” means right, and right she’ll always be.

Put them all together, they spell “MOTHER”, a word that means the world to me.

“M” is for the mercy she possesses,
“O” means that I owe her all I own,
“T” is for the tender sweet caresses,
“H” is for her hands that made a home.
“E” means ev’ry thing she’s done to help me,
“R” means real and regular, you see,

Put them all together, they spell “MOTHER,” a word that means he world to me.

THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD

Do you still gaze in wonder at the stars up in the sky? Do you still dream of soaring as you watch the eagle fly? Can you still see the world for all the good it has to give? When you look at life through the eyes of a child, that’s when you truly live.

Through the eyes of a child, we see what life is truly meant to be. Through the eyes of a child, we see the possibilities, hearts are open, minds are free, then suddenly, life is more worthwhile.

Can you still see the laughter in a Mother’s loving eyes? Can you still see the world for all the good it has to give? When you look at life through the eyes of a child, that’s when you truly live.

Through the eyes of a child, we see what life is truly meant to be. Through the eyes of a child, we see the possibilities, hearts are open, minds are free, then suddenly life is more worthwhile!

Through the eyes of a child, we see what life is truly meant to be. Through the eyes of a child, we see the possibilities, hearts are open, minds are free, then suddenly life is more worthwhile!

When you look at life through the eyes of a child,
That’s when you truly live.

“MOTHER’S INFLUENCE”

I took a piece of plastic clay
And idly fashioned it one day;
And as my fingers pressed it still,
It moved and yielded at my will.

I came again when days were past,
The form I gave it still it bore,
And as my fingers pressed it still,
I could change that form no more.

I took a piece of living clay,
And gently formed it day by day,
And molded with my power and art,
A young child’s soft and yielding heart.

I came again when days were gone;
It was a man I looked upon,
He still that early impress bore,
And I could change it never more.

Steping Back From Anger

2011-05-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

The emotional trigger than begins an argument may have little to do with your present situation, but has dug up a wound. When we find ourselves in an argument, we may feel like we are losing control of emotions that have taken on lives of their own. When we can become aware that this is happening, taking a deep breath can help us step back from the situation. Once we can separate ourselves from the heat of the moment, we may find that the emotional trigger that began the argument has little to do with the present situation, but may have brought up feelings related to something else entirely. Looking honestly at what caused our reaction allows us to consciously respond more appropriately to the situation and make the best choices.

We can make an agreement with our partners and those closest to us that asking questions can help all of us discover the source of the argument. The shared awareness can result in finding simple solutions to something physical, like low blood sugar or even a hormonal surge. Maybe we are taking ourselves too seriously, and we can just laugh and watch the tension dissolve. We could also discover that perhaps we are addicted to the excitement that drama brings and the chemicals that our body creates when we are angry. But there may be a deeper issue that requires discussion, understanding, and patience. The more we allow ourselves to step back and examine our reasons for arguing, the easier it becomes to allow real feelings to surface and guide us toward solutions that improve our lives.

When we can be clear about our feelings and intentions and communicate them clearly, we have a far better chance of getting what we want than if we lose control or allow our subconscious minds to manipulate the situation. We might take our frustrations out on the people closest to us because we feel safe and comfortable with them, but misplaced anger can cause more harm than good. Arguing for what we truly believe can empower us and help us to direct our passions toward greater life experiences. Truly knowing our reasons for arguing enables us to grow emotionally in ways that will affect our whole being.

So, with this being said, I am on a new adventure and climbing over another hurdle in my life. A true and good life is to be had from conquering the flaws I have from a life of collection.

Suffer and Sacrifice

2011-04-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Many of us have a deep-seated belief that in order to do well in the world, we have to suffer and sacrifice. This commonly held idea stems from a certain mentality, inherited from ancestors who came before us who may have experienced this as true. Beliefs from our own past-life experiences can also make an appearance in this lifetime. This is often the way in which false beliefs take hold and don’t let go, even though they are no longer relevant. We must all live our own lives, in our own time, and learn what is true for us, because very few truths prove valid for all people all the time.

Keeping our minds clear of false notions is not an easy task, as it requires us to first know our beliefs. Very often, these beliefs have settled deep in our unconscious minds where they simply sit unquestioned. Nevertheless, they have an effect on our hearts, our minds, and our reality. These beliefs act on us, creating situations and relationships that we regard as fate, when they are, in fact, simply our unconscious minds manifesting in the external world. As a result, we may not even be aware that we are carrying the burden of a poverty mentality, and we may wonder why we are not manifesting abundance, especially if we know we deserve it. If this is the case, it may be time to look deeper within to see if we can discover the obstacle inside ourselves.

In order to evolve, it is important that we examine the contents of our minds and hearts and get to the root of what we believe about reality. Generally, our concerns of the moment can be trusted to guide our inquiries. If we are not manifesting and maintaining the abundance we know we deserve, then this issue is calling us to look into the hidden corners of our psyches and root out any remaining beliefs that tell us we must suffer and sacrifice in order to do well. Our efforts will take us one more step away from this energy-sapping belief that we no longer need.

Water was served

2011-01-24T20:03:00.001-08:00

Water for the day
There once was a church that held an Annual Communion Service. The tradition was that every adult would bring a small container of wine to church. During the service, each person would come forward and pour their wine into a beautiful bowl to be consecrated and blessed. After the ceremony there was a pot-luck banquet and the blessed wine was enjoyed communally.

Now not everyone brought the same kind of wine. Some folks brought expensive wines of impressive vintage. Others brought more commonplace wines. But somehow, the blending of the wines always miraculously managed to achieve a communal average enjoyed by all, despite the differences in the types of the individual contributions.

One year, a member had along week at the office and was too tired to stop at the local wine seller. Rather than go empty handed, she arrived early, snuck into the kitchen, filled a cup with water, and poured the water loudly into the bowl, so everyone could hear her contribution. Another member was busy coaching his sons little league team and did the same thing. As did the member who was traveling on business and the one who was just out of sorts and just forgot. An old time member who had done a lot every year for the church. said he would skip the wine this week, as he was tired. The "super volunteer", who takes every task on every task thrown his way, declared, "One more thing and I'll flip my lid. He and the old timer, both brought water. Now a two new members, were unclear about the concept and felt intimidated. They watched and both brought water as well. Last but not least, one member of the congregation just brought water to be different this time.

That day when the ladle was dipped, water was served.

Miracles are made and served with faith and works. Each and every thing we do or refrain from doing, touches others. If one or two bring water, everyone will enjoy wine. That is a sort of love within the community. It's in joining together, freely, passionately and with the power of God's Love that we can grow in Uniting for the cause of the Metis and thus the rest of The Peop

Metis Celebration & Pow-wow

2010-08-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

I will be attending a Metis Celebration and Pow-wow this next week-end in Lewiston Montana. I will report back on the 8th of September.

show details Aug 25 (2 days ago)

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METIS CELEBRATION
AND

LITTLE SHELL TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS POW WOW
SEPTEMBER 2, 3, 4, AND 5

CENTRAL MONTANA FAIRGROUNDS, LEWISTOWN, MT

CELEBRATION SPONSORED BY METIS COMMITTEE

POW WOW SPONSORED BY LITTLE SHELL TRIBE: President John Sinclair, 1st
vp
Ronald Doney, 2nd Vp Ken Erickson, Sec/Trea. Randy Randolph, Council
members Steve
Doney, Jesse Azure, Brad Brough

Pow Wow or Celebration information contact: General info: Robert E.
Lafountain 406-698-8571
or John Lafountain 406-403-5493; Booth info: Donna Walraven
406-452-2812

AGENDA:

THURSDAY, SEPT 2: 3 p.m, Booths open; 7 p.m. Open mic/open music;
Socializing
FRIDAY, SEPT 3: 11 a.m. Booths open; Socializing; 7 p.m. Metis
National Anthem, events
begin; 8:30 p.m. Fund Raising Auction (Bring items you can donate);
9:15 p.m. Fiddle, Jig and
Waltz contests (prizes Awarded)

SATURDAY, SEPT 4: 10 am. Little Shell Tribal meeting; 12 noon (sharp)
Parade on Main
Street (prizes Awarded); 1 :30p.m. Grand Entry 1st Pow Wow Session;
5:30 p.m. Free Public
Feed; 7:30 p.m. Grand Entry 2nd Pow Wow Session; 9 p.m. Princess
Crowning

SUNDAY, SEPT 5: Socializing; 1 p.m. Grand Entry 3rd Pow Wow Session; 3
p.m. Silent
Auction Concludes; 5:30 p.m. Contestant winners named

NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
DOGS ON LEASH OR PICKET
TWO FOOD CONCESSIONS
NUMEROUS BOOTHS
MONEY PRIZES FOR:

Parade

Fiddle Contest
Jig Contest
Waltz Contest
PowWow

NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Lost or stolen articles or children
Personal Injury

POW WOW CATEGORIES:

Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Jingle, Tiny Tots
and Golden Age

Open registration Saturday noon to

first Grand Entry
SPONSORSHIPS INVITED FOR ANY
EVENT (Contact Organizers)
CAMPER FEE (for electrical users and

reserved spots)
SPECIALS INVITED
DONATIONS WELCOME

SECURITY PROVIDED ON SITE 2417
PUBLIC INVITED·NO ADMISSION FEE

The Breath of the Universe

2010-04-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

We can entrust the wind to carry our voices out into the world, knowing it will be carried to its perfect destination. We can connect ourselves with a basic force of nature by focusing on the essential element of air during a wind meditation. To begin we center ourselves on our breath. We inhale the life-giving force, feeling it fill us, and then releasing it into the world letting our breath mingle with the breath of nature. If we cannot feel the wind right now, we can recall times when the wind has sent us gifts of caresses on bare skin, ruffling our clothes and playing with our hair. We can evoke sounds carried on the wind, maybe laughter or song, or perhaps just the wind’s own voice through the trees or across the landscape of our ears. Maybe we summon up an image of falling flowers or leaves from above, with vivid colors being set free with the wind’s encouragement. We may envision birds drifting on unseen currents with wings unbent, or flags and banners unfurled in the breeze. The scent of a sea breeze may come to mind, or the aromas of freshly baked treats or fragrant blooms that reach us from a distance.

As these memories enliven our senses, we’re feeling the vital force that surrounds and animates us. We can look to the trees to sway in time with nature’s rhythm. Just as we can be soothed by the wind, we know that nature has great power. In a rush it can, block out all sound, leaving us with only the beating of our hearts.

Wind can even make the inanimate dance and whirl as graceful as a Willow Tree. With a gentle sigh, the wind has carried sailors to faraway lands and balloons to great heights. We can entrust the wind to carry our voices and best wishes out into the world, or up to Grandfather, always knowing it will be carried to its perfect destination. Releasing these precious offerings to its care, we remember that nature’s power is as close as our breath, and we breathe deeply once again before returning to the world around us.

Dksha

2010-04-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

Dksha
Permanent Enlightenment

A divine energy transfer` known as Dksha‘, is obtained from those specifically gifted and trained to offer it.

Dksha is a Sanskrit word, meaning benediction or invocation of divine help, a divine energy transfer. Described as a golden ball of energy descending into the head, this energy activates a shift in the brain, allowing you to realize your oneness with all creation. This is the true meaning of “enlightenment”. It is a state of mind in constant recognition of the reality of oneness. The cause of the majority of suffering in the world is a sense of separation from the world, each other, and from our source. The pure energy transferred through dksha helps you realize that the sense of a separate self is an illusion. Once in this higher state of consciousness, it is permanent.

To experience the divine energy transfer of dksha, you do not need to change your lifestyle or make any vows. It is not limited to followers of any one religion, nor does it come with rules for the practice of a set of rituals. The state of mind attained with dksha is not one that is through personal effort. Only someone specifically trained can activate the various centers in the brain with their energy, initiating the process of change that allows an intelligent flow of cosmic energy to elevate you into an altered state, restructuring the brain and awakening the seeker to the awareness of wholeness and oneness. Since it is a biological event, anyone can experience it.

Though enlightenment does not happen instantly for everyone, lives have changed significantly in terms of overall happiness, a capacity for love, and a sense of peace. Those who have attained enlightenment say, it is not a mystical state that takes you out of this world, it allows you to experience the divine in everyday life. Because of this, each time another person accepts dksha and raises their consciousness, all of us move toward the ultimate goal of uplifting the consciousness of humanity to one of connection and unity. Dksha is a step in the universal enlightenment of all creation.

So what!

2010-04-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

So, this week has been a wrestling match with my health. I had hoped I would be able to glide through it with ease. Instead there was a bout with some intestinal thing that lasted for the week. By Friday, I was dehydrated and looking for the great fountain of healing. Nettie and I were busy with the many little things that can be a blessing or plague one's life. For us, it usually is a small set of learning's and blessings...not this week. Staying close to the home safe rooms meant we went very few places and yet, I was able to meet with my writing group in Portland, and my spiritual group in Vancouver. Portland has two more lesson meetings left and Vancouver will be an on going series of learning exercises in the ways for Healing any and everything. It fits into my life work as a Healer and Elder in the Metis Nation of the U.S.. This I am very humble about.

I was able to help with church today, beating in honor of the Four Directions as we opened the Mass for the People. I am now looking for a group of First Nation and Metis (mix-bloods) men and boys that would like to drum at least once a month. I have been approached by one woman to see if there could be a monthly mixed drum group for anyone who would like to participate in free drumming. I will need to fix my thoughts on that possibility and pray about it. Mother Vicky is interested in having a Drum Circle once or more than once a month. She understands she may not be allowed to attend the Circle. She is very interesting person and quite spiritual. I am studying the Book of Acts in the New Testament.
Right now that goes along with my studies with The Order Of St. Luke the Physician (OSL).

I have found that the older I get the more I want to search for my spiritual roots. There was a time that my thoughts wandered away from all non-tangible life. From me early childhood and through my teen years, well into my adult life, I found any non-tackle forms of being were too uncomfortable for me. Viet-Nam did not help a bit. Too much distraction and there seemed to be no cure for what was going on and the god's were too busy to engage in the solution of War and Death. I had lost all hope in there even being a god to rely on.

It has taken almost 50 years to even entertain the idea of a Living God and what he expects ME to do about War and lack of Love in the world. Healing can truly occur when many minds come together with a focus on one thing. IF the few who gather are not able to heal the wound, then more must be added until there is enough praying People to make the difference in our Worldly Living. Things can be changed by the influence of Healing Prayer of a common goal.

I will expound on this another time. Right now, I need to move out of here and see IF I can find people who would be willing to help change the world for the better.

Peace and Harmony,
Rocco

The Mind Follows no Time Line

2010-04-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

Try to learn something new this week. This keeps our energy active which affects not only you, but those around you as well.

The talents that intrigue us the most oftentimes seem to exist just outside the reach of our grasp, even though we are all capable of mastering new crafts and skills. Life has a tendency to intervene in our best-laid plans, and it is easy to sacrifice a dream when facing unrelated obligations. We may also feel that we are too set in our ways to absorb fresh skills or that doing so would ultimately prove a valueless undertaking. However, learning is, first and foremost, an exercise of the mind. To learn, we must first truly believe we can learn and that the abilities we gain as a result will serve to enrich our lives. Once we do, we discover that education and practice inspire us and awaken us to a whole new range of possibilities.

When you challenge yourself by committing to master a new pursuit, you affirm your belief that neither chronology nor fear need be an impediment to your growth. You comprehend the value of learning, the interest it adds to your day-to-day experiences and the creativity it inspires within you. Being a beginner can be hard, and you may find yourself tempted to give up, but try not to let yourself become self-conscious. If you are revisiting an activity you enjoyed in childhood, you may take in information more slowly than you once did or you may pick it up again like it was yesterday. The simple fact that you are pursuing a path because you want to, means that your determination will give you the strength to cope with any difficulties. Your ability to work toward an goal will be heightened by your sincere desire to grow as an individual.

Try learning something new this week. What have you always wanted to do? Take a dance class, learn to sail, knit a sweater, sculpt—whatever you choose, your life will be enriched with fun, new friends and the pride of trying something new.

A Lesson from Peter

2010-03-28T14:43:00.001-07:00

I can summarize what we can learn from Peter’s 3 denials that he knew Jesus in 3 sentences. The first sentence is: “Life is filled with broken promises.”

The 2nd sentence is: “Even knowing of so many broken promises, most of us spend significant time & energy choosing to do good anyway.”

The 3rd sentence… well, I’ve changed my mind about giving you the 3rd sentence. I’m not going to tell you that one after all. What can I say?” Life is filled with broken promises deal with it.”

Everywhere we turn in the material world we can see broken promises. Instead of hope, we are given hurt.
Instead of love we are handed fear. Instead of community we can find ourselves in isolation.
& I know that there are many outside these walls, in our own families, our friends & coworkers & others who face broken promises in far greater magnitude than you or I do.

As a response to this reality, I’d like to tell you 4 stories.

The first story is about 2 little boys. Their father was a truck driver. He was left to care for them one evening when he had to go down to the trucking company to unload & fill out the customary paper work. While the father unloaded, the boys had fallen asleep in the cab & when he had to go into the office to complete the papers, concerned with leaving the sleeping children visible in the cab, he carried the boys to the back of the empty truck, laid them on cargo blankets, closed the door. As fate would have it, the boys woke up & found themselves alone & trapped in a strange, dark place. The younger of the 2 boys was filled with panic. He couldn’t even see his brother in the dark. “Doug, are you here?” he asked. “I’m here,” came the response.

Left alone, feeling abandoned, cast out on their own, the 4 year old turned to his 5-year-old brother & asked, “So, what do we do now?” “I guess we’ll have to find a place to live,” was the response. But they both realized that this would require money, so the talk turned to what kind of jobs they could get. “What can you do?” the younger asked. “I think I could probably cut people’s grass,” the older replied. The younger felt a new sense of dread realizing that he didn’t know how to cut grass & he couldn’t think of anything he could do to make any money at all. Sensing his little brother’s anxiety the older said ,“You can help me.”

But that was, essentially, the extent of their plan – their entire hope for the future – hung on the possibility that they could cut someone’s grass. Not the way either of them thought their life would go. “Life is filled broken promises.”

The world never did find out if they could make a living cutting grass, for immediately following their moment of resolve, the door to the back of the truck slid up & there, standing in the glow of the parking lights, was their father. An immediate sense of rage fell over that younger boy as he realized what had happened. It eventually turned to relief but he never – ever - forgot what it was like to be trapped in that dark place & what it felt like to be abandoned.

The second story involves these same 3 characters a few years later - after ‘the divorce.’ Divorced & often separated from his children the father wanted to try & build some understanding & connection & feel closer to his children.

So, he did is what a lot of parents do – when his children visited, he read to them at bedtime. But contrary to stories other parents might choose, he didn’t read Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan or other fairy tales. Each night he read from a book by a child psychologist about divorce. Neither of the boys could decipher much from that evening ritual. Nevertheless, the routine continued for many weeks. Until, one night, towards the end of reading time, the man came across a line that he read in a different kind of way. He slowed down. The line was, “Just because a father becomes divorced it doesn’t mean he doesn’t love his children.” Then the man stopped altogether. & he read that line again, this time with his voice quivering as though he might suddenly cry.

Then he closed the book, kissed the boys goodnight, and left the room. It’s probably not necessary to tell you that neither of those boys understood a thing that was written in that book. And yet, it doesn’t take much to realize that they understood everything about their father’s faltering voice, the line that he repeated & his goodnight kiss.

The youngest boy in these stories, after a difficult realization that “life is filled with broken promises,” eventually became a Unity minister & one day in a lesson he said, “Nothing of what I have managed to accomplish in my life could have possibly happened without the ‘unmistakable truth that “Life is filled with broken promises. I became a minister because I have experienced what it was like to be trapped in a dark place. & I became a minister because I was unwilling to live in a life where deceit & disappointment is the only rule.

The next story happened in the early 1400’s. A man lived in Bohemia (what is now Czechoslovakia). His name was Jan Hus. He was a scholar & priest in the Roman Catholic Church & what we would, today, call an activist. He was very popular among both young & old people for they saw his life as a symbol of hope.

Hus deplored the corruption that riddled church practices & took great pains to change them. Two points in particular were abhorrent to him. First, the belief of the Church that only priests could participate in Holy Communion. Hus believed that everyone was entitled to share the wine of the chalice during communion & deserved a chance to hold it & pass to their neighbor the elements of their faith. Secondly, Hus believed that worship should be spoken in the common language, instead of Latin which no one understood.

For this he was tried & convicted of heresy by the church. He was offered several opportunities to recant — but he refused to do so. The punishment for such heresy was death. On his birthday, July 6, 1415, he was stripped of his vestments, taken to a field outside Prague & burned at the stake. He never rescinded his beliefs. Instead, he sang a hymn as the flames mounted around him. However, before he died, he made a prediction in the form of a joke, based on his name. In the Czech language “Hus” means “goose.” As he was being tied to the stake, he called to his tormentors, “You may roast this goose today, but one hundred years from now a swan will arise, whose singing you cannot silence.”

He was right. Less than one hundred years later, the Reformation swept Europe & the fire of religious liberty swept throughout Western Civilization.

We have come a long way from those dark times. And yet it is obvious that many of the attitudes & broken promises, which create darkness & barriers between people still exist today. The question I have for you is: “How do you handle life’s broken promises?” My choice to become a minister was the only practical response I could see to the broken promises I knew in my own life.

Let me tell you now the 4th story. A little boy found himself locked in the bathroom. His cries brought his frightened mother to the other side of the door & when he heard her he began to cry louder. She tried to explain to her son how to unlock the door but he was crying too hard to hear what she was saying.
& then to make matters worse, in a panic of jumping up & down, the little boy inadvertently hit the light switch & turned out the light. Now it was dark. Louder cries came forth & then he started pounding on the door in frustration. Finally the mother could hear him slump down against the cold bathroom tile.

Getting down on her knees the mother tried peering through the crack at the bottom of the door & she saw his cheek as he too tried to get his face low enough to see through the small space. With an idea, the mother quickly got a flashlight. She knelt down & turned the flashlight on so that it shone through the crack at the bottom of the door.

“Do you see the light, honey? Can you see it?” The boy stopped crying for a second & said, “I can see it. ”
“That’s me!” she cried. “The light is coming from me. I’m right here!” “I can see you, mommy, but I can’t get to you.”

Then the mother took her other hand and slid 3 fingers under the door & wiggled them. “Can you see my fingers?” she asked. “I can see your fingers!” he replied. “I can see them.” “Grab hold of my fingers,” she said.

And he did – for the entire hour it took for the next door
neighbor to take down the door that kept them apart.

Everywhere around us it is the same. In this community, in history and in our lives: if we want to offer a real response to life’s broken promises we must be willing to be a light.

Which brings me, finally, to the 3rd sentence I promised you & that is this: The only success we will know of building from broken promises, a new dream of hope, will be measured by how & how far we are willing to carry our own light in what is often a dark & lonely world.

In a life full of broken promises, it is always within us to choose to do good anyway. Because we know, that the hardest of all broken promises to endure is the promise we break to ourselves by not making the difference in our own lives & in our world that Jesus told us that we are capable of & through the good work that we do, the hope that is ultimately restored may, indeed, be our own.

A Promise

2010-03-28T14:18:00.001-07:00

The promises you make in this life start you dancing with the joy of ‘that splendid torch.’ But it is the promises that you keep that will ensure that you keep dancing & stay in the flow of life. A promise is your word, whether spoken or implied, cast forth into physical reality. It is a covenant you make with the world. It says: “This shall be done.”

When you make a promise you set up an energy imbalance. For example: Let’s say you tell your best friend you’ll take him or her to dinner next Wednesday night as a birthday present. You create a tension with a promise, the expectation of something yet to be done.

When you put your word out before you like this, you create a ‘gap’ that can only be closed when you do what you said you’d do. Now, imagine that it’s Wednesday & you’re at dinner with your friend. See how the tension resolves? The energy field is now once again balanced.

The energy dance that keeps us moving on our spiritual path involves creating & resolving imbalances. When we produce a ‘gap’ we’re pulled forward to close it.

We often neglect to consider the effect of not keeping our promises. When we don’t do what we said we’d do, we’re left with the tension of incompletion. Unfulfilled promises are energy drains because we expend more energy to keep a gap open than we do when we resolve it.

Each unfulfilled promise draws energy to itself & becomes a block to the flow of God’s energy. It saps your power. You can become physically, emotionally & even spiritually so tired that you have no energy & it doesn’t matter with whom you made your promise. In fact, many of us are much better at keeping the promises we make to others than keeping the promises we make to ourselves.

The universe doesn’t care with whom you made the contract. Not keeping your word to yourself is still not keeping your word. It produces the same gap so it is just as significant as failing to keep a promise to someone else. The important thing to realize is that every broken promise we experience is a wake up call.

Order of Saint Lukes the Physician

2010-03-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

I am reporting that I have become an associate member in the Order of Saint Luke the Physician and have been elected to a position of Co-convener. It is an international society of Healers working together and in their small groups to heal all that abides here on Mother Earth. It's charge is A to Z in healing from the poorest to the grandiose of all creation. Right now I am engulfed in a 26 week course of study on the HEALING METHODS of THE CHRIST and how I and we can utilize the same methods to enact the same results. I find it most interesting, when I think about the healing methods I use as Native Metis Healer. My goal is to utilize both methods combined to enrich my work with the sicknesses of the Earth.

I know there is nothing that is accomplished without the invocation and help from The Creator. To truly be a Healer, I must keep myself in touch and in tune with His Will in all things. This kind of connection needs an acceptance of the role of G-d / Grand Father in my life. This is to be a grand new adventure!

Face Book ect...

2010-02-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon, There are times that I review the many sites I use, only to find I am sorry I have joined them or that I have outgrown the site. Today I am reporting my resigning from `facebook' to go back to a more stable way to connect with my friends. That is why you will no longer find me available there. I will use my address book to locate all of you to inform you of my move. Those who wish to join me here or at the other MNUS site, maybe the "what Now" site will be getting am invitation from me at those sites as well.

Here in the the U.S.A. we are having a time in getting the government to accept the largest Indigenous group of people as an aboriginal race. You may or may not know that we have for these past 10 years working with states and federal agencies in recognizing us in an individual agency basis. We as a nation have had been able to cross the borders into Canada with the right passports, or I D cards and our MNUS cards. The MNUS card has the recognition as the second form of citizenship I D. What we do not have is the rights of Canadian Metis to hunt, fish and to live as a 3rd aboriginal race in Canada. We are not able to use their medical facilities nor join in on any Metis Ceremony unless specifically invited. Joining the Canadian Metis Council (CMC) has the ability to take part in their Ceremonies, celebrations, and Sacred Gatherings.

Here in the U.S.of A. we are starting to find ways to celebrate our common ways with each other, and help learn those ways that are not specific to each tribe. To learn what is the same about all of us is part of a way to heal our wounds inflicted in the older times. To see those things that the same or similar, gives us a basis to stand on as Brothers and Sisters.

I have found that prodigious is lost with understanding and from understanding comes love. Love for our Brothers and for our Sisters.

O.S.L.

2010-01-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the end of January and thus far I've been able and fortunate to keep up with some letter writing and posting to my Facebook. It looks like I will be attending a Write Around Portland workshop in February through April. It one of those exercises I enjoy to stimulate my creative juices. My learning in the Order of Saint Luke the Healer is moving along, Lesson four is coming up next Tuesday.

Doing Drum Repairs and building for individuals is part and parcel of my monthly enjoyment, Last night I performed an exercise in Drum Meditation for the Unity Church here in Vancouver WA. It went very well and was received with much appreciation.

As part of my learning needs is to learn Italian, The local junior college offers a course in conversati0nal Italian. I would like to incorporate the language in my next book. "The Storytellers" is in the editing stage. When I get it back, I will pass it along to the publishers for a
Books-on-Demand publication. For a first book, I think this is the best way to go for me.

Ended ear

2010-01-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

I was able to watch last year come to an end from my appartment here in Washington. We had a quiet evening filled with our love for each other, the Wife and I. the week before I was sick with a stomich flue and stayed ini bed from Christmas day to the following monday. Then a short trip to the INlaws. Had a great dinner with Mary, Walt and Jenni at Marys lovely home.
Ohana was a true respectable pet for the whole trip.he was calm and quiet, which surprised me completely. It was a pleasure to travel with her, After arriving home, it was nice to be in our comfort Zone. The smells and surroundings of home can be such a secure felling, I can see why the Elderly want to stay home more and more as they age. I am in that sort of space now and think it may become stronger as time passes.
News from the expectations in the future? Yes, I am trying to get people interested in joining the Me'tis Nation of the U.S. here in Washington. I am also working to become a Prayer Healer with-in the O.S.L.. Working with several friends, I have in mind to have a circle of meditators meeting weekly here in my home, to focus on extending energy to heal the scars of Mother Earth i and about Vancouver, Washington.
Lastly, I am making a calander to help me remember events I have committed to, ie. my Blog, web site, interest groups, and Genealogy. Maybe if I can do things in a more orderly fashion, I will be better able to keep up this year. that's all for today.

Thanks Giving

2009-11-27T14:41:00.000-08:00

This year we tried something new and invited others w/o family close by to dinner. We ate till we were full. Then we lazied around for the rest of the day enjoying each others company and expecting at least one drop in, which happened. I ate about 1400 calories for the day but have decided that two days in November w/o testing is o k by me. Now that it is the day after Turkey Day, I can relax and try to not focus on what is next.

I will be traveling to Southern California and visit with my Sister and her family, plus Heather. It is hard to not have Heather about at this time of year.

Looking for Mr. Big

2009-11-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

Looking For Mr. Big
by Bernadette Voorhees

Have you ever had a time in your life when something you needed turned up missing? Something you counted on?
I’m not talking about little things like socks or keys or phone numbers written on scrap paper, things that routinely fall between the cushions on the sofa & get sucked into the netherworld between galaxies or those things you chalk up to something the dog chewed up & carried away. Those things you can forget & attach a little sticky note to the refrigerator asking other people in the family if they’ve seen it. I’m talking about bigger things, things we can spend months or even years looking for like our sanity or our identity or our purpose in life, the kind of things that don’t fit on sticky notes or refrigerators.

In Woody Allen’s short play, “Mr. Big,” a detective named Kaiser Lupowitz is hired by a Vassar philosophy major to find something that turned up missing, a missing person to be exact. Kaiser questions her & discovers, early on, that the person she wants to find is God. When Kaiser asks her what God looks like, she admits she has never seen him. “Oh great!” he responds. “Then you don’t know what he looks like? Or where to begin looking?” “No. Not really,” she replies. “Although I suspect he’s everywhere. In the air, in every flower, in you & I & in this leather sectional sofa.”
“Uh-huh,” Kaiser thinks. “So, she’s a pantheist.” Following
the twists & turns of the parody investigation, Kaiser later talks to the police. He is asked if he’s still looking for God, the ‘Great Oneness, the connection between all things, Creator of the Universe, Mr. Big?”
When the detective nods the police tell him that somebody answering to that description has just showed up at the morgue. After reviewing the facts, Kaiser & the policeman conclude that the divine murder wasn’t a professional job.
‘Couldn’t have been,’ they say. ‘Probably done by an existentialist,’ they surmise. When Kaiser asks how they could know, the sergeant answers, “Haphazard way it was done. Doesn’t seem to be any system followed.”

I know of families where, if God turned up missing, it wouldn’t be much of a problem. Families where it would be a problem if someone left a sticky note on the refrigerator asking if they’d seen God, or if they wouldn’t mind helping to look for God. Families where it would be a problem if their teenage son came home from school & said that he’d FOUND God. In many households, seeing God’s picture on a milk carton wouldn’t raise many eyebrows.

For some, God just turned up missing one day & they never bothered to file a report & some people were so turned off by a long history of personal experiences with hell & brimstone pastors preaching sin & shame & misguided people in their lives who told them so many times that ‘God was going to punish them for this or that;’ that they finally summoned the courage & good common sense to get rid of such a hurtful & destructive God themselves. Many people in Unity share a history like that & say that even thought they finally understood that the role of God was never meant to be a harmful or negative thing in our lives that their family or friends still believe otherwise & while they held on to God, their family & friends went missing.

Woody Allen wasn’t the first to write about the killing of God. Many people before & since have reflected on the idea of ‘theocide’ if not carried it out themselves. The point I’m making here is that since the purpose of worshipping God is to inspire you to become more God-like, when you realize that the God you’ve been taught to believe in is a vengeful, condemning & punishing God, isn’t it better to kill off such a God than to become more like Him.

But then what do you do when all that’s left is the chalk outline of where God used to be in your life. ‘What do you do to fill that place?’ What do you turn to? What do you believe in? What do you worship if all you are left with is a God-sized hole? Nothing? Anything? Does this matter?

Carl Jung, one of the father’s of modern psychology, wrote a book called “Modern Man in Search of a Soul.” In it he said, “About a third of my cases are suffering from no clinically define-able neurosis; but [instead] from the senselessness & emptiness of their lives. This can be described as the general neurosis of our time.”

The general neurosis of our times is meaninglessness, emptiness, the feeling that something is missing. And the questions that cry to us out of our emptiness are simple: ‘What should I be doing with my life?’ What can I do so that I can someday look back & feel like my life was significant? When I die will my own disappearance leave the world richer, poorer, sadder, or just less crowded? Unlike some other religions, the question we in Unity wrestle with isn’t whether there is ‘life after death,’ but whether there ‘life after birth & life before death.’ These are questions that we usually turn to God with for help. But when we’re worshipping a God that demands blind allegiance, or for whom we can find no allegiance, we must contend with the emptiness on our own & make no
bones about it, rather than living with emptiness, we will learn to fill it by turning to something or someone.

In his essay on the Oversoul, Ralph Waldo Emerson talked about this saying: “A person will worship something – have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret, in the dark recesses of our hearts – but it will get out. That which dominates our imaginations & our thoughts will determine our lives & character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping, we are becoming.”

“What we are worshipping, we are becoming.” This is so true. Yet how many of us are always aware of exactly what we are worshipping? How many of us will honestly admit to what habitually dominates our imaginations? If you asksomeone what’s more important: having the latest computer, boat, car or thing off Madison avenue or devotion to family, their answer will likely be family. But if you watch how they live their lives & what they spend their time, energy & money on you are likely to see otherwise.

Emerson is referring to the idolatry we commit when we confuse or simply replace the worship of something meaningful with something that’s merely alluring. The voices that call us to keep up with the Jones’ or look as good as the people around us are just a few of the voices that often live in the available emptiness of our soul. They can, as Emerson notes, ‘dominate our imaginations & determine our character.’ But possessions, success & vanity are only a few of the tempting false gods that will try to roost in an empty nest.

The world is not unfamiliar with the gods of power, fame & influence. Jesus & other Master’s all warned against their seduction saying such things don’t bring peace. The drive for power & fame, like wealth, leads people to see their lives in terms of competition & attempts at domination rather than cooperation & relationship with the highest & the best for all concerned as the end result. The exercise of power can make human relationships very difficult not to mention unbalanced.

Rabbi Harold Kushner said “There is a tricky link between the quest for love & the quest for power. If you love someone because they always try to please you, because they always do what you want them to, that isn’t love, that is just a round about way of loving yourself. Power, like water, flows downhill from someone in a higher position to someone lower down. Love can be generated only between people who see themselves as equals, between people who can be mutually fulfilling to each other. Where one commands & one obeys, there can be loyalty & gratitude, but not love.”

If we need an example of those who would try to convince us that love will come through approval, obedience & submission, we only need look at how a cultured, educated people like the Germans could have let a man like Hitler come to power to know this is true. Likewise, words of such gods of approval are also found in the journal of a medieval Spanish monk when he wrote, “I am confident that, after my death, I will go to heaven because I have never made a decision on my own. I have always followed the orders of superiors & if I ever erred, the sin is theirs, not mine.” Such a heaven could only be filled with souls who spent their lives as sycophants & know only conformity and obedience. For myself, I couldn’t imagine a greater hell.

The Roman poet Ovid told a story of 2 characters who were dominated by false gods & the fate they encountered. It is about a young pair named Echo & Narcissus.

“Echo” was a maiden so named by the God Juno whom she served as a handmaiden. Juno wouldn’t stand for brazenness & when she heard Echo’s tongue speak for itself, she cast spell over the maiden that reduced her ability for speech to the shallow mimicry of other people’s words. No independent, original thought of her own could escape her lips. This would become a tragedy for Echo, later on when she met a young boy named Narcissus. Narcissus was endowed with beauty so great no one could resist him. It was prophesied at his birth that he would live to an old age, unless he somehow caught sight of himself. Echo, seeing his beauty, tried to draw Narcissus to her, but she had no words of her own to attract him. When he rejected her, she hid behind some trees where she pined & pined until her body wasted away leaving only her voice to echo others around her. Narcissus escaped Echo by running to a still & clear stream, where he bent down to get a drink. As he did, he saw his reflection on the surface of the water. Thinking it was the most beautiful person he’d ever seen looking up at him, he bent down to kiss the surface. This he did over & over, never able to coax the reflection out of the water & thus pining away there for his inability to take his eyes off himself. In his last few breaths he lamented his unrequited love, saying ‘Alas,’ & from the trees nearby came Echo’s haunting voice, ‘alas, alas, alas,’

The ‘kingdom of God’ is found by people learning how to come together with all of their beauty & brazen independence, a kingdom built on recognition of mutual strengths. Echo & Narcissus were not able to achieve this kind of relationship& for good reason, they had chosen to follow, or were directed by what Ovid calls ‘smaller Gods.’

Any God worth following wouldn’t prompt or expect us to become blindly obedient, only able to echo other people’s words or ways. Parroting scripture is a way to be religious, but without some authentic insight & voice of our own, there is nothing significant within us that will allow more than the most shallow connection with others, this is what Jesus called ‘second hand light’ & blind repetition that results in the sins of the Father being visited on the son.

When we seek to fill that God-sized hole with gods of Power, wealth, fame or vanity we become narcissistic; Trying to captivate or control others & draw them & bind them to us never allows us to see beyond our own image which we have to do in order to truly appreciate who they really are, what they really think & what they have to offer & what they actually do as individualized expressions of God.
Now more than ever, it feels gods that demand obedience or who rule through the power of shame are turning up more & more as missing or in the morgue. & ‘We the people’ seem to be taking on more and more responsibility to fill the emptiness – in our own souls and in our own country & in the world – with something godly of our own. A new vision for transparency & accountability that seems to elude the olds Gods of power.

& If you wonder what guided & inspired me this morning with such a hopeful vision where the powers tells us that things are still bleak, I ask you to reflect on the principles Robert Steyn followed in his efforts to rid South Africa of Apartheid.

1st “First, finding compassion for those other than myself’

2nd practicing non-judgmentalism & acceptance of all people, including their ability to learn & do!

3rd & third, “When living amidst a society with a sick & twisted ideology it is imperative to hold up a vision of that which is good and decent and kind in our humanity.”

These 3 ideas are as holy as any I’ve read in the Bible or heard anywhere else. & in the end it doesn’t matter whether the acts of our conscience come from God’s word, the words of those acting in godly ways or Jiminy Cricket. It’s only important that we begin to ask ourselves some hard questions & begin to consider what we worship & what we are becoming individually & as a family & as a church & as a country and that we begin to take ourselves seriously. If we don’t know one else will.

I’d like to close with these thoughts from Buddha.

The thought manifests as the word.
The word manifests as the deed.
The deed develops into a habit,
And habit hardens into character.
So watch the thought and its ways with care,
And let it spring from love,
Out of respect for all beings.

Circles

2009-11-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

Pow-Wow’s, Sweat Lodge’s, Gatherings, Ceremonies, Elders, Medicine Man and Woman, Chief, Warrior, Clan, Brave, and Circles of all kinds. These make up the world of a Native American both First Nation and Métis. Our lives are governed by the code for sacred living, honoring all that is created. We have lived and now live knowing who we are what our relationship is to the Creator and Mother Earth. We live with a series of circles, where we teach, play, learn and age.

Powwow is when different tribes or clans come together to celebrate an event. Maybe a good hunt and to share the bounty from Mother Earth. Maybe it is a time when many tribes come together, usually once a year, to make marriage contracts and weddings with a give-a-way for the new couple to gain in the wealth of the families. It is also time when a tribe does ceremony because of a season ritual. Maybe it is harvest time, planting time, hunting time. Maybe it is a ceremony for the rite of passage from a boy to a man or a girl to a woman.

Sweat Lodge is for the healing of the body, mind and spirit of an individual. There is a Sacred Way to make these healings work. Songs to sing, herbs to use and a pipe to smoke for prayers to travel on to reach The Creator.

Women’s and Men’s circles are gatherings in the interest of bonding, sharing, and creating ritual. The origins of these circles are ancient, but they are as modern and important as when they were first created. There are no hard and fast rules to form a circle. Some circles invent their own agendas, goals, and ceremonies. Some circles are open to new members at all times, while others are by invitation

In a typical circle, the members sit in a circle. Generally, for the sake of cohesiveness, an Elder or Chief leads the circle. . One circle leader may choose to teach a rite using song to release negative energy, while another leader may feel inspired to lead a silent meditation. On the other hand, a circle may choose to focus over the long term and gather around a particular intention, such as working to determine a way for healing Mother Earth.

At their best, circles perfectly illustrate the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The work that can be accomplished, within the loving embrace of our brothers and sisters, is far more powerful than what we could achieve on our own. If you are not already part of a circle, you may want to start or join one. It need not be just your blood family. Friends holding concerns about some idea or other can meet and through prayer and meditation make a difference in the community or neighborhood. Follow your intuition as to those with whom you would like to work, reach out to them, and set a date to begin. After that, stay focused on what you are concerned or thankful for.

Our church community is an example of such a circle. When we gather here to glorify The Creator, we act in consert to make our lives more Christ-like. Here we are able to listen to the Elders of the past sharing their sage advice on how to live with each other as well as what to do when we come to a crisis. Here we learn to love one another.

When we share our wealth with the greater circle by the tithe of our bounty, we become part of a circle that helps provide the funding for the many circles our votes have elected to support. Other circles help provide us with a grounding in the Church Community.

Sharing our time and support can be shown by participating in the Friendship Gathering after Mass in the Fellowship Hall.

Shareing our time by volunteering for any one of the many circles (committees ) needed to be manned to help lead the way in our greater Circle called St. Luke’s/San Lucas and to Vancouver.

When I was a small child, I lived in a village governed by a circle of Elders who held the wisdom of my People. I was expected to participate in village life with both my time and my funds. At six years of age, I sold newspapers on the corner of Main Street and Bond Ave, giving a share of what I earned as a gift to the greater circle. I taught by living example to the younger children the values taught me by my Elders.

When the time came to share a story, I knew to share a story from my young life. Other children shared their day’s adventure as well.

By the time I moved away, I had been taught the value of Family. Not only the Birth Family, but also this included close family from all walks of my life. I knew the necessity of giving my time, my funds and to share my life with others. I was taught that, because I have little, I am blessed. My best is to share my Knowledge with those younger than me. As an Elder, I must share my life experiences or there will be no one to tell the history and teach the Medicine Way and tell the stories to the next generation. Then they will be lost and not know their Way to the land across the other side.

Being generous with what we have, is nothing more than being rich with what abounds from Mother Earth. Returning the blessings we receive freely shows our love for our Church, our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our Family as well as ourselves.
If we are able, after Mass, instead of leaving, try something new and join your church family in a shared circle of love and fellowship. Join us in the Fellowship Hall for a cup of hot drink and some small treat.

It is pledge time, when you can see your opportunity to share what you have, as the old woman in the parable of the two coppers. You will be blessed 10 fold for your gifts. Share of your learning by joining in a circle of friend who have a like interest, or maybe experience a new interesting talent by learning from someone who is sharing his or her talents.

To become a part of your church family is to become part of a circle for health, wealth, companionship and spiritual growth.

May the Great Spirit be with you as you travel this life and may Mother Earth heap gifts upon you beyond measure; I pray this day in His Name. Amen!

Life changes

2009-09-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Good morning to my world,
I have recently heard that I am now a member of the Diabetes Club. Yesterday, I start on my lifetime use of oral medications for this haunting disease. My wonderful bride of 20+ years is helping me to adjust to my newly developing regiment for food and drink. I am slowly going more toward a vegetarian way of eating. Part of what I would like is to have many folks communicate with me on line. This "one more thing" series of life's lessons is trying and exhausting. To do it alone or with no outward communications, is not good for me.

My yesterdays

2009-09-10T03:06:00.000-07:00

I have been having a hard time these past few weeks. My body has given up in many ways. Leg cramps are here to stay, even as I try to adjust to the leg cramps with minerals as supplements. Driving has fallen off to almost nothing and I prefer to stay home and doodle my days away.

My book is almost finished and with about 4 chapters to edit, I will be able to close it before Christmas. I would like to have it published in time for the holidays. It has been a long hard struggle to get to this point in creating the book. It's title is "The Storytellers Gathering" set in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. The book is mostly [95%] native stories either created by myself or retold from stories I have heard. I think there will be about 325 pages plus photos, maps, charts and the like.

Another thing on my hobby list is the coloring of 19th century sketches. I use a multi media [ie. pastel oils and pastel pencils, water colors, coloring pencils, and chalk]. I've sold none of them but I've not tried either. Could be this coming Fall season I will find the courage to have a small showing at some location here in Vancouver, Washington.

My jewelry making is still slow and confined to; Silver and Turquoise or Hematite and Turquoise. I finished one piece that was evaluated and valued at $350.00. I hope to produce three more at around the same value. Make photo copies of them and place a notice that they will be for sale at the high bid price of the first piece. That is, if the committee will allow me to do that.

Well keep your heads up and your hearts open to new love. Be sure you allow the higher power in you to shine forward as a beacon to all you meet and all you try to heal with Love and Empathy.

RULES TO LIVE BY

2009-08-22T10:59:00.001-07:00

A Dog's Purpose?

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said,' 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,

Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

RULES TO LIVE BY

2009-08-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Welcoming new members

2009-06-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

The dynamics of the families we belong to evolve over time. When we welcome an individual into our family—whether that individual is human or not—a transformation takes place, a shift in the energy of the family unit. The birth or adoption of a child, the introduction of a spouse or stepparent, or a pet, can mark a new direction in the life’s flow of energies for the family as a whole. A simple welcoming ritual can serve as the platform upon which every member of the household, old and new, gathers together to joyfully mark this new phase of family life. Encouraging every member of the family to take part in the ceremony, will foster a sense of unity and help members come together to grow into the new family paradigm as a group.

The transition from one family dynamic to another isn’t always clear. The needs and desires of new members may not always correspond with those of other members of the household. It is precisely because the introduction of a new family member can interrupt the flow of energy which the family previously thrived that it is so important to respect the change and honor the induction of the new member.

When welcoming an adult into the family unit, a simple sand ceremony can reinforce each member’s individuality and symbolically integrate the newest family member into the whole. During the ceremony, parents, children, and extended relations are given sand of a different color or texture and, one by one, pour it into a thoughtfully chosen container. The rainbow of sand can then be displayed as a reminder of family unanimity. To honor the introduction of a child, parents can hold a ritual during which they formally introduce their child to the other members of the family and invite each to speak a blessing over the child.

Animals can be honored by having the family form a circle around the animal and shower it with words of greeting and love. Keeping a special place as a safe haven for the animal, will show a feeling of respect for the animals well being.

Each family is different and may feel more comfortable using a ritual or ceremony of their own design to welcome the new member to their household. However it chooses to honor a new family member, know that the decision to acknowledge the manner in which the household has grown, will make the transition a beautiful and memorable event in the family history.

Where Do You Put Your Indian When You Are Acting White

2009-06-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

Where Do You Put Your Indian When You’re Acting White

Many years ago when I asked my Grandfather (Dragging Wolf) why he did not buy him self some new clothes and dress up a little. He smiled and said, “it is time for a lesson child. Just yesterday I was asked the very same question that I had asked Grandfather so many years ago, so, time for this lesson.” I hope this enlightens you as much as it did me.
Grandfather and I walked the short distance to a large oak tree, who's branches nearly touched the ground and we sat beneath it. Grandfather patted the trunk of this enormous tree and asked ,“if we took all of the leaves from this tree and put them on the willow over there, and brought all the willow leaves over here, would this still be an oak tree? Would the willow still be a willow tree?”
As I pondered this question, he drew out his pipe and slowly filled it with his favorite Cherokee blend tobacco. As the aroma of rich southern tobacco billowed around us he asked me one of the most important questions of my life.

“WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR INDIAN WHEN YOU ARE ACTING WHITE?”

I looked quickly at him wondering what I was supposed to say, my Indian? Where do I put it?
Softly he said, “Many people work very hard to be some thing other that who they are. they must have the finest clothes, the biggest hat, but all of that finery does not change who you are. You can not take who you were born as and put it away until you decide to be yourself again.”
“When you wrap a box for a birthday or Christmas, you work to put the wrapping on perfectly so it will be pleasing to an others eye, but once the box is unwrapped it is still the same box, the wrapping does not change the contents. People may darken their skin or lighten their hair, but they still can not change what is within. You may work hard to act or look white, but to accomplish this you must first put your Indian away, and so I must ask...how and where?”“So when you are working hard to be someone else, what do you do with the Indian you were born to be? If you continue to cover up who you are you will soon forget where you came from.”
“Being born Indian or White or Black or Asian is not a choice, it is a privilege. Our Great Creator honors us with life. We are to honor HIM by being the best caretakers of that life we can be. This Life gift is not ours to keep and hide away with fancy wrappings or pretense, we are to embrace life around us, be proud of who we were born to be, and honor our Great Creator. The drums will always beat loudly in our hearts even through the noise of the white world, and every time your feet touch our Mother's breast our souls will feel the pull of those who walked before us.”
“So when you go to buy that fancy suit or dress ask your self, do I dress because it makes me feel good, or do I dress to hide?”

Supple Minds

2009-05-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Supple Minds

A lot of people feel threatened if they are being asked to question about their cherished beliefs or their perception of reality. Questioning is what keeps our minds supple and strong. Simply settling on one way of seeing things and refusing to be open to other possibilities, makes the mind rigid, and generally creates a restrictive, uncomfortable atmosphere. We know someone who refuses to budge on one or more issues. We may have our own taboos that could use a little prodding. Being open-minded, means we are willing to question everything and anything, including things we take for granted.

A willingness to question everything, even those things we are right about, can reinvigorate our minds, opening us to understanding people and perspectives that were alien to us before. This alone is good reason to remain inquisitive. In the Zen tradition, this willingness to question is known as beginner’s mind, and it has a way of generating possibilities we couldn’t have from the point of view of knowing something with certainty. The willingness to question doesn’t necessarily mean we don’t believe in anything at all, and it doesn’t mean we must question every single thing in the world every minute of every day. It simply means we are humble enough to acknowledge how little we actually know about the mysterious universe and planet we call home.

A commitment of staying inquisitive in our own individual lives will lead us to new personal revolutions and truths, truths that we will hopefully, for the sake of our growth, remain open to questioning.

Drum Making

2009-05-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to some very sweet friends, I will be teaching Drum Making at the Unity Church here in Vancouver, WA.. I've been teaching drum making these past 20 years or so and have had a wonderful time doing so.

Now I am teaching other than Metis how to make a Personal Drum. There is also soon to be a ceremony circle for Non-natives. These people are interested in a Prayer Circle and Meditation techniques for living a closer life to Earth Mother.

In my M.N.U.S. Sacred Circle I am looking to put together a medicine teaching class and a more formal Medicine Way group. This group will be responsible in the gathering and preparing local herbs in each region of the country to make them available to our People Across North America. I have mofre to share as I go along.

Peace

Your Pain Helps Others

2009-04-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

Pain is a fact of life and one that invades all life to some degree. Since the pain we feel may be a part of the experiences that touched us most deeply, we are often reluctant to let it go. It is frequently easier to keep our pain where it can act as a shield sheltering us from others and gives us an identity. However, pain can also empower us to use our it to help others heal. Since no pain is any greater or more profound than any other, what you feel can give you the ability to help bring about the recovery of individuals whose hurts are both similar to and vastly different from your own. You can channel your pain into healing love that aids you in helping individuals on a one-to-one basis and spreading a tide of curative energy throughout the world.

The capacity to heal others evolves naturally within those who are ready to disassociate themselves from their victim identity. In fact, a simple decision to put aside the pain we have is what grants us the strength to ease that pain through service. There are many ways to use the limitations you feel to help others. Your pain gives you a unique insight into the minds of people who have experienced trauma and heartache. You can use the wellspring of strength that allowed you to cope with your pain or emerge on the other side of a painful experience and pass that strength to others still suffering from their wounds. You may be able to council individuals in need by showing them coping methods that have helped you survive. A kinship can develop that allows you to relate more closely with those you are trying to help and comfort.

Your efforts can be a restorative experience that makes your own heart grow stronger. In channeling your pain into compassionate service and watching others successfully recover, you may feel a sense of euphoria that leads to increased feelings of self-worth and optimism. Your courageous decision to reach out to others can be the best way to declare to yourself and the world that your pain didn’t defeat you, and in fact it helped you heal.

Kindness

2009-04-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

Kindness
Wanting to create a gentler, more loving world, kindness is the easiest tool we can use. It is easy to overlook opportunities to be kind, our lives are replete with situations in which we can be helpful, considerate, thoughtful, and friendly to loved ones and associates, as well as strangers. The selfless acts of kindness that have the most profoundly uplifting effects are often the simplest: a word of praise, a gentle touch, a helping hand, a gesture of courtesy, or a smile. Such small kindnesses represent an unconditional, unrestricted form of love that we are free to give or withhold at will. When you give the gift of kindness, whether in the form of assistance, concern, or friendliness, your actions create a beacon of happiness and hope that warms people’s hearts.

The components of kindness are compassion, respect, and generosity. Put simply, kindness is the conscious act of engaging others in a positive way without asking whether the individuals deserve to be treated kindly. All living beings thrive on kindness. A single, sincere compliment can turn a person’s entire world around. Holding a door or thanking someone who has held a door for you can inspire others to practice politeness and make already kind individuals feel good about their efforts. Smiling at people you meet—even those who make you feel like frowning—can turn a dreary encounter into a delightful one, for both of you. Every kind act has a positive influence on the individual who has performed the act as well as the recipient, regardless of whether the act is acknowledged. Kindness brings about more kindness and slowly but surely takes a positive toll on humanity.

Weaving the thread of kindness into your everyday life can be as easy as choosing to offer a hearty “Good morning” and “Good night” to your coworkers or neighbors, a stranger on the street, or the grocery store clerk. When you commit a kind act, you are disconnected from your ego and bonded with the individual who has benefited from your kindness. Being fully present in each moment of your life facilitates kindness as it increases your awareness of the people around you. You’ll discover that each act of kindness you engage in makes the world a better place.

Most Dangerous Chocolate Cake!

2009-03-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

THE 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR ONE PERSON.......LOOK OUT WORLD LOL

I'll send it to 2 people, then you send it to 2 people, and so on, and so on, and so on.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (Micro-Safe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..

Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

my day 3.15.2009

2009-03-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today was an interesting day, March 15th. It is a Lent Day, A Saint Patrick Day and The Ides of March, Most interesting about today was how I spent it. First I pacified a church by attending, then I went to a luncheon for Irish Potatoes with a lot of fixin's ( not to Irish for my way of thinking). From there we went to enjoy a major display of Leonardo Da Vinci's science and engeenering. There was a fine display of his Art work. The Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, with the Mona Lisa holding center stage at OMSI. While we were there it was crowded and noisy. I enjoyed the show but not the unruly children in a very adult display.

I will try to go back when there are fewer children and less noise for a deeper view at Da Vinci and his world. Much of the arts are at a loss to me and if I am to paint, I feel the need to be better informed as well as be better virsed in the way people see art.

It should help me to better understand the Native Art I own and see all about me. Archeology and Art go hand in hand as well.

Hate vs Love

2008-12-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

Hatred has a greatest impact on they who hate than who or what is being hated. Overcoming hatred is difficult because it reinforces itself and causes greater enmity to come into being. The most powerful tool one to can use in combating hatred is love. Decide to love what you hate, whether that is a person, situation, or a part of yourself. Doing so can create a profound change in your feelings and your experience. There is no room for anger, dislike, bitterness, or resentment when you are busy learning to love what you hate. The practice of loving what you hate will transform and shift your emotions from black emotions (hate) to white emotions (love), because there is no room for hatred in a space occupied by love.

It is difficult to forgo judging, and seek the good in situations that seem to cause you pain or anger. In deciding to love what you hate, you become one less person adding negativity to the universe. On the simplest level, loving what you hate can help you enjoy your life more. On a more complex level, loving what you hate sets you free because you disengage yourself from the hatred that is weighing down your soul. Responding with love to people radiating hatred nullifies their negative energy. You empower yourself by not letting their negatives enter your personal space. Rather than lowering yourself to the level of their hatred, you give the other person an opportunity to rise above their feelings and meet you on the field of love.

Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Loving what you hate sends positive, beautiful energy to people while spreading peace and harmony throughout the planet. Instead of hatred, you become an advocate for love. Hatred responds to hated by causing anguish. However, hatred responds to love by transforming it into blissful peace.

Try it, won’t you!

The Letter I Forgot to Write

2008-11-15T00:04:00.000-08:00

It was back in 1966. I had just volunteered for a tour in Viet Nam. My wife was not very happy though she supported me in my choice.
What I needed to do was write my Mother. It may sound silly to have to write MOM at the age of 28 years, yet it was what I felt. I had kept in contact with Mom when any major event was to occur. She had learned when both my daughters were born. When will I called her. She was at the top of my notification list. Here I was getting ready to let her know I had just volunteered to fight in a war that was just building in a place called Viet Nam. A place no one in my family had any idea why we were there at all. A place that could send my young life to an end. I tried to write that damn letter for 3 months.
On the day I left Colorado for the west coast to join my unit for advanced training in China Lake, California. The letter was still not written. China Lake was over and we were to be deployed to Nam in two days. I wrote letters to my wife, my sister, and a couple of close friends… but not Mom. Forget the coming events. Forget that my wife and my sister knew what was ahead for me. Forget the idea that I had made a stupid decision (at least from my sister’s viewpoint). Sis thought I was a coward for not facing Moms bracing if and when she found out. An ostrich I was and where I was going to stay, where my Mom was concerned.
Mom found out not only where I was but also how long I had been there. First, she tried to get me sent back to the states. When that did not work, she wrote to the chaplain service for help to save her ONLY son. That did not work either. Lastly but not gently, she finally wrote me and when I received the letter, we had just returned from a nasty run up river to My Loc.
It was somewhat funny, a hard to read letter from Mom and a tube filled with pop corn hiding a fifth of scotch. I could feel her crying and feeling lost because of my non-letter. By the time all this happened, I was keel deep in a not so friendly war. We were always heading out to recover some one or some group not able to get back from their mission. Too busy to write Mom a proper letter. I did get off a letter telling her of the excitement I was enjoying. I told her I was on a river and near a great beach to swim and sun bathe. Then I tried to keep her up on what generally was happening. One time she received a letter what had a bit blacked out. What a fuss that one made. Over the next two tours, the letters became less and less specific and less frequent. It seemed my life was much too busy staying or at least trying to stay alive. Doing battle from the deck of a small riverboat, I like trying to be an Eagle when in reality I was a small wood duck waiting for the claws to close in.
By the time I came home, all was forgotten and forgiven. My wife noticed the change in me. The loss of spontaneous smiles and the dark cloud in my everyday mood. Our life together was strained and I was looking for counseling from nearly the beginning of life on his side of the pond.
We would talk about returning to the REAL WORLD. Well, from my point of view, the real world sucked and was ten times more dangerous than The Nam. At least there, we knew whom not to trust. Damn near everyone. The best way to stay alive was to shoot the problem. Then it went away. If another problem occurred, pop and it went away. Sort of simple but somewhat effective. The problem was, the person who cut your hair in the barbershop by day was out to kill you at night. Kids could not be trusted either. Back here in THE REAL WORLD, we were unarmed and what we learned over there was forbidden here in the good old U.S. of A.
You know, I still wish I had never written that letter to MOM, even today.

Will It Ever End?

2008-11-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

I started this road some 35 years ago. There were intense times when a group of combat vets would just barely be able to hold to their sanity, and times when the laughter was so sweet one would think there was nothing wrong. Week after week going back to the meetings had, I thought, moved me far away from the fresh raw emotions erupting from my well zone of war. Not so!

This past weekend, I attended a Combat Veterans retreat on the side of Mt. Hood. I was the oldest with age range of 25 to 70. The retreat started slowly with the usual uneasiness of strangers feeling for a safe position with-in the group. No-one wanted to be in the corner nor in the center, yet we were able to make a semi-circle. [All names will be changed to protect the vets and the spouses.]

John started out the first day by drumming an African chant to teach us a way to start and stop each days three sessions. 24 vets with staff and spouses adding to about 30 members. From the song we went to coffee hour and then to the grouping. This was to be the routine for the next four days. Eat and group, eat and group, eat and group, the last group was for slowing down so we could rest for the night. The first night went until almost midnight though.

The second day was easily heated up in emotions as we were able to be more relaxed with each other. Experience after experience was related to the group and some tears were shed. Along with the tears came hugs and a lot of support for the pain felt. By the end of the day there was little doubt, I thought, as to who would be sharing and who would be the hold-outs. Horror story after horror story, pain after pain, emotion after emotion would be escaping from the dark recesses of our minds. I didn't mind telling my horrors, after all, I'd been through this for 35 years.

It was quiet during the first night. The second night the rains came in with a vengeance. Sounds permeated every nook and cranny of my room. That night I became a victim of my own confidence. I had dreams I had long forgot and didn't need to remember. I visited the blood and gore of 40 years ago. Feelings of loss and confusion not felt on this side of the pond. I held my own for most of the night, not wanting to wake my wife and my love. About two A.M., the rush of anger and hate I had so long ago released came back to me as a long discarded enemy.

Enemies like these are not as welcome as you might think. The reason I was shocked into past realities was letting down my guard and not remembering my coping skills learned so long ago. tomorrow came in short order.

I had rested enough to be on my guard for what would be in store for me if I let myself go. I had a great breakfast and assembled with the group for an opening song. From there all hell broke loosed. Emotions became raw, violence was in my face and I was too close to the center of commotion to feel safe. I shut down and slowly slid to the side of the individuals internal conflict to let him relieve his entrapment of the pain from Iraq. As fast as it erupted, the violent emotions subsided.

A calm flowed over the group and an uneasy truce prevailed. As I was on deck before the encounter, everyone looked to me to see if I was able to move through the mire and let things be. I had receded well within myself for protection. Not realizing the situation, I went for coffee. I came back to the same emotional stalemate. I chatted softly with Allen and let him know all was well with me and asked how he was doing. Doing that set a soft breath of safety to cover the group. Lunch was called.

The afternoon and evening sessions were a much more guarded time for all. More breakouts of high emotion, more release and more side glances. We retired to bed with about as low a comfort zone as possible. I had wondered in the morning how many slept with knives or pistols by their side. I know I did.

Monday morning Allen spoke to me with hesitation. I reassured him I was not offended nor wanting to make him feel guilty about his own war wounds. He relaxed and we talked for a time and he learned of my pain and memories of Viet Nam. We both remarked how similar our experiences had been. They were just 35 years apart.

The last day arrived and we were to to read a selected reading in front of some 200 people. We read, accepted many sympathy expressions, retreated to a fine dessert table and went our separate ways. All promised to keep in touch and were proud to have gone through this trial by emotional fire.

I looked over those very young people and wondered aloud..

"When will we learn and will it ever end?"

National Holiday

2008-10-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the pointed remark. I too feel the congress did a short step by not giving the Native Community their Holiday though the whole month of November would be much better. So a small step as a start may be the foot in the door. Let us hope so. Rocco

Native American Heritage Day

2008-10-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

- On Tue, 10/21/08, Pat Talley wrote:

> From: Pat Talley
> Subject: Fw: [SAIGE] Native American Heritage Day Act of 2008
> To: Undisclosed-Recipient@yahoo.com
> Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 9:37 PM
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Joseph Bohanon"
> Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 9:43 AM
> Subject: Fw: [SAIGE] Native American Heritage Day Act of
> 2008
>
>
> > Does this mean that federal employees will actually
> have a day off in
> > recognition of the Indigenous Peoples? Great!!!
> >
> >
--- On Sun, 10/19/08, Nanette Waller <> wrote:

Date: Sunday, October 19, 2008, 1:40 PM
On Oct. 10, 2008 H.J. Res. 62 became Public Law
No: 110-370

Native American Heritage Day Act of 2008 (Enrolled
as Agreed to or Passed by Both House and Senate)

One Hundred Tenth Congress of the United States of America

AT THE SECOND SESSION

Begun and held at the City of Washington on
Thursday, the third day of January, two thousand and eight
Joint Resolution To honor the achievements and contributions of
Native Americans to the United States, and for other purposes.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Native American Heritage Day Act of 2008'.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that--

(1) Native Americans are the descendants of the aboriginal, indigenous,
native people who were the original inhabitants of the United States;

(2) Native Americans have volunteered to serve in the United States Armed Forces
and have served with valor in all of the Nation's military actions
from the Revolutionary War through the present day,
and in most of those actions, more Native Americans per capita
served in the Armed Forces than any other group of Americans;

(3) Native Americans have made distinct and
significant contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in
many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art,
and Native Americans have distinguished themselves as inventors,
entrepreneurs spiritual leaders, and scholars;

(4) Native Americans should be recognized for their contributions to the
United States as local and national leaders, artists, athletes, and scholars;

(5) nationwide recognition of the contributions
that Native Americans
have made to the fabric of American society will afford an
opportunity for all Americans to demonstrate their respect and
admiration of Native
Americans for their important contributions to the
political, cultural, and economic life of the United States;

(6) nationwide recognition of the contributions
that Native Americans have made to the Nation will encourage
self-esteem, pride, and self-awareness in Native Americans of all ages;

(7) designation of the Friday following
Thanksgiving of each year as
Native American Heritage Day will underscore the
government-to-government relationship between the United States and
Native American governments; and

(8) designation of Native American Heritage Day
will encourage public
elementary and secondary schools in the United States to enhance
understanding of Native Americans by providing curricula
and classroom instruction focusing on the achievements and
contributions of Native Americans to the Nation.

SEC. 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY.
Congress--
(1) designates Friday, November 28, 2008, as `Native American Heritage Day';
and
(2) encourages the people of the United States, as well as Federal,
State, and local governments, and interested groups and organizations to
observe Native American Heritage Day with appropriate
programs, ceremonies, and activities, including activities relating to--

(A) the historical status of Native American
> tribal governments as well as the present day status of Native Americans;
(B) the cultures, traditions, and languages of
Native Americans; and
(C) the rich Native American cultural legacy thatall Americans enjoy today.

Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
See http://thomas. loc.gov for further information.

Lori Windle
OSM Western Region
Denver, CO

No Need To Wait

2008-10-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

We humans have a knack for coming together and rising up to our potential in the face of a tragedy. Natural disasters and acts of violence bring us out of our individual selves and into the world, ready to lend a hand to those in need. This experience is often life-changing for those who are willing to step into the position of helper. We feel that we are finally doing something important, and this gives us the feeling of more self-actualized. We feel more connected to the people we are helping, as well as more connected to humanity in general. As we expand beyond the boundaries of our individual pursuits, there can be a complete reality shift. We often find that it is much easier to be happy when we are motivated to make the world better in tangible ways, when coming to the rescue of those who suffer.

Considering the many benefits of this kind of gesture, it is surprising that more of us don’t devote our lives, or at least some portion of our time, to serving other people in need. We don’t have to wait for a tragedy, in our community, we can offer ourselves to ourselves to service any time. Sometimes it’s easier to respond to an event that has just happened rather than to ongoing problems like homelessness, poverty, and illness. The truth of this is that there is always someone in need of our best efforts to rally a group of helpers and healers. Maybe we feel discouraged because these smaller acts and gestures don’t generate the same kind of energy and attention from other people, yet perhaps an effort to change the small local efforts is one way to change the world.

The more we promote, applaud, and actively inspire humanitarian efforts in our community, the more others may be drawn to this kind of work in their communities and thus change the world. We might pay a little less attention to sports and celebrity gossip and a little more attention to those everyday heroes who devote their lives to alleviating suffering. The more attention we pay, the more we will inspire ourselves and others to be of service in our local community and the world that greatly needs our attention.

At the feet of the Creator

2008-09-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

I know the feeling of walking through life as if I was carrying a huge burden. My worries and stresses weighing me down as I struggle to keep moving forward. There is no way to move freely and fluidly in such a situation, and I longed to lay our burdens down. If it were possible to do such a thing could be enough to elicit a sigh of relief and a feeling of lightness.

Imagination is a powerful tool. I can use it to take journeys to faraway places without ever leaving my home. I can also lay my burdens down at the feet of the Creator, Earth Mother, Buddha, a Sacred Mountain or Shrine, thus releasing myself from that which I can’t handle on our own. No matter how smart I am, how capable I am, or how hard I work. No-one can cope alone with all the worries that are taken on in the course of living. I am NOT designed to do so. My wellbeing depends upon an ability to hand over that which I can no longer carry by myself. I need to surrender my heavy load to someone or something I know will help me.

Visualizing carrying my burdens to the feet of someone or something much bigger than I, can be a powerful daily practice. I can begin by sitting with eyes closed and envisioning an all powerful, supremely comforting Being, in what ever form, standing at the end of a road. I See myself carrying a large container, with my worries, large and small, inside it. Making my way to the Being I have chosen, and lay my baggage down at their feet. I surrender myself to feel the lightness and relief this action brings. Expressing my heart felt gratitude at the release I feel. This simple meditation can liberate me from any burden I was never meant to carry.

Last month

2008-09-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

Well this past month has moved without any help from me. I have tried to make an effort to atleast give a bit of news here and there but to not issue anything at all is just plan boring. I spent most of the month trying to make a bed set [bed and two side tables. They came out rather good, if I must say so myself. I would let all see them but right now my laptop is acting like there is a great strainin doing what I need done. As you look to tomorrow, do you often feel as though tomorrow is but a chance happening? Here in my mind, many times tomorrow is but a glance at a repitition of today and yesterday. Struggling with senior years [70 and above]takes in the health phase, the loss phase, the semi-solation phase,food phase [not knowing what to eat because too much tastes like there is no taste to it].

So here I am at the end of September and I am looking at my daughter, Heatherf, growing into adulthood and soon to be moving on in this world. Her goals are lofty, and mine weren't when I was her age? She has her eyes set on dance in New York. She is well suited to do that as well as any other theater she wishes to do.

I on the otherhand am absorbed in `what am I going to do with the rest of MY life. I have completed a small book and hope to have in published this next year at the latest. It is filled with shorter stories and small poems from my heart as spirit. I have more to say but my eyes are giving out and I need to shut them for a while. Blessings to all.

Rethink Complaining

2008-08-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

Rethink Complaining

We all know someone who has elevated the process of complaining to an art, sometimes funny, sometimes exhausting. These people have the ability to seek out a problem just about anywhere.

In its more evolved form, complaining is the ability to see what’s not working in one’s own life or in the external world. It can be quite useful if followed to its natural conclusion of finding a solution and applying it. As is the usual case, many don’t get that far, and find that complaining has become an end in itself. In small doses, this is not a big problem. Yet if complaining has become a huge part of our identities, then the time to take a good look at how we are spending our energy has arrived.

Complaining is a way of acknowledging that someone is not happy with the way things are. When we complain or criticize, we are tearing down an undesirable situation in order to make room for something new. But, if all we do is tear down and not bothering to summon the creative energy required to create something new, we are failing the process. In truth, we are at risk of becoming a stagnant and destructive force in our lives and in the lives of those we love. A major issue with complaining is that we tend to focus on other people, whom we can’t change, as a way of deflecting attention from the one person we can change—ourselves. Focusing our complaining on something useful has a twofold process that begins with turning our critical eye to look at what we can actually do something about, and then taking positive action.

When we find ourselves complaining, the last thing we need to do is beat down on ourselves. Instead, we can begin to notice that we are in the mode of wanting to make some changes. Rather than lashing out at someone or some organization, we can look for an appropriate place to channel this energy—not at our neighbor’s house, but possibly parts of our own. Finally, we can ask ourselves the positive question, “What would we like to create in the place of whatever it is we want to tear down?” When we do this, we change a negative process into a creative process, thus using our energy to change ourselves and the world around us in a positive way.

What is a Metis?

2008-06-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

Forwarded Message:

What is a Metis

Thursday, June 19, 2008 3:06 PM
From:
"Joe"
To:
CMC_Forum@yahoogroups.com
WHAT IS A Métis?©
February 25, 2008.

This question has been asked by so many people. And just as many people have conveyed their interpretation of what is a Métis. The Canadian Government has even provided its own interpretation of what is Métis.
To each Métis, there is a different answer from a different
perspective. I feel one cannot define Métis without looking at the history and culture and there the problem begins. I cannot speak for anyone else. I cannot group the Métis into a label that encompasses all Métis. To do so would exclude many and set forth a stereotype.
One cannot dismiss the "diversity" in the teachings that sits in the very core of being Métis. To define Métis according to a preset format, or stereotype, can only at best provide the damaging tools to divide the Métis Nation and feed discord amongst its people.

Taking into account the history of this great land, a Métis emerged from the passion of love between a man and a woman. The parents of this child were loving and caring. This child is the embodiment of hers/his ancestral roots. In some cases, the child was taught by the mother. In some cases, the child was taught by the father. And yet,
in another case was taught by both. If we look at the mother being a First Nation Women, and the father being European, we can imagine the dilemma faced by this child. Or is there a dilemma? Perhaps not.

To start with, there must have been an interest in the other's culture. The individual's interest in the other's culture is perhaps the start point. I have heard some say, "we don't that". "That belongs to the First Nations and not us". It seems to be a very Eurocentric view. We should try and understand that perhaps you did not do this. That perhaps this is not your way. To include all the Métis in that statement puts us in the same position as the very
ones that judged the Métis in the beginning. Being segregated and even looked down upon by one's own family for not only marrying into First Nations, but also exercising the individuality and non-judgmental attitude towards the parents. It takes away the very reason why some went away. It takes away the individuality of the
Métis. It takes away from the very Spirit of being Métis. The individuality of the Métis seems to be the very core of what we may consider a Métis. By trying to coerce me in making me just like you, are you not taking away the individuality of who I am?

We all know the history of some of the first coureurs des bois and how some chose not to be part of the system existing at the time. Some chose to move away…perhaps because they were better treated or
not judged.
So, what is a Métis? Since there is a different definition from each and every Métis, then we can say that each definition is a component part of the whole, and therefore can also say that any one component part cannot inclusively define the Whole. This is to say, every one's definition is important to the whole.

Miigwetch,
Joseph R. Paquette

Lay your burdens down

2008-06-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

We all know the feeling of walking through life as if we are carrying the huge burden of our worries and stresses on our backs and shoulders, struggling to keep moving forward. There is no real way to move freely and fluidly in such a situation, and we are all longing to lay our burdens down. Just imagining that it would be possible to do such a thing can be enough to elicit a sigh of relief and a feeling of lightness.

The human imagination is a powerful tool, and we can use it to take journeys to faraway places without ever leaving our home. Because of this, we too can lay our burdens down at the feet of a divine being such as the great Mother, Buddha or a mountain. Releasing ourselves from that which we can’t handle on our own. No matter how smart we are, how capable we are, or how hard we work, no one can single-handedly cope with all the worries that we tend to take on in the course of our lives. And, we aren't designed to do so. Our wellbeing depends upon our ability to hand over that which we can no longer carry by ourselves.

Visualizing yourself carrying your burdens to the feet of someone or something much bigger than you can be a powerful daily practice. To begin, sit with your eyes closed and envision an all powerful, supremely comforting being in what ever form that takes for you, standing at the end of a road. See yourself carrying a large sack, box, or other container, imagining that all your worries are inside it. Watch as you make your way to the being of your choice, and lay your baggage down at their feet. Allow yourself to feel the lightness and relief of this action, express your gratitude, and surrender. You will be amazed by how this simple meditation can liberate you from a burden you were never meant to carry.

Beginning Our Day

2008-05-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

The moment when we very first open our eyes and come into consciousness is a very precious moment. It sets the tone for the rest of our day. It is like the opening scene in a film or novel. At this moment, our ability to create the day is at its most powerful. We can offer ourselves fully to the creative process and fill this moment with whatever inspires us most. It may be that we want to be more generous. We may want to be more open to beauty in our daily lives. Whatever the choice, if we bring this vision into our minds at this very fertile moment, we empower it to be the guiding principle of our day.

Sometimes we wake up with a mood already in place. It can inform us and deepen our awareness to what’s going on inside us, as well as around us. We are can honor this feeling and incorporate it into our consciousness . We may want to decide before we go to sleep what we want to bring to the next day of our lives. It could be that we simply want to be more open to whatever comes our way. We may want to summon a particular quality such as confidence. We may simply call up a feeling that perfectly captures what we want our day to have.

We can reaffirm our vision or affirmation as we shower and eat breakfast, as well as recalling it at various times throughout the day. We can write it down and carry it with us on a little slip of paper if this helps. Simply by being aware of those first moments, we set the stage for a more conscious, enlivened experience, and we become active participants in the creation of our lives. After all, it is the first day of the rest of our lives.

Just some chatterings

2008-04-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hi to All,

It has been some time since my last post and I need to let all know how I am doing. Mostly I am happy and in upward bound spirits.

My eys are giving me more and more trouble. They are getting weaker and less able to focus of an object. I've new glasses coming for reading and computer use, I also have a wart[?] on the back of my eye very near my optic nerve. Thus far it has not changed size.

My life in a wheel chair is adjusting and I feel I can get around town by bus or a special van service. The Van service is less convenient as to get to the mall takes almost one and a half hours, and driving takes 15 minutes. OH qwell, [plan ahead is my next topic to be sure to do.

I am getting cold at temps that I was able to keep comfortable with just two years ago. My feel are also suseptable to cold. Soooooo I am now looking for ways to keep me warm in my power scooter as I scoot about in weather. I have been looking for on-line and in the paper. If you see something I might like send me the sight or an addy on line. I will be sure to ;ook and see.

A new snapshot is soon to be posted.

My weight is poorly controled. I weight in a 244 and I have been trying to get down to 195. As I spend a lot of time in my chair or in bed, nothing happens to get me excited about weight loss. I sort of stay mad at me for my situation.

I am seventy and not working. I have an income that is not keeping up with inflation nor the price of gasoline. I stew over the shortness of funds, too. Then, we all probably do the same.

Married to the most wonderful woman in the universe. She takes care of me and is concerned for my well being. She has a position as part time nanny. And She Loves It. Her charges love her as well.

I will try to keep the posts more frequent and not so far apart.

Spilling Our Power

2008-04-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

We are taught from the time we are children to give away our power to others. When we were told to kiss and/or hug relatives or friends of the family when we did not want to, we taught ourselves to override our inner sense of knowing. Then there are many experiences at school and work that fortifies the “give away power“ syndrome. At this point, we may not know how to hold on to our power. We have been giving it away so automatically and it has become ingrained.

To a degree, giving our energy to others is simply part of the social contract, and we feel we have to do it in order to survive. Is it possible to exchange energy in a way that preserves our inner integrity and stability? Yes! This begins in a small way. Start by listening to our inner voice that continues to let us know what we want, no matter how many times we override its messages.

Examples of how we give away our power are buying into trends, letting other people make decisions for us, not voting, and not voicing an opinion. With not giving our power away, we must be aware of the opposite side, which is standing in our power and being aggressive. Being aggressive is one form of fear, and the remedy is to let our inner balance come back into play.

As we build a relationship with our power, we begin to see that we do not always have to do what we are being asked or told to do by others. We do not have to jump on every trend. All we have to do is have the confidence to listen to our own voice. Let it guide us as we make decisions in our life. Keep in mind and remember to strive for balance.

guns and congress

2008-04-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

Every so often I read the U.S.News. Usually I throw it away. This past week I was able to find something that wrinkles my brow. In the March 17 2008 issue was a story on Gun Control called Right to Bear Arms. It scares me to see the folly of the fear issues.

Why is it that so few have such a loud noice and the rest of America sits on its hands. Again, the Constitution is being placed on trial along with the Founders of this most important document. I would assume the very placement of the 2nd Amendment in our Bill of Rights, would be enough for America. The arguement for or against a family owning a rifle or a hand gun has little to do with what has been written and the lessons learned these past 200 plus years.

The idea that by restricting the ownership of guns from Joe America will curb the crime rate in the USA is just as silly as by casterating the rapest will curb the rape and violence to men and women in this country.

I have read in this issue how people are blaming the gun dealers for the deaths of our youth. NOT SO! If you want to know how guns are put in the hands of those not fit to have a gun, ask the street gangs, the members of fanaticle organizations who want to do harm to others. Go to the prisons and seek out the kilers of men, women and children on our streets, in our homes and in our schools and churches. Look to the parents who are lazy and just don't put trigger locks on their weapons.

I think you will find the vast majority of criminals get their guns from illegal sources. Guns that hit our streets through smuggling and backyard manufacturing. I've seen guns called disposables by the bucket full in the back or cars and vans, cost 25 to 100 dollars depending on the caliber and quantity desired.

Assault weapons... When and if congress wishes to ban firearms, they need to look at the broad market what may become a reaction to the ban, by the smuggling of assault weapons. Semi-automatic rifles and pistols are easily brought across the U S boarder from the north and from the south. Such a ban will be no better than the proabition act early in the 20 century.

Congress retified the Homeland Security in responce to panic and not clear thinking. The tightening our boarders is not hel;ping to keep people out of the USA. If there were ever to require a national I.D.Card, I think people may awaken to the loss of freedoms put upon the American People by Congress.

Now anyone born after 1940 will not remember the following, yet I will list the progress of the Gwermany People and the loss of their freedom.
1. restriction jobs to the average German.
2. the use of isolating various ethnic peoples
3. control of weapons
4. loss of free speach.
6 national party I D cards
7. Closing of Boarders to "Protect the people".
8. banning learning materials.

I think from this list, those of you how do remember can try to convincence the younger baby boomers and younger of the dangers we are treading on. Unless we are able to see those dangers being pressed by the minority and by Congress the more we are in danger of watchinmg our great nation fall as the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and the Mongals.

Lifes Status Quo

2008-03-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

When our lives are going well or not, we usually find ourselves living a status quo existence, a life, as we know it. Resisting change is a very human tendency. If it were possible to decide not to accept status quo in our lives, life would be simpler. Change will come and the status quo will go, eventually, with or without our permission. We find at the end of the day that we feel more empowered as we find the courage to ally ourselves with the universal force of change,

The answer is not to go about changing things at random, without regard to whether they are working or not. There is a time for stability and the preservation of what has been. In fact, the ability to stabilize and preserve what is serving us is part of what helps us to survive and thrive through this life. The problem comes when we focus on the status quo rather than honoring the universal truths. For example, if we allow a situation we are in to remain, because we are comfortable, it may be time for us to seek the courage to challenge this status quo.

It may be painful at times, or surprisingly liberating, yet it will likely be a little of both. Underneath the discomfort, we will find excitement and energy as we risk accepting the natural flow of the universal in our lives. As we dismantle the logjam inside ourselves, the river of our life can flow free. Once we remove the obstacles, we simply go with the flow, trusting the changes that follow, until the next time.

A stress Free home

2008-03-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my life is so busy that I treat my home as if it were an impersonal place that I merely pass through. I can make certain that my home can truly feel like my sanctuary by taking the time to tend to it like a garden, which needs care in order to offer me the beauty of its’ blooms. When I take the time to treat my home like a beloved treasure, I can shift the energy from being merely a place to being wellsprings for the replenishment of my energy.

Consider,homes are the outer reflections of us. If we find that the current appearance clashes with how we’d like to present ourselves, it can keep us from allowing our true light to shine. Uplifting our exterior homes to reflect our inner landscape does not require massive redecorations or a large outlay of money. Small things can make a big difference Simply moving items so that you gaze upon the things you love the most. Liberating treasures you have stored in the closets and making small repairs, maybe use the best dishes can bring the inner you out for the world to see. Organizing and cleaning is a way to remove chaos from your home and introduce more calm. Rejuvenating your personal space can become a creative project and increasing the flow of good throughout all aspects of your live and increases the feeling of connection. We can give old things new life by donating them to charity, opening space for tranquility to enter. Removing stress from our homes can be as simple as paying the bills as they arrive so your energy can focus on spiritual needs and letting your energy move freely throughout your space.

Simplifying your space lets your imagination and energy soar free. Choose to prioritize your homes, making them the true heart of family activities. Then there is freedom to focus on what really matters, time for yourself ,time to share with those you love, and time to continue to improve the tranquility and replenish your energy so that you have more to share with each other.

Nothing Big Required

2008-03-11T11:16:00.001-07:00

There is a general feeling of we are placed here on Earth to accomplish something large and inspiring with our lives. If we haven’t accomplished something that fits the bill we off times feel as if we are waiting. We may feel incomplete, empty, as if our lives don’t make sense to us. In some cases, this may be because we really are destined to do something that we haven’t yet done and we are driven to start and complete it. In most cases though, we can let ourselves off the hook with the realization that just being here, being ourselves, maybe living an inspired life is enough.

As we live our lives in this world, we share our energy and our spirit with the those around us. Our influence touches their lives and, through them, touches the lives of an even grater circle.. When we strive to live our lives to the fullest and become our true selves, we are doing something much bigger on an inner level. That is more than enough to make sense of our being here, on this planet, at this time. There is no need to hold ourselves to an old idea in the back of our minds that we need to make headlines or single-handedly save the world.

We can also look within our hearts to discover what is true for us, what gives our lives meaning, what excites us. We release ourselves from any inward pressure to perform that which comes from outside of our inner sense of purpose. Staying in tune with our true values and living our lives in tune with our own vision is all we need to fulfill our time here. Life is a process of becoming, thusly we cannot help but co-create; being who we are, responding to each moment as it comes. We can trust that this is enough.

Feeling Lost

2008-02-24T14:34:00.001-08:00

When I feel stuck in my life, it is important to take stock of what is going on and find out if there is something I are doing or not doing that is keeping me stuck. Sometimes the situation is out of my control, and I need to look inward and find the patience required to wait with equanimity until things move forward again. Many times, though, I can find the source of my stagnation in my own heart and mind.

Sometimes clinging to old ideas about reality has me stuck and I need to make adjustments that will bring me back in tune with life, so I can move forward again. Sometimes fear of change is what keeps me stuck, and I must resolve to find ways of facing that fear.

If introspection does not provide the answers I need, it can sometimes be helpful to ask those around me if they notice anything obvious that I might not be able to see. I ask someone I can trust to be kind and sensitive as well as honest. I let go of my resistance because whenever there is something I can’t see myself, it’s because I don’t want to see it. I try to listen with an open mind, and remember that I am always the final judge of what I need and do. Anything offered to me from an outside source will need to be processed within before its wisdom can take hold.

In all this, I try to be kind to myself and remember that I get stuck sometimes. I think of it as a necessary step on my journey, rather than as a problem that shouldn’t be happening. This can help to keep my frustration at bay and give me the space I need to take a deep breath and really figure out what’s going on.

Turning Inward During Winter

2008-02-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

In the depths of winter, we tend to forget that bare trees will once again be full of foliage, the grass and flowers hidden from view, will burst forth once again. While they slumber, nature is continuing her work at the center of each living thing. We can think of our blankets and warm clothes as similar protection—like the cocoon that surrounds a changing caterpillar—while we undergo our own inner transformational work. In the meantime, the lights that twinkle and the fires that warm us can serve to remind us of the flame of life that burns within us.

In order to stoke our inner flame, we can use the time indoors to focus our attention on our homes and families. We can become distracted by the world outside and forget that we need to nourish the lights that warm our hearts. Interacting at a soul level can be done by sharing stories from our hearts, doing projects together, dancing, or playing games. Devoting energy this way helps us build a stronger bond that will sustain us once the world allows us each to pursue our individual goals again.

Winter allows us to feed the flame in our own centers by reading or researching to nourish our dreams and plans for the future. This can mean catching up on all the quieter things we wanted to do but didn’t have time for, like reading books, watching movies, or listening to music. We may have set aside creative pursuits such as painting or writing that can be brought back to the center burner now. It is also a great time to do some journaling to look back on the year that has passed and perhaps the years before this one in preparation for forward motion in the coming year. Nature’s wisdom offers us opportunities to nourish our inner seeds of hope in preparation for our future, so let us enjoy the inner warmth and be grateful for it all.

Our Comfort zone

2008-02-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

Our Comfort Zone
Most of us have had the experience of doing some dreadful task only to finish it with feeling invigorated, filled with a new sense of confidence and strength. What is funny is most of the time when we do them, we come out changed and wondering what we were so worried about or why it took us so long. We may begin to look for other tasks we’ve avoided so that we can feel that same heady mix of excitement and completion.

No matter the reason we avoid things, we think it will force a change we’re not ready for, yet, putting it off only creates more obstacles for us. On the other hand, when we face the task at hand, no matter how onerous, that action creates a flow in our lives and allows us to grow. The relief is palpable when we stand finished, knowing we did something even though it was hard or we didn't want to do it. Yet if we cling to our comfort zone, never addressing the things we don’t want to face, we cut ourselves off from the flow and growth of life.

It seems, we all have at least one thing in our life that never seems to get done. To bring that task to the top of the list and promising ourselves that we will do it on such and such a date, is an act that could liberate a tremendous amount of energy in our lives. Whatever the task, we will allow ourselves to be fueled by the promise of the feelings of exhilaration and confidence that will be the natural reward for conquering that obstacle.

Step Away From Anger

2008-02-05T19:39:00.000-08:00

When I find myself in an argument, I feel I am losing control of my emotions and they have taken on lives of their own. When I become aware that this is happening, taking a deep breath can help me step back away from the situation. Once I separate myself from the heat of the moment, I find the emotional trigger that began the argument has little to do with the present situation, yet may have brought up feelings related to something else entirely. Looking honestly at what caused my reaction allows me to consciously act more appropriately to the situation and make the best choices.

We can ask questions of our mates and friends to help all of us discover the source of arguments. The shared awareness can aid in finding simple solutions to something physical, like low blood sugar or even a hormonal surge. Maybe we are too serious, and we can just laugh and watch the tension dissolve. We could we are addicted to the excitement that drama brings and the chemicals that our body creates when we are angry. But there may be a deeper issue that requires discussion, understanding, and patience. The more we allow ourselves to step back and examine our reasons for arguing, the easier it becomes to allow real feelings to surface and guide us toward solutions that improve our lives.

When we are clear about our feelings and intentions and communicate them, we have a far better chance of getting what we want than if we lose control and allow our subconscious minds to manipulate the situation. We might take our frustrations out on the people closest to us because we feel safe and comfortable with them. Yet, misplaced anger can cause more harm than good. Debating for what we truly believe can empower us and help us to direct our passions toward greater life experiences. Truly knowing our reasons for loosing control and arguing enables us to grow emotionally in ways that will affect our whole being.

Ready for a Change

2008-01-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

Ready For Change
There comes a time in our lives when we feel ready to experience the change we’ve had trouble carrying out. Maybe we’re stuck in a home, a relationship, job, or a town that hasn’t felt right for a long time, but we’ve been unable to shift our circumstances to the direction we want to go. At times like this, a universal declaration to our readiness for a change specified exactly. Think of it as informing a helpful friend that you need their assistance to move up to the next level in your life. If the time is right, the universe will respond with opportunities designed to help you create the change you wish to see.

You can begin the process of making your declaration by getting clear within yourself what exactly you want to change. Whenever we ask anyone for help, they can assist us much better if we are specific. The universe also appreciates our clarity and has an easier time answering a direct communication. When you are clear as to what you want, write your declaration on a piece of paper and place it on your altar, . You can also place it under your pillow or in a box on your nightstand. Set aside some time every day to be silent with your wishes for change, repeating your declaration like a mantra. This lets the universe know that you are ready to change and will be receptive to its efforts.

Be ready to refine and redefine your declaration. Remember to be open to the many different ways in which the change might come to be. Remember also to be active in your own efforts, taking opportunities that come your way, watching for signs, and take responsibility for your intentions. Things don’t happen quickly, so, try not to be discouraged; it might take time to free up energy that has been blocked . If you continue communicating with the universe, declaring yourself clearly and openly, you cannot help but experience the magic of changing and being changed.

At your own pace

2008-01-05T16:12:00.000-08:00

At Your Own Pace

The Tortoise And The Hare.

There is a story that is a great example to show the difference between a “Normal” and a “Handicap” individual. All to often we show impatience of aggression toward someone slower than ourselves..

The classic tale of the tortoise and the hare reminds us that different people take life at different speeds and that one way is not necessarily superior to another. In fact, in the story it is the slower animal that ends up arriving at the destination first. In the same way, some of us seem to move very quickly through the issues and obstacles we all face in our lives. Others need long periods of time to process their feelings and move into new states of awareness. For those of us who perceive ourselves as moving quickly, it can be painful and exasperating to deal with someone else's slower pace. Yet, just like the tortoise and the hare, we all arrive at the same destination, together, eventually.

People who take their time with things are probably in the minority in most of the world today. We live in a time when speed and productivity are valued above almost anything else. Therefore, people who flow at a slower pace are out of sync with the world and are often pestered and prodded to go faster and do more. This can be not only frustrating but also counterproductive because the stress of being pushed to move faster than one is able to move actually slows progress. On the other hand, if a person's style is honored and supported, they will find their way in their own time and, just like the tortoise, they might just beat the speedier, more easily distracted person to the finish line.

It's important to remember that we are not in a race to get somewhere ahead of someone else, and it is difficult to judge by appearances whether one person has made more progress than another. Whether you count yourself among the fast movers or as one of the slower folks, we can all benefit from respecting the pace that those around us choose for themselves. This way, we can keep our eyes on our own journey, knowing that we will all end up together in the end.

The Statement of a wise man

2007-12-28T19:57:00.000-08:00

Subject: The statement of a wise man.
I loved this when I read it. Merry Christmas and and Happy New Year to all of you and your families!
> The statement of a wise man.> > The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday > Morning Commentary.> > My confession:> > I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not > bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, > bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel > discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.> > > > It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't > think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, > I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating > this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger > scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If > people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few > hundred yards away .> > > > I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think > Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people > who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I > have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly > atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it > being shoved down my throat.> > > > Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we > should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we > understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there > are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where > the America we knew went to.> > > > In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a > little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's > intended to get you thinking.> > > > Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson > asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding > Katrina); Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. > She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for > years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our > government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I > believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His > blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?' > > > > In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I > think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body > found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools , and we > said OK.> > Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says > thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as > yourself. And we said OK. > > > > Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they > misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might > damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an > expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.> > > > Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they > don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill > strangers, their classmates, and themselves.> > > > Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I > think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.' > > > > Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the > world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but > question what the Bible says . Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail > and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding > the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar > and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion > of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.> > > > Are you laughing?> > > > Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on > your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they > will think of you for sending it.> > > > Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than > what God thinks of us.> > > > Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one > will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back > and complain about what bad shape the world is in My Best Regards.> > Honestly and respectfully,> > > > Ben Stein> > > > Amen=

WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT

2007-12-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

THIS IS WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT!
It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 A.M., when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it waswell healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. Iwas surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is." I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life." True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

The Season

2007-12-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas. Tis the Season to be Thankful. I know I have been mournful of my lot at this time of year. Then I was confronted by some who have much less and some who have lost all. The devastation along thew coast of Oregon not to far from here has given me a healthy thankfulness for all I have and not for all I have-not. So that being said, I wish all a very happy Yule and a peaceful New Year.
Peace,
Rocco

Now What???

2007-12-14T22:04:00.001-08:00

Sight vs Vision

2007-12-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

Sight is the ability to see the physical world while vision is the gift of seeing beyond it. Sight enables us to take the world in so we can participate in it with knowledge. It brings pleasure to perceive the colors and shapes of all of nature and human beings. It helps us feel in control, which way we are going, and exactly where we are standing at a given moment. We are able to read, navigate, sense, and perceive how a person is feeling by the expressions that cross there face. As anyone who has lost their eyesight can tell you, there are things that are clearer when you cannot see the world through your eyes. One of the reasons many meditation instructors advise sitting with the eyes closed is because we become more in touch with our inner world when we are not distracted by the outer world. It is in this state that vision becomes our mode of seeing. Vision comes from within and shows us how to navigate the realms of thought, feeling, and emotion. It enables us to see things that aren’t yet manifested in the world of form, and it also connects us to that part of ourselves that exists separately from the world of form.
As we age, even those of us with perfect eyesight will generally lose some of our acuity, but this loss is usually replaced with inner vision. This is the time of life when we are meant to turn inside and take what are sometimes the very first steps of a journey that cannot be traced on a map. We call upon intuition and feel our way along a path that ultimately carries us beyond the realm we can see with our eyes and into the land of spirit.

What do you think?

Quote

2007-10-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
Theodore Roosevelt

I have Ben in council with several groups and our topic has been the poor state of personal affairs of the people here in the U S and the world. I for one have seen a different world before and during the second world war. People were much more apt to make sure the neighbors had what was necessary and no-one was without. We made scarfs for the needy in town.We talked to our neighbors and made sure they knew we were there for them, for chat a shoulder to cry on and just a place to come and sit for some small talk. Life was better than ever since. Yes we have more gadgets and we have more distance coverage by what we play with. What we don't have is a fair understanding of our neighbors nor any type of hold on the pulse of or neighborhood. We don't try to get a hold. Why, maybe it is because we are afraid ...a fear made real by the newspaper, radio news, t.v.news and just constant reports of home to lock ourselves in our own homes.

I am not sure if any or all of this makes sense to you by it does to me.

The End and The Begining

2007-10-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

The end of 2006 has passed and beginning of 2007 has appeared with little change. There are the usual notations on the casualties of a “war against something or other”. Since the first of the year, prices have gone up and the new billboard ads are trying to get people walk and mass-transit more than drive. The push for private space is starting to be the same as Japan some 160 years ago.
My year was as usual with deaths in December and life beginning in May. A very close friend had to commit his wife in the state mental hospital. ( I trained it back there to help him with the details for the action and the beginning of a divorce. His health is poorly. My sister is doing well after her surgery before Christmas. (I worry about her.)
Heather is in her second quarter at Clark College and enjoying it. Her grades are up there and she is an A student. She may be able to graduate in the Spring of 2008.

Decisions of Life

2007-10-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

Decisions of Life
The decisions we make each day shapes who we are and what we are composed of. When we choose one option over another, we shape our lives. The decision making process allows us to enjoy the benefits of self-determination. It can also be a source of anxiety. Decision making forces us to face the possibility of dissatisfaction. As a result, many of us choose to avoid making decisions and allow others to make them for us. We turn our power over to others; spouses, relatives, friends, and colleagues, granting them the power to shape our lives that is ours by right. Though the decisions we make are often difficult, we grow more self-sufficient and secure each time we trust ourselves enough to choose. Ultimately, only we can know how the options before us will impact our daily life and our long-term well-being. Within us lies the power to competently weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each decision. Even if we feel incapable of making a decision, our inner wisdom and our intuitive mind will give us sound counsel if we have faith in ourselves. Try to come to our own conclusions before seeking the guidance of others, and even then, treat their suggestions as suggestions rather than votes pro or con to our own conclusions. Before making our choice, release the fear of wrong decisions. Perceived mistakes can lead us down wonderful and unexpected paths that expose us to life-changing insights. If we can let go of the notion that choices are utterly right or entirely wrong, we will be less tempted to invite others to take the reigns of our destiny. When our choices are our own, we will be more likely to accept and be satisfied with the outcome of those choices. Our decisions will be a pure reflection of our desires, our creativity, our awareness, and our power. Since we understand that we must live with and take responsibility for our own decisions, we will likely exercise greater care when coming to conclusions. As we learn to make autonomous choices, secure in the knowledge that it is our information and not others opinions guiding us, we will gain the freedom to consciously direct the flow of your life without interference.

FEAR AND PANIC

2007-09-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Today was to be my first day in a new class at WRITE AROUND PORTLAND on an independent voyage through the public transportation system. I took a prerun yesterday with the help of my wife and all went sort-of OK. Today I woke in a panic mode.

I am willing to say I was in high pain and ready to dump the day, class and my chance at improving my writing ( which would help me immensely ).

Partly, I am still worried about my slowness in a crowd, partly I keep wrecking my scooter and may not be able to repare it. I have already wrecked the front end twice and broken the fiberglass. It is a brand new scooter from the V A and I've yet to broach them for repairs.

My pain level is up and has been so since the Candlelight tours at Ft. Vancouver this past Saturday. I had a great time and over did my activities by leaps and bounds. The Visitors to the Fort also showed their appreciation for the gig as well. My stories were well received by the children and adults alike.

The tours went from 3 to 10 pm and stopped just right. I won't be at the debriefing, well most likely not be there. I need to get a better hand on my pain and panic attacks. The Oxycodone is better at controlling pain than the Gabapentin I am now taking. I"ll need a refill soon.

Publishing

2007-09-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy this past 6 months working at improving my writing and being published in two anthologies. One was published in June 2007 and the other in August this same year. Mostly I am writing poetry and a few prose. Up Coming this Fall is will be strengthening my plot and character development to improve my short story.

I hope to have enough interest to publish my own first edition, " Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" for the summer 2008 summer season.

Seven Philosophies

2007-08-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

Seven Philosophies for the Native American Man.
"Being Indian is mainly in your heart. It's a way of walking with the earth instead of upon it. A lot of the history books talk about us Indians in the past tense, but we don't plan on going anywhere... We have lost so much, but the thing that holds us together is that we all belong to and are protectors of the earth; that's the reason for us being here. Mother Earth is not a resource, she is an heirloom." ~David Ipinia, Yurok Artist,The following was from the Gathering of Native American Men in June 1996 at Colorado. Approximately 2000 Native American Men, families, and friends gathered their from June 1 to 2 representing about 115Tribes.What are the Seven Philosophies?
The Seven Philosophies for a Native American Man are guidelines for Indian men on their journey through life. The wisdom of Native Elders is contained in the Seven Philosophies and is offered to Native American men so that they may be better fathers, sons, husbands, uncles,relatives, friends, Tribal members and citizens of the countries in which they live. The Seven Philosophies point the way towards are turn to the values of Native American culture for the healing of individuals,families and Native Communities.

First Philosophy

TO THE WOMEN The cycle of life for the woman is the baby, girl, woman, and grandmother. These are the four directions of life. She has been given by natural laws, the ability to reproduce life. The most sacred of all things is life. Therefore, all men should treat her with dignity and respect. Never was it our way to harm her mentally or physically. Indian men were never abusers. We always treated our women with respect and understanding. So from now on:• I will treat women in a sacred manner. The Creator gave women the responsibility for bringing new life into the world. Life is sacred,so I will look upon the women in a sacred manner.• In our traditional ways, the woman is the foundation of the family.I will work with her to create a home atmosphere of respect,security and harmony.• I will refrain from any form of emotional or physical abuse. If I have these feelings, I will talk to the Creator for guidance.• I will treat all women as if they were my own female relatives.This is my vow.

Second Philosophy

TO THE CHILDREN As an eagle prepares its young to leave the nest will all the skills and knowledge it needs to participate in life, in the same manner so will I guide my children. I will use the culture to prepare them for life.• The most important thing I can give to my children is my time. I will spend time with them in order to learn from them and to listen to them.• I will teach my children to pray, as well as the importance of respect.• We are the caretakers of the children for the Creator. They are His children, not ours.• I am proud of our own Native language. I will learn it if I can and help my children to learn it.• In today's world it is easy for the children to go astray, so I will work to provide positive alternatives for them. I will teach them the culture. I will encourage education. I will encourage sports. I will encourage them to talk to the Elders for guidance; but mostly,I will seek to be a role model myself.• I make this commitment to my children so they will have courage and find guidance through traditional ways.

Third Philosophy

TO THE FAMILY The creator gave to us the family, which is the place where all teachings are handed down from the grandparent, to the parent, and to the child. The children's behavior is a mirror of the parents behavior. Knowing this, I realize the importance for each Indian man to build a strong and balanced family. By doing this, I will break the cycle of hurt and ensure the positive and mental health of the children,even the children yet to be born. So from now on:• I will dedicate my priorities to rebuilding my family• I must never give up and leave my family only to the mother.• I am accountable to restore the strength of my family. To do this, I will nurture our family's spiritual, cultural, and social health. I will demonstrate trust, respect, honor and discipline; but mostly I will be consistent in whatever I do with them.• I will see that the grandparents and community Elders play a significant role in the education of my children.• I realize that the male and female together are fundamental to our family life. I will listen to my mates council for our family's benefit, as well as for the benefit of my Nation.

Fourth Philosophy

TO THE COMMUNITY The Indian community provides many things for the family. The most important is the sense of belonging; that is, to belong to "the people",and to have a place to go. Our Indian communities need to be restored to health so the future generation will be guaranteed a place to go for culture, language and Indian socializing. In the community, the honor of one is the honor of all and the pain of one is the pain of all. I will work to strengthen recovery in all parts of my community. As an Indian man:• I will give back to my community by donating my time and talents when I am able.• I will cultivate friendships with other Indian men for mutual support and strength.• I will consider the effects of our decisions on behalf of the next seven generations; in this way, our children and grandchildren will inherit healthy communities.• I will care about those in my community so that the mind changers,alcohol and drugs, will vanish, and our communities will forever be free of violence.• If each of us can do all these things, then others will follow our will be a proud community.

Fifth Philosophy

TO THE EARTH Our Mother Earth is the source of all life, whether it be the plants,the two-legged, four-legged, winged ones or human beings. The Mother Earth is the greatest teacher, if we listen, observe and respect her.When we live in harmony with the Mother Earth, she will recycle the things we consume and make them available to our children and to their children. As an Indian man, I must teach my children how to care for the Earth so it is there for the future generations. So from now on:• I realize the Earth is our mother. I will treat her with honor and respect.• I will honor the interconnectedness of all things and all forms of life.• I will realize the Earth does not belong to us, but we belong to the Earth.• The natural law is the ultimate authority upon the lands and water.I will learn the knowledge and wisdom of the natural laws. I will pass this knowledge in to my children.The mother Earth is a living entity that maintains life. I will speak out in a good way whenever I see someone abusing the Earth. Just as I would protect my own mother, so will I protect the Earth. I will ensure that the land, water, and air will be intact for my children and my children's children - unborn.

Sixth Philosophy
TO THE CREATOR

As an Indian man, I realize we make no gains without the Great Spirit being in our lives. Neither I nor anything I attempt to do, will work without the Creator. Being Indian and being spiritual has the same meaning. Spirituality is out gift from the Great One. This day, I vow to walk the Red Road.• As an Indian man, I will return to the traditional and spiritual values which have guided my ancestors for the past generations.• I will look with new eyes on the powers of our ceremonies and religious ways, for they are important to the very survival of our people.• We have survived and are going to grow and flourish spiritually.We will fulfil our teachings and the purpose that the Creator has given us with dignity.• Each day, I will pray and ask for guidance. I will commit to walk the Red Road, or whatever the spiritual way is called in my own culture.• If I am Christian, I will be a good one. If I am traditional, I will walk this road with dedication.• If each if us can do these things then others will follow. From this day forward, I will reserve time and energy for spirituality,seeking to know the Creators will.

Seventh Philosophy

TO MYSELF I will think about what kind of person I want to be when I am an Elder.I will start developing myself now to be this person.• I will walk with the Great Spirit and the grandfathers at my side.I will develop myself to remain positive. I will develop a good mind.• I will examine myself daily to see what I did good and what I need to improve. I will examine my strength and weaknesses, then I will ask the Creator to guide me. I will develop a good mind.• Each day, I will listen to the Creators voice in the wind. I will watch nature and ask to be shown a lesson which will occur on my path.• I will seek out the guiding principles which guided my ancestors.I will walk in dignity, honor and humility, conducting myself as a warrior.• I will seek the guidance of the Elders so that I may maintain the knowledge of culture, ceremonies, and songs, and so that I may pass these on to the future generations.• I choose to do all these things myself, because no one else can do them for me.• I know I cannot give away what I don't have so I will need to walk the talk.What we have is because someone stood up before us. What our Seventh Generation will have is a consequence of our actions today

Away and Back Again

2007-08-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

It has been Seeveral months since posted. The past 2+ months have been a had time for me. I am now more confined to a wheel chair than not. I have received from the V A a motorized scooter to allow me get out of the house more and do short travels. NOw I accompany my Bride on her morning 2.5 mile walks. Every one here at home has held up under the strain an allowed me to try to be free.

My new scooter is already in a front smasher. The damage is minor but it is fiberglass and that means payinf someone to repair it. Oh well all in a new day of trying to be independent.

My writting has improved since my last Writer Around Portland group. This fall I will be be taking a course at Clark College and one with Write Around Portland. On the 24th of this month, I will be published in two Anthologies. Since that is the reward for completing the sessions, I will have a third Anthology with at least one more of my works in it.

I will post the two I have published now during this next week, if only for my own pleasure. MY next plan is to try to have a small book published before Christmas. If I can be accepted by the local Portland/Vancouver community, I may be able to spread out over the two states. We shall see what the future holds.

Peace and a good life to all.

Holidays

2007-05-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

This week-end is the weeked once called "Decoration Day", and it saw to hold family and friends in our concious minds. It fell on the last day in May, the 31st. Now we hold Decorations Day on the last Sundasy of May and gfive trhose(especially Federal Employees) an extra day off. There are other Holidays doomed to the same fate. Colombus Day, Linclon's Birth Day, Washington's Birth Day to name three more. It won't be long before all Holidays will suffer the same fate of convenience for work sake. New years will be set for the last sunday in december, christmas will be the second from last sunday in december, Thanksgiving will be on some non-discript day in november. Our Veterans Day will be celebrated on a more convenient day in September. There may finally be a recognized day for the celebration of the First Nation Heros seperate from the the rest of the Heros in All of the Americas. There may be some way to make neutral all honoring days. Then again, there may be a way to seperate the Spiritual Holidays for All the people, Blacks, Whites, Yellows and Reds. This could be done so the non-spiritual days could be left to the businesses to decide which days to let their employees off and let everyone off for all religious days. Which religions, ALL religions, showing no favors, and let these days be the traditional days of holy celebration, be they White, Black, Yellow and Red and be available to all people not seperate by reverence.

The Warriors Way

2007-05-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

A warrior is challenged to assume responsibility, practice humility, and display the power of giving, and then center his or her life around a core of spirituality. I challenge today's youth to live like a warrior.

"Billy Mills"

These are some harsh words to lay before anyone, much less our youth. Yet, seeing the way our land and spiritual well being are being effected with the absents of "The Warriors Way", it is time to instill these honorable Character in the leaders of tomorrow. Then if that is to be the way, the responsibilities for those lessons fall upon the "Elders and Seniors". There are no excuses. As I was told some 60 years ago, 'if there none in my family tribe who wants to learn and and live the warriors life, go and seek students elsewhere. It is better to have learning passed to someone than to have that knowledge lost forever.'

I am now wanting to set one night aside to help anyone who wants, learn and slowly gather knowledge through chats on IM. Write me if you are interested.

Klahowya

R Two Bears

IF I DARED

2007-05-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

If I dare to assume my year started on the normal turn of the year and not on my birth date, I have the honor this year surpasses any single year from my past. I of course exclude the years 1966-68 while I was in The Nam...
Instead of having people shooting at me and me shooting back, I watch my medical life slowly shrink short 15 minute walks. I thought it was hard enough that the local Star Bucks was 3/4 quarter of a mile away... Now is seems to be out of reach by ambulating. No friends or expensive coffee with a nice confection on the side. Sure I can make coffee at home and yes I can make Orange Cinnamon Bismark to have at home. It is true my wonderful wife has an alert mind and shares with me the thoughts of the day as I do for her. There was a reward for being able to traverse the distance of 3/4 miles to retrieve my reward and sit, rest and chat for a few minutes then to return home by accepting the challenge of another 3/4 miles and Safety making it HOME!!! In these past three years I have had the challenge of walking w/o a can (sometimes) to a need for one cane definitely. Then the lower legs and back caused me to need two canes at times, then forearm crutches and now even they are not letting me travel any great distance. An example was yesterday I covered a 15 minute distance of about 100 feet..
I know there are others of a less ability to walk at all. I can go see them in the V A hospital in Portland, or a Vets group meeting at a Vet center, yet I am not talking about them...I am talking about me...
I am not looking for pitty nor am I looking for people to rush to my side showing concern. I am not even calling for help. I just need to vent and hope when you see a person on the street, you will be kind enough to hold a door (whether they like it or not, most do) try not to push ahead so as to knock them off balance. There is no-where so important as to be less then polite and concerned for another human being.
I've had my say and now I can rest here in my favorite spot and watch the birds and listen to their songs.

Peace to you all and to all a GOOD LIFE

Publishing

2007-04-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of having one of my short {and I do mean short} stories published in the "Walk Around Portland" Anthology for Spring of 2007. There will be a reading this May around the middle of the month. My excitement has risen to a bit of a high, partly because the Anthology Committee has had a hard time choosing one of the three I had submitted. There was only room for one writing and they could not choose from the three I had submitted.

I am also being encouraged to collect all of my writings and then have them bound and published here in Portland. I think I have someone who will be able to assist me in collecting and revising the works.

I looked for my writings and learned I have spread them all over my office area. That is my first task and one I am needing to learn to save time in the future. The idea of a small journal to carry with me every day and a file of journals is a grand idea. It would help keep all the writings in one central area.

I am looking at this turn in my life as a way to make some spare change and maybe set myself on the road to being a known author in the Portland Vancouver literary arena.

Moving on in Honor

2007-04-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

Saying Good-bye To A Home

I was sitting here and thinking about some of the thing my parents and grand parents did when we moved from place to place. I can still remember though it was over 60 years ago. My Grandma was the leader of the family and she started with some singing about the life we shared with our home. She told the spirits how we felt about leaving the place and not knowing if the home would be honored or hurt. We had to move and she explained where we were going and what we hoped to find there, like work or medical or more land to farm. Saying good-bye was and is an important part of moving forward. It gave us a sense of completion so that we are able to fully inhabit our new space, having left nothing of ourselves behind in the old one. In this way, we honor the space that had held and nurtured us. At the same time, we cleanse it and empty it of our energy so that the new residents can make the space theirs. Plan a walk through your home that begins and ends at the front door. Ideally, you will be alone or accompanied only by a person who shared the space with you. Prepare yourself mentally to be as present as you can during this process. Now you enter the house, you might say, "I have come to thank you for being my home and to say good-bye." You might touch the walls with your hands as you move through the house, or you might burn sage as an offering, as well as an energy cleanser. Spend some time in each room expressing your gratitude and gathering or releasing any lingering energy from the room. As you do this, you are freeing your home to embrace its new occupants. Remember to visit your outside spaces as well. Plants are especially sensitive to the energy around them and will appreciate your consideration. As you make your way back to the front door, know that you have completed your final journey through your home and that you have honored and blessed it with this ritual of farewell. As you close and lock the door behind you, say one last good-bye. Now you can walk freely into your future and fully inhabit the new spaces that will keep you safe and warm.

Unqualified Happiness Only

2007-03-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

March 30,

Since most of our experiences are rooted in cause and effect, we naturally want to justify our contentment. We envision grand circumstances, stating that if only we could achieve this goal or obtain that possession, we would finally be in a position to attain happiness. As a result, satisfaction is always just out of reach and the very notion of grabbing hold of it seems like nothing more than a pipe dream. But the truth is that sincere contentment and fulfillment are never wholly the result of external events or situations. Though life's joyful moments can ignite the spark of contentment within us, that spark is fueled by serenity long established in our souls. When we forget this, it is easy to become stuck in "if only" patterns of thought. If we concentrate on the natural serenity that exists within us, however, we can move forward unimpeded by disappointment. The circumstances you live through each day have the potential to bring both joy and despair into your life. Relying on the reactions they awaken within you to create an emotional foundation means living on a roller coaster of feeling whose course is determined by chance. Though you may yearn for the object of your desire-be it a new job, financial health, a spouse, or some other symbol of success-you have within you the power to be happy without it. Letting go of your "if only" thinking patterns can be as easy as recognizing that inward emptiness cannot be dispelled with outer world solutions. Try creating a list of your "if only"s. Then literally and figuratively let go of the items on the list by tearing it up or burning it. This simple action can help set in motion the intention to set you free, enabling you to make a fresh and balanced start in the present, unencumbered by regrets and unfulfilled desires. There will likely be periods in your life in which you find yourself tempted to seek a magic formula for fulfillment that is centered upon a single goal or achievement. But the ingredients that come together to form the seeds of happiness that can sustain your spirit throughout the triumphs and trials of existence come from within rather than from without. When your search for satisfaction is focused on your soul, you will never fail to find the joy you seek.

Gift of the Week

2007-03-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Recycled Wrapper Bowls & Coasters

The decisions we make, the thoughts we think, and the actions we take are all parts of a larger web of human development. This means that each and every human being has been blessed with the ability to positively impact the whole of humanity by living conscious lives and making thoughtful choices. Bringing this notion of interconnectivity into our lives in a practical fashion can be as effortless as beautifying our spaces with objects that are evocative of this highly significant concept and that help us connect with individuals from diverse cultures. Recycled wrapper bowls and coasters are handcrafted using colorful recycled snack-food wrappers, forming brilliant and practical items that help improve the lives of the artisans who create them. They also remind us that we are also a part of a larger chain of unified existence. In Nepal, in the remote mountain villages of Lapa, Tipling, and Shertung, what might be viewed as a throwaway item is made meaningful by artisans who weave the recycled wrappers into useful and uplifting works of art. Their efforts, however, are only one part of a larger effort to encourage the collection of non-biodegradable materials and share the importance of a balanced ecology with the inhabitants of these untouched natural areas. Proceeds from these unique, one-of-a-kind objects help fund health care and community education in rural Nepal, while also providing a much needed livelihood for talented artists. Using a set of three recycled wrapper bowls or six coasters is one way of showing that you care deeply for the welfare and well-being of humanity. Should someone close to you comment on these distinctive treasures, you can explain their origin and encourage others to become a more active part of the chain of interconnectivity.

Majical Things

2007-03-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

March 23, 2007

Tangible Enchantment

Though the universe as a whole is imbued with an undeniable aura of magic, we can further fill our lives with magic by creating a collection of magical things. More than being simply beautiful, such objects can potentially play an active role in the shaping of our experience as each magical object serves a unique and multifaceted purpose. Some inspire us to reflect while some have the power to positively influence our moods. Others take us back in time, capturing in their essence memories locked in history or helping us reaffirm our connection with the universe. Magical objects can be found almost anywhere and can be practically anything, from gifts of nature to manmade artifacts. You'll know an object is truly magical when it touches you deeply, awakening some primal part of yourself that is more profoundly connected to the ethereal. There is no right or wrong way to introduce a magical object into your life-the collection you create can be large or small, kept in private or publicly displayed. You may already be in possession of such objects. Perhaps you keep a smooth river stone next to your bed because its presence is soothing. Or you find yourself intensely drawn to certain antique items that seem to radiate light and energy. Whatever the nature of the objects you deem magical, there are many ways to utilize them. Those that help you reach a contemplative and relaxed state may best serve their purpose on your personal altar or in some special place in your home. Objects that bring you comfort can be kept in a small pouch and carried throughout the day. Or you may feel compelled to infuse your collection with beauty by making it into a collage that naturally draws your eye and stimulates your soul. Everyone can benefit from surrounding themselves with magical objects. Our lives are made just a little more light and fun when having magical things in our presence. If you feel you don't have anything magical in your life, ask the universe for help, and it will not be long before a meaningful artifact, a simple feather, a special stone, or another powerful item reveals itself to you and fills your life with enchantment.

2007-03-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Five Finger PrayerThis is beautiful - and it is surely worth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2.The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and medicine people/m inisters. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3.The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the our, leaders in business and industry and otherwise. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need guidance.

4.The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5.And lastly comes our little finger the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to Great Spirit and others. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.Prayer...it surely can't hurt, but it certainly can help.
---The happiest of people don't have the best of everything;they just make the best of everything that comes their way.

They do walk among us...

2007-03-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

I walked into a Blimpie's with a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for a sandwich. I handed it to the girl and she looked over at a little chalkboard that said "buy one-get one free". "They're already buy-one-get-one-free", she said, "so I guess they're both free". She handed me my free sandwiches and I walked out the door.

They walk among us and many work retail.

One day I was walking down the beach with some friends when one of them shouted, "Look at that dead bird!" Someone looked up at the sky and said, "Where?" They walk among us!

While looking at a house, my brother asked the real estate agent which direction was north because, he explained, he didn't want the sun waking him up every morning. She asked, "Does the sun rise in the north?" When my brother explained that the sun rises in the east, and has for sometime, she shook her head and said, "Oh, I don't keep up with that stuff."

They walk among us!!

I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center. One day I got a call from an individual who asked what hours the call center was open. I told her, "The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." She responded, "Is that Eastern or Pacific time?" Wanting to end the call quickly, I said, "Uh, Pacific."

They walk among us!

My sister has a lifesaving tool in her car designed to cut\n through a seat belt if she gets trapped. She keeps it in the trunk.

They walk among us!

I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area, so I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained professional and I was in good hands. "Now ," she asked me, "has your plane arrived yet?"

They walk among us!

While working at a pizza parlor I observed a man ordering a small pizza to go. He appeared to be alone and the cook asked him if\n he would like it cut into 4 pieces or 6. He thought about it for some time before responding. "Just cut it into 4 pieces; I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat 6 pieces."
AND........ they reproduce! ".

Prayers

2007-02-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

Opal needs prayers as does her children. Dad died last night at 11:00 pm. thanks.

interesting words for my new way to think

2007-02-18T20:19:00.000-08:00

I think these are my present 'most interesting' words. scintilla...sclaff...oakling...morion...Mormon...felucca...feria...fence time

The fence time was closed on the Mormon,
And they seemed to know,
For they flew at great speed,
To the waters off the coast of France.

It struggle in the wind.
The breeze on shore was stiff for the little oakling,
It struggle in the salty breeze
A far off scent of seaweed filled the shore.

A felucca moved across the water
Dressed in the colors
For the feria of Santa Luccia,
The greatest feast day for no reason.

On board the felucca
A Wizard gazed into his morion
For a vision of the Future,
As she silently moved on the sea.

There in the morion was the smallest
Laziest sclaff, but it was there,
The wizards eyes were sure now
This was to be a long trip with little profit.

Laughs

2007-02-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

Belly Laughs

As children, we laugh hundreds of times each day, delighted by the newness of living. When we reach adulthood, however, we tend to not allow ourselves to let go in a good belly laugh. Inviting laughter back into our lives is simply a matter of making the conscious decision to laugh. Though most of us are incited to laugh only when exposed to humor or the unexpected, each of us is capable of laughing at will. A laugh that comes from the belly carries with it the same positive effects whether prompted by a funny joke or consciously willed into existence. When our laughter comes from the core of our being, it permeates every cell in our physical bodies, beginning in the center and radiating outward, until we are not merely belly laughing but rather body laughing.

Laughter has been a part of the human mode of expression since before evolution granted us the art of speech. Through it, we connected with allies while demonstrating our connection with people we didn't know. In the present, laughter allows us to enjoy positive shared experiences with strangers and loved ones alike. Yet solitary laughter carries with it its own slew of benefits. An energetic and enthusiastic bout of whole-body laughter exercises the muscles, the lungs, and the mind in equal measure, leaving us feeling relaxed and content. When we laugh heartily at life's ridiculousness instead of responding irritably, our focus shifts. Anger, stress, guilt, and sadness no longer wield any influence over us, and we are empowered to make light of what we originally feared. Laughter also opens our hearts, letting love and light in, changing our perspective, and enabling us to fix our attention on what is positive in our lives.

It is easy to laugh when we feel good, but it is when the world appears dim that we most need laughter in our lives. Our laughter then resonates through our hearts, filling the empty spaces with pure, unadulterated joy. We regain our footing in the moment and remember that no sorrow is powerful enough to rob us of our inborn happiness. When we understand that uninhibited laughter is the food of the soul, nourishing us from within, we know instinctively that life is worthwhile.

What do you think?

Angels in the P.O.

2007-02-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

I have all too often wished there were more angels in the systems everywhere. Here is one that has captured my heart. Rocco...

Subject: One of the sweetest emails you will ever read! And one I just had to post for you.

USPS Story (US Postal Service)

Our dog, Abbey, died Aug. 23. The day after Abbey died, my 4 year old, Meredith, was SO upset. She wanted to write a letter to God so that God would recognize Abbey in heaven. She told me what to write, and I did. Then, she put 2 pictures of Abbey in the envelope. We addressed it to God in Heaven, put two stamps on it (because, as she said, it could be a long way to heaven). We put our return address on it, and I let her put it in the drop box at the post office that afternoon. She was absolutely sure that letter would get to heaven, and I wasn't about to disillusion her.

So today is Labor Day. We took the kids to the museum in Austin; and when we came home, there was a package wrapped in gold on our front porch. It was addressed to Mer. So, she took it inside and opened it.

Inside was a book, "When Your Pet Dies", by Mr. Rogers (Fred Rogers). On the front cover was the letter we had written to God in its envelope (opened). On the opposite page was one of the pictures of Abbey taped on the page. On the back page was the other picture of Abbey, and this handwritten note on pink paper:

"Dear Mer,
I know that you will be happy to find out that Abbey arrived safely and soundly in heaven. Having the pictures you sent to me was a big help! I recognized Abbey right away!

You know, Mer, she isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me (-just like it stays in your heart-) young and running and playing. Abbey loved being your dog, you know. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep things in-- so I am sendingyour beautiful letter back to you with the pictures--so that you will have this little memory book to keep.

One of my angels is taking care of this for me. I hope this little book will help.

Thank you for your beautiful letter. Thank your mother for sending it. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.

God blesses you every day and remember, I love you very much. By the way, I am in heaven and I'm everywhere there is love.

Signed,
God, and one of his special angels
(who wrote this letter after God told HER the words)."

How wonderful is that! I never knew there were angels working the post office!

Talking about subsidies.

2007-01-26T17:07:00.000-08:00

Taking the subsidies away from the Tobacco industry would surely stop subsidies the farm industry. It would create food more expensive to the public. This would decrease the amount of extra monies available to purchase new cars every couple of years. We would not be able to take those expensive vacations to Disney World or Cabo San Lucas, or the Bahamas. We would need to live with-in our means.
We live a life style that is subsidized to the hilt. Our economy is held up by credit and an ever more increase in credit to those who are least able to afford off. Farmers get a credit increase on the speculation of next seasons crops. People are given an increase in credit to purchase those “necessary goods” to make their lives a better. One example is the new long term credit line to purchase a new car. WOW! 96 months to pay your new car off. Never mind it will cost you double to have that new car and that you will be top heavy and not be able to sell or trade your car for 5 of those 9 years or 8 years or even 7 years. You have your NEW CAR for now at least. Purchase a home? The cost of home could become something that your debt will be inherited you’re your children to finish paying, if you could ever find a home you could qualify for. Now 50 year loans are being available.

If we are to be a part of the worlds “People” and we must be a part of the worlds paying. The price of gas is subsidized, the price of food is subsidized, the Auto industry is subsidized. Practically everything we use, eat and otherwise pay a lower price for is subsidized. We have been sold a bill of goods that says we DESERVE these things, We have a right to them. We are the strongest and the biggest guys on the world, so we aught to be able to spend and use at the rest of the worlds expense. I wonder?

Love is Here to Stay

2007-01-26T16:13:00.000-08:00
THIS IS WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT!
It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 A.M., when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated thathe was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took hisvital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hourbefore someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at hiswatch and decided, since I was not busy with anotherpatient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it waswell healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the neededsupplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursinghome to eat breakfast with his wife. I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if shewould be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longerknew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. Iwas surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, eventhough she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is." I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life." True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and willnot be.

On the road again

2007-01-18T05:28:00.000-08:00
Sounds like a great song title. I have had my share of travels these past months. This week I am in Utah and doing a service by performing a wedding for a bloodbrother and his younga bit longer est son. As I do NOT fly, the travel is slow but then I do stay on the ground. My concern is the lack of comfortable land transportation. The car is way to expensive and not as earth friendly as I would like. The Bus system is a disaster, both in accomidations and friendliness of the staff in general. I have given up on trying to find a bus with a comfortable seat. The last but not least is the rail system. Because the owners of he different rail services have yet to grow up and realize they have a role to fill as movers of PEOPLE (as well as merchandise), and that people are the major priority, the ability to reach any destination is poor at best. The only line I have found to be of any effective way to reach places, is the norther routes. Then with the decreace in destinations, even that is very selective. What has happened to the priority of service and safety for the public? Why is there nolonger a pride in being a member of the FAMILY of America? Afre we to be set as just another piece of merchandise to be stamped and herded from here to there?

If you are in the least disabled...watchout! Our overall view by the merchant and the government is just a large bit of lip service. i have found the general view is that I am an inconvience and a source of more money by the general public and the travel systems. The bus makes it clear that to travel with them I must be able to manover the steps onto the bus w/o driver of attendant aid. If that cannot be accomplished...tough. after all it is the cheapest way to travel and those who are on fixed income (low to lower middle class) ARE JUST S.O.L..

The trainer are a bit better, there is a small section down in the lower level to aid the disabled to travel. It IS in the wheelwell of the trains. sights are the bottom of boxcars as you pass or the other passenger train wheelwell passangers on the passing trains. Never mind the diner ot the observation areas, the lap top electrical outlets, or the idea of a hot cup of coffee easily available. OH NO!!!!!! Heaven forbid. Don't let anyone see they carry us on the train. It takes special measures to get into that wheelwell from the get-go. Why????? is our money less worthy of the cash box than others. Try a sleeper. If you cannot get to the upper level you arfe not considered a 1st class passenger. Whoa, I just paid the extra 400 plus dollars for my little not see berth, why not 1st class.

Now for late trains! when a train is late say 9 hours, people say...Oh!, that's not too bad, last month I was 12 hours late and had to wait two day for the next trian as the run everyother day. What 12 hours late! Two day wait! Come on folks... if you want better service and more travel destinations AND better service...stop being so understanding and accepting the all too many EXCUSES for BAD service. If your trip is a round trip, you gwet to do it all over again. Remeber that bad service or lack of care of wheelwell passage, you think it has changed? They peoiple change not the service accessability.

You may notice I have not started on Air Travel in those cattle cars. Nor the lack of assurance at the airports you will be safe on this plane. HOMELAND SECURITY will see to you feeling you are atleast due to be threatened by some terrorist from iraq, no wait ireland, no wait china (oops prefered trade nation), no wait MARS,... for the crying out loud. We have more to fear from the homeland security than any one group of people traveling by air. Who's fault was the "9-11" tragity anyway. Moneymakers who didn't care to be more aware of who they taught than how much their 'tills" would ring. So now we have a small form of the Nazi S.S. working well in the USA. Thanks to Mr President and the panic congress fearful they would be seen as cowards not to be leaders and clear thinkers i n taht time of crisis.

Well, it is now 7:14 and the day here is due to begin. See you later.
Peace

To run or not to run

2007-01-08T09:49:00.000-08:00
Facing Problems
There are times when change is the right thing at the right time. There are also times when the urge for change is really just a desire to run away from problems that need to be faced rather than avoided. These are the kinds of problems that recur over and over again in your lives. A couple of example, issues with co-workers that seem to arise at every job we take, repeatedly getting into unhealthy relationships. A move might temporarily distract you, and even cure the problem for a time, simply by taking you out of the situation in which the problem fully manifested itself. However, the problem will eventually appear again in your new situation.
One way to make sure you aren’t running away from your problems is to notice whether you are moving towards something that is exciting in its own right, as opposed to something that is appealing only because it is not where you are now. For example, if you are leaving a city because you feel you can’t afford it, you could be reinforcing poverty consciousness, and you might find that you are unable to make ends meet in your new city as well. It would ultimately be less of an effort to stay where you are and look more deeply into your beliefs about money. You may discover that as you address these issues, you are able to make more money simply by changing your mindset. You may still decide to move, but it will be an act with a positive intention behind it and not an escape, which could make all the difference.
Any pain involved in facing your issues is well worth the effort in the end. When you face your problems instead of avoiding them, you free your energy and transform yourselves from people who run away into people who move enthusiastically forward.

Boiled Chestnuts in Dulce de Leche

2006-12-22T19:33:00.000-08:00
Boiled Chestnuts in Dulce de Leche

Cooks.com - Guide - Chestnuts

2006-12-22T19:29:00.000-08:00
Cooks.com - Guide - Chestnuts

Family

2006-12-22T09:15:00.000-08:00
We Are Family
When it comes to our families, we sometimes see only our differences. We see the way our parents cling to ideas we don’t believe, or act in ways we try not to act. We see how practical one of our siblings is and wonder how we can be from the same gene pool. Similarly, within the human family we see how different we are from each other, in ways ranging from gender and race to geographical location and religious beliefs. It is almost as if we think we are a different species sometimes. But the truth is, in our personal families as well as the human family, we really are the same. A single mother of four living in Africa looks up at the same stars and moon that shine down on an elderly Frenchman in Paris. A Tibetan monk living in India, a newborn infant in China, and a young couple saying their marriage vows in Indiana all breathe the same air, by the same process. We have all been hurt and we have all cried. Each one of us knows how it feels to love someone dearly. No matter what our political views are, we all love to laugh. Regardless of how much or how little money we have, our hearts pump blood through our bodies in the same way. With all this in common, it is clear we are each individual members of the same family. We are human. Acknowledging how close we all are, instead of clinging to what separates us, enables us to feel less alone in the world. Every person we meet, see, hear, or read about, is a member of our family. We are truly not alone. We also begin to see that we are perfectly capable of understanding and relating to people who, on the surface, may seem very different from us. This awareness prevents us from disconnecting from people on the other side of the tracks, and the other side of the world. We begin to understand that we must treat all people for what they are—family.

Winter

2006-12-21T10:00:00.000-08:00
A Season Of Slumber
In times past, the bare-limbed trees, long nights, and biting chill of winter signified to all that the time had come to slow down. Humanity emulated the animals, retreating into cozy dwellings where they sustained themselves on foods harvested late in autumn and passed the time in peaceful reflection. Today, most people proceed ruddy-cheeked through winter’s frosts, ignoring the profound effects cold weather has on their bodies and their minds. Yet the beauty and significance of wintertime cannot be so easily overlooked. As the temperature plummets, leaving the air crisp and the landscape bare, we tend to crave warmth and relish rich foods. The presence of loved ones seems more comforting when blustery winds rattle window panes and we feel compelled to conserve our energy by engaging in only the most soothing of activities. Though your daily schedule may remain more or less the same no matter what time of year it is, you will find in winter many opportunities to honor the way in which you are impacted by this most magical of seasons. At first glance, the world may seem desolate during the coldest months. Yet there are many unique and stimulating sensory experiences to be had—in the intricate beauty of individual snowflakes, the patterns of frost that form on your windows, the tang of smoke from wood-fueled fireplaces, the crunch of freshly fallen snow under your feet, and the briskness of the air. Do not be afraid to venture joyfully out into the cold and the snow as you may have when you were a child. A tingling and reddened nose is a small price to pay for a clear mind and invigorated soul. If your body articulates a desire to rest, give yourself permission to spend your free time reading, writing in your journal, daydreaming, engaging in artistic pursuits, playing board games, working a puzz! le or meditating. Many plants, like the tulip and the apple tree, would not blossom in the springtime were it not for the period of dormancy that is the gift of winter’s chill. Their example can inspire us to use this season of slumber to cleanse ourselves of spiritual and emotional detritus like flora shedding lifeless foliage so that we, too, may emerge from under the frost refreshed and renewed when spring arrives.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-20T11:46:00.000-08:00
Rediscovering Your JoyfulnessHoliday Blues
The holidays can trigger the blues for a lot of people. We all have associations with the music, the decorations, and the foods that are so pervasive at this time of year. We may look back on a happy childhood and feel that our present situation doesn’t measure up. On the other hand, we may be reminded of what we wanted but didn’t get as children. Either way, our real lives are unfolding in the here and now. This is a new holiday season altogether, and we can find joy in the fact that we can make it our own and let it be new. One key way to reinvigorate your holiday is to let go of feeling obligated to engage in rituals or situations that make you feel unhappy. It is easy to get lost in the trance of tradition and lose track of who you really are and what serves you as you are now. But there is a wonderful payoff if you take the time to touch base with what you really want and give it to yourself. When you take care of yourself, your capacity to give to others expands exponentially, and so does your innate joyfulness. The first step is taking time to sort through any baggage that’s nagging you. If sad memories present themselves, know that you are not alone. It is well-documented that many people suffer from depression at this time of year. The key is to face these feelings, hear them out, and fully process them so that you can be free again. Try giving yourself the space and time to consider what will be truly healing for you this year. Perhaps you’d rather go on vacation to a tropical island with friends than go back home to a dysfunctional family. Maybe you’d prefer not to exchange gifts. Maybe you want to change-up the traditional dinner fare and make something profoundly healthy or exotic. As you infuse this holiday with new energy, you will feel your blues lightening and your joyfulness steadily on the rise. Try to make this holiday season about who you are now, not what you were in the past. Enjoy.

10 solutions for the holidays

2006-12-19T11:34:00.000-08:00
Holiday Eating Tips
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1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single- malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano.
Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.
This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each.
Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin.
Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have SOME standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and screaming,

"WOO HOO what a ride!"

GROWING IN CONFLICT

2006-10-24T21:07:00.000-07:00
Meeting Conflict With An Open Heart

Conflict is part of our lives because our beliefs and modes of being often differ powerfully with those of our loved ones, acquaintances, and associates. For all the grief these disagreements can cause, we can learn much from them. How we handle ourselves when confronted with anger or argument demonstrates our patience and the quality of our energy status. To resolve conflict we need to approach our adversary with an open heart filled with compassion. Judgments and blame must be replaced with mutual respect. Conflict is frequently motivated by unspoken needs masked by confrontational attitudes or aggressive behavior. When we greet conflict with love and acceptance in our hearts, we empower ourselves to discover a means to attaining collective resolution. The key to finding the wisdom in conflict ask yourself why you clash with a particular person or situation. Your inner self may be trying to point you to a specific life lesson, so try to keep your eyes and ears open. Once you have explored the internal and external roots of your disagreement, make the conscious effort to release any anger or resentment you feel. As you do so, the energy between you and your adversary with change perceptibly, even if they are still operating from a more limited energy state. Consider that each of you has compelling reasons for thinking and feeling as you do. Accept that you have no power to change your adversary's mind. This can help you approach your disagreement rationally, with a steady voice and a willingness to compromise. If you listen thoughtfully and with an empathetic ear during conflict, you can transform conflict into compromise. Examine your thoughts and feelings carefully and you may discover stubbornness within yourself that is causing resistance or that you are unwittingly feeding yourself negative messages about your adversary. As your part in a disagreement becomes more clear, new conflicts become another chance to further your learning in empathy, compassion, and tolerance.

Decisions of Life

2006-10-20T20:11:00.000-07:00
Decisions of Life

The decisions we make each day shapes who we are and what we are composed of. When we choose one option over another, we shape our lives. The decision making process allows us to enjoy the benefits of self-determination. It can also be a source of anxiety. Decision making forces us to face the possibility of dissatisfaction. As a result, many of us choose to avoid making decisions and allow others to make them for us. We turn our power over to others; spouses, relatives, friends, and colleagues, granting them the power to shape our lives that is ours by right. Though the decisions we make are often difficult, we grow more self-sufficient and secure each time we trust ourselves enough to choose. Ultimately, only we can know how the options before us will impact our daily life and our long-term well-being. Within us lies the power to competently weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each decision. Even if we feel incapable of making a decision, our inner wisdom and our intuitive mind will give us sound counsel if we have faith in ourselves. Try to come to our own conclusions before seeking the guidance of others, and even then, treat their suggestions as suggestions rather than votes pro or con to our own conclusions. Before making our choice, release the fear of wrong decisions. Perceived mistakes can lead us down wonderful and unexpected paths that expose us to life-changing insights. If we can let go of the notion that choices are utterly right or entirely wrong, we will be less tempted to invite others to take the reigns of our destiny. When our choices are our own, we will be more likely to accept and be satisfied with the outcome of those choices. Our decisions will be a pure reflection of our desires, our creativity, our awareness, and our power. Since we understand that we must live with and take responsibility for our own decisions, we will likely exercise greater care when coming to conclusions. As we learn to make autonomous choices, secure in the knowledge that it is our information and not others opinions guiding us, we will gain the freedom to consciously direct the flow of your life without interference.