I feel like I'm "Fringing."
I've met so many people lately who feel disenfranchised, neglected, and even discriminated against - because they don't fit into a tidy little box or where they do fit isn't "in with the cool kids." And I'm sure a lot of us have been in that situation... because we're a little different than mainstream. I don't know why it bothers me so much, but I decided to blog it through.
It usually starts in elementary school. We're each categorized and graded, set into the pecking order which will help shape our self-identity. By high school, we're usually set into a classification and given a set of expectations of behavior. It happens in all hierarchical societies.
But what happens when we self-identify with a certain group/culture/society, and we come across someone who has a different set of expectations for its membership?
Let's use a silly, metaphorical conversation regarding fruit preserves to illustrate what I'm talking about:
Blue: "I love making grape jelly."
Red: "I love making peach jelly."
Blue: "Oh, I love that, too!"
Red: "Let's get together some time and make jelly!"
Blue: "That sounds great."
Green: "I like raspberry jam."
Red: "Raspberry! Who likes raspberry?" (scoff)
Blue: "That's not even jelly! That's jam!" (scoff)
Yellow: "I like orange marmalade."
Red: "Wow. That's even worse!"
Blue: "I know! Can you believe these two?"
Green: "But it's what we like, so it's what we make."
Red: "But it's not jelly."
Yellow: "So?"
Purple: "I made apple butter yesterday."
Red: "This is getting out of control! You all need to stop this! Everyone knows that peach and grape are the best flavors. And everyone knows that jelly is much better than jam, marmalade, or whatever."
Yellow: "Not to us."
Blue: "This is ridiculous. I've been preserving fruit for over a hundred years, and I have never made anything but jelly!"
Yellow: "So?"
Blue: "So you're going to give us all a bad name! I don't want to be associated with fruit preserve specialists who don't make jelly!"
Diversity, in all of its weirdness, enriches our lives, our cultures, our world. So why is it that we (humans) so often push away anything that doesn't fit in our neat little boxes? We push them away - out to the fringes of our egocentric societies.
When I say, "I'm Fringing," it's because I feel drawn to connect with those people who others have pushed away with their jelly-brained ideals.
Among the non-mainstream religious/spiritual people where I live, there are several who dwell on the outer fringe. They feel disenfranchised due to their rejection by the "inner circles" of the non-mainstream mainstream. They are the "others."
They are the Geekomancers, Technomancers, the Otherkin, Nightkind, Sanguinarians, and more. They are gnostic, agnostic, eclectic, eccentric, and some are even fundamentalists themselves. They're straight, gay, lesbian, queer, transgender, transexual, pansexual, asexual, sluts and virginal. They're lawyers, bartenders, artists, nurses, students, laborers, and whatever else they choose to do. They have families and friends, rivals and enemies.
In other words, they're just like the people who rejected them.
I think I have such a problem with it because I've been there - on both sides of that coin. Oh yeah. I'll admit it. I've been jelly-brained. I've outcast others so I could fit in better with the "cool kids." I talked smack and got a 2x4 from the Universe for the trouble and heartache I caused. And I remembered what it felt like on the other side of the coin. What it was to feel clumsy, naive, the square peg.
The Fringe is where I Dance now. That beautiful, colorful, egalitarian, perfect world of freaks and misfits - where everyone has a place, value, and purpose.
I've been told that such a world doesn't exist, but I know better.
It's here, all around us.
You just have to let go of one thing to find it ----
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
A different kind of religious equality
In these past few months, I have been attempting to define my spirituality/religion without putting it into a box from which it cannot change and grow. It’s been challenging to say the least, but every now and then an aspect comes clearer to me. Most recently, the aspect that’s come more lucid is the role of clergy.
I’m not certain if it’s common to most pagan religions, but I have found within my own, the role of clergy is ambiguous and not as necessary than in other religions.
For example: The other day, I heard a Catholic mother tell her son, “Make sure you go to church and get fed.” She was speaking about the soul being fed through spiritual activity. She said it twice, both in the same way. In her belief, and the belief she taught her children, that in order for her soul to “stay on track,” she required clergy – a concept much different from my own beliefs. I’m not saying it’s good or bad, or one way is better than the other – it’s just very different.
The interaction solidified something for me. If it had been me speaking to a fledgling leaving the nest, I would have said something more like, “Make sure you take the time to feed your spirit. Take care of your soul.” No clergy required. No church required, either.
My spirituality is very egalitarian – the belief that all people are born equal, regardless of caste, economic status, religion, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, nationality, race, color, physical or mental ability, etc. Spiritually, this extends to the belief we are each born with a beautiful, untainted, powerful soul. I have found this to be a common theme in many religions I have investigated.
Where my beliefs begin to depart from many others I’ve encountered: I believe the immortal soul STAYS pure – pure, beautiful, sentient energy. It’s our spirit (the individual life expression that combines personality, consciousnesses, ego, id, life-spark, neural network, etc) that gets in trouble when it begins to depart from the path of the soul. When I lose my way, it’s because my soul and spirit are no longer in sync with each other, and usually also out of sync with the spiral pattern of the Axis Mundi. I do not require a mediator between Deity and myself in order to achieve a resynchronization. This concept is also common to alternative religions; however, this is where I take one more step outside the norm.
I tend to reject titles, degrees, and other methods of establishing religious hierarchy when at all possible.
Like the Maori, I recognize that every Being has a Purpose. We will have talents, skills, and perhaps even physical characteristics to best serve that Purpose. Every Being has its own place in the Great Dance. Every Being has a Sacred Duty to perform in service to the whole. No Purpose is “better” than another. No Sacred Duty is more “important” than any other. No Being has more spiritual authority than any other. There is no Alpha on the Dancing Grounds. When we meet, we are peers in all ways. We are each powerful, unique, and incredible. We are all beautiful, pure, immortal souls. We all have the ability to bring our souls and spirits into ecstatic alignment with the Axis Mundi, to live in spiritual harmony with all other beings, to experience the pneuma, to join in the Dance.
We are all equal on the Dancing Grounds. Come join in the Dance.
I’m not certain if it’s common to most pagan religions, but I have found within my own, the role of clergy is ambiguous and not as necessary than in other religions.
For example: The other day, I heard a Catholic mother tell her son, “Make sure you go to church and get fed.” She was speaking about the soul being fed through spiritual activity. She said it twice, both in the same way. In her belief, and the belief she taught her children, that in order for her soul to “stay on track,” she required clergy – a concept much different from my own beliefs. I’m not saying it’s good or bad, or one way is better than the other – it’s just very different.
The interaction solidified something for me. If it had been me speaking to a fledgling leaving the nest, I would have said something more like, “Make sure you take the time to feed your spirit. Take care of your soul.” No clergy required. No church required, either.
My spirituality is very egalitarian – the belief that all people are born equal, regardless of caste, economic status, religion, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, nationality, race, color, physical or mental ability, etc. Spiritually, this extends to the belief we are each born with a beautiful, untainted, powerful soul. I have found this to be a common theme in many religions I have investigated.
Where my beliefs begin to depart from many others I’ve encountered: I believe the immortal soul STAYS pure – pure, beautiful, sentient energy. It’s our spirit (the individual life expression that combines personality, consciousnesses, ego, id, life-spark, neural network, etc) that gets in trouble when it begins to depart from the path of the soul. When I lose my way, it’s because my soul and spirit are no longer in sync with each other, and usually also out of sync with the spiral pattern of the Axis Mundi. I do not require a mediator between Deity and myself in order to achieve a resynchronization. This concept is also common to alternative religions; however, this is where I take one more step outside the norm.
I tend to reject titles, degrees, and other methods of establishing religious hierarchy when at all possible.
Like the Maori, I recognize that every Being has a Purpose. We will have talents, skills, and perhaps even physical characteristics to best serve that Purpose. Every Being has its own place in the Great Dance. Every Being has a Sacred Duty to perform in service to the whole. No Purpose is “better” than another. No Sacred Duty is more “important” than any other. No Being has more spiritual authority than any other. There is no Alpha on the Dancing Grounds. When we meet, we are peers in all ways. We are each powerful, unique, and incredible. We are all beautiful, pure, immortal souls. We all have the ability to bring our souls and spirits into ecstatic alignment with the Axis Mundi, to live in spiritual harmony with all other beings, to experience the pneuma, to join in the Dance.
We are all equal on the Dancing Grounds. Come join in the Dance.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Working with energy, Intention
I have heard it said (and, alas, have also used the line myself) that Intention is more important than knowledge when working with spells and energy.
Now that I'm a little older and wiser, I have to amend that statement. While it may be true when you're working with only your own thought-energy, it gets less true when you use tools (including words).
For example... let's say that I Intend to fix a piece of heirloom furniture - one of the pegs has snapped from age.
Before I go to the hardware store, I need to know the diameter of the hole and/or peg.
When I get there, I need to know what they have in stock, and if the tensile strength of their stock will hold up in the application.
After I get it home, I need to measure and cut the dowel to the right length.
Once the peg is made, then I could tap it into place to fix the furniture.
I could ask the clerk at the store for a variety of things, but only one would be the correct object to ask for.
I could use several instruments to measure. I could use a ruler, a bit of string, or even my thumb. Each have the possibility of working, but there's one that would work the most effectively.
I could use several tools to cut the dowel. I could use a saw, a kitchen knife, or even a thin chain.
I could use several different tools to tap the peg into place. I could use a high heel shoe, a screwdriver, or a mallet.
I could use a dowel that is the wrong diameter, and force it into place, anyway - and it could have disastrous consequences.
I could use a sledge hammer and try to get the peg in place with one mighty swing rather than several gentle taps with a mallet - and it could be equally as detrimental to my cause.
You get the idea.
Although I Intend to fix the furniture, I could end up spending a lot of resources (time, effort, money) unnecessarily. It's possible that I would give up before finishing the project. It's also possible that I could ruin the furniture rather than fixing it.
Conversely, I could have all of the materials and tools available, but if I do not have the Intention to fix the furniture, it will not happen at all.
Therefore, we can deduce that Intention may be the most important aspect of working magic, but it will not change the matter-form or energy of a tool so that it will be the most appropriate for the working.
Now that I'm a little older and wiser, I have to amend that statement. While it may be true when you're working with only your own thought-energy, it gets less true when you use tools (including words).
For example... let's say that I Intend to fix a piece of heirloom furniture - one of the pegs has snapped from age.
Before I go to the hardware store, I need to know the diameter of the hole and/or peg.
When I get there, I need to know what they have in stock, and if the tensile strength of their stock will hold up in the application.
After I get it home, I need to measure and cut the dowel to the right length.
Once the peg is made, then I could tap it into place to fix the furniture.
I could ask the clerk at the store for a variety of things, but only one would be the correct object to ask for.
I could use several instruments to measure. I could use a ruler, a bit of string, or even my thumb. Each have the possibility of working, but there's one that would work the most effectively.
I could use several tools to cut the dowel. I could use a saw, a kitchen knife, or even a thin chain.
I could use several different tools to tap the peg into place. I could use a high heel shoe, a screwdriver, or a mallet.
I could use a dowel that is the wrong diameter, and force it into place, anyway - and it could have disastrous consequences.
I could use a sledge hammer and try to get the peg in place with one mighty swing rather than several gentle taps with a mallet - and it could be equally as detrimental to my cause.
You get the idea.
Although I Intend to fix the furniture, I could end up spending a lot of resources (time, effort, money) unnecessarily. It's possible that I would give up before finishing the project. It's also possible that I could ruin the furniture rather than fixing it.
Conversely, I could have all of the materials and tools available, but if I do not have the Intention to fix the furniture, it will not happen at all.
Therefore, we can deduce that Intention may be the most important aspect of working magic, but it will not change the matter-form or energy of a tool so that it will be the most appropriate for the working.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Working with energy, plants and aroma
I've talked a bit about affecting or using other matter-energy with thought... let's talk a little about affecting thought-energy with an outside energy source...
Given that:
1. Plants are organic matter.
2. The chemical makeup of a plant will determine the energy vibration.
3. Odor/scent/aroma is caused by volatile molecules released from the "host" matter (aka volatile organic compounds or VOC), usually introduced into the atmosphere by evaporation.
5. VOCs are chemicals which, when coming in contact with the olfactory sensors in a being, react bio-chemically with the "sniffer." The olfactory sensors then send an electronic message to the brain, which determines if the scent "smells good or smells bad."
6. Certain scents may cause the brain to recall a memory.
Example: When smelling home baked cinnamon rolls, I think of my mother.
7. Some scents may cause the brain to emit certain chemicals in reaction to the external stimuli. Aroma therapy uses this phenomenon.
8. Memory recall may also cause the brain to emit certain chemicals, combining memory recall with aroma therapy.
Example: When I smell sandalwood incense, I think of the early days of my magical practice and also feel "ready" to do magical work; whereas, smelling dragonsblood incense prepares me more for shamanic work.
Metaphysically, we use plants most often in three ways:
1. As an aromatic, to affect mood or to help release thought-energy potential.
2. As an object, much like the stones in the previous post.
3. As a quick-release energy source, as when burned or smoldered. The fire/heat applied will change the natural chemical makeup of the base, therefore changing the energy produced.
Therefore, we can deduce that the state of the plant (fresh, dried, chemically altered, etc) is just as important as the type of plant used.
Given that:
1. Plants are organic matter.
2. The chemical makeup of a plant will determine the energy vibration.
3. Odor/scent/aroma is caused by volatile molecules released from the "host" matter (aka volatile organic compounds or VOC), usually introduced into the atmosphere by evaporation.
5. VOCs are chemicals which, when coming in contact with the olfactory sensors in a being, react bio-chemically with the "sniffer." The olfactory sensors then send an electronic message to the brain, which determines if the scent "smells good or smells bad."
6. Certain scents may cause the brain to recall a memory.
Example: When smelling home baked cinnamon rolls, I think of my mother.
7. Some scents may cause the brain to emit certain chemicals in reaction to the external stimuli. Aroma therapy uses this phenomenon.
8. Memory recall may also cause the brain to emit certain chemicals, combining memory recall with aroma therapy.
Example: When I smell sandalwood incense, I think of the early days of my magical practice and also feel "ready" to do magical work; whereas, smelling dragonsblood incense prepares me more for shamanic work.
Metaphysically, we use plants most often in three ways:
1. As an aromatic, to affect mood or to help release thought-energy potential.
2. As an object, much like the stones in the previous post.
3. As a quick-release energy source, as when burned or smoldered. The fire/heat applied will change the natural chemical makeup of the base, therefore changing the energy produced.
Therefore, we can deduce that the state of the plant (fresh, dried, chemically altered, etc) is just as important as the type of plant used.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Working with energy, stones and other obejcts
Now that we have explored some basic theories about energy, and dabbled in light and color (see previous post), let's talk about stones (such as crystals) and other objects.
One of the first things we often observe is the color, which we've already talked about previously.
Other characteristics we may initially observe are translucence or opaqueness, and texture. We may look at the shape and size as well, but we'll save those for a little bit later.
Like the color of the stone or object, translucence/opaqueness and texture will indicate the chemical makeup of the stone, and how the stone's matter-energy has been affected by the energy forces of its environment. Both of these are important to the energy "pulse" (aka vibration) of the stone.
So, let's get into a little bit of (VERY basic) chemistry...
1. Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter.
2. Atoms consist of three main parts: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
3. Protons have a negative electrical charge, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a positive charge.
4. Electricity is a type of energy.
5. Protrons and neutrons are toward the center of the atom, while the electrons "orbit" them.
6. The rate at which the electrons move causes the matter-energy to vibrate.
7. This vibration is not easily perceived by "normal" means.
8. Each type of stone can have a basic range of vibration, while each individual stone will have its own unique "signature."
9. Matter-energy can be changed on an atomic level through the introduction of another type of energy (heat/cold, light, radiation, pressure, etc).
Now let's take chemistry to a quantum and metaphysical level...
1. Each range of vibration will have its own properties and effective uses.
2. Metaphysical energy can also change the state of the atoms within the matter-energy. It can agitate or dampen the electronic vibration.
3. By focusing thought-energy, spirit-energy, etc, toward the object, the mind can release the stored energy (potential) from the object.
Going back to the shape of the object, we now drift into the physics behind Sacred Geometry.
1. Physics tells us that the shape of released energy will determine the effect/impact of the release.
Example A: Light is relatively harmless and even useful. However, when focused into thin beam (within a certain nanometer range of frequency), it can cause painful burns, blindness, etc.
Example B: Explosives are often set in such a way to "shape the charge," to cause the desired result. When the violent force of the kinetic energy is funneled into a smaller area, the impact point suffers more damage than if the explosive energy was spread over a larger area.
2. Stones or other objects that have a more circular shape will release the stored energy more gradually, while those with sharp points and facets can release in a more focused manner.
3. Therefore the number of facets the stone has also plays a part in the shape-charge. Mathematically speaking, the optimum number depends on the chemical makeup of the object... but the more it looks like a bullet, the more focused the shape-charge.
4. Shaped charges are not always desirable. When using the stone or object for gentle healing, for example, you will want a gentle release of the energy. When using it for a more "surgical" type of healing, then you want a stone with more pin-point accuracy.
And now, we have a scientific basis for the metaphysics of stone/object energy working...
... still more Margie-isms to come....
One of the first things we often observe is the color, which we've already talked about previously.
Other characteristics we may initially observe are translucence or opaqueness, and texture. We may look at the shape and size as well, but we'll save those for a little bit later.
Like the color of the stone or object, translucence/opaqueness and texture will indicate the chemical makeup of the stone, and how the stone's matter-energy has been affected by the energy forces of its environment. Both of these are important to the energy "pulse" (aka vibration) of the stone.
So, let's get into a little bit of (VERY basic) chemistry...
1. Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter.
2. Atoms consist of three main parts: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
3. Protons have a negative electrical charge, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a positive charge.
4. Electricity is a type of energy.
5. Protrons and neutrons are toward the center of the atom, while the electrons "orbit" them.
6. The rate at which the electrons move causes the matter-energy to vibrate.
7. This vibration is not easily perceived by "normal" means.
8. Each type of stone can have a basic range of vibration, while each individual stone will have its own unique "signature."
9. Matter-energy can be changed on an atomic level through the introduction of another type of energy (heat/cold, light, radiation, pressure, etc).
Now let's take chemistry to a quantum and metaphysical level...
1. Each range of vibration will have its own properties and effective uses.
2. Metaphysical energy can also change the state of the atoms within the matter-energy. It can agitate or dampen the electronic vibration.
3. By focusing thought-energy, spirit-energy, etc, toward the object, the mind can release the stored energy (potential) from the object.
Going back to the shape of the object, we now drift into the physics behind Sacred Geometry.
1. Physics tells us that the shape of released energy will determine the effect/impact of the release.
Example A: Light is relatively harmless and even useful. However, when focused into thin beam (within a certain nanometer range of frequency), it can cause painful burns, blindness, etc.
Example B: Explosives are often set in such a way to "shape the charge," to cause the desired result. When the violent force of the kinetic energy is funneled into a smaller area, the impact point suffers more damage than if the explosive energy was spread over a larger area.
2. Stones or other objects that have a more circular shape will release the stored energy more gradually, while those with sharp points and facets can release in a more focused manner.
3. Therefore the number of facets the stone has also plays a part in the shape-charge. Mathematically speaking, the optimum number depends on the chemical makeup of the object... but the more it looks like a bullet, the more focused the shape-charge.
4. Shaped charges are not always desirable. When using the stone or object for gentle healing, for example, you will want a gentle release of the energy. When using it for a more "surgical" type of healing, then you want a stone with more pin-point accuracy.
And now, we have a scientific basis for the metaphysics of stone/object energy working...
... still more Margie-isms to come....
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
An Interpretive Story...
From the Mystery, came the Creator, dancing in great sweeping spirals to the music of the universe. As the beat reached crescendo, the Creator broke apart like powder. Exhausted from the Great Dance, Creator collapsed inward to contemplate the Beginning.
The Stars, in their curiosity, sent the Stones to watch the marvel. As the Stones gathered about the Creator, the body of the Mother was formed. The Stones became hot with the Passions of creation, but the Stones had brought many gifts from the Star People. They brought Water and Air, which soothed and cooled the body of the Mother.
The dust of the Creator spread through the stone, water, and wind, and became Life. The Mother gazed upon Life, and Love was known.
The Stars, each partaking in the Great Dance themselves, watch from above with celebration.
And so it is, that in all creatures upon the Mother, there is Passion, Life, and Love, marked within each by the spiral of the Great Dance of the Creator.
The Stars, in their curiosity, sent the Stones to watch the marvel. As the Stones gathered about the Creator, the body of the Mother was formed. The Stones became hot with the Passions of creation, but the Stones had brought many gifts from the Star People. They brought Water and Air, which soothed and cooled the body of the Mother.
The dust of the Creator spread through the stone, water, and wind, and became Life. The Mother gazed upon Life, and Love was known.
The Stars, each partaking in the Great Dance themselves, watch from above with celebration.
And so it is, that in all creatures upon the Mother, there is Passion, Life, and Love, marked within each by the spiral of the Great Dance of the Creator.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Working with energy, color
Further exploring the science and metaphysics of magic, we will pull some common physics and quantum mechanics in as well.
Color is the visual perception of a specific wave length of the light spectrum.
So, given that (physics and quantum mechanics):
1. Light energy "pulses" are measured in wavelength...
2. Color energy "pulses" are measured in spectrum...
3. Certain frequencies of energy "pulses" will have certain properties that will cause certain effects on other matter-energy...
4. The wavelength of light energy is more important to affect a change than is the intensity of the energy...
Metaphysically we theorize then, that spectrum of color is more important to affecting change than the intensity of the color. Blind tests and color therapy support this conclusion. However, we must also accept that not all effects and changes are desirable outcomes. Therefore, just "blasting" a problem with a ball of energy, even with visualizing white light, might be more detrimental than helpful. The wavelength of the light-energy and the spectrum of the color-energy are more important than the intensity.
Color is the visual perception of a specific wave length of the light spectrum.
So, given that (physics and quantum mechanics):
1. Light energy "pulses" are measured in wavelength...
2. Color energy "pulses" are measured in spectrum...
3. Certain frequencies of energy "pulses" will have certain properties that will cause certain effects on other matter-energy...
4. The wavelength of light energy is more important to affect a change than is the intensity of the energy...
Metaphysically we theorize then, that spectrum of color is more important to affecting change than the intensity of the color. Blind tests and color therapy support this conclusion. However, we must also accept that not all effects and changes are desirable outcomes. Therefore, just "blasting" a problem with a ball of energy, even with visualizing white light, might be more detrimental than helpful. The wavelength of the light-energy and the spectrum of the color-energy are more important than the intensity.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Working with energy
When learning to work with energy, first we should examine what it is and where to find it.
Let's start with basic physics.
1. There are several different types of energy: kinetic, heat, light, sound, electricity, etc.
2. Energy is present in all things, even seemingly inanimate objects like chairs, rocks, coffee cups, etc.
3. All energy (and therefore all objects) "pulses" at a certain rate. This "pulse" can be increased or decreased by manipulating matter-energy.
4. The rate and purity of the "pulse" may determine how useful the energy is in that state.
Example A: The flow of electrical energy is measured in amps and volts. It's not a good idea to plug a 220v device into a 110v outlet. Impure amperage or voltage (surges and brown-outs) can also affect the operative condition of the mechanical device.
Example B: Heat energy is measured in kelvins. Inaccurate or inconsistent application of heat energy will not cause the same chemical reaction inside your oven, and that birthday cake just might not turn out the way you wanted.
5. The Law of Energy Conservation states that energy does not deplete, but changes to a different form of energy or potential energy.
Example: The human nervous system uses electrical energy to cause bio-mechanical responses in the body, to tense and release muscles. This changes electrical energy into kinetic (mechanical) energy. The brain can tell the body to cock a crossbow, tensing the crossbow arms and string. The kinetic energy is then transformed into potential energy (stored energy).
6. Quantum physics tells us that all energy can affect the molecular structure of matter-energy and that the "pulse" is more important to this change than intensity.
Example: Ultraviolet light can cause a sunburn, but infrared light cannot, simply because of the light frequency "pulse."
7. Quantum mechanics also explains that all energy, potential energy, and matter-energy can be expressed mathematically with an equation.
Okay.... for everyone who's still with me, let's move on to metaphysics and parapsychology...
1. Metaphysics also includes types of energy that science has not been able to explain yet, such as spiritual energy, chi, etc. Metaphysics also recognizes thought-energy as different from, or in addition to, the electrical energy required for brain operation.
2. Parapsychology is the field of study of the effects of using thought-energy.
3. The mathematical equations used to express metaphysical energy is sometimes called Sacred Geometry.
And now, we have a scientific basis for magic.
More to come...
Let's start with basic physics.
1. There are several different types of energy: kinetic, heat, light, sound, electricity, etc.
2. Energy is present in all things, even seemingly inanimate objects like chairs, rocks, coffee cups, etc.
3. All energy (and therefore all objects) "pulses" at a certain rate. This "pulse" can be increased or decreased by manipulating matter-energy.
4. The rate and purity of the "pulse" may determine how useful the energy is in that state.
Example A: The flow of electrical energy is measured in amps and volts. It's not a good idea to plug a 220v device into a 110v outlet. Impure amperage or voltage (surges and brown-outs) can also affect the operative condition of the mechanical device.
Example B: Heat energy is measured in kelvins. Inaccurate or inconsistent application of heat energy will not cause the same chemical reaction inside your oven, and that birthday cake just might not turn out the way you wanted.
5. The Law of Energy Conservation states that energy does not deplete, but changes to a different form of energy or potential energy.
Example: The human nervous system uses electrical energy to cause bio-mechanical responses in the body, to tense and release muscles. This changes electrical energy into kinetic (mechanical) energy. The brain can tell the body to cock a crossbow, tensing the crossbow arms and string. The kinetic energy is then transformed into potential energy (stored energy).
6. Quantum physics tells us that all energy can affect the molecular structure of matter-energy and that the "pulse" is more important to this change than intensity.
Example: Ultraviolet light can cause a sunburn, but infrared light cannot, simply because of the light frequency "pulse."
7. Quantum mechanics also explains that all energy, potential energy, and matter-energy can be expressed mathematically with an equation.
Okay.... for everyone who's still with me, let's move on to metaphysics and parapsychology...
1. Metaphysics also includes types of energy that science has not been able to explain yet, such as spiritual energy, chi, etc. Metaphysics also recognizes thought-energy as different from, or in addition to, the electrical energy required for brain operation.
2. Parapsychology is the field of study of the effects of using thought-energy.
3. The mathematical equations used to express metaphysical energy is sometimes called Sacred Geometry.
And now, we have a scientific basis for magic.
More to come...
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Simple Living
I have been looking into the concept(s) of Simple Living. There seems to be quite a few different philosophies out there that either incorporate a version of the concept or have adopted the tag as an appropriate title. The concept itself has become rather complex to define, as the eco- and politico- activists try to claim it as their own.
Anyway, in my research, I’ve noted a few goals, objectives, and lifestyle changes that will suit my current needs a little better. I’m not going to go as far as the Epicurean or Simple People, but I do intend to simplify. I’m starting by asking questions.
Regarding extra-activity (outside of just maintaining living/life/livelihood)
1. Does the activity support my personal Values?
2. Does the activity nurture growth and/or promote well-being (intellectually, spiritually, or physically)?
3. Is the activity enjoyable? If not, does the outcome/reward of the activity outweigh the stress and effort involved?
Regarding “stuff”
1. Is this purchase a need, a want, or an impulse purchase? Stop buying unneeded “stuff!”
2. Does someone else need it? Find things that could/should be re-gifted.
3. Is it in useable condition? If it’s broken and can’t be easily fixed, get rid of it.
4. Is it often handled to use it or to just move it? If I’m consistently reorganizing the “stuff” to get it out of my way, but I’m not using it, then it needs to be used up, find a home, or leave.
5. How often is it used? If it hasn’t been used in six months, I need to put it through the Value test:
a. Does it have true sentimental Value?
b. Is it irreplaceable?
c. Is it useful during certain weather or emergency conditions?
d. Does it support an extra-activity that I intend to keep in my life?
If answering “yes” to any of these questions, it needs to be tagged to keep, a home found for it, and listed as a valued item. If “no,” the item needs to be consumed or leave.
Regarding technology
1. Does the technology enrich my life?
2. Does the technology reduce my carbon footprint?
3. Does the technology support the extra-activity that I intend to keep in my life?
4. Does using the technology increase my free time without separating me from my life?
If answering “yes” to any of these questions, tag the technology to keep, find a home for it, and listed as a valued item. If “no,” the item needs to be re-homed.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Storm Season Approaches
Storm season is rapidly approaching in the Northern Nevada area. Are you prepared?
With the prospect of wind, snow, ice, and possible power-outages looming, preparing for winter is more than bringing out the heavy coats and blankets. Here’s a few ideas to get you started...
Stage your flashlights and camping lanterns strategically around the house. Put them in areas where they will be accessible during power outages. Candles are great for mood lighting, but they also represent a fire hazard during the night, when the need for artificial lighting is greatest.
Check and replace batteries (as necessary) for your flashlights, battery-backup alarm clock, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, and radio. Having a radio handy that can also get the weather alert station will help keep you informed. Don’t forget your car battery, too!
Keep your floors and entry/exits as clear as possible. You don’t want to cause yourself injury if you’re stumbling around in the dark.
Keep water stocked, in case your pipes freeze. You might have a heat tape on the pipes under your house, but you never know when a water main could freeze, crack, or completely blow. Keep drinking water stored as well as a few jugs to flush toilets.
Keep enough canned food to last your household for 3-7 days... and a device to cook it. All of the canned ravioli in the world isn’t going to taste any better if you don’t have a way of heating it. A small propane camp stove is perfect. Just store it under your kitchen sink until you need it. Many people I know keep theirs with the rest of their camping supplies, then have to go out into the cold and snow to dig it out of storage. Dig it out now.
Don’t keep a lot of frozen or refrigerated foods. Shop more often, buy less. If you lose power for a few days, you could lose everything in your refrigerator-freezer. Clean it out, eat it now.
Stay on top of your laundry and dish-washing! You don’t want to be caught with mounds of dirty clothes and dishes with no way of cleaning them.
Keep some baby wipes and paper plates around, too. Remember, if you lose electricity and/or water, it’s going to be like camping indoors.
Put an emergency pack in your vehicle! If you get caught out in a snow drift, you’re going to need food, water, warmth, and a way to signal for help. Don’t forget to add something for entertainment, too. Kids’ toys, games, a book or two, note pad and pen, etc. Since batteries drain their charge when cold, a small flashlight attached to your key chain or in your purse is a much better idea than keeping one in your trunk. Keep your gas tank full, too.
Store a small chest of tools in a closet somewhere. Searching for a hammer so you can hang plastic over a broken window during a storm really sucks. Speaking of plastic... heavy, clear plastic and a roll of duct tape are a couple more items to store in your closet.
If you do lose electricity for an extended period, be prepared to gather everyone into one room to sleep. Close off all other rooms with blankets or plastic, especially bathrooms, since they’re a heat-sink due to all of the water pipes and tile. Use your body heat to heat the room. DO NOT use barbecues an other devices that produce a lot of carbon monoxide to stay warm. You could even set up a tent in your living room (minus the tent stakes) to stay even warmer!
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking of winter time preparation.
With the prospect of wind, snow, ice, and possible power-outages looming, preparing for winter is more than bringing out the heavy coats and blankets. Here’s a few ideas to get you started...
Stage your flashlights and camping lanterns strategically around the house. Put them in areas where they will be accessible during power outages. Candles are great for mood lighting, but they also represent a fire hazard during the night, when the need for artificial lighting is greatest.
Check and replace batteries (as necessary) for your flashlights, battery-backup alarm clock, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, and radio. Having a radio handy that can also get the weather alert station will help keep you informed. Don’t forget your car battery, too!
Keep your floors and entry/exits as clear as possible. You don’t want to cause yourself injury if you’re stumbling around in the dark.
Keep water stocked, in case your pipes freeze. You might have a heat tape on the pipes under your house, but you never know when a water main could freeze, crack, or completely blow. Keep drinking water stored as well as a few jugs to flush toilets.
Keep enough canned food to last your household for 3-7 days... and a device to cook it. All of the canned ravioli in the world isn’t going to taste any better if you don’t have a way of heating it. A small propane camp stove is perfect. Just store it under your kitchen sink until you need it. Many people I know keep theirs with the rest of their camping supplies, then have to go out into the cold and snow to dig it out of storage. Dig it out now.
Don’t keep a lot of frozen or refrigerated foods. Shop more often, buy less. If you lose power for a few days, you could lose everything in your refrigerator-freezer. Clean it out, eat it now.
Stay on top of your laundry and dish-washing! You don’t want to be caught with mounds of dirty clothes and dishes with no way of cleaning them.
Keep some baby wipes and paper plates around, too. Remember, if you lose electricity and/or water, it’s going to be like camping indoors.
Put an emergency pack in your vehicle! If you get caught out in a snow drift, you’re going to need food, water, warmth, and a way to signal for help. Don’t forget to add something for entertainment, too. Kids’ toys, games, a book or two, note pad and pen, etc. Since batteries drain their charge when cold, a small flashlight attached to your key chain or in your purse is a much better idea than keeping one in your trunk. Keep your gas tank full, too.
Store a small chest of tools in a closet somewhere. Searching for a hammer so you can hang plastic over a broken window during a storm really sucks. Speaking of plastic... heavy, clear plastic and a roll of duct tape are a couple more items to store in your closet.
If you do lose electricity for an extended period, be prepared to gather everyone into one room to sleep. Close off all other rooms with blankets or plastic, especially bathrooms, since they’re a heat-sink due to all of the water pipes and tile. Use your body heat to heat the room. DO NOT use barbecues an other devices that produce a lot of carbon monoxide to stay warm. You could even set up a tent in your living room (minus the tent stakes) to stay even warmer!
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking of winter time preparation.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Autumn Ramblings...
The squirrels are retreating to their burrows... snakes are moving slowly, even in the sun...
Chevrons of geese overhead...Milkyway shining clearer...
It won't be long now...
Half of the garden is ready to be turned under, the other half still shivers through the night...
Canning, drying, and freezing the meager harvest...
Draining, covering, storing, tarping... so much to do...
The Hunter challenges, "Make your choice..."
The Crone whispers, "...wisely."
Let go of the many, so that the few may prosper. Choose. Cull the herd.
The most precious commodities are irreplaceable resources: time and attention.
... and so I choose.
Much like pruning branches, I will be trimming my life this winter.
These past three months have been challenging to my personal resources already... and so I will be directing them all toward those most important in my life.
There will be another time... when "grain" is plentiful once again... and I may choose to spend more resources on these other things again... but for now, my focus is near-sighted and clear.
Chevrons of geese overhead...Milkyway shining clearer...
It won't be long now...
Half of the garden is ready to be turned under, the other half still shivers through the night...
Canning, drying, and freezing the meager harvest...
Draining, covering, storing, tarping... so much to do...
The Hunter challenges, "Make your choice..."
The Crone whispers, "...wisely."
Let go of the many, so that the few may prosper. Choose. Cull the herd.
The most precious commodities are irreplaceable resources: time and attention.
... and so I choose.
Much like pruning branches, I will be trimming my life this winter.
These past three months have been challenging to my personal resources already... and so I will be directing them all toward those most important in my life.
There will be another time... when "grain" is plentiful once again... and I may choose to spend more resources on these other things again... but for now, my focus is near-sighted and clear.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Can you imagine?
Driving down a dusty dirt road... rocky cairns jut up from the high desert floor, surrounded by sagebrush and native grasses. Barbwire fences stretch along the ditch. You approach your destination, an oasis of green among the sun-beaten landscape, tall poplars and aspen float gently on the summer breeze. Small cabins nestle under the leafy giants.
The parking lot is filling up with cars and smiling faces. Yard wagons are used to transport gear to the shady areas beyond a rustic wooden fence. Children run from cabins and tents, gathering up playmates and racing to the playground. Teens group near the horseshoe pits, greeting each other after some time apart.
The wind shifts, and you can smell the garden in bloom. Berry bushes, orchard trees, and flowering plants sweeten the air. Come fall, there will be a huge harvest to prepare and preserve for winter.
The windmill creaks and groans with the slight breeze, but the solar panels are charging the batteries now.
Three young folk come out of the chicken coop with baskets. They laugh and talk, bragging that each has the largest egg. Others are throwing feed to the livestock farther out. The geese honk their displeasure at a dog romping through the edges of the pond.
Two young mothers have spread a blanket on part of the sparse lawn areas, watching their young ones getting some "tummy time" and learning to crawl. The babies laugh and coo at the Unseen Ones flitting about the rosebushes. Cheerful noise and wonderful smells come from the kitchen in the main house. The sign on the door says, "Welcome Home."
There are a few residents on the farm. There are displaced kids, some who came to live for the summer, and their caretakers. A few came when they aged-out of the foster system and had nowhere to go. They all take care of the farm, and the farm takes care of them.
In this place... there are no accidents... there are no misfits or weirdos... everyone is recognized for their talents, skills, abilities, and contribution... Everyone has Value for who they are, not just for what they do... and they know the value of others. Everyone is valid and validated. They are allowed to explore, experience, and express. Here, there is safety for the mind, body, heart, and spirit.
This place is a vision... its manifestation is my Intention.
The parking lot is filling up with cars and smiling faces. Yard wagons are used to transport gear to the shady areas beyond a rustic wooden fence. Children run from cabins and tents, gathering up playmates and racing to the playground. Teens group near the horseshoe pits, greeting each other after some time apart.
The wind shifts, and you can smell the garden in bloom. Berry bushes, orchard trees, and flowering plants sweeten the air. Come fall, there will be a huge harvest to prepare and preserve for winter.
The windmill creaks and groans with the slight breeze, but the solar panels are charging the batteries now.
Three young folk come out of the chicken coop with baskets. They laugh and talk, bragging that each has the largest egg. Others are throwing feed to the livestock farther out. The geese honk their displeasure at a dog romping through the edges of the pond.
Two young mothers have spread a blanket on part of the sparse lawn areas, watching their young ones getting some "tummy time" and learning to crawl. The babies laugh and coo at the Unseen Ones flitting about the rosebushes. Cheerful noise and wonderful smells come from the kitchen in the main house. The sign on the door says, "Welcome Home."
There are a few residents on the farm. There are displaced kids, some who came to live for the summer, and their caretakers. A few came when they aged-out of the foster system and had nowhere to go. They all take care of the farm, and the farm takes care of them.
In this place... there are no accidents... there are no misfits or weirdos... everyone is recognized for their talents, skills, abilities, and contribution... Everyone has Value for who they are, not just for what they do... and they know the value of others. Everyone is valid and validated. They are allowed to explore, experience, and express. Here, there is safety for the mind, body, heart, and spirit.
This place is a vision... its manifestation is my Intention.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Hope
Last night at Tent City was an exceptional experience that I'm going to share with you all... last night I was shown (again) that the Street Teams of Spread Peace Reno deliver much more than food, clothing and shelter... we have been delivering Hope and Faith.
When Laramie and I first started helping with the nightly meals, we met Danny. This Viet Nam veteran was gruff, stand-offish, pessimistic, and ornery. He had little faith in humankind, or even himself. He had little hope for the future, little drive or initiative, beyond Tent City. We have seen a remarkable blossoming of the man's spirit over the past months.
A few weeks into our service, Laramie had a meltdown at Tent City... when a gentleman there confided in her that he "wished the Lord would take him and alleviate his pain and suffering." Danny was there to console Laramie in her tears, and I believe that seeing her compassion for a man she had just met truly touched Danny's heart.
From that week on, Danny met us with a smile. He talked about going back to school to become a chef. He talked about working with the VA to get a roof over his head. He talked about inviting us to dinner for a meal of his own cooking.
He began speaking with Hope in his words. Last night, he showed us a key to a place with four walls and a roof.
During last evening's visit, Laramie and I heard a man singing a song from the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?" so we joined in. Our songs and laughter touched the heart of another man... and last night we began bringing hope and faith to him. I don't know his name, so I'll call him Arkansas... since that's where he's from, and why the songs from the movie "take him back home."
At some point during this last week, Arkansas injured the L4 and L5 vertebrae in his spine. He is going to need surgery to correct it. After the surgery, he will be put in a place where he will get the physical and occupational therapy that he will need to gain employment... and he will have "three hots and a cot" for a while, too. But, until then, he will be sleeping on the ground in a tent. Through the loving donations from another, we were able to provide him with a pillow, a small measure of comfort, considering his physical condition.
The pillow was nice, but the songs did so much more. They had so much meaning for him... they were like a sign from the universe that he will be alright... hope.
When the Street Teams take food to Tent City, we are delivering more than meals... we are delivering Hope and Faith.
This is not faith in a greater power or god... not faith in humankind... not just faith in themselves... but Faith. The kind of Faith that is all encompassing... the kind that is more than a feeling, but a state of being.
They dare to Hope.
And in that Hope and Faith, they dare to feel ok with who they are... they begin to dare to dream... and in that dreaming, they begin to explore new horizons and think of ways to get to where they want to be... literally or figuratively... they dare to try... dare to succeed... and then they do.
And it all started with a bowl of soup... a smile... a hug... a song...
I am so grateful for the opportunity to really See this beauty.
Namaste'
When Laramie and I first started helping with the nightly meals, we met Danny. This Viet Nam veteran was gruff, stand-offish, pessimistic, and ornery. He had little faith in humankind, or even himself. He had little hope for the future, little drive or initiative, beyond Tent City. We have seen a remarkable blossoming of the man's spirit over the past months.
A few weeks into our service, Laramie had a meltdown at Tent City... when a gentleman there confided in her that he "wished the Lord would take him and alleviate his pain and suffering." Danny was there to console Laramie in her tears, and I believe that seeing her compassion for a man she had just met truly touched Danny's heart.
From that week on, Danny met us with a smile. He talked about going back to school to become a chef. He talked about working with the VA to get a roof over his head. He talked about inviting us to dinner for a meal of his own cooking.
He began speaking with Hope in his words. Last night, he showed us a key to a place with four walls and a roof.
During last evening's visit, Laramie and I heard a man singing a song from the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?" so we joined in. Our songs and laughter touched the heart of another man... and last night we began bringing hope and faith to him. I don't know his name, so I'll call him Arkansas... since that's where he's from, and why the songs from the movie "take him back home."
At some point during this last week, Arkansas injured the L4 and L5 vertebrae in his spine. He is going to need surgery to correct it. After the surgery, he will be put in a place where he will get the physical and occupational therapy that he will need to gain employment... and he will have "three hots and a cot" for a while, too. But, until then, he will be sleeping on the ground in a tent. Through the loving donations from another, we were able to provide him with a pillow, a small measure of comfort, considering his physical condition.
The pillow was nice, but the songs did so much more. They had so much meaning for him... they were like a sign from the universe that he will be alright... hope.
When the Street Teams take food to Tent City, we are delivering more than meals... we are delivering Hope and Faith.
This is not faith in a greater power or god... not faith in humankind... not just faith in themselves... but Faith. The kind of Faith that is all encompassing... the kind that is more than a feeling, but a state of being.
They dare to Hope.
And in that Hope and Faith, they dare to feel ok with who they are... they begin to dare to dream... and in that dreaming, they begin to explore new horizons and think of ways to get to where they want to be... literally or figuratively... they dare to try... dare to succeed... and then they do.
And it all started with a bowl of soup... a smile... a hug... a song...
I am so grateful for the opportunity to really See this beauty.
Namaste'
Monday, March 29, 2010
Amazing synchronicity
This weekend was full of amazing moments.
I had scheduled a ceremony for a day that I thought would work well. I had figured that Gavin would have home already for at least a week, Cassi would have been settled in, etc. I didn't happen that way... I didn't have the energy resource to spend on trying to research an appropriate ceremony, etc... then I realized I really
didn't care, and neither did it matter.
I played a game with the kids, then talked about how "being accountable" is seen far too often in a negative light, and how I feel that accepting accountability for things we do that are Good is just as important.
To me, accepting accountability for growth and positives doesn't happen as often as it should. Often times we can accept recognition when other people tell us we've accomplished things... when they give us belts, cords, medals, certificates, diplomas, etc... but how often do we recognize accomplishment without someone else telling us we can claim it? Well, I claimed it for myself... and then thanked everyone for being there to help me with my accomplishments.
Then... this morning... an old friend called out of the blue... to tell me how his life is going... how wonderful his life has turned out... and he called to tell me that he appreciates me. He called to tell me that I accomplished something I had no idea I even did. He feels that I saved his life. After his first wife passed, he went off the deep end. He says I saved his life... by doing nothing more than just by being me. The talks we had were great and opened doors for him... but what gets him through the hard times he's experiencing now are the memories of being accepted, welcomed, and loved when so very many others had given up on him. His current wife needs a liver transplant... he has three children now, one that needs constant focused attention, and another that has to be fed through a tube... and yet, he's spiritually and emotionally ok. And he chose this morning to call to thank me for giving him a model to emulate.
I am so incredibly blessed and grateful. To know that I had an impact like that on one life, that extends to the many lives around him, his family, his friends, and the soldiers he's in charge of... I am so grateful that I was given such an amazing opportunity...
If I had one wish I could grant this moment, it would be that everyone could feel what I experienced this morning.
I had scheduled a ceremony for a day that I thought would work well. I had figured that Gavin would have home already for at least a week, Cassi would have been settled in, etc. I didn't happen that way... I didn't have the energy resource to spend on trying to research an appropriate ceremony, etc... then I realized I really
didn't care, and neither did it matter.
I played a game with the kids, then talked about how "being accountable" is seen far too often in a negative light, and how I feel that accepting accountability for things we do that are Good is just as important.
To me, accepting accountability for growth and positives doesn't happen as often as it should. Often times we can accept recognition when other people tell us we've accomplished things... when they give us belts, cords, medals, certificates, diplomas, etc... but how often do we recognize accomplishment without someone else telling us we can claim it? Well, I claimed it for myself... and then thanked everyone for being there to help me with my accomplishments.
Then... this morning... an old friend called out of the blue... to tell me how his life is going... how wonderful his life has turned out... and he called to tell me that he appreciates me. He called to tell me that I accomplished something I had no idea I even did. He feels that I saved his life. After his first wife passed, he went off the deep end. He says I saved his life... by doing nothing more than just by being me. The talks we had were great and opened doors for him... but what gets him through the hard times he's experiencing now are the memories of being accepted, welcomed, and loved when so very many others had given up on him. His current wife needs a liver transplant... he has three children now, one that needs constant focused attention, and another that has to be fed through a tube... and yet, he's spiritually and emotionally ok. And he chose this morning to call to thank me for giving him a model to emulate.
I am so incredibly blessed and grateful. To know that I had an impact like that on one life, that extends to the many lives around him, his family, his friends, and the soldiers he's in charge of... I am so grateful that I was given such an amazing opportunity...
If I had one wish I could grant this moment, it would be that everyone could feel what I experienced this morning.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Feeling and Doing
How you feel emotionally about things is recorded in every cell of the body, in your personality, your mind, in your Core.
When we talk of giving charitably... of feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, giving shelter to the homeless... what is being given and to whom it goes, are not essential to the wholeness of the giver. It is the feeling you experience when you openly, lovingly Give that registers within the giver.
When Love is the motivation, giving water to a dying plant or giving food to a hungry person gains as much Enlightenment and Knowing of Life and Creation as any meditation or religious practice.
Action is only a channel in which the feeling, the intent, is allowed to be expressed, experienced, and fills the eternal part of us.
When we talk of giving charitably... of feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, giving shelter to the homeless... what is being given and to whom it goes, are not essential to the wholeness of the giver. It is the feeling you experience when you openly, lovingly Give that registers within the giver.
When Love is the motivation, giving water to a dying plant or giving food to a hungry person gains as much Enlightenment and Knowing of Life and Creation as any meditation or religious practice.
Action is only a channel in which the feeling, the intent, is allowed to be expressed, experienced, and fills the eternal part of us.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Unpredictable Behavior
A couple years ago, when the economy started to tank heavily, several people in my life began making predictions regarding what they considered to be the imminent behavior of humans.
These predictions were rather dark & gloomy, boasting that the selfish and violent side of human behavior would prevail and degrade urban civilization into mobs of "me first" gangs by the summer of 2010.
People who made these predictions believe that human compassion is a concept that is implied by society, not an innate urge, and would be drastically reduced (or completely gone) by this point in the economic downturn.
Really?
I wonder how they're going to explain the actual urban trends... at least here in Reno, Nevada...
Violent crime (per thousand): Down.
Burglary: Down.
Contributions to local charities (not including world-wide relief efforts): Up.
It certainly doesn't show their predicted fall of society... I wonder how they will explain it.
These predictions were rather dark & gloomy, boasting that the selfish and violent side of human behavior would prevail and degrade urban civilization into mobs of "me first" gangs by the summer of 2010.
People who made these predictions believe that human compassion is a concept that is implied by society, not an innate urge, and would be drastically reduced (or completely gone) by this point in the economic downturn.
Really?
I wonder how they're going to explain the actual urban trends... at least here in Reno, Nevada...
Violent crime (per thousand): Down.
Burglary: Down.
Contributions to local charities (not including world-wide relief efforts): Up.
It certainly doesn't show their predicted fall of society... I wonder how they will explain it.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Bombs or Medicine
I was talking to a friend the other day about classes and courses, and the people who take them, receive certification from them, and/or teach them... their actions, attitudes, etc...
Since our conversation, there's been a lot of chatter with some of the same questions and comments... so I'm tackling the topic here, giving my point of view...
When I was talking my friend, I explained it like this:
What we're talking about is a technology, like any other, and how they use it depends on their personal ethics and cultural values... like somebody with a degree in chemistry could make bombs or medicine, it all depends on application. All of the "How could they..." or "How dare they..." or other kinds of "What the hell?" type of thoughts you may have regarding their actions and attitudes indicates a difference of values and ethics.
Does that mean their values and ethics are wrong and bad, while yours are right and good?
ehhh... maybe, though not necessarily. Until you take a step back and look at the cultural lens, rather than through it, all it really means is that they're different.
That being said, let's take a look at what that cultural lens is, and how it plays out.
We each have a set of behavioral expectations that are connected to social roles... these are based on the cultural values, whether from an overall culture, an institutional culture, or from a personal micro-culture.
Behavioral expectations: this is a set of actions, activities, and attitudes that are accepted and expected... to act, think, or believe in ways contrary to these expectations is unacceptable or taboo within the culture promoting them.
Social roles: these are often labels we use to describe a certain sect of individuals who hold a position in society... examples would include: mother, sister, lover, friend, healer, teacher, student, clergy, etc
Values: more than simply an accepted morality, this also indicates the value of an ideal, symbol, attitude, belief, action, etc.
Behavioral expectations can be made into laws within the culture, though some are not. There are no laws that say you have to keep your nasal mucus from running down your face, but there is a behavioral expectation, isn't there? There may also be restrictions for people in health care roles, too. The behavioral expectation is based on a cultural value and taboo regarding bodily fluids.
Using the above example, let's take a look at tools and technologies. The same technology (wiping the face) is also used when little Johnny uses his sleeve to wipe off Aunt Martha's familial kisses. However, there are expectations and taboos regarding using the same tool (sleeve) to wipe snot from his nose.
Now let's look at the "How dare you - how could you - what the hell" type of thinking regarding behavioral expectations. I used to know an elderly woman who would have mortified if she saw me using toilet paper on my nose. In her belief, every proper woman would have a hanky stuffed up her sleeve or tucked into her purse for that purpose... and you just didn't use the same tool for your nose and your arse. She was VERY set in her behavioral expectations... to the point where any deviation was so unacceptable that it would severely hamper our relationship.
The same concept can be applied to religion, spirituality, spiritual technologies, and cultural methodologies.
Personally, I place a high Value on independence... I value expressions of individuality and diversity much more than those of conformity... and a negative value on "One-True-Way" beliefs and "My way is the right way" pressures.
There are people in my life who do not believe as I do... who have different opinions... even times when we are both using the same data to support dramatically opposed opinions (which actually happens a lot more than most realize)... and that's ok.
It doesn't mean that I want to consistently hang out with the people with dramatically opposed values and beliefs. And I strongly feel that to try to convince them to change their beliefs, values, and attitudes is an infringement upon their independence... but I don't have to be affected by them, either (laws excepted).
I do not have to engage in the drama of attempted proselytism... no one does... no one has to try to force their Values and behavioral expectations onto another person, regardless of the social role the other claims... that action is as much of a choice as anything the other does.
That's right. You have a choice. I know a lot of people who don't think they have that choice... they think that not responding would mean something more (or be seen as something more) than simple non-engagement... but all that extra, added meaning is actually a "superior/inferior" ego story that's been fluffed and stuffed with suppositions and inferences.
There's another aspect to intolerance, too... and that's the "once a bomb-maker, always a bomb-maker" attitude, that doesn't allow for personal growth... but this post is quite long enough.
Namaste
Since our conversation, there's been a lot of chatter with some of the same questions and comments... so I'm tackling the topic here, giving my point of view...
When I was talking my friend, I explained it like this:
What we're talking about is a technology, like any other, and how they use it depends on their personal ethics and cultural values... like somebody with a degree in chemistry could make bombs or medicine, it all depends on application. All of the "How could they..." or "How dare they..." or other kinds of "What the hell?" type of thoughts you may have regarding their actions and attitudes indicates a difference of values and ethics.
Does that mean their values and ethics are wrong and bad, while yours are right and good?
ehhh... maybe, though not necessarily. Until you take a step back and look at the cultural lens, rather than through it, all it really means is that they're different.
That being said, let's take a look at what that cultural lens is, and how it plays out.
We each have a set of behavioral expectations that are connected to social roles... these are based on the cultural values, whether from an overall culture, an institutional culture, or from a personal micro-culture.
Behavioral expectations: this is a set of actions, activities, and attitudes that are accepted and expected... to act, think, or believe in ways contrary to these expectations is unacceptable or taboo within the culture promoting them.
Social roles: these are often labels we use to describe a certain sect of individuals who hold a position in society... examples would include: mother, sister, lover, friend, healer, teacher, student, clergy, etc
Values: more than simply an accepted morality, this also indicates the value of an ideal, symbol, attitude, belief, action, etc.
Behavioral expectations can be made into laws within the culture, though some are not. There are no laws that say you have to keep your nasal mucus from running down your face, but there is a behavioral expectation, isn't there? There may also be restrictions for people in health care roles, too. The behavioral expectation is based on a cultural value and taboo regarding bodily fluids.
Using the above example, let's take a look at tools and technologies. The same technology (wiping the face) is also used when little Johnny uses his sleeve to wipe off Aunt Martha's familial kisses. However, there are expectations and taboos regarding using the same tool (sleeve) to wipe snot from his nose.
Now let's look at the "How dare you - how could you - what the hell" type of thinking regarding behavioral expectations. I used to know an elderly woman who would have mortified if she saw me using toilet paper on my nose. In her belief, every proper woman would have a hanky stuffed up her sleeve or tucked into her purse for that purpose... and you just didn't use the same tool for your nose and your arse. She was VERY set in her behavioral expectations... to the point where any deviation was so unacceptable that it would severely hamper our relationship.
The same concept can be applied to religion, spirituality, spiritual technologies, and cultural methodologies.
Personally, I place a high Value on independence... I value expressions of individuality and diversity much more than those of conformity... and a negative value on "One-True-Way" beliefs and "My way is the right way" pressures.
There are people in my life who do not believe as I do... who have different opinions... even times when we are both using the same data to support dramatically opposed opinions (which actually happens a lot more than most realize)... and that's ok.
It doesn't mean that I want to consistently hang out with the people with dramatically opposed values and beliefs. And I strongly feel that to try to convince them to change their beliefs, values, and attitudes is an infringement upon their independence... but I don't have to be affected by them, either (laws excepted).
I do not have to engage in the drama of attempted proselytism... no one does... no one has to try to force their Values and behavioral expectations onto another person, regardless of the social role the other claims... that action is as much of a choice as anything the other does.
That's right. You have a choice. I know a lot of people who don't think they have that choice... they think that not responding would mean something more (or be seen as something more) than simple non-engagement... but all that extra, added meaning is actually a "superior/inferior" ego story that's been fluffed and stuffed with suppositions and inferences.
There's another aspect to intolerance, too... and that's the "once a bomb-maker, always a bomb-maker" attitude, that doesn't allow for personal growth... but this post is quite long enough.
Namaste
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Ego Stories
What is an Ego Story, and how do they develop?
An Ego Story is a tale that we tell ourselves which may or may not be completely true. Regardless of the quantity or quality of verifiable facts, the ego uses these stories as a facet of our self-identification. Stories actually allow the Extrinsic Ego to affect deeper into the spiral and closer to our Core. Although the reasons the stories develop can vary, the process is generally the same.
The ego finds a dataset to work with, external to the person.
The dataset is compared to the self.
The dataset is compared to previous stories and experiences.
A value is placed on the dataset.
A story is created to place the self in a superior or inferior position, relative to the value of the dataset.
The ego self-identifies through the superior/inferior position within the story.
Let’s follow a few hypothetical people in hypothetical situations...
Jane is watching television one night and sees a commercial for wrinkle cream. Her ego grabs onto the message, “You don’t have to look old and wrinkled; you can look young and beautiful.” The commercial shows women of her age enjoying romantic encounters, happy family lives, successful careers, and active lifestyles. When Jane is readying for bed, she notices the lines and wrinkles on her face like she has never noticed them before. Her ego begins to tell her the story... the reason Jane is not living a fruitful life is because she’s showing signs of age... the women in the commercial are superior to Jane... wrinkles have a negative value, looking young has a positive value. Jane begins to think of all of the women in her life, comparing her signs of age to theirs. She beings to see herself as either superior or inferior to each woman by the amount of wrinkles and lines on their faces.
We can substitute virtually anything in the place of those wrinkles and lines. It could be a material possession, family name, an aspect of beauty, or any other facet that is outside of a person’s inner-self.
Lucy meets up with her friends at a bar for Ladies’ Night Out. Tammy proudly shows off the jewelry a new boyfriend gifted to her. Lucy’s ego takes her on a stroll down Memory Lane to a time when Lucy’s sister received jewelry as an apology for her boyfriend’s cheating ways. Before long, Lucy is telling her other friends that Tammy’s new boyfriend “must be a cheating, lying creep.”
Lucy’s ego feels superior to others because she feels she knows something they don’t know, although most of the story is a creation of the ego, unsupported by the facts of the known dataset. The subject and players in the story can be substituted with an infinitude of variations... "I used to live in a bad area, so I know a criminal when I see one"... "I used to get picked on by jocks, so I know they're all terrible people"... etc.
Tammy's ego feels superior to the others because her boyfriend spent a lot of money on her, and it's something the other ladies don't have.
ANY story that creates a superior/inferior situation is an Ego Story that sabotages our relationship with Core.
An Ego Story is a tale that we tell ourselves which may or may not be completely true. Regardless of the quantity or quality of verifiable facts, the ego uses these stories as a facet of our self-identification. Stories actually allow the Extrinsic Ego to affect deeper into the spiral and closer to our Core. Although the reasons the stories develop can vary, the process is generally the same.
The ego finds a dataset to work with, external to the person.
The dataset is compared to the self.
The dataset is compared to previous stories and experiences.
A value is placed on the dataset.
A story is created to place the self in a superior or inferior position, relative to the value of the dataset.
The ego self-identifies through the superior/inferior position within the story.
Let’s follow a few hypothetical people in hypothetical situations...
Jane is watching television one night and sees a commercial for wrinkle cream. Her ego grabs onto the message, “You don’t have to look old and wrinkled; you can look young and beautiful.” The commercial shows women of her age enjoying romantic encounters, happy family lives, successful careers, and active lifestyles. When Jane is readying for bed, she notices the lines and wrinkles on her face like she has never noticed them before. Her ego begins to tell her the story... the reason Jane is not living a fruitful life is because she’s showing signs of age... the women in the commercial are superior to Jane... wrinkles have a negative value, looking young has a positive value. Jane begins to think of all of the women in her life, comparing her signs of age to theirs. She beings to see herself as either superior or inferior to each woman by the amount of wrinkles and lines on their faces.
We can substitute virtually anything in the place of those wrinkles and lines. It could be a material possession, family name, an aspect of beauty, or any other facet that is outside of a person’s inner-self.
Lucy meets up with her friends at a bar for Ladies’ Night Out. Tammy proudly shows off the jewelry a new boyfriend gifted to her. Lucy’s ego takes her on a stroll down Memory Lane to a time when Lucy’s sister received jewelry as an apology for her boyfriend’s cheating ways. Before long, Lucy is telling her other friends that Tammy’s new boyfriend “must be a cheating, lying creep.”
Lucy’s ego feels superior to others because she feels she knows something they don’t know, although most of the story is a creation of the ego, unsupported by the facts of the known dataset. The subject and players in the story can be substituted with an infinitude of variations... "I used to live in a bad area, so I know a criminal when I see one"... "I used to get picked on by jocks, so I know they're all terrible people"... etc.
Tammy's ego feels superior to the others because her boyfriend spent a lot of money on her, and it's something the other ladies don't have.
ANY story that creates a superior/inferior situation is an Ego Story that sabotages our relationship with Core.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Is That So?
I don't know how many times I've said something like, "It's a struggle to stay positive when I'm being bombarded with negativity..."
I recently realized that "struggling to stay positive" is much like "f*cking to stay a virgin." It doesn't make sense... and the more I contemplate it, the less it adds up.
So what does make sense? How would one deal with negativity in a positive way? The answer is not resisting or allowing it to influence you.
I'm still working on it... haven't perfected the skill quite yet... but I have a better understanding of the working concept...
The Zen Master Hakuin lived in a town in Japan. He was held in high regard and many people came to him for spiritual teaching. Then it happened that the teenage daughter of his next-door neighbor became pregnant. When being questioned by her angry and scolding parents as to the identity of the father, she finally told them that he was Hakuin, the Zen Master. In great anger the parents rushed over to Hakuin and told him with much shouting and accusing that their daughter had confessed he was the father. All he replied was, "Is that so?"
News of the scandal spread throughout the town and beyond. The Master lost his reputation. This did not trouble him. Nobody came to see him anymore. He remained unmoved. When the child was born, the parents brought the baby to Hakuin. "You are the father, so you look after him." The Master took loving care of the child. A year later, the mother remorsefully confessed to her parents that the real father of the child was the young man who worked at the butcher shop. In great distress they went to see Hakuin to apologize and ask his forgiveness, "We are really sorry. We have come to take the baby back. Our daughter has confessed that you are not the father." "Is that so?" is all he would say as he handed the baby back over to them.
The Master responds to falsehood and truth, bad news and good news, in exactly the same way: "Is that so?"
He allows the form of the Moment, good or bad, to be as it is and so he does not participate in the human drama of the "superior/inferior" stories of ego.
Events are not personalized. He is nobody's victim. He is so completely at one with what happens that what happens has no power over him anymore.
Only if you resist what happens are you at the mercy of what happens, and the world will determine your happiness and unhappiness.
I recently realized that "struggling to stay positive" is much like "f*cking to stay a virgin." It doesn't make sense... and the more I contemplate it, the less it adds up.
So what does make sense? How would one deal with negativity in a positive way? The answer is not resisting or allowing it to influence you.
I'm still working on it... haven't perfected the skill quite yet... but I have a better understanding of the working concept...
The Zen Master Hakuin lived in a town in Japan. He was held in high regard and many people came to him for spiritual teaching. Then it happened that the teenage daughter of his next-door neighbor became pregnant. When being questioned by her angry and scolding parents as to the identity of the father, she finally told them that he was Hakuin, the Zen Master. In great anger the parents rushed over to Hakuin and told him with much shouting and accusing that their daughter had confessed he was the father. All he replied was, "Is that so?"
News of the scandal spread throughout the town and beyond. The Master lost his reputation. This did not trouble him. Nobody came to see him anymore. He remained unmoved. When the child was born, the parents brought the baby to Hakuin. "You are the father, so you look after him." The Master took loving care of the child. A year later, the mother remorsefully confessed to her parents that the real father of the child was the young man who worked at the butcher shop. In great distress they went to see Hakuin to apologize and ask his forgiveness, "We are really sorry. We have come to take the baby back. Our daughter has confessed that you are not the father." "Is that so?" is all he would say as he handed the baby back over to them.
The Master responds to falsehood and truth, bad news and good news, in exactly the same way: "Is that so?"
He allows the form of the Moment, good or bad, to be as it is and so he does not participate in the human drama of the "superior/inferior" stories of ego.
Events are not personalized. He is nobody's victim. He is so completely at one with what happens that what happens has no power over him anymore.
Only if you resist what happens are you at the mercy of what happens, and the world will determine your happiness and unhappiness.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Gift Worthy?
I recently encountered a situation that was very confusing... just can't seem to wrap my mind around it... so, I'm writing it out to try to figure it out...
My daughter was sent a gift. A beautiful gift by some beautiful people, and it really made her day to know that someone in her life considered her to be "gift-worthy." This lovely gesture was blemished by another person in our lives who took the attitude that somehow it reflected on my daughter's spending habits... not the person who sent the gift, but the person receiving it.... ????
I don't understand. Really don't understand.
Should we not accept gifts?
Should I have not accepted the kayaks I got for fifteen years of service at IGT?
... the televisions and other furniture from David's parents?
... the travel trailers, refrigerators, and other things from friends?
... the various office equipment, clothing or other personal goods?
If we don't have the money to pay for the object ourselves, then we're obligated to not accept the object as a gift?
Is that how it works?
I'm not sure.
My daughter was sent a gift. A beautiful gift by some beautiful people, and it really made her day to know that someone in her life considered her to be "gift-worthy." This lovely gesture was blemished by another person in our lives who took the attitude that somehow it reflected on my daughter's spending habits... not the person who sent the gift, but the person receiving it.... ????
I don't understand. Really don't understand.
Should we not accept gifts?
Should I have not accepted the kayaks I got for fifteen years of service at IGT?
... the televisions and other furniture from David's parents?
... the travel trailers, refrigerators, and other things from friends?
... the various office equipment, clothing or other personal goods?
If we don't have the money to pay for the object ourselves, then we're obligated to not accept the object as a gift?
Is that how it works?
I'm not sure.
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