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...
Sunday, February 10, 2013
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.
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