I guess the Elder Gods would say that we are in our infancy. I used to say (at age 14) that humanity is near the bottom of the F-scale (life form scale): 3D, corporeal, positive time-space-access life forms.

I also used to say that humanity has the kozmic mentality of maybe a 5-year old (with a smattering of slightly older siblings, here & there, praying that they don't have to babysit much longer ‘cuz those 5-ers are a terror!). But, I think I shall say that the ubiquitous "we" are about 9 years old. I say this because sexual energy is being channeled to answer questions that can't be answered in the rudimentary way that the energy is being channeled (so, it's like a hamster on a turbo-charged exercise wheel: nowhere. fast.).

We also have the arrogance and cruelty of kozmic adolescence. For example, we have not balanced the 3^rd chakra via LOVE as Eshoo instructed. How can we evolve any further until we've gotten a handle on the first non-physical lesson?

Well, the holistic life peeps (almost always). They keep me up to speed on wellness. Like Aris LaTham's hazelnut earth milk recipe (yummy!). Family gatherings sometimes look like a UN summit because my family collects other people that are sometimes damaged. A porcelain-skinned chick who is just free of a bad relationship is crashing at my sister's. We churned some home-made vanilla ice cream which she dubbed "caucasian delight."

I also like to keep in touch with the esoteric knowledge peeps (like chicks in the Tao). They remind me that I am not alone in my views (that have usually been considered odd by most others).

I also had a discussion this weekend with a Christian chick who feels that homosexuality is wrong. She was so adamant about her position and the other non-Christian Aquarian and myself just aren't concerned about what homosexuals are doing. The religious position that the chick chose was that homosexuality interfered with procreation (but, I believe I blogged already that they aren't stopping the heterosexuals from procreating). It was interesting that she held such a different position.

The Bhutanese monks and healers this week were really cool at the folklife festival. The incense was fabulous and I learned about that yak-butter tea and healing herbs. We were taking pictures of monks and they were taking pictures of us!



This year is NASA's 50th birthday and I talked to an astrophysicist about the James Webb telescope (the Hubble replacement) on the National Mall. We talked about the sacred science of mathematics.

Yesterday, I had a conversation over breakfast with 3 girls under 10 years old. I got the skinny on the practice of detention, careers, hair-pulling, teacher behaviors and more.

Right now, I'm in a conversation over tea & coffee about self-love...

They arrived in Washington this morning. The trip started this winter from Alcatraz on February 11th. The presentation of the Manifesto for Change is upon us.

So, this was day 1...there are 3 days of activities planned. To start the first day, people could hook up and walk with the long-walkers from Malcolm X Park to the White House; but, I wanted to proudly wait for them at the end of this long journey. When I protested with the poets, I remember when we turned the corner and could see the people waiting for us. That was a great feeling. I wanted to be on the other end this time. 

The walkers looked so beautiful coming up the street in the distance, drumming and singing...police lights flashed all around them and an African-American cop sped toward the last street the walkers had to cross and parked his car across the lanes, blocking all the traffic (and he really got in one guy's grill for trying to squeak by).

For all the things gone awry in this country, I recognize the things we can do, including literally stopping traffic to state a view contrary to the so-called leader of this country right in front of his home.

The 1978 walk resulted in the address of several bills on the floor that would further curtail native rights and that walk saw the defeat of all the those bills and the creation of the American  Indian Religious Freedom Act (I knew it was inacted in 1978; but, I didn't know I had the Long-Walkers to thank for it). That act is important to me from both a non-Christian and ancestral perspective and I thank them for that (yeah,  apparently, the 1st amendment didn't really mean all religions!).

So, this 2008 walk is primarily to protect the Earth Mother and sacred sites; however, the long-walkers split into a Northern & Southern route and stopped by rezs on the way to see what the issues are to include in the Manifesto. I mean, the Earth Mother's issues are OUR issues, yes?


arrivals ~


Buddhist Monks (the monks also participated in the first long walk in 1978)




congregating in front of the White House

(the house security watched the crowd from the top of the White House with binoculars. oh yeah, I saw a shooter up there, but I didn't see him take the rifle out of the case).



Organizer, Dennis Banks (in blue on left) and activist, Harry Belafonte, about to give a motivating speech


Congressman Conyers of the Judiciary Committee, his staff and Belafonte (we were on the side of the Capitol building and Conyers came out to receive the Manifesto since Capitol security wouldn't let but a few people in to see him)


the drumming...


...and the dancing

(official website)

 

 

  
 

"We dedicate this day to all the heroes and heroines in this country and the rest of the world who sacrificed in many ways and surrendered their lives so that we could be free. Their dreams have become reality. Freedom is their reward. We are both humbled and elevated by the honour and privilege that you, the people of South Africa, have bestowed on us, as the first President of a united, democratic, non-racial and non-sexist government."

(from Mandela's inauguration speech - 1994)

 

"Let Freedom Reign"

Weird! I was commenting on George Carlin in Heemes' Gaian Humor Pod when Barry Louis Polisar's Alphabet Song popped into my head (from his album, Songs for well-behaved Children). Being lazy, I looked online for the lyrics already typed. I was about to post it when I realized the song had been changed!

At first, I thought something was lost in translation because I got the lyrics from a French site; but, nope...lyricsmania has the same thing. So, here's the modified version, followed by the original (if I remember correctly - changed terminology is indicated). Of course, I'm partial to the original for such whimsies as, "J is for jugular vein, donkey and joy." But, you be the judge:

 

Scientists finds that brain-mood benefits lie behind the ancient spiritual use of incense (by Craig Weatherby 07142008 from Vital Choice NL)

Spiritual seekers of all stripes have long employed incense as a soothing, renewing, inspiring balm for the soul.

And scent scientists note that aromas light up the olfactory bulb ... the only part of the human brain that extends beyond the skull.

In this sense, they say that scents can literally change your mind.

Now, biologists may have learned one reason why.

An international team of researchers from the U.S. and Israel report that burning frankincense - resin from the ancient medicinal Boswellia plant - activates ion channels in the brain in ways known to alleviate anxiety and depression (Moussaieff A et al. 2008).

According to co-author Raphael Mechoulam, "We found that incensole acetate, a Boswellia resin constituent ... lowers anxiety and causes antidepressant-like behavior." (FASEB 2008)

When the researchers administered incensole acetate to mice, it significantly affected brain areas involved in emotions and nerve circuits affected by current anxiety and depression drugs.

Specifically, incensole acetate activated a protein called TRPV3, which is present in mammalian brains and known to play a role in the perception of warmth of the skin.

This finding suggests that relief from depression and anxiety - and possible sources of new drugs to combat these conditions - may lie in this ancient, aromatic element of myriad churches, temples, and yogi caves.

As the authors wrote, "Our results ... may provide a biological basis for deeply rooted cultural and religious traditions."

Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal, which published the study, made this comment in a press release:
"The discovery of how incensole acetate, purified from frankincense, works on specific targets in the brain should also help us understand diseases of the nervous system. This study also provides a biological explanation for millennia-old spiritual practices that have persisted across time, distance, culture, language, and religion - burning incense really does make you feel warm and tingly all over." (FASEB 2008)

Indeed, ancient tradition suggests that perfumed smoke may lift our moods.

Before reaching for marginal, potentially problematic medicines like Prozac, it seems worth trying incense ... plus omega-3s, exercise, positive thinking, and socializing!

Sources

• Moussaieff A, Rimmerman N, Bregman T, Straiker A, Felder CC, Shoham S, Kashman Y, Huang SM, Lee H, Shohami E, Mackie K, Caterina MJ, Walker JM, Fride E, Mechoulam R. Incensole acetate, an incense component, elicits psychoactivity by activating TRPV3 channels in the brain. FASEB J. 2008 May 20. [Epub ahead of print]
• FASEB. Incense is psychoactive: Scientists identify the biology behind the ceremony. Accessed online July 12, 2008 at http://www.fasebj.org/Press_Room/07_101865_Press_Release.shtml

What I"ve learned from, let's say birds, is making lemonade out of lemons, perserverance, dedication, alertness and a weird communication.

It doesn't matter what humans build, other animals adapt (did you see the bit on tv about birds living in warehouse stores and flying in front of the door sensor to go in?). By the way, I've also learned that birds will eat anything!

It's hot right now (95+ degrees F) and the Mockingbirds nesting outside of my back porch finally have hatchlings. Mom & Dad were panting in the heat as they sat on the little blue eggs this week. Now, they're going back and forth with food (what's funny is when baby birds can finally fly and harass their parents for food, they'll harass other bird species for food, too! The other birds just look at them like they're crazy {"Wha? I'm not feeding you!"}). The babies are merciless in their begging!

Oh, WEIRD! When I was in an apartment, I fed animals on the balcony (darn squirrels were burying peanuts in my echinacea plants and ground hornets or somethng were living at the roots of my peppermint!). Anyway, one day, when there were all birds feeding, the music must've stopped: they all just froze in their tracks...still-life! I had to go to the sliding door and look closely (ok, they were still breathing, but, no matter how closely I looked, they wouldn't move...it was freaky!). Then, I saw the shadow of a hawk glide over. Then, the birds resumed reality like nothing happened. Gotta be mindful of the surroundings.

Even living out in Goat-Man territory now, I am alert to everything outside, from the fat little groundhog-thing that runs across the yard every morning to the woods (he always has to rest half-way across) to robins turning over leaves as they look for food (they are amazing in their ability to zero in on a worm, cocking their heads to the side as if listening to the underground motion). [On a human note, I even know that there's a guy who likes to masturbate outside; but, he's going to have to stop that since the woods are going and houses are being built!]. I also see the effects of global warming: birds having babies while it's hot; but too late in the season. Then, suddenly, it will actually be autumn and all the berries 'n stuff will be gone and there are babies to feed (and cardinals don't tend to be pack animals, that's weird to see).

As for communication, since I feed the birds and squirrels 'n stuff (was that a groundhog?) that come into the yard,  when I get home and there is no food, the fussy cardinal sits in the tree near the door and looks at me. All the birds have different personalities. I had a cardinal bring a dead fly to the door. Just as I've offered grapes to the mockingbirds (supposed to be a peace offering...maybe...I've never been dive-bombed by any of the birds), perhaps, the dead fly was an offering to me.

Sorta. The case can be put forth that the human is a microcosmic seed and, as the doctrine of self-knowledge states, the seed has the potential to become a tree if the right "energy" is received from the earth and sky. Personally, I think of everything in terms of energy and believe that all "time" exists at the same time; ie., everything "is." Richard Bach might say that we're "being" instead of "becoming" (our imposed constraints on reality result in the idea  of sequentiality).

In this makeshift, limited, sequential reality, we see the transformation; but, isn't the change already manifest, although in a way we are not trained to perceive? Case in point, Opal, my eucalyptus tree - when Opal was about 6-feet tall, I could stand under her and feel her energy signature...it was so much bigger than she physically was. In sequential terms, Opal was destined to "grow" to about 150 feet; but, she already had the energetic "feel" of a 150-foot tree (already what she was supposed to be, although not explainable fully in 3D). In short, Opal..."is."

Human consciousness...is. It's already "evolved" if you will. The constraints we impose or release on it dictate our access to it.

By sharing their reality with me. Like now, my friend and I are house and dog -sitting in a little place called Coburn staying in a farmhouse (I'm looking at the creek bubble by from the east bedroom as I write this). This is the kind of place where everybody knows your name. The couple that own the farm takes us about on their daily events when we come.

For example, before they left town, we rode side-saddle on a few activities:

- wifey & I picked fresh blueberries in the yard and ate as many as we collected as we waved to the Amish horse buggies that trotted by (wifey hires some of the Amish kids to help with farm work).

- we went with hubby to the tractor store to get parts (and figure out how to make-shift a piece).

- we went with wifey to Annie's house to buy bread (everybody does). Now, there's no walkway to the house and it's obscured by trees; so, you gotta know exactly where to look for it. TIf you find it, then, you walk thru the trees to the "red" door. Inside, there's nobody (never is), but there are bread racks and a freezer where Annie has made bread and you put the money in a metal box, take your bread and leave.

- we went "downtown" to Millheim to the Elk Creek Cafe last week and my friend and wifey had a "sampler" (that would be several glasses of ale, light & dark). If you purchased certain ales, donations would be made to the local firehouse. We listened to the string folk band & watched the dancin' and wifey, who knows everybody and they know her, introduced us to the owner and told us the goings on of the employees and customers. The cafe was going to be overrun the next day by dirt or mountain bikers for a big rally.

- we came back to the farm, pulled out the telescope and looked at the stars. There is absolutely no light pollution out here; so, with the bare eye, you can see part of the milky way and more stars than ever!

I appreciate them sharing a day in their lives. It allows me to know them better as well as myself. I wouldn't mind living in a close-knit place like that.

I had to think about this a minute. When they happen, they are typically emotional scenarios. And I typically (1) rephrase what one party is saying to another, expressing what the first party is feeling without the emotional content to bring the pain down a notch; or, (2) get whimsical (that would be for something that, in the ubiquitous scheme of things, is meaningless). Like, we were in a store and my friend was really annoyed at her brother and already depresseed and she looked at me and I started doing the cabbage-patch dance in the aisle. That broke up the drama.

Hey, that reminds me of Rumi:


Yep, dancing puts everything in perspective; so add Enlightened Thinker's ice cream and, well, there ya go ~r />

Well, first, does time exist? I don't think it does. Our limited, 3D, sequential perspective creates the concept of "time." 

So, to answer the question, in my limited, temporal perspective, I'd still be in the process of full connection to all that "is."

I just took the VIA Signature Strengths test that Siona posted on her blog.

,,,annnnd, here are the results:

Your Top Strength

Perspective (wisdom) Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.

Your Second Strength

Creativity, ingenuity, and originality Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

Your Third Strength

Curiosity and interest in the world You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.

Your Fourth Strength

Appreciation of beauty and excellence You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.

Your Fifth Strength

Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.

Strength#6

Love of learning You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.

Strength#7

Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.

Strength#8

Gratitude You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.

Strength#9

Humor and playfulness You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.

Strength#10

Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a "real" person.

Strength#11

Social intelligence You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit in to different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.

Strength#12

Bravery and valor You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.

Strength#13

Industry, diligence, and perseverance You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you "get it out the door" in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.

Strength#14

Kindness and generosity You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.

Strength#15

Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.

Strength#16

Zest, enthusiasm, and energy Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.

Strength#17

Fairness, equity, and justice Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.

Strength#18

Self-control and self-regulation You self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa.

Strength#19

Leadership You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.

Strength#20

Modesty and humility You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value your modesty.

Strength#21

Caution, prudence, and discretion You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent ones. You do not say or do things that you might later regret.

Strength#22

Capacity to love and be loved You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.

Strength#23

Citizenship, teamwork, and loyalty You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group.

Strength#24

Forgiveness and mercy You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.