The first half of my junior year in high school I was trying to impress a young lady by the name of Sherri Lusk. Somehow or another, in my efforts to woo her, I told her I wrote poetry. She naturally asked me to write one for her. The next morning I was busy in the library plagiarizing a poem when my friend Greg Bock came up and asked what I was doing. I told him. His reaction was complete disgust and he didn't believe I would actually go through with it. I did...and got the response I was hoping for. Unfortunately Greg wouldn't let it go. He rode me all day until I got so sick of listening to him I told him I would tell Sherri. Which I did. Her facial reaction and the look in her eyes told me I had made a HUGE mistake. I had betrayed a basic trust. I went home that night and actually did write my very first poem.
To live each day to the fullest
May be life's greatest test
For how many have forgotten
To stop each day and rest
Pausing for a moment
To thank the One above
For rolling hills and billowy clouds
And a special one we love
To thank him for the little things
We overlook each day
Too busy even to say hello
To the brand new month of May
Life goes by too quickly
For any misty eyes
It's only when you look around
You find where happiness lies
It's in the sweetness that you breathe
Below you and above
Surrounding you wherever
You look with eyes of love
So stop today and think
How foolish to be blue
Many days are brightened
By a simple "I love you"
Going about my business yesterday, I realized I hadn't said hello "to the brand new month of May." Obviously that brought the poem to mind. More-so, it gave me a glimpse down the corridor of time. That poem, written 44 years ago, is the essence of Gift-Gratitude-God. Which, when I think about it, boggles my mind.
PS It worked out as well as could be expected for two teenagers. Sherri forgave me and we dated for awhile.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
May Day
First time I heard this song I was driving home from work on the 60 Freeway channel surfing. I was all over the radio dial until I heard this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qx2lMaMsl8
Travelling through the hills of Diamond Bar with a gorgeous sunset as a backdrop, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. No opera fan, it was years and years before I discovered what it was that had transported me to heaven.
From the opera Lakme by Leo Delibes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qx2lMaMsl8
Travelling through the hills of Diamond Bar with a gorgeous sunset as a backdrop, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. No opera fan, it was years and years before I discovered what it was that had transported me to heaven.
From the opera Lakme by Leo Delibes
Monday, April 29, 2013
This and That
Saturday I met the gentlest woman I have encountered in some time. She is an artist working out of the Placer Arts Center where the Gold Country Writers were holding their Spring Book Affair. I met her during the course of the afternoon and noticed she made a point of stopping by every table and meeting most, if not all, the authors at the event. Later I asked her if she would show me what she did, to which she agreed. We spent more than an hour discussing her paintings, as well as her life. Her vulnerability and courage allowing a stranger such an intimate glimpse into her private life was stunning.
When we parted she wanted me to have something of hers. She gave me a postcard that had been made from one of her original paintings. It was entitled "Listen." If you've been following this blog, you know that on April 12th I posted "Listen..." The serendipitous aspects of the exchange weren't lost on me. Imagine then, this morning, when I stumbled upon some word play I haven't seen before (though you might have). The letters that make up listen, are also the letters that make up silent. To see that they each contain the other amazed me. That the context of the April 12th post and the intricacy between the two words, along with Saturdays implications (of which I've mentioned only one) seemed to beg disclosure.
So the dilemma was, do I share my experience? After much internal debate I decided I would be the "silent, singing silhouette" referenced April 8th in "Sacred Feminine." That the paradox of the April 12th post being highlighted by Life, and the words actual definitions, could exist independently. That it was another example of what I constantly allude to at this web-site; God's subtle and nuanced way of interacting with us. I found it was something I just couldn't remain silent about.
When we parted she wanted me to have something of hers. She gave me a postcard that had been made from one of her original paintings. It was entitled "Listen." If you've been following this blog, you know that on April 12th I posted "Listen..." The serendipitous aspects of the exchange weren't lost on me. Imagine then, this morning, when I stumbled upon some word play I haven't seen before (though you might have). The letters that make up listen, are also the letters that make up silent. To see that they each contain the other amazed me. That the context of the April 12th post and the intricacy between the two words, along with Saturdays implications (of which I've mentioned only one) seemed to beg disclosure.
So the dilemma was, do I share my experience? After much internal debate I decided I would be the "silent, singing silhouette" referenced April 8th in "Sacred Feminine." That the paradox of the April 12th post being highlighted by Life, and the words actual definitions, could exist independently. That it was another example of what I constantly allude to at this web-site; God's subtle and nuanced way of interacting with us. I found it was something I just couldn't remain silent about.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Let 'Er Rip
I grew up in Orange County, an area of Southern California. (Specifically Fullerton, just north of Anaheim, site of the original Disneyland) It was only 20-25 miles to Huntington or Newport Beach and I spent a lot of time at both beaches as a child and teenager. I became quite familiar with the phenomenon known then as a "riptide." (today "rip current" is more precise)
This happens when two sand bars (piers and jetties can also be locations) are located off-shore and the receding seawater is funneled between them. Speed can range anywhere between 0.5 to 2.5 meters per second (1 to 8 feet). Getting caught in a riptide can be the cause of absolute panic. Once the mind realizes it is being taken where it does not want to go, the "flight or fight" response kicks in. A lack of understanding (ignorance) about riptides can be fatal. A swimmer can exhaust himself trying to swim against the rip and drown. As most of you probably know, the technique to be employed is non-resistance. You allow the current to take you out to sea where it eventually dissipates (beyond the sandbars). You then swim sideways (out of the rip) and head to shore.
I shared all that with you to illustrate an analogy. Some of the problems Life brings you are going to feel like emotional or mental riptides. They are going to cause you to panic. At some level, they can even make you feel as though you are in a fight for your very life. If you "freak out" and exhaust yourself battling what Life has brought you, you can metaphorically drown. Better if you relax into the situation, allow it to take you where it will, then swim parallel or diagonally out of the danger.
There's just one problem though; it is completely counter-intuitive to surrender to a situation where it feels as though your life is on the line. And the ego is more than capable of manipulating events where it seems as though your life IS at stake. You must resist! You must lash out! You must strain against the injustice of it all! And I say, okay!! Just as soon as you are safely back on shore. Once your heartbeat has returned to normal. And after you've had a chance to process, calmly, what has taken place. Then, by all means, do what you think is best.
Realize I am not suggesting there is a "one size fits all" spiritual answer. However, there are tools in our "spiritual toolbox" more adaptable than others. This technique can be viewed as a Swiss Army knife, versatile in the extreme. It's employment might just be the answer next time your emotional or mental currents take you inexorably away from shore. (your comfort zone)
This happens when two sand bars (piers and jetties can also be locations) are located off-shore and the receding seawater is funneled between them. Speed can range anywhere between 0.5 to 2.5 meters per second (1 to 8 feet). Getting caught in a riptide can be the cause of absolute panic. Once the mind realizes it is being taken where it does not want to go, the "flight or fight" response kicks in. A lack of understanding (ignorance) about riptides can be fatal. A swimmer can exhaust himself trying to swim against the rip and drown. As most of you probably know, the technique to be employed is non-resistance. You allow the current to take you out to sea where it eventually dissipates (beyond the sandbars). You then swim sideways (out of the rip) and head to shore.
I shared all that with you to illustrate an analogy. Some of the problems Life brings you are going to feel like emotional or mental riptides. They are going to cause you to panic. At some level, they can even make you feel as though you are in a fight for your very life. If you "freak out" and exhaust yourself battling what Life has brought you, you can metaphorically drown. Better if you relax into the situation, allow it to take you where it will, then swim parallel or diagonally out of the danger.
There's just one problem though; it is completely counter-intuitive to surrender to a situation where it feels as though your life is on the line. And the ego is more than capable of manipulating events where it seems as though your life IS at stake. You must resist! You must lash out! You must strain against the injustice of it all! And I say, okay!! Just as soon as you are safely back on shore. Once your heartbeat has returned to normal. And after you've had a chance to process, calmly, what has taken place. Then, by all means, do what you think is best.
Realize I am not suggesting there is a "one size fits all" spiritual answer. However, there are tools in our "spiritual toolbox" more adaptable than others. This technique can be viewed as a Swiss Army knife, versatile in the extreme. It's employment might just be the answer next time your emotional or mental currents take you inexorably away from shore. (your comfort zone)
Monday, April 22, 2013
Review
Now that you've gotten a good night's sleep, lets tackle a big issue. Pain. Life seems to be an ongoing series of events where we are challenged, over and over, by physical, emotional, or psychological pain. And that your (our) ego magnifies and manipulates the event (pain) as justification to blame ______ (fill in the blank). Often times God is the number one scapegoat. Sometimes Life in general. (Life's not fair!) It could be your job, your boss, your spouse, your parents, a brother or sister, a stranger on the street. It doesn't even have to be a person; you get caught in a traffic jam of epic proportions and sit boiling with barely contained rage. There is a power outage and the football game between Barcelona and Real Madrid you've eagerly anticipated watching on TV is not available. Aarrrgggg! You are frustrated! Upset! Pissed off!
Depending on the degree of the pain involved (level of intensity) what are some typical reactions we as human beings employ? We sometimes self-medicate with alcohol, drugs or eating. We suppress by ignoring, overworking, shopping or frenetic activity. We often times lash out at whoever or whatever is close at hand. (even inanimate objects!) The question becomes, then, how well do you like your self-expression? Your course of action? Your behavior in general? My guess is, not all that much.
So, what's to be done? This web-site is an attempt to reconstruct the context of how we interpret our life experience. How the ego operates and what can be done to counteract it. That a reinterpretation of how to view events in our life will bring us a measure of patience, peace and self-actualization here-to-for unknown. That it is possible to view Life as a gift for which we could be grateful. Not some of the time. Not even most of the time. But all of the time.
Challenging? Without a doubt! Possible? Unavoidably so. Ultimately, eventually, you will come to terms with Life. The realization that more is going on than could be imagined. That you are a finely tuned instrument here to observe (not judge) and participate in the multidimensional, multifarious exploration of the unknown. That your WILLING interaction with whatever comes into your life and the level of trust you manifest is the alchemy by which "miracles" are wrought. I invite you all to investigate the truth of these contentions for yourself. I welcome your arguments, insights, and comments.
Depending on the degree of the pain involved (level of intensity) what are some typical reactions we as human beings employ? We sometimes self-medicate with alcohol, drugs or eating. We suppress by ignoring, overworking, shopping or frenetic activity. We often times lash out at whoever or whatever is close at hand. (even inanimate objects!) The question becomes, then, how well do you like your self-expression? Your course of action? Your behavior in general? My guess is, not all that much.
So, what's to be done? This web-site is an attempt to reconstruct the context of how we interpret our life experience. How the ego operates and what can be done to counteract it. That a reinterpretation of how to view events in our life will bring us a measure of patience, peace and self-actualization here-to-for unknown. That it is possible to view Life as a gift for which we could be grateful. Not some of the time. Not even most of the time. But all of the time.
Challenging? Without a doubt! Possible? Unavoidably so. Ultimately, eventually, you will come to terms with Life. The realization that more is going on than could be imagined. That you are a finely tuned instrument here to observe (not judge) and participate in the multidimensional, multifarious exploration of the unknown. That your WILLING interaction with whatever comes into your life and the level of trust you manifest is the alchemy by which "miracles" are wrought. I invite you all to investigate the truth of these contentions for yourself. I welcome your arguments, insights, and comments.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
A Good Night's Rest
Take care of yourself. Strive to get the amount of sleep necessary to operate at peak proficiency.
Everything's Alright
Try not to get worried, try not to turn on to
Problems that upset you, oh
Don't you know everything's alright
Yes, everything's fine
And we want you to sleep well tonight
Let the world turn without you tonight
If we try we'll get by so forget all about us tonight
~Lyrics Tim Rice (Music-Andrew Lloyd Webber)
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
~Desiderata
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b35SkJdDGV4
Everything's Alright
Try not to get worried, try not to turn on to
Problems that upset you, oh
Don't you know everything's alright
Yes, everything's fine
And we want you to sleep well tonight
Let the world turn without you tonight
If we try we'll get by so forget all about us tonight
~Lyrics Tim Rice (Music-Andrew Lloyd Webber)
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
~Desiderata
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b35SkJdDGV4
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Reflection
This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness
Comes as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
The dark thought, the shame, the malice
Meet them at the door laughing,
And invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
Because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.
~Rumi
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness
Comes as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
The dark thought, the shame, the malice
Meet them at the door laughing,
And invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
Because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.
~Rumi
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