Summer Solstice

Ancient powers will be readily available today. Though called by a thousand different names, the essence is simply a reflection of imagination unfettered. Let Life call to you, beckon you, seduce you. Fall freely into the unknown...

http://www.bard.org/education/studyguides/Midsummer/midsummermyths.html#.UcSZ39zn_cs

Myth is the mind, the very dreams of the Creator. Intensely intimate and powerfully sublime, know that God cannot, will not be restricted by our limitations. Even if that means being put to the torch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mnY-lWpstw

Evora was one of the main Inquisition centers in Portugal. Women inspired to demonstrate their harmony with nature were often denounced as witches and burned at the stake. This, the reaction from the wisest of the Church, the ultimate powers within the religious hierarchy, couldn't have been more demonic. Consider whether your own opinions and judgments may mirror similar, albeit less overt, prejudices.

Do yourself a favor tonight and spend a few minutes admiring the moon. I promise it will be glorious! Perhaps even you will be caught up in the magic...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5JqPxmYhlo

FWIW

Because I began this silliness, I feel compelled to complete the circle. Friday the 14th, a lone, single, solitary Aussie wandered in (apparently from the Outback---dazed and dehydrated) to G-G-G. The desire to have at least one visitor from every continent (Post: "G'Day Mate" May 29th) has been fulfilled.

How often have your heard, "I want a June wedding." June seems to be the most popular month for weddings. To celebrate all newlyweds everywhere, my tribute to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjIE_F8PmUU

Make sure you check out Couples Therapy posts (10-19-12 and 3-18-13) if things ever get rough.

It's Father's Day, so lets go ahead with an over-the-top sentimental tribute to our fathers, living and passed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-vYuV3OmhE

Enjoy the day, your fathers, and all Life has to offer.

The Prodigal Son

It is far easier than you think...just bring it on home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXiYmwFAGOc

Have a miraculous weekend.

To Sleep, Perchance To Dream

I have been incapacitated the last 10 days. It is extremely difficult to perceive Life as a Gift when pain is so intense it precludes sleep. One's focus becomes narrow indeed. I was unable to utilize this blog even as a distraction, let alone the privilege that it is. Last night, finally, I was able to sleep for nearly 7 hours. I am hopeful the worst is behind me. I am grateful to Joel Goldsmith and Thich Nhat Hanh (pronounced Tik-N'yat- Hawn) for providing methods to embrace (if not accept) the pain. In particular, Hanh's mantra of; "I am suffering, please help me," (although he uses it within a concept of personal relationships) was notably effective.

I realized over this period of time I often perceive pain as punishment. That I might have done something wrong to warrant the pain. That I am being "smote" for an indiscretion. I know my early childhood and religious training supports this as explanation of why I was going through what I was going through. Be good and you are rewarded. Be bad and you are punished. Be good, go to Heaven. Be bad, go to Hell. Of course this is nonsense, yet it is amazing how early childhood experiences can color one's perception.

We live in a world of perceived duality. There simply is no "up" without the concept of "down." You can't make a "left" if "right" doesn't exist. Therefore, isn't it possible to view pain as a process towards a fuller understanding of joy? I know it is a challenging idea to embrace. Before you disagree though, lets take a night to sleep on it, shall we?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RksFhgayhtY

Sacred Feminine

          Unrequited

Once, in a very great while
A smile cracks the fortifications
Barriers and defenses of a man
And scorches a fiery trail
Across his consciousness
There it remains to torment his day
Lay waste to his future
And strip him of all memories, save one
The man, being what he is
Will usually dismiss it, deny it
And finally try to destroy it
Knowing all the while it is folly
Realization colors him in shame
He's maimed
Yet, if he is a man
He bears his scar regally
For though he's proved mortal
He's discovered Love's portal
And the smile that escapes him
Reshapes him

~WPG

Yes or No

When I am fortunate enough to hear a speaker like Damien, I immediately realize I am in church. It doesn't matter the surroundings or circumstances. I need no robes, pulpit or incense. I recognize a speaker of truth when I hear one.

http://tedxsydney.com/site/item.cfm?item=8DA4CC63C290F6C97963B7288EEFFEB2

In the GOD section I wrote: "That our truth isn't your truth does not invalidate our perception nor our experience; NEITHER DOES IT TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER YOUR TRUTH. But truth is the greatest gift I can offer you...and I offer you mine." Watching Damien Mander, I know he offered me his greatest gift and I am the better for it.

Do our priorities align? No they do not. Where he has chosen to apply his efforts lay far afield from my own. But when someone is that honest and authentic, Life is telling me to "get on board." It (Life) will provide something for me to do or say, change or endorse. It may be as simple as regarding my meals as a sacrament. The mindfulness that life must be sacrificed for my own life to continue. Or, if all else fails, could I not (at very least!) be a little more grateful for the food I eat?

Damien was a self-professed "special operations sniper." There is little doubt in my mind he has killed human beings. ("When things go bang, people die.") I don't believe he is ready to deal with that just yet. So he's become a passionate advocate for the animals. This is a good thing. God needs strong and courageous shepherds. And it is not in my province to question the means by which he or anyone else arrives at their truth. Only that they speak openly, fearlessly, and with integrity.

But I can and will speak to his yes or no question; I will be brave enough the next time an opportunity arises to make a difference. But it won't be restricted to animals.

G'Day Mate!

Coming from Down Under, Ted Talks Sydney steers us through "Lost in Translation." (This means you too bloke, this ain't no earbash. Its dinky-di so give it a burl, even if I am a seppo.)*

http://tedxsydney.com/site/item.cfm?item=7B564CDCC290F6C972B246BAD6245619

This site has reached all continents except Australia. This is my blatant effort to "court" an audience from Oz. (what natives call Australia; aka God's Country) Shameless? Absolutely. Worthwhile? Well, lets take a stroll through the Never Never and find out.

* Rough translation: This isn't inane chatter (earbash) my friend (bloke). Its the real thing (dinky-di) so give it a try (burl). Message coming from an American (seppo-short for septic tank!).