Night Sky

              Lunar Eclipse

A cry in the night, bewailing its fate
A lonely willow tree stands
Alone and frightened, friendless
Engulfed and estranged in the violence of silence
When will it end, oh when will it end

Touched, moved to emotion, the commotion of feeling
The moon released its glow--slow and easy
And with its heart started to tell its tale
Neither alone nor abused willow are thee
You're free, you're soaring, uplifted and gifted
For the night will encompass, will cuddle forever
More bliss than the kiss that the winds will deliver
The Giver of Life--the Giver of Love
Surrounds you completely, below and above

The earth that refuses to relinquish its hold
Told too of its love, honest and bold
Even the stars in the unending sky
Came forth eagerly to testify
But willow refused and defused the power
This hour of friendship and love...
So spurned and rejected, detected of caring
The moon withdrew its glow
Neither did winds blow or any stars show

And a lonely willow tree stands
Alone and frightened, friendless
Engulfed and estranged in the violence of silence

~WPG

The Terrible Truth

You are going to be lied to. Someone will betray you. You will get f**ked over at some point...you can count on it. The question isn't whether these things are going to happen, the question is how you react when they do.

I have observed enough of life to know that no matter how sage the advice, people do as they damn well please. It doesn't matter what I, or anyone else, suggests. In the heat of the moment, the last thing in the world you are going to recall are any "words of wisdom" you've heard. You will lash out, strike back, retaliate, or undermine the offending party. That is what people do. It is the world we live in. And that, my friend, is the problem.

Goodness is great...if you're good to yourself. That is my only concern. You. How best to care for yourself under duress. Seldom is your initial reaction to negative events self-promoting. You simply want to "get even." Inflict as much pain as possible and damn the consequences. And there-in lies the "rub." You make matters worse. You don't think, you react. Even if that means you end up sabotaging yourself.

Perhaps this leaves you with a sense of satisfaction. You showed that old so and so! And perhaps you did. If you are satisfied with the consequences of your actions, all is well. What I have learned is, that is seldom the case. People will talk endlessly about how they got the better of someone. How they showed up their boss, spouse, partner, friend, or random human being. Yet, the very fact they are justifying, explaining, or rationalizing their behavior tends to undermine what they are saying. They aren't so sure of their actions that they don't seek validation. Why do you think that is?

At some point you may have the thought that Life is more a game of chess than checkers. And the more thought you put into your "moves," the better those moves might prove to be. I am not suggesting you lose your spontaneity as much as I am proposing you take your time when trouble calls. Breathe. Calm yourself. Try and look at the big picture. Normally (usually) there is ample time to make a thoughtful decision. Utilize that time.

Here is one common scenario: You have been unfairly maligned at work. Verbally abused. You want to storm out. Walk off the job. Who benefits? Your pride and nothing else. Instead, consider updating your resume. Start networking. Spend time researching what is available in your area. Ironically, it is far easier to get a job when you already have one. Once another position has been secured, leave your current job. If you don't feel they warrant a 1 or 2 week notice, walk out! I assure you, the sense of satisfaction you feel won't be one jot less than if you had done so immediately. And the truth is, you have handled yourself admirably. Nothing terrible about that.

Station Break

For those of you that are observant, you may have noticed a new header at the top of the blog page. 'Book' is now an active tab and "The Last Enchanted Forest" is available for purchase. By clicking on the book cover you can view the first two pages and get a "feel" for the story offered. It is a children's book with an adult message. Beyond a heartwarming story in poetic form, there are vivid illustrations to fire the imagination of any child, along with "teachable moments" within the context of the tale. If you have children, grand kids, nephews or nieces, this e-book provides an opportunity to connect with them in the realm of fantasy, superimposed with real life lessons. If you have a teenager that has started "babysitting," this e-book may prove an invaluable tool bonding with those in his or her care. If you are an adult who relishes a good yarn, rich and interwoven with meaning, this book is for you. In other words, its for anyone and everyone. It is my sincere hope that you will purchase the book and join Willie on a journey of a lifetime.

http://site.baybridgecentral.com/giftgratitudegod/book.html

Sacred Masculine

I recently watched a documentary entitled; "Buck." It occurred to me then that I had several posts concerning the Sacred Feminine, but none regarding what it means to honor the masculine. Although I am anything but a cowboy, I was still able to relate to the documentary. The metaphor of life being a horse and the way one interacts with it was unmistakable to me. In addition, Buck's (Brannaman) early childhood was extreme. That he was able to integrate the violence inflicted on him to an understanding of "horsemanship" that refined the dynamic is a wonderful life lesson. If you have Netflix you can access the documentary. I highly recommend it. It displays the "unconscious competence" that lies at the heart of the truly masculine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOM5saEFBgM

(I have included a short video from youtube to give you a sense of the man)

Update: 11:50 PM 11-19-13   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCJPll_5lPc

(For someone special)

Update: 5:37 PM 4-17-14 (they never realized how special they were)

Self-Inflicted Wounds

"If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month." ~ Theodore Roosevelt

The operative word in the quote above is "most." I am aware and understand that Life can bring events where we are blameless. But in general, the statement stands up to scrutiny, does it not? If so, what's to be gained by spending time on anyone else's blame, fault, involvement with or contribution to, what is ultimately our responsibility?

Take the energy you usually spend deflecting, shielding, or outright denying the extent of your involvement, and apply it to self-examination. How did I arrive here? What was it I was hoping to accomplish? Was I simply showing off ? Attracting attention to myself? Trying to impress someone? Did I feel the need of validation so strongly that I stepped outside of "me" to become something I thought more acceptable to "you?" When I am around certain people do I feel less than? Subservient to? What happens to my self-esteem when I find myself in the company of such people?

Another possibility is you simply didn't take anyone else into consideration. It was all about you. The collateral damage though, is something less desirable and too revealing for you to embrace. The unflattering picture must be minimized and what better way than blaming someone, or something, else? So you pour your energy into creating an alternate version of reality that places you in a more favorable light. You lie to yourself.

The problem with that is, it further exploits why you felt the need to: show off, try to impress, gain validation, or prop up your self-esteem in the first place! You perpetuate that which you wish to end. Like a hamster in a cage with a wheel, you run and run and run to exhaustion, only to maintain the very position you find unbecoming. You can't seem to break the cycle of behavior. You continue to shoot yourself in the foot--or bang your head against the wall--all the while in denial that your gun is smoking and that your forehead is bruised.

Well, here's the good news; you wouldn't be on this blog if you weren't ready for change. There is a linked article, video, song or photograph that is specific to you. A sentence or paragraph that fired your imagination and was written just for you. Trust what it says. Act on its influence. Go where it beckons. There is an amazing Gift waiting for you. Be brave enough to accept it.

Clarity

Sometimes I hit upon a subject that is so important Life comes along and says; "Hey, that's great! Not sure you needed to use all the big words though. Let me help." And I am introduced to a person, place, or thing that assists me in providing clarity. That is how I met Sara Bareilles this morning. It is a wonder how things work...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGmixpdf7Kw

So, yesterday's message is now obvious and explicit, yes? Go out and rock'em with your authentic self.

Role Playing

It is what it is...but it ain't what it's gonna be.

Here is where you come in. This is your role. The transitional figure to take us from where we are to "how it's gonna be." It's going to be peaceful, inclusive, and loving, if you are. It's going to be supple and flexible and intuitive, if you are. It's going to be patient, tolerant, and kind, if you are.

Is there a more superb learning experience than observing what is possible? Evidence that alternative expressions to negative stimulus are not only possible, but incontrovertible, because you yourself have born witness to it. The more provocative the circumstances, the more potential to infuse the moment with an "exceptional response." The extraordinary. The way others long to be but are unfamiliar with. Show them. Be a living, breathing "teachable moment." Be that which you aspire to be.