It’s the Journey, not the destination

To be without desires, is to be content.
If you do not wish to have something,
you are content with what you have.

And it always seems to me that,
the more we don't desire something,
the greater the chance of getting it,
and all the more exciting.

To be without desire,
is to be simple.
If life is simple,
then life is not complicated!!!

~ from the wisdom of Lao Tzu

 

And so we have the cliché “It’s the journey, not the destination.”  But what does this mean in our busy lives?

To me it seems that, as a society, we have lost perspective. We spend more hours every year working toward some eventual goal. A bigger house, a new gadget, a retirement.

We spend our lives making someone else rich is bottom line. They don’t give a shit about you, there is no such thing as loyalty anymore. Sure companies talk about it but it’s a one way street. They expect you to give all, if you don’t your not a team player. If you ask them to give however, they don’t.

I propose taking a look at what is really important in life. Is it keeping up with the Jones, or is it humanitarian efforts? This is only something you can determine.

I have come to the conclusion that what’s most important to me is promoting humanity wherever I can. From building community to protecting the environment, securing our food supply, developing alternative energy,etc. These are the most important things to me.

Too many are so entangled with money that their entire existence is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Therefore they are so disillusioned that they see only enemies. They believe the spin that those different than them are dangerous, that looking out for yourself is priority one, and so on.

But it’s an empty existence. Even those at the top find themselves very unsatisfied. They have no true friends. Only posers who are after their dollars or the illusion of their important position.

I find myself less and less happy. Even when I have money I have no time to enjoy things it can bring. I must recoop to do another day slavery to make another dollar. But never fear, there will always be another bill or car repair, or something waiting to suck every last dollar from your account, affording you the opportunity to work even more hours.

When I find myself the most happy is when I’m spending time with family and friends. Working in the garden. Helping at the local food bank, church or some other social function. These are the things that matter. What we do is what we will be remembered for.

So where am I going with this? Think about what you want in life. Don’t think about how much it cost or what your parents wanted for you, etc. But what is truly important to you. Then make it your life.  One day, when you’re old you’ll look back at al the things you did and wished you’d done. The only regrets you’ll have is those things you didn’t do. Tomorrow is not a promise so Carpe Diem!!  Seize the day.  Savor every moment as if it were your last.. it could be.

In the end it’s not your retirement, or your home, or you car that will sustain you. What will is the love you share and the good deeds you do.

Time keeps on slippin into the future

I’ve absolutely blown off my blogging for quite a stretch. I’d like to say I’ve been so busy I’ve not had the time but that isn’t so. I’ve not take the time. So what have I been up to?

With the unseasonable winter and spring like temps, our minds have been dreaming about gardens. I’ve been dreaming of getting a farm started. Still pondering over our options. If we start a farm at Norwood we wouldn’t have any mortgage, but we would have the heat and conservative politics to deal with. If we want to start in Vermont, first we have to get jobs there, find a place to live, find a piece of land, blah blah blah. The dream is very much still alive. It’s possible but I’m not sure it’s in the cards.

On the other side of the coin, dad is willing to put electric and a well in Norwood. Basically once that is done we could pull our camper down there and get started. But to get the money to build the farm would require at least one outside job. Which equates to 110 mile drive and far less time to get things done on the farm. Catch-22.

I've got high blood pressure and cholesterol to boot. Have to see a dr. about that next week. If I can get that under control I’m thinking about seeking employment as a OTR truck driver. The money is really good and, depending on the company, it doesn’t matter where you live. True one isn’t home much, but that’s not much different than having to work 80 hrs locally to make the same amount of money.

I think there are 2-3 more car payments before we’re paid off. The only bills that leaves is auto insurance and storage. I think if we can both get to working, and could save the vast majority of what we make for 3-4 years, we could either get well setup or at least make a sizable down payment on something. Of course we’ll be 3-4 years older as well.

Think I’m going to do some soul searching and see what that yields.

I really want to get to VT. I love the political and weather climate there. I know a lot of witchy folks there from VWC and the scenery is gorgeous. On the other hand things do cost a lot more. Jobs are likely harder to find.

I’ve still got some insights to process from some visualizations and rituals I need to process. I’m hoping these will give me some clarity. In all honesty, I need to get them processed. It’s been some time since I had them and If I wait to long I’ll forget their context. Hope to post that soon as well.

I’m currently reading “The Body Sacred”. While this is a book about body image, what I’ve gotten from it so far is more along the line of everyday spiritual practice. A lot of “ah” moments there for me also. Things I already know in my mind but, need to put into practice. Things ,I feel, would make me more balanced.

But back to the body image thing. I guess I’ve got a lot of baggage from being a Southern Baptist, along with inculturation (there’s that word again). While I have no problem with the idea of being nude (I don’t find it “dirty”), I seem to have a problem with the actuality of it. Not that I find it distasteful, just alien. I’ve not been able get past my fear of “biological responses”  enough to actually get nude in a public setting yet. I tend toward brief stays in those areas as well because I feel awkward being clothed while everyone else is not, as if they think I’m ogling them. It’s totally irrational and I know it, but fear is powerful.

It’s like anything else. Once you’ve done it initially, the fear subsides and you can just relax. But knowing that makes it no easier.

What a range of subjects for  a post eh? From getting started in farming to overcoming fear of nudity.

Have a blessed day!!

Kudos Mr. President on your State of the Union address

It has been a long time since I’ve heard a State of the Union address that seems so close to the heart and reflective of, what I perceive to be, the true spirit of America that the founders had in mind.

Obama is often criticized for saying he is going to do something but never reveling the details of his plans. There was none of that in this speech. Nor was there any doubt that he plans to (continue) doing everything he can to put forward that which is in the best interest of the citizenship of America.

For the first time I can say I’m proud of our President. His ideas are solid and will undoubtedly work however, it’s going to take more than 4 years, and perhaps longer than eight.

While there are many Obama detractors, when I look at the other choices out there, well there really isn’t one. The GOP it seems isn’t planning to back Newt. And I don’t think Mitt could find his ass with both hands. 

So all that really remains is for Americans to decide if they’re going to vote along party lines simply because it’s what they do, or if they’re going to vote with the majority and work with Obama to do what we put him in office to do.

We often get frustrated with presidents, any presidents because of what they do, or fail to do. What we forget is that congress has far more control than the president does. We’re seeing this with Obama as we did with Clinton.

I say onward and upward Mr. Obama.

State of the Union 2012

If you haven't seen the 2012 State of the Union I highly recommend it. I can't think of another state of the union this good. Reminded me of MLK..

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

more on this later...

We start out life as a single cell that divides and divides. It has no concept of right or wrong. It passes no judgments. It cares nothing about competition. Its soul purpose is to nurture itself so it can do its part to grow a complex life form. Though it has no sentience, its formation is influenced by aspects beyond itself. This is the nature of the web of life.

So how are we as “complete” sentient beings different; or are we? We each have ideas/goals/desires that we strife toward. Sometimes it appears we, as individuals, can’t possibly effect any change. Our visions appear to die in the light of everyday reality. We are alone in our quests.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Our culture values individualism over community, consumption over conservation, mindlessness over thought, and competition over cooperation. Is it any wonder we are at war, even among ourselves?

I propose a form of society that would be much like that of the way nature works. If we, as a society, provide fertile soil in which to grow our ideas, then we will nurture an environment that supports enriched results.

What this means in real terms is that we need to change what we value. We need to “weed out” the ideas of judgment and competition. The ideas of right and wrong need to be looked at in light of how they affect whole systems; not just one element (humanity).

Looking at each element in the big picture (seed view) instead of only as a harvester (farmer) allows us a much deeper understanding of the requirements of the systems.

Though no two are alike, working together, as a community, we can all achieve a better

Environment in which to thrive. Like pollen required to produce the fruit, we are the bees that provide that pollen, in the form of honesty, respect, and dignity. The fruit of these labors will be a stronger community, one that supports greater diversity, ever broadening ideas, real change in the world. And each new generation will be like the seed heads that explode into life to replace the previous, only stronger, and with new ideas, but with a strong root system from which to draw. Let their food/energy be based on the principals, songs, rituals, etc. that we value, that they may make them their own, and shape them to their new understandings and meanings.

They will be able to see that life is not a circle, but a spiral, with no beginning and no end. If we can do this, we can indeed “be the change we wish to see”. “We are the one’s we’ve been waiting for. Our time is dawning”!!

Namaste

Occupy movement and Change

I see a lot of things going on in the occupy movement. It’s great to see people finally awakening to the injustice that has been going on for a long, long time. And I am so thankful to all those who have the ability and desire to be on the front lines. Thank you!!

But there are also other things we need to address. While direct action is a key component of change, we need cohesion and collaboration in our efforts.. For thought if you will.  It seems to me that while we have a lot of initiative, often we get caught up in the moment of knowing we need change, knowing what needs to change, having the will to show that we demand change, but we often falter in our ability to plan for and communicate well. We need to not just demand change, we need to have very specific demands. Something like “fair wages” is a great thing to strive for, but we can’t just say it and expect it to materialize. We must be ready with a course of action to get there. This will not likely be something that is achieved overnight, but through much deliberation, with give and take on both sides of the issue.

  Those of us who support the Occupy Movement at home need to be working toward that end. It’s easier to think rationally while we’re not in the mist of the threat of arrest and police brutality.  We can also keep an outside view of what’s going on, what may not be obvious to those on the front lines.

We will be in for a long fight so we should be prepared  for entrenchment. We need to establish a support system, something that will be ready to step in when the current system fails. I’m talking more about community function here than government leadership.

To get out of this mess things are going to have to convert from global back to local economies. The reason we have issues with the economic system is because the same people have controlled the economy for decades. Why don’t we get rid of them you might ask?  As it stands the average person doesn’t have the knowledge, call it job security if you wish. Those in power are accountable to no one and thus get away with what they please, at our expense. We need to end the FED. Decentralize the banking industry. Disband corporations, end campaign contributions by pharm, big business, etc.. Then we can start having some accountability. It’s much easier to hold local bankers accountable if they have to look you in the eye than it is to talk to you on the phone from across the ocean.

What I recommend is getting some sustainable systems in place now. Grow local community gardens. Start CSA’s, anything that helps our community be sustainable and far less reliant on anyone or anything.  It is going to take some time and great effort as many are far removed from the farm. But it’s doable, if we truly have the desire to be the change we wish to see.

Those on the front lines, keep doing what your doing. Those of us here at home, watching the news, reading the papers, hoping our family and friends are ok out there, let’s start pulling it together. While change may come tomorrow or not for many years, we need to have our shit together so when it hits the fan we’re not scrambling. While I may not be around to see the changes, it gives me renewed hope to see so many working for it. For a better future for the next generations and beyond.

 

Blessed Be

What do I believe?

So I’ve made the decision to join our local UU congregation. Certainly this likely comes as a surprise to many of you, and honestly, to me as well. I find that the UU principals mesh well with my pagan beliefs.

After nearly 10 months of going to Sunday service,helping with community outreach, and meeting many people who are likewise concerned with what’s going on, here I am.

One of the things we are task with in the membership class is to create a creedo. This can really be anything that represents our beliefs. While this sounds simple enough it’s not. We all know what we believe right? Well yes, internally that’s. Bringing that from mind to words isn’t always easy. Things are so fluid. Situations can be different, ad nauseam.

Here is a partial list of what I believe at this moment in time:

“We are part of the multiverse. An organism that operates as an interconnected whole; if one variable changes, everything changes. Balance is vital.

We must be mindful in our thoughts and actions. We will make mistakes, but we need to take responsibility. Our search for truth and meaning is an ongoing journey.

As individuals, we must strive not to be centric to anything. We should value the worth of every part of the web of life.

There is darkness and light in all; if we listen with open mind, we can find some value in almost any system.

When we find ourselves in a situation that seems insufferable, we need first to look within. Our perceptions are often a reflection of our past experiences. If we can change these perceptions we can change our reality.

If we do not find what we are searching for within, we will never find it without. God(s)/Goddess(es) are representations of inner facets of our personality.

We must work together toward a world that extols Equality, Liberty, and Justice not just for humans, but for all living things.

Love and compassion are not all that’s required for peace, but they are a strong foundation to build from. We must do more than give lip service to these values. It is through our actions that we bring about change.”

         I think the following quote sums up my thoughts on Unitarian Universalism

       “We are Unitarian Universalist with minds that think,hearts that love, and hands that are ready to serve.”