Trials Arrive

Barrier on 'Navajo Bridge' near Grand Canyon.

Trials Arrive

6/29/11

Myths talk of three obstacle

strewn challenges hero must overcome

on journey to promised land

filled with rewards for warrior's

courage, perseverance, ingenuity, great love

for 'gods', humanity, earthly home,

and beautiful woman faithfully waiting,

where latter is worst deprivation

making time away pure torture

without knowing what's in store,

how long separation will last,

what edges will push protagonist

to point of ego surrender

letting go fears about death,

that are literal, figurative, metaphorical,

pledging full allegiance to process

which revels in transparent truth,

unabashed emotional expression when accessing

unexpected experiences in deep river

looking to reveal 'pure soul'

following 'purpose' during this life,

in search for enlightened passage

beyond drudgery of the mundane

forever blocking recognition that points

toward miracles waiting, empowering abilities,

securing victory when trials arrive.

Important To Do

Riding into a storm via motorcycle on the 'Extraterrestrial Highway' in Nevada.

Important To Do

6/28/11

There are real shifting sands

moved by the wind daily

never to find surface again,

similar with familiar human components

where each juxtaposed ingredient varies

depending 'ego, enlightenment, service' equation

whichever one's taking immediate precedent

as if playing slide trombone,

each area of engagement prioritizes

according to urgency of needs

deemed worthy to pursue 'now',

'in future', if exercising perseverance

when keeping a sacred promise

to imagined self on deathbed

who conjures possible final destinies

then asks 'soul' about regrets,

those things meant to accomplish

that would leave measured legacy

of Spirit finding human form

meant to fulfill certain potential,

the dream inside a vision

waiting to manifest on Earth

through rare channel of Source

embodying everyone as living conduit

mastering their universe amid chaos

deciding what's important to do.

'Source' composed 'soul' refined as me.

(photo by Art Durand Photograpy)

So Much

6/27/11

Awe inspiring,

often overwhelming

depending outlook,

positive, negative,

empty, attached,

heavenly, earthly

affects abilities,

persevering visions

motivating passionate

eventual outcome,

unencumbered soul

moving energy,

'Life Force'

'Source' composition

uniquely 'Divine'

like everything,

innately enlightened

'True Nature'

awaits conciliation

inside oneself,

amid chaos

peace lives,

demands practice,

discipline refines

'bliss-ipline' delivering

so much.

Other Side

Cave with ancient 'cup' carvings on southeast coast of the 'Ross of Mull'.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Other Side

6/25/11

Evolution can feel like gauntlet

we run through painstakingly slow

as old wounds are struck

by outside forces long endured

which deters a beneficial healing

while completing cycles of aging,

unlike Finnish sauna birch branches

meant to stimulate blood, enliven

great sensory organ called 'skin',

this 'cloth' housing our 'soul'

that expands, contracts with us,

on many it's thick protection

impervious to world's 'slings, arrows'

filled with criticism, poison opinions

shot by others, and ourselves,

diminishing 'Love Light', even extinguishes

our 'auric' field magnificently expanding

when opening heart chakra vulnerably

wide in courageous strength display,

where 'thinness' of outer layer

allows for sensitive sensory awareness

able to anticipate changing environments,

figuratively inside, or literally outside,

to adapt eloquently as needed

without barricades against lesson arrivals

witnessing perfection from other side.

Surprise Places

Castle ruins on the west coast of Scottish mainland near the Isle of Skye.

Surprise Places

6/24/11

We never really know

where life will lead,

so much beyond control

affects our inner workings,

especially an amazing relationship

grounded in heart, soul,

inspiring mind, titillating body

as it permeates wounds

long forgotten, covered up,

scarred over though unhealed,

exposed by Love Light

shone with sweet sensitivity

deeply committed to Sacredness

forever superseding 'old habits',

'tricks' having become 'patterns'

designed to keep distance

from 'what once was'

that experienced deep cut,

a severing from joy

which is natural state,

our birthright in Paradise

born into as children,

then shaped by lessons

within family, school, society,

or confused intimacy attempts

imitating peers, stumbling upon

surprise places furthering evolution.

Day To Day

'Tslagi' in medicine wheel next to 'Sacred Tree of Life'.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Day To Day

6/23/11

Dreams blast ahead

into etheric Unknown

fueling cosmic synapse

with virgin idea

thoughts that thrill,

stir emotions, sensations,

in waterfall ecstasy

tasting what's possible,

even probable when

divining 'All Potential',

entering magical realm

through 'clay' body

of Earth's DNA

I uniquely inhabit,

found enticingly inviting

by distant lover

who shares visions

about being together

imbibing one another,

mixing spiritual, emotional,

mental, physical energies

as soul children

playing miraculous game

we makeup together

enhancing our bliss

day to day.

No Sacrifice

The Coming of Celtic Sun God 'Lugh' the Dana

by Jim Fitzpatrick

No Sacrifice

6/22/11

Where there's love, higher purpose,

dropping into the Divine Bliss

of alignment with Soul Dream

whenever small 'you' is abandoned,

then portrayal of resentful martyr

acting out victim, villain scenario

doesn't even enter the equation,

suddenly grace filled Destiny beckons

from 'life track' patiently waiting,

Joseph Campbell's elucidated 'hero journey',

delivering aliveness you're meant for

in mythic unfolding without regard

to smallness of ego pursuit

with it's momentary monetary pleasures

that leaves unattended spirit empty,

unheard of when accepting role

uniquely qualified for, enthusiastically embraced,

as member of 'Great Turning'

becoming valued participant in Transformation

while celebrating 'what is' here,

now, the perfection and preciousness,

smiling for work turned play

because attitude is fully grounded

practicing principals that channel power,

paying attention to Cosmic Consciousness

inhabiting space, dancing through us,

joyfully, gratefully, with no sacrifice.

Light Shine

Photo some 20 years ago with combined Shasta and Santa Cruz Ehama Circles around fire.

(Yep, that's me, still with red hair)

Light Shine

6/21/11

Today marks the Summer Solstice

where dawn begins at 5 am.

as brightening sky shows silhouettes

of overlapping branches and leaves

through window while I write,

air is still, birds vocalize,

temperature's warm, screened windows open,

I breathe in the scent

that is early morning glory

after night of plants exuding

their aroma to moon, stars,

herein lies ongoing 'great perfection'

Mother Nature brings to offspring,

animals, vegetation, people, All Creation,

delivering beauty that's awe inspiring

on cloudless day, June 21st,

presenting clear view across bay

with no fog threatening appearance

while smells rekindle sweet memories ...

enacting ritual with brothers, sisters,

dancing prayers around Sacred Tree

serving 'Twenty Count Beauty' benefit,

and for humans, being, becoming,

instilling sense of responsible stewardship

as individuals maintaining healthy balance

essential for inner light shine.

Leaps

At Celtic chapel in England on my 50th birthday trip to British Isles.

Leaps

6/20/11

I'm recognizing a pattern

when reviewing my life

of how great rewards

have followed risks taken

even if initial results

were perceived as failure,

because 'hard knock' school

brought lessons worth gold

for growth, wisdom, tempering,

revealing inherent survival ability

no matter what unfolds

while opening to 'adventure'

that is my life,

all of our lives,

feeling secure as Soul

which is tied together

with shared omnipresent Source,

and it's daily practice

remembering resilient adaptable nature

which strengthens courageous capacity

to dream without limit,

guided by inner sensibilities

interpreting sparked enthusiasm, excitement,

as cue to 'ready',

inspired, informed by monumental

leaps others also take.

Bliss

New book for writing I found after following a 'hunch'.

Bliss

6/19/11

This is Soul's high adventure response

to being in right place, time,

activity, perfect for oneself, barely imagined

while embarked upon fantastic 'hero journey'

of mythic proportions, beyond ego construct

with it's self centered inflated importance

blind to concept of greater service,

where purposeful direction finds vital integrity

after playful curiosity opens Pandora's Box,

not of disease, death, and heartache

but of amazing dreams finding fruition

coming through back door left unattended,

it's realizing life isn't one's own,

instead belongs responsibly to everyone, everything,

as part of Source, Unfolding Mystery,

aligned with Universe always giving signs

which inform next move, trusting completely

that pinnacled Destiny awaits subtle recognition

when sensitively paying attention unique 'Guidance'

entering as language our spirits understand,

and is translated as body sensations,

visions of future, messages silence unveils,

bringing surreal inner knowing proved true

whenever steps following gut, intuition, hunch,

create joyful circumstances of miraculous design

becoming bliss through an 'allowing' awareness.

Everyone Dreams

Anamaya Resort, Montezuma, Costa Rica

Everyone Dreams

6/18/11

Most people think 'night escapades'

that go beyond normal consciousness

into the realm of bizarre

mostly misunderstood, and rightly so,

more potent are 'day variety'

which somewhat cogently invent worlds

we can imagine being in,

as if testing swimming waters

before refreshing or shocking immersion,

anticipating entry into altered state

after discerning worthiness of endeavor

through body as diagnostic tool ...

does breath, heartbeat, become pronounced

while electric energy traverses chakras

bringing goosebumps, tingling to extremities,

top of head, fingertips, toes,

sexual organs flowing hot blood,

just because thoughts have bridged

'what is' with 'what's possible'

wherein realm of 'All Potential'

becomes activated to serve 'Soul'

daring to author 'Creation Story'

of one individual bold enough

in belief that manifestation starts

from unique idea which catalyzes

vibrant conception not everyone dreams.

Leave Behind

Ready to leave behind brother Dan's home in Las Vegas while touring parts of Southwest.

Leave Behind

6/17/11

This is potent spiritual practice

to participate in throughout life

preparing ourselves for 'final exit'

which everyone and everything experiences,

it occurs in many ways

ranging between large, small magnitude

with correlated eruption and ripples

when leaping out from familiar

into 'Great Unknown' carrying little

more than hearty soul courage,

sometimes it's 'letting go' stories

about people based on past

forgetting everyone is continually changing

even if facade says otherwise

perceived through worn out lens,

there's cultivating willingness to disappoint

others when following soul direction

no matter how many disturbances

are caused, tantamount to disloyalty,

revealing assumptions, expectations as illusion,

include tremendous 'paradigm shifting' decisions

based on daring 'dream whisper'

of idealized thrilling omnipotent Destiny

that catalyzes entering another Universe

once stripped of many 'holdings',

perhaps inspiring those affected to

leave behind obstacles deterring aliveness.

Comparisons

Vast difference comparing 18 year old Kevin, to 57 year old me.

Comparisons

6/16/11

It's difficult to get away

from this aspect of humanness

that taken emotionally too far

becomes harsh judgment, fanatical prejudice,

self-righteous rants against those opposite,

creating separation, societal caste system,

divided by money, education, race,

addictive distortions experienced during upbringing,

scrutinizing raised where, by whom,

so discernment capacity is integral

combining virtuous benevolence, love, compassion,

initially for oneself, then others,

enabling choice according to preferred

happiness without making someone wrong,

they're just different, though unwanted

in whatever backdrop life situation,

like partnerships in romance, business,

and friendship, which inevitably change

asking we re-evalutate further participation ...

Is aliveness still being served

through freedom from imprisoning boxes?

Does soul purpose trajectory align

tomorrows dreams with actions today?

to carefully identify important priorities,

harvest insightful wisdom from past

providing comparisons informing new direction

Each Day

Many a day I've spent honing my skills as a carpenter.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Each Day

6/15/11

Life continuously provides openings

to develop raw abilities

into skills and talents

that bring personal joy

and reward for efforts

while doing 'manifestation dance'

listening song of Creation

inspired by overflowing beauty

so miraculous in diversity

as 'Source' incarnating now

in long unbroken chain,

linked together by cycles

of Equinox, Solstice, midpoints,

coming around like clockwork

sparking perceptions of continuity

within generational human family,

combining past, present, future

into Infinite dream sequence

without separation between worlds

physical, spiritual, emotional, mental,

instead, one holographic moment

carrying seeds and fruit,

life, death, material, etheric,

perfectly arriving every inhale,

exhale, heartbeat, wanting expression

soulfully experienced each day.

The Core

Home run hitter Carl getting ready to unload core power on a softball.

The Core

6/14/11

The central most essential part

of any organization, individual, plant,

contain seeds generating vitality, integrity,

wholeness for years to come,

it's crucial to activate, strengthen

as physical muscles in body

when someone starts 'working out',

and prized by government, business,

schools, health and corrections institutes

needing a moral compass aligned

with daily intentions and action,

athletes engage theirs for performance

identifying exercises to access power

becoming ground for rooted expression,

intimate relationships require shared values

birthing language of passionate hearts

building foundational hearth in Love

emulating molten fire in Earth

that pushes out, expands world,

while creating 'gravity' through centrifuge,

this depicts paradoxical yin/yang,

what's solid also has fluidity

ably adapting if supple enough

when storms of life rage,

confident within soul's deep knowing

'Source' is at the core.

Takes Awhile

Large territorial expanse of Isle of Mull, from atop 'Scridain', with Isle of Skye in distance.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Takes Awhile

6 /13/11

Assimilation doesn't happen overnight,

life delivers big comets

that impact physical world

leaving mark on landscape

eventually being grown over

as part of terrain

hardly noticed close up,

but in sky above

witnessing large territorial expanse

it's imprint is seen,

I imagine Earth remembers

how it was during

the slow motion trajectory

of fiery ball entering

sensitive atmosphere of 'reality',

like some accident scene

without time to brace

feeling the ensuing jolt

instantly creating new environment,

where history takes turn

no matter the outcome

affected as positive, negative,

and dream endings, beginnings

carry same transformational force

activating adjustment, adaptation, healing

in dynamic, subtle ways

which takes awhile integrating.

Motivating Force

Dear friends Jen and Dan Grady with their baby girl Iona.

Motivating Force

6/11/11

Love is energy

filling indomitable parent

rising bone tired

caring for children,

it catalyzes dreams

of new couple

giving them wings

powered to fly,

arrives as passion

in artists, musicians,

all who create

from inner fire

bringing them joy

plus others witnessing,

often it's confused

as sentimental patriotism

that condones killing

for security reasons

delivering the opposite,

there's nothing stronger,

more omnipotent, flexible,

able to transform

dysfunctional human foibles

into healthy balance

as Godsent gift

bequeathing motivating force.

After Visits

Comfy couch in downstairs living room/kitchen of my place.

After Visits

6/10/11

There's always a readjustment

when friends come around,

if out of town

sleeping on comfy couch,

or me traveling elsewhere

like Mom's Sonoma home

where routine is disrupted

in small, large ways

depending urgency of circumstances,

becoming opportunity to adapt

finding new perspective within

the distinctly different rhythms

of unfamiliar day dawning,

bringing question 'What's needed

and wants to happen?'

that urges 'dropping in'

to importance surfacing now

as first, foremost priority

forgetting thoughts of plans

made days, weeks before,

once interlude is over

space appears for reflection,

incorporating any surprising insights

gleaned from time spent

with loved ones, fully

savoring experience after visits.

Looking Ahead

(r to l) My Mom Dorothy, sister Mary Ann, niece Emma, and Rosemary Anderson.

Looking Ahead

6/9/11

My Mom is afraid of falling

at 87, having done it before,

so now she watches her feet,

head down, shoulders rolled, unsettled, unsure

is no prescription for staying balanced,

unable to see lay of land

robs perception of how ground slopes,

pavement slants, or relationship to tilts,

lending itself toward tunnel vision, fear,

making her world narrow, small, dangerous,

frightening with thoughts of weak dependency

tantamount to death for Irish matriarch,

and that also brings queasy feelings

imagining darkest night of the soul

though barely glanced at for moment,

nothing's easy when world comes undone

where medications confuse mind, body, spirit,

emotional inner compass for making sense

while navigating territory of last days,

living alone with few who understand

begets melancholy sadness about times past,

who's no longer alive for sharing,

what can't ever be done again,

plus assumed painful suffering when dying,

perhaps remedy is 'gratitude for blessings'

past, present, looking ahead for more.

Understanding

Going up to inspect the 'structure' of a neighbor's remodel.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Understanding

6/8/11

Most everyone wants to be seen,

heard, gotten for who they are

'now', and as 'changing male, female',

not just filed away as 'familiar'

filled with assumptions of 'I know'

my wife, husband, children and friends

which places them inside imprisoning box,

where anything out of norm threateningly

challenges 'ego status' that becomes defensive,

throwing out labels to dampen freedom

while kept from going significantly deeper

in realm of curious pure inquiry

without usual lenses structuring inhibited consciousness,

instead, entertain what 'wants' to happen,

be realized, in environment of allowing,

surrendering, opening up abilities to perceive

through divine 'Soul and Source' union,

moving past measurements, taking things personally,

not desperately anxious to find answers

or hurried to profess airtight philosophical,

psychological, and spiritual 'download' impressing others

with 'mastery' of systems explaining 'Mystery',

magnificent underlying phenomenon creating continuous miracle

that supports all 'Existence', boggling mind

attempting orderly explanation of chaotic diversity

utilizing limited understanding of multidimensional reality.

Backdoor

'Byron Kitty' looking behind at backdoor to living room/kitchen.

Backdoor

6/7/11

In today's world of pushing ahead,

forever looking to enter scene first

as pioneer who takes action to

reap rewards, chanting mantra to attract

all the blessed abundance that's desired

in material realm for unbridled security,

much gets missed covered by shadow,

because darkness is still generally feared

killing curiosity about personal journey

denying promise of gifts to unearth,

forever buried in 'once was' catacombs

while keeping eye on valued prize

whether worthwhile and healthy, or not,

wherein if focus becomes habitually narrow

opportunities constrict for Life's surprising eruptions,

then innate ability to perceive wholeness

becomes lost, withers from neglected underuse,

forcing pervasive Mystery into unseen clefts

that bring miracles through guarded walls

which are meant to minimize suffering,

control the influences effecting possible fate

defined by unimaginative, spiritually disconnected logic,

unwilling, unable, to be rare individual

who can hold inner, outer worlds,

this paradoxical Existence filled with magic,

until powerful transformational revelation enters backdoor.

Renewed Appreciation

Peacock in cobblestone carriageway of 'renewed' medieval building.

Quiness Estate, England

Renewed Appreciation

6/5/11

I've experienced many life cycles

as wonderfully gregarious social animal

when community, friends, reigned supreme

with constant communication about endeavors,

yet, pendulum swing always occurs

where being solitary serves best

during times of change, upheaval,

at particular junctures while aging,

looking to come across equilibrium

in my inner, outer worlds

that fit stumbled upon consciousness

cobbled together as original path,

bringing perceptions of virgin territory

which feed and spark enthusiasm

for what could happen next,

a 'mystic' in 'mythic story',

becoming individual 'journey song existence'

we're all co-writing with 'Source',

through 'Mystery', fleshing out 'Soul',

each doing it 'my way'

whether recognizing our inherent power

to manifest potentiality, or not,

and it's great to revisit

dear companions from past, hearing

tales about 'water under bridge'

delivering renewed appreciation and laughter.

Adaptability

Old planting furrows farmed by adaptable Scots before 'expulsion' during 'The Clearances'.

Burg of Bunnesan on Isle of Mull, Scotland, Winter 2007

Adaptability

6/4/11

Alongside close cousin flexibility

these two insure survival,

also expand one's world

beyond limitations mind creates

with detailed planned results

imagining some arbitrary timetable

based on other conjectures,

plus ego projections within,

that if found false

tumbles house of cards,

taken extreme other way

doesn't supply realistic structure

for rooting dream intentions

able to 'mine' resources

whenever circumstances demand directness

through cycles of growth,

'moderation' then becomes key

paying attention subtle nuances

around quiet soul rhythms

pointing toward graceful passage

on path into Unknown,

free of expectation, assumptions

instilling blindness to opportunity,

wherein something greater waits

behind recesses of Mystery

when always openly ready

to engage enlightened adaptability.

Slow Process

Buddha 'existing' in my succulent garden.

Slow Process

6/3/11

No matter long, short life

there's daily distance to travel,

Sun's trajectory can't be hurried,

Moon cycles have predicated pace,

seasons turn with synchronistic timing

whispering secret mantra of unfoldment

to leaf, bud, plants, animals,

who give birth and die

in natural space that's Eternity,

change is constant, not stagnate

though perceived 'sameness' tricks eye,

fools mind caught in trap

of despairing thought that futility

and struggle rule human realm

until positive impacted quickening occurs

from shift of unimaginable proportions

stirring hope alive in hearts

as counterbalance to reported catastrophes,

or simply a celebrated 'graduation'

with moments taken to reflect

on distance traveled when becoming

'who one is now', transformed,

credited with completing harrowed journey

into worlds once beyond comprehension,

witnessing entrance, exit through Mystery,

this slow process called Existence.

Pieces To Puzzle

The result of many combined 'puzzle pieces' that have become my 'workshop space'.

Pieces To Puzzle

6/2/11

It's all a grand game

through eyes of a child

not hypnotized by adult view

that is hooked on order,

wanting it now without frustration

amid chaos which seemingly rules

even as 'Divine Principles' underlie

and support every miraculous occurrence

often viewed as luck, coincidence,

by those blind to 'Design',

this 'interconnected web' which holds

all possibility, potential, past, future,

right here in this moment,

when circumstances reinforce holistic nature

of small, large, sharing environment

where elemental resources combine exponentially

to create tantalizing original expression

as addition to 'Great Flux'

expanding, catalyzing, turning glorious, terrible,

dependent on state of consciousness,

one only needs to remember

how worst case scenario transformed

into fantastic essential learning experience,

similarly when all we've collected

during life finds rightful place

becoming perfect pieces to puzzle.

Evidence

'Bryon Kitty' under collection of poetry books and other notebooks in writing den.

Evidence

6/1/11

Humans are obsessed with documentation

and value their history trail

mostly written through victor's perspective,

plants, animals, don't recollect ancestors

years ago, let alone centuries,

learning, growing, adapting as needed

they do contain original 'blueprint',

yet, don't project into 'future'

while living 'presence' following flow

with innate acceptance of process

without questions asked, options weighed,

inherently knowing 'journey is destination'

as 'Spirit' having physical experience,

one of 'Creation's' diverse entities

blessed by form, sensibilities, function,

born to experience Life, die,

filling dash between is 'story'

our species has outrageously distorted,

forgetting more than we record

belies lost battle with 'time'

caught in ethnocentric ego importance

believing material things hold value

though temporal when forever deteriorating,

always tallying for immortal legacy

misses fact that 'benevolent stewardship'

depicts evidence of Divine Wisdom.

Now Live It

Collection of 'stuff' in backend of my motorcycle shed.

Now Live It

5/31/11

There comes a time

when soul searching ends

and all that's left

is gathering up 'collections'

held onto beyond use,

cherished for security needs

kept as feathered comfort

to distance from suffering,

symbolically defining acceptable 'ego'

becoming representation of worth

that weighs 'spirit' down

caught in mundane minutiae,

then, amid touching contents

feeling into worth 'now'

a letting go begins

based on new senses

with clean slate waiting,

chains to 'past' severed

identifying resources for 'future'

recycling what has value,

realizing happiness demands little

other than 'evolved consciousness'

breathing, expressing, being 'Love',

in entity that's 'human'

as gift to world,

urging, 'Now live it.'