Faith, Courage, Enthusiasm

Exalted!

Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz, California.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Faith, Courage, Enthusiasm

8/30/11

Often, movies leave a message

for me at right time

to address some plaguing concern

that has grip on psyche,

as with these three words

shouted triumphantly by exuberant protagonist

during end of 'Lake Placid'

actress Sissy Spacek starred in,

but actor playing son uttered

after viewers witnessed his redemption

from distorted tailspin to exaltation,

impressing 'phrase' as powerful equation

taken from Alcoholics Anonymous playbook

recognizing 'triad' as dream fuel,

wherein if any lose vitality

then beginning of end occurs

unless lagging aspect is restored,

so much 'reality' becomes uninspired

when practicalities rob future promise,

potential, imprisoned in 'safety' vault

because there's fear of Unknown

based on past unwelcome results

forgetting how wisdom attained felt,

risking significance for vibrant living

without dreading fall, catching fire,

makes life way more joyous

playfully engaging faith, courage, enthusiasm.

This Week

Cobbled nunnery church for Augustine nuns built in 12th century, altered in 15th.

Isle of Iona, Scotland

This Week

8/29/11

Lots to complete before departure,

loose ends dangle like nooses

that'll constrict energy if undone,

wanting things left in order

when I fly into Unknown

wondering what's being 'called in'

during this cycle of life,

as my Soul witnesses all

the feelings, thoughts, ego antics,

and fears of possible defeat,

asking what will come then

in changes around beliefs, dreams,

these ideas I've cobbled together

about the way world works,

my contributions to it's evolution

with who, where, when, how,

all that rests in future

depending 'yes/no' decisions addressed,

while accomplishing business at hand

conveniently takes mind off anticipation

of best, worst case scenarios

revealed as reality or imagination

once I come back home,

hopefully having received 'true knowledge'

directing my life's 'hero journey',

it's trajectory significantly and radically

influenced months before this week.

Stay Focused

A reading by a 'Mull local' at closing of world's smallest theater.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Stay Focused

8/27/11

It's easy to get ahead of oneself

using mind as movie projector for future

that anticipates, tied to desires and needs

with urgency, wanting full realization happening now,

so present moment suffers from the longing,

certainly this isn't bad to be dreamer

for excitement and joy follow any fruition,

and interplay of possibilities can provide direction

by visiting conjured scenarios with curious eye

while feeling into vibrancy or dread attached

whenever potential destiny choice is chewed upon,

listening near silent voice of Source whispering

as paraded images become a theater production

filled by characters envisioned who admirably play,

dance, vocalize their part in grand scheme,

where my Soul sits as producer, director,

following Guidance that's true only to me,

this takes acute attention coupled with awareness

which is life practice in 'presence' everyday,

each second conscious of society's great distractions,

any number of pleasures marketing their wares

even as past incompletions challenge vital progress,

creating tense environment between 'before and after'

challenging my ability to navigate what's new,

original virgin reality coming to meet me,

only wholly lived if I stay focused.

Shows Itself

Buddha in side garden with plant acting as blossoming heart.

Shows Itself

8/26/11

So many possibilities,

very little time

we give 'opportunities'

to unfold beautifully,

like lotus flowers

in muddy water,

bringing startling perfection

by relaxing into

trust, when chopping

wood, carrying water,

knowing patience reveals

one's true direction

sooner or later,

there's deep recognition

if not hurriedly

desperate to 'arrive'

at preconceived time,

or pushing healing

while pursuing 'teaching'

before arrow's extracted

and wound's mended,

instead hold loosely

life's changing circumstances

with alchemist hands

forever curious as

Existence shows itself.

No Comparison

Headed to North Rim of Grand Canyon on dreamed motorcycle trip through Southwest U.S.

No Comparison

8/25/11

Is it really any wonder

why human beings prefer dreaming

over stark reality of surviving

in capitalist environment gone mad,

where overabundance creates sick leaders,

politicians, corporations, the super rich,

infected by greed never satisfied,

while lower classes get by,

barely or not, suffering together

they live values of sharing,

compassion, empathy, love, in family,

communities, while cherishing simple pleasures

present each moment, with gratitude

though praying for better life,

envisioning a future beyond strive

for every individual to realize

their great worth as catalyst

making small or large difference

using unique combination of skills,

talents, like none before them,

who are willing to leap

into Unknown, like Beloved's arms

waiting for embrace across ocean,

anticipating that goodness will follow

courageous risking toward high ideals

with no comparison to past.

However It Goes

Peaceful in morning sun rays before medicine wheel 'tslagi'.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

However It Goes

8/24/11

To be at peace

with whatever unfolds today,

this moment, in future,

knowing much is uncontrollable,

even as I recognize

there is great power

in my hands, heart,

mind, and creative spirit,

takes trust relaxing into

primary relationship with Source

while attending 'medicine signs'

that Mystery continually supplies,

then my Soul interprets,

understanding there's always perfection

if I'll stay present,

learn from surrounding circumstances

constantly changing and influencing

what experience I'm having

for expanded personal wisdom

about Life's deeper mandate

filled with meaning, intention,

purpose, nothingness, beyond holding

which is transient Existence

expressed through evolving Beauty,

musical notes of Eternity

revealed, released, disintegrated, becoming

Truth however it goes.

Constant Adjustment

Brother Keith and I in lead boat adjusting to rapids in Tuolumne River, California.

Constant Adjustment

8/23/11

Life is nothing

if not fluid,

sometimes barely perceptible

then raging river,

catastrophe and peace

and everything between

vie for position

while dreams, reality,

teeter back, forth,

as new information

becomes revelatory truth

for moment, longer,

before layered upon

by another day

with it's twists,

turns, original perspectives,

born from peering

deeper into underpinnings

of transient Existence

forever expanding, contracting,

through living, dying,

never the same

from constant adjustment.

Let Go

'Balnuaran of Clava' a 3 - 4,ooo year old prehistoric cemetery near Culloden, Scotland.

Let Go

8/22/11

As time gets closer

reality begins setting in

where dreamed 'All Potential'

takes backseat to pragmatism

as odds are weighed

for and against success

while fear, worry surface

in minds less accustomed

with trust in Universe,

more practiced with controlling

leveraged circumstance for protection

from any possible failings

and suffering that's attached

whenever 'coming up short'

of high perfectionist tendencies,

there's 'Life, Death' gravity

pervading all of Existence,

wherein cherished ones die

so often without warning,

or once vital love

transforms from inner stories

told employing outdated beliefs

making for 'serious' distortions

that cut off flow,

the grace always available

if we let go.

Basic Groundwork

Photo of early Scottish life in hotel on Isle of Mull, Scotland

Basic Groundwork

8/20/11

America is future oriented culture

whether conjuring images of 'Dream'

where capitalism promises infinite progress

with each generation boldly advancing

economically, rising in class status

satisfactorily fulfilling our every need,

or lately, fearing the worst

as basic assumptions and beliefs

are being upended by situations

too complex for adequate management

so future demise of nation,

humanity, and independence is predicted,

this anticipatory peering of projections

makes orphans of past, present,

the former underused for wisdom

that informs from lessons learned

enabling intelligent choice of direction,

while latter is 'playing field'

containing myriad possibilites available 'now'

in life territories wanting attention

because dysfunctions are sounding alarm

saying grand trajectory is flawed,

asking citizens to revisit what's

essential to living purposed Existence,

taking care of each other

attending basic groundwork of sanity.

Stay On Top

View of high point 'Ben Mor' from 'cairn' on 'Scridain' overlooking 'Loch Scridain'.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Stay On Top

8/19/11

It's no easy task

keeping at peak performance

in myriad human endeavors

as stimulus constantly bombards

and effects playing field

plus individuals who strive

toward some self-appointed goal

that promises satisfaction, joy,

when all's said, done,

often coming up short

where compromises are made

to rework one's trajectory

while duties pile up

becoming 'have to' list

limiting freedom of movement,

though suggesting later rewards

for hunkering down, completing

even the littlest task

which begins snowball energy,

released, received, in bits

until momentum takes over

turning into dependable power

run through our system,

more capable of performing

admirably when life demands

we stay on top.

Ripples

About to make ripples from a tree swing at upper Montezuma Falls swimming hole.

Montezuma, Costa Rica

Ripples

8/18/11

All of life

constantly effects itself

whether magnificently grand

or microscopically minute

in physical form,

insight fired creativity,

word sound waves,

watery emotional currents,

there's seen, unseen,

influencing brain synapse

collecting, correlating stories

that shuffle along

corridors of memory,

often coloring them

with new insight

gleamed from experiences,

tying threads together

while mapping territory

of what's possible

after reinspecting interpretations

based on past,

then tweaking perspective

to open avenues

surprises can fill,

when diving in,

consciously making ripples.

Spur Of Moment

A 'discovery smile'.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Spur Of Moment

8/17/11

Carpentry has taught me much,

though what's very important is

the ability to follow impulse

that strikes chord within me

recognized as Soul's wise Guidance

informed by Mystery's Source connection,

it's beyond reasoning empirical mind

or body utilizing senses, emotions,

as diagnostic system so valuable

to understand states of 'being'

even when all are used

in any decision making process

where 'feeling' at end dictates

whether there's 'Yes!' for action,

decidedly different from pinprick pain

and joy induced by surprise

which satisfies some unrealized desire,

imagine more an 'ah-ha' knowing

capable of lighting up cells

becoming tidal wave of electricity

bringing 'discovery smile' to face

thrilled to have stumbled across

a solution for perplexing problem,

seemingly bringing a paved path

of graceful execution into Existence

until life offers next opportunity

for spur of moment insight.

Finally On Track

Outside of Londonderry area in Northern Ireland.

Finally On Track

8/16/11

Does each 'spirit' have destination

it preconceived before birth entry

into physical world of challenges,

confusion, chaos, that disorients ability

for homing in on target

seemingly cloaked with invisibility shield

our 'human' senses cannot fathom,

though equipment needed for re-discovery

is something we assemble inside

as individual developing unique antennae

out of judged failures, victories,

every experience waylaying or refining

this navigational instrument called 'consciousness',

mysteriously tuned into primal agreement

to learn, grow, expand, delight

ourselves on surprising 'hero journey'

capable of identifying graceful passage

through land, waterways, that disrupt

panoramic overview of gleaming 'nirvana'

whenever inhibiting smallness creates rapids

of fearful worry, countering confidence,

peacefulness, excited restfulness, with longing

for fruition in all territories

our ego incarnation deems worthy,

until 'soul wisdom' supplants adolescent

adrenaline thoughts habitually conjuring inadequacy,

holistically pointing toward life purpose

putting us finally on track.

Tests

Self-portrait on third story of water tower I remodeled at Lakeside Organic Farm.

Watsonville, California

Tests

8/15/11

These arrive on daily basis

in myriad forms and expression,

some simple, others quite complex,

depending the realm challenge occupies,

whether strenuous in mind, body,

spirit, or emotion, there are

delicate intricacies to sensitively calibrate

while performing life's mundane activities

especially if recent injury hampers

usual range of inherent productivity

thereby requiring a concentrated awareness

of less than flexible area,

this is when self-care involves

utilizing healing modalities to re-connect

with innate ability for mending

what fabric has been torn

which creates a vulnerable environment

where other tearing can happen

becoming frayed mess of confusion,

ideally there's time 'off field'

allowing opportunity to control motion

take care of neglected details

long overlooked when 'on go'

until work and financial responsibilities

demand re-entering world of potential

filled with tests to resolve.

Evoked

Scott Corrigan and I with 'The Great Glen' behind that evoked earliest Scottish homeland.

2004 on 50th birthday trip to the British Isles.

Evoked

8/14/11

Everyone has great say

in how life responds

to our daily efforts

depending what's consciously intended,

pursued vigorously with patience

keeping eye on prize,

this is about manifestation

coming from attentive acuity

toward 'what is' now

born through past antics

as new dreams emerge,

often there is disintegration

necessary to make room

for next marvelous surprise

waiting as winged possibility

after dissolution is made

in beliefs, attitudes, opinions,

and images long run,

pursuant to thorough introspection

that investigates thoughts, feelings,

their intertwined symbiotic nature

housed within auric field

of each soul entity,

at once uniquely independent

while completely inseparable from

the wholeness of Source

evoked by being, becoming.

Irrevocably

Scottish grave with a view of 'Scridain' from 'Ross of Mull' alongside 'Loch Scridain'.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Irrevocably

8/12/11

Most often we're asleep

having forgotten the magnitude

and fragility of Existence,

taking much for granted

without awe, wonder, reverence,

deeply appreciating while discovering

value of what's presented

in way of 'goodness'

surrounding health, wealth, happiness,

until Life rushes up

to impact us awake,

it could be birth,

death, someone in hospital,

pet needing special care,

or injury to oneself

that upsets applecart world

of confidence in Universe,

reminding it's quirky Nature

where 'bad' things happen

when living is great,

bringing gifts of humility,

self-care, new perspectives, curiosity,

testing soul's equanimity, strength,

ability to sensitively understand

environment of changing circumstances

inserted daily, irrevocably so.

Change Agents

Cave with ancient 'yoni' and 'cup' carvings on sidewalls.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Change Agents

8/11/11

We are all this

whether embraced or not,

every footstep that falls

on sands of time

leaves imprint depicting passage

for moment or longer,

more so in hearts

touched along the way

that vibrate peaceful aliveness

in shared sentient encounter

mirroring Nature's mothering influence

which furthers evolving life

by feeding essential Beauty

to everyone who'll partake,

waiting patiently for recognition

of transformative power available

through eyes, ears, body,

breathing Life Force in,

out, as lungs become

alchemist tool that shifts

consciousness and energy associated

with every 'being' state

deemed beneficial, degrading, neutral,

ably effecting molecular makeup

passed on through generations

birthing loving change agents.

Peaceful Acceleration

Appreciatively breathing in ocean that is magnificent Life.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Peaceful Acceleration

8/10/11

Time is an odd concept

driving modern humanity's headlong progress

to plan and orchestrate Existence

while accommodating ever changing values,

then measuring results proving worthiness

of energy expended toward rewards,

often an eye on future

takes away awareness of moment,

what's truly calling our attention

as part of essential groundwork

needed for harvesting benefits later

since real riches are realized

and expanded exponentially by being

fully engrossed, curious, adventurous, appreciative,

with each tick of clock

when breathing into emotions surfacing,

playfully imagining what positivity manifests

after showing up fully 'now'

where storied life is written,

the rest reveals itself naturally

becoming boldly imbedded in memory

whenever ultimately important 'Soulful Presence'

is mustered through our consciousness

distinguishing itself within degreed detailed

whether actively engaged, or witnessing,

unique paradox of 'peaceful acceleration'.

What It's Like

As rebellious 'Celt' with facial hair after 'choosing' 2006 tour of Scotland on motorcycle.

What It's Like

8/8/11

I have memories of 'no choice'

during those years attending elementary education,

junior high, then finishing high school,

living in family with seven children

where mantra given to us was

'You want something, then work hard,

save your money, while being happy.'

because handouts would not be forthcoming,

this is when employment became necessity

without college being break between worlds

of teen to adult finding career,

along the way weekends symbolized freedom,

getting wild, imbibing in 'virgin experiences'

using drugs, alcohol, with other 'prisoners'

in capitalist system not voted for,

or asked about, if we agreed

with spending life earning almighty dollar,

kept in line through threatening laws,

societal norms youth pushed up against

powered by discontent of suppressed class

unwilling to accept the status quo,

somehow I was lucky to survive

risks taken, rebelling most of time,

still do, believing people can change,

uplifting this world when raising consciousness,

discovering what it's like to choose.

Alignment

Completing 'tslagi' in my medicine wheel.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Alignment

8/7/11

Dissonance hides and reveals desire,

shakes up vibrations to re-attune

our action oriented energetic intentions

toward pristine Universe catapulted into

running parallel to present one

a surprising consciousness shift delivers,

this sometimes takes years, months

days, or moments in perfection

and service to evolving Mystery,

as each human finds way

through any door that's 'chosen'

whether surviving horrific abusive experiences

or being cherished while loved

from distance, close up, inside

the folds of your skin,

where it all boils down

to equanimity, peace of mind,

embodying 'Presence' that is 'Source'

connecting with 'Itself' through 'You',

everything waiting for focused attention

unique 'Soul' brings to party,

outshining ego caught in shadows

of tall expectations and assumptions

thinking it knows secure path

beyond turmoil in chaotic world,

even though openness brings alignment.

World Slows Down

Kevin and Steven, neighbors for years and dear friends since 1974 meeting in Santa Cruz.

World Slows Down

8/6/11

Values dictate our existence

as blinders come on

when humans are focused

on what's imminently important,

capitalism has pricked us

with sleepwalking consumerism needle

having poisoned our perceptions

to believe material things

bring peace of mind,

if so, short lived

until next acquisition occurs

forever marching to drummer

of hardhearted puppet master

no one need follow,

we awaken when sharing

life experiences with friends,

family, lovers who exhilarate

and exalt personal connections

from activated emotions, mind,

soul, to appreciate miracles

inundating daily magical realm

that reminds at core

this is all dream

we design in story,

orchestrating pace through Presence

wherein world slows down.

It's Happening

Graveyard next to restored 'Columba Church' with Kintra on Ross of Mull in background.

Isle of Iona, Scotland

It's Happening

8/5/11

Such excitement courses through

once obstacles are removed

from allowing dreams room

to expressively dance, sing,

without fear, doubts, logistics,

having their naysayer ways,

it's crazy making good

when actions match intentions

following heart, soul connection

with 'Universe, Self, Another',

as catalyst that catapults

one's wildly precious life

into Unknown Mystery theater

where 'probability, possibility, potential'

become the 'Three Musketeers'

able to vanquish complacency

so deadened with inertia

on hollow gray road

that's cradle to grave,

we must employ courage

whenever images of defeat

send tentacles to strangle

high aspirations before birth,

using tired old arguments

society's pain body holds

but cannot sustain when

Freedom declares 'It's happening!'

Coming Out

Perfect flowers for hummingbirds at the UCSC Arboretum.

Santa Cruz, California.

Coming Out

8/4/11

Eventually truth finds light of day

for health of person or society

otherwise misconceptions run a fraudulent world

easily collapsed when illusion is revealed,

people in relationship want vulnerable transparency

so imagination doesn't undermine what's real,

some say art as creative act

in not complete until shown around

witnessed by many without guarding oneself

from critiques that are less than

what originator thinks it's worth is,

there are also dream seed secrets

held in vaulted psyche of alchemist

who pours images, emotions, and soul

as concoction into boiling steamy cauldron

simmering juices of what's bodily possible

until clay base is left behind

ready to enter mold, become form

of future unfolding forever slowly, revealed

in right timing when utilizing patience,

this likens plant growing through cycles,

each one intrinsically necessary, essentially valid,

where interruption of any brings distortions

needing adaptation to reconnect confused threads

pulsing life force in direction wanted

finally coming out as flowering perfection.

Quick Dip

A festival at San Lorenzo Park. Santa Cruz, California.

Quick Dips

8/3/11

I'm a blessed man these days

to be loved by extraordinary woman

so available to listen microscopic truth,

be compassionate, while supportive with encouragement,

sharing soul space like none before,

there is also friend who cares

following my blog, often checking in

when touched or sensing a downturn,

and he's one of many more

that would be there for me

if crisis hit out of blue,

can't forget blood sisters, brothers, mother,

where if push came to shove

would helpfully do what they could,

including uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins,

imitating loyal clan members of old,

even acquaintances, school mates, past lovers,

folks influenced by my radio years

who'd shed tear, send up prayers

at hearing my demise, or challenges

around health, misfortune, effecting essential wellbeing,

these thoughts bring me back home,

again remembering amazingly interconnected shared life,

how I'm also there for others

in needy times, giving my gifts

so feeling alone is quick dip.

Stay With It

Softball team with nephew Tyler, waitress Lindsay, niece Adrienne, at 'Clouds' restaurant.

Santa Cruz, California

Stay With It

8/2/11

Many worlds are inhabited by humans,

each carrying perspective brought up on

as opinions, attitudes, images, and beliefs

giving more or less attention toward

earthly realm of money, material possessions,

mental sphere playing with concepts, logistics,

emotional river flowing love, suffering, redemption,

and spiritual universe dancing unseen energies,

all funneled through unique physical form

with sensitivities running gamut of degrees

where vibrations that attract vary greatly

emitting glow or scent others share

which identify far flung clan members,

ably helping us to realize importance

of how life well lived influences

while inspiring others to do same,

but differently, as unpredictable 'soul' being,

becoming, one of kind rare creation

making way through forever unfolding Mystery

utilizing friendship, humor, affection, compassionate understanding,

plus so many other caring qualities

to navigate course of our lives,

it's not easy making progress here

experiencing with others, witnessing births, deaths,

getting caught in difficult transformational currents

requiring we bravely stay with it.

Deflated

Kite surfers at Wadell Creek, north of Monterey Bay in the far distance.

Deflated

8/1/11

This can happen after events

long looked forward to occur,

when left alone with mundane

trappings of one's ordinary life

though miracles continue incessant march

toward creating original diverse Existence,

sometimes information received colors past

experience we previously thought successful

as work performed lacked ability

to stand test of time,

wherein relationship trust is broken

bringing exalted ego crashing down

which opens cracks for doubts

thought of as permanently vanquished

only to find out otherwise,

it's phenomenon around pendulum swing

saying 'highs' will deliver 'lows'

within paradoxical yin, yang world

always giving us the practice

of rediscovering equanimity, no matter

what surprises change circumstances that

provide more opportunities to adapt,

pick oneself up from ground,

dust off, take stock, strategize,

while committing to correct wrongs

that deflate sense of wellbeing.

When Done

Dining set up for wedding at my neighbor's home.

When Done

7/31/11

Great anticipation can drive people

to accomplish much with little

in way of time, money,

resources, spurring on creative invention

out of desperation in circumstances

likened to war, financial ruin,

where complete upheaval envelopes countries

as citizens bond, becoming unit

ready to defend national identity

after initial separation, isolation, shock,

there's phenomenon of looking ahead

when visions of goodness inspire

humans to move in directions

that benefit future world inhabitants

and those suffering greatly now

with social constructs which enliven,

these include time tested ceremonies

celebrating births, graduations, marriages, holy-days,

seasonal equinox, solstice, midpoints that

provide for continued essential purpose

whenever divisive living gets best

of our integrity, undermining vitality,

instilling stress, fear, as motivators

or whatever expectation delivers impetus,

afterward we can remember lessons

life taught us when done.