Small Advances

My wee home in distance beyond my neighbor's house and out buildings.

Small Advances

9/29/11

I love where I live,

blessed to be on land

of great beauty and horizons,

lovingly held by strong trees

daily emitting their symbolic wisdom,

plus birds, animals, plants surrounding,

and the potential just waiting

in workshop, writing den, home,

this nest of continuous transformation

adjoined by neighbors, friends, community,

where my eccentricities are accepted,

though, fair enough, rarely understood

as often I don't either,

especially during transitions that test

my mettle when contraction, expansion,

separate skin of old self

from that being newly born

when lethargy opens to emergence

of idea supplying enough energy

to begin simple action toward

doing something constructive for joy,

delivered during process of completion

and at end bringing satisfaction

because movement finally did occur,

turning into momentum after rising

up from where I'd fallen,

making small advances into future.

Upheaval

Stem of an ancient volcano near Paonia, Colorado.

Upheaval

9/28/11

Disruption, eruption, life in flux, chaos,

everyone being challenged to re-evaluate position,

what they know, or think so,

somehow opening to new circumstantial perspectives

because the old ones aren't valid,

revealed by results laid at feet

that even most stubborn must recognize

when attempting square hole, round peg,

this can threaten the sacred pillars

holding up nation, community, family, oneself,

where Existence looks like random experiment

gone bad in God's heavenly laboratory,

the concept of which threatened also

if entertaining thoughts about strict evolution

as atheist believing in empirical model

installing western intellect above any sacredness,

mysticism, miracle, quantified by bland terminology

saying such phenomenon hasn't been investigated

to point explaining surety, but will

in future if mankind can survive,

yet, is kind of world remaining

one worth living in without spirituality,

not talking dogmas prevalent in religions

mimicked in economic, political, philosophical systems,

instead more 'Big Mind', 'Soul Consciousness',

imbedded in 'Source' weathering any upheaval.

Non-conformist

My shadow side at workshop window.

(photo by Art Durand Photography

Non-comformist

9/27/11

Monday night attended 'Money Mystics' talk

after interviewing the speaker Sunday morning

on my KZSC public affairs program,

perfect timing as debt still continues

because of decisions I've been making

around work, travel, dream pursuits,

relationship, what's important for life quality,

though jury is out on latter

as living on financial edge frays

parts of my psyche with discontent,

no longer smug from rebellious pride

that I'm succeeding by being 'alternative',

disheartened every time existence demands subservience

to living within means of capitalism,

a system I've never cared for,

discovering yesterday evening this shadow side

of disowned ego aspect that sabotages

any venture leading toward economic prosperity

for fear I'll become 'infected addict'

joining homogenized ranks of submissive populace

whose worth depends on monetary abundance

herded like sheep into box stalls

by financiers running crooked con game,

yet finally glimpsing I'm prison warden

limiting myself with misguided attitude suppressing

ability to really engage non-conformist potential.

Out Of Sync

Symbolic photo of wondering which route to take on the dusty backroads of my mind.

(photo by TD in Finland)

Out Of Sync

9/26/11

There are times when I feel lazy

while hard to stoke fire in belly

for any unfinished old projects, pressing business,

or to start something original and extraordinary,

where I begin loose self diagnostic process

that goes from compassionately discerning to judgmental,

evaluating where I have recently come from

with energy expended bringing 'less than' results

compared to dream scenarios of total fruition,

followed by peering future yet to form

recognizing what I neglected is home waiting

concerted effort toward coming back into alignment

which can overwhelm me in present moment,

kind of sit heavily on my chest

creating a depression like funky lower vibration

verily smothering any impetus for continuing valiantly

as rebellious lone wolf living life differently

than people judged unwilling to risk failure,

because fear punctures hole in stomach chakra

draining necessary Life Force required for successfully

persevering through daily challenges both big, small,

yet, for awhile, I enter powerless world

questioning my existence during relatively lethargic weekend

wallowing in unproductive distractions of rare malaise

feeling into body for some guiding impetus,

identifying reoccurring pattern as remembered pendulum swing

when out of sync from accustomed potency.

Balance

Spitzer family and friends the morning after Mom's 88th birthday celebration.

Jack London Square, Oakland, California

Balance

9/24/11

Wisdom to live by is essential

for a populace when making decisions

on micro level of daily action,

and macro, within political arena,

it's sad to hear everything but

in avalanche of media sound bites

that confuse citizenry over what's true

played to engage reaction, not response,

which would require intelligent measured discussions,

compassion for another's experience, being humane

when considering effect on livelihoods, environments,

species extinction, qualities of healthy life,

all the different ways we interact,

there are many collections of knowledge

gleaned from world's great spiritual masters

hidden away in privileged private libraries

only accessible to those with money,

time, and initial well educated upbringing,

who believe there must be more

to life than just base essentials,

if lucky, a family has tradition

based on integrity, high moral standards

of love, forgiveness, respect, shared joy,

utilizing mottos directing members toward fulfillment,

'Moderation is the key.' 'Be happy.'

'Follow your bliss.' and 'Stay balanced.'

Collectively

Minna Canth monument, early advocate for women's empowerment.

Kuopio, Finland

Collectively

9/23/11

We are all in this together,

every individual adding to consciousness shift

hopefully on evolutionary road toward unity,

instead of small minded adversarial backbiting

that can happen while fearing loss

to one's cherished security and comforts

when promise of ever greater wealth

with higher living standards turn false,

where young adults completing college education

move in with struggling parents minus

prospect of job coming anytime soon

because lost confidence in system prevails,

and rightly so, due to repercussions

being acutely felt, seen, and experienced

as downside to mankind's capitalist experiment

fueling headlong pursuit of sacred cow

'progress', meaning something different to everyone

depending the predicament they're now in,

too many 'have-not's' without faith

resigning themselves to being pauper pawns

for mean spirited masters of finance

who think feudalism will be wonderful,

plus having money proves one's intelligence,

yet forgetting common sense wisdom that

management intimidation, slavery, greed, doesn't work,

only educated, informed world citizenry persevering

collectively toward sane goals can succeed.

Daily Shifts

Another angle of 'Cheemah, Mother of the Spirit-Fire' statue.

Jack London Square, Oakland, California.

Daily Shifts

9/22/11

Here it is, Autumn Equinox again,

with too few nuts squirreled away

while U.S. economy continues to falter,

where I sense stress in others,

myself, world in upheaval about future

filled by oppressive uncertainty looming large

in minds of those once prosperous,

or seemingly so on financial graphs

having now gone south, unlike birds

instinctively readying themselves for long migration

who understand survival at core level

within every cell of their makeup

waking each dawn to same directive,

shake feathers clean of the past ,

beat wings in air for flight,

be absorbed by miraculous present moment,

let future rush under as gusts

lifting them up on adventuresome journey,

adapt to changing weather, environment, landscape,

fearlessly calm going about one's business,

hunting, hopping around trees and branches,

then moving onward to next horizon,

doing what's needed throughout timeless dance

as unique individuals within great flock,

also teaching humans value of pausing

to appreciate seasonal and daily shifts.

Mother Of Invention

Monument to peasants of Finland.

Kuopio, Finland

Mother of Invention

9/21/11

It's said 'adversity' births new worlds

where 'tension is energy creating change',

not always comfortable when bringing results

that range from beautiful to horrific

invariably with hidden compensation for latter

if we willingly follow the directive

sad situations imply, to make effort

at unearthing valuable wisdom from lesson

laid at our feet as impetus

for furthering an inner evolutionary process,

more easily advanced when we accept

individual responsibility in authoring present situation

even if disgusted by the circumstances,

this takes courage to clearly discern

one's specific culpability, hopefully discovering key

unlocking door of greater personal understanding

ably integrated as tool in future

because lived through challenge impacted consciousness,

became new fork within brain synapse

whenever a similar choice point arrives,

providing practice of active self diagnostics

above fray from elevated 'soul perspective'

interwoven with Source filled miraculous Existence

which diffuses escalating life/death gravity

into multifaceted hide and seek game

Earth provides as 'Mother of Invention'.

Heats On

'Cheemah, Mother of the Spirit-Fire' statue in Jack London Square.

Oakland, California.

Heats On

9/20/11

Back home to hot Indian Summer

that's different from cool Finnish days

I'm reminded simmering weather adds difficulty

when wanting to work on writing,

land, projects needing clear brisk thinking,

especially around concepts aiming new approach

toward myriad incompletions which stand alongside

opportunity strewn path promising grand future,

these 'yet to be done' eddies

act like innumerable swirling black holes

threatening to usurp energy for creating

surprising reality imagination only hints at,

where original ideas can inspire passionate

direct action empowered by clear heart

generating impetuous fire burning away inertly

old habitual behaviors seeming so insurmountable,

this calls for discipline yet unborn

only hoped for possibility to embody

by throwing no longer formidable impediments

into cauldron bubbling with molten Potential

which begins tempering, becoming Excalibur Sword,

or Thor's Hammer of 'True Self',

strengthened by every defining blow absorbed

within physical dream of scaling mountaintop

as Phoenix Rising from yesterday's ashes,

being the Sun when heats on.

Coming Out

'Coming out' naked at dawn, cooled after first Finnish sauna experience.

Lake Iisvesi, Finland

('Hero's Moment' photo by TD)

Coming Out

9/19/11

There's something powerful in being seen

for who one is at moment

on long winding road of Life,

where people met reflect goodness back

with every smile, twinkling eye, laugh,

especially if heartfelt appreciation is spoken

specific to vital qualities, abilities, emerging

beyond normal patterns identified for years

as that 'being who you are',

this is discovery not revealed readily

if kept busy with mundane duties

or unwilling to risk past significance

because afraid of new world entering

through backdoor following natural easy inclinations,

those simple activities that bring joy

in between all the habits demanding

attention when clothed in old personas

worn thin from overuse for security,

it's allowing Soul Light to shine

original, naked, rare, with real Love

which oozes inspirational enthusiasm toward others

living in this Mystery we share,

all of us awakening each day

to virgin opportunities promising great surprise

when learning more about elusive 'Self'

by coming out into Great Unknown.

Focused Energy

'Mumsie' surrounded mostly by singing grandchildren hungry for cake and ice cream.

Focused Energy

9/17/11

Unexpected upon long return flight home

from visiting loved one in Finland

I oozed power, clarity, following day

up before 4 am., blogging, writing,

starting laundry, watering garden, making smoothie,

speaking medicine wheel gratitude, business calls,

grocery shopping, looked over job possibility

after delivering pickup for brake repair,

dropped petsitter at S.J. bus station,

prepped for celebrating Mom's 88th birthday

that is friends/family reunion Saturday,

dinner followed late afternoon banking when

stumbling upon Greek Festival food boothes ,

found hummingbird card while searching gift

on Pacific Garden Mall for 'Mumsie',

deciding instead to sing 'her' song

with guitar in crazy improv style

honed by practice of Ipod recordings,

which I'll do for epic story

of 'Dotties' life that'll easily flow

from heart, to head, through lips,

into ears connecting with 30 souls

having prior to supplied adjective each,

maybe more, to describe 'Spitzer matriarch'

who'll undoubtedly laugh, cry while listening

lengthy meandering tale embellished with humor

about Dorothy's existence and focused energy.

Vibrations

Train taken at Helsinki station on course set for Kuopio, Finland.

Vibrations

9/16/11

This is Soul's subtle communication

that forever looks for match

with synergistically aligned creative power

emanating from Source into humanity,

where individuals can pay attention

to 'feathery resonating hummingbird frequency'

finely tuned into Inner Guidance

revealing clear heart/mind knowing,

which points toward energy emerging

able to deliver 'Dream manifestation'

while using self diagnostic tools

born from generations gone before,

without, there's slow reinvention process

trying out hit, miss strategies

unable to unite heaven, earth,

yin, yang, man and woman,

on path only few embody,

though more are desperately needed

who can interpret unfolding signs,

plus have enough courage, vision,

for realizing their strengths, weaknesses,

overcoming obstacles deterring full fruition

upon undetermined course toward Destiny,

authored in surprising history books

spirits happily write when together

they raise vibrations on Earth.

Make Believe

Danced at this club called 'Puikkari' with TD on last night in Kuopio, Finland.

Make Believe

9/15/11

We embody the surprising stories

our many selves conjure up

through stages of evolving process,

childhood, adolescence, young adult, maturity,

taking us into golden years,

wherein hopefully wisdom reigns supreme

while magnifying willingness to explore

realms of imagination yet untapped

within understanding our unimaginable Power,

how each of us directs

unique Existence housed in memory,

that we're never too late

when wanting new chapter written,

though some abilities may pale

others are knife edge sharp

ready to cut away obstacles

once formidable when last approached,

advancing beyond limited dream borders

using different criteria to choose

approach, involvement, completion, in territories

Life offers along the path,

every Soul influences daily orchestration

according to mysterious inner compass

as creative writer, producer, actor,

setting scenes, lights, timing, dialogue,

turning make believe into reality.

Clarity

Refreshingly bracing morning swim in Lake Iisvesi after my first Finnish sauna.

(photo by TD)

Clarity

9/14/11

'No' is as important as 'Yes',

each pointing toward direction of travel,

the former aims correction through negation

sometimes unearthing information that shifts perspective,

perhaps removing block to genuine advancement

along lines high dreams have carved

while expanding essential knowledge of Self,

often it means 'dodging a bullet'

characterized as litany of bad occurrences

because foundational base wasn't deeply anchored

in bedrock of authentic Soul pursuit

discovered as much by accident when

pruning, cleaving, clearing various surrounding territories

overgrown with attitudes, images, opinions, beliefs,

fed by family, peers, education, media,

all of society with it's philosophies,

norms, ideas about love, life, success,

where debris removal reveals survey marker

on path easy to positively affirm

without comparing, compromising, or regretting

what might have been if different,

though it wasn't, wherein acceptance enters

as celebration for one's unique sensibilities,

skills, talents, composing gift to world

that's beautifully in everyone of us

brings more clarity to multifaceted Mystery.

Trust Process

Excavation for parking garage in downtown Kuopio, Finland.

Trust Process

9/13/11

It's been said 'Journey is destination.'

where each second, minute, day, compose

tapestry of Existence, step by step,

on course between cradle and grave,

every breath carrying Life as cargo

before death's uncompromising hand ends story

that is written in tombstone dash,

this delivers great importance to moment

creating sober gravity of epic proportion

within choice points presented, large, small,

left or right turn, forward, reverse,

reminding there are few easy answers

whether it's beginning along a course,

completing a segment aimed toward conclusion,

or deciding to carry on valiantly

even if unclear as to what

a gainful lasting result might be,

certainty in 'knowing' is often rare,

fleeting at best, since change occurs

along path of dreams so susceptible

to turbulent winds invading daily consciousness

in form of reality's pragmatic concerns,

yet, all circumstance presents an opportunity

for expanding wisdom along the trail

bringing compensation for challenging times experienced,

becoming success, encouraging we 'trust process'.

Engaged Witness

An engaged witness at one of Finland's many lakes.

(photo by TD)

Engaged Witness

9/12/11

It's impossible to be detached observer

while visiting loved one's family, friends,

on land, in towns holding memory

from days minus a newcomer's presence,

there's no getting around added influence

as potential partner comes onto scene

meeting and greeting an established community

who want happiness for their member,

especially if sincere transparency is valued

by pair who seek possible togetherness

because life, love is about interplay

between minds, bodies, hearts, and souls,

always richer when responsibility is taken

when revealing 'truth' as relationship transpires

which encourages growth, and expanded understanding

through rough spots born from misinterpretations,

whereon other side humor, laughter, return

deeper, stronger, fuller, having somehow survived

hard choice points unique circumstances create,

but this takes an aware practice

that willingly reviews happenstance of yesterday

to mine jewels in shared experience,

whether from mud, or clear waters,

becoming bountiful harvest for essential work

of showing up, vulnerably exposing core

with sincere authenticity as 'engaged witness'

Sudden Change

Full moon over peaceful Lake Iisvesi near Rautalampi, Finland.

Sudden Change

9/11/11

In Finland golden birch leaves drop

on green grass yielding to brown

as lake waters shrouded in mist

ripple upon shore from invisible wind

orchestrating gentle caress of tree limbs,

it's presence known only by effect,

what's seen, felt through human senses

though Nature is intimately familiar with

Her cast of characters, emerging dialogue,

performing different acts in unimaginable scenes

played within theater of the miraculous,

no two performances ever to repeat

when conscious homo sapiens witness 'premier'

of unveiled brilliance entering surprised heart

tuned into Life's undulating sublime rhythms,

gifts special to native of land

distinctly hearing moon, galaxy, Northern Lights,

whisper call for walk in Mystery

during night along silent, peaceful lake

ably mirroring a pulsating 'aurora borealis'

marveled by woman who awakens others,

their heads tilted to view sky

dancing with expanding, contracting emerald effervescence,

awed by confluence as shooting stars

create opening for prayerful wish of

positive sudden change in world, ourselves.

Local Color

'Rye porridge' being served at Harvest Festival.

Koli, Finland (photo by TD)

Local Color

9/10/11

I love being off beaten path

traveling backroads of mind or world

exploring Existence with a pioneering eye

to experience something not read about,

perhaps only hinted at in brochures

when going to visit distant lands,

though it helps immensely when blessed

by guiding hand knowing the territory

especially if companion is dear friend

who shares language of mind, heart,

spirit, while able bodied, up for

grand adventure with innocent from abroad

who stirs pot of what's routine

by sometimes delivering different perspective,

this is true whenever I'm visited

at home by distant loved one,

often surprised as reaction or response

gifts an expanded understanding of humanity,

life, how I see myself, others,

the surrounding landscape, spurring creative ideas

as to unique way of engaging,

revealing, enlightening staid conceptions I hold,

perhaps I also bring refreshing outlook

remembered by those so kind, generous,

loving, who gave precious time

showing me local color and culture.

Feeling Into It

Atop 'Koli', also known as 'Crystal Mountain', in 'Pielinen Karelia' area of Finland.

(photo by TD)

Feeling Into It

9/9/11

My decisions very often involve this

whenever I look back on strategies

used while performing creative construction work,

choosing direction of activity on land,

what event in town I'll attend,

or discovering dreamscapes worthy of pursuit,

and most importantly, avenues toward love,

it's something I've come to trust

having somewhat learned language that translates

these subtle sensations surfacing from within

becoming grand form as feelings, emotions,

though initially tuning into peaceful 'Soul'

navigating me through world of Mystery

that has knowledge beyond mere 'intellect'

holding blueprint to possibly great unfolding

'map of potential' brain can't decipher,

where I must patiently pay attention

each moment, aware of ego gyrating

with dialogue around needing to know,

wanting it's timetable fulfilled, solidly so,

for plans to be made efficiently

while denouncing any ambiguity as proof

of 'spiritual procrastination' not to heed,

who knows, perhaps mind is master,

yet I've seen, experienced, the results

when talked into living counter my

Truth, without really feeling into it.

Enduring

Monument to origin of 'shoe cobblers union' in Kuopio, Finland.

Enduring

9/8/11

History tells of long struggles

with monuments to those fallen,

having given life for betterment

of family, friends, community, nation,

reminding we are the beneficiaries

enjoying inventions and accumulated progress

born of efforts from others

who left legacy large, small,

mostly unheralded, lost through time,

yet, for moments during journey

from cradle leading to grave

someone gratefully acknowledged their contribution,

or more importantly, they did

as individuals having inner dialogue

encouraging themselves to sally forth,

toil onward while giving gifts

born of their unique sensibilities

none other has identically inhabited

before in world beautifully diverse,

terribly transient, that buries everyone

while it forgets over years

one's accomplished existence that influenced

those whose footsteps came behind,

though no reason to surrender

when questions of 'What's worthwhile

to create?' involves enduring obscurity.

Arrival

View from restaurant atop 'Puijon torni', the 'space needle' overlooking Kuopio, Finland.

Arrival

9/7/11

I've landed in new world

of Karelian pie, vendace, reindeer,

roe, salmon, berries, and lakes,

islands, trees seen to horizon

from restaurant atop 'Puijon torni'

on hill overlooking Kuopio, waterways,

the university, and surrounding area

as floor revolves in circumference

every hour inside round observatory,

outward slanted flat glass panels

allow commanding eagle eye view,

more so on unprotected top

being windblown beneath cloudy skies

rippling blue gray at sunset,

a low light-kissed beige band

illuminates westwardly toward Sweden, Norway,

not visible beyond Finnish landscape

dense with myriad green foliage

even on small earth dabs

amid languid liquid silver ribbons

that create miles of shoreline

known by tribes over centuries,

whose courage, ingenuity, resourceful independence,

were birthed by Nature's challenges

inspiring songs of enduring land

rarely evident upon newcomers arrival.

What I Could

Entry into my rustic domain.

What I Could

9/5/11

In the air, it's final,

bags were packed, home cleaned,

Wing, rugs, given flea treatment,

Sean apprised of responsibilities, work,

how to handle pets, garden,

my domain, left for adventure

into Finland and persistent Unknown,

bringing imagination, reality, promise together,

I've labored to make money,

time, for exploration of Dream

with amazing woman, myself, Universe,

that could include changes around

relationship, career, where home is,

what I deliberate about when

seeing, hearing, feeling surrounding Mystery

all so newly original, virgin,

entering Source manifestations with Presence

only Soul Essence can muster,

open to what is available

without judgment, comparison, or measure,

engaging a beginner's mind perspective

able to observe minus chatter,

no good, bad, past, future,

at ease taking in Life,

where ego is in service

doing what I could beforehand.

Soul's Home

At home in my medicine wheel breathing during 'tslagi'.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Soul's Home

9/3/11

Eckhart Tolle says this moment,

now, between past and future

is abode for spiritual essence

connected to ever moving Source,

as ego constructs everything else

in way of cognition arriving

with attachments to physical results,

all desires we want manifested,

measuring progress, comparing, judging others,

ourselves, according to social norms,

he describes breath as doorway,

feeling inhalation, exhalation, lungs filling,

emptying, hearing air move through,

sensing nostrils flare, lips part,

belly expands, contracts, in, out,

where thoughts stop when 'being'

one with Life Force entering,

leaving, as virgin first, last,

letting eyes see without naming,

relaxing into an unbounded Oneness

which opens to transcendent capacity

when realizing everything is alive

sacredly beautiful conglomeration to celebrate,

even as distorted human endeavors

threaten the deep equanimity inhabiting

our 'Soul's home' inside us.

Here Then Gone

Old 'rescued' cat, 'Paint', short for 'Painted Fire', recently deceased.

Here Then Gone

9/2/11

Everything is temporary

as change happens

in all territories

defining miraculous Life,

this brings comfort

when thought of

while enduring hardship,

or delivers melancholy

after deep appreciation

of love, beauty,

remembering nothing lasts,

but that's ego

playing pingpong game

between past, future,

barely visiting 'presence',

the 'soul's home'

weaving each 'now'

into rich tapestry

determining enlivened Existence,

old wise folks

know of transience

from losing partners,

friends, youthful vitality,

over the years,

some laugh easily

not 'holding on',

ready to be

here then gone.

Small Minded

Castle stumbled upon on back road between Edinburgh and Oban in Scotland.

Small Minded

9/1/11

Fear constantly looks for crack

in seemingly armored solid stance

backed up by philosophical beliefs,

armies of opinion, attitudes, stories

our imagination projects for protection

as safe harbor from Unknown,

whenever tentative grasp on Mystery

implodes then ego tries controlling

means toward success of endeavor

so grand that it's unmanageable,

even more with defense undone

where doubts, distrust, old distortions

storm castle walls, laying waste

allies of faith, courage, enthusiasm,

raping and pillaging all goodness

becoming another 'dark night' onslaught

that strips down to core,

again facing cold hard reality

standing over another fallen dreamer

taunting them to try again

without 'securities' so easily vanquished,

spitting in eye with disgust

challenging resilient 'soul authority' within

to fight for life, love,

beauty, all that's essentially dear

inside heart of Self, humanity,

dispelling small minded curse forever.

Thoughts

My hands that can create or destroy.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Thoughts

8/31/11

These comprise my early morning

while sitting, waiting to write

whatever pops into this brain

from origin Unknown to me

though 'ego' assumes 'creator' mantle,

but really just a channel

that is megaphone for Source

which communicates directly through Soul

if 'I AM' willingly listens

becoming conductor for future unfoldment,

and this exaggerates odd paradox

when I stop actively perusing

while embracing quiet 'no mind',

then clarity gets to percolate

out of Great Silence permeating

this Universe as 'OM' vibration

birthing original inspiration and grace

in medium that is 'human',

you, me, all of Creation,

able to be wiped out

like mosquito demise between hands

whenever civilization 'thinks' it knows

because of technology collected information

as if that proves intelligence,

looking to control cerebral activity

toward thoughts society deems normal.