Storied Evolution

Remnants of over 5,000 year old living quarters at 'Scara Brae'.

Orkney Island, Scotland

Storied Evolution

3/15/11

Specifically and generally homo sapiens are known

by personal, cultural, and Earth's 'history',

our early ancestors in tribal clans

received succor from a turbulent Mother

with Her seasons, upheavals, pendulum swings,

where parasitic humans matched volatility

amid desperate survivalist 'present'

initiating cognitive ability to remember 'past',

bringing first 'wisdom teaching' forward

surfacing idea that 'future' days were coming

and could be prudently planned for,

so it went, becoming out of balance extreme,

people fearful or excited about 'tomorrow'

depending upbringing, class, finances, education,

any number of experiences lived through

that inform thoughts of what is possible

whether it will be terrible or exalted outcome,

while most forget living 'in the moment' today

is place each individual 'tale' takes shape

written by how we handle life's procession

from cradle to grave, encountering sadness, joy,

plus everything in between others witness,

our friends, family, lovers who play roles

as supporting actors in this interdependent theater,

able to reflect and recount distance traveled

giving resounding applause to our storied evolution.

World Adapts

Small village of 'Bunessan' when the tide is out, a couple miles from my 'croft' at 'Kintra'.

October 2006 on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

World Adapts

3/14/11

Evolution can be a messy affair,

some say Holocaust created big leap

in moral consciousness of humanity,

and end of any war wants same

to be formally recognized as advance,

rendering statements like 'Never again!'

'Forever remember horrible lessons learned!'

where everyone tries on new outlook

of peaceful brother and sisterhood, oneness,

realizing we're all in this together,

so do abnormal 'natural' disasters

when living on an 'alive' Earth

that constantly equalizes forces, balancing

gravity pulling in, fiery core pushing out,

no two days ever staying the same,

plants grow, die in cyclical dance,

mountains rise up broadening girth,

waters crest and fall with moon

or movement from fault line shifts,

many impacting with drastic consequence

while others don't register with sentients,

especially those preoccupied consuming humans

caught up in narcissistic pursuit of security

never to be attained within changing environment,

until surprise emergencies activate great qualities,

as virtues, sorely needed when whole world adapts.

Exposure

Shot of me exposed in 'thong' and tool bag' on workshop steps.

(photo by Art Durand Photography)

Exposure

3/12/11

It takes years,

many aging cycles,

depending one's experiences

and natural constitution

discovered through life,

using diagnostic systems

such as astrology,

Enneagram, Meyers-Briggs,

Earth Wisdom Teachings ...

to find clarity,

willingness, and courage

for overcoming fear

of persecution, criticism

when being genuinely

authentic truthful Self

in any circumstance,

especially if decision

will begin, end,

transform individual journey

effecting other people

through unwanted repercussions

visited upon them,

this becomes challenge

within 'soul' authority

that continually reconciles

need for exposure.

Catch Fire

Artwork by 'O'.

Catch Fire

3/11/11

I love to hear stories

about struggles and redemption,

forever rooting for underdog to succeed

in life, sports, movies, world,

as it feels like authentic mirror

reflecting some universal paradigm

of indomitable Source called 'Life Force' ...

earth's blade of grass piercing concrete,

water's ability to circumvent any obstacle,

air as omnipresent invisible potent resource,

plus flames of spirit that fuel creative freedom ...

so when reconnecting with old friend,

a Finnish lass and sister in 'Earth Wisdom'

recollecting our experiences since 'Ehama Institute',

hearing of her long, winding road afterward

filled with challenging dark days of soul,

there was feeling of amazement, awe,

of what a human being can endure,

adapt to, while on Herculean mission

we each have as our trail unfolds,

uniquely, within great dance of Existence,

leading to most valued treasure

which is truly knowing one's 'Self',

celebrating 'your' rare combination of ingredients

while loving every small and profound aspect,

then to 'catch fire', unafraid to shine light brightly.

Role Model

Two recent 'Talkabout' radio guests on KZSC where 'food freedom' was one of many topics.

Tereza Coraggio of 'Third Paradigm' fame.

Michael Olson of 'Food Chain Radio' and KSCO fame.

Role Model

3/10/11

How heartening to be surprised

when meeting someone new

who brings out feelings of admiration,

thoughts that something might be possible

because here is living proof,

a person doing what's been dreamed of

in quiet questioning of 'could I',

standing there as real example,

perhaps we're all pioneering explorers

for those who come behind,

showing a trail through life

by making unique way forward

knowing we can never replicate

specifically what another has done,

yet, an archetypal pattern often surfaces

which carries a kind of universality

spawning infinite diverse offshoots

where we're both different and the same,

no less than great leader, saint,

or more than the downtrodden,

each carries seeds that are necessary

for greater unfolding of humanity,

young and old teaching one another

evolving in dance of the miraculous,

inspiring courage by being genuine 'Self'

as authentic role model living one's truth.

Owning

Less traveled 'trail' taken by motorcycle after returning from visit to Isle of Harris and Lewis.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Owning

3/9/11

In a world made crazy

by choices, realistic or not,

it can be difficult to settle

upon major trajectory of life,

especially if imagination is strong

able to 'shoe horn' different scenarios

into one's miraculous world of potential

thinking anything is possible,

yet, probable becomes another matter,

instead I must take notice

of my natural tendencies, pace,

what draws me into passionate focus

engaging what elicits skills,

talents, sensibilities so inherent

and pleasured in process of creation

that 'ego desire' slips beneath

the great purpose of 'soul' calling

my life, inhabiting body, mind,

coloring spirit and emotions,

where reading subtle signs,

bold ones, details original trail

on map of personal adventure

which resembles a treasure hunt,

though it's not the physical territory

I must navigate in this 'shared' reality

while owning my unique contributions.

Small Headway

'Beehive cell', and labyrinth on small island near Isle of Iona, and Isle of Mull, Scotland.

Small Headway

3/8/11

When doing inner work

by reconfiguring thoughts,

shifting feelings through expression,

stumbling onto new revelations

or recirculating old ones,

it's often difficult

to perceive any change

during gestation period

seemingly taking forever,

perhaps not at all,

the fear of which

can leap into throat,

cut off breath,

cry for help,

ability to verbalize truth

as witnessed presently,

this is time for

trusting 'persevering faith'

that there's perfection

playing out in Unknown,

for better or worse

if left brain judges,

but right hemisphere wisdom

arrives as 'intuition',

whispers 'Keep going.'

while making small headway.

Great Turning

Bare and rare snow covered garden beds waiting seeds to be planted.

Great Turning

3/7/11

What must

I become

in order

to usher

dream visions

into manifested

physical reality,

claiming power

that's inside

purposeful 'soul',

where parts,

old patterns

fall away,

disintegrate, dissolve,

their energy

now available

as composted

fertile earth

awaiting time

for activation

of seeds

I plant,

while wanting

original expression,

inspired living,

creativity, during

'Great Turning'.

Surprise Validation

On Sunday morning radio show 'Conciliation Sunday' ,6-9 am. on KZSC. (www.kzsc.org)

(photo by Crysse Morrison)

Surprise Validation

3/6/11

It feels good to be recognized

for work done in service

toward love of some personal truth

such as today during KZSC pledge drive

when my radio show “Conciliation Sunday”

raised $940 from listeners

nearly tripling show's previous donation record,

15 listeners were willing to give support

which makes it more worthwhile

to get up early, forgo Saturday nights,

while providing inspiration to audience

through talks by spiritual masters

from “Sounds True Audio Learning Series” CDs,

on-air interviews of local movers and shakers,

reading pulled selections from books, magazines,

and playing music with meaningful lyrics,

so wonderful to have reinforcement

by community of like-minded people

during challenging times, this “Great Turning”

where much is being asked of us

in leaving the old world behind,

then trustingly stepping into new,

reaching out to one another,

brothers and sisters in this together

cheering unique strides we each make

received as surprise validation for efforts.

At Home

Home sweet home.

At Home

3/5/11

Here I can let loose,

turn guitar amp up loud

and sing at top of lungs

recorded by distant Ipod app,

or dance with abandon to music

DJ spins on college radio station,

surprising me and body by energy

that pours out after long work week,

earlier I had thoughts of unwinding

out on town, starting with happy hour,

then checking out local band playing,

clubbing with strangers, finding friends,

instead came back to my place,

unloaded the van, shook out tarps,

rearranged tools, fed the animals,

brought laundry upstairs to put away,

imbibing beer and toke that eased

any desire to leave this abode

where good things catch my attention

not just in evening of expression,

but tomorrow's potential began whispering

of possibilities to enjoy even more

if I didn't choose to stay out late,

spend money beyond tight budget

while distracted by women shaking booties,

much better to 'unleash' myself at home.

Simple

Scottish woman carrying a basket of dried 'peat' for burning.

Picture from hotel lobby on Isle of Mull, Scotland.

Simple

3/4/11

Chop

wood

carry

water,

do

what's

next

waiting

in

wings

of

fate,

destiny,

this

moment

second

minute

today,

trusting

life

to

show

itself

is

so

simple.

Challenges

Light at exit to an ancient cave on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

Challenges

3/3/11

Everyone suffers

at sometime,

feels friction

between past,

present, future,

running thoughts

that denigrate,

rob power

and possibility

for transcendence

beyond darkness

and trap

of victim,

villain, hero,

wondering how,

when, if,

there's escape

from 'dilemma'

into 'choice'

greatly favored,

finally shining

perfect light

toward easeful

flowing path

after witnessing,

learning more,

about Self

during challenges.

Take Advantage

Creating music with Marc Bass and Peter Clark (not pictured) at my 50th birthday bash.

Take Advantage

3/2/11

I'm not a father or mother

who has learned to savor moments

when not in service to family,

career, making ends meet

with endless chores to accomplish,

plus extracurricular activities for kids

where quiet moments for self care are rare,

you'll find me on pendulum's other end

verily spoiled with few real imperatives,

of course, working to provide food, shelter, money,

takes toll on amount of leisure time,

but being single, except for dog, two cats,

gives me plenty of personal freedom,

so much so I fear I'm lazy,

full of ideas, dreams from Aquarian mind,

yet, slow on manifestation of any

as there's no one to answer to, impress,

only myself and the 'judge' inside

who rears ugly head at crucial times

when not satisfied with produced results,

true, stewing in juices is necessary

especially during winter 'kiva' moons introspection

while cycles of aging activate differing values,

yet, in recollecting life experiences

my greatest absorbed joy is when

I take advantage of moment to create.

Over Humps

Homestead at mountain range pass during winter of 2007.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

Over Humps

3/1/11

Lately, life resembles a mountain,

oddly, of my own making

with a whole 'range' of peaks

off in distant territories to explore,

different from this 'base camp'

of how I've lived before 'now',

stirring feelings of being inexperienced,

inadequate, unprepared to scale heights

that my spirit outrageously dreams of,

thinking to pioneer into the Unknown

demands tools I don't have knowledge of,

but part of me believes I do

or 'should' have what it takes already

somewhere buried inside waiting discovery,

which sparks remembrance of the intangibles

I've come to realize about myself

through past failures and success,

the resilience to get back on 'horse'

after falling out of saddle while galloping,

filing away the lessons learned about balance,

and any number of other qualities

like courage, will, enthusiasm, playful imagination,

even stubbornness, anger, and dissatisfaction,

find place along trust, faith, love, curiosity,

belief in 'soul' that's connected to Source,

combined as 'creativity' to get over humps.

Clear Knowing

Years after immigrating from Romania, my great grandparent Spitzer's deli and restaurant.

Buffalo, New York

Clear Knowing

2/28/11

Call it being 'in the zone'

what appears as rare event

in an 'average' person's life experiences,

a kind of 'I can do no wrong.'

'This is what I'm meant for.'

understanding of 'being in the groove',

bringing one's unique gifts forward,

easing into a rooted genius

held dormant for so long

buried too deeply by mind's confusion,

all fuzzy and full of old programs,

fears, beliefs fed by failures

which muffled, but didn't quiet

the persistent call of the 'soul'

who witnesses journey, cradle to grave,

constantly buoying next courageous act

when feeling defeated, wondering why,

or thinking one's efforts don't matter,

yet, here's great aspect of our incarnation,

we're married to powerful creative truth

of being miraculous, like sun, moon, earth,

with origins from stardust light energy

connected to the magic of Existence,

able to guide ourselves each day

if we awaken with fresh virgin thoughts

that instill clear knowing of our perfection.

Spiral In

Plants and Buddha hunker down, immersed in rare cold morning with snow.

Spiral In

2/26/11

Seeds lie dormant

within garden of potential

occupying human heart, mind,

body, and spirit uniquely ours

as manifested this day and next,

each one an opportunity to root

beginning again the deep process

that eludes if forever engaged

by survival issues of capitalist economy,

like the magic of a plant's impetus to grow

tuned in and activated by Mystery

we also are miraculous incalculable entities,

beings who move and act for reasons

often beyond society's 'rational mind',

where inspired rhythms driven by connection

to Unknown Life Force play us,

will forever escort our consciousness

toward curious, wondrous adventure if open,

able to relinquish control of direction,

allowing self to be sparked intuitively onward

instigating an unraveling in cellular memory

tied inextricably to past, present, future,

letting go urgency of imaginary timetable

so we can thoroughly enjoy present moment

living the grace full immersion brings

when we spiral in following our soul's urging.

Wind And Rain

Scottish weather bearing down on Lochbuie coastline.

Isle of Mull, Scotland.

Wind And Rain

2//25/11

Why does my spirit soar

whenever Scottish like weather arrives

all blustery, wet, and powerful,

making no excuses, or taking names,

not caring what people think

just pushing things around

turning over what's been hidden

shaking loose old brown leaves,

breaking dead branches, saturating everything,

giving new posture to whole forest

moving limbs, trunks of oak,

redwood, madrone, bay, eucalyptus

in drunken orgy of clattering,

a radical dance to rare tune

as sounds whistle through air,

drops of water smack hard

against pavement, windows, siding, roof

with a diverse syncopated rhythm

constantly improvised, never the same

when sheets of fury are unleashed,

torrents carrying angry droplets

attack with ferocious 'kamikaze' energy,

stirring the ravenous beast in me

who'll create upheaval in mad search

for that which sustains raw aliveness

to match Nature's stormy wind and rain.

Stillness

A wonderful kind of 'mental floss'. Looking to the east from my workshop side roof.

Stillness

2/24/11

Waiting patiently

pen in hand

for words to surface

from calm breath,

mind that's open,

asking what wants light

hidden beneath feelings

of yesterday's making,

or culmination from many,

that creates residual

which becomes layered crud

blocking emotional intelligence

and guidance if ignored,

but I won't, can't,

being kind of addicted

to this personal expose

once just for self,

now splattered on blog,

a form of 'mental floss'

cleaning brain crevasses

clogged by experiences

leaving unhealthy debris

blocking effective synapse,

keeping me from recognizing

myself, life, as magic,

miracle, when entering stillness.

Resolve

I always resolve to finish a job I started, like Lani's retaining wall and redwood deck.

Resolve

2/23/11

If lucky,

persevering, brave,

most obstacles,

discomforts, illness,

conflicts, disagreements,

or dissonance

igniting emotions

that surface,

can lead

to resolution's

intertwining wisdom

in future

when remembering

process experience,

as darkness

leading toward

faraway light

at end

of tunnel,

the rebirth

into world

wholly original,

fully celebrating

life changes

embraced with

hidden resolve.

What's Possible

A 'layered' example of miraculous possibility taken from my workshop deck.

Loma Prieta with snow.

What's Possible

2/22/11

I like thinking anything is

even when life shows me otherwise,

in hindsight I see lost potential

imagining how things might have been

played out under different circumstances,

if 'only I had ...' or 'hadn't done ...',

half torturing myself with 'successful fantasy'

the old 'what if' game that entertains

until coming back to 'mean street reality',

is it any wonder why people escape

through distractions, self medication and such,

no longer willing or able to dream,

so tired of 'things not working out'

as desperately hoped and prayed for,

this diminishes key ingredients creating miracles

being so disgruntled with 'lot in life'

we given up looking or believing

that there are better options

wanting to make their presence known,

whenever we connect with indomitable Spirit,

our intangible unexplainable immutable Soul

intertwined within Mystery's 'great turnings'

forever witnessed through Mother Nature,

realizing our world consistently renews itself,

makes way for surprising layered diversity,

pushing the limits of what's possible.