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Flashback in the USSR
March 23, 2014
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How prescient was Sir Paul when he said of course it’s going to go well here when we talk about the Ukraine girls? This song was sarcastic when it was written, and is more ironic now than ever. We are back in a state very similar to the Cold War, and the joke is heavy. Was there ever true communism??? I say no, just state capitalism, which is a sorry substitute. Today we know that putting our heads down in the hall of the school will not protect us from a full blown nuke attack. Do you see a good way to end the Russian stand-off, gentle readers?
Self Image, The Archetypes
March 21, 2014
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Learning about archetypes has taught me to look at life more closely, and free myself of some old restrictive self images. We all play different parts in our own lives. As we age our desires naturally change and our personalities become more complex. In our history we can discern times when one role has been the dominant one, giving way to another as time passed. Some of us never outgrow our rebel, and some are artists whose latent talent is not discovered until a ripe old age. We all have within our psyches a child, a victim, a saboteur, and a prostitute that are brought to the spotlight by different circumstances.
Plato called this phenomena forms. Carl Jung coined the phrase and defined basic archetypes. He taught that these pure images arise in dreams and in reality as a result of the collective consciousness. Carolyn Myss has evolved the work to include many more archetypes, and has created books, cards, and courses to teach the concepts. It is a powerful practice to draw a timeline of your own life and remember when you encountered strong archetypes in yourself and other people, and how that may have been repeated. All religions use archetypes to teach lessons because they are memorable. The archetype in my first house is the hedonist. When that hedonist is good she is very very good, and when she is bad she is horrid. Such is the case with all of these eternal and universal roles. They have both a light and a dark side. The possibilities are endless. Do you have a strong dominant role you have played throughout your life?
Self Sacrifice or Delusion?
March 10, 2014
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Sacrifice is presented as desirable in some circles. Women in particular are lead to believe that sacrifice will be rewarded, even when the reward is not in sight. While we can’t go through life without any instances of victimhood, making a habit of it is a very bad idea. Feminism had a lot to do with rejecting victim status, and yet women today are wrapped up in a number of delusional mindsets that rob happiness. Perfection will not be attained for more than a few seconds in any arena, so expectations must be matched to that reality. Striving for more of everything without stopping to enjoy what we have will lead us in a downward cycle. There is no amount of money or status that can change the need to wallow in the role of the victim. Sore winners abound, and wining does not make them happy. Suffering is a matter of perspective and is not absolute.
I have been studying and meditating on Thomas Moore’s new book, A Religion of One’s Own, which I am enjoying. When I heard him talk about the book he said many of his patient’s in his counseling practice were treated too harshly in childhood. Since this heavy discipline was sometimes associated with religion, these adults suffer today from combinations of guilt and inappropriate self punishment. Mixed messages from our youth of spirituality and sacrifice can create havoc in the soul. Take good care of yourself, gentle reader.
Born Again Babe of Justice
February 13, 2014
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- Born Again
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- Donna
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- Justice Babes
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- Celina
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- Halls of Justice
I had a magical experience that changed my life last year. During the government shut down my friends and I were treated to a tour of a working monument to justice in San Francisco. The very special building, which is owned by the taxpayers, was still open for business while the irresponsible part of the federal government was having an irrational fit at the taxpayers’ expense. We each had a chance to put on a robe and pose with the babes of justice, as my friend who works with them calls them. We all felt very special and talked later about being so lucky and having so much fun that day. Sometimes events take on more meaning as time reveals a larger meaning. I was being baptized on that bench and accepting a big mission that I recognize now. We were joking and laughing, really being free and happy, but a vow to liberate others through justice was happening at the same time. Let me explain:
My first teacher of Buddhism was Claude D’Estree, a monk who hangs tight with the Dalai Lama of Tibet. When we were lucky enough to receive teachings from his holiness in September of 1993 Claude flew down from Denver once a month for a year before his arrival to initiate us to Tibetan Buddhist teachings in preparation. We had classes at St Phil’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, and held retreats on that beautiful campus to learn about the three jewels. The subject was new to me, but Claude is an excellent teacher. From the dedication of merit to dependent arising, he covered the material in such a way that very complex concepts became clearer. I will never forget an example he used to explain compassion, using his own personal life experience.
He had worked as a federal prosecutor, who has the obvious job of defending justice and fighting evil. This job exposed him to egregious wrongdoing. As a monk he has the job of using compassion to save the world from pride, delusion, and anger by practicing patience. This seems like a paradox, and it is. He taught us that the most compassionate thing to do for people who are delusional, destructive and angry is to stop them. The trick about doing it as a prosecutor-monk, or monk-prosecuter is to do it without any attachments or aversions, in other words, without anger. Compassion turns anger into patience, an alchemical process that takes much dedication and study to achieve. He had to prosecute very serious criminals in the line of duty. He had also taken the Bodhisattva vow to return to earth until all beings are free and happy. He has undertaken this giant mission to meditate and cultivate diligence for those whose minds are slack and wondering ( a seemingly unending group). Since we all were given the rare opportunity to tread the path of buddhahood Claude was showing us how to meditate and turn our own merit into bliss for others who are suffering. I think of him and his teaching often when my patience is challenged.
The year of study and retreat was a deeply religious experience, but did not require the student to become a proclaimed Buddhist, or join any group or movement. The teachings were given to help us comprehend the even deeper experience of our time with his holiness. We were initiated to Green Tara and introduced to Shantideva. These are deep teachings that can take lifetimes to comprehend, but the Dalai Lama encouraged the women in the class by telling us that we have a better chance of spontaneous or instant enlightenment than the guys. We learned the mantra for Green Tara, who has the specialty of speed. She is the Mother of all Buddhas who saves us from our envy, wrong view and avarice.
For years I have been involved in an anger/patience/justice drama about my home. Now I am going to have to do some serious patience practice while I sue the flaming pants off the city of Tucson for violating federal revenue law and obstructing justice like crazy fire. I am calling on Green Tara to save me from attachment and doubt in order to liberate our neighborhood from evil. I have taken the vows too, and have a responsibility. Green Tara and I are now both babes of justice. Wish me luck as I walk through the valley of the shadow of anger.
Religion Unplugged
January 23, 2014
— 4 Comments
Changing Hands Bookstore
book signing
A reformation of religion is happening before our very eyes. As the formal religions loose members and believers the souls are still out there wandering around seeking some meaning in life. This is an era of very lost souls grasping at self help, self hypnosis, and the usual self delusion. I am lucky my parents did not really introduce religion into my life. They attempted, obviously out of guilt, to send me to the Presbyterians when I was about 11, but they told me it was for punishment. Maybe they let it slip, but I had the big picture which was that I was bad and the people at the Presbyterian church could whip me into shape. That was my initiation into fake religion and it did have deep meaning in my formative years. I saw the lack of ethical standards, and besides, that church had a God awful choir. I had no positive reinforcement that would incline me to want to ever go to church. I felt perfectly righteous to rebel, and saw myself as something of a martyr whenever I had to go to any religious service. I have something like the opposite of Catholic guilt. However, I have studied religion and read more books on the subject that most people, I think.
Last night in Tempe at The Changing Hands Bookstore I heard Thomas Moore speak to a crowd about his new book, A Religion of One’s Own, which I read and think is a grand opus…not a long and dry one…a deeply profound work that will change minds and souls. Tom Moore is to religion what Andrew Weil is to medicine. He has the education and credentials that are needed to start a reformation. I was surprised to hear the word reformation in his speech last night, but he knows of what he speaks. He talked about changing the world in the same way Pope Francis does when he makes his own breakfast. Since he spent years as a monk his piety can’t be questioned. Since he has a doctorate in world religion his knowledge of scripture, doctrines, and history are impeccable. Perhaps most important in our current soul crisis is his experience as a Jungian therapist. His direct experience with the suffering of his patients has shown him the sad results of religion served up with a side of hypocrisy and shame.
He asks the readers not to take this book lightly. I can’t imagine the kind of person who would do that, but they surely exist. He is sharing insight and wisdom that can extricate tortured souls from their day to day pain. He suggests that laborare est orare applies to all of us. In other words, each moment on earth has big potential in a sacred context. Every act, chopping wood, carrying water, or washing dishes provides an opportunity to make life a joyous celebration. Bliss and mysticism are states to which we can aspire and attain. We are supposed to be happy, weird, and free. So…here we have it, permission to go be free, from a verified expert in academic knowledge. I hope we will all take him up on this offer, and predict the book will change the world in a very positive way. (Read it.)
Eros and You
January 14, 2014
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Eros Ramazzotti is my favorite Euro pop star and this song was his first giant hit in Europe. I had not seen this video story of his quest to find the love of his life. It is like a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt in which the destination is not known, but clues are gathered. This love story has dream qualities in which strong symbols compel him to continue the search. The Roman god Eros was involved with much mystery and trickery. Eros fell in love with Psyche but concealed his identity while he courted her nightly. His mother Aphrodite was jealous of Psyche’s beauty, and wished her harm. The story has many dramatic twists and turns but in the end the couple does marry and live happily.
Eros has a sexual spark, but it can represent beauty, vitality and flow of life. When a person place or thing turns you on it reminds you of the vital force within your own body. To be sexy or feel attracted is to confirm your own mysterious connection to love and your destiny as a lover. To follow each tiny vital impulse would prove too much, but how can we be sensitive and respond when true love calls? It is possible that only at the end of your life will you be able to look back and identify your true loves, your true dreams, and your true beliefs? Is the treasure hunt for love so subtle and full of mysterious layers that we can only understand in retrospect? What will you hunt for on Valentine’s Day? Where will you find Eros?
Juno
January 13, 2014
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Juno is the Roman goddess of childbirth and marriage. She conceived and gave birth to her son, Mars, the god of anger, by taking an herb given to her by the goddess Flora. She acts as one of the three guardians of Rome together with Minerva and Jupiter. Both Juno and Jupiter are said to be able to throw thunderbolts. She was jealous when Jupiter gave birth to a fully armed Minerva from his head, so she gave birth to her own warrior son.
In Thomas Moore’s new book, A Religion of One’s Own, he explains that Juno can be perceived as a guardian angel spirit for women. Men have similar genius spirits, in a mythological sense. These guardian angels or personal spirit guides act to individuate and protect people. It is notable to me that either Jupiter or Juno can give birth to armed warriors for protection. Another key concept brought up in the book that is new to me is that Mars was considered to be a close friend of agriculture. Mars protected the crops from pests. Mars represents anger artfully directed, rather than repressed or exploded. That is why they are called martial arts, not lucha libre.
The idea of protection reminds me that it is fitting and healing to deal with dark emotions appropriately. The energy of the thunderbolt throwing parents of Minerva and Mars must be carefully directed and not treated lightly. War and anger may be a part of life, but they can be used to remove obstructions in an earthly or a spiritual realm. Primal anger, which we all have, is useful and instructive. It draws the line, but it can also cause great distress and confusion. I agree with the idea that we need to be aware of our anger and how we express and use it as an integral part of a personal awakening. I like the helpful imagery of my full time Juno guarding me, and plan to take her with me all the time. If you enjoyed a guardian angel as a child, or even if you never did, it is not too late to relate to yours.
A Religion of One’s Own, Review
January 11, 2014
— 6 Comments
A Religion of One’s Own
I just read A Religion of One’s Own by Thomas Moore, an author I admire. I met him in person last May when he had recently completed the book and was in the editing process. The workshop I took with him then was about soul, spirit, and the distinction between the two. This new book goes into detail on this subject. Like his other books I have enjoyed the subject matter is easily accessible although the reader becomes highly aware of Tom’s deep background and knowledge of world religions, art, music, history, and natural magic. He spent many years as a monk learning languages and music composition as he studied to be ordained as a priest. His knowledge of Greek and Latin always add depth to his concepts because he carefully traces true meanings in words. The words I learn from him stay in a special memory bank of super charged, precious possessions. They are magic words for me, with mystical value.
I read the book almost non stop on my Kindle paperwhite, a new gadget I now think is excellent. One feature of Kindle reading is the ability to look up words within the device as you read. The words you look up are added to your ongoing vocabulary list. Since I learn new words every time I read his work, this was fabulously useful. Here is my new vocabulary from this book:
- pleroma
- pusillanimous
- constellate
- canonical
- inchoate
- detrius
Normally I would take the meaning from context and go on, but now I am a real vocabulary builder. What Thomas Moore is asking us all to do is to develop a much broader vocabulary and understanding of religion. The mystical and mysterious is essential to our fulfillment and happiness. Without soul, spirit, and practices that maintain the health and vigor of both in our lives we can become dead to the pleasure of being alive. Churches and formal religion have lost the leadership role they once maintained without question. Now it is important not to discard the sacred and the meaningful, but to make a unique personal system that is true to our own natures. Dogma and deterioration from institutions can be replaced by practices that feed our souls and our spirits, and nurture harmony in our communities.
I know all of Tom’s many fans will be happy to read this latest edition of his teaching. If you have not had the pleasure of meeting him in person or in writing you are missing a very special treat. He is a Renaissance Man in that he is honestly creating a renaissance vortex and map for his readers to follow. He is asking no less than a rebirth and re-empowerment of our sacred traditions so as not to loose the beauty and significance of them. He gives concrete suggestions and guidance to achieve this goal by treating all the religious traditions as one’s own. Personal wisdom and satisfaction are essential to living a blissful, peaceful life. Thomas Moore has once again created a meaningful and significant lesson we can all easily grasp. The book is short, compelling, and will leave you in a new frame of mind. It is worth reading, and even more worth practicing.
Clear The Active
January 7, 2014
— 3 Comments
My Clean Office
Clean desk, clear mind, well defined goals, and a new practices are being planned for the new year. Finishing what one starts is a big lesson in my life since I like to start everything all the time. My declaration of the war on clutter has revealed how much of an overstock I had in some parts of my life and space. Dilligence to stay clean is a constant effort, since tax season is upon us and the paper will be flowing in and sorted for that fun activity. I know taxes are an excuse, and not a good one, to pile up papers rather than file or discard them on the spot. I have had a remedial session with a house keeper deep cleaning as I deep organize and toss. I have a box of paper I need to sort, but I created a temporary clean desk for the week, and will not return to the stack of paper lifestyle in 2014. I am dedicated to wasting less space and less time on distraction. Nothing is more distracting than a bunch of really important tax documents mixed and stacked in a pile of all the latest AARP junk mail and bank offers, taking up the space around you. It is very silly to allow that junk mail to get to the desk..Just like wiping one’s feet at the door, it is easier to keep the unwanted schmutz from entering in the first place.
In order to take off the runway must be cleared of any obstructions. The glass top of my desk is to remain clean and clear beyond National Clean Desk Day. I will not allow this achievement to drown in a sea of paper. I vow to throw it out at the mailbox and edit it before it comes to the office. Every day I will file, use or throw out the papers that I keep. Sticking to this practice will make me a happier person and therefore a better writer. I am enthusiastic about the #CleanDeskDay contest launched in celebration of this wonderful concept. Let’s get clean and stay clean all of 2014!!! I can’t wait to see what will be posted in instagram under #CleanDeskDay to enter the contest. The real prize is the clean desk.
GUEST BLOG: Social Media and Crime – by Sandra Mills
January 7, 2014
Social Media is changing the way crime is done. Be aware of the connection. Keep yourself save and secure by knowing the odds and the methods, which are constantly evolving. Since the big fat Target at Christmas event we need to evaluate how and when we do anything on line.
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