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Entitlement vs Gratitude #1000Voices
November 20, 2015
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1000 Voices
I read the many helpful prompts for this month’s 1000 Voices Speak for Compassion posts with interest. The theme that coincides with Thanksgiving and the aftermath of the violence in Paris is gratitude. Gratitude is always part of compassion, but this month we will attempt to show what part gratitude plays in the openness of our hearts. I was stuck on the question, “What is the opposite of gratitude?”, a prompt that made me think more deeply on the subject. In order to know the shadow of some quality one needs to know the true nature of that quality. What exactly is gratitude? What are the elements of a sincere grateful spirit? We can’t dissect or analyze this literally, but must define what it is by what it is not. After sleeping and dreaming about it I have a few ideas about the real enemies of thankfulness. I have a little list.
- Entitled social classes
- Entitled nations
- Entitled religions
- Entitled families
- Entitled children
What I realize about this problem is that it is purely a matter of perspective. While some people are grateful to survive others are sore winners. Sometimes being the individual or group with privilege or advantage obscures reality for those people. Who can forget (once you know the story of the historical Buddha) the well meaning parents of Siddhartha Gautama who hid all suffering from him by royal decree. Nobody in his kingdom who was old or in poor health was permitted to be seen by the young prince. The fact that people suffer, grow old and die was a reality from which his parents thought they could protect him. Eventually, of course, he accidentally caught a glimpse of this truth. He left his palace, family, and weirdly artificial environment to find out what else he had been missing. One of my favorite sayings attributed to the historical Buddha is:
I believe that separation through a feeling of entitlement is cruel and isolating. All beings suffer and all beings deserve peace and happiness. The illusion that some of us are better than others prohibits the appreciation of the gift of life. Entitlement in all of its various disguises is a limitation to thankfulness and therefore to enlightenment. I wish all my gentle readers the experience of deep gratitude and compassion now and into the future. Please read more about this subject or add your voice here.
War
November 19, 2015
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“That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned: That until there are no longer first-class and second class citizens of any nation; That until the color of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained; And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman bondage have been toppled and destroyed; Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will; Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil.”
Haile Selassie address to United Nations Oct 6, 1963
Many music fans may think that Bob Marley wrote the lyrics to the popular song War. The song was created to immortalize a speech given at the UN in 1963. We are farther from the dream of lasting peace around the world than we were in 1963 because technology has served good and evil with equal measure. Now war moves faster and can potentially do much more damage quickly. I always loved this song and the idea that a tiny man from Africa delivered this truth, eloquence, and enlightenment to the United Nations. It was prophetic.
It has always made me feel uplifted because as I sing along I get louder and more committed as we arrive at the part about the victory of good over evil…right over wrong, yeah. I am one of those who fiercely believes in that victory in the long run. At this time I am having problems envisioning how the good is going to mange this conquest. Most people in history were dragged into war, forced to fight, because it is insane to take these violent risks. The ease with which the youth now is being convinced to start and end a private suicide war shows how far out of control this war/peace balance is. We must find ways to support compassion and fairness on earth because our futures depend on it. Jah, Ras Tafari, gentle reader. Keep the faith, baby.
Anonymous enrols the Ku Klux Klan on Grindr
November 18, 2015
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Cyber pranking for good
Having already shared the details of hundreds of alleged white supremacists, the hackers’ collective have now gone one step further to ensure that lonely racists can find the right love match. Members of the KKK have now found themselves inundated with date requests from Tinder, Grindr and the newly created ‘Blinkered’ – the app ‘for the narrow-minded’.
Only white hearts need apply
An ‘Anonymous’ spokesman said: ‘If we are outing racists, we might as use this as an opportunity to incorporate geosocial networking. With a simple slide-screen menu you can instantly see if you are near the racist of your dreams – be it a drunken Mel Gibson, an intoxicated Charlie Sheen or an utterly sober Katie Hopkins’.
‘Anonymous’ have also used KKK email addresses to swell the membership ranks of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. A magnanimous NAACP spokeswoman said: ‘We welcome diversity, even if…
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Avengers Square Off on the Digital Battlefield, #OpParis
November 18, 2015
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Strange alliances are being formed after the Paris attacks. An interesting turn of events is the war declared on twitter by Anonymous.
https://twitter.com/OpIceISIS/status/666407791708368898
Three days later Anonymous is teaching people how to hack ISIS and has published guides on how to do it. This is a new phase in avenging strategy. Not too long ago wars were declared by heads of state and fought by nations. ISIS initiated war in order to create a nation, and recognizes no borders or boundaries in their avenging. The avenger archetype has always existed in history. I sometimes feel a bit of avenger at work in my personality because I am highly sensitive to injustice. I do indulge in both self righteousness and indignant feelings on behalf of all mistreated sentient beings.
The new world of avenging made available through hacking, retweeting, and blogging has opened up many healthy avenging options that do not involve violence or terrorism. Now it is possible to use hashtags like #OpParis to openly attack enemies. Digital trash talk and taunting will continue. I wonder how much effect this digital line of attack will cause. Since social media has been used so well to radicalize new fighters it makes a lot of sense to me to work to shut down those propaganda opportunities. Since both groups are avengers without borders they are well pitted against each other. It is a heavyweight fight. I plan to hide, watch and retweet for the side of justice because I am more of a poet than an avenger. Perhaps I will dedicate some poetry to #OpParis to show my support. How do you view this new style of warfare, gentle reader? It has the feel of a video game, but it is completely real.
https://twitter.com/OpIceISIS/status/667044942271746048
#Anonymous vs #ISIS: the ongoing skirmishes of #OpISIS
November 17, 2015
— 3 Comments
Cyber war on twitter and beyond
Anonymous OpISIS via @lexinerus on Twitter
In the realm of social media wars, some are more fraught than others. There are the inevitable, tiresome third-glass-of-Malbec Friday night spats, and then there are the ones where lives, and possibly immortal souls, are at stake.
Anonymous is expert in both.
For months now, Anonymous has been doing what it does best. Not hacking. Not DDoSing to take websites offline. Nope. What they do best is hunt people, find those people, and taking them out, whatever it takes. And now they are after ISIS.
ISIS has done much of their recruiting work through social media channels: Facebook and Twitter, as well as more esoteric platforms. They use social media, particularly Twitter, as a propaganda tool and on this front they are considerably in advance of NATO and other Western forces, who tend to view such use as more of a risk than an advantage…
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The Health Bank
November 16, 2015
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sunflowers
Health and vitality are valuable assets and worthy investments of time and money. In order to preserve our good feelings and ease into our senior years we need to budget wisely. This budget is less about money and more about effort and habits. I consider the transactions such as good diet and sound sleep to be deposits into the account and less healthy choices like overeating or loosing emotional composure as withdrawals. Nobody can be perfect all the time, but if we balance the deposits with the withdrawals we will be more likely to maintain our health. Bouncing a well being check might have some disastrous consequences.
What kind of assets make up the wellness investment portfolio?
- strength and flexibility
- good balance
- healthy tools to manage stress
- healthy eating
- regular exercise
- clean uncluttered environment
- good relationships with friends and family
- satisfying hobbies or activities
- sound sleep
What kind of practices diminish the value of the well being portfolio?
- insomnia
- worry and stress
- poor nutrition
- lack of movement, including too much sitting
- all work and no play, or all play and no work
- financial mismanagement
- lack of pleasurable social contact
- addiction and over indulgence
You will have to balance the budget each week to stay in line with the goal of staying in good health. The first step to proper management is honesty. Once the balance has fallen below zero sincere action is needed to restore good health. It is easier to maintain than it is to recover once it has been lost. I wish you health and happiness this winter, gentle reader.
Tucson Village Farm Harvest Festival
November 15, 2015
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Today we enjoyed the beautiful weather for family fun at the Tucson Village Farm Harvest Festival. This wonderful working and teaching farm regularly hosts kids on field trips and in special camps. Kids as young as toddlers come with parents to learn about gardening through educational programs designed for them. Food to eat from the site is always included and is often a hands on part of the kids’ experience. I have been to the garden when kids were in a class. The reaction of the students was unanimously delighted. The environment is perfectly created to make the educational impact young students need to improve diets and maybe even the health practices of the entire family. Today many families came out to be part of the festivities which were delightfully focused on farming fun.
University of Arizona students on the farm staff were on hand today selling produce, directing traffic, and being helpful and informative. They were clearly enjoying this day of celebration with the public. The ratio of very young children to adults was high, and the youngsters were all having a real blast. Special activities such as popcorn shucking were ongoing during the day to give families a chance to do some farming/playing with the kids. I believe the farm always does a good job of fulfilling the important educational mission they undertake. This party went above and beyond the everyday excellence. Staff and volunteers did an excellent job of planning and executing a wonderful public event.
entrance
pomegranate
queen’s wreath
teaching garden
rose with bee
student volunteer
garden
student volunteers
student farmers
garden
student farmer
popcorn
garden activities
Transformation Time, New Moon
November 11, 2015
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Tucson Racquet Club
Today there is a new moon. When the moon is obscured each month the heavens create a new canvass on which to paint, a new field in which to plant. I like to notice and honor each new moon because it allows me to recommit to goals on which I have slacked and create new ones. Now I am working on a new routine for my fitness and creative life. I am going to classes at my health club in order to develop a habit for the future. I have found enough excellent classes taught by highly competent teachers to keep me busy, but have to manage to create a new schedule for myself. Although I am a big fan of the classes I am also a bigger fan of a liberated life. There is a little struggle going on between the sensible analysis that clearly appreciates and supports the value of movement classes and the free spirit who is challenged by any organized regime. This is not my inner child per se putting up objections, but my inner slacker. I am reminded of a phrase one of my favorite yoga teachers always used. He says, “Practice is the root of transformation.” I have been freewheeling for years, moving when and where I felt like doing it. I mix weights, yoga, Pilates, walking, dancing, and water work as my heart desires. It is a fine way to be, but now I will shape a new pattern and make it my continuous practice.
Looking back on skills I have learned I see it does take practice to work talents into strengths. I also notice I am drawn to creative and unseen projects and people. Invisible is my favorite way to exist. I like to maintain a certain woman of mystery status. This new moon falls in the sign of Scorpio, a ruler of transformation as well as mystery. I went to postural fitness class this morning and met a new teacher I think is grand. The time of day suits me and her personality is exactly what I like. I plan to harness this intention this month to get completely into the practice of taking at least 4 classes a week in different disciplines. There is no demerit for failure, but I plan to succeed in this effort. Everything is working in my favor, so I need to apply some attention.
Between now and the next new moon I dedicate my concentration to:
- Patience- there is no rush
- Gratitude- it is fortunate to have so many excellent choices
- Beginner’s Mind- I may be jaded from having spent too much time in spa universe
This new habit will serve me well for years to come, and is worth the investment to establish it. Do you have any transformational plans for this special month, gentle reader? It is a most propitious time to go for something new. By the time January rolls around I plan to be firmly established in my new routine.
K-9 Cuties of the Tucson Police Department
November 9, 2015
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not real dogs
At the Cops and Rodders Car Show citizens have the chance to meet the police force. At the top of the popularity list are the canine cops. They attract everyone’s attention, from small children to senior citizens. I met Officer Evo last year and discovered that K-9 cops can have very sweet and social personalities. I am sure he would prefer to be riding in his car on the way to a case because he loves to do his regular job. But when his work includes posing for the camera or generally charming the crowd he fulfills his duty with personality and style.
strike a pose with Evo
strike a pose with Evo
strike a pose with Evo
center of attention
Officer Evo himself
charming the crowd
Officer Evo himself
Officer Evo Charms the Crowd
A new dog was making her first appearance at the car show this year. Officer Cookie is a Labrador Retriever who is a specialist working for the bomb squad. She is in training to learn many thousands of different explosive components by scent. She is only two years old, so she exhibits puppy enthusiasm al the time. She had some trouble containing herself during the national anthem to everyone’s delight. Since bomb dogs work in crowds her friendly attitude is essential to her job performance. She has less general and more specific training as a cop. She will not learn to do many of the things Evo does because she is all about explosives.
Officer Cookie makes friends
Officer Cookie makes friends
While Officer Evo handled his adoring fans I had a chance to talk to Officer Rumsley, his trainer and partner, about the work they do. Evo is a Belgian Malinois, also sometimes called a Belgian Shepard. He was born in Czech Republic where the breed is raised for sport. He was trained by Officer Rumsley and goes home at night to live at the Rumsley home. He does not play with other dogs out in the world but he has a canine friend at home. When they go searching together they look for drugs or people, one at a time. When Evo gets as close as he can get to the source of the scent he scratches in the case of drugs or barks when he finds people. He does communicate clearly, but Officer Rumsley always initiates everything they do. Evo does not, like Lassie, ever say to Officer Rumsley “Timmy has fallen in the well. Come quickly!” They work as a team with Officer Rumsley making all the decisions. This seems like the best format because underneath his extensive discipline and training he is still a dog. It is always a treat to get to see him.
Officer Rumsley
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