20 TIPS EVERY ARTIST SHOULD REMEMBER

1) Never underestimate the value of your health.

Exercise, sleep at least eight hours each night, eat foods that nourish your body, and meditate and/or pray, every day. Take care of your body, mind and soul.

2) Love yourself.

Never say bad things to yourself. No one is perfect. We are all here doing the best we can. Treat yourself as if you were your own child, with kindness, compassion, discipline gentleness and love. Do something nice for yourself everyday. Don't spread yourself too thin. Take long showers, eat a piece of mango every once in a while, watch a favorite movie, and/or take a walk in the woods. Take many, mini vacations. They are affordable and help keep one in balance. The action of being good to oneself comes first, from the thought of loving oneself.

3) Grow.

Learn something new each year: a new language, a new sport, a new skill. If you keep learning, you will keep growing. When you grow as an individual, you grow as a spirit and you grow as an artist.

4) Become aware of "I am."

The two most powerful words you can ever express are, "I am." Learn to affirm yourself with the things you want, by saying, "I am" statements instead of "I want" or "I will" statements. Whatever you put "I am" in front of, in the eyes of the universe, you instantly become. Be very careful to only use "I am" for the affirmative.

Sex is to procreation, as "I am" is to creation. It's so powerful that it demands quality awareness of its usage at all times.

5) Be Positive.

Find a reason to be positive, or don't leave the house. Having negative thoughts every once in a while is normal, but to focus on negative thoughts is not conducive to work, friendship, or a growth situation. If you find yourself feeling negative, notice it, and address it.

It may mean, saying what you need to say, to the person you need to say it to, when you need to say it. Or, writing in your journal, taking a walk or taking time out for prayer and meditation. Although, not necessarily in that order.

To help lift the funk once you've dealt with it, do things that you know make you feel better. I have found that music is the quickest way to change a mood. I like to crank up the volume and sing and dance until I am breathless and it really releases the negative emotions I felt had a hold on me.

Perhaps you want to plan a course of action to combat negativity in advance. Create a compilation tape of your favorite inspirational songs that you can't help but sing and dance to; so you can have it ready to play whenever the blues gets you down.

Another helpful exercise is to re-in-act, the film, It's A Wonderful Life. By reminding yourself of the impact you have had on the world around you thus far. Make a list of all the things you have accomplished in your life, and of all the people you have helped in life.

Finally, take some self-time and read a favorite book; lights candles, or take a bath. Make a gratitude list of all that you have in your life that you are grateful for.

If all else fails, take the attention off yourself completely, by going out and helping someone else. This way, you have taken charge of your negative thought and changed it to a positive one.

No one wants to hear about your aching back, fight with your loved one, or the bad day your having. Always have something up-lifting to talk about. What you put out, you get back. It's the third law of physics, cause and effect. Like attracts like. Keep your thoughts clean, good and positive and you'll receive clean, good and positive thoughts from others. Positive emotions have positive effects on your immune system and metabolism. If you feel better, you will feel better. And, it just feels so much better to be a happy person than it does to be a grouch.

6) Observe.

Look, listen, watch, and observe. Try to be a part of a discussion without speaking. Practice conscious awareness. Don't judge, just observe. Someday you may have to work with someone that you'd rather not. By observing others, you'll learn what you need to know, to do that.

I believe that all artistic expression comes first from simple observation.

7) Study.

Whatever your job or career is, be it a CEO as a stay at home mom, or CEO as the head of a major corporation, study. Read books, take classes and study what you do. Be the best that you can be at what you are. Continue to educate yourself throughout your entire life. There is no graduation from the school of life, unless it's a certificate of death. Classes are on-going and never ending.

8) Volunteer.

Give back. Only you know how much time you are willing to choose to give to charitable causes. Whether it's an hour each day, an hour per week, or an hour each month, make of habit of giving regularly. There are organizations you can join to be matched up with a charity or cause. Check your local listings. For example, you can volunteer for such causes as: Abused women and children, AIDS, breasts cancer research, read to the blind, homelessness, recovery centers, retirement homes, animal rescue and care, etc...

Or you can go out on your own. For instance; sometimes I pack lunches, or hand out blankets to the homeless people at Santa Monica Beach or Downtown LA. Perhaps you already have a favorite charity and now is the time to get your parents, kids, nieces or nephews and or friends and family to join in the giving.

If this all sounds overwhelming, start out with a once a year event, but whatever you do, start now. Someday is a road that leads to a town of never.

9) Be kind and polite to everyone.

"Never judge a book by its cover." Don't just be nice to the people you feel you have to be nice to. Happiness is contagious and well spread by simple effort. The truest nature in us all is to always be nice, kind and sensitive to everyone. It takes more muscles to frown than to smile, so smile and be polite. But be sincere. No one hates anything more than a phony person.

10) Have fun.

Whatever you do, make it fun. Any job you do in life, you have to do for the love of it, otherwise, why do it at all? Find the joy in everyday circumstances. Find humor in the darkest corners of life. Laugh often and loud with great enthusiasm. Smile, sing, and skip through life. Whistle a happy tune.

11) Create.

Create your own opportunities. Don't wait for others to create for you, before you have a chance to express yourself. Create for yourself. You will have more creative control and only yourself to report to.

12) Don't gossip, but be courageous.

If you have a bad experience with some one, and want it to be known, say just that and then let it go. Don't try to "warn" people. Your bad experience is yours, and only yours. If someone else has the same experience it's his or hers and none of your business so just politely change the subject. Unless, you see someone being hurt or taken advantage of. Then you must have the courage to stand for something or else you will fall for anything.

Give people the benefit of the doubt. If they prove to be a troublemaker, learn your lesson and let every one else do the same in their own way. Your only responsibility is to take care of yourself; unless you know for certain that someone is in emanate danger, and you may be able to prevent it by speaking up or taking action.

When temptation grabs you and you want to gossip, remember Thumper's mom in the movie Bambi, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." But if you see injustice, have the courage to confront it!

13) Don't dress to impress.

Don't be limited in what you wear by how you think the style of your clothes is judged. For example, I have had many conversations with both male and female friends that have shared with me how much they'd like to dress more casual, funky, conservative, or whatever. But they don't because they are afraid people will get the wrong impression of who they are, by how they dress.

I have had long hair and a shaved head. I have gone through every style and trend there ever has been. It's fun and exciting to change and try on different hats so to speak. Variety of clothing is a huge part of the fun in my life. It's another form of self-expression. To allow the fear of judgement to suppress your natural desire for creative expression is a sin. A missed mark on the target of life.

Realize you are being judged as you, not as the person you may be trying to portray. Use yourself, not your clothes, in your interactions with others. Know what your clothes are saying, but more importantly know what you are saying. Remember, it's you who is living your life, not your clothes. And if someone is so shallow that they are judging you by your appearance, then maybe that someone isn't worth your time anyway.

14) Learn to say no.

Especially women. Women are the original "yes men." Don't be desperate. Don't compromise yourself. There is a saying; "You can have anything you want, but not everything." There are only 24 hours in each day. Choose what you do with those hours carefully. Don't do any thing you don't want to do. The best way to avoid these situations is to have integrity, know what you want, and what you don't want, believe in something and have self respect. Don't let anyone talk down to you, or berate and insult you, whether it's public or private. The most empowering two words in your life will be "I am." For women, who are bred to always say yes to taking on more responsibilities than they should, the most empowering single word they can use, is "No."

15) Be yourself.

You can't be anyone but yourself, so indulge. Have a strong sense of self. Be confident and consistent in who you are. Another benefit of being yourself is that you can stop comparing yourself to others. It's a losing battle, and you never know, they may be comparing themselves to you. So just be yourself and be happy, because you are the best you there ever could be.

16) Find a support group.

Whether it's a group of peers, friends, church members, or family, find a support group. It's imperative that you have people around you that can tell you things like, "next time." or "You're beautiful, talented, and wonderful and your time will come." or "I love you and I'd hire you in a second." You need a support group who can make you laugh or let you cry. Most importantly, a group of people who can remind you of all the things you do have, health, beauty, talent, food, shelter, regularity, etc.,..

17) Relax.

Always, always, always, take time to relax. Before anything in life, after anything and all the times in between, relax. The opposite of relax, is stress. Studies have shown that all disease comes first from stress; and that people in hospitals heal 50% faster if they pray, mediate and are generally more relaxed in life. It's kinda tough to meditate in a non relaxed state.

I was once doing a one-woman show; 90 minutes, no Intermission, 42 costume/prop changes, and 36 pages of dialogue. One night I went blank, totally blank. I couldn't even remember what the show was about so that I could at least improvise, and the scary thing was, I wrote it. Thankfully it was a run-through and not a performance. My partner was in the audience. He saw what was happening to me and yelled out, "RELAX!" As soon as I heard those words, I took a deep breath, dropped my shoulders and relaxed. Instantly, I remembered every line. It was a long run for a show, and every performance I told myself, as I went on stage, "relax," and I never went blank again.

18) Go within for all answers. Don't ask for opinions. Don't give opinions.

When someone gives me an opinion that I didn't ask for, I say, "I didn't ask for your opinion. I just wanted to share my life with you, not get an opinion on it. I'd appreciate your energy in the form of support rather than criticism, constructive or otherwise." Too often people mistake the intent to share one's life with the request of an opinion on one's life.

What is it that compels someone to ask for an opinion in the first place? I believe it is the need for acceptance and approval. An opinion is just a poll to see how many people agree with us. But we can't please all the people all the time. To be true to ourselves we must focus on our inner truth and that which propels us forward in life. Everything we do must first come from within, our intuition, which is our personal source of knowledge and wisdom.

It goes both ways. When someone asks me what I think about them or something in their life, I do my best to respond with this question; "What do you think?" Because it's not important what I think about their life. It's their life and they have to live it their way.

If someone says to me, "But I respect you and I honestly want to know what you think?" I might have a response that would begin, "Well, if it were me..." However, I still believe that is basically unsupportive to the individual seeking an answer. I believe that is enabling them. As well as, my life experience has shown me that no matter how many times someone asks me for help and no matter how many times I give it, the lesson is never learned until they have to do it on their own.

We do not learn by people telling us what to do. We learn by watching what other people do, and then doing it on our own. We can either find role models and simply emulate their actions in life. Or we can reinvent the wheel ourselves each and every time.

Perhaps someone asks for an opinion or advice because they are seeking guidance. But who are we to guide anyone on their own individual life path? We can only guide by example. "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime." We teach by showing, not by telling.

Everyone has an opinion and a different path they take toward success. There is no single road that leads us to our destination. There are many avenues to our destinies. But if we go around asking everyone for directions and opinions, we will find ourselves even more confused and lost.

We each live in a maze and only we know the way through our own maze, but even still we get lost sometimes. Whoever we ask to guide us, is also going to be lost to some degree. We have to learn to trust our own instincts to guide us through our own maze of life.

Even these 20 tips, I write them not so much to advise other's, but more so to remind myself. I share them with the world with the expectation of inspiring other's to be their own creative masters. I know with absolute confidence that these words will evolve into something unique and original for each person that takes them to heart. It is our own perspective that colors reality and gives us our individual truth, not another person, no matter how insightful they may seem.

19) Practice Patience.

I believe all lines (grocery, banking, etc..) were invented for this reason. We need patience when we drive, when we care for children, and for all people, places and things that try our patience. One of the things we need patience the most for in life, is success. Success in all of the endeavors we pursue. I believe the formula to success is patience + tenacity = success. If you believe in yourself, you will succeed. Focus on the process of success and you will be successful. Redefine success. Don't define success by winning a title in life. Define success as being a good person. How you define success, greatly defines your perception of your own success. Patience leads to faith. Be patient in all areas of your life, have faith, and all things will come in due time.

20) Be Grateful.

In our quest for want we often forget all that we already have. Take time each day to be grateful for things in your life. Freedom, food, shelter, health, love, friends, family, creative talent, intelligence, beauty, grace, integrity, dignity, kindness, compassion, joy, warm showers, the first day of spring, laughter, eyesight, hearing, mobility, nature, animals, flowers, new clothes, smiles, and gratitude.

 

''What person in the world goes through life in a straight line?

I think that most people, whether aware of it or not

are never in one place or one time.

We have this idea of a linear time imposed on us.

If you start looking at it, it's all here and now."

- Gail Godwin

Written by janedoe ©1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Contributor: janedoe, performer

janedoe is a friend, a family member, a performance artist, a philosopher. She is a character actor who sings, dances, and writes for her one woman musical comedy, The Janedoe Show. She is a Jane of all trades, providing over forty services that range from creative provacator to legal advicer. janedoe has worked as an actor, writer, singer and dancer in television, film and theatre. She is an independent artist and devoted humanitarian.To date, she has written twelve books, six plays, four films, and (a partridge in a pear tree), as well as many essays, articles, short stories and monologues. janedoe has also recently been published as a contributing chef in a compliation cookbook, "Food for the Spirit." As an actor, she has appeared in seven films, six television series, and hundreds of plays, live shows and theatrical performances, as well as many commercials in her early teens. janedoe has released four CDs as a singer of soul, jazz, rhythm & blues, gospel, broadway, and pop in her own eclectice style. She is currently working on three other CDs to be released within the next few years. One of which is a CD of daily and nightly meditations. She has been a dancer since the age of three and continues to take classes in ballet en pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, swing, salsa, tango, and more, whenever she is able to.

Permaculture definition

I've taken the following from the Permaculture website I found while browsing around.  This is and will be a very important element as we go back to our roots in nature and live once again literally "off the Land". PERMACULTURE ? What does permaculture mean? 1. Permaculture is an innovative framework for creating sustainable ways of living. 2. It is a practical method of developing ecologically harmonious, efficient and productive systems that can be used by anyone, anywhere.

By thinking carefully about the way we use our resources - food, energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs - it is possible to get much more out of life by using less. We can be more productive for less effort, reaping benefits for our environment and ourselves, for now and for generations to come. This is the essence of permaculture - the design of an ecologically sound way of living - in our households, gardens, communities and businesses. It is created by cooperating with nature and caring for the earth and its people. Permaculture is not exclusive - its principles and practice can be used by anyone, anywhere: City flats, yards and window boxes Suburban and country houses/garden Allotments and smallholdings Community spaces Farms and estates Countryside and conservation areas Commercial and industrial premises Educational establishments Waste ground ...Permaculture encourages us to be resourceful and self-reliant. It is not a dogma or a religion but an ecological design system which helps us find solutions to the many problems facing us - both locally and globally.. Writer, Emma Chapman, defines it as: "Permaculture, originally 'Permanent Agriculture', is often viewed as a set of gardening techniques, but it has in fact developed into a whole design philosophy, and for some people a philosophy for life. Its central theme is the creation of human systems which provide for human needs, but using many natural elements and drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems. Its goals and priorities coincide with what many people see as the core requirements for sustainability." Permaculture tackles how to grow food, build houses and create communities, and minimise environmental impact at the same time. Its principles are being constantly developed and refined by people throughout the world in very different climates and cultural circumstances. The above was taken from Permaculture Magazine published out of Great Britain.  There are currently many classes being offered around the globe that one can participate in that will enable them to greatly reduce their carbon foot-print upon the planet.  I encourage everyone to look into this very practical practise and incorporate it into their gardens and yards everywhere.

Reasons to be Organic

REASONS TO BE ORGANIC - compiled by Sue Coppard

There are many reasons to be organic, which affect us from micro to macro level: our health, society, the environment - indeed the Planet.

Organic agriculture builds up soil life and fertility, structure and water retention; whereas ‘conventional’ (high tech, high input) agriculture can lead to salination, and diminishes soil life and structure as well as its range of minerals and trace elements, resulting in soil erosion, less robust animals and crops, and eventually decreasing harvests.

Organic farming encourages the availability of herbs, trees and a wide range of plant life to provide animals with the necessary minerals and vitamins. (NPK cattle will do anything to get at Bio-Dynamic grass growing in the adjoining field!).

Organic agriculture is far less oil hungry so has a more secure future and a lower carbon footprint.

Organic agriculture provides more employment than conventional agriculture, which relies more on costly chemicals and heavy machinery. Thus organic methods support stable rural communities rather than exacerbating the drift to the towns.

Organic farms and holdings are more suited to providing food locally as they tend to be smaller than high tech farms. This means reduced transportation and fresher, more sustainable food supplies.

Chemical farming is responsible for much pollution of the waterways.

High tech agriculture has led to a decrease in wild life, whereas organic, mixed farms provide suitable habitats which encourage biodiversity - plants, insects, birds, animals - and a far healthier, more beautiful and balanced environment.

Organic food contains superior nutrition (minerals, vitamins, trace elements) to conventionally produced food and none of the pesticide, fungicide, herbicide and hormonal residues. Moreover, organic agricultural workers are not harmed by contact with chemical sprays and dips.

Non-organic chemicals added to manufactured food (binders, improvers, dyes, etc.) often cause allergies and hyperactivity.

Organic food production encourages the breeding of sturdy varieties of crops and animals most suited to local conditions. Seeds can also be saved and swapped to develop particularly successful lines (unlike GM and F1 hybrid varieties where seeds are sterile so must be purchased annually).

Animals fed GM (genetically manipulated) food suffer from diminishing health and fertility - though this is not widely reported in the media. Research into the impact of GM crops on bees, worms and other vital creatures has also been widely neglected.

Aggressive corporate agribusiness is damaging our health, our food, our countryside and fellow creatures, and rural societies throughout the world. Only organic farming and agriculture working in harmony with Nature can turn the ship around and save the world from ultimate destruction.

The Organic Movement transcends nationality, age, sex, religion and social group, and unites those individuals who care for the earth as if they were members of one large family.

Politician's canned response to my letter--and my retort..

Dear Honorable Mike Honda,
While I appreciate your staff taking the time to paste the coined response to those inquiring about the events of 9/11 to me, I feel my initial comments and concerns remain unanswered and essentially ignored. The problem I have lies not with security measures taken to prevent a future attack for that in and of itself is essentially irrelevant to what I am inquiring about.
My contention is that the World Trade Towers and building #7 were brought down with explosives in a planned and highly orchestrated conspiracy involving many organizations within our own government. Their is indisputable information and facts which prove that high ranking officials of the Bush administration were intricately involved in this act of terror against its own citizens.
I need not go into the details here for they are widely available on many 9/11 truth sites--please don't tell me you haven't seen the slow motion videos of the explosives going off prior to the towers collapse--classic implosion characteristics supported by experts and engineers alike. The 9/11 commission held behind closed doors was essentially a joke if you actually take the time to read it's findings...it dismisses many of main facts--for instance--how did Building 7 come down?
My point is that the Neo-cons had already drafted the Patriot Act long before 9/11 occurred and implemented it's draconian measures shortly thereafter--surely you did not partake in its drafting?
It's time for real talk; real freedom of expression; and transparency in our Government. I know the TRUTH--it's overwhelmingly obvious to me--do you?
Scott Valkenaar



Think consciously for Peace--- On Thu, 11/13/08, Congressman Mike Honda wrote:
From: Congressman Mike Honda Subject: Thank you for contacting meTo: hr_staffer@yahoo.comDate: Thursday, November 13, 2008, 1:05 PM


Dear Mr. Valkenaar:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me to express your concerns about the tragedy of September 11, 2001 and how our government has responded to prevent future attacks. I appreciate the opportunity to hear your thoughts on this important matter.

September 11, 2001, should never be forgotten. The tragedy of that day revealed that many aspects of America's national security policy were flawed and insufficient. It is quite possible that the deaths that occurred at the Pentagon and the World Trade Center could have been prevented, had we known what we know today.

The bipartisan 9-11 Commission was established to investigate the tragedy of that horrific day, and to provide policy recommendations that would prevent such a terrorist act from occurring again. The Commission concluded its work in 2004, and issued scathing criticisms of the current state of preparedness with regards to communications interoperability, screening of airline baggage, information sharing, weapons of mass destruction proliferation, and the distribution of homeland security funding. The Commission found that there were fundamental problems with the federal structure for preventing terrorism and responding to emergencies. They also issued a list of 41 specific policy recommendations, but unfortunately, the Republican-controlled congress failed to implement these critical national security improvements in the subsequent two years.

One of the highest priorities of the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives of the 110th Congress was to pass legislation to implement the recommendations of the 9-11 Commission. Keeping that promise, the first bill to pass the House of Representatives as part of the "First 100 Hours Agenda" was H.R. 1; "Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007." I proudly cosponsored and voted in favor of this legislation.

H.R.1 addresses all the as yet unimplemented recommendations of the 9-11 Commission. H.R.1 will make America safer by enhancing homeland security, ending the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and establishing programs with other nations to reduce the appeal of the kinds of extremism that promote terrorism. There are numerous provisions in the bill, including enhanced aviation screening, scanning of sea cargo containers, improving information sharing between law enforcement agencies, and protecting critical infrastructure. The bill also protects privacy rights by encouraging through proper application of security procedures.

I believe that H.R.1 provides the security measures that America needs. H.R. 1 became a public law in August of 2007. I look forward to seeing the results of this legislation.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write to me with your thoughts. Your comments help me to better represent the people of the 15th Congressional District of California.

Sincerely,Michael M. HondaMember of Congress

What I would do if I were the President

The following are some ideas that I came up with in order to make the world a better place to live:
1) Encourage the widespread use of Organic Farming
A) Promote and support large scale Vermi-composting
B) Promote and support large scale Recycling efforts
C) Promote and support public school educational organic farming, encourage the widespread use of community gardens and teach folks how to prepare healthy meals with the produce from those gardens

2) Support and subsidize the widespread use of solar power at every level of the economy
A) At schools, government buildings, private corporations, and private homes
B) Stop subsidizing and encouraging Big Oil
C) Promote and support an efficient public transportation program with an emphasis on bicycling as well as ride sharing on a large scale basis

3) Require the use of high efficiency vehicles and appliances
A) Support bio-diesel and the use of alcohol to propel engines
B) Subsidize the construction of solar-powered automobiles
C) Provide "Community" cars and bicycles to lease/rent/share

4) Provide all citizens the chance to obtain an advanced degree on a sliding scale basis
A) Build more institutions of higher learning
B) Pay instructors, teachers and professors a lucrative wage
C) Invest in the construction of high-tech schools, libraries, and community centers

5) End all Wars and cut military spending by 75%
A) Actively promote Peace--as opposed to pre-emptive military attacks on autonomous Nation-states
B) End the practise of military recruiting in high schools, colleges, and universities
C) End the practise of no-bid contracts, disable the Military Industrial Complex, and stop using war as a way to accomplish goals

6) Educate the populace regarding unhealthy foods--especially those made by fast-food restaurants
A) Actively combat the growing obesity epidemic
B) Provide healthy food alternatives and subsidize the organic farming industry
C) Establish mandatory wellness and fitness programs throughout all educational institutions as well as every place of employment

7) Overhaul, monitor and re-prioritize the FDA, FCC, and severely restrict the influence of the pharmaceutical industry
A) Promote alternative healing practises
B) Utilize natural cures and medicines
C) Subsidize the research and development of natural herbs and plants

8) Protect the environment and Eco-systems of the Planet
A) End the practises of: Coal mining; mountain-top removal; chem trails; weather modification methods; deforestation; polluting of rivers, lakes, and oceans
B) Protect endangered species and their environments
C) Sign the Kyoto Global Warming Treaty and have it ratified by all nations

9) Regulate the Media
A) Support and enforce the Truth-in-information Act
B) Regulate and decrease the commercialization of the airwaves
C) Encourage more public programming

10) Curtail organized religions influence of public policy
A) Promote religious tolerance
B) De-bunk the religious lies, propaganda and rhetoric
C) Recognize atheism as an acceptable alternative

11) End the Homeland Security Sham
A) Admit that 9/11 was an inside job and fully prosecute those who planned and carried it out (hint: it was not Al Queda--they are the public scapegoats for the Neocons)
B) End the use of racial profiling (on the streets, in airports, at customs and in schools)
C) Stop promoting the "us vs them" mentality as well as the rampant use of fear to coerce the public's support of ill-advised policies

12) Promote the use of "Natural Native Landscapes"
A) Stop the glorification of lawns as aesthetically pleasing; Lawns should be restricted to parks and recreational fields for the playing of sports--not for homes
B) Enforce water rationing throughout all levels of society
C) Regulate the use of water (our most valuable natural resource) and fine water wasters

13) Encourage and Support Sustainable Communities
A) Subsidize ecologically friendly communities who support alternative energy
B) Eliminate automobiles from operating within 500 yards of living quarters--encourage downtown's to become car-free zones where only bicycles and pedestrians are allowed
C) Promote Communal living arrangements where folks living in the same community share in the raising of children within the neighborhood--eliminate the common "fences of fear"

14) Expose the corrupt and inefficient Medical Industry
A) Stop the massive over-medication of patients
B) Teach Med students about healthy nutrition and alternative health care so that they can help to inform the general public
C) Stop muzzling natural cures for cancer, diabetes, and many other maladies and diseases

15) Recycle resources--Utilize sustainable goods
A) Enforce the use of recycled materials in the construction industry
B) Utilize natural light and passive solar heating in all buildings
C) Use water three times--then use it to water the garden

16) Stop the political cycle of constant fundraising for politicians
A) Maintain an equal playing field for all candidates
B) Severely restrict lobbyists and their vast influence of deep-pocket politics
C) Restrict and regulate political spending-ensure equal publicity for all candidates

17) Reform Drug Laws
A) Utilize education, rehabilitation and recovery--tax and regulate the substances like alcohol and end the overriding influence of gangs
B) Allow the responsible use of "natural drugs"; ie-Magic mushrooms and marijuana
C) End the double standard for alcohol consumption

18) Encourage spiritual practises
A) Meditation
B) Vision Quests
C) Encourage the use of Shamans, Psychics and alternative health practitioners

19) Stop utilizing fear, anger, wrath, revenge, and guilt as policy--Replace them with love, hope, selflessness, forgiveness, and kindness

20) Promote the research and development of Hemp
A) For oil, paper, clothing, rope, bags, tarps, etc.
B) Make it a top choice for renewable resources

21) Reform prisons and jails

22) End tax cuts for the wealthy
A) Utilize a progressive income tax
B) Utilize and progressive sales tax
C) Put an end to corporate welfare and offshore tax havens

23) Promote the arts and recreational pursuits
A) Build more theatre venues
B) Build more Parks and preserve more open spaces
C) Provide shuttles to escort people on restricted roads into natural areas

A Free Society?

This was written by me on Tuesday, August 1, 2006 12:42 AM
A society without the benefit of a free and unimpeded Press will always suffer from a lack of understanding and awareness of the world in which they live. Likewise, a press that is so-called 'free' but which is owned by like-minded individuals acting in concert to misdirect and divert attention away from topics and subjects that have a direct affect on the citizens and their lives unjustifiably endangers the Peoples right to know. There is no excuse for allowing the consolidation of "news outlets" to a handful of conglomerates whose synchronized goals are in essense, directly counter to the ideals and principals of a "free press". By bedding with the rich and powerful movers and shakers of business and government these multinational and multiconglomerate organizations ruthlessly extoll diversionary and divisive reports aimed to arouse and sustain violence, fear, and simply the pacification of an entire society--ultimately the entire Human Race will be adversely affected by the implication of these news sources that to protest is wrong and ultimately undermines the National Security of the United States--yea right; I don't see any sheep around here but the wool hanging in front of my eyes is getting pretty thick. Think and question the actions and decisions of those individuals that were supposedly fairly elected officials sworn to work for your best interests--not the military's, multinational corporations, or any other entity for that matter. Together we can fix this mess...help us try.

Guide to Meditation

I extracted the following from an internet site which explains the steps to take for successful meditation. It is quite long....

Written Guide to Meditating

Posture
Different postures affect how the energy flows through the body and how alert the mind is in meditation. For most meditations, we suggest sitting upright with the spine erect while still being comfortable. It is not necessary to get into a precise or difficult posture to meditate! If you are uncomfortable or straining to be in a certain position, you will not be able to relax completely. Some meditations, such as our Walking Meditation, are done while active. Obviously, if you are doing a meditation for falling asleep, it would be best to lie down.
How Long to Meditate
Usually 15-30 minutes is a good meditation time, although if you are new to meditation, you may want to start with 5 or 10 and build up. If you meditate regularly, it can be helpful to meditate about the same number of minutes each time. (An exception is our Meditation-in-Action which is done for longer periods of time while engaged in activity.)
When to meditate
When you meditate will partly depend on what kind of meditation you are doing and the purpose of the meditation. Although you can meditate at any time, the ideal times are usually in the morning as a start to your day, or in the late afternoon in order to unwind from the activity of the day and be refreshed for the evening.
If you do a meditation which energizes you, it’s better not to do it before bedtime. Some meditations, however, are specifically designed for falling asleep and many people find listening to many of our guided meditations helps them relax into sleep.
Meditations which are deeply relaxing are best done on an empty stomach or at least a couple of hours after a meal.
How often to meditate
The ideal frequency of meditation may vary from person to person depending on many different factors. Generally speaking, once or twice a day is ideal. A regular routine of meditation is invaluable. The benefit derived from meditation starts to carry over into our activity more when we meditate regularly. Many find twice a day to be ideal, but certainly even once a day can make a big difference.
It is possible to meditate too much. Everything in life is about balance and proportion. Usually 15-20 minutes twice a day is sufficient and more could be counter-productive. (Taking brief meditation breaks more often would be OK, however.)
Thoughts in meditation
Thoughts arise spontaneously in the mind. They are a natural part of meditation. The goal of meditation is to become more at ease, relaxed and at peace with whatever is happening. Therefore, it is important to not resist anything that comes in meditation, including thoughts.
Don’t try to push out thoughts or resist them. Simply notice that thoughts are present and let them go the way they come — effortlessly. When you find that the awareness has been caught up in a train of thought, easily come back to the focus of your meditation. (This will vary depending on the type of meditation you are doing. In a breath meditation, for example, come easily back to the experience of the breath.)
It’s important to understand that you have not made a mistake when thoughts come or the mind has become absorbed in thought. It’s a natural part of meditation. The mind may get caught up in a “story” about what is happening in our life, or even what is happening in meditation — what has happened or will happen. Likewise, we can let go of that. Don’t purposely follow the train of thought. Let it go. Let go of the meaning of thoughts. Let thoughts be a meaningless activity in the mind!
Our experience of thoughts may change as we meditate.
As we disengage the gears of the mind, the mind has an opportunity to settle down. We may experience more subtle levels of the thinking process. Thoughts may become more vague, or may even be an intuitive felt sense of something — a knowing that does not get translated into words and concepts. Allow this process of the changing experience of thoughts to happen.
Sometimes you may experience a kind of dream-like state, somewhere between being asleep and awake. This also is a natural experience in meditation. There may also be times when there is a state of “no thought”. No matter what happens just take it easy — take it as it comes!
Noise
It’s enjoyable to meditate in a quiet place, but it is not always possible. All of the meditations on our website can be done in a noisy environment. The key is to not resist noise. Don’t try to ignore the noise or to block it out. Simply let it be and continue with your meditation.
Everything is a part of meditation — the noise, your thoughts about it, the way the mind may start to resist it, the emotions that arise about it. Treat everything that arises in meditation the same way — let it be, let yourself be!
Falling asleep in meditation
Hopefully in meditation we enter a state of “non-resistance”. This would include not resisting sleep if it comes. If we try to keep from falling asleep, we are straining. The goal of meditation to establish a state of ease. Therefore, if sleep comes, let it come.
As the body relaxes, it will take the opportunity for sleep if it is needed. If you find that you fall asleep frequently in meditation, it may mean that you need more sleep at night and is a good reminder to make sure you are getting enough rest.
Strong emotions
When we enter into a state of relaxation in meditation, strong emotions can sometimes arise. This can happen for several reasons. When the mind settles down in meditation, we may become aware of an emotion that has been “under the surface” while we are busy in activity and focused on other things. It may also be that the deep relaxation of meditation causes a kind of “unwinding” or purification, so that any emotion that has been held in the body is released. The meditative state can be much like the dream state in which various issues are being processed.
If we are uncomfortable with a particular emotion, such as grief, the tendency may be to want to push it out. Emotions are a flow of life energy, and if we resist that flow, the energy becomes “stuck”. If you notice resistance to emotions, let the resistance go. Allow the emotion to be experienced fully and the energy of the emotion can flow and resolve.
On the other hand, when a strong emotion arises, the mind may become very busy interpreting it or dramatizing it with a story about it. If anger arises, for example, the mind might pick up on something that happened in the past, or imagine something happening now as the cause of the anger. This involvement of the mind in the emotion intensifies and feeds it, and also obstructs it from moving through easily. When we become aware of being caught up in a train of thought or a story, let that go and bring the awareness easily back to the focus of the meditation. (The focus will depend on the meditation you are doing.)
If the emotion or thought is so strong that you cannot easily come back to your focus (such as the focus on the breath), then simply allow the mind to feel the emotion. Let the awareness locate a physical sensation in the body that is associated with the strong emotion (or thought). Simply continue to feel that sensation in the body. With the awareness easily on the sensation, it will eventually dissolve and the mind will be free to continue with the focus of the meditation.
Ending Meditation
It’s important to take time to come out of meditation slowly. When we are deeply rested in meditation, it can be jarring to suddenly get up and start our activity. Remain with your eyes closed for a minute or two. Stretch, move around a bit, and gradually become more active. When you are ready to open your eyes, you can open them downcast at first. Take your time!

Problems with thoughts in meditation
This is probably the most common challenge people have with meditation. They feel they are unable to quiet the mind and keep out thoughts. “My mind just won’t stop its chatter.” “I can’t stay focused on meditation.”Solution: The key is to stop resisting thoughts and trying to make them go away. Thoughts are a part of meditation. They are a natural activity in the mind. Although meditation can be a way to experience inner silence, this comes about not by eliminating thoughts but by becoming away of the silence that is naturally present in the mind along with the thoughts. When we stop resisting what is naturally happening, we experience calmness and peace.
Restlessness
Often people find it’s hard to sit still for meditation. It doesn’t take long to start thinking of all the things you could be doing, or to feel restless like you want to get up.Solution: Restlessness can arise as the body “unwinds”. When we sit to meditate, it’s as if we’ve spent the day in a moving car. Once we stop and rest, it feels as if our body is still moving. It takes time for the body to settle down and feel at rest. Meditating is like shifting gears in a car — you shift into neutral and the engine takes a while to slow down and come to idle. Continue meditating, allowing yourself to be aware of the sensation of restlessness in the body. You can continue with the meditation practice, such as watching the breath, during this time, or if the restlessness is extremely intense you can give your attention fully to the sensation of restlessness. Notice exactly how it feels in your body — where you feel it, and what the sensation is like. As you allow yourself to experience the restlessness, it will eventually settle down.
Being uncomfortable with our feelings
Sometimes during meditation, we may be uncomfortable with some of the feelings that arise. This might take the form of a strong emotion or a physical sensation in the body. When the mind is no longer caught up in its outer-directed focus and the usual distractions of the day, we can become aware of feelings that have been under the surface. You may feel tempted to stop meditating, or start to resist these feelings, making meditation a struggle.Solution: The key to achieving a state of deep relaxation, is to learn to stop resisting certain feelings and be present to “what is”. Thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations come and go continuously in the natural flow of life. Left to flow by themselves, they will pass through. Simply allow these feelings to be present, not trying to push them out, but also not following the mind’s stories about them. If an emotion is so strong that it’s overpowering, allow the awareness to be easily with that emotion. Notice its location in the body, and let the awareness be with the physical sensations associated with the emotion until the emotion diminishes. Let go of the meaning the mind gives to the emotion.
Occasionally in meditation, something can come to awareness that is particularly difficult, such as a repressed memory from the past or a realization about something we need to change in our lives. In this case, it may be helpful to get some support, such as counseling to help deal with the issues that arise.
Disappointment that “good experiences” aren’t always there
Every time we meditate our experiences will be different, depending on our ever-changing physical and emotional states, as well as life circumstances. It is important to understand that our experiences will change, as we will tend to form expectations based on our previous experience. Naturally we like some meditative experiences better than others, and may feel disappointed if we meditate and don’t have those experiences.
There are no good or bad experiences in meditation. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Meditation is about “letting go” and trusting the natural flow of life. It is important to remember that the goal of these meditations is not to have special experiences, but to become more at ease with whatever arises. By meditating regularly and following these guidelines, ease in meditation will grow and this will translate into greater ease in living — the ability to flow with whatever life brings.
Sitting in an uncomfortable posture
Often people have the idea that they have to sit in a certain posture for effective meditation, and yet they find it is impossible to do so comfortably. If you are physically uncomfortable this will dominate your awareness and it will be impossible to relax.Solution: For sitting meditations, it is best to sit with the spine erect, but not to strain in any way. Sit in a way which is natural and puts you at ease. For most people, sitting with back support and with the feet flat on the floor works best.

Nature Meditations
How to Meditate in Nature
These meditations are done outside in natural surroundings. They help to enliven the basic intelligence of nature in our awareness and physiology. Our being resonates with the sight of a flower, sound of birds, feeling of the breeze. These experiences wake something up inside of us, and help to set our lives into a more natural rhythm. Nature lovers have discovered this secret without ever studying meditation!

In the nature meditations, we focus our awareness on the experience of nature — sight, sound, touch, smell (and perhaps even taste). As with every meditation on our website, when the mind wanders from the focus of the meditation, bring it gently back. There are several different ways that this meditation can be done. Experiment and find what works best for you.

Basic Nature Meditation — Eyes Closed
Find a comfortable position sitting or lying down. Begin with a few deep breaths, breathing deep into the belly, to help you relax and to bring you to the sensations of the present moment. Now close your eyes and be present to what is being experienced with your eyes closed. Notice how your body feels, as well as the activity of your mind and emotions. Experience whatever is present without resisting anything or trying to change it. Do this for about a minute.

Now bring your awareness to everything that you can experience in your surroundings. Feel the temperature of the air on your skin, the feeling of the breeze and the sun. Notice the sounds around you — birds, bees, crickets, flowing water. Listen to the symphony of nature. For the rest of the meditation, continue to experience these feelings and sounds. Whenever your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the experience of nature.

As you meditate, you can see where your attention is naturally drawn, or purposefully scan for different experiences. You can also focus on one experience and notice the experience in greater detail. If it is a bird’s song — notice the quality of the sound — as if you are going more deeply into the sound. (It may seem to have a shape or texture.) Don’t analyze the sound and label it with your mind — simply notice the quality of it.

Once again, whenever you notice that the mind has become absorbed in thoughts, easily bring it back to the sounds and sensations of being in nature. At times both awareness of the sensations from the environment and thoughts will be present. That’s fine. Just easily favor the experiences of nature.

Listening Meditation — Variation of Basic Nature Meditation
Begin as described in the Basic Nature Meditation, but focus on sound only. Let your awareness be with all the sounds in the environment, noticing them in great detail. You can also focus on one particular sound, such as that of flowing water. Continue to bring your attention back to that particular sound when your mind wanders.

Nature Meditation — Eyes Open
This meditation can be done while sitting, standing or walking. Time spent in nature can always be a form of meditation when we put our full attention on what is around us — the earth, trees, flowers, animals, fresh air, the breeze…

To intensify this experience, allow yourself to experience the sights, sounds and smells without labeling them and becoming mentally involved with them. Notice the tendency of the mind to name and evaluate everything — “Oh, look at that beautiful bird. What kind is it? Is it here all winter or where does it go?” When these kinds of thoughts come up, let them go. Simply experience the colors, shape, sounds, movement of the bird or whatever else you are experiencing. Let it be an experience without meaning and without reference to any other experience.

Experience everything with an open awareness, as if you’d never experienced anything like it before. As always, when the mind wanders and becomes caught up in thought, simply bring it back to the experience of nature.

Meditation in Action
How to meditate while remaining active
Our Meditation-in-Action is a way of meditating while remaining active. This can be an incredibly relaxing experience. It can also bring insights into how we resist the natural flow of life and help you to let go of that resistance and experience activity in a more natural and spontaneous way. This meditation can be for personal growth, or simply to relax.
Usually this meditation will be most effective if you can take at least an hour to do it. It can even become the basis of a day long retreat.
How to do this meditation
Set aside a couple of hours, or better yet a morning or even a whole day in which you will only do what you want to do when you want to do it.
The basic meditation is to spend some time doing only what you want to do in the moment. It is usually most effective to do this in your own home or in an environment that you spend a lot of time in. The idea isn’t necessarily to do something special or to get involved in a project that takes planning or commits you to a certain course of action (like taking a trip). It is better to leave things open-ended so that you have the freedom to start one thing and stop it or change your focus at any time.
During this time let go of any ideas of what you think you should do and everything you think needs to be done. That even includes “I should do something really special that I always want to do but don’t have time for”. Don’t plan your time ahead. Don’t think about what to do, just start doing what comes to you naturally. Do what you want to do in every moment as it arises. You may notice yourself judging what you choose to do, but let that go. Just follow the impulses of the moment.
At times you may sit or lie down and do nothing, at other times you may have an inspiration of something new and different to do, and at other times you may surprise yourself by finding you are doing something on your to-do list. The feeling as you do these things will be completely different, however, as you let go of any agendas and any shoulds. You may find yourself actually enjoying doing things that you might not normally enjoy, simply because there is no longer a sense that “I have to do this” or a pressure about time.
What is so relaxing is the sense of freedom in just letting yourself do as you please — letting yourself be. You may learn quite a lot about how your mind is always evaluating what you are doing and whether or not it is worthwhile, “good” or “bad”, and so on.
Music as Meditation
Sit or lie down, close your eyes, and bring your attention to the music. Whenever you find your attention has wandered, bring it easily back to the music. As always, don’t strain or try to force your mind to follow the music, just be easy about it and “take it as it comes”.
These same meditation guidelines apply to any of our meditations. The focus in the meditations varies. It may be the body or the breath, or the focus may simply be to follow the gentle instructions in the guided meditations. In this case, the focus is the music.
It’s important to understand that it is not a mistake when the mind wanders from the music. Everything the mind does, everything that happens, is part of the meditation. So don’t try to concentrate or force the mind in any way. The only criteria for “right meditation” is that it is easy. The goal, if there is a goal, is effortlessness, but even if we are find ourselves making an effort sometimes, that’s OK. Just back off and continue.
Walking Meditation
How to meditate while walking
Walking meditation can be just as profound as sitting meditation, and has the advantage of bringing the meditative experience into our activity. There are a number of different walking meditations. Our variation is informal and easy. It allows you to be more present in your body and in the present moment. The simple experience of alternating steps with the left and right foot naturally helps create a meditative state.

There is a tremendous richness of experience to become aware of as you walk. The body loves movement, and will reward you with pleasure if you pay attention to how it feels! So much of the time we are caught up in our mental worlds — thinking of the past or future, planning, imagining… Paying attention to the body as you walk will help you to enjoy simply being alive. (Although there are sitting meditations in which you pay attention to the body, it is easier to do so when the body is in motion. This is an advantage of the walking meditation.)

Where and when. This meditation is best done outdoors. We recommend setting aside at least 20 minutes for your walking meditation, and not trying to combine it with anything else like going on errands or walking briskly for exercise. Let this be a walk just for meditation so that you can sink into the experience with your undivided attention!

How to start. Before starting to walk, spend a little time while still standing still. Allow your awareness to be with your body. Take some deep breaths, inhaling deep into the belly. Put your full attention on the sensation of breathing. Then allow the breath to return to normal and notice it going on its own for a little while. Now bring your awareness to your body, noticing how your body feels as you are standing, and becoming aware of all the sensations going on in your body.

Now begin walking. Walk at a relaxed, fairly slow but normal pace. Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you walk. It is natural to find your attention drawn to the sights around you as you walk, but keep bringing your attention to what is going on internally.

The idea is to have your attention on the physical experience of walking. If the mind starts getting caught up in thoughts, easily bring your attention back to the experience of walking. Notice how the body feels in great detail as you walk. The entire body is involved in the act of walking — from alternation of the left and right foot to the swinging of your arms and hips.

Notice how the soles of your feet feel — the contact they make with your socks or shoes, the textures of the fabrics touching them, the way they feel as they bear the weight of your body and the sensations in them as your walk along. Feel the entire foot, being aware of how it moves as the heel is placed on the ground, and then the movement rolls to the ball of the foot and toes. Notice how it feels as the foot lifts and moves forward. Allow your awareness to move up through every part of the body, noticing the sensations as you walk. Gradually scan all parts of your body as you bring your attention to the ankles, skins, calves, knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, back, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, head.

When you become aware of tension anywhere in the body, let it go. Allow that part of your body to relax. Allow your ankles, belly, shoulders, arms, neck — all of your body — to relax. Let your hips swing loose. As you do this, the walking will become more enjoyable.

You can scan your body randomly, moving your awareness from place to pace in your body, or you can systematically scan your whole body going from the soles of your feet to the top of your head noticing the sensations of walking. The most important thing is to keep you awareness on the sensations in your body, easily bringing it back when your mind has wandered.

XXX

Variation: Keep your attention on the rhythm of the walking — the alternation of left and right foot. Simply notice the experience of left-right-left-right motion. Keep bringing your awareness back to this experience when the mind wanders in thoughts or distractions of the environment.

Finding a comfortable position
Unless otherwise stated, these guided meditations can be done either sitting or lying down. In general, if you meditate sitting up, you’ll tend to stay more alert for the meditation. You might tend to doze or fall asleep while lying down. You can try meditating both ways to see the difference for yourself. In either case, find a position that is comfortable and close your eyes for the meditations.
Listen easily without straining
Listen easily to the meditations, without straining in any way to follow the instructions. Treat the instructions as gentle suggestions, and allow yourself to follow them in a way that is easy and natural. The mind will wander from time to time — that doesn’t matter. Just easily bring your attention back to the voice-guided instructions when you realize it has wandered.
Meditations with and without a focus
Some of the meditations have a focus, such as the breath, emotions or body awareness. It’s not necessary to concentrate to keep your attention on these things. Just be easy with the process and come back to the focus when the mind has wandered.
Ending the meditations
At the end of most meditations, you will be given the option to continue longer with the meditation on your own for a while longer. When you are ready to end the meditation, take time to come out slowly. Stretch, take some deep breaths and gradually return to your activity. Opening your eyes downcast can also help the transition to activity to be more graceful and smooth.
Doing these meditations on your own
Once you’ve listened to these meditations for some time, you will become familiar enough with the processes to do them on your own. You can always come back to the guided meditation as a “refresher” once you’re doing them on your own.
Value of repeating the meditations
Listening to any of these guided meditations should bring relaxation and a shift in your way of being. Listening to them more than once increases these effects and helps you to develop new habits in living.
Regular meditation brings the most benefit!

This was written in 2002 by Hank Wesselman and I wanted to share it with others for I fully support his ideas and beliefs....
It is no news to anyone in the Western World that increasing numbers of people are leaving our mainstream religions in droves. What is news is that this is not an atheistic movement. Quite the contrary. A wide-spread spiritual reawakening is taking place—one that is cutting across socioeconomic levels of achievement and status, one that is transcending cultural, political, and ethnic boundaries as well.
This social movement is intensely democratic and appears to be made up of people who hold a set of beliefs and values that differ from those of the general public. This new belief complex is quietly, yet definitively, gaining acceptance among increasing numbers of well-informed and well-connected individuals, many of whom are in professional and social positions from which they can influence the larger society’s ideas and trends.
The number of people involved is not known with certainty, but 14 years of social research in the United States by demographer Paul Ray, PhD., has shown that more than 50 million Americans may fall into this category, representing more than 25% of the adult population. This is not a small number, and it appears to be growing. Ray’s analysis suggests that we Westerners have arrived at a point in our history in which our prevailing mythologies are not working so well any more. The 50 million among us know, without being told, that it is time to create a ‘new story’, a new cultural myth, in which we synthesize a whole new set of ways of seeing ourselves and our society, as well as our place in the greater scheme of things.
Ray’s survey has revealed that the citizens involved are socially-concerned, environmentally-aware, and spiritually-focused creative people, who are carriers of more positive ideas and values than in any previous period of history. The ever-increasing numbers of these ‘cultural-creatives’ know with absolute certainty that if we continue to do business as usual, Western Civilization may well collapse, taking the rest of the world with it. This awareness is producing a growing sense of urgency, an existential angst, accompanied by an insistence on social, political, and economic reform that will benefit everyone, not just the powerful and the privileged.
Anthropologists might call this a new kind of cultural revitalization movement and observe that such a shift in the dominant cultural pattern of a society happens only once or twice in a thousand years. This one is occurring during a period of ever-accelerating social change, enabled by a high technology and a world-wide communication system unlike any ever seen before. This suggests that the shift has already spread far beyond the boundaries of the Western World, and may, in fact, be happening on a planetary scale.
Are you a member of this movement? My book VISIONSEEKER presents a profile of this growing community of worthies, as well as a partial list of their core beliefs and values: Here it is with a footnote or two...
CORE BELIEFS
1.The belief that everything and everyone is part of a pattern and thus interconnected.
· His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, has put it this way: ‘Nowadays, whatever happens in one part of the world will eventually effect people and places far away. Therefore, it is essential to treat each major problem (and social movement), right from their inception, as a global concern. It is no longer possible to emphasize, without destructive repercussions, the national, racial, ideological, (or spiritual) barriers which differentiate us. Within the context of our new interdependence, self-interest clearly lies in considering the interests of others.’ (from The Way Ahead, eds. Eddie and Debbie Shapiro, Element Books, 1992)
2. The belief in the existence of an alternate reality, often referred to as the ‘other world’, the ‘spirit world’, the ‘dreamtime’, or simply, ‘the sacred’ by the traditional peoples. Modern mystics often refer to it as ‘nonordinary reality’.
· This is a core concept shared by many quantum physicists and zen buddhists as well. In our workshops, we do ‘fieldwork’ in these inner worlds, investigating the nature of the ‘nonordinary dimensions of reality’.
3.The belief in the ability of some individuals to achieve transcendent states of consciousness in which it becomes possible to enter into this alternate reality for problem-solving and the healing of self and others. This belief is usually accompanied by a strong desire to personally experience the alternate reality.
· Today, there is increasing interest among Westerners in learning how to systematically alter consciousness so that we too can personally connect with this other world, and many in the modern mystical movement have learned and practice the ancient, time-tested technology of transcendence, pioneered by the shamans of the traditional peoples.
4. The belief in the existence of spirit helpers and spirit teachers who reside in the alternate reality.
· These spirits are seen as critical in dealing with the alternate reality because they provide the spiritual seeker with power, protection, and support, as well as knowledge and guidance.
5. The belief that everything, both living and inanimate, is imbued with its own personal supernatural essence or soul. This includes the certainty that everything everywhere is aware and thus ‘minded’ to some degree.
· This belief is universal among traditional peoples and is known as animism.
6. The belief in the existence of an impersonal supernatural power or vital force that is highly dispersed throughout the Universe, but which can be highly concentrated in certain places, objects, and living beings as life-force.
· This belief is called animatism, and almost everyone everywhere has a sense of this enlivening energy, as well as how it can be accumulated, focused, and used. This is the mana of the Polynesians and Melanesians, the chi of the Chinese, the ki of the Japanese and Koreans, the prana of yoga, the baraka of the Muslims, the num of the Kalahari bushmen, the manitou of the Algonkian Indians, and the force of Obi Wan Kenobi.
7. The belief in a personal energy body around and within which the physical body is formed. This energetic aspect can be perceived by those with psychic awareness as an aura, and modern mystics know that it can be enhanced through centers located within it—the chakras and meridians in Eastern thought.
· The medical intuitive Carolyn Myss has called the growing awareness of this energetic aspect of the self to be one of the signatures of the ‘consciousness age’. Western scientists, tempered by their habitual caution, still know little about it. The energy body is very sensitive to thoughts and emotions, and the understanding of this delicate relationship is critical for healing.
CORE VALUES
8. Modern mystics hold a strong concern for social justice and the quality of life at all levels of society, both nationally and internationally.
9. Social tolerance, individualism, and spiritual freedom are highly valued ideals.
10. Strong support is felt for women’s issues as well as the safety and well-being of children and the elderly. The rebuilding of families, neighborhoods, and communities are seen as major areas of concern, and human relationships are perceived to be of more importance than material gain.
· The interrelated values listed above form a strong complex, one that reveals that a new sense of the sacred has come into the world—one that combines personal growth psychology and the spiritual plus being of service, all mixed into one orientation.
11. Spiritual, mental-emotional, and physical balance and harmony are seen as critical to the well-being of the individual, the family, the society, the business firm, the nation-state, and the planetary community as a whole. Accordingly, it is understood that humans must live their lives in ways that contribute to this balance, rather than following lifestyles or pursuing goals that create its opposite.
· Modern mystics are reconsidering the wisdom of the traditional peoples which is fundamentally based on a sense of propriety, on an active respect for the land and for the natural powers that permeate it. The land, and everything associated with it, are holy. This leads to a strong ecological perspective.
12. Modern mystics are environmentally savvy. The survival of the environment and by association, the human species, is number one on their list. They carry a deep respect for Nature and are seriously concerned with stopping corporate polluters, reversing greenhouse warming, and discovering the limits to short-term growth so that the world community can achieve the long-term ecological sustainability upon which the future of humanity depends.
· Today, with the environment under siege from a hundred fronts, the indigenous peoples’ views on living in balance and harmony with nature and with its spiritual aspect (the mind behind Nature), are beginning to look a whole lot less like superstition and a whole lot more like wisdom.
13. Accordingly, the value of simple, natural living is seen as a high ideal.
· Homage to the indigenous peoples, and to the bohemians, the beats, the hippies, and all like-minded worthies before them, as well as those who will follow us for seven generations to come. Homage also to the medicinemakers of all societies of all times. In their capable hands rests the physical, as well as the metaphysical equilibrium of our collective peoples.
14. Modern mystics tend to hold strong feelings of disaffection for Western allopathic medicine. These concerns are being greatly enhanced by the increasingly negative effects on the quality of healthcare being introduced by the business-oriented and profit-motivated Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).
· Often, individuals who are terminally ill are kept alive by a Western medical system that is trying to do the right thing, but in the process, the physical suffering of the dying is needlessly prolonged, and the escalating costs of medical treatment can destroy a family’s resources. This is simply not right.
15. While all are very much aware of Western Medicine’s often miraculous achievements, most of us have strong interests in alternative and preventative healthcare modalities (holistic, shamanic, transpersonal, herbalist, acupuncture, ayurvedic, and meditative, to name only a few). These therapies are seen as ‘adjuncts to’ rather than as ‘replacements for’ Western Medicine.
· They are gaining in popularity because they work.
16. No one today can deny that the world’s social, political, economic, and religious problems are reaching critical mass. Modern mystics believe that the ultimate solutions to all our problems will be achieved through the current spiritual reawakening as it progresses from the personal to the global. They know that it has the potential to propel humanity into the next phase of its evolution as a more aware life form with more expanded abilities (see Visionseeker chapter 13).
· Modern mystics share a strong sense of hope and faith that as people move into and rediscover their connection with the spiritual worlds, a change will occur within us—one that will spread far beyond ourselves and will make the world a better, safer place to live—one that will enable peace to break out and become the dominant reality paradigm (see Visionseeker chapter 17).
17. Finally, virtually all who hold these beliefs and values are seekers of the direct, transformative experience of transcendence, and it is really this that defines us as mystics (see Visionseeker, chapter 1).
· The exploration of the nature of reality, as well as the mystery of who we are and what we are doing here, is the substrate of the quest. At its inception, this quest is intensely personal. Yet as it progresses, it leads us inevitably toward a universal and ultimately altruistic perspective, one that takes us straight into the irreversible vortex of spiritual expansion. This progression, once begun, changes us profoundly and forever because it conveys to each of us the experience of authentic initiation.
In summation, modern mystics are engaged in intensive, personal quests for spirituality, meaning, and transcendence. Although most tend not to be affiliated with organized religions, most profess beliefs in some form of supernatural god-like being or consciousness, and Jesus of Nazareth is regarded as a spirit teacher of great power, whether or not the spiritual seeker is psychologically Christian.
The members of this growing social movement are searching for ways to organize their lives in a personally more satisfying manner. Paul Ray’s study suggests that we should take hope, for we are traveling in the company of an enormous number of allies who are everywhere, in every community, and at every level of society, revealing that this steadily-escalating social phenomenon has all the appearances of a spiritual revolution.
Let the media, the politicians, the multinational corporations, and the social analysts take heed. The sheer number of people involved suggests that the modern mystical movement, of which the so-called New Age is a part, is not a fad. Rather, a true Transformational Community is emerging, one whose beliefs, values and trends are already in the process of shifting the cultural norms of Western Society.
The majority believe that the individuals involved in this movement are the ‘seed people’ who may determine the shape of the world’s spiritual orientation and practice for much of the next 2000 years. If true, the history of the planet will be profoundly and inescapably changed by the spiritual resurgence going on in the Western world. The results will be felt at every level of society, in every country, and will, by association, determine much of the politics and individual lifeways of the 21st Century.
Copyright Hank Wesselman, 2002.

Stones

Stability: Stones are very stable. I would like my stones to bring Stability into my life.

Patience: Stones are very Patient. I would like my stones to bring Patience into my life.

Wisdom: Stones are very wise. I would like my stones to bring
Wisdom into my life.

Contentment: Stones are very content. I would like my stones to bring Contentment into my life.

Positivity: Stones are very positive. I would like my stones to bring Positivity into my life.

Strength: Stones are very strong. I would like my stones to bring Strength into my life.

Uniqueness: Stones are very unique. I would like my stones to enhance my Uniqueness.

Connectivity: Stones are very connected. I would like my stones to bring more Connectedness into my life.

Respect: Stones are very respectable. I would like my stones to bring more respect into my life.

Awareness: Stones are very aware. I would like my stones to bring more Awareness into my life.

Focus: Stones are very focused. I would like my stones to bring more focus into my life.

Truthfulness: Stones are very true. I would like my stones to bring truth into my life.

Mindfulness: Stones are very mindful. I would like my stones to bring more Mindfulness into my life.

Adaptablitly: Stones are very adaptable. I would like my stones to bring more Adaptability into my life.

My cover letter

This was written by me on 4/11/2006 and was intended to be a cover letter for a job I was applying for...
Leading others and helping them to succeed in reaching their potential has always been a trait which came naturally to me. I enjoy teaching people who desire to learn what knowledge I possess. I've had experience both in training fellow employees and motivating groups of individuals toward a common goal. I find it challenging yet very rewarding when I can take a person who may not have the confidence to take on a particular task or role and help mold and shape their belief system so that they feel like nothing is too great a challenge for them anymore. If they can follow a few fairly simple instructions and/or advice without personalizing the constructive criticism that inevitably goes along with the learning process, then 'managing' their production at work becomes relatively hassle free.
When a manager is open-minded, respectful and diligent in his/her ways, it creates an environment that fosters openness and communication; two of the essential ingredients required to run an effective business. My role as a manager/trainer is not simply to "manage" their work behavior and production. It extends beyond the relative simplicity of those tasks to one of challenging the individual to excel at identifying and solving problems, proactively anticipating the needs of the customer or client, and working in harmony with others in their department to creatively come up with new solutions and innovative ideas. It would be important for me, as their manager and leader, to foster the type of work environment where these actions are routinely practiced and where enthusiasm plays a role in everyone's job, regardless of how menial or trite that job may seem to be.
In looking over my resume I realize that an employer would question the fact that I have not listed any previous retail experience. It's not entirely true as I have worked in retail but it was many years ago and I didn't want to have a resume more than one page long. In my defense, I worked: as a clerk at 7-11 immediately after graduating high school; for an auction company and dealt with many different people in a variety of situations; as a salesman (both inside and outside sales); as an assistant manager of an Italian restaurant during my time at Chico State as well as an on-campus mail delivery driver. In addition, the customer service skills I've developed in the restaurant business (both as a server and a trainer) have enabled me to have a greater understanding of the desires and needs of a diverse and demanding public. Add to that the skill sets I acquired as a Human Resources Assistant and then Staffing Administrator for a high tech defense company and I feel I am qualified to represent your company in a managerial role.

I sincerely hope this letter helps to explain where I come from and what I believe in. I never profess to have all the answers...but I will often have creative suggestions for ways to improve an existing process or idea if management has an open-door/mind policy in place.