“None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
The pool is only open from 4-8 on week days now. And it was chilly today, in the 60's...but the water was warmer. I was by myself in the pool again...pushed myself even harder today. I kiddingly told the life guards to tell D...I loved him very much...if I died while trying to swim faster. Dark joke. I'm not building more muscle but all my muscles are getting more defined, especially in my shoulders and legs. My breathing is much more coordinated with my strokes. I'm recovering much faster too. Overcast, no finches today. Do they migrate? D...is having a tough time at his new school, but he says he will weather the storm, his words. I'm betting all over Charlotte, students are adjusting to new teachers, students...the new process of middle school. I started twisting balloons last Thursday. Getting good at it, will bring some to meeting this week...see if the kids want to twist balloons. Working on another painting...this one will be a Halloween tribute of sorts. The theme of death or decomposition...seasonal changes still has it's head reared.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Annuit Coeptis
"This is the source of our confidence, the knowledge that God calls on us
to shape an uncertain destiny." – President Barack Obama, Inaugural Address
http://www.greatseal.com/mottoes/coeptis.html
A personal story as it relates to yesterday's comment about where the beginning begins and where the end ends...When I was a Peace Corps Volunteer, at the last minute I was asked to do the morning commencement on the first day of our training.
African students were there to help us practice our skills, and we followed a usual school day for them which included a morning commencement. What I did was completely unrehearsed. The group I was with, all brand new Peace Corps Recruits, drove up country (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Leone) soon right after a 12 hour plane ride, and we all got to bed around 2am...new country, new everything...I was really jet lagged, tired, discombobulated...nonetheless...I came up with something that would become part of my Peace Corps Legacy.
Imagine 75 Peace Corps Volunteers standing around me and in front of about 400 bright shining faces...the boys with white shirts and tan shorts, and the girls in blue dresses and white tops...all standing underneath a thatched roof while it was teeming down rain. It was the rainy season. Incidentally, their weather is the weather we get in the form of hurricanes.
I said good morning in English and they all said good morning back to me so thunderously, in English, but in a very flavorful accent I never heard before.
I began by telling them the story about the Little Engine That Could...you know the story...so I'll skip ahead...but one of the memorable parts of this story is when the Engine was climbing the hill...going up up up and up and struggling....and not making it...trying and trying again...I'll never forget how all 400 students were so physically and emotionally involved with the Engine. They all became the Engine. And so did I. Imagine...all 400 of the them chugging wildly, dramatically...following me. And I looked behind me and the Peace Corps Volunteers were chugging too!
We ALL motioned our arms...we were the Engine chugging up the hill. With strenuous dramatic effort, climbing...climbing....trying...groaning...leaning back as if climbing the hill...
Watching them all with my sleep deprived eyes was absolutely amazing, but as amazing as this was, this is NOT the most amazing part of the story...for me.
Two years later...I was very sad because I was in a taxi on my way to the Freetown airport, on my way back home, (actually I was headed to Europe)...anyway my 2 year tour of duty as a Peace Corps Volunteer had ended.
It was long a trip up country, about 8 hours, by taxi. Lot of stops on the way as well. I was stationed in Segbwema, which is almost as far East as one could go.
When we reached Njala, the town where we trained 2 years past, there were vendors along the road, along with people waiting for their rides, other taxis...it was very busy stop...but in the corner of my eye I saw a little boy moving his arms. Bent at the elbows. Going slow, then picking up speed as he moved his arms back and forth.
He was smiling at me and walking towards me as he moved his arms. The little boy was about 75 yards from me. At the time I thought it was odd what he was doing, but I did not make any connection. Before the boy reached the taxi the driver returned and we drove off. I watched as the boy continued moving his arms until the dust obscured him from my view.
Only when I was an hour away from Njala junction did I remember the morning commencement and the little Engine That Could.
to shape an uncertain destiny." – President Barack Obama, Inaugural Address
http://www.greatseal.com/mottoes/coeptis.html
A personal story as it relates to yesterday's comment about where the beginning begins and where the end ends...When I was a Peace Corps Volunteer, at the last minute I was asked to do the morning commencement on the first day of our training.
African students were there to help us practice our skills, and we followed a usual school day for them which included a morning commencement. What I did was completely unrehearsed. The group I was with, all brand new Peace Corps Recruits, drove up country (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Leone) soon right after a 12 hour plane ride, and we all got to bed around 2am...new country, new everything...I was really jet lagged, tired, discombobulated...nonetheless...I came up with something that would become part of my Peace Corps Legacy.
Imagine 75 Peace Corps Volunteers standing around me and in front of about 400 bright shining faces...the boys with white shirts and tan shorts, and the girls in blue dresses and white tops...all standing underneath a thatched roof while it was teeming down rain. It was the rainy season. Incidentally, their weather is the weather we get in the form of hurricanes.
I said good morning in English and they all said good morning back to me so thunderously, in English, but in a very flavorful accent I never heard before.
I began by telling them the story about the Little Engine That Could...you know the story...so I'll skip ahead...but one of the memorable parts of this story is when the Engine was climbing the hill...going up up up and up and struggling....and not making it...trying and trying again...I'll never forget how all 400 students were so physically and emotionally involved with the Engine. They all became the Engine. And so did I. Imagine...all 400 of the them chugging wildly, dramatically...following me. And I looked behind me and the Peace Corps Volunteers were chugging too!
We ALL motioned our arms...we were the Engine chugging up the hill. With strenuous dramatic effort, climbing...climbing....trying...groaning...leaning back as if climbing the hill...
Watching them all with my sleep deprived eyes was absolutely amazing, but as amazing as this was, this is NOT the most amazing part of the story...for me.
Two years later...I was very sad because I was in a taxi on my way to the Freetown airport, on my way back home, (actually I was headed to Europe)...anyway my 2 year tour of duty as a Peace Corps Volunteer had ended.
It was long a trip up country, about 8 hours, by taxi. Lot of stops on the way as well. I was stationed in Segbwema, which is almost as far East as one could go.
When we reached Njala, the town where we trained 2 years past, there were vendors along the road, along with people waiting for their rides, other taxis...it was very busy stop...but in the corner of my eye I saw a little boy moving his arms. Bent at the elbows. Going slow, then picking up speed as he moved his arms back and forth.
He was smiling at me and walking towards me as he moved his arms. The little boy was about 75 yards from me. At the time I thought it was odd what he was doing, but I did not make any connection. Before the boy reached the taxi the driver returned and we drove off. I watched as the boy continued moving his arms until the dust obscured him from my view.
Only when I was an hour away from Njala junction did I remember the morning commencement and the little Engine That Could.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Good Samaritan...By Sicard In Tuileries Gardens, Paris
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Good_Samaritan_Sicard_Tuileries.jpg
The Good Samaritan parable is found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25-37.
Very stalwart meeting today, 5 standers..."excellent vocal ministry today." Heard this said by member/attender today...Peggy was very impressed with CFM process, she came on a good first day. She said that she missed the music (as part of the service)...she said the members were extremely friendly to her. (I thank you all for that!)...the good Samaritan story was poignant, and stood out among the rest today for me. Although the mosquito story as it related to where a person begins and ends...stretched me...more on that later.
Shared my lane with a very pretty, red hot redhead today...she was very young, sweet to me, in great shape...say in early 20's and swam like a fish...I really felt my age...it was a party atmosphere at the pool tonight...a bunch of families were having a BBQ...pool was crowded....but there is a Penn's Hat agreement that the pool lane is to stay clear when people are swimming in it...I love that...I'm in pretty good shape now...one more week of pool and then it closes...what to do then?
Brought the painting I was working on over to Art Aspects to have it framed...and I am working on another painting that was inspired by the last painting...also learning balloon animals...working on my 8th shape tonight...hope to make some money off this new found talent...will bring some balloons to the next meeting...show the kids how to make balloon animals.
The Good Samaritan parable is found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25-37.
Very stalwart meeting today, 5 standers..."excellent vocal ministry today." Heard this said by member/attender today...Peggy was very impressed with CFM process, she came on a good first day. She said that she missed the music (as part of the service)...she said the members were extremely friendly to her. (I thank you all for that!)...the good Samaritan story was poignant, and stood out among the rest today for me. Although the mosquito story as it related to where a person begins and ends...stretched me...more on that later.
Shared my lane with a very pretty, red hot redhead today...she was very young, sweet to me, in great shape...say in early 20's and swam like a fish...I really felt my age...it was a party atmosphere at the pool tonight...a bunch of families were having a BBQ...pool was crowded....but there is a Penn's Hat agreement that the pool lane is to stay clear when people are swimming in it...I love that...I'm in pretty good shape now...one more week of pool and then it closes...what to do then?
Brought the painting I was working on over to Art Aspects to have it framed...and I am working on another painting that was inspired by the last painting...also learning balloon animals...working on my 8th shape tonight...hope to make some money off this new found talent...will bring some balloons to the next meeting...show the kids how to make balloon animals.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The Secret Ingredient And Penn's Hat
"There's a statue of William Penn atop the City Hall building of Philadelphia, built by Alexander Milne Calder. At one time, there was a gentlemen's agreement that no new building would be built higher than Penn's (Hat) statue."
Today I read 3 letters William Penn wrote on Sept 7th 1670 while imprisoned. They were to his father. And I was moved that in each letter, Penn was more worried about his father than his own imprisonment. The tone of each of these letters was positive, hopeful and Penn always closed with a pitch to his father not to worry, not to send money, and that it would work out for the best, and that he loved him deeply.
http://www.ushistory.org/penn/pennletter.htm
When I lived in Philadelphia, and was any where near City Hall, I'd always look up at Penn's statue. That was when the gentleman's agreement was in play: no building taller than Penn's Hat. And I remember always being struck with amazement about the idea of "gentleman's agreement." Giving your word. The only thing that a person really has that is theirs to give.
D... and I made balloon animals and shapes today. Dog, sword and flower are his. He became very good at making them. We watched "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" and 2 Sponge Bob episodes while making the balloon shapes. (The balloon shapes were piling up...Over two hours...the living room looked like a balloon animal graveyard)...I mention this because Hitchhikers Guide is a very odd movie...almost like Firesign Theater if you know what I mean...anyway...remember,
I'm half watching TV and half balloon making and helping D..., so I'm not catching every plot twist, not that the plots of either show were that hard to grasp...anyway in a Sponge Bob episode...Sponge Bob rescues Mr. Crabs when he needed a way to feed his daughter, who has a big appetite...BTW she's a whale, even though Mr. Crabs gruffly protests one patty would not be enough...Sponge Bob insists, also letting Mr. Crabs know that in it, there is a secret ingredient that would surely satisfy her hunger...
When Mr. Crabs asks what that ingredient is, Sponge Bob, tells him with his usual sincere but calm indignation, "love, Mr. Crabs, love."
Today I read 3 letters William Penn wrote on Sept 7th 1670 while imprisoned. They were to his father. And I was moved that in each letter, Penn was more worried about his father than his own imprisonment. The tone of each of these letters was positive, hopeful and Penn always closed with a pitch to his father not to worry, not to send money, and that it would work out for the best, and that he loved him deeply.
http://www.ushistory.org/penn/pennletter.htm
When I lived in Philadelphia, and was any where near City Hall, I'd always look up at Penn's statue. That was when the gentleman's agreement was in play: no building taller than Penn's Hat. And I remember always being struck with amazement about the idea of "gentleman's agreement." Giving your word. The only thing that a person really has that is theirs to give.
D... and I made balloon animals and shapes today. Dog, sword and flower are his. He became very good at making them. We watched "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" and 2 Sponge Bob episodes while making the balloon shapes. (The balloon shapes were piling up...Over two hours...the living room looked like a balloon animal graveyard)...I mention this because Hitchhikers Guide is a very odd movie...almost like Firesign Theater if you know what I mean...anyway...remember,
I'm half watching TV and half balloon making and helping D..., so I'm not catching every plot twist, not that the plots of either show were that hard to grasp...anyway in a Sponge Bob episode...Sponge Bob rescues Mr. Crabs when he needed a way to feed his daughter, who has a big appetite...BTW she's a whale, even though Mr. Crabs gruffly protests one patty would not be enough...Sponge Bob insists, also letting Mr. Crabs know that in it, there is a secret ingredient that would surely satisfy her hunger...
When Mr. Crabs asks what that ingredient is, Sponge Bob, tells him with his usual sincere but calm indignation, "love, Mr. Crabs, love."
Friday, August 28, 2009
Still And Cool
Be still and cool in thy own mind and spirit.
George Fox (1624 - 1691)
I swam a 20 second lap yesterday. The last lap. G...timed me. I was the only one in the pool. 3 guards watched as I did my laps. Finished the set in 30 minutes...that's 32 laps. Just a few more days left for the Foxcroft season, Sept 7th last day. I wonder if I will join a pool somewhere to do laps. I'm swimming relaxed. Concentrating on releasing all tension from my body as I swim. Conscious of all my moving muscles, and the form I'm using.
The past few weeks have been stressed filled. Of my own doing. But I've decided to look on the bright side and look for 5 things to be grateful for daily...it is such a roller coaster ride these days. It has not always been like this, but it feels like it has. I'm concentrating on my diet again. I want to eat less than 20% fat in my diet. And less meat.
I've found a job that may be a good thing. I will tell you more about it later, when it gets going. Right now my mind jury is still deliberating...but it entails a lot of learning. Vivian was right, I am embarking on a very new course...and it will be gradual and I will be asked to learn new skills.
The new day has begun, be still and cool, standing in the light.
George Fox (1624 - 1691)
I swam a 20 second lap yesterday. The last lap. G...timed me. I was the only one in the pool. 3 guards watched as I did my laps. Finished the set in 30 minutes...that's 32 laps. Just a few more days left for the Foxcroft season, Sept 7th last day. I wonder if I will join a pool somewhere to do laps. I'm swimming relaxed. Concentrating on releasing all tension from my body as I swim. Conscious of all my moving muscles, and the form I'm using.
The past few weeks have been stressed filled. Of my own doing. But I've decided to look on the bright side and look for 5 things to be grateful for daily...it is such a roller coaster ride these days. It has not always been like this, but it feels like it has. I'm concentrating on my diet again. I want to eat less than 20% fat in my diet. And less meat.
I've found a job that may be a good thing. I will tell you more about it later, when it gets going. Right now my mind jury is still deliberating...but it entails a lot of learning. Vivian was right, I am embarking on a very new course...and it will be gradual and I will be asked to learn new skills.
The new day has begun, be still and cool, standing in the light.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Dialing for Salvation
There is a hope that I will be saved. Grasping for anything it seems that may help me get out of this funk. I'm aware there is no silver bullet. Even though in a meditation, I cognated 5 numbers, I will not win the lottery. I struggle with confusion and cynicism daily. I get high on an idea that ends in disappointment.
And I'm aware of the labels on both ends of my situation pole:
1. Chaos is the incubator for creativity
2. Fear begs caution and caution begets rigidity
If you want to take a very good assessment to find out your level of resiliency go to the site below: The purpose of the Leadership Resilience Profile® (LRP) is to provide you with an individualized profile of your resilience strengths. It will take less than 30 minutes to complete. After you respond to the items and click submit, you will receive a profile of your resilience strength score in twelve categories. It is free.
http://www.ed.uab.edu/tri/lrp.asp
And I'm aware of the labels on both ends of my situation pole:
1. Chaos is the incubator for creativity
2. Fear begs caution and caution begets rigidity
If you want to take a very good assessment to find out your level of resiliency go to the site below: The purpose of the Leadership Resilience Profile® (LRP) is to provide you with an individualized profile of your resilience strengths. It will take less than 30 minutes to complete. After you respond to the items and click submit, you will receive a profile of your resilience strength score in twelve categories. It is free.
http://www.ed.uab.edu/tri/lrp.asp
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Creative Tension...Explained
"When one holds a vision that stretches the mind and convention, when one dreams of realities that may seem like pure folly to the popular consensus, when one strives to reveal a truth that hasn't been seen by the masses, one becomes accustomed to being different. One also becomes accustomed to living a life with a certain amount of tension - tension between what is envisioned and what currently exists. Robert Fritz, author of The Path of Least Resistance, has described this differential as "structural tension." Peter Senge, author of The Fifth Discipline, referenced Fritz's model, making it more widely known as "creative tension."
Those who can live in this tension and hold their vision for what they see as achievable not only become accustomed to being different but they also become accustomed to this tension. Senge once told me he thought personal mastery was achieved when people could hold this tension without seeking relief from it. Most people tend to succumb to the desire to reconcile this tension and get more comfortable. They relieve it by either lowering their vision and their expectancy for their desired future or by overstating the present reality, making it seem better than it is. Often worse; they give up on their vision but start acting as if they still embody it. This often leads to them martyring themselves – taking consolations in the image they think they are projecting rather than making the kind of difference they claim they want."
John Renesch
Getting The Better Future
From:
http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/johnrenesch/2009/08/riding-the-edge-living-with-creative-tension.html
Those who can live in this tension and hold their vision for what they see as achievable not only become accustomed to being different but they also become accustomed to this tension. Senge once told me he thought personal mastery was achieved when people could hold this tension without seeking relief from it. Most people tend to succumb to the desire to reconcile this tension and get more comfortable. They relieve it by either lowering their vision and their expectancy for their desired future or by overstating the present reality, making it seem better than it is. Often worse; they give up on their vision but start acting as if they still embody it. This often leads to them martyring themselves – taking consolations in the image they think they are projecting rather than making the kind of difference they claim they want."
John Renesch
Getting The Better Future
From:
http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/johnrenesch/2009/08/riding-the-edge-living-with-creative-tension.html
We Don't Need No Stinking Committee
If what you're doing doesn't feel uncomfortable, then you're probably not doing anything new." Erik Simanis,Co-Director, Base of the Pyramid Protocol
Can my involvement with Quakerism tell me something significant (NEW) about the way things are? At least at CFM, where Jesus Christ seems very peripheral, and other than an openness for non-theism...there is no stated central theological/non-theological theme it aspires to, the part of Quakerism I like, no creed, and of course a desire for personal transformation...the so called spiritual journey.
But it did feel uncomfortable in silent meeting today at a really deep level. I drifted from irritation to peace and back again more than a few times. Lots of foot traffic and baby chatter. But the time did slip away.
Who owns that bleeping beeping watch?
Today, even though no one stood in silence, one after-thought was particularly resonating. It was stated in the form of a query. Essentially she wanted more spiritual connection. And she answered her own query, by suggested a theme for a friendly eights group. Non violent communication.
I spoke to her afterward to learn more about her idea. It sounded even more interesting. At the end of the conversation I asked her to keep me informed, that I was interested.
From the conversation I learned how unconnected I was to the meeting. It still feels like I'm wandering around in a familiar train station. Lots of people wandering, lots of activity, some acknowledgment that we exist, some eye contact, some social chatter, but no significant connection. I got that she felt the same way.
She suggested that I get involved in a committee. I've heard that before. and I'm not ready for that. Is there no other way to connect at CFM besides a committee?
Yes, friendly eights...will try that. Heck I'm in one already! I'll do another one...one that meets weekly would be great.
I came prepared to cut honeysuckle, but no one seemed motivated, so I left and when I got home, immediately grabbed the wheel barrow and finished cleaning out all but 3 squash plants and a row of tomatoes.
Can my involvement with Quakerism tell me something significant (NEW) about the way things are? At least at CFM, where Jesus Christ seems very peripheral, and other than an openness for non-theism...there is no stated central theological/non-theological theme it aspires to, the part of Quakerism I like, no creed, and of course a desire for personal transformation...the so called spiritual journey.
But it did feel uncomfortable in silent meeting today at a really deep level. I drifted from irritation to peace and back again more than a few times. Lots of foot traffic and baby chatter. But the time did slip away.
Who owns that bleeping beeping watch?
Today, even though no one stood in silence, one after-thought was particularly resonating. It was stated in the form of a query. Essentially she wanted more spiritual connection. And she answered her own query, by suggested a theme for a friendly eights group. Non violent communication.
I spoke to her afterward to learn more about her idea. It sounded even more interesting. At the end of the conversation I asked her to keep me informed, that I was interested.
From the conversation I learned how unconnected I was to the meeting. It still feels like I'm wandering around in a familiar train station. Lots of people wandering, lots of activity, some acknowledgment that we exist, some eye contact, some social chatter, but no significant connection. I got that she felt the same way.
She suggested that I get involved in a committee. I've heard that before. and I'm not ready for that. Is there no other way to connect at CFM besides a committee?
Yes, friendly eights...will try that. Heck I'm in one already! I'll do another one...one that meets weekly would be great.
I came prepared to cut honeysuckle, but no one seemed motivated, so I left and when I got home, immediately grabbed the wheel barrow and finished cleaning out all but 3 squash plants and a row of tomatoes.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Faces, Mothers And Ruins
I've been gradually going to a vegetarian diet. Kicking and spitting. Found a great source of protein too. Shelled hemp seeds. 11% protein in 2 tablespoons. And not that much oil either, and what there is, it's omega 3 oil. Also it provides all the amino acids.
Lost 3 pounds so far, but that is not why I'm doing it. According to the book I'm reading a meat diet creates toxins etc that slow a person down, depletes your energy etc. Not seen that extra energy yet. and it is suppose to reverse heart disease issues. And I'm hoping it will do my thyroid some good. I have to watch out for vegetables that are not good for the thyroid...which I didn't know about.
Cleaned out the garden today and will carry away the debris tomorrow. There is one zuchini plant that refuses to call it quits and I want to support it as long as I can...plenty of flowers on it and a few zuchs still growing...good for her...it.
Honeysuckle vines remind me of the deep South...and a Hawthorne quote...Romance and poetry, ivy, lichens, and wallflowers, need ruin to make them grow.
Lost 3 pounds so far, but that is not why I'm doing it. According to the book I'm reading a meat diet creates toxins etc that slow a person down, depletes your energy etc. Not seen that extra energy yet. and it is suppose to reverse heart disease issues. And I'm hoping it will do my thyroid some good. I have to watch out for vegetables that are not good for the thyroid...which I didn't know about.
Cleaned out the garden today and will carry away the debris tomorrow. There is one zuchini plant that refuses to call it quits and I want to support it as long as I can...plenty of flowers on it and a few zuchs still growing...good for her...it.
Honeysuckle vines remind me of the deep South...and a Hawthorne quote...Romance and poetry, ivy, lichens, and wallflowers, need ruin to make them grow.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Single Occupancy Unit License: S.O.U.L.
"By turning inward in contemplative silence, these dedicated seekers encountered what they called “the Light” of Christ — the actual presence of the spiritual force that nourishes the created world. They believed that this Inner Light is universally present within all human souls, that “the sacred is always within us as potentiality, waiting to be addressed, answered, called into fuller being” (Lacey, 1998, p. 3). Fox claimed that this Light represented no less than “that of God in everyone.”
From: http://www.pathsoflearning.org/articles_Quaker.php
So maybe this "God in everyone" can be found embedded in the S.O.U.L. One soul, one body...This is the license we get when we're born. Everyone has one. It animates our bodies, gives us light...is it the same as spirit? It encourages us to make ourselves and the world better...
I read that in Chinese medicine the spleen is where the soul lives. And the emotions also reside there as well.
According to this article (see link below): Funerary Monument Reveals Iron Age Belief That The Soul Lived In The Stone
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118071136.htm
the real quesiton is
Where does the soul go after we die? The question is really about what happens after we die. Does the body separate from the S.O.U.L...when this license expires does the generator for the neurological/biological electrochemical energy that supports/animates the life force in the body...does the S.O.U.L. blink out of existence?
The soul...an unknown or another great invention/invitation of/for (wo)mankind...
From: http://www.pathsoflearning.org/articles_Quaker.php
So maybe this "God in everyone" can be found embedded in the S.O.U.L. One soul, one body...This is the license we get when we're born. Everyone has one. It animates our bodies, gives us light...is it the same as spirit? It encourages us to make ourselves and the world better...
I read that in Chinese medicine the spleen is where the soul lives. And the emotions also reside there as well.
According to this article (see link below): Funerary Monument Reveals Iron Age Belief That The Soul Lived In The Stone
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118071136.htm
the real quesiton is
Where does the soul go after we die? The question is really about what happens after we die. Does the body separate from the S.O.U.L...when this license expires does the generator for the neurological/biological electrochemical energy that supports/animates the life force in the body...does the S.O.U.L. blink out of existence?
The soul...an unknown or another great invention/invitation of/for (wo)mankind...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Figura Serpentinata
Go to this link to read more than you care to know about Greco's painting and the alleged bible story incident...It is an absurd painting...but was taken so very seriously by Earlier Catholics...it seems it gave them license to create reform and to clean house, thier own house.
http://www.artsconnected.org/resource/2784/christ-driving-the-money-changers-from-the-temple/tab/comments
Excerpt:
THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT
Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple is based on an incident narrated in all four gospels of the New Testament: Matthew 21:12-15; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45; John 2:13-16. According to the account by St. John, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a Sunday and the next day went to the Temple. "In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money-changers at their business. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the doves, 'Take these things away; you shall not make my Father's house a house of trade.'" This is an unusual episode, for it is the only time in his recorded lifetime that Christ resorted to physical punishment.
Notes:
Strong Art Talk meeting with B and M and N on Monday night. I'm very impressed with the level of discussion from M and B. Progress is expected.
Faux Conference on Tuesday was on Non-Theism and Quakers. It almost was interesting. Wikipedia has a good bit "more better" info. But the event gave me a chance to talk about storylessness for the first time, and how it relates to the silent meeting process for me.
And John Haught has written a book to refute the works discussed last night:
God and the New Atheism: A Critical Response to Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens, December 2007, Westminster John Knox Press, ISBN 978-0664233044
http://www.artsconnected.org/resource/2784/christ-driving-the-money-changers-from-the-temple/tab/comments
Excerpt:
THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT
Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple is based on an incident narrated in all four gospels of the New Testament: Matthew 21:12-15; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45; John 2:13-16. According to the account by St. John, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a Sunday and the next day went to the Temple. "In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money-changers at their business. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the doves, 'Take these things away; you shall not make my Father's house a house of trade.'" This is an unusual episode, for it is the only time in his recorded lifetime that Christ resorted to physical punishment.
Notes:
Strong Art Talk meeting with B and M and N on Monday night. I'm very impressed with the level of discussion from M and B. Progress is expected.
Faux Conference on Tuesday was on Non-Theism and Quakers. It almost was interesting. Wikipedia has a good bit "more better" info. But the event gave me a chance to talk about storylessness for the first time, and how it relates to the silent meeting process for me.
And John Haught has written a book to refute the works discussed last night:
God and the New Atheism: A Critical Response to Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens, December 2007, Westminster John Knox Press, ISBN 978-0664233044
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Clearing the Garden
Before meeting Today I cleared non-producing plants from the garden. It was refreshing to do. I thanked them for what they produced. I pulled up the cantaloupe and watermelon plants too...they wouldn't have enough time to develop fully. I brought 2 huge bundles of basil into meeting this morning.
I've pull up some plants, and will close the garden down before the first of September. I'm waiting b/c the tomatoes are still producing, hopefully 2 more weeks is enough time for them to ripen. 8 squash plants are still producing too. Replanted/potted one pepper plant for D...he is attached to the pepper plant.
I've pull up some plants, and will close the garden down before the first of September. I'm waiting b/c the tomatoes are still producing, hopefully 2 more weeks is enough time for them to ripen. 8 squash plants are still producing too. Replanted/potted one pepper plant for D...he is attached to the pepper plant.
Bleeding From The Ears
I wanted to hear as many sounds at one time as I could today in meeting. I counted 7. (I like what Jim Flory says about listening in meeting. See below.)
Counting sounds almost brings that kind of auditory clarity into play for me. However, trying to listen for extended periods of time takes allot of focus.
Vigilant listening. My dog certainly has the power. In fact one of my favorite things is to listen with her when I see that she has a bead on a sound. It is either the mailman or the UPS truck. It is fun to listen with her. My hearing becomes more acute. A bonding moment.
The process that CFM uses called, "after thoughts" has me very concerned. After silent meeting, CFM invites members to say what was unsaid in silence, adding on top of what was already said via "divine leading"...are after thoughts not what early Quakers called "out running our measure of truth?" Yes, for me it sometimes waters down rather than enhances what was said in silent meeting. Especially very true today.
Someone has said that what we are aiming for in meeting for worship is a powerful energetic vigilant total listening. Listening, like that which we experience after being awakened in the night, for a potentially threatening sound to repeat itself so that we can identify it.
High energy may be generated in vigilant listening, especially if we take seriously the possibility of receiving a Divine leading to speak. A good deal of energy can be generated in the process of discernment (is this an insight just for me, an ego prompting, or true leading); the danger of not speaking when we are called (called quenching by early Quakers); and the danger saying more than we are called to say (called out running our measure of truth by earlier Quakers).
Jim Flory
http://www.jflory.org/
Counting sounds almost brings that kind of auditory clarity into play for me. However, trying to listen for extended periods of time takes allot of focus.
Vigilant listening. My dog certainly has the power. In fact one of my favorite things is to listen with her when I see that she has a bead on a sound. It is either the mailman or the UPS truck. It is fun to listen with her. My hearing becomes more acute. A bonding moment.
The process that CFM uses called, "after thoughts" has me very concerned. After silent meeting, CFM invites members to say what was unsaid in silence, adding on top of what was already said via "divine leading"...are after thoughts not what early Quakers called "out running our measure of truth?" Yes, for me it sometimes waters down rather than enhances what was said in silent meeting. Especially very true today.
Someone has said that what we are aiming for in meeting for worship is a powerful energetic vigilant total listening. Listening, like that which we experience after being awakened in the night, for a potentially threatening sound to repeat itself so that we can identify it.
High energy may be generated in vigilant listening, especially if we take seriously the possibility of receiving a Divine leading to speak. A good deal of energy can be generated in the process of discernment (is this an insight just for me, an ego prompting, or true leading); the danger of not speaking when we are called (called quenching by early Quakers); and the danger saying more than we are called to say (called out running our measure of truth by earlier Quakers).
Jim Flory
http://www.jflory.org/
Friday, August 14, 2009
Flying Lessons
There is a half brick wall in the patio area at my old Condo in South Park. It separates the open patio space from the outside...it is about 4 feet high and about 15 feet long and eight inches wide. Beyond the wall is the reason I bought the condo in the first place. It's amazingly wooded...lots of trees...big ones...While I was working on the patio...I was installing a 15x18 Ipe deck on top of the patio cement, I started the project soon after I bought the condo in February 2003, and my son was helping me, he just turned 6 at the time. He was and still is very curious but cautious.
And walls are made to climb. He wanted help in climbing the wall. I was working, cutting boards etc, I was watching him like a hawk, but I was busy and focused on the decking. But I remember the guidance given to me by his mother, she said if he can't climb it on his own don't help him. So I didn't.
He struggled, trying to pull himself up a 4 foot wall. He was about 4 feet tall then too. But his muscle strength in his arms were not completely up to the challenge.
Then he threw one leg up onto the wall, pulling up while holding onto the wall with both hands. Struggling now he was laying flat face down on his belly on the top part of the wall that was 8 inches wide. He was excited, triumphant, and not knowing what to do next. His legs where dangling off the sides, but he managed to balance himself. "I did it" he said repeatedly. And I said what are you going to do next?
He pushed his hands/arms to raise his upper body, struggling/balancing all the while scooting his butt a few times, to situate it so his butt was somewhat flat, turning his hips, bringing his legs around and his butt fell into place and he sat on the wall, I remember he gave a very deep and satisfying sigh of relief. A very deep sigh.
He sat on the wall for a while. He watched while I worked. And I said to him after he had collected himself, caught his breath, what now?
He said I'm fine. Deep sigh and a smile. He was still Basking in his glory of climbing the wall. I praised him. Told him how proud I was of him doing it on his own and doing it safely too. And I told him how strong his muscles are for his age. And then we talked about the importance of balance. That was his issue at the time. Maintaining balance.
Out of fear of him falling I helped him from there on up...he used my arm to steady himself as he hoisted himself up, good thing, he was very wobbly...he pushed up, extending his legs, making his torso erect, he was standing. Wobbly weak knees and all. He found his balance and I let him go...he was finding his center, swaying a little, but none the less standing by himself. He stood on the wall for about 2 minutes.
The picture I keep over my work station is a picture of this very moment...I love him in this picture...it tells the story...he has a satisfied, proud but cautious look on his face. My son standing on his own 2 feet, 4 foot off the ground, with tall trees I love in the background.
I stood in front of him and I asked him to fall into my arms. I caught him easily as he fell. He said that was awesome. We continued working on the decking.
And walls are made to climb. He wanted help in climbing the wall. I was working, cutting boards etc, I was watching him like a hawk, but I was busy and focused on the decking. But I remember the guidance given to me by his mother, she said if he can't climb it on his own don't help him. So I didn't.
He struggled, trying to pull himself up a 4 foot wall. He was about 4 feet tall then too. But his muscle strength in his arms were not completely up to the challenge.
Then he threw one leg up onto the wall, pulling up while holding onto the wall with both hands. Struggling now he was laying flat face down on his belly on the top part of the wall that was 8 inches wide. He was excited, triumphant, and not knowing what to do next. His legs where dangling off the sides, but he managed to balance himself. "I did it" he said repeatedly. And I said what are you going to do next?
He pushed his hands/arms to raise his upper body, struggling/balancing all the while scooting his butt a few times, to situate it so his butt was somewhat flat, turning his hips, bringing his legs around and his butt fell into place and he sat on the wall, I remember he gave a very deep and satisfying sigh of relief. A very deep sigh.
He sat on the wall for a while. He watched while I worked. And I said to him after he had collected himself, caught his breath, what now?
He said I'm fine. Deep sigh and a smile. He was still Basking in his glory of climbing the wall. I praised him. Told him how proud I was of him doing it on his own and doing it safely too. And I told him how strong his muscles are for his age. And then we talked about the importance of balance. That was his issue at the time. Maintaining balance.
Out of fear of him falling I helped him from there on up...he used my arm to steady himself as he hoisted himself up, good thing, he was very wobbly...he pushed up, extending his legs, making his torso erect, he was standing. Wobbly weak knees and all. He found his balance and I let him go...he was finding his center, swaying a little, but none the less standing by himself. He stood on the wall for about 2 minutes.
The picture I keep over my work station is a picture of this very moment...I love him in this picture...it tells the story...he has a satisfied, proud but cautious look on his face. My son standing on his own 2 feet, 4 foot off the ground, with tall trees I love in the background.
I stood in front of him and I asked him to fall into my arms. I caught him easily as he fell. He said that was awesome. We continued working on the decking.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
When Facts Don't Add Up
While swimming my laps effortlessly today, a previous post's topic, thermostat/thermometer word pair bounced around in my head like twin ping pong balls...if you remember, in the interview the other day, the interviewer tried to make a strong argument about enterprising behavior...being like a "thermostat" is far better than being a thermometer. I knew from being with him for 3+ hours that he wasn't trying to start a conversation, and didn't want to hear my opinion either...he was sounding superior. One T was better than the other T was his drift. I got it.
The facts don't add up was my first thought. It wasn't like dispelling "death panels"...that was easy...especially coming from SP...
then I remembered LSI...It is a process...see David Kolb's research below...we come from one of these 4 distinct learning styles...one is not better than the other...one is probably more appropriate than the other as it relates to a particular task...and for full integration to take place, a learner must go through all the stages on the wheel.
So yes, we are both thermostat and thermometer. Some of us prefer being a thermostat first...
http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm
The facts don't add up was my first thought. It wasn't like dispelling "death panels"...that was easy...especially coming from SP...
then I remembered LSI...It is a process...see David Kolb's research below...we come from one of these 4 distinct learning styles...one is not better than the other...one is probably more appropriate than the other as it relates to a particular task...and for full integration to take place, a learner must go through all the stages on the wheel.
So yes, we are both thermostat and thermometer. Some of us prefer being a thermostat first...
http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Intestinal Alchemy
In a 3.5 hour interview yesterday I was asked if I was a thermometer or a thermostat.
I paused, I had to think what the differences were...A thermometer measures fluctuating temperatures and a thermostat establishes and maintains a desired temperature. A barrage of opposite word pairs came into my consciousness: control, ego, affected, infected, passive, aggressive, transformer, transformed, leader, follower, new, old...
The interviewer saw that I was taking my time, but about to speak, I guess it was too long of a pause for him and it was probably a rhetorical question anyway, b/c the interviewer told me what the differences were. He said, "That the person being affected by someone else's ideas/thoughts is like a thermometer. While the other person, impacts others with their ideas, is like a thermostat."
I didn't say much then, he let me know that questions are interruptions...but after thinking about it....I'm betting most people do both metaphorical roles.
But do I do them equally well? Measure and establish are the operative verbs. Am I aware when am I doing one and not the other?
Do I act in a leadership role by spontaneously doing the right thing?
It is very important for me to know when I am influencing or being influenced. I know I resist being influenced but love to influence others, give out information, new ideas. How do others respond to this?
Thermostats control/change environments...environments change people/people change hearts? Do thermometers only measure ideas of popular opinion? Which is easier to do? Which is more important?
What is the intestinal alchemy that changes a thermometer into a thermostat?
If I'm full of ideas without action, I'm a thermometer. But if I'm full of good and useful ideas and take action to bring them into fruition I'm a thermostat.
If I've been hurt, and forgive with expanded unconditional love, I'm a thermostat.
I paused, I had to think what the differences were...A thermometer measures fluctuating temperatures and a thermostat establishes and maintains a desired temperature. A barrage of opposite word pairs came into my consciousness: control, ego, affected, infected, passive, aggressive, transformer, transformed, leader, follower, new, old...
The interviewer saw that I was taking my time, but about to speak, I guess it was too long of a pause for him and it was probably a rhetorical question anyway, b/c the interviewer told me what the differences were. He said, "That the person being affected by someone else's ideas/thoughts is like a thermometer. While the other person, impacts others with their ideas, is like a thermostat."
I didn't say much then, he let me know that questions are interruptions...but after thinking about it....I'm betting most people do both metaphorical roles.
But do I do them equally well? Measure and establish are the operative verbs. Am I aware when am I doing one and not the other?
Do I act in a leadership role by spontaneously doing the right thing?
It is very important for me to know when I am influencing or being influenced. I know I resist being influenced but love to influence others, give out information, new ideas. How do others respond to this?
Thermostats control/change environments...environments change people/people change hearts? Do thermometers only measure ideas of popular opinion? Which is easier to do? Which is more important?
What is the intestinal alchemy that changes a thermometer into a thermostat?
If I'm full of ideas without action, I'm a thermometer. But if I'm full of good and useful ideas and take action to bring them into fruition I'm a thermostat.
If I've been hurt, and forgive with expanded unconditional love, I'm a thermostat.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Hottest Day Of The Year
Today is suppose to be the hottest day of year. This fact motivated me to get up early and take advantage of the low morning temps. Washed clothes, vacuumed rugs, washed dishes...cut grass...D...is at the beach this week...I feel a sense of relief when he is at the beach...a clean house is good...less distractions.
Thought about doubt this morning too...got me to thinking about absolutes while cleaning. Speed of sound...Water is the most abundant molecule on Earth's surface...Different definition...Is God only in the absolute? What about finite beings like me?
Wikipedia's definition of absolute...The Absolute is the concept of an unconditional reality which transcends limited, conditional, everyday existence.
Meditation?
Soul? So I am part of the absolute?...if I believe I have a soul?
From Wikipedia..."The general commonalities between the various versions of the Absolute are: infinity, indescribablity, formlessness, transcendence and immanence. An additional commonality is that one must renounce and/or transcend physical existence and its distractions, in some cases even to the point of extinguishing identity and individual awareness, in order to understand or co-exist with the Absolute. Uniformly, human passions and vices are regarded as barriers to spiritual advancement, and such virtues as humility, charity and righteousness or pacifism are felt to help pave the way to enlightenment."
Thought about doubt this morning too...got me to thinking about absolutes while cleaning. Speed of sound...Water is the most abundant molecule on Earth's surface...Different definition...Is God only in the absolute? What about finite beings like me?
Wikipedia's definition of absolute...The Absolute is the concept of an unconditional reality which transcends limited, conditional, everyday existence.
Meditation?
Soul? So I am part of the absolute?...if I believe I have a soul?
From Wikipedia..."The general commonalities between the various versions of the Absolute are: infinity, indescribablity, formlessness, transcendence and immanence. An additional commonality is that one must renounce and/or transcend physical existence and its distractions, in some cases even to the point of extinguishing identity and individual awareness, in order to understand or co-exist with the Absolute. Uniformly, human passions and vices are regarded as barriers to spiritual advancement, and such virtues as humility, charity and righteousness or pacifism are felt to help pave the way to enlightenment."
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Doubt Is An Element of Faith
After a stop at Hardy's...I was first to arrive at Meeting...coffee in hand. I lifted/moved the metal gate for all to get in. Promptly drew the heart & Hands shapes in 4 corners of the front concrete square. And also put one at the path entrance. Greeting was fun. I decided to walk out and meet the members as they got about 10-20 feet from the door. I followed my 5 steps as well as the other steps provided to me by one of the early arriving members. In forum we discussed religious doubt. It was a great idea to break up into smaller groups BTW...
Some researched after-thoughts on doubt...
In a 2004 article, Neal Krause and Keith M. Wulff comment:
"...that some theologians and investigators believe ... that having doubts about religion lies at the very heart of living a religious life, and that it is not possible to be deeply religious without having doubts about one's faith. This perspective is captured in the work of Paul Tillich, who was a well-known Protestant theologian. Tillich ... argued that, "... doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith." Similar views are expressed in the classic work of Allport ... who maintained that, "... the mature religious sentiment is ordinarily fashioned in the workshop of doubt." Finally, and perhaps most important, Batson, Schoenrade and Ventis' (1993) work on religious quest is based, in part, on the notion that doubt is beneficial and ultimately leads to a deeper and more meaningful faith."
Neal Krause, Keith M. Wulff, "Religious doubt and health: exploring the potential dark side of religion," Sociology of Religion, 2004-Spring.
This all sounds, well, healthy and easy to accept...but go to this article if you want to read about the dark side of doubt:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/reldoubt0.htm
"The belief of some Christians that non-Christians need to be converted to Christianity in order to be "saved" may be regarded as an affront to the religious freedom of those who follow other faiths or identify as atheists. Because of this prevalent belief among Christians, Christianity has been said to be inherently counter to religious freedom, and many Christians have denounced this proselytizing aspect of their faith."
In Greece it is prohibited by Greek law to proselytize.
Does being christian work as a verb or a noun?
Some researched after-thoughts on doubt...
In a 2004 article, Neal Krause and Keith M. Wulff comment:
"...that some theologians and investigators believe ... that having doubts about religion lies at the very heart of living a religious life, and that it is not possible to be deeply religious without having doubts about one's faith. This perspective is captured in the work of Paul Tillich, who was a well-known Protestant theologian. Tillich ... argued that, "... doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith." Similar views are expressed in the classic work of Allport ... who maintained that, "... the mature religious sentiment is ordinarily fashioned in the workshop of doubt." Finally, and perhaps most important, Batson, Schoenrade and Ventis' (1993) work on religious quest is based, in part, on the notion that doubt is beneficial and ultimately leads to a deeper and more meaningful faith."
Neal Krause, Keith M. Wulff, "Religious doubt and health: exploring the potential dark side of religion," Sociology of Religion, 2004-Spring.
This all sounds, well, healthy and easy to accept...but go to this article if you want to read about the dark side of doubt:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/reldoubt0.htm
"The belief of some Christians that non-Christians need to be converted to Christianity in order to be "saved" may be regarded as an affront to the religious freedom of those who follow other faiths or identify as atheists. Because of this prevalent belief among Christians, Christianity has been said to be inherently counter to religious freedom, and many Christians have denounced this proselytizing aspect of their faith."
In Greece it is prohibited by Greek law to proselytize.
Does being christian work as a verb or a noun?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
A Note To Myself
I'll be one of the greeters at Meeting tomorrow. I've come up with 5 points to help do a great job:
Create a special environment/space/entrance. People respond to being treated special. Doing things, even doing simple things for others creates "specialness" and a sense of appreciation for the event.
Be consciously "here." ...here in the NOW with all my physical, mental and emotional energy that is mine to give to Friends and visitors...with great eye contact and empathy...letting my guard down and being open to feeling the emotional energies of others. This is a big step.
Gentleness. I've learned even men can be gentle. for me being kind means being really polite and not sarcastic. Offering a genuine compliment or noticing good things people do for me or others and ignoring the hurtful things. What can I say that will make others feel good? This is the best way for me to establish rapport...smile, give direct eye contact and by giving a genuine compliment, showing that I've noticed something and that I care. It could be as simple as an encouraging hug, or word.
Two Ears. It's about them not me. I will greet them and go slow, let them tell me about themselves. This brings closeness, I will hang on every word, my mind will be attached to both ears. I'll be a human sponge: absorb all that they say with thier words and soul. Be compassionate when telling the truth.
Be vulnerable. Let my shield down. Be my genuine self. Become reachable by others. Connect with others on a one to one basis as they enter the door. Allow all who enter to glimpse at my soul. This will take courage.
Create a special environment/space/entrance. People respond to being treated special. Doing things, even doing simple things for others creates "specialness" and a sense of appreciation for the event.
Be consciously "here." ...here in the NOW with all my physical, mental and emotional energy that is mine to give to Friends and visitors...with great eye contact and empathy...letting my guard down and being open to feeling the emotional energies of others. This is a big step.
Gentleness. I've learned even men can be gentle. for me being kind means being really polite and not sarcastic. Offering a genuine compliment or noticing good things people do for me or others and ignoring the hurtful things. What can I say that will make others feel good? This is the best way for me to establish rapport...smile, give direct eye contact and by giving a genuine compliment, showing that I've noticed something and that I care. It could be as simple as an encouraging hug, or word.
Two Ears. It's about them not me. I will greet them and go slow, let them tell me about themselves. This brings closeness, I will hang on every word, my mind will be attached to both ears. I'll be a human sponge: absorb all that they say with thier words and soul. Be compassionate when telling the truth.
Be vulnerable. Let my shield down. Be my genuine self. Become reachable by others. Connect with others on a one to one basis as they enter the door. Allow all who enter to glimpse at my soul. This will take courage.
Plutchik's Wheel Of Emotions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_emotions#Emotions_by_groups
Acceptance________Disgust
Complex emotions
pride - modesty - shame
closeness - detachment - distance
complaint/pain - doing OK - pleasure
caution - boldness - rashness - drama
patience - mere tolerance - anger
relaxation - composure - stress
The above link is well worth the look...tomorrow...I'm going to gauge the distance between acceptance and disgust and the other emotions in bold...looking for verbal and body cues of contempt and acceptance, etc.
The same people say hello to me at Meeting...and I have noticed others who avoid me...I'm going to check that out tomorrow as a greeter. Maybe the short bio about me in the newsletter will open the way. I'll smile more and floss, with breathe minty freshness...
Acceptance________Disgust
Complex emotions
pride - modesty - shame
closeness - detachment - distance
complaint/pain - doing OK - pleasure
caution - boldness - rashness - drama
patience - mere tolerance - anger
relaxation - composure - stress
The above link is well worth the look...tomorrow...I'm going to gauge the distance between acceptance and disgust and the other emotions in bold...looking for verbal and body cues of contempt and acceptance, etc.
The same people say hello to me at Meeting...and I have noticed others who avoid me...I'm going to check that out tomorrow as a greeter. Maybe the short bio about me in the newsletter will open the way. I'll smile more and floss, with breathe minty freshness...
Friday, August 7, 2009
Until It Washes Away
Another great swim today. L... helped me with my Freestyle technique. She is going to Davidson on a Swimming scholarship...her suggestions made a big difference in my speed and overall comfort. Now, my forearms don't hurt...I was doing the arms all wrong. I have 31 days of swimming left, pool closes on Sept 7th...I will start doing 64 laps/one mile on Monday.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Bullying and more
http://www.hereandnow.org/
Here and Now, an NPR program, aired a show today about bullying and the worst that can happen when bullied. Excellent program. With excellent backup study material for the start of the school year. My child is entering the 6th grade, the prime bullying year, and I am concerned. The show is a tough topic, especially the outcome...but it has excellent info on what to do to help your child in the event he/she is bullied.
I never was bullied in school. I guess that is the benefit of being a twin, someone always has your back.
I had another great swim today. I'm using the freestyle stroke with snorkel and mask exclusively. Going much faster and pushing myself while concentrating on the form.
Almost made it to the pool again today to play ping pong with my son but it closed on count of the thunder.
The garden is on its last legs. The tomatoes are still turning out...and the best thing is watching the watermelons...the first wave of squash plants, sorry to say are about finished, but the patty pan, saucer shaped squash are just now developing male flowers, and the fruit will be small, so my guess is that they will be producing soon. The cucumbers are finished as well. The crowder peas are growing and maturing, even if they are flopped all over on the ground. The surprise of all are the basil plants. I planted them from seed, and they were a throw away into a pot...all survived and are thriving.
Half way finished the painting I started nearly 6 months ago. I plan to have it done by the 17th for the Art group discussion. I plan to use squash flowers and pumpkins for the images. It is turning into a Masonic lodge iconographic Halloween theme painting.
Here and Now, an NPR program, aired a show today about bullying and the worst that can happen when bullied. Excellent program. With excellent backup study material for the start of the school year. My child is entering the 6th grade, the prime bullying year, and I am concerned. The show is a tough topic, especially the outcome...but it has excellent info on what to do to help your child in the event he/she is bullied.
I never was bullied in school. I guess that is the benefit of being a twin, someone always has your back.
I had another great swim today. I'm using the freestyle stroke with snorkel and mask exclusively. Going much faster and pushing myself while concentrating on the form.
Almost made it to the pool again today to play ping pong with my son but it closed on count of the thunder.
The garden is on its last legs. The tomatoes are still turning out...and the best thing is watching the watermelons...the first wave of squash plants, sorry to say are about finished, but the patty pan, saucer shaped squash are just now developing male flowers, and the fruit will be small, so my guess is that they will be producing soon. The cucumbers are finished as well. The crowder peas are growing and maturing, even if they are flopped all over on the ground. The surprise of all are the basil plants. I planted them from seed, and they were a throw away into a pot...all survived and are thriving.
Half way finished the painting I started nearly 6 months ago. I plan to have it done by the 17th for the Art group discussion. I plan to use squash flowers and pumpkins for the images. It is turning into a Masonic lodge iconographic Halloween theme painting.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
From The Unforgiven Soundtrack
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/The_Unforgiven_Claudia_s_Theme_/22347993
This played in my head today...haunting. I love the small silences between phrasings, especially at the beginning and end. Like wind in trees on a rainy day.
This played in my head today...haunting. I love the small silences between phrasings, especially at the beginning and end. Like wind in trees on a rainy day.
You Nonconformists Are All Alike
On the way home today from Meeting, a car in front of me had this bumper sticker attached to its back bumper; You nonconformists are all alike. I like irony. Wikipedia lists 3 kinds of irony. I guess the bumper sticker is an example of verbal irony...
1. Verbal irony is a disparity of expression and intention:
2. Dramatic irony is a disparity of expression and awareness:
3. Situational irony is the disparity of intention and result: when the result of an action is contrary to the desired or expected effect. Likewise, cosmic irony is disparity between human desires and the harsh realities of the outside world (or the whims of the gods). By some definitions, situational irony and cosmic irony are not irony at all.
And in forum today the discussion swirled around ecological solutions. I gave a few examples of how I save water and electricity in my own life and made the point that one person can make a difference, and I cited some examples. As did other participants. About a 8-10 people attended this forum.
Towards the end of the discussion, an idea was shared around conference speakers and how an experiment was created where participants agreed to making personal "green" changes with the money equivalent of the cost of their plane fare, I assume for next year's travel to the conference. The commitment was made by those attending that seminar at the yearly conference on the honor system. Group dynamics for good in action. I really liked hearing that.
Where was OUR public practice beyond OUR own private "green" practice as Quakers I wondered, as I drove 8.4 miles home by myself in my 28 mph Honda? One participant got it...he said; "here we are, ready to go home, one passenger per car out the gate". It was said with a smile...a bit snarky and sarcastic...but well taken irony.
What will I do to inspire others (myself?) to uncover OUR bushel baskets? What the heck does a bushel basket look like anyway...ahhh metaphors and situational irony...
1. Verbal irony is a disparity of expression and intention:
2. Dramatic irony is a disparity of expression and awareness:
3. Situational irony is the disparity of intention and result: when the result of an action is contrary to the desired or expected effect. Likewise, cosmic irony is disparity between human desires and the harsh realities of the outside world (or the whims of the gods). By some definitions, situational irony and cosmic irony are not irony at all.
And in forum today the discussion swirled around ecological solutions. I gave a few examples of how I save water and electricity in my own life and made the point that one person can make a difference, and I cited some examples. As did other participants. About a 8-10 people attended this forum.
Towards the end of the discussion, an idea was shared around conference speakers and how an experiment was created where participants agreed to making personal "green" changes with the money equivalent of the cost of their plane fare, I assume for next year's travel to the conference. The commitment was made by those attending that seminar at the yearly conference on the honor system. Group dynamics for good in action. I really liked hearing that.
Where was OUR public practice beyond OUR own private "green" practice as Quakers I wondered, as I drove 8.4 miles home by myself in my 28 mph Honda? One participant got it...he said; "here we are, ready to go home, one passenger per car out the gate". It was said with a smile...a bit snarky and sarcastic...but well taken irony.
What will I do to inspire others (myself?) to uncover OUR bushel baskets? What the heck does a bushel basket look like anyway...ahhh metaphors and situational irony...
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Not Every Minute Of A Day
Here you can see The New York Times American Time Use Survey (graphically) that asks thousands of American residents to recall every minute of a day. Here is how people over age 15 spent their time in 2008: Be sure to click on the different groups in upper right hand corner, each group will give different graphic results...
http://www.nytimes.com//interactive/2009/07/31/business/20080801-metrics-graphic.html?hp
I keep a daily journal. I've bound it with deer skin my younger brother cured many years ago. I log in all the things I do daily, and set goals for the day as well. Not by the minute. Although I have kept a journal that tight before, it becomes tedious. My written desk journal feeds this blog, which is a 365 day sadhana, a broader, focused, expanded journal. In looking back at the last six months, I've realized how much faster time is going...how linear and concrete my entries have become...how sloppy they were...and mostly how I've procrastinated on getting things done. Less drawings too...I called them tattoodles...
In the last 3 weeks, I've noticed a difference in direction and energy. More things are getting done faster, more things are being acted upon...the days feel fuller, richer. I'm back to painting again, at least a few hours a week. And I have a job focus...hesitantly for the time being but at least a focus.
http://www.nytimes.com//interactive/2009/07/31/business/20080801-metrics-graphic.html?hp
I keep a daily journal. I've bound it with deer skin my younger brother cured many years ago. I log in all the things I do daily, and set goals for the day as well. Not by the minute. Although I have kept a journal that tight before, it becomes tedious. My written desk journal feeds this blog, which is a 365 day sadhana, a broader, focused, expanded journal. In looking back at the last six months, I've realized how much faster time is going...how linear and concrete my entries have become...how sloppy they were...and mostly how I've procrastinated on getting things done. Less drawings too...I called them tattoodles...
In the last 3 weeks, I've noticed a difference in direction and energy. More things are getting done faster, more things are being acted upon...the days feel fuller, richer. I'm back to painting again, at least a few hours a week. And I have a job focus...hesitantly for the time being but at least a focus.
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