Quote of Note: Amma

Whenever a situation arises, if you can pause and be patient, your problems can be easily solved. But it is our habit to react. When anger arises, we cannot pause and see clearly. Don’t be abusive, don’t react. Pause. During this pause, try to think of something positive, something elevating, a pleasant event or memory. if you can, try to make this pause longer and longer. In due course you can slowly begin to test yourself in more trying and serious situations.

–Amma

To pause when anger comes, instead of charging into battle. I so long for that level of acceptance, patience, and humility. I’m grateful for how passionate I am - a gift bestowed by being born in the Year of the Fire Dragon - but it works against me as much as (or more than?) it works for me. Having a Libra sun should mellow me out and make me gravitate toward harmony, right…? Not when free will reigns supreme, I suppose. This challenge is made more interesting by an Aquarius moon. When I feel strongly about something, it takes a lot (a LOT) to convince me otherwise. Who knew the element of air could be so solid and immovable?

Such is one of my great lessons in this life - how to channel my passion for the highest good of all. If you share a similar fate, would you kindly let me know when you figure out the answer?

 

Fire Dragons, by Tuvy.com:

Soaring high into the serene heavens, they can be stubborn, passionate, excitable, honest, and brave. They listen to their own drummer, thank you very much, while the rest of the world stands in amazement. People always admire their individuality and feisty personality. Dragons are capable of doing great work for mankind and they inspire trust in almost everyone. 

John Lennon was a fire dragon…

 

Sun in Libra, by Cafe Astrology:

In theory, Libras are peace-loving. In practice, they can quietly stir up all sorts of trouble with their ways.

Who me? Nah, they must be mistaken.

Harmony is the ultimate goal, but their idealism and high expectations can mean plenty of discontent.

Bah…

John Lennon was also a Libra…

 

Moon in Aquarius, by Cafe Astrology:

Moon in Aquarius people have a lot of pride. In fact, when they’ve been attacked in any way (especially regarding their character), they can become very inflexible and cool. When their character or behavior has been criticized, they tend to dig in their heels and keep right on doing it.

These sometimes maddeningly unpredictable people are nevertheless quite charming. They have an unmistakable stubborn streak, but when left to be themselves, they make unusual and endlessly interesting people to be around.

 John Lennon was a Moon Aquarian too! Maybe I should go into music???

 

Learn more about YOUR astrology at one of my favorite sites, astro.com.

If Hillary Was A Man…

If Hillary Clinton was a man, would people say “She’s a strong leader who knows how to get things done?”

Instead we hear, “She’s a dirty fighter who’ll do anything to win.”

Newsflash - this is politics. The latter traits could be aspected to any politician, past or present. I’m not saying this is the way it should be, I’m saying this is the way it is. I don’t agree with it, I don’t like it, and I don’t think our political system has worked for a very long time - but exacerbating these problems with sexism toward her and blind optimism for her opponent doesn’t help.

Yes, Hillary is hard-nosed and has icy cold determination. Do you really want someone running the world who doesn’t have these traits? If Obama doesn’t have the fortitude to survive the pre-ticket knock-down-drag-out with her, what in the world makes anyone think he can stand up to people like Osama Bin Laden or Kim Jong Il? I’m not saying she’s ideal, but she is the best possible solution we have at this point in time. Hope is good and necessary, but it needs to be married with experience for this country’s re-balancing to begin. We are in desperate times, and badly need someone with stamina and experience to help put us on track toward national and global recovery.

Ruthlessness and Grit Seen in Clinton’s Style from the New York Times this morning.

Quote of Note: Amma

 

Compassion is the language that the blind can see and the deaf can hear.

– Mata Amritanandamayi, a.k.a “Amma“

Those with deep wisdom often say much with few words. Here I believe Amma is talking about the power carried by thoughts, something intangible that both directly affects our physical reality as well as extends beyond it. 

One common teaching in metaphysics is the importance of developing discipline in how thought energy is directed. As one progresses spiritually, (or put another way, as one’s vibratory rate increases), the ability to help or harm with our thoughts also increases. Though one may not initially consider this, (I didn’t), the Wiccan Rede and the Christian Golden Rule don’t simply apply to avoiding actions that harm - they advise avoiding thoughts that harm as well. Who hasn’t felt anger, hate, or jealousy at one time or another? Having spiritual maturity doesn’t mean being immune to these feelings, it means not allowing them to consume us or affect how we relate to others.

From Yogi Sri Swami Sivananda: 

Those who harbour thoughts of hatred, jealousy, revenge and malice are verily very dangerous persons. They cause unrest and ill-will amongst men. Their thoughts and feelings are like wireless messages broadcast in ether, and are received by those whose minds respond to such vibrations.

Thought moves with tremendous velocity. Those who entertain sublime and pious thoughts help others, who are in their vicinity and at a distance also.

His original post can be here.

An interesting article about how one scientist proved thoughts affect physical reality can be found here.

 

The Spiritual Superiority Syndrome

To believe that one has found the single spiritual truth or “correct way of being” and to then react emotionally when others don’t agree is to walk on dangerous ground.

This self-righteousness seeks and often finds our greatest weaknesses and latches on. I’ve observed its poison course through myself, others, and humanity as a whole time and again. We can see the precise areas where it festers when others hold up the spiritual mirror and show us.

Not long ago I would seek out evangelical Christian blogs simply to pick fights and poke holes in the authors’ beliefs. Was this because I was certain their beliefs were wrong, or uncertain that mine were right? Who did this exercise hurt more, me or them? It probably hurt us both. And it turns out it’s not about being “right” at all - it’s about finding your truth and living it. Part of “living it” means allowing others to find and live their truth as well, and to avoid judging them when they don’t live up to your ideal.

The truth is, it’s impossible for anyone…including you…to completely and unwaveringly live your ideal. From the most depraved criminal to the highest and most compassionate spiritual leader, every one of us is perfectly imperfect and will remain so as long as we live and breathe.

The Power of Fear

Recently The Seattle P-I published a story about a taxi driver assaulted by a drunk 21 year-old during last year’s Apple Cup. The perpetrator’s motive? The driver, Sukhvir Singh, looked like an “Iraqi terrorist” - he was wearing a turban and had a long beard.

There are numerous holes in the “intellect” used to arbitrarily determine that Singh, actually a Sikh, was a terrorist - none of which are worth belaboring. What is worth mentioning is how powerful unchecked fear can be, especially when intoxicated or in a similar state of altered consciousness.

A spiritual teacher once told me that the sole purpose of fear is to protect one from bodily harm that may be caused by a clear and present threat - to act as the trigger for ”fight or flight” mode. Using fear in any other way is harmful to the individual and to society as a whole.

The great majority of humanity’s problems can be traced to inappropriate use of fear. Pick any national or global problem that springs to mind and ask yourself what role fear plays in it. Then bring it down to the personal level and ask yourself, “What is one of my biggest fears?” and “What have I allowed this fear to take from me?” The answers might surprise you.

Quote of Note: Mort Rosenblum

By using torture, we cross into Cheney’s “dark side.” This is more terrifying than any band of deranged zealots. If we fight evil with inhumanity, what does that make us?

– Mort Rosenblum in his post The Dark Side, published by The Huffington Post on Feb. 15 2008

Mr. Rosenblum is talking about torture sanctioned by the U.S. government - water boarding to be specific. The Bush Administration has refused to admit this is torture even though it consists of holding a detainee’s head under water until his lungs burst (or nearly burst, if he’s lucky).

That is not the America I love. That is not the beacon of hope and freedom that has lit the world for generations.

To the country as a whole - please stop bickering about which of the Democratic candidates is the better choice for president. Either of them will be vastly better than what we have now. As long as the power is wrested from the fat, greedy hands of the Republicans, our country’s healing (and the world’s) can begin.

Quote of Note: Seeds of Compassion

Love is born. Everything else is learned.

– seedsofcompassion.org

What have you been taught that is not love? What do you teach that is not love? What do you see others teach that is not love, and how do you respond? Responding with love is power - responding without love crushes your spirit.

Can it really be this simple?

What have I been taught that is not love?

1. I’m not good enough
2. I’m not handsome enough
3. I’m not successful enough
4. I’m not…enough
5. You have to be tough or people will take advantage of you
6. It’s not OK to ask for help

What do I teach that is not love?

1. You have to work hard to get what you need
2. You have to push hard to get what you want

What do I see others teach that is not love, and how do I respond?

1. Love is reserved for the “_____________” only. (Insert Christians/Muslims/heterosexuals/women who don’t get abortions/whites/physically flawless/rich/etc.) I often respond by becoming angry, vocal, and indignant.
2. Your worth is determined by how hard you work. I often respond with feelings of inadequacy.

Do any of these beliefs or responses come from love?  No.

Love is born. Everything else is learned.

Life expectancy in U.S. declining

It’s rare that any “news” reported by corporate media catches my attention, but today I came across some that did. A thought-provoking story in the Seattle Times presented the unsettling findings of a recent study on U.S. life expectancy by the University of Washington and Harvard. From the article by Tom Paulson:

For the first time since the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, the life expectancy for a significant proportion of the United States is on the decline largely because of an increase in chronic diseases related to obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.

I’ve said before how disturbing it is that our country holds 3% of the world’s population yet represents the highest concentration of obese and dis-eased people anywhere. We tend to make diet choices that rob our power and our health - we eat too much animal fat, wheat, and sugar; drink too much caffeine and alcohol, and smoke too many cigarettes. Enabling these poor choices is a huge and frighteningly powerful pharmaceutical industry that pats us on the shoulder while reassuring us that the resulting maladies can be cured with their latest prescription cocktail (the one that heals one part of us by poisoning another). 

Why are the findings of this study a surprise? 

Health, beauty, vitality, and a passion for living are ours by birthright. With very few exceptions, it is only by conscious choice that we deny them.

Natural and Cruelty-Free Grooming: My Top 10

Grooming is a ritual I’ve always enjoyed because it quiets my mind and relaxes my body. Do you get flashes of insight while brushing your teeth or washing your hair, too?

In no particular order, here are my 10 favorite natural grooming products. Each is made from natural ingredients that aren’t tested on animals.

 

Kiss My Face Moisture Shave, Cool Mint (left) - This product from “obsessively natural” company Kiss My Face is definitely “the best a man can get.” The label says it’s great for ladies too! ($7 - natural foods stores or larger grocery chains)

 

 

 

 

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo (right) - Spendy! But once you try it, you’ll see why. As you massage the shampoo into your hair, rosemary and mint fill your senses and your scalp begins to tingle slightly. They also make a Rosemary Mint Conditioner. ($18 - Aveda online, Aveda concept stores, salons)

 

 

Jason Rosewater Satin Shower Body Wash (below) - Yes, sensitive guys like roses. Paradigm subversion aside, I love this stuff. It’s the perfect way to wash off a bad day and leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. ($12 for 30 oz. pump - natural foods stores or larger grocery chains)

 

Blue Cammas Lavender Spritzer (left) - My mom makes this by hand from only select natural ingredients including high quality lavender essential oil and excluding animal and petroleum byproducts. If I take a shower before bed, I spray this on right after drying off for a peaceful night’s sleep. ($6 - available exclusively from Blue Cammas)

 

 

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser (right) - I’ve had problem skin my entire life, and have searched almost as long for skin care products that cleanse without drying and moisturize without leaving oily residue. When I found Dermalogica, my search ended. This particular product is best for combination skin. It deep cleans and leaves skin soft and tingly. ($31-Salons that offer skin care and select online sources only. If you find this line cheaper somewhere else, it’s probably expired or counterfeit - seriously.)

 

 

 

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (left) - This is a gentle daily exfoliant made of rice powder and other natural ingredients. It refines pores, sloughes off dead skin cells and gives your face a slight glow. I use it before I shave to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumbs ($49).

 

 

 

 

Dermalogica Active Moist (right) - Simply the best facial moisturizer ever made, and worth every penny of its $50 price tag. I’m serious! It’s very light and not at all greasy. Especially helpful for people with combo dry/oily skin.

 

 

 

 

Dermalogica SPF 30 Solar Defense Booster (below left) - Lack of an ozone layer got you down? Add a little dab of this to your moisturizer to keep the Donatella Versace syndrome at bay. ($43)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Lavender Hand Lotion (below right) - Who knew essential oils of lavender and orange would smell so good together? ($6 - natural foods stores or larger grocery chains)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom’s of Maine Natural Peppermint Whole Care Anticavity & Tartar Control Plus Whitening (left) - When I found out the national brand of toothpaste I was raised on contained artificial sweeteners that’ve been linked to MS and/or cancer, I grabbed Tom’s off the shelf and never looked back. This will leave your mouth feeling clean and keep your smile bright. ($5 - natural foods stores or larger grocery chains)

 

Spring morning

Hecate’s silver crescent hangs low a pale indigo horizon. The air is cool and sweet and leaves my lungs slowly as I walk lightly on the frost, afraid of disturbing the peace that surrounds me. A lone bird sings, inviting the warmer weather she left behind. The still beauty of the watchful trees fills me with peace. I utter my thanks and return to the waking world.