The Elusive No See-um.

 

This morning while sitting on my stoop absorbing some sun and meditating  on big thoughts, "I am not this body, I am not this mind, Ahhh..."  and so forth, I was listening to the beautiful music of the song birds, and the occasional breeze blowing through the branches of my big tree.  When I heard the faint buzz of a fly and felt it land on my thigh.  I looked down to do what you do when flies land on your thigh and saw what turned out to be a very pretty colored buzzy bug.  The fly was golden in color, shiny body with white wings.  I know I've seen them before, I guess I just never noticed one that closely before.  This is what happens when one lands on you in mid meditation.

The fly seemed to be looking up at me his little ugly head cocked just so as he buzzed his wings just a bit and was walking a circular pattern around something else on my leg.  His gaze shifted from me to the object on my thigh.  He walked a few times around, I didn't count, probably should have, then stopped and stared down at the center of his circle. 

 He looked up at me one last time and flew away.  I then noticed I could feel something else on my leg.  I looked back down and that's when I saw it.  I spied a little black speck crawling around on my thigh in the center of the golden fly's circle.  It was very, very small.  Would have fit very well on the pointy end of a pin, but I could see it non the less.  Then it stopped and and seemed to remain motionless for just a micro moment.  Then I felt it, that little bastard bit me.  It actually stung so I tapped my leg and it flew away.  I couldn't see it anymore, but I heard a very high pitch buzz fly passed my right ear.  

I then realized that I had done it.  I had seen the unseeable, I had heard the tell tale sign.  That sound that tortures hikers from Northern Maine, through New Hampshire and into Vermont.  I had seen the elusive, "NO Seeum."  There are many stories told by many peoples of the North about these creatures, and I was just introduced to one by a golden fly.  

Now I supposed I'll have to rename them, I'll call them the, "Once upon a time See-ums."  The Chinese have their Dragons, and the North Country have these little fiends.  Now I suppose I can do anything...

Peace and Balance,

John

#Amazing Hotel California. Watch till end to get the thrill. comment the...

This is the first of two blogs today as I skipped yesterday.  This is a fantastic rendition of, "Hotel California" as done by the Eagles.  Enjoy...

Peace and Balance,

John 

The Cult Of Bruce.

 

Although I've been watching his movies since I was in high school I've never been a member of the Cult of Bruce.  I must admit that I do admire what Bruce Lee accomplished in his short life.  I have a great respect for anyone who puts that much work into a thing.  Artists of all genre who have spent lifetimes creating and recreating themselves, who reach that pinacol of greatness deserve the respect and sometimes the honor that they have attained through their hard word and diligence.   That does not include a cult following that walks the fine edge of just another modern day religion. 

Bruce Lee, born Lee Jun Fan, 1940 in San Francisco California, was a Chinese American actor and martial artist.  He was attributed for the introduction of Chinese Kung Fu to the United States which changed the  Chinese Martial Arts and Culture influencing the pop culture of that time.  Bruce still holds several records in the Guinness Book: he is the only human to ever break a 45 Kg (99.3 Lbs) bag with a side kick, he produced 1600 pounds of force by swinging nunchacku, a linked pair of sticks with either a chain or strap, he could punch 9 times in a second, and his one inch punch could force a 75 Kg (165 Lbs) man 5 to 7 meters, (20 to 23 feet) away from him.  These are just a few of the 7 world records he holds.  Considering his physical stature at 5ft8 and 141 Lbs at his heaviest, the above records are an incredible almost mythical event.  And here in lies the rub.

Bruce Lee has taken on Legendary statues.  His accomplishments have launched him into the realms of modern mythology.  He now meets and exceeds the parameters that one would expect of a demigod.  Because of Bruce's feats of strength and prowess, if we re-wrote the beginning of his story just a bit, and it wouldn't take much, we could create a story that would be about the son of some Grecian, Roman, or Chinese god.  We could turn Bruce into an incarnation of the Monkey God from ancient Chinese mythology, and that is how he is treated by the modern Martial Arts Community.  He is Legend. 

There are several self appointed great ones who have taken on the job of deciding if Bruce Lee could defeat this guy or that guy, this actor or that actor, this Fighter or that Fighter, in personal combat.  Many of these self appointed great ones have opinions swaying from one to the other, this side or that, the winner and the loser.  All this supposition and opinionated bickery is absolute BS, and means nada.

Today's competitive martial artist be they a forms man, a push hands guy, a fighter, or just plain ole Saturday afternoon at the Karate tournament for kids, is decades more advanced, especially in The United States, than we were in the 50's, 60's and 70's.  Human beings are bigger, stronger, have more physical potential, and yes on a whole we are a tad smarter due to our technologies.  Today's average Martial Arts instructor has much more hands on experience than we have ever had, and we have a greater range of instructional flavor due to the internet.  So, who's to say?  I do not spend time speculating on the possible performance of a guy who's been dead since 1973.   

Lee Jun Fan died of  cerebral edema after a series of seizures and migraine headaches after given a painkiller that contained an equagesic which is a combination of aspirin and  meprobamate a tranquilizer.  He went to sleep and did not wake up.  He was 32 years old.  This all happened upon the completion of the filming of his movie, "Enter The Dragon."  

It is apparent that Bruce Lee did in fact not survive all the physical stress he put himself through and that he suffered long term injury due to the way he trained.  Tragic.

So, to all the Self appointed great ones, I say, "I don't care one way or the other."  If Bruce would have survived he'd be 83 years old now and stand tall amongst the worlds Grand Masters.  Speculating on any other battles and skirmishes is a waste of time and energy.  Remember him for what he did and get your head out of your...

I've been watching Bruce Lee since I was a teenager.  I am not a member of the Cult of Bruce.  I refuse to speculate about the prominence of a dead man.

Peace and Balance,

John 

God, What's God?

 I occasionally have interesting discussions about  whether or not I believe in God, or a God.  It usually starts when I reach my threshold for dealing with ignorance and question back Christians that try telling me that anyone who does not believe in their definition of an all prevailing Deity and His Son are all damned to some imaginary Hell fire and eternal death.  I do not believe in Hell, nor do I believe that some self important human being has the ability to Damn me to anything.  As I have recently learned from a more learned individual than I, "I Am Not this Mind, I Am Not this Body."  

Let me use Buddhist teachings to explain a science behind the above statement.  Buddha is the Mind. (Fullness)  Dharma is the Breath that guides Buddha. (the Mind)  And Sungha is Body, the vessel that accepts guidance.  I Am, an island unto myself... Or, I AM...

To a Buddhist there is no religion, only I AM and the teachings to arrive there.  It's a science.  Similar for a Taoist, a Hindu, a Yogi, and even the advanced Taiji master.  All are a science to arrive at a destination free from the confines of another's trappings.  

So, the question, Do I believe in God?  Of Course I do.  However, possibly not your understanding of God.  I am a Pantheist.  I believe God is the collective of everything, and we, the ones that have the ability to think, theorize, rationalize, Imagine, and feel all the wonderful emotions of existence, are the heart and mind of God.   

If you want to Damn me for my beliefs, well that's ok.  I'll wait for you to mature...

Peace and Balance,

John

It's All Trek To Me Man...

 

It's no secret that I like Science Fiction and Fantasy.  I even spend the 5 bucks a month that it costs to watch Paramount +  Just so I could watch Star Trek and it's new versions, Picard, Strange New Worlds, and Star Trek: Discovery.  Everything is happy in the world.

The new series, Strange New Worlds, leads off with the original pilot show of Star Trek, The Cage, with Capt. Christopher Pike in the captains chair.  Strange New Worlds is the story of Capt. Pike and his exploits across the galaxy as the commander of the USS Enterprise, version numero Uno.  With a young Lt. Spock as his Science Officer, and of course his first officer, Number One, Una.  Which means one, kind of obvious isn't it.  This all from the mind of the past Great Gene Roddenberry, who's wife Majel Barrett stared as the original, Nurse Chapel who has a major role in the new series.  Different actress, same soul.  Chapel and Spock have a thing goin on.  

Along with the new series in the Star Trek universe there is also a new Animated series to follow up on the Star Trek animated cartoon from the seventies called simply the, Star Trek Animated Series.  The new animated Trek is called Star Trek Prodigy, and a comical addition called, Star Trek: Lower Decks, that is a very raw and irreverent look at the Star Trek universe from 200 years in the future.  It is funny. 

Today I watched the most recent episode of Strange New Worlds that actually started with the animated Lower Decks.  The cartoon characters got themselves into some mischief as usual and ended up teleporting themselves into the New Worlds reality.  The whole marriage between the animated characters switching from animation to real persons and back is funny.  Spock uncharacteristically forces a smile and even laughs on purpose.   The character from the animated series, the future, being a historian is confused by the unexpected Spock emotions.  Funny.  

So if your a member of Paramount + and are Star Trek fans, you must indulge in the new thing.  It's all Good...

Peace and Balance,

John 

The Medicine Wheel

 

The sun rises early in the East.  Yellow and bright rising high.  Grandfather Yappa begins his walk toward the South in Search of his older Brother Okaga.  In the South high in the sky the sun Anpetu heats the desert Red and the lizards find shade. Okaga then walks his way West in search of his older Brother Io, who is unknown and holds all  the secrets of age.  Io wears a black cloak and always points to the West as he walks to the North in search of the Elder brother Wazi, he is called Waziyatta the sage of the North who stands barefoot in the snows of the North cloaked in a white buffalo blanket facing all before him.  Wazi walks again to the East to wake the youngest of the four Yappa.  And the cycle begins again.

In the Center is the unborn Spirit, Umi also called Yummini, the whirlwind.  Who spins and marvels at all his elder brother's accomplishments.  Umi the unborn spirit of man that lives in the rainbow Tipi looked over by the daughter of Skan skan, the great sky.  San Wi, Pte San Wi, the White Buffalo Calf Woman, who teaches us all we know about being human.  Who 27 generations ago came to Umi and taught man the 7 sacred rites, and gave Hollow Horn the first Chununpa, the sacred pipe. 

So I look into the Four faces and say: HO Wakan Tanka Tunkasila, HO Ina Mahka Kunsi ye, HO Topa Tate Tunkasila, Pte San We, Skan Skan, Inyan, Mia Umi Tani na Cisjila, Hear my Call...  Mitakuye Oyatsin Hetchetu yelo, HO...

Peace and Balance,

John

What's In A Hat?

 Picture the image of an old fashioned Wizard.  What do you see in the classical look of the Sorcerer?  Is there something that stands out and sets them apart from the rest of the People?  The people in question may be the Elves, Humans, Dwarves, Halflings or Hobbits, or the other minions in the realms of Middle Earth, or other places of our imaginations.  Now put your image in the now, in your reality, and tell me what do you see?  

The one thing that ties all of these magical beings together, that makes them stand out amongst the many, is the presence of a recognizable hat.  Some of these fellows wear pointy hats, tall with round brims.  Very similar to the classical look of their female counter parts the Witches, Sorceresses, Earth Mothers of old.  Some wear flattened out hats that look like Pizza Chef attire, other's wear square caps similar to that of a Rabbi.  Think of the Iman's head wear.  A perfectly round top with an appropriately decorated rimless band.  Imagine the crazy tall hat that the Catholic Bishops and the Pope wears.  All are examples of the famous Wizard hat.

On the plains of The United States the Medicine Keepers, the Chiefs, the Clan Leaders, Earth Mothers, Healers, and Council eventually earn the right to wear beautiful headdresses of quill bead work and intricately adorned Eagle feathers.   All examples of the Magic Users head attire.  

Look around at the people you see every day.  What do they have on there heads?  Are there different hats, giving different authority, being worn by real modern men of knowledge?  The answer is Yes.  Picture a Police Officer in full uniform.  He has on his head a trim rimed hat with a nice silver or gold badge in the center top.   When these folks appear in gatherings there is always an almost instant respect given for their authority.  It may not last, however it is there.  The magic of the hat.  Picture the backward helmet of the Firefighter, when they appear there is an instant giving way to their authority, a respect for their practice, again the magic of the hat.  

If you've ever had the pleasure of attending a "Real" Powwow, when the Eldest Elder appears in the sacred circle adorned in his/her regalia and headdress an instant reverence that is almost biblical comes over the crowd.  The drums begin and the song starts, the presence of Big Medicine is amongst the people and it can be felt.  

The traditional hats of the Wizards, the Medicine Keepers of each culture, modern or ancient are out and among us in every direction.  Look at the people around you, what do you see?  The modern vision of the Wizards Hat may be as simple as the Baseball cap worn to a simple ceremony or game...

Peace and Balance,

John

Tired in the Air

 

There's a tired in the air. 

 A special kind of tired that makes it hard to stare.

The drive home from work was an interesting effort

Passing out was not in the cards.

The darkness quickly caught up as soon as I sat.

Pressure behind the eyes forced a quick nap. 

An Ace of Spades in the minds eye

and a candle hidden in a bell jar.

There's a special kind of tired in the air tonight.

One that awakens old habits not used, but not forgotten.

Breath in the nose, slower out the mouth

Close the eyes and stay in the house

Till the sun rises in the sky again

There's a tired in the air...

Peace and Balance,

John

A Celestial Change A Comin.

 

The birds are flying high over the yard.  Floating on the uplift coming from the center.  Song birds swooping at the heights of Ravens and Vultures singing their songs down on the world below.  

Occasionally flying down to feed on raspberry seeds, and suck the nectar out of flowers that are abundant in the yard.  We have a plethora of birds that make the yard their home.  Sitting and watching the antics is similar to watching an old fashioned soap opera on television. 

I spied a squirrel crawl up on top of a rock in the neighbors yard, yawn a big yawn, stretch out the full length of his furry little body and plop belly flat on the rock putting his head in between his little forearms.  He remained motionless for about 5 minutes, a long time for a squirrel, then popped straight up landing on all fours and scampered up a nearby tree.  Naps in short spurts, the life of the Tree Rat.  

The back of the yard is still wet enough that mowing that part of the lawn isn't happening until the water dries up.  I must do that soon, I feel the threat of cockatoos and monkeys sitting on the horizon.  This has been the wettest and universally the most miserable summer in the past 20 years world wide.  If it's not an over abundance of rain and flooding, the temperatures are quickly soaring to heights where humans can't survive.  So our choices are drowning, or roasting.  I'm expecting to see a giant chef in the clouds soon.  Gordon Ramsey is a celestial spy, I just know it. 

Today, however has started out very nice.  Birds are happy, bugs are happy, fellows with larger than average feet are happy, and the energies are rising high over head.  There is a change on the horizon...

Peace and Balance,

John

Sacred Coffee, The Three, And A Perfect Night.

 

Again the Three met over a fire and sacred coffee.  Convincing the Wakaninyan, "Thunder Beings" to stop the rain and allow the Three to do sacred ceremony over a fire was an act of faith and hope on the part of the Three.  The Thunder Beings were extremely kind and generous with their blessings on the ceremony and the Three.

Birds came out and sang their approval for the storms stopping.  Ravens flew high playing on the currents of wind, and the clouds swirled in artistic patterns of blues and grays.  It was good.

When miracles aren't expected they appear in the smallest of details.  The sudden appearance of a lion cub can lead to secrets.  Spirit animals appear and disappear like that.  It is unusual to see someone else's spirit friends.  There was a reason which will be revealed at a latter date.  

The forest comes alive on Sacred Coffee day.  The forest sings, it's people commune, and the winds whisper into the ears of the initiated.  We are all one is the message.  Now go share the message of the One with the Many.  What is the message?  

Serve coffee black with a smattering of conversation.  Speak what's on your mind.  There is No Fear.  Have Faith.

Peace and Balance,

John

Human Beings The Ultimate Consumer

 Human beings are the ultimate consumers.  We eat, burn up, mine, and destroy every natural resource we've ever had contact with.  Since the existence of the two legged Human being creature, it has used up everything it has come in contact with.  We walked into our mortality first by eating all we came in contact with, then we began burning it up.  First to keep ourselves warm, then to cook the other things we we're eating.  We discovered early that other animals taste better after being roasted over an open fire.  Then we discovered Salt.  And we began mining and consuming every bit of salt we could stuff into our bodies.  Roasted things taste better with salt.  

We were, and still are, eating just about everything we have ever come into contact with.  Just like a race of children, we pick a thing up and the first thing we do with it is to stick it in our mouths.  If it tastes good, and we survive, we'll salt it up and roast it over the fire pit, Ugh!..  That's cave man for, "yum."  

Along comes the industrial revolution and the stuff we don't eat we make into other things we'll use.  The bye product of this process floats into the atmosphere and we become addicted to the smog we breath.  We are so addicted to this smoggy stuff that we keep making things to send more of it into the atmosphere.  We have become a race of drug addicts expecting to breath in our, "Hit" in every breath.  

So we breath, and still kill, everything we come into contact with to either eat, or consume in another manner.  The other creatures on the planet have no defenses against us, because we are so intelligent and smarter than they are.  Heaven help us if the whales decide to fight back.  

Douglas Adams made a pretty dire prediction in his book, "Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy".  I'm wondering now when the "Vogon Destructor Fleet" decides we're in the middle of their galactic express way.  

Maybe we should smarten up and clean up our acts, because it's to late...

Peace and Balance,

John

Lawn Tractors, Ground Water, and Forest Persons.

 I thought I'd do something novel and mow my lawn.  I took a walk around the yard and my plans for driving my little lawn buggy around the yard were dashed into smithereens.  The lower sections of my yard have taken the duck pond look of the neighbors yard, and the higher sections are so saturated with water that each step makes that special sandaled squishy sounds that resemble the squeaking of wet converse sneakers. 

I'm not a little fellow, so each step I took made an impression into my yard.  If I let the foot prints set for a bit I'm sure I can take pictures of them and convince some poor slob that I've got a Forest Person visiting in the night.  Which I do, but that's another story...

The ground in my neck of the woods is finely, Super Saturated.  There is no room any more for water to absorb and escape.  The only thing keeping us from having a severe flash flood here is the abundance of   ground cover and low lying vegetation.  We have enough of the little plants to hold back the saturated ground.  Without these plants we would have a severe mud flow problem.

Fortunately the water will flow down hill and travel it's merry way into the river.  A few more days of dry air, sunshine, and quasi temperatures will go a long way to alleviating my inability to mow my lawn.  Driving my little lawn tractor around the yard is actually one of my personal fun times.  I'm just a big kid, and what kid doesn't like a good tractor?  

Peace and Balance,

John

The Nostalgia Of My Brother In Law.

 My  brother in law visited today to bring my wife, his little sister, a Big Mac, Fries, and half a Diet Coke.  Of course I had to give him a hard time about half a drink.  He claimed that he didn't want to spill it in his Jeep, but his girlfriend gave me one of those looks that made my assumption that much funnier.  I simply suggested that the other half of the drink mystically disappeared on the way to the house.  Of course this was met with a chuckled denial, but we know...

My wife's brother is a couple years older than we are, he's 76 years old now and tells me he has been getting into watching old reruns on Roku.  We had a nostalgic conversation about the, "Ozzy and Harriet Show," "Leave it to Beaver," "Dennis the Menace," and some of the old Hanna Barberra Cartoons we all used to watch as kids. 

I said that he was reliving his childhood through modern technologies, and he agreed.  I find it fascinating that in our present entertainment world it is possible to search up many websites where we can enjoy the programming that we enjoyed in our youth.  I myself spend hours re-watching programs like, "Lost in Space," the original, "Star Trek," "Space 1999" one of my personal favorites, "Emergency," "Adam 12", and of course, "Dragnet."  "Just the facts mam, just the facts..."  

Since the weather has been hedgy this summer allot of time is being spent taking those nostalgic jaunts down memory lane.   My Brother in Law was quite right when he suggested that an occasional walk in our memory is a good way to ready ourselves for the future.  He's a wise man.  He's almost at the age of immortality.   He's 76 years old and still bench presses 275 pounds.  There's something to be said about being nostalgic...

Peace and Balance,

John

BOTTLENECK BLUES - a UNIQUE version of ‘Sixteen Tons’ on the Street in C...

Often we touch the littlest ones in ways that will only surface when they are old enough to appreciate certain experiences, while they touch us and play harps on our hearts.

Peace and Balance,

John

Shifty Paradigms.

 I wonder sometimes what the world would be like if there were some small changes and shifts in the standard paradigm.  How would the interactions between people and possibly governments be like.  Would we fall into permanent Chaos, or would the universe balance and become more stable?  I wonder...

What would things be like if the burger was called the. "Medium Mike" instead of the "Big Mac?"   Just think of it, 2 all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions all on a sesame seed bun.  The "Medium Mike" might have all the same ingredients, but be on a plain bun or regular toast. instead.  

What if MacDonald's was called MacDougal's instead?  Would there be any Special Sauce, would fries be served with everything?  I can envision MacDonald's Onion Rings in place of the Fries. The possibilities are maddening.  

What if "Burger King" was called "Crusty Lord?"  The quarter pounder might end up as a toasted cheese sandwich. A quarter pound of melted cheese on a toasted bun, wait that's actually a MacDonald's thing in Taiwan, it's called the, "Real Cheese Burger."  To be honest doesn't sound as appetizing as it could be. 

What if, "Superman" was called, "Mediocre Man?"  The Man of Aluminum, able to leap small grass huts in a couple hops.  Faster than a speeding turtle.  This could turn into an addiction.  I should stop now,  but you get the gist, the universe could fold in on itself.  

Maybe it's best just to leave things as they lay.  I don't think I could handle a, "Cat Man"  anyways.  

Peace and Balance,

John

The Three, Gossip, And A Fly Bye.

 

The Three met last night to discuss important things that needed discussing.  Things like the weather, flooding, other people, rumors, gossip, the state of affairs, and why Trump should be incarcerated.  You know important things.  Not to spread further gossip, but to add a sprinkle of healing into the mix so folks can get beyond the rumor mill and look forward.

When the Three get together strange things happen.  Suddenly birds in the area begin to talk back and forth.  They answer questions, and sometimes seem either amused or slightly irritated.  Birds are like that.  They can be fickle creatures.  

The neighborhood dogs would begin barking in unison, and squirrels bounding from tree to tree antagonized the dogs as they chuckled at the Three.  In jest I often refer to squirrels as angry creatures, but the opposite is actually true.  Squirrels are mischievous little buggers with a serious sense of humor.   Two times, at least, in history have squirrels influenced the development of mankind with a practical joke.  The first was the acorn tossed at Gautama as he sat under the Bodhi tree just before attaining his ultimate enlightenment. Being beaned in the head by a well tossed acorn can do wonders.  The second was when Sir Isaac sat under a tree and was bopped on top of the head by a well aimed apple.  No one ever speaks of the squirrel atop the tree, little bugger.  An applied lesson in Gravity. 

Clouds took positions and layers in the sky that can not be replicated by any artistic practice of man.  If tried onlookers will not believe that the painting was a real event.  

Stories shared by the Three, embellishment an art, promoted the spiritual growth of listeners and receivers of mystical things.  Just as the night's end began to take shape and gazing at the evening sky was the thing to do, an object was seen flying high over head reflecting white in the last sun.  The object moving slow and silent, but left no trace nor could it be heard.  So bright was the sky rider that no real shape could be discerned.  It flew into the Northeast to take an abrupt right angle turn to the North and disappeared in the cloud. 

No guiding lights, no running lights, no markers what so ever, just the bright light, then gone.   A sleepless night, a busy night, leaving wonder in it's wake.  

Peace and Balance,

John

National French Fry Day

 

Today is National French Fry day.  However, there seems to be some disagreement on the origins of the French Fry.  It seems that in 1775 there is mention of Pomme de Frites or French Frites in a Parisian cook book.  I have my doubts.  Why would a French cook book call fries, French Fries?  Isn't logical. 

Pierre Lecluercq, a Belgian food historian makes a claim on French Fries from a 1795 cook book with a recipe for frites that are very French Fryish.  Of course the Belgian's claim all things French as their own. 

It is the Americans, however that step up to the plate and declare a day, Today, as National French Fry day.  From the look of most Americans these days, French Fried food seems to be a national preoccupation.  It's all Good.  Put it in a fryer, the better. Yum. 

So far, and I've been known to change my mind often, my favorite fry is the MacDonald's French Fry.  The secret has to do with the minimal amount of sugar melted into the oil, Oopps did I let a secret out there?  My second choice would have to be Burger King.  Burger King actually breads their potato strings with potato batter.  So you've got potato on potato double crisped and yes, just a tad sugar in the oil.  That mixture for both organizations insures the addiction all Americans seem to have with the potato string commonly referred to as the, "French Fry."   

So, I declare today as I stand on top of my big rock, that French Fries are an American creation and that we've perfected the formula as is apparent from the traffic pushing through the drive through's of fast food establishments all over our wonderous country.  Amen...  

Peace and Balance,

John

The Power Of Confession

 

The art of confession is a deeply rooted practice found in various cultures and religions around the world. It involves the act of acknowledging and admitting one's wrongdoings, faults, or sins to oneself, a higher power, or to another person. Confession is often considered a powerful and transformative process that can lead to personal growth, emotional healing, and reconciliation.

Confession typically involves three main elements: acknowledgment, remorse, and disclosure. First, it requires an individual to honestly recognize and acknowledge their actions or thoughts that they consider to be morally or ethically wrong. This step entails self-reflection and an acceptance of responsibility for one's behavior.

The second element of confession is remorse. It involves feeling genuine regret, guilt, or sorrow for the harm caused by one's actions. Remorse demonstrates a willingness to confront the consequences of one's choices and an understanding of the impact those choices have had on oneself or others. This emotional response helps to foster empathy, compassion, and a desire for personal growth.

The final element is disclosure, which involves sharing one's confession with another person or entity. This act of disclosure can take various forms, depending on cultural or religious practices. For example, in some religions, confession is made directly to a religious leader or clergy member, while in therapeutic settings, it may involve confessing to a trusted counselor or therapist. Alternatively, one may choose to engage in self-reflection and private confession.

Confession serves several purposes. It provides a cathartic release for the person confessing, allowing them to unburden themselves from the weight of guilt or shame they may be carrying. It also offers an opportunity for personal growth and transformation by acknowledging past mistakes and working towards making amends or changing negative behaviors.

Confession can also play a role in interpersonal relationships and community dynamics. When someone confesses to another person, it often fosters trust, vulnerability, and a chance for reconciliation. It allows for open communication, understanding, and the potential for forgiveness and healing. In religious contexts, confession can be seen as a means of seeking forgiveness from a higher power and restoring one's spiritual connection.

It's important to note that the art of confession should be approached with care and respect, both for oneself and others. It requires self-awareness, humility, and a commitment to personal growth. Confidentiality and non-judgment are crucial in creating a safe space for confession, ensuring that individuals feel supported and respected throughout the process.

Overall, the art of confession offers a powerful avenue for self-reflection, personal growth, and healing. By acknowledging one's mistakes, expressing remorse, and seeking reconciliation, individuals can embark on a path towards self-improvement and a more harmonious existence with themselves and others.

Peace and Balance,

John

The Great Thing.

 

Imagine if you will a super intelligence.  One that is so large that everything else revolves around it.  This intelligence, responsible for all things we know or can imagine, is not an entity, it is not a sentience, it is not an alien of higher intelligence than our own, or a group of such, it just is.  To give this intelligence an identity does it no justice. To call it God is to diminish it to our small understandings of godhood.  As soon as an identity is put on something that something is confined to the process of the identity.  This intelligence may or may not be aware of any other, nor would it likely care. 

Imagine if you will this intelligence breathing in and out the stuff of the void.  Each breath in and out causes great change to the inner and outer workings of the space occupied, or not by that intelligence.  How can we give such a thing the confine of space or time, how can we presume to understand?

Imagine such a thing, how can we?  All we can do rationally is imagine us as nothing but a cell or piece of a  cell occupying a non-understandable thing.  If that does any justice to the imagining.  This Great Thing would be of all things, and we would be insignificant.  

Peace and Balance,

John

Shangri-La

 In the heart of Kunlun, in the mountains of Tibet, the Great Himalia hide Shangri-La who's streets are paved with gold and monks practice sacred dances upon every rising sun.  There is no war here, no fear, only peace.  However, in order to know peace there has to be a memory of chaos to give peace an understanding.

Traveling to Shangri-La may have it's hazards however.  Once we arrive are we going to be set free?  Interesting choice of words I know, but logic tells me that once we've found Nirvana there is no going back, and traveling to Shangri-La may be a self imposed prison. 

A close friend told me once that in matters of enlightenment when you open that door the door disappears and there is no going back.  Sort of like saying that once you learn something there is never unlearning it.  When you walk the streets of Shangri-La can you un-walk the streets?  How would you forget golden streets?

The heart of Kunlun, in the mountains of Tibet, the Himalia hide Shangri-La the mystical city of peace, wonder, and enlightenment.  Where Nirvana can be attained but never escaped and the monks become the keepers.  Is this where you want to be? 

I only partially stole this idea from, "Lost Horizon" by James Hilton.  Is it an experience or is it a myth?

Peace and Balance,

John

Real Good Raspberry Pancakes

 

Occasionally I cook.  I've since learned how to actually cook through the tutelage of my Cheffy wife, and her dear mother, who after her passing I found a certificate from a culinary institute declaring her as Chef.  So, I learned from two very good cooks.

Being a science oriented sort of fellow, I'm a believer in certain technologies that have snuck their ways into the modern kitchen.  Things that the purest would subject to snobbery and elite prejudices.  Objects such as the Microwave oven. Which I personally find as a time saver and if used properly can cook up a plethora of real good stuff.  

This morning I created a fairly passable recipe for the Raspberry Pancake, here it is:

Add about a cup and a half of frozen raspberries in a microwave safe container.  Add about a teaspoon or so of sugar and mix well.  Microwave on high about 2 mins and stir container then put aside.  Depending on your taste, the amount of time you want to spend, and your inkling for a thing called, "Scratch", however you mix up about a cup of pancake batter, let sit for about a minute to a minute and a half.  Mix half the Raspberry mixture into the batter and stir well.  The next step is important because this is the only area where butter or margarine is used.  On a HOT griddle melt a goodly portion of butter and let it simmer for a few seconds then add the batter mixture and let them fry until you see bubbles then flip.  Let sit, then flip again for measure.  This morning I served them up with Jimmy Dean sausage links, the rest of the Raspberry mixture as a syrup and a dollop of whipped cream.  For myself a couple of fried eggs, my wife can't eat those things, so more for me.  

All turned out real good and passed the Cheffy inspection and taste test.  It was a good breakfast.  

Feel free to try it out and let me know how it goes.  Here's my disclaimer: if it sucks, So sad to bad...

Peace and Balance,

John

The Great Adventure, The Religions Of The Future.

 

An Adventure springs from the heart.  It fills the soul with purpose and if true in purpose will hound you like hot coals falling from the sun.  Adventures grasp the seeker in a hold that can only be quelled at the end of the journey.  All Adventures begin and end with a journey, be it physical, mental, emotional, or creative, the journey is the road in which the Adventure is experienced, the place the lessons are learnt, and the teachings are taught.  This is the true Adventure.

There are stories in human history of great Hero's.  These folk became hero's only after the stories of their deeds are told and retold until they are etched into history forever making their marks on the minds of human kind.  These Adventures, so great in deed that the names of the journeyers of these paths evoke kinship with the teller and the tale.  For brief moments they are bound and become the Adventure itself.  The listener and reader become the students of impossible histories, the witnesses of a terrible magic the miracles of time and space.  These become our religions.

The Songs of the Norse, the great Adventures of Thor Odin's Son, and Loki the trickster.  Tales of the Greek legends, Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, and their wives and children.  Stories of Creation as told by the Oyate, the people, of Inyan, Topa Tate, Ina Mahka, Wi, and Han Wi all leaving their marks on our creative lives, Wakan Tanka Tunkasila walks amongst us.  Yahweh, Jehovah, Elohim, Ieasua, Issa, Moses, and Muhamad, all taking place in our forever histories.  We have become the Children of the story. 

From our hearts spring the Adventures and from these Adventures the stories of great deeds shared.  These Great deeds write the names of hero's on our hearts.  And in the Space of Time these actions become our life's lessons, our religions.  Every Adventure begins with a Journey, and every Journey starts with that first step.  How will you write your memory on the minds of your future?

Peace and Balance,

John

 

  

   

The Gaze Of The Samurai

 

Let's take a moment to discuss the beginning of the match, be it in the Boxing ring, the Wrestling ring, the MMA ring, various forms of the Octagon, what have you, the first and appropriate attack is psychological and begins with the Gaze.  The Gaze is that steely eyed gun fighter look that every fighter of whatever tries to master in order to psychologically unbalance their opponents.  The lazer beams shot from the orbs.

You can see it at the beginning of any match.  The two gladiators meet in the middle touch gloves, slap hands, high five, or what have you then proceed to gaze into each other's eyes.  This is the actual beginning of the bout.  We, the observer, will not know what is actually going on in the mind of the contestants, but you can bet that the fighter that falters first will lose the bout.  He has been defeated in his own mind already the inevitable is just in the outcome. 

In the Japanese classic, "The Seven Samurai" by Akira Kurosawa, there is a scene where one of the Seven is chopping wood and is challenged to a dual by one of the local clan.  They each grab a wooden branch to use as a Katana and set to proceed with the match.  Two onlookers, main characters in the movie, both know before the proceeding of the bout who will be the winner, "It's obvious." is the comment from the leader of the Seven.  He was basing his observation on what he was seeing in the Gaze coming from the two opponents. His experience and mastery has given him the ability to see the outcome before it happened.  

After the two went to blows with the branches both onlookers knew who the victor was, however the challenger had a differing opinion and began an onslaught of verbal assaults and insults.  The Wood Chopper did not want to proceed, but also did not want to loose face.  They both took to the Katana.  Our two watchers knew what would happen, "It's a shame, it is so obvious." Our hero the Wood Chopper took a back stance and waited, it was obvious.  The aggressor attacked, there was the standard Japanese movie spurt of blood.  The challenger dropped to his knees and died.  Our friend the Wood Chopper was not happy, not amused and did not want to discuss the victory.  If only the Gaze had dissuaded the challenge in the beginning.

Years ago there was an interview with Hulk Hogan on the Mike Douglas show.  Mike asked Hulk about the Gaze and wanted him to do the stare on national television.  Hulk Hogan chuckled and said, "NO, you wouldn't be able to handle it."  The perfect answer.  This is after all the purpose for the Gaze at the beginning of each fight, to unsettle and unbalance the opponent into making a mistake.  To overcome them with your superior threat.  

I Gaze at you deeply, with a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye...

Peace and Balance,

John

Hercules' Brother Iphicles

 Because of the stories of Hercules, shortly after his birth strangling two snakes in is crib, people forget that Hercules had a younger twin brother, Iphicles.  Iphicles was born one night after Hercules.  They both had the same mother, Alcmene, but Hercules' father was the god Zeus disguised as Amphitryon who was her husband and Iphicles father.  Alcmene suffered the rare but real possibility of two different men, each impregnating a different ovum in her uterus.  This is a real, but very rare condition called Superfetation.  Ancient Greek mythology describes a seemingly modern malady.  

Iphicles by all accounts was a big strong man himself, but could not compete with his brother Hercules.  Later in life it was Iphicles Son, Ieolus who was Hercules charioteer, who drove him around on a golden chariot.  

Iphicles traveled with his brother on his 12 quests and kept Hercules from killing everything in sight during 2 onsets of violent insanity brought on by the jealous goddess Hera.  First Hercules killed his whole family, then again he through Iphicles' sons into a fire killing them both, but still the dutiful Iphicles stands strong by his brother's side.  

Iphicles and his friend Telamon where both thrown into the dungeon of King Laomedon.  Hercules would not come their aid, but instead the king's son sent them two swords with which they killed the guards and freed themselves and warned Hercules of a plot against' him.  Hercules being a demigod himself, suffered from great bouts of Hubris where he waged psychological war against his father Zeus and the rest of the gods.  This eventual led up to his need to pay penance by performing his 12 trials, and again Iphicles was with his brother.  

It wasn't until Iphicles' death during one of the battles of the Augeas and Elans that Hercules' strength began waning and he began aging.  Just before Hercules was released from his mortality, Zeus allowed him to visit Iphicles in the land of the dead with the help of Hades that Iphicles forgave Hercules for all of his 12 trials.  It seems the gods had a plan for Iphicles after all, as he resides with his family in the Land of the Dead in peace.  

Peace and Balance,

John 

Merlin, Arthur, And The Tree.

 

Merlin stood silently, as still as a stone overlooking the ocean above the White Cliffs.  A young Arthur came up to him and began questioning him, "Master what  are you looking at?"  There was no answer.

"Master why so still?" Again nothing was said.

The boy began running in circles around and around Merlin, but Merlin did not move  

Finely after spending the day trying to illicit a reaction from his Master.  The young Arthur finely stopped and just stood and watched what Merin was watching and asked, "Master, what is it you are trying to do?"

Merlin, as the sun was setting in the sea, finely answered, "I'm practicing."  

"Practicing what sir?" Arthur asked in a quiet tone.

"Being a Tree of course." Was all Merlin replied.

Peace and Balance,

John

Happy 4th Of July

Happy Independence Day Everyone.  It's the 4th of July the traditional day of Loud Booming Noises, Sparkling Lights, and the Threat of Climatic Thunderstorms.  Wakaninyan Walks and Ibom is the Host.  For You and Yours, may the next year be profitable and all the Stars and Stripes work for Ye.  

Peace and Balance,

John

Day's Of Independence.

 Being a Native American Man of mixed Heritage these words bring to me thoughts and feelings that I'm sure the founding fathers of The United States did not originally intend.  The Preamble of the Declaration of Independence:  

 We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

I am of mixed Native American Blood, I am Irish of an old Celtic clan, and I wonder if, when these words where written, the authors of such debate understood fully the future that would be Their Wrath?

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, it is Independence Day.  To what glory shall there be independence to?

Peace and Balance,

John

Cher - Walking In Memphis (Director's Cut) [Official Video] [HD]

Cher's always a good choice...

Peace and Balance,

John

Understanding Tolerance

 Tolerance encompasses various aspects of human behavior related to society.   The ability to accept and respect the beliefs, opinions, practices or behaviors from others that are different from our own even though we may disagree or find them challenging is tolerance.  In today's multicultural and diverse world with it's mixed bag of dualism both spiritually, sexually, and politically a practice of tolerance in our everyday lives helps us bring about a peaceful coexistence in our pluralistic societies and may help us better understand each other.  

If I were going to teach a course on tolerance here are some of the key points I'd try to touch on:

1. Respect for differences: Tolerance involves the diversity that exists among individuals and groups.  It means understanding the differences in backgrounds, cultures, groups religious values and perspectives and respecting their right to hold and express those differences.

2. Open-Mindedness:  Tolerance requires an open mind and willingness to listen without immediately dismissing other's viewpoints  or opinions.  It involves being receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences even though they might challenge your own. 

3. Being Non-Judgmental: Tolerance involves  refraining from making harsh judgements or stereotypes about individuals based on their differences.  It involves avoiding prejudice, discrimination, or bias and recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person. 

4. Freedom of Expression: Allowing others to express their ideas, thoughts and beliefs freely as long as it does not promote hate speak, incite violence, or hurt others. 

5. Peaceful Coexistence:  By accepting and respecting the differences in others, conflicts can be minimized, and a climate of harmony, understanding, and cooperation can be promoted.

6. Education and Awareness:  Education is the key to raising awareness and the diversity of it's benefits. Teaching children at an early age can help to build tolerance by exposing children to different cultures, ideas, religions, and perspectives and bring future societies together building a more tolerant future.

It's important to note that tolerance does not imply agreement or endorsement of all beliefs or behaviors, it simply means recognizing the right of others to hold and express their own views even if we may disagree with them.  Tolerance is a fundamental value that contributes to the building of inclusive and compassionate societies, fostering respect, empathy, and peaceful coexistence. 

Peace and Balance,

John