family - bonds, beliefs, baggage

new World Trade needle

While no one can discount the value of family - emotional models, belief patterns, relationship filters - can greatly influence the bonds we eventually form. As adults how clear, free and independent are we of our past and our patterns? Are we present to our needs, wants, and drives? More importantly, do we know what dictates and influences these needs, wants and drives? Are they really our own or are they merely a product of our upbringing and environment? Do we even question and explore these territories?

feasts & celebration

Passover and Easter are major occasions evoking sacred rites, rituals and communal practices among many.  When done properly, their preparation is Sacred Alchemy.   

Ganacakra (a Dakini feast) is a sacramental meal and festive celebration invoking an alchemical transmutation from base to higher vibration.  

In this process, the negative energy of baser emotion or klesha (poison) is transformed into the luminous energy of enlightened awareness or gnosis (jnana).  

Its ingestion is highly intoxicating - wherein physical digestion leads to spiritual unfoldment and G0D realization.  

resist & persist

Our body, mind and heart are the means through which to express who we really are.

Who is the driver?  Now and in every moment.  No past.  No future.  Just now.

What are the control factors?  Who is in control of what?

In surrender lies freedom.  But surrender requires discipline for the ego to let go.

Discipline is made effective and efficient through one's clarity.

Knowing oneself.  Truly.

lost & found

"Self is the only prison that can ever bind the soul."  
~Henry Van Dyke, The Prison and the Angel

Is all well in our world?  No matter what our circumstances are we well? 

Or do we swing schizophrenically on our own self inflicted hangman's noose battling incessantly with our selves? 

Drawn and quartered between stuck and lost?  between our compulsive obsessions or the never ending process of finding ourselves? 

Or do we dance to and celebrate our innate nature?  Acknowledging balance is indeed the key?  Exploring the parts of us that please us?  Appreciating what our shadow selves teach us? 

In our path toward enlightenment our journey is paved each step of the way with the choice we make, the attitude we sustain, the decision concluded. 

Who determines which is wise or appropriate?  timely or truly? 

Are we encouraged and empowered by the endeavor?  Are we filled with light, love, life? 

Is the body harnessed?  the mind disciplined?  the heart engaged?  the spirit ignited?  the soul kindled? 

Where then do we let life take us?

demons & dragons

2012 is truly testing my mettle. . . . 

I am an emotional creature - emotionally driven and persuaded. 

I have grown more sensitive to their presence while removing myself from their effect - at varying levels of success. 

2012 is the time to face my dragons - nowhere to run or hide. 

Not so much succeeding in overcoming them as learning to embrace who I am even more.

post Xmas & pre New Year

How were we affected by events this holiday season?  Leading up to, Xmas day itself and looking towards 2012? 

Did the actual experience match all the anticipated expectations?  Pass or fail?  And how does it then affect what's yet to come? 

Much to reflect on and contemplate indeed!  Pros and Cons?  Highs and Lows?  What worked and what did not? 

What new experiences have we racked up?  Any new relationships?  What was that like?  How did matters go?  What mattered the most? 

Whatever the outcome are our hearts filled with wonder, delight and appreciation?  Do we welcome this new year? 

holiday countdown

Five more days until I see my beloved child!  Although I've been counting down looong ago for this date as it draws closer I witness myself going into hyper-reality. 

The buildup is further augmented by the holidays and all the attendant history over The 12 Days of Xmas.  Christian, commercial, or secular overtones seethe and roil around us - blowing smokescreens that cloud any clarity. 

Living and working in NYC amps this all up.  As the cheer crescendos over blaring horns, show windows, twinkling lights and frost in the air the hustle and the bustle are no longer a grind.  Instead they lighten us all up. 

Happy Holidays!