make peace not war

Today we remember and honor those who have died in service of the United States of America, our nation and its values.

We recently read that the US has only had twenty one years of peace throughout its brief history. Here is a list of America's major wars from 1776 to the present.

Having only recently celebrated Mother's Day, our attention goes to the mothers, wives and daughters who mourn the loss of their loved ones this Memorial Day.

The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states.

The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I.

When the holiday changed from honoring those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.

Today we ask our readers to voluntarily observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect. Take a brief break from whatever you are doing for a moment of silence or prayer.

Wherever or however you spend your Memorial Day weekend, choose to move forward and may peace be with you.

around the block & a world of difference

After months of agonizing, I have finally moved into my very own Casa Azul.

For the past ten years I have lived in Hudson County. Moving from Hoboken to Union City. Then to Weehawken and now back to Union City once more. My favorite barrio!

casa azul

“Never in life will I forget your presence. You found me torn apart and you took me back full and complete”. ~ Frida Kahlo

The creative universe of Frida Kahlo is to be found in the Blue House, the place where she was born, where she painted as she convalesced, and where she died. 

Ina Gunid | goddess of war & poisons

Ina Gunid was invoked for success in war and mangayaw raids. She was also associated with another trinity of deities when working with and concocting poisonous oils and charms. 

Courtesy of Anituo

Also known as Ynaguinid, Inagunid and Naguinid, she was one of the three deities according to whom the tribe offered prayers to for success in the battlefield. 

Spring Equinox & super moon

For the first time in nineteen years the final super moon of the year also falls on Spring Equinox. Sky gazers will be treated to this vernal event dubbed, Super Worm Moon. 

This ancient name derives from Native American tradition. Also called the Sap Moon because it is the time to tap the maples for their sap.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac reports that the full moon in March is always known as the worm moon because it marks the time of year when earthworms begin to come out in the soil.

EcoDeo at NY Open Center 35th Anniversary

EcoDeo was at the NY Open Center 35th Anniversary celebration and open house.

On its tenth year now of the SMI sound healing program, it was the first time the graduates participated.

The night was a huge success! Even though Martina and I did miss Manny.

wealth & poverty | world views

The disparity between rich and poor nowadays is stunning beyond belief.

Basic needs definitions also go beyond money, to include all the things that a person needs in order to survive – including employment and participation in society. Wealth and poverty can be measured in many ways. 

Using the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare, intended to replace the GDP, it can measure ‘quality’ economic activity by making a subtraction for air pollution and an addition for unpaid household labour for example.

Another method is the Human Poverty Index. This is ranked according to three main areas of deprivation - survival, knowledge, and a decent standard of living.

In the industrial world, where the Index also includes social exclusion, the higher the percentage classified as poor, the greater the poverty in that country.

Recently New Internationalist published, "Equality matters in terms of health and happiness, but surprising new data reveals that it is also better for the environment – in the more equal rich countries, people on average consume less, produce less waste and emit less carbon." 

Conscious living is applying our attention more mindfully and respectfully. Progress and urbanization have costs and consequences that would benefit us more to approach with care and honor. 

Thinking and planning beyond personal and individual enrichment for the greater good of more is the better option. For ourselves, our families, our communities, our societies, our countries, and the whole world. 

It is human centered nation building. It is a natural and loving way for humanity to prosper and thrive. We are all in this together.