| This page is for you to share your insight, story to help another.. please share with us how you may have dealt with grieving, anger, addiction, abuse, divorce, prison, graduating from a personal goal, a happy story a sad story. I love poems, quotes, and lyrics as well. Any kind of creative expression that can carry a message to assist and lift a spirit. Pictures are great with a story also.
A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. Oliver Wendell Holmes
Hunger, thirst, cold, fatigue, your own physical and mental limitations- you will feel all of these. This teaches you about nature, more than that, you come face to face with yourself. Willi Unsoeld
There is more to be learned in one day of discomfort, poverty and anxiety than in a lifetime of apparent happiness, security, riches and power. Anonymous
The most successful leader of all is one who sees another picture not yet actualized. He sees the things which belong in his present picture but which are not yet there...Above all, he should make his co-workers see that it is not his purpose which is to be achieved, but a common purpose, born of the desires and the activities of the group. Mary Parker Follett
If the dogs are barking at your heels, you know you're leading the pack. Anonymous
Ideals are like stars: You will not succeed in touching them. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them you will reach your destiny. Carl Schurtz
Listen to the mustn'ts, child, listen to the don'ts listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts listen to the never haves then listen close to me- anything can happen, child, ANYTHING can be. Shel Silverstein
Vaentine Poem's by: My Sister Samantha Mallette: ~Valentine's Day is here. Celebrate it with your dear. You know everything is right. When hearts and stars shine so bright. ~Spend Valentine's with your friends. With laughter, fun , and your home den. We all are different, but what makes us close are when everyone is friends and share a toast.
~Each day is special. So are you. You should tell a friend or two. Stand up high and shout it out. That Valentine's is here. So let it out!
~You know your cool, awesome, and sweet. The candy hearts are there to beat. When Valentine's comes around. You laugh, sing, and dance around. My sister is always there for me. She's loving, sweet,and kind to me. The best thing about her is her love. To everyone around her, myself, and the dove. Sally and Ali, Ali and Sally
I have a dog
Her name is Ali.
I have a cat
and her name is sally.
My cat is light,
Just like a cloud,
Unlike my dog
Who’s heavy like a hound.
My cat is so tidy,
and my dog is so messy
And together they are so mighty.
My cat is soft,
like a feather.
And my dog is coarse,
Just like some leather.
My cat’s meow is long and slow.
Just like a worm playing a piano.
My dog’s high pitched voice, we wish she go.
It’s so high just like a soprano.
-Samantha Mallette
~ Marti K. Mallette 2007 ~  As I Look back on our time together, I realize how much I have changed and how much life around me has changed to reflect these new wonderful changes within myself.
I had never experienced or even knew what circle work was or did or how magically powerful this process can be. It is because of our circle, I was able to look inside of myself for the very first time. It wasn’t always easy and at times very painful, especially since I had been so unaware of myself for such a long, long, time.
Because of each and everyone of you; because each of you were courageous and strong enough to speak up, to feel, to cry, to laugh, to tell your stories, to share your life’s journey, I found the courage to do the same.
You each have added in your own very special way a wonderful richness and fullness to my life and my journey. I thank and honor you for this; my sisters Kate, Heather, and Kelli, who will close this circle today as we complete our program. I thank, honor, and acknowledge my sisters who opened the circle with us in the beginning Christine, Valeriya, and Tommi. I thank and honor my teachers Allen Clark and Kate Clark who have dedicated their energy, time, love, compassion, talent and wisdom in helping others to wake up and find their light. I thank and honor my other teachers Kate and Chris Bohn who each added their own wonderful light to our circle.
It is with a deep sense of love and admiration that I dedicate this to each of you, without you, without our circle I would have never found this beautiful part of me. I am forever Grateful to each and everyone of you.
IN THE CIRCLE
And the drum beats for me
And the drum beats for me
Calling me back home
With songs long past
Which were all but forgotten long ago
And the drum beats for me
And the drum beats for me
And the voices call for me to remember
And the voices call for me to remember
Calling on those parts of me long forgotten
And hidden far below
And the voices call for me to remember
And the voices call for me to remember
Calling me back home
And the wind sings to me
Calling me to remember
Calling me back home
And the water stirs in me
Calling me to remember
Calling me back home
And the sun shines in me
Calling me to remember
Calling me back home
And the animals tell me we are all family
Calling me to remember
Calling me back home
And the air breaths me
Calling me to remember
Calling me back home
And life dances all around me
Calling me to remember
Calling me back home
And the trees and the rocks whisper to me
Calling me to remember
Calling me back home
And the fire burns inside of me
Calling me to remember
Calling me back home
And the moon, the stars and my dreams they all speak to me
Calling me to remember
Calling me back home
And Mother Earth reveals herself to me
Calling me to remember
Calling me back home
And the Great Spirit waits for me
Calling me to remember
Calling me back home
They are all calling for me to remember
They are all calling me back home
As the drum beats, as the voices sing
They are all waiting for me in the circle
As the eagle soars, as the horse gallops
As the wolf howls, as the snake transforms
My place is held eternally in this circle in WHICH I BELONG
Sent by my friend Kenneth Hope: Joni Mitchell~ here's the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqQlfFuQFXo&feature=related
Rows and floes of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
Ive looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
Ive looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its cloud illusions I recall
I really dont know clouds at all
Moons and junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As evry fairy tale comes real
Ive looked at love that way
But now its just another show
You leave em laughing when you go
And if you care, dont let them know
Dont give yourself away
Ive looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
Its loves illusions I recall
I really dont know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say I love you right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
Ive looked at life that way
But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say Ive changed
Well somethings lost, but somethings gained
In living every day
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
"We always return to the lap of nature for our healing...I walk on the carriage roads of the Preserve or ride my horse up the trails. I drink in the absence of asphalt...and I think how, if lots more people lived in paradise on earth as I am sure I do, the world would be a happier place." By, Stephen Larsen
Make time to play
"If we fail to nourish our souls, they wither, and without soul, life ceases to have meaning.... The creative process shrivels in the absence of continual dialogue with the soul. And creativity is what makes life worth living."
-- Marion Woodman
"I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of quiet life stimulates the creative mind."
-- Albert Einstein
Seek union over separation
"Beliefs separate. Loving thoughts unite."
-- Paul Ferrini
Here are some helpful links- What's at the Heart of Happiness? by Jonathan Clements (page 1 of 2) - AOL Coaches Seven Amazing Travel Secrets Revealed 
Toward a Green Collar Economy by Glenn Kriesberg
If we’re wise, what global warming holds in store for our future could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. True, many costal areas where millions of folks reside may eventually become inundated by rising sea levels. Millions of square acres of living area may, indeed, need to be evacuated and remain so as low lying countries’ residents redistribute to higher ground. Hopefully populations will see this coming and have enough time to make accommodations in a thoughtful and un-panicked way. In fact, that is the silver lining to the disaster that awaits us if we don’t act. There are many climate change challenges we must confront; how and when we chose to confront them can spell the difference between a comfortable and secure future and one that’s just warmer.
Retrofitting the world for the prospects of a warmer climate could spell economic benefits for many. The “green collar” jobs of today and the future will allow millions of citizens to train and have a hand in spreading the benefits of innovations that must take root and grow in the next 10 years. For those countries and leaders who see an opportunity to produce jobs and industry that aid in creating a sustainable existence under warmer climatic conditions, prosperous time may lie ahead.
Locally, we must take our cues from what is happening globally in parts of the world where climate change is occurring more rapidly. If water is the oil of the future with only a finite amount to be distributed among a growing world population that requires more and more, then let’s look to places where water supply is already an issue to see how it’s being addressed. For example, down under on the Australian continent, where water is not nearly as abundant as in other parts of the globe, building codes require all public and private restroom facilities to be fitted with a dual, high flow/low flow valve mechanism, allowing users to decide if more or less water is need to do the job of flushing toilets.
Given that our southeast and southwest are about 50 years into a 500 year drought this approach makes great sense and should be implemented not just here but everywhere on the globe. That’s a good example of where a small daily task change, amplified by the population of the world, could have a huge effect going forward on local water consumption.
More examples could be cites but the point is: In our current circumstance, foresight is our best ally. The ability to see down the road a ways, anticipate what lies ahead and formulate an effective plan is the only rational response to the warmer future that awaits us all.
Legislation we’re likely to see in the near future may include requirements for developers to include some form of alternative energy as a component of their construction plans. In private homes or commercial development, dependent on geographical considerations, some form of renewable, clean energy should be required to be incorporated into the construction design. And, the more energy the structure will consume, the larger sustainable energy component should be required by code. For example, if you live in an area where solar energy is a viable alternative, the area size of your solar panels would be proportional to the number of light switches and wall outlets the new construction calls for. The more lights, outlets and appliances, the more square feet of solar panels would be required. Again, this makes great sense and governments can help by subsidizing the costs to builders or business and home owners who retrofit their structures to bring them up to code.
Got more ideas that could contribute to a sustainable future? Tell them to your public officials. Remember, the people are suppose to be the government, so part of the public’s responsibility is to tell their good ideas to those who make the laws, so ideally, all of our bright ideas can be considered and acted on by those who represent us.
| | Realizing and Living Your True Potential by Stephanie Kreisberg To understand what makes us happy, we learn who we are as we grow and what makes us feel good inside. On the other hand, we learn what doesn’t feel good is something we try to avoid or maybe keep going in circles until one day we find our inner voice. Knowing who I am and what my needs are makes my life feel better. I haven’t always felt I knew who I was and still as a mother, as an adult, go through “growing pains.” When I witness my children go through them and look back through my life’s experiences it makes me feel “human.” I can see clearly how growing pains are the natural part of human development that ends when we lay to rest, to the end of our last breath. We begin life with curiosity wanting to be older than we are, come to be an adult and want to relive some of those youthful years at times, and finally coming to the latter part of our lives reflecting upon the lives we lived. Hopefully, finding peace with the lives we created for ourselves. Finding my inner song Looking for what feeds my soul, sometimes we search in places that can hurt us such as: drugs, alcohol, sex, food, shopping or just too much excess that defeats the purpose of our existence. All these things may do are lead to death, destruction or pain. Finding our inner song is asking “What is it that I need?” “What is going to make my soul happy?” “Why am I here?” “What can I offer this world?” Some people may feel they don’t have a talent or gift to offer and it’s from each one of us that gives to the planet, to our children, family and friends. We each have our yearning to strive, dream and give something of ourselves, to another; here is where your dreams are waiting to be discovered. Ways to Understand and Fulfill Your Dreams-Life Potential
Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses; goals; and where you see yourself. Why we are dreaming and feeling pulled in a certain direction
Identify your dreams and what make you feel good within. Have a plan
Put it into action. You are the creator working with our creator to fulfill your true potential. Stick to the plan
Mind, body and soul: Exercise, meditate, avoiding negative influences and substances. Not beating yourself up if you feel you’re not on track. Each day is anew, waiting for you to realize and be present. The past It’s okay to reflect on the past, we build upon and learn from looking at how we live our life. The problem can arise if we limit our self with the past and reliving what has already been. Letting go of the past is a process and once identified can be released. Whether it’s a habit we want to break or a new venture to pursue however, from a past fear feel it can’t be done is all part of fulfilling our true potential and not just dreaming, but living out our dreams. The present Meditation helps us be in the present moment. What do I need in this moment? Knowing what I need right now and with each breath keeps me present and able. It also helps us keep our focus on the now which in the big picture is most productive. Too much static and noise with many thoughts going awry will only add to building stress. It’s very important to be present and shutting out noise is something that can help. The future Reflecting on the past, living in the moment and viewing where you want your life to be in the future. As people talk of the law of attraction, or manifestation, we can create our future through our dreams and working toward fulfilling them by the actions we take each day in our lifetime. They didn’t build the pyramids in Egypt in one night; it took planning, working and perseverance to fulfill the dream. One thing I see many of us do is limit what our true potential that is offered to us by giving up because it didn’t happen fast enough. Try to open yourself and see yourself where you really want to be and expand from what you feel are limitations. Sometimes we are the ones setting limitations on our self without knowing that we are doing this. Keeping a daily journal can help.
By Jason Kreisberg
Slow Dance
This poem was written by a terminally ill young girl in a New York Hospital .
It was sent by a medical doctor - Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry
through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
"Children, love the poor wholeheartedly! Go to their level. Believe that it is your dharma, your God-given duty to love and serve the poor. No matter how rich we are, as long as we are not prepared to be compassionate towards the poor, we are truly living in utter poverty. Such people are the true destitutes in the eyes of God. It is no use lighting a lamp before God and making offerings in the temple if you do not care to provide some light to the unlit hovels of the poor. We should love them and we should serve them. Without this, no amount of meditation we may do will bestow on us the bliss of meditation. It is kindness and service to others that imparts the sweetness of meditation."
~Amma
Gratitude to the Guru
"A master teaches us to accept everything,
to be thankful for good and bad, right and wrong,
friend and enemy, helper and abuser, liberator and oppressor.
A master helps us to forget the dark past
and the future bright with a thousand promises,
and live in the fullness of the present moment.
A master shows us how all of Nature,
every being, every thing - even our enemy -
helps us evolve and attain perfection."
~Amma~
Chris Kovach, "We do not sing because we are happy, we are happy because we sing" and below, poem below by Lewis Carrol: `Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"
He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought --
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
From my best friend, Michele: She says, "I NEVER get hung up on the past anymore. I just remember my favorite Richard Carlson quote, "If you believe that your thinking is something that happens to you- instead of something that you are doing to create an experience of life- it is impossible for you to live in the present moment. If you feel that you must follow trains of thought as they enter your mind, you will be unable to remain in the present." She says, "That is why I love my job soooo much! Dogs live entirely in the present and if you pay attention to them it can be a very freeing experience and you can't help but learn to calm down and live in the present."
8/25/07 From my cousin Debbie in WV. Have you ever heard the Native American proverb about the two wolves in our soul? Here is one version:
Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a
battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two
"wolves" inside us all.
One is Evil! It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret,
greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies,
false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility,
kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:
"Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
---------------------------------------------------
Stress, fear, negativity, too much to do and doing things for others at the expense of our own needs -- these all stifle our innate creativity. Relaxation, fun, meditation, and going after our dreams all get the creative juices flowing. Soul is always creative, always fresh and new.
How can you create more space in your life to allow the soul’s energy out to play?
"I learned... that inspiration does not come like a bolt, nor is it kinetic, energetic, striving, but it comes to us slowly and quietly and all the time, though we must regularly and every day give it a little chance to start flowing, prime it with a little solitude and idleness."
-- Brenda Ueland
"Watch yourself shift from the self-centered, controlling behaviors of the ego to the power, love and wisdom of the soul as you attend my classes, take reiki, get, reiki sessions and come to our retreats!!!!" - Lorry __________________________________________________________
Andromeda~by Niko:  It is so elemental, like a whirlpool of fire, or an all knowing eye. It makes you think about how insignificant everything really is in the grand scheme.
About a year ago I had this dream wherein I transcended the mundane earthly world and all its' trappings and cares. I was just floating in space on a cosmic sea of energy that was somehow the mass consciousness of all life. I was completely detached from all the causes I believed in and everything that made me angry, like war, cruelty, stupidity, man's inhumanity to man and to the planet and everything on it.
Watching from space, I saw all of creation from the big bang to the end of the universe as it collapsed in on itself and watched it all happen over again and again. It made me realize just how trivial everything that concerns us really is. Oddly, as detached as I was from everything, I felt an overwhelming love for everything in the universe. I experienced an unparalleled joy and ecstasy that I never felt before or since.
It was much like Nietzsche's postulate of eternal recurrence. Time and space were themselves an illusion. All that mattered was the here and now and how one conducted themselves while in the here and now.
Before that dream I was an Atheist or at best Agnostic. But during that dream I was God and so was every other living thing. I was in such a state of utter joy and experienced such love, that when I awoke from my dream the pillow I'd been sleeping on wasn't just damp with tears but literally soaked through. It really changed how I look at the world.
Now when I am angry or troubled, I just try to remember that dream and again try to experience the love I felt for everything, even the stuff I can't agree with, until I feel both detached from and profoundly connected to everything once again.
Adopt the pace of nature: here secret is patience. R.W. Emerson
Our ego focuses on how we are different from the rest of the world. Our soul lives when we experience how we are the same.
Any time you separate yourself from other people or from situations, you know your personality is in control. At such times, shift your perspective to build connection and you will move into soul.
As our picture of life becomes larger, more things make sense and we have a greater playing field for life to unfold - naturally.
"As a holistic being you shatter the illusion of your separateness and reveal your connection to everything. This empowers you in a way that the ego-driven self could never contemplate."
-- Wayne Dyer
This page was last modified on Saturday, September 04, 2010 05:29:21 PM | |