If you've been to Beliefnet.com, you know that it's a good place for discovering things about religion and spirituality. It's got a fairly accurate and extensive quiz one can take to help you give a "name" to what you feel the deepest in your heart.
So imagine my cringing soul when I discover that Beliefnet has been bought out by Fox Entertainment Corporation.
Right now, Fox network TV stations seem to be rife with slanted perspectives when their duty is to be impartial. Not only that, Fox network has made it a habit to censor certain things in the name of "family values" when they are the ones who willingly broadcast shows like "King of the Hill" or "Simpsons." I must admit, I like the latter, but "King of the Hill" drives this non-redneck, non-beer-swilling Pagan lady crazy. For one thing, it's sexist and encourages the lowest common denominator of general human idiocy (Hank Hill had better be glad he's just a cartoon character, or his liver would seriously be in trouble with all the beer he drinks).
Plus, what really has my inner marching band making a lot of warning noises is this paragraph from "Fox Entertainment Group":
>>Fox said Beliefnet will also become a distributor of content from News Corp.'s faith-based businesses, including HarperCollins' Zondervan and HarperOne brands, and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment's faith-based programming initiative.<<
Most people would assume from the names mentioned that this is clearly oriented towards the mainstream religious groups, especially Christianity. Where does this leave Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and even Pagans who like to venture over to Beliefnet? Are we non-Christians going to be continually inundated with Christian propaganda--especially that of the right-wing "moralists"--at Beliefnet all on Fox's say-so? I'll have to wait and see, but I'm not getting too good a vibe from this business deal.
Even when I was a Christian, I detested people pushing their idiotic ideas of who was considered acceptable and who was not...or what actions were supposedly okay with the Divine and what were not okay. So why I or any other spiritual folks have to put up with Fox's continual encroachment on our rights to a propaganda-free path to Enlightenment is beyond my understanding.
If this encroachment continues, I will be more than happy to go to other spirituality sites that are not as willing to fall back on support from big entertainment groups who only have the interests of the right-wingers at heart.
Thus endeth my rant.
BB,
Rev. Kat ^.^
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
"Slovenia's Gandhi": For Real, or Raspberry-worthy?
I came across an article in my Google news via the London Times about Slovenia's president--or soon to be former president, Janez Drnovsek.
I don't honestly know much about Slovenian history, but I do know a radical change of heart when I see one. Back when Drnovsek was Prime Minister of Slovenia, he was described as rather a dull, glum man who didn't like visionaries, and he was also referred to as someone who didn't take care of his people too well.
Yet, following a cancer diagnosis, Drnovsek has suddenly morphed into this peace-loving, animal-and-human-rights champion who made it a point to go into Darfur to help stop the suffering. And, in short, has gone from pallid president to love-is-all-you-need New-Age-style leader...not too unlike Mohandas Gandhi, who went from lawyer to mystical, non-violent visionary who fasted in the name of bringing to an end the occupation of India by the British Empire.
I read the comments following the Times' online article, and there were some detractors with some rather unforgiving attitudes. But there were also people who highly praised Drnovsek for his change in mind and spirit.
Here's the sticker, though: Was Drnovsek's "conversion experience" due to the prospect of death, with a potential fear of what might happen in the afterlife if he didn't change his outlook and attitudes on this plane, or was the change genuine--even if Death was staring the Slovenian in the face? I mean, the guy went all out--becoming vegan and living without a television--and totally ignoring state functions. Plus, when he was interviewed by the London Times, he seemed to be calm, at peace with himself, evidencing this by saying he wasn't worried about any detractors.
That's not the mark of someone who's not genuine about their transformation. That's the mark of someone who, even in their own "eleventh hour" has made the proverbial 180-degree turn and truly started to live life in a higher frame of consciousness.
In light of the coming holiday season, one might think that Death was potentially all three Dickensian Ghosts of Christmas for Drnovsek, because of such a sudden turnaround.
I just wish I could say the same for the American president.
BB,
Rev. Kat ^.^
I don't honestly know much about Slovenian history, but I do know a radical change of heart when I see one. Back when Drnovsek was Prime Minister of Slovenia, he was described as rather a dull, glum man who didn't like visionaries, and he was also referred to as someone who didn't take care of his people too well.
Yet, following a cancer diagnosis, Drnovsek has suddenly morphed into this peace-loving, animal-and-human-rights champion who made it a point to go into Darfur to help stop the suffering. And, in short, has gone from pallid president to love-is-all-you-need New-Age-style leader...not too unlike Mohandas Gandhi, who went from lawyer to mystical, non-violent visionary who fasted in the name of bringing to an end the occupation of India by the British Empire.
I read the comments following the Times' online article, and there were some detractors with some rather unforgiving attitudes. But there were also people who highly praised Drnovsek for his change in mind and spirit.
Here's the sticker, though: Was Drnovsek's "conversion experience" due to the prospect of death, with a potential fear of what might happen in the afterlife if he didn't change his outlook and attitudes on this plane, or was the change genuine--even if Death was staring the Slovenian in the face? I mean, the guy went all out--becoming vegan and living without a television--and totally ignoring state functions. Plus, when he was interviewed by the London Times, he seemed to be calm, at peace with himself, evidencing this by saying he wasn't worried about any detractors.
That's not the mark of someone who's not genuine about their transformation. That's the mark of someone who, even in their own "eleventh hour" has made the proverbial 180-degree turn and truly started to live life in a higher frame of consciousness.
In light of the coming holiday season, one might think that Death was potentially all three Dickensian Ghosts of Christmas for Drnovsek, because of such a sudden turnaround.
I just wish I could say the same for the American president.
BB,
Rev. Kat ^.^
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The 8 "Be Awares" by Rev. Kat
These are 8 guidelines that I came up with, based on the kind of life experiences I've had in my short time on Earth. For each guideline, I'm including an example to help clarify what I'm speaking about. If you like what I have here, feel free to copy and paste this and pass it around the 'Net. Attribute it to me, or not, it makes no difference, because these are things I am sure others have experienced as well. Human experience is human experience and it needs no copyright.
I created these guidelines a year ago on an older blog. They didn't exactly belong on the blog in question as my blog was meant for stories. I've since abandoned that blog to focus on this and Foolbard, but maybe I will re-start another story blog. I dunno. We'll see.
Caveat: Keep in mind that I am a person that calls it like she sees it.
That being said, here's what I've got to say:
1)Be aware that you *can* take responsibility for your own actions and emotions. This generally means thinking before you speak and act in order not to hurt others, even yourself. Whether you believe in the existence of a representative of "absolute evil," or not, doesn't mean that excuses you for any irresponsible choices you make towards yourself or others.
2) At the same time, be aware that you don't have to take responsibility for other people's crap, no matter how empathic, gentle and tenderhearted you might be. If someone's having a bad day or taking things personally and you're feeling the effects of their temper tantrums, realize that it may not have anything to do with you at all and they're the ones who have to own up to their having a short fuse. And even if it does have to do with you, still be aware that the ones with the short fuse end up with the short end of the emotional stick when it comes to having friends.
3) Be aware that it's okay to cry and make a fuss when you need to. Not showing emotions can lead to mental instability. People who expect you, as a chronological adult, to be stoic and logical all the time are probably the ones who really need to let loose and feel they aren't allowed to for some weird reason. Don't let that be you--especially not to yourself.
4) Be aware that the Biblical passage about "putting away childish things" has been misinterpreted many times over. The grown-ups who created Bugs Bunny, Daffy and Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, the Animaniacs etc have made animation their jobs because they know that being an adult does not mean they have to stop watching what has been scornfully dubbed "kids' stuff" by 'obligatory' adults who take the Apostle Paul's writing way too seriously.
5) Sure, you're a chronological adult with adult worries. Be aware that it is easier to solve those worries when not spaced out on chemical vices that harm the body, mind and soul. Even antidepressants aren't a complete and permanent cure-all. I missed more school while taking Zoloft and Paxil than I did when feeling and experiencing those down and out emotions.
6) Be aware that being an adult doesn't mean you can't ask for help--ANY kind of help. Being independent is one thing, but having the desire to be completely and totally self-reliant and not ask for any outside help when you know you need it is quite another. Have the humility to ask for a helping hand. People will be more offended if you don't ask than if you did.
7) Be aware that as an adult with free will, it does not mean that doing as you want to will not have consequences of some kind.
8) Finally, be aware that as an adult, you have choices about the way you view the world. You do *not* have to see things the way your parents did, or react the way your parents reacted. You are your own person, your own soul, with your own views. Cherish that part of being human, because people can try to take away stuff that isn't theirs to take away. Once you know this in the core of your being, you will also know and remember that the people who try that kind of BS will experience the consequences (see #7).
I created these guidelines a year ago on an older blog. They didn't exactly belong on the blog in question as my blog was meant for stories. I've since abandoned that blog to focus on this and Foolbard, but maybe I will re-start another story blog. I dunno. We'll see.
Caveat: Keep in mind that I am a person that calls it like she sees it.
That being said, here's what I've got to say:
1)Be aware that you *can* take responsibility for your own actions and emotions. This generally means thinking before you speak and act in order not to hurt others, even yourself. Whether you believe in the existence of a representative of "absolute evil," or not, doesn't mean that excuses you for any irresponsible choices you make towards yourself or others.
2) At the same time, be aware that you don't have to take responsibility for other people's crap, no matter how empathic, gentle and tenderhearted you might be. If someone's having a bad day or taking things personally and you're feeling the effects of their temper tantrums, realize that it may not have anything to do with you at all and they're the ones who have to own up to their having a short fuse. And even if it does have to do with you, still be aware that the ones with the short fuse end up with the short end of the emotional stick when it comes to having friends.
3) Be aware that it's okay to cry and make a fuss when you need to. Not showing emotions can lead to mental instability. People who expect you, as a chronological adult, to be stoic and logical all the time are probably the ones who really need to let loose and feel they aren't allowed to for some weird reason. Don't let that be you--especially not to yourself.
4) Be aware that the Biblical passage about "putting away childish things" has been misinterpreted many times over. The grown-ups who created Bugs Bunny, Daffy and Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, the Animaniacs etc have made animation their jobs because they know that being an adult does not mean they have to stop watching what has been scornfully dubbed "kids' stuff" by 'obligatory' adults who take the Apostle Paul's writing way too seriously.
5) Sure, you're a chronological adult with adult worries. Be aware that it is easier to solve those worries when not spaced out on chemical vices that harm the body, mind and soul. Even antidepressants aren't a complete and permanent cure-all. I missed more school while taking Zoloft and Paxil than I did when feeling and experiencing those down and out emotions.
6) Be aware that being an adult doesn't mean you can't ask for help--ANY kind of help. Being independent is one thing, but having the desire to be completely and totally self-reliant and not ask for any outside help when you know you need it is quite another. Have the humility to ask for a helping hand. People will be more offended if you don't ask than if you did.
7) Be aware that as an adult with free will, it does not mean that doing as you want to will not have consequences of some kind.
8) Finally, be aware that as an adult, you have choices about the way you view the world. You do *not* have to see things the way your parents did, or react the way your parents reacted. You are your own person, your own soul, with your own views. Cherish that part of being human, because people can try to take away stuff that isn't theirs to take away. Once you know this in the core of your being, you will also know and remember that the people who try that kind of BS will experience the consequences (see #7).
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Climate Change is hittin' the Cheezburger Spot
I saw something both humorous--and very telling about the way people are responding to the climate crisis. One of my favorite humor sites, icanhascheezburger.com, has recently featured an LOL-picture of a polar bear. The top half of the pic shows the polar bear sleeping peacefully on a blanket of snow, with a caption of "I has an ice cap." The bottom portion of the picture shows the melting of the ice with the polar bear trying to swim through the ice chunks, the caption reading: "Noo, they be stealin' my icecap."
The emotional comments that followed the picture were encouraging. The comments told me that there are people out there that truly care about our Mother Planet. While icanhascheezburger.com is not out to be political on purpose, someone saw the need to be funny even while raising the clarion call to get our butts on the move and do something about the climate change.
If there is one site--at the very least--that can help wake us all up with a snarky swat of a kitty paw, and raw kitty pissy-ness, no less, I truly believe it is icanhascheezburger.com.
After all, as I commented on the polar bear pic: It's easier to help save the planet when you're not depressed. So I'm over there makin' LOL's and submitting them. :-D (btw--it's easy to do this with their LOL-cat builder.)
So...in LOL-cat style, I say this:
*switching to LOL-speak*
"Glo-ball warmingz? DO NOT WANT!"
Your Sister in Saving the Mother,
Rev. Kat ^.^
P.S. If you want to see the polar bear picture (you can't miss it!), go to: www.icanhascheezburger.com
The emotional comments that followed the picture were encouraging. The comments told me that there are people out there that truly care about our Mother Planet. While icanhascheezburger.com is not out to be political on purpose, someone saw the need to be funny even while raising the clarion call to get our butts on the move and do something about the climate change.
If there is one site--at the very least--that can help wake us all up with a snarky swat of a kitty paw, and raw kitty pissy-ness, no less, I truly believe it is icanhascheezburger.com.
After all, as I commented on the polar bear pic: It's easier to help save the planet when you're not depressed. So I'm over there makin' LOL's and submitting them. :-D (btw--it's easy to do this with their LOL-cat builder.)
So...in LOL-cat style, I say this:
*switching to LOL-speak*
"Glo-ball warmingz? DO NOT WANT!"
Your Sister in Saving the Mother,
Rev. Kat ^.^
P.S. If you want to see the polar bear picture (you can't miss it!), go to: www.icanhascheezburger.com
Friday, November 16, 2007
A Gristle-ish Topic: the Environment...
Sometimes I feel such a loss for words when it comes to topics near and dear to my Druidic heart. One of those topics is the condition of the Environment...our Mother Earth.
The only thing I can say, what with temperatures in November reaching 50 when they are normally around 30 or 40, and crude oil reaching almost $100 a barrel, plus other issues compounding the situation is this:
WAKE THE HECK UP, PEOPLE!
I will confess: one of the chief reasons I began following a Pagan path was to help our Mother recover from the devastating effects we humans have had on Her ever since the Industrial Revolution. Christianity has a history of being used as an excuse to savagely rape the planet--and yes, that includes these ridiculous wars, both Congressional and guerilla, over natural resources. Why? Because of a grossly mistranslated and misinterpreted verse in Genesis that talks of "dominion over the animals and land." Therefore I left Christianity --the hypocrisies uttered and committed were driving me crazy.
One of my favorite movies has become "Happy Feet." Can you imagine the impact this movie would make if the people for whom the message was intended would actually *listen* and pay close, heartfelt attention? But it's not just about paying attention to one species' food source, it's about paying attention--*conscious* attention--to everything that is precious and sacred. If the Prez truly believes in a Creator, why is he not safeguarding for EVERYone ALL of what the Creator gave us? Why is he one of the first ones to destroy our only planetary home by ripping out Her lifeblood and selling it? Spirituality aside, why is he not listening to the environmental scientists instead of the "cha-ching" of the fuel pumps?
But maybe more importantly, why, in the name of the Great Goddess are people still choosing vehicles like SUVs and Hummers and using plastic bags at the grocery stores? Why aren't *we* paying more attention and making wiser choices? Even chain supermarkets are getting in on the act by offering cloth bags for putting groceries in at the checkout. Though they still offer plastic sacks, they're starting to purchase bags that won't rip as easily, so people can use them over and over. Yet, my guess is, people just reuse the bags once as trash can liners, and off they go to the landfill. I'm more in favor of the cloth bags myself, really, but at least with the tougher plastic, people have fewer excuses to throw away plastic grocery sacks.
Hopefully, once I get a job, I can get a bike so instead of driving around constantly, I can reduce my own carbon footprint--especially since my car isn't the most ecologically sound vehicle. I must confess that it's an '89 Lincoln Mark VII--a boat, in comparison with say, a Mini Cooper or a Toyota Prius. And at least a bike doesn't need spark plugs. Oh, and another thing a better job can get me is organic food. Sure it's more expensive, but oh-so-much better for me and the planet. The ironic thing is, not having a job right now is forcing me to not drive so much, except to the library, grocery store and job interviews.
More posts on this sort of thing to come later.
Blessings,
Rev. Kat ^.^
The only thing I can say, what with temperatures in November reaching 50 when they are normally around 30 or 40, and crude oil reaching almost $100 a barrel, plus other issues compounding the situation is this:
WAKE THE HECK UP, PEOPLE!
I will confess: one of the chief reasons I began following a Pagan path was to help our Mother recover from the devastating effects we humans have had on Her ever since the Industrial Revolution. Christianity has a history of being used as an excuse to savagely rape the planet--and yes, that includes these ridiculous wars, both Congressional and guerilla, over natural resources. Why? Because of a grossly mistranslated and misinterpreted verse in Genesis that talks of "dominion over the animals and land." Therefore I left Christianity --the hypocrisies uttered and committed were driving me crazy.
One of my favorite movies has become "Happy Feet." Can you imagine the impact this movie would make if the people for whom the message was intended would actually *listen* and pay close, heartfelt attention? But it's not just about paying attention to one species' food source, it's about paying attention--*conscious* attention--to everything that is precious and sacred. If the Prez truly believes in a Creator, why is he not safeguarding for EVERYone ALL of what the Creator gave us? Why is he one of the first ones to destroy our only planetary home by ripping out Her lifeblood and selling it? Spirituality aside, why is he not listening to the environmental scientists instead of the "cha-ching" of the fuel pumps?
But maybe more importantly, why, in the name of the Great Goddess are people still choosing vehicles like SUVs and Hummers and using plastic bags at the grocery stores? Why aren't *we* paying more attention and making wiser choices? Even chain supermarkets are getting in on the act by offering cloth bags for putting groceries in at the checkout. Though they still offer plastic sacks, they're starting to purchase bags that won't rip as easily, so people can use them over and over. Yet, my guess is, people just reuse the bags once as trash can liners, and off they go to the landfill. I'm more in favor of the cloth bags myself, really, but at least with the tougher plastic, people have fewer excuses to throw away plastic grocery sacks.
Hopefully, once I get a job, I can get a bike so instead of driving around constantly, I can reduce my own carbon footprint--especially since my car isn't the most ecologically sound vehicle. I must confess that it's an '89 Lincoln Mark VII--a boat, in comparison with say, a Mini Cooper or a Toyota Prius. And at least a bike doesn't need spark plugs. Oh, and another thing a better job can get me is organic food. Sure it's more expensive, but oh-so-much better for me and the planet. The ironic thing is, not having a job right now is forcing me to not drive so much, except to the library, grocery store and job interviews.
More posts on this sort of thing to come later.
Blessings,
Rev. Kat ^.^
Monday, November 12, 2007
A Monday Meditation...
For the past few months, even a year, I've come to consider Monday as my personal "sabbath." I don't regard it as a "Sabbath" in the traditional sense, as I don't follow the mainstream. *My* definition here is mostly a dedicatory day, where I go about my usual job hunt, article and story writing, that sort of thing, but I pay special, mindful attention to the heavenly body that Monday was named after: the Moon...and the Moon's accompanying Deity, the Great Goddess.
It's secular, cultural "tradition" for people to roll their eyes at "Monday" because for a lot of folks, Monday is associated with an intense dislike of their day jobs, and a desire to do something else in their life. However, for me, it is a day to be a bit extra contemplative...to be more absorbed in the I-AM Presence, and as a mystic, I can't say it's too hard for me to become that much more absorbed in thoughts of what lies Beyond the Veil. But if you're not sure you understand my experiences...come closer to the hearth, and allow me to share with you how I've been able to transform my own concept of Monday...
...Close your eyes...count slowly to 7, the number of days in the usual week...as you count, silently watch your breath, the rise and fall of your chest, belly, abdomen. Hear the whoosh of air through your nose and mouth as you might hear the changing tide...see the number 7, associated with the cycles of change...the rise and fall of the seasons...Spring flowers, Summer's trees, Autumn's leaves falling, Winter's snow accumulating, Spring winds blowing the snow away, and on around again...watch in your mind the days of the calendar fly by...see all the Mondays in the year...they go so fast as our beautiful blue Mother whirls Her way around Father Sun...year after year...the Mondays become a blur as the changes become more evident...
And you are now floating, suspended, above our Mother, Her sister, the Moon...and you start to think of all the changes that, for so long, you thought were out of your hands...a silver jingling by your ears...a message...an echoing voice, gentle, ethereal, singing against your eardrums...
"those things were never out of your hands, for your hands are My Hands...I gave you those changes, because, dear daughters and sons...we become stagnant if there is no change. Changes are for growth. Each week of your calendar gives you an opportunity to start afresh...teachers and parents tell you to use your time wisely...what they do not tell you is the deeper secret that they themselves either don't know or ignore: Using your time wisely is not meant for mere busywork and paper-pushing...it is meant for finding your life's purpose, your life's goals, even though those goals and purposes may change and transform. I give you the Mondays in your week to begin again, refreshed and ready to change your life by your own hands...for your hands are My Hands..."
You float and fly for a while, pondering the message...you begin to slowly understand the meaning, the intent as you come back down to Earth...breathing deeply, renewed...counting back from 7, down slowly...7...6....5....4...3...2...1...you are alive...breathing deeply, the silvery light of the message tingling in your soul, your mind, your body...and you can see the Truth of the intent as you look at the calendars in your home, reminding you that no matter what happens each week, Monday can be a day to set sail towards your goals...and Mondays no longer come as a dreaded thing...but one of all 7 blessed days...
BB,
Rev. Kat ^.^
It's secular, cultural "tradition" for people to roll their eyes at "Monday" because for a lot of folks, Monday is associated with an intense dislike of their day jobs, and a desire to do something else in their life. However, for me, it is a day to be a bit extra contemplative...to be more absorbed in the I-AM Presence, and as a mystic, I can't say it's too hard for me to become that much more absorbed in thoughts of what lies Beyond the Veil. But if you're not sure you understand my experiences...come closer to the hearth, and allow me to share with you how I've been able to transform my own concept of Monday...
...Close your eyes...count slowly to 7, the number of days in the usual week...as you count, silently watch your breath, the rise and fall of your chest, belly, abdomen. Hear the whoosh of air through your nose and mouth as you might hear the changing tide...see the number 7, associated with the cycles of change...the rise and fall of the seasons...Spring flowers, Summer's trees, Autumn's leaves falling, Winter's snow accumulating, Spring winds blowing the snow away, and on around again...watch in your mind the days of the calendar fly by...see all the Mondays in the year...they go so fast as our beautiful blue Mother whirls Her way around Father Sun...year after year...the Mondays become a blur as the changes become more evident...
And you are now floating, suspended, above our Mother, Her sister, the Moon...and you start to think of all the changes that, for so long, you thought were out of your hands...a silver jingling by your ears...a message...an echoing voice, gentle, ethereal, singing against your eardrums...
"those things were never out of your hands, for your hands are My Hands...I gave you those changes, because, dear daughters and sons...we become stagnant if there is no change. Changes are for growth. Each week of your calendar gives you an opportunity to start afresh...teachers and parents tell you to use your time wisely...what they do not tell you is the deeper secret that they themselves either don't know or ignore: Using your time wisely is not meant for mere busywork and paper-pushing...it is meant for finding your life's purpose, your life's goals, even though those goals and purposes may change and transform. I give you the Mondays in your week to begin again, refreshed and ready to change your life by your own hands...for your hands are My Hands..."
You float and fly for a while, pondering the message...you begin to slowly understand the meaning, the intent as you come back down to Earth...breathing deeply, renewed...counting back from 7, down slowly...7...6....5....4...3...2...1...you are alive...breathing deeply, the silvery light of the message tingling in your soul, your mind, your body...and you can see the Truth of the intent as you look at the calendars in your home, reminding you that no matter what happens each week, Monday can be a day to set sail towards your goals...and Mondays no longer come as a dreaded thing...but one of all 7 blessed days...
BB,
Rev. Kat ^.^
Sunday, November 11, 2007
A Veterans' Day Contemplative...
It used to be that, for me, national veteran remembrance days were simply markers in the calendar where either the end of the fall semester or trimester (my high school operated on the latter) was around the corner, or the banks and post office were closed. This was probably due to my dislike of people parading around with the country's flag being melodramatic and claiming how oh-so-patriotic they were. This was an attitude I held at 8 years of age, and one that I shared with my Protest-Era parents.
I still dislike that sort of behavior. It has the vibe of the proverbial Pharisee praying out loud in the town square. But having learned the history of war at the feet of my peace-loving mom and dad, especially the conflicts that existed when they were in college (or grad school, in my dad's case--he took a educational deferment as he was classified physically unfit for duty, even as a chaplain.), and watching as our current president has overextended our country's forces in the so-called name of "war on terror," I have come to realize just how meaningful Veterans' Day has become for my peaceful-warrioress soul.
I read TIME magazine and see current articles and pictures where soldiers are sitting in worry and grief for fallen-but-still-living comrades in the hospital. I see pictures of older veterans in wheelchairs and think of how quickly our government sends our men and women off to war, but not be so quick to provide quality mental and physical care. I see vintage photographs of WWI and WWII helmets hung over guns stuck in the mud, their owners long gone into the Beyond, having died immediately from shells, shrapnel or grenades. I hear music and see videos from long ago war-times and think of my grandpa Ingram (and maybe many others) who long suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and ate their way into Type II Diabetes because that generation refused to acknowledge that it was okay to see a therapist for mental health care.
And my heart is torn. Torn over the sad necessity of WWII and the later conflict in the Balkans (1998, I think), both instances of deluded ideologues thinking one race or genetic makeup is better than another. I not only hope for peace, I pray that I can help bring about peace. Not by joining the military, as I believe that kind of activity only breeds more of what I dislike (in spite of my Aries tendency towards going a bit berserk over the little things that don't matter). But by practicing peace. By choosing and practicing peaceful ways of resolving conflict, maybe someday we won't need memorial days for soldiers. Someday we won't desire to put a bullet through someone's head just to rid the world of irrational despots, because someday the world will be free of the kind of emotional division and suffering that fear brings about.
...but we gotta start now....
In Remembrance,
Rev. Kat ^.^
I still dislike that sort of behavior. It has the vibe of the proverbial Pharisee praying out loud in the town square. But having learned the history of war at the feet of my peace-loving mom and dad, especially the conflicts that existed when they were in college (or grad school, in my dad's case--he took a educational deferment as he was classified physically unfit for duty, even as a chaplain.), and watching as our current president has overextended our country's forces in the so-called name of "war on terror," I have come to realize just how meaningful Veterans' Day has become for my peaceful-warrioress soul.
I read TIME magazine and see current articles and pictures where soldiers are sitting in worry and grief for fallen-but-still-living comrades in the hospital. I see pictures of older veterans in wheelchairs and think of how quickly our government sends our men and women off to war, but not be so quick to provide quality mental and physical care. I see vintage photographs of WWI and WWII helmets hung over guns stuck in the mud, their owners long gone into the Beyond, having died immediately from shells, shrapnel or grenades. I hear music and see videos from long ago war-times and think of my grandpa Ingram (and maybe many others) who long suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and ate their way into Type II Diabetes because that generation refused to acknowledge that it was okay to see a therapist for mental health care.
And my heart is torn. Torn over the sad necessity of WWII and the later conflict in the Balkans (1998, I think), both instances of deluded ideologues thinking one race or genetic makeup is better than another. I not only hope for peace, I pray that I can help bring about peace. Not by joining the military, as I believe that kind of activity only breeds more of what I dislike (in spite of my Aries tendency towards going a bit berserk over the little things that don't matter). But by practicing peace. By choosing and practicing peaceful ways of resolving conflict, maybe someday we won't need memorial days for soldiers. Someday we won't desire to put a bullet through someone's head just to rid the world of irrational despots, because someday the world will be free of the kind of emotional division and suffering that fear brings about.
...but we gotta start now....
In Remembrance,
Rev. Kat ^.^
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The Search: Wisdom vs Validation
In my area, we have a tabloid-size paper devoted to cartoons--ranging from the political to the absurd. In a recent issue, a one-panel 'toon features two men dressed as gurus. Above one man's head was the word 'Wisdom.' Above the other man's head was the word 'Validation.' Clamoring throngs of people gathered at the feet of the representative of Validation. Only one person was reaching for Wisdom.
This cartoon makes a powerful, albeit obvious statement about modern culture--and maybe about cultures past. The statement makes me want to cut the cartoon out of the paper and tape it in my ever-growing book of things to ponder and contemplate. But the statement made provokes my favorite question-word: WHY?
Why seek validation instead of wisdom? Why are there so few people willing to make the journey towards true wisdom? Why do people think external validation is going to bring them long-lasting happiness?
These and many more rhetorical questions could be fodder for more posts here at Dining with the Divine. After all, this blog *is* about food for thought. ;-) But I do need some time to write down the results of my contemplations. So I'll be back later with at least a few stabs at my own questions.
Till then...
BB,
Rev. Kat ^.^
This cartoon makes a powerful, albeit obvious statement about modern culture--and maybe about cultures past. The statement makes me want to cut the cartoon out of the paper and tape it in my ever-growing book of things to ponder and contemplate. But the statement made provokes my favorite question-word: WHY?
Why seek validation instead of wisdom? Why are there so few people willing to make the journey towards true wisdom? Why do people think external validation is going to bring them long-lasting happiness?
These and many more rhetorical questions could be fodder for more posts here at Dining with the Divine. After all, this blog *is* about food for thought. ;-) But I do need some time to write down the results of my contemplations. So I'll be back later with at least a few stabs at my own questions.
Till then...
BB,
Rev. Kat ^.^
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
*disclaimer and correction*
Oopsie! I made a bit of a timeline boo-boo:
My line from the previous post about the country needing education about Paganism and Witchcraft for about the last few centuries was a tad misleading: I included Wicca in there, and that was not accurate.
Wicca has only been around for the last fifty or so years, made up of bits and bobs and blobs of other spiritual practices, with symbolism and rites that stem from Freemasonry rounding out the mixture.
So, my apologies to those who read the previous post...*embarrassed look* As a Pagan, I should have known better.
Apologies,
Rev. Kat ^.^
My line from the previous post about the country needing education about Paganism and Witchcraft for about the last few centuries was a tad misleading: I included Wicca in there, and that was not accurate.
Wicca has only been around for the last fifty or so years, made up of bits and bobs and blobs of other spiritual practices, with symbolism and rites that stem from Freemasonry rounding out the mixture.
So, my apologies to those who read the previous post...*embarrassed look* As a Pagan, I should have known better.
Apologies,
Rev. Kat ^.^
Witchy Winner of Md. Lottery Makes Spirituality Magick with His Millions
I just read a fantastic story of a Wiccan high priest from Maryland, Ellwood "Bunky" Bartlett, who recently won $33 million in Maryland's state lottery. Even though he's become something of a regular at the local Ford dealership, he is using his money for something that the country has needed desperately for quite some time--say the last few centuries: education about Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism in general.
The article mentioned that there were people hoping to get from Bartlett the spell he cast for winning the lottery. That brings up an interesting point. Did he really cast a spell to win? What *was* his intention anyway? It sounds like his intentions were good, from the sound of things, so if he *did* cast a spell, more power to him. But even if he didn't cast a spell and the stars were aligned so he was *meant* to win, he still had a choice of what to do with the money.
"I chose to educate. I believe that's what the gods wanted."
Good call, Bartlett! :-D
I must admit, that makes me feel a bit better about spending a dollar here and there on a lottery ticket or two. However, casting a spell to win? Given the example set by Bartlett, I'd better think long and hard before doing so.
BB,
Rev. Kat ^.^
The article mentioned that there were people hoping to get from Bartlett the spell he cast for winning the lottery. That brings up an interesting point. Did he really cast a spell to win? What *was* his intention anyway? It sounds like his intentions were good, from the sound of things, so if he *did* cast a spell, more power to him. But even if he didn't cast a spell and the stars were aligned so he was *meant* to win, he still had a choice of what to do with the money.
"I chose to educate. I believe that's what the gods wanted."
Good call, Bartlett! :-D
I must admit, that makes me feel a bit better about spending a dollar here and there on a lottery ticket or two. However, casting a spell to win? Given the example set by Bartlett, I'd better think long and hard before doing so.
BB,
Rev. Kat ^.^
Monday, November 5, 2007
Totally Heinous, Dude!!!!!!!!
I read something so infuriating in the Des Moines Register yesterday that I had to blog about it:
Imagine yourself an older Christian gentleman of Missouri-Synod Lutheran leanings whose wife has passed on. You're sad. You've tried attending church but worshipping isn't the same without her. You drift away from the church for a couple of years and then...wham!!!!!! The congregation is sending you letters telling you you'll be kicked out since you've not taken Communion. On top of that, any plots you've "leased" in the church cemetery would be "forfeited" and returned to church property. Apparently, the rule is that if a member has not taken Communion in two years, they are summarily kicked out, and not be allowed to come back and have Communion after expulsion, or have their funeral there--and any children they have are not welcome, either. Also, donation of money is apparently a mandate of this particular church, not a free-will thing.
Granted, I am not a practicing Christian, let alone Missouri Synod Lutheran, but this scenario is so full of spite, greed and hatred that I could just about hack-n-spit a thousand loogies at the people who made up this idiotic rule. It's a rule that's not even "on the books" in the national Missouri-Synod policy--it is all centered in Trinity Lutheran in Conroy, Iowa...and what's worse, the minister there seems to want to back it up, instead of confronting his congregation about how UN-Christian the rule is. Mom says it sounds like a power-play by the kind of folks who have tight-fisted emotional control over the people in the congregation--and no one is willing to challenge the control freaks. In the article, the man was upset enough about the whole deal--as he should be--that he went ahead and moved his wife's body over to a public cemetery in Marengo.
Let's face it: I grew up a Methodist preacher's kid. And while my family and I have encountered our share of people who craved to have that kind of absolute sway, based on erroneous and twisted ideas of who should or shouldn't be allowed to be confirmed or even who the minister should or shouldn't visit in the hospital, the Methodist Discipline does not deny ANYone the chance to come back and worship even if they've been away for a while. I don't even think the Catholics have such a stringent rule as Trinity Lutheran, even if the Vatican's rules about Holy Communion, in connection with the act of Confession and Catholicism's concept of sin, also seem a bit stodgy and un-Christian.
When I first read the article about the man turned away from Trinity Lutheran, my first thought was of a song from the 1970s musical 'Godspell,' --"Alas! Alas!", whose chorus and bridge go something like this:
(Sung by Jesus)
"You snakes! You viper's brood!
You cannot escape being devil's food!
I send you prophets, and I send you preachers;
Sages and ages and rages of teachers--
Nothing can mar your mood!"
(bridge)
Blind guides! Blind Fools!
The blood you've spilt
on you will fall!
This nation, this generation
Will bear the guilt of it all!"
But no matter what tune you sing to ridicule a hypocrite, an un-Christian act or thought is STILL an un-Christian act or thought. The very fact that this episode got written up in the Des Moines Register and made it all the way to the front page should shame the congregation of Trinity Lutheran, because their actions and attitudes have shown the ENTIRE state of Iowa what the congregation's priorities are: not actions of love and charity in a man's time of sorrow, but hate, spite and an insane hunger for power and control over others just because they might think that's what Jesus would want.
Umm, reality check, folks. That ain't what Jesus was about. To turn away a man in his time of need just because he had not participated in Communion or donated money in two years?
...In the words of Bill and Ted: "Totally heinous, dude!"
It is my sincere hope that the aggrieved human souls who were at the mercy of the poisonous vipers in that congregation will find peace in a gentler place of worship.
Blessings,
Rev. Kat ^.^
Imagine yourself an older Christian gentleman of Missouri-Synod Lutheran leanings whose wife has passed on. You're sad. You've tried attending church but worshipping isn't the same without her. You drift away from the church for a couple of years and then...wham!!!!!! The congregation is sending you letters telling you you'll be kicked out since you've not taken Communion. On top of that, any plots you've "leased" in the church cemetery would be "forfeited" and returned to church property. Apparently, the rule is that if a member has not taken Communion in two years, they are summarily kicked out, and not be allowed to come back and have Communion after expulsion, or have their funeral there--and any children they have are not welcome, either. Also, donation of money is apparently a mandate of this particular church, not a free-will thing.
Granted, I am not a practicing Christian, let alone Missouri Synod Lutheran, but this scenario is so full of spite, greed and hatred that I could just about hack-n-spit a thousand loogies at the people who made up this idiotic rule. It's a rule that's not even "on the books" in the national Missouri-Synod policy--it is all centered in Trinity Lutheran in Conroy, Iowa...and what's worse, the minister there seems to want to back it up, instead of confronting his congregation about how UN-Christian the rule is. Mom says it sounds like a power-play by the kind of folks who have tight-fisted emotional control over the people in the congregation--and no one is willing to challenge the control freaks. In the article, the man was upset enough about the whole deal--as he should be--that he went ahead and moved his wife's body over to a public cemetery in Marengo.
Let's face it: I grew up a Methodist preacher's kid. And while my family and I have encountered our share of people who craved to have that kind of absolute sway, based on erroneous and twisted ideas of who should or shouldn't be allowed to be confirmed or even who the minister should or shouldn't visit in the hospital, the Methodist Discipline does not deny ANYone the chance to come back and worship even if they've been away for a while. I don't even think the Catholics have such a stringent rule as Trinity Lutheran, even if the Vatican's rules about Holy Communion, in connection with the act of Confession and Catholicism's concept of sin, also seem a bit stodgy and un-Christian.
When I first read the article about the man turned away from Trinity Lutheran, my first thought was of a song from the 1970s musical 'Godspell,' --"Alas! Alas!", whose chorus and bridge go something like this:
(Sung by Jesus)
"You snakes! You viper's brood!
You cannot escape being devil's food!
I send you prophets, and I send you preachers;
Sages and ages and rages of teachers--
Nothing can mar your mood!"
(bridge)
Blind guides! Blind Fools!
The blood you've spilt
on you will fall!
This nation, this generation
Will bear the guilt of it all!"
But no matter what tune you sing to ridicule a hypocrite, an un-Christian act or thought is STILL an un-Christian act or thought. The very fact that this episode got written up in the Des Moines Register and made it all the way to the front page should shame the congregation of Trinity Lutheran, because their actions and attitudes have shown the ENTIRE state of Iowa what the congregation's priorities are: not actions of love and charity in a man's time of sorrow, but hate, spite and an insane hunger for power and control over others just because they might think that's what Jesus would want.
Umm, reality check, folks. That ain't what Jesus was about. To turn away a man in his time of need just because he had not participated in Communion or donated money in two years?
...In the words of Bill and Ted: "Totally heinous, dude!"
It is my sincere hope that the aggrieved human souls who were at the mercy of the poisonous vipers in that congregation will find peace in a gentler place of worship.
Blessings,
Rev. Kat ^.^
Monday, October 1, 2007
Just a note...
Blessings to all who have been reading along thus far...
My parents' computer had a meltdown, and so regular updates might not be available for a while, but like any spirit in human flesh, I'll do my best.
Brighid's Blessings,
Rev. Kat ^.^
My parents' computer had a meltdown, and so regular updates might not be available for a while, but like any spirit in human flesh, I'll do my best.
Brighid's Blessings,
Rev. Kat ^.^
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Meditations on Movement...
Okay...I'm sitting here listening to two of my all-time favorite musician-collaborators, Jon Anderson of YES and Greek synth-king Vangelis. And anyone reading this blog who knows me KNOWS that once I slip into the mystical gold-and-green musical robes of these musical, magickal Green Men, I am out of my overanalytical head and into my flowing, watery side that loves rockin' to feel-good tunes that inspire me to be...well..ME...:-D
This is the Mystical Room of 'Dining With the Divine...' so light yourself a candle, wrap yourself in Jon-n-Vangelis' starry music and come with me on a contemplative journey...
My folks and I have moved so often, it's almost second nature to us. We know what needs to be done as far as what boxes we need for which objects...our ancestors--well, at least my mother's forebears--were Celts, who experienced all aspects and reasons for moving around.
Our reasons for moving around so far had been because we were aligned with the Methodist church. My dad still is, to a point, as far as credentials and social leanings go. My reasons for moving around have been similar, but slightly different.
Moving is never easy on anyone, even if they're used to it. From military "brats" to being in any kind of ministry, times of stability are few and far between. I can only imagine the kind of emotional upheaval that exists for those who are not only military, but who are also military chaplains of any kind.
But there is something I've learned to help me deal with the upheaval of having to pull up stakes at the behest of Life and its ever-turning Wheel of Change:
The Wheel of Change favors absolutely no one. All of us get moved around on the Wheel of Life. That is what happens when we incarnate here on Earth...even when we plan a move on purpose, I feel there is always a guiding hand on that Wheel, sending us to wherever we're meant to go. Or the hand stays the Wheel, telling us we're supposed to stay where we are, to learn more about certain things. Even when we don't make a physical move to a geographic location, sometimes movement through life can seem just as momentous...
Because change itself is movement...it has power, purpose and drive...change can even seem fateful or even fatal, depending on your state of mind...change can bring about a switching-round of your dreams, your Dreamtime landscape...even your circadian rhythms can be messed up if the change is even moderately stressful...I've seen my mom go through some issues with this newest, upcoming move. It's mostly stressful to her because we're not working with the Methodist conference anymore as my dad is not really being an active minister and we're struggling to make ends meet as it is.
Even positive changes can bring their own brand of upheaval that might be a tad overwhelming, because no matter what, we humans are very much creatures of habit...we crave stability like we crave our mother's rice pudding or dad's midnight omelets (my dad loves breakfast foods any time of day!)
So if, as you're reading this post, you are going through some changes of any kind...including The Change (for older women)...
Sit back in your chair...take some deep breaths through your nose...close your eyes...just be here in the moment...you are on a threshold of the old and the new...breathe into this threshold...imagine the opportunities this new experience of change will bring...or don't imagine anything at all...it's up to you, because it's a time to rest, reflect and rejoice...rest from all the things you've been through so far, reflect on the happy times...and rejoice that not only are you going on a new adventure, you're being afforded another opportunity to start over on whatever it is you think needs some work.
And if you need extra sitting and reflecting time during your changes, whether it's a physical move to a new location, healing-n-dealing with a loved one's passing, or whatever's going on, for good or ill...there is no better time to take for sitting and reflecting than now...
...because every moment is now...
That's not to say that there isn't work to be done...but the more you take scheduled quiet time for yourself, the more available you will be to present your best self through this challenge and/or joy. Regardless of whether you're introverted or extroverted, when it comes to change, it can be difficult to "put your best foot forward" when you're on shaky ground on all four levels...
Sit back...watch the stars go by...the Universe is more than capable of cradling your soul just for the moment...just be...be here now...lay back on your pillow, listen to some soothing, spacy music as you drift off...if you have a water fountain in your room, turn it on...let the dripping water remind you to be in the flow of things...
...relax...breathe deeply...
...light a candle...breathe softly...
...let the light of the galaxies spin their musical colors over your soul...the Universe has a place for you, always...you are always Home...no matter if you travel often, or stay put...no matter if change has made you feel like an outcast, an exile, or if you are a wanderer by nature, seeking change out for the purpose of experiencing new things...
...there's always a candle lit...a warm house in the winter, a cool bungalow in the summer...a place to lay your wandering head. We all journey on the Wheel...we all share a piece of the Dreamtime...
...with that, I must depart for my own corner of Dreamtime...I'm all blissed out on Jon A's voice and Vangelis' music...my eyes cry out to be closed...my soul aches for a bit of astral walkabout...
Blessed Be,
Kat ^.^
This is the Mystical Room of 'Dining With the Divine...' so light yourself a candle, wrap yourself in Jon-n-Vangelis' starry music and come with me on a contemplative journey...
My folks and I have moved so often, it's almost second nature to us. We know what needs to be done as far as what boxes we need for which objects...our ancestors--well, at least my mother's forebears--were Celts, who experienced all aspects and reasons for moving around.
Our reasons for moving around so far had been because we were aligned with the Methodist church. My dad still is, to a point, as far as credentials and social leanings go. My reasons for moving around have been similar, but slightly different.
Moving is never easy on anyone, even if they're used to it. From military "brats" to being in any kind of ministry, times of stability are few and far between. I can only imagine the kind of emotional upheaval that exists for those who are not only military, but who are also military chaplains of any kind.
But there is something I've learned to help me deal with the upheaval of having to pull up stakes at the behest of Life and its ever-turning Wheel of Change:
The Wheel of Change favors absolutely no one. All of us get moved around on the Wheel of Life. That is what happens when we incarnate here on Earth...even when we plan a move on purpose, I feel there is always a guiding hand on that Wheel, sending us to wherever we're meant to go. Or the hand stays the Wheel, telling us we're supposed to stay where we are, to learn more about certain things. Even when we don't make a physical move to a geographic location, sometimes movement through life can seem just as momentous...
Because change itself is movement...it has power, purpose and drive...change can even seem fateful or even fatal, depending on your state of mind...change can bring about a switching-round of your dreams, your Dreamtime landscape...even your circadian rhythms can be messed up if the change is even moderately stressful...I've seen my mom go through some issues with this newest, upcoming move. It's mostly stressful to her because we're not working with the Methodist conference anymore as my dad is not really being an active minister and we're struggling to make ends meet as it is.
Even positive changes can bring their own brand of upheaval that might be a tad overwhelming, because no matter what, we humans are very much creatures of habit...we crave stability like we crave our mother's rice pudding or dad's midnight omelets (my dad loves breakfast foods any time of day!)
So if, as you're reading this post, you are going through some changes of any kind...including The Change (for older women)...
Sit back in your chair...take some deep breaths through your nose...close your eyes...just be here in the moment...you are on a threshold of the old and the new...breathe into this threshold...imagine the opportunities this new experience of change will bring...or don't imagine anything at all...it's up to you, because it's a time to rest, reflect and rejoice...rest from all the things you've been through so far, reflect on the happy times...and rejoice that not only are you going on a new adventure, you're being afforded another opportunity to start over on whatever it is you think needs some work.
And if you need extra sitting and reflecting time during your changes, whether it's a physical move to a new location, healing-n-dealing with a loved one's passing, or whatever's going on, for good or ill...there is no better time to take for sitting and reflecting than now...
...because every moment is now...
That's not to say that there isn't work to be done...but the more you take scheduled quiet time for yourself, the more available you will be to present your best self through this challenge and/or joy. Regardless of whether you're introverted or extroverted, when it comes to change, it can be difficult to "put your best foot forward" when you're on shaky ground on all four levels...
Sit back...watch the stars go by...the Universe is more than capable of cradling your soul just for the moment...just be...be here now...lay back on your pillow, listen to some soothing, spacy music as you drift off...if you have a water fountain in your room, turn it on...let the dripping water remind you to be in the flow of things...
...relax...breathe deeply...
...light a candle...breathe softly...
...let the light of the galaxies spin their musical colors over your soul...the Universe has a place for you, always...you are always Home...no matter if you travel often, or stay put...no matter if change has made you feel like an outcast, an exile, or if you are a wanderer by nature, seeking change out for the purpose of experiencing new things...
...there's always a candle lit...a warm house in the winter, a cool bungalow in the summer...a place to lay your wandering head. We all journey on the Wheel...we all share a piece of the Dreamtime...
...with that, I must depart for my own corner of Dreamtime...I'm all blissed out on Jon A's voice and Vangelis' music...my eyes cry out to be closed...my soul aches for a bit of astral walkabout...
Blessed Be,
Kat ^.^
Monday, August 13, 2007
Great Blogs Out There!
OMG! I found the coolest spirituality blogs! I don't have time to list 'em all, but here is one that I am very pleased to see:
http://survivingtheworkday.blogspot.com/
This one talks about spirituality and the workplace, a topic that I've been pretty passionate about in recent years. But since the owner of this blog, a woman who calls herself 'Ms. Theologian,' currently has a bit more insight into the topic than I do, I subscribed to her feed...so I can respond with my own experiences, etc...;-)
As I said before, there are many cool spirituality blogs out there, and I hope to get to them...
BB,
Kat ^.^
http://survivingtheworkday.blogspot.com/
This one talks about spirituality and the workplace, a topic that I've been pretty passionate about in recent years. But since the owner of this blog, a woman who calls herself 'Ms. Theologian,' currently has a bit more insight into the topic than I do, I subscribed to her feed...so I can respond with my own experiences, etc...;-)
As I said before, there are many cool spirituality blogs out there, and I hope to get to them...
BB,
Kat ^.^
Friday, August 10, 2007
Okay...let's get down to the gristle of things...
I'm not about to mince words in this main-course-meal of a post, so bear with me...
1) We all know there's turmoil on this planet.
2) We're all trying to find the best ways to either deal or heal.
3) Unfortunately, everyone claims they know some way to "be saved."
4) And for some strange reason, we keep wanting to look to some dude nailed to a cross 2000+ years ago simply because he had gifts that the authorities were scared of, plus some other trumped up crap used as an excuse to terminate the life of someone who dared to to be kind, loving and gentle for once.
Oh, yeah...and Mohammed had the inspired idea of surrendering to the will of Allah...which is what the word 'Islam' means.
Trouble is, in Islam, they've got the same kinda nutters that Christianity's got: people who *think* they know what the will of the Creator really is.
My point of this beginning rant is this, and forgive me if I sound less than 'white-lighter, all crystals and spirit-talk':
It's time to ask some really hard questions of ourselves, people.
It's time for chewin' on the hard gristle of what humanity's avoided.
Now, in the interest of attempting to keep politics out of this blog as much as possible, and in the interest of believing my readers are smart enough to think things through for themselves, I'm not going to outline all the ideologies that keep the cycle of suffering going. You know what those ideologies are...they're in the papers constantly.
But I encourage you, my readers, to think about what I've posted...chew on things. Make mush in your mouth of what's going on...continue doing that and you'll be far ahead of most folks in the world...
Happy Chewing,
Kat ^.^
1) We all know there's turmoil on this planet.
2) We're all trying to find the best ways to either deal or heal.
3) Unfortunately, everyone claims they know some way to "be saved."
4) And for some strange reason, we keep wanting to look to some dude nailed to a cross 2000+ years ago simply because he had gifts that the authorities were scared of, plus some other trumped up crap used as an excuse to terminate the life of someone who dared to to be kind, loving and gentle for once.
Oh, yeah...and Mohammed had the inspired idea of surrendering to the will of Allah...which is what the word 'Islam' means.
Trouble is, in Islam, they've got the same kinda nutters that Christianity's got: people who *think* they know what the will of the Creator really is.
My point of this beginning rant is this, and forgive me if I sound less than 'white-lighter, all crystals and spirit-talk':
It's time to ask some really hard questions of ourselves, people.
It's time for chewin' on the hard gristle of what humanity's avoided.
Now, in the interest of attempting to keep politics out of this blog as much as possible, and in the interest of believing my readers are smart enough to think things through for themselves, I'm not going to outline all the ideologies that keep the cycle of suffering going. You know what those ideologies are...they're in the papers constantly.
But I encourage you, my readers, to think about what I've posted...chew on things. Make mush in your mouth of what's going on...continue doing that and you'll be far ahead of most folks in the world...
Happy Chewing,
Kat ^.^
'Truth'
Truth.
Yeah, a loaded word. But I figured it would be a good starting point for this blog.
I am going to confess a Truth to you right now: I am deeply interested in spiritual matters, but I also confess to not understanding the roots of some of those matters. But I am nothing if not stubborn and persistent in attempting to understand. To put it more simply, I am like a dog with a chew toy: grabbing it, shaking it around, growling and not letting go until my curiosity is satisfied, or the topic-toy is ripped to shreds with fervent analysis along with much middle-of-the-night pacing.
I've rather reached a temporary conclusion, however, about the topic at hand:
There are two kinds of truth: One is "mind-truth" (with a small 't'), also called "personal perception." The other is heart-Truth (with a capital 'T')...
Mind-truth, as I've observed, tends to be related to the personality, the small ego, the part of us that wants to make snap judgments and be uber-critical of everything and everyone...the part that gets angry and defensive all too easily.
Heart-Truth, as I've experienced, is usually that quiet hunch you feel about someone or something. One could also call it by that ages-old phrase: "that still, small voice inside." No matter how you say it, it is still a Heart-Truth. I've often experienced Heart-Truths as an all-over feeling. The day I realized I was headed on a different spiritual path than my dad was full of Heart-Truths, starting with my room-mate Rosemary showing me a copy of the Wiccan Rede. Another experience was that of my tuning in to Larry King, who was interviewing Neale Donald Walsch, soon after the first "Conversations With God" book was released. I felt my whole self, not just my head, fully nodding in resonance with what Walsch was saying. I felt a longtime personal Heart-Truth confirmed in a mere 1/2-hr interview. Synchronicity, anyone?
Most of my other Heart-Truths have generally been experienced in relation to the music I listen to. I will speak about those at a later time.
The point of my posting about Truth is this: I have my opinions, I have my thoughts and viewpoints, many of which are quite strong and rooted in a relationship with the Divine that I've been developing for quite some time. Some of my Truths may resonate with you, confirming your personal, deep-felt gnoses (knowings), and some of my personal thoughts may have you scratching your head.
I will do my best to convey my gnoses and intuitions about things in as clear and concise a way as I can, given that this blog is about spirituality. And of course, I will comment from time to time on what's going on in the world, but I hope to not make this blog *too* political. Politics is one of those things that is far more personal than spirituality, and tends to involve Mind-truth rather than Heart-Truth. Someone may be speaking from the Heart when it comes to certain political topics, but a lot of the time, programmed convictions from parents and society tend to cloud what that person *really* wants--and needs--to say.
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Food for Thought...an appetizer...
Dreams are your Heart-Truths seen by the light of the Moon.
Gifts of Abundance are your Heart-Truths manifested in the Light of the Sun.
Dream your dreams...
Ask...and you will indeed receive.
Blessed Be,
Kat ^.^
Yeah, a loaded word. But I figured it would be a good starting point for this blog.
I am going to confess a Truth to you right now: I am deeply interested in spiritual matters, but I also confess to not understanding the roots of some of those matters. But I am nothing if not stubborn and persistent in attempting to understand. To put it more simply, I am like a dog with a chew toy: grabbing it, shaking it around, growling and not letting go until my curiosity is satisfied, or the topic-toy is ripped to shreds with fervent analysis along with much middle-of-the-night pacing.
I've rather reached a temporary conclusion, however, about the topic at hand:
There are two kinds of truth: One is "mind-truth" (with a small 't'), also called "personal perception." The other is heart-Truth (with a capital 'T')...
Mind-truth, as I've observed, tends to be related to the personality, the small ego, the part of us that wants to make snap judgments and be uber-critical of everything and everyone...the part that gets angry and defensive all too easily.
Heart-Truth, as I've experienced, is usually that quiet hunch you feel about someone or something. One could also call it by that ages-old phrase: "that still, small voice inside." No matter how you say it, it is still a Heart-Truth. I've often experienced Heart-Truths as an all-over feeling. The day I realized I was headed on a different spiritual path than my dad was full of Heart-Truths, starting with my room-mate Rosemary showing me a copy of the Wiccan Rede. Another experience was that of my tuning in to Larry King, who was interviewing Neale Donald Walsch, soon after the first "Conversations With God" book was released. I felt my whole self, not just my head, fully nodding in resonance with what Walsch was saying. I felt a longtime personal Heart-Truth confirmed in a mere 1/2-hr interview. Synchronicity, anyone?
Most of my other Heart-Truths have generally been experienced in relation to the music I listen to. I will speak about those at a later time.
The point of my posting about Truth is this: I have my opinions, I have my thoughts and viewpoints, many of which are quite strong and rooted in a relationship with the Divine that I've been developing for quite some time. Some of my Truths may resonate with you, confirming your personal, deep-felt gnoses (knowings), and some of my personal thoughts may have you scratching your head.
I will do my best to convey my gnoses and intuitions about things in as clear and concise a way as I can, given that this blog is about spirituality. And of course, I will comment from time to time on what's going on in the world, but I hope to not make this blog *too* political. Politics is one of those things that is far more personal than spirituality, and tends to involve Mind-truth rather than Heart-Truth. Someone may be speaking from the Heart when it comes to certain political topics, but a lot of the time, programmed convictions from parents and society tend to cloud what that person *really* wants--and needs--to say.
-----
Food for Thought...an appetizer...
Dreams are your Heart-Truths seen by the light of the Moon.
Gifts of Abundance are your Heart-Truths manifested in the Light of the Sun.
Dream your dreams...
Ask...and you will indeed receive.
Blessed Be,
Kat ^.^
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Why 'Dining with the Divine?
Why 'Dining With the Divine?'
For starters, I love food, and I was raised in a spiritual household that loves food. I also like the phrase "food for thought." So, quite a few of my posts will have *some* reference to food. ;-) Many of you are probably thinking, "well, surely spirituality and religion don't require thought, they require faith."
I disagree wholeheartedly with that. I have discovered that making time for contemplation and review of one's beliefs, thoughts and opinions makes for a much more solid connection with the Great Spirit--thus strengthening personal faith.
That's another thing I want to address, too. How to address the Divine Essence? What to call Him/Her/It in the context of this blog and still remain true to my soul? I don't feel comfortable, in all honesty, just calling the Divine 'God,' because that implies that the Divine only has masculine attributes. I've thought for a long time that if we are created in the image of the Divine, would not the Source include both genders? Nor do I feel right just calling the Source 'Goddess,' though that might suit my Pagan temperament a bit more, because that implies that the Divine only has feminine qualities. But then, it's rather awkward to call the Source "It." "It" is so impersonal, and I have too much of a connection to think of the Source in that manner.
I feel that in order to get a good balance, I will call the Divine one of several epithets in this blog, to let the reader know that the Source is multifaceted, and it matters not what name you give the Source...it will always be the Source. It depends on what you're comfortable with. Discussion of the various facets of the Divine will be forthcoming.
Anyway, it's time for my regular day job. I have to walk to work today. And as I walk, I'll be giving more thought to the topics I want to start with.
For starters, I love food, and I was raised in a spiritual household that loves food. I also like the phrase "food for thought." So, quite a few of my posts will have *some* reference to food. ;-) Many of you are probably thinking, "well, surely spirituality and religion don't require thought, they require faith."
I disagree wholeheartedly with that. I have discovered that making time for contemplation and review of one's beliefs, thoughts and opinions makes for a much more solid connection with the Great Spirit--thus strengthening personal faith.
That's another thing I want to address, too. How to address the Divine Essence? What to call Him/Her/It in the context of this blog and still remain true to my soul? I don't feel comfortable, in all honesty, just calling the Divine 'God,' because that implies that the Divine only has masculine attributes. I've thought for a long time that if we are created in the image of the Divine, would not the Source include both genders? Nor do I feel right just calling the Source 'Goddess,' though that might suit my Pagan temperament a bit more, because that implies that the Divine only has feminine qualities. But then, it's rather awkward to call the Source "It." "It" is so impersonal, and I have too much of a connection to think of the Source in that manner.
I feel that in order to get a good balance, I will call the Divine one of several epithets in this blog, to let the reader know that the Source is multifaceted, and it matters not what name you give the Source...it will always be the Source. It depends on what you're comfortable with. Discussion of the various facets of the Divine will be forthcoming.
Anyway, it's time for my regular day job. I have to walk to work today. And as I walk, I'll be giving more thought to the topics I want to start with.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Woohoo..here we go!
I've been wanting to do a spirituality blog for some time now. I've got a music blog hosted by Gem3, but I figured I'd do the spirituality blog over here at Google. Time to change the colors, etc.
BB,
Kat ^.^
BB,
Kat ^.^
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