Gaia Community: Phoenix's Blog

5 Things I learned today

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:24:09 -0000

1. That a tropical storm can gain strength across land.
2. That a small cat can clear a room with her flatulence.
3. That dancing in the rain can clear a headache
4. That a picnic on the grass can be the entertainment of an entire apartment complex.
5. That displaying our fun openly makes happy people happier, and grumpy people grumpier. Interesting.

Most importantly, we laughed allot.

Peace

What do you think about when you're feeling down?

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:54:53 -0000

As I think about my responds to feeling down, a pattern emerges within the way I react. Usually I allow myself to vent in some form, may it be through voicing myself, or through crying or talking to someone - the means do not matter, just that I am doing so helps. Then I take a moment away from what makes me feel down. Today, it was a episode of Charmed and some really good coffee, and a few minutes here on Gaia, that helped getting me to a better point of view. The next step, and that has become a step that over the last few years, I have been able to get to quicker and quicker, is to plan new action, to re-organize in some form. Today it is to sort out the action steps through brainstorming, and see what spiritual tools I can use according to my faith (I won't elaborate there - too personal), and then follow through.
It is interesting that this question was asked today, I am sure there was a reason.
As for my feeling down part of the day? I am on the verge of rising out of those ashes again. After all, am I not the Phoenix? Isn't that what I do best?

Hugs

How do you allow for expansion in your life?

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:10:04 -0000

Now that I got your attention - he, he - seriously:

Expansion on a personal level for me is as essential as breathing. I am constantly drawn toward new perspectives especially faiths, and it facinates me to see how I can learn from other people's point of view, or expressions of their religion, all their aspects, and then integrate into my life what resonates with me on a deep level.
We all have truth to share, so listening to that truth is my way of expanding toward a more spiritual person. Without exepting and gathering the knowledge that others have to offer there can not be any growth, on any level.

Hugs

How do you respond to negative people?

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:49:21 -0000

That depends on who it is. With most people, I can handle their negativity, by saying. "I never thought of this, in that way.", and getting away as soon as possible, or gently direct the conversation toward something we can both find positive interest in - but then there is one person in my life, from whom I can not seem to escape from, and she gets me going. I guess, it has something to do with people who are trying to manipulate, that I can not handle, which is not that tradgic, as long as they are not trying to manipulate someone I love, and that person is to naive or to co-dependent to take any action about it. then I want to shake both of them.
It is much easier to accept someone who's action do not affect another person you care for in a negative way, then one who does.
I still got to work on that one.

Peace

On what do you most enjoy spending money?

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 12:42:50 -0000

Books - my new best friends are half.com and my mail-lady. There is hardly a week that goes by that I do not have some package arriving with a used book within. My daughter has the same bug - her favorite writers can not write fast enough.

And thank God, I have a husband who ignores all the packages comming in, and patiently sits and listens to my account of the newest discovery I made - may it be about some faith I just discovered through a book, a new way to work with herbs, or a book on some kind of green subject. He suffered through it all.

Back to my newest discovery "The Magical Household" by Scott Cunningham and David Harrington

Hugs to all of you!

,

The Third Jesus by Deepak Chopra - First part of an review

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 11:17:28 -0000

As I have read through one-third of the book, I must say I am impressed by the study of Deepak on the subject Jesus. As a non-Christian, his approach is different, and brings with that an insight, that I would have appreciated a long time ago, when I was raised as a Christian. With loving detail, and a large respect for Jesus, Deepak quotes the bible and the biblical texts of Thomas and others, with an insight that resonated with me.

The core message of Jesus, away from the traditional, but moving toward the intention of this great teacher, is what Deepak is trying to convey in this book.

Here is an quick excerpt:

"Jesus was more than wise. He received direct knowledge from God, his source of secret wisdom. To this day, most Christians consider this connection unique. Only God's son could have been gifted with revelation in every word he spoke. Yet across many cultures, direct knowledge is a mark of higher consciousness. All thinking happens in the mind, yet the closer you get to the mind's source, the more your thoughts are like revelations. They no longer seem like "my" thoughts, the kind associated with everyday events and personal memories. Instead, you seem to tap into reality itself. Jesus spoke of divine reality, the revealed wisdom of the soul. the same experience is possible for anyone in higher consciousness. This is an aspect of intuition, and what is being revealed is the nature of the soul, or the higher self."

If you are of an open mind, and are willing to look at Jesus in a different light, this book is for you.

Peace and Love

Claudia

What was the first word, or sentence, you spoke?

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 11:01:35 -0000

If I would not have heard that tape over and over again, each time, I visit my grandmother, I couldn't tell you. Apparently my first word that my grandmother remembers me saying was my uncles name Roland. Actually my version at the time was Lolli. Close enough. The man must have made an impression on me.
Now I am trying to remember where I put my shopping list.

Peace and Love

A Blessing To All Men

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:08:03 -0000

May you be blessed,
may you learn to embrace
and not fear
the power of what is female
the balance, that is the truth
in All-There-Is
May we ease your fears
so that we can come closer toward
the Unity, we intend to experience.

So it shall be!

What would you do if time didn't matter?

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:59:14 -0000

Stop feeling guilty when I do something either for myself, or when I spent time with my family, while I know, that there is work mounting up behind me. If I knew, there was enough time, always, it would not matter, if I am not where I should be, and instead run around in the playground, chasing my son up and down, or loosing myself in a book or a blog here on Gaia. I would extend my time hugging and kissing instead of thinking about cleaning the kitchen, I would spend a few minutes longer on the phone with someone who needs a listening ear, I would choose to watch re-runs of wipeout with my kids and laugh until I can hardly speak - the heck with obligations. I would connect more, stay connected at all times, and make that my priority even more then now, because I would know there is always enough time to clean up, to do chores or all the other things, I rather can life without doing, later.

Hugs to all of you!

How has another person made you feel welcome?

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:11:07 -0000

Meantioning all of them would make a list that would be too long for this forum, so instead, I will take this opportunity to thank all the people here, and in other parts of the virtual and non-virtual world for their kindness and open arms.

May you have many moments where others extend their arms as freely, as you have toward me. And may I try to honor you to give this gift to anyone that crosses my path.

Blessed be.

A Blessing For All Beings

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:47:52 -0000

May everyone be happy and safe
and may their hearts be filled with joy.

May all living beings live in security and in peace,
beings who are frail or strong
tall of short, big of small,
visible or not visible, near or far away,
already born or yet to be born.
May all of them dwell in perfect tranquility.

Let no one do harm to anyone
Let no one put the life of anyone in danger.
Let no one, our of anger or ill will,
wish anyone any harm

Metta Suttra (Stuttanipata)
Tranlated by Thich Nhat Hahn

Discovered A New Book - Wondering Where It Will Lead Me

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:05:05 -0000

Not too long ago, I wrote a blog about what I learned from Jesus. Today, I purchased a book, that promises to deepen the revelation about this enlightend being, from a different point of view. The book is called "The Third Jesus" by Deepak Chopra.
It brings with it the promise of an different perspective on what I grew up believing Jesus to be, and was taught in my days as a Christian, before setting out on a journey of learning. I am looking forward to making this new discovery, and intend to share some of what it revealed to me.

Human Right # 20: The Right to Public Assembly

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:21:17 -0000

Two images come to mind, when I read about this Human Right:
1. A class trip to the border of then East Germany. We were starring across the wall, while our teacher explained more about the separation of both East and West Germany, as my friend and I saw people looking from an office building across the wall (the eastern side) at us. Instinctively, and without hesitation we waved - the man and the woman disappeared quickly.
Our teacher explained, how they were not even allowed to look at us, and would be reprimanded, if they were caught making any contact with our group.
2. West Germany in the 80's and 90's - traditional May 1st demonstrations. People from different groups voicing their opinion freely, speaking their truth, walking through the streets of my hometown.

Growing up in a then divided country, I was aware of how people only a few hours away - Germans just like me - were not allowed to voice even their opinion, not even speaking of the right to conduct demonstrations, or any form of public assembly, while it was a normal part of growing up for me.

Demonstrations, peace marches, here in the US and all over the world have brought change to many, made differences, despite the fact that some of the people choosing to demonstrate where not protected under the Law, as my counterparts in my hometown where. The strengths and resolutions of these brave souls should be honored by 1. not taking this right for granted, and 2. honoring the freedom of those who choose to stand up and make their voice heard.

peace

What constitutes true communication?

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:37:32 -0000

Finding a common thread, acknowledging another one's truth without judgment, and being allowed to express one's own truth. True communication is warm, open, gentle, expressive. It is a cycle through which either individual can validate himself, and through that will raise his level of being. If you ever had a conversation with someone, even if you disagreed with their point of view, who truly listened, acknowledged your point, and then stated his/her intention clearly, and non-threatening, you are surely aware how much better you were able to feel because of the intention of the conversation, not so much the subject, but more because of the validation that one has received.
True communication can be amazingly uplifting. It is a precious gift we can give to anyone.

What do you want from our leaders?

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:54:53 -0000

To remember that they are public servants - that they serve us, not we serve them. That we do not need to be told what to do, but assisted at times of need - when we are in need of health care, education. That war is not an answer, and neither is worrying about getting more, but that the real reason we are on this earth, is that we are all one, no borders, no control, no war, no lies can tell us otherwise, so just stop lying to fill your pockets.
I want them to remember, that they are no different then us, they are not the ones creating jobs, or creating peace, or enhance or guide or day-to-day life. I want them to realize that there power is no larger then that off our own, so get over this power-trip. I want them to realize that the only legacy that they should worry about is how much better the world is because we chose them to serve us, not what war they fought or what treaty they managed to arrange.
I am not sure, when we began calling our public servants our leaders, when did we give them a title that presumed power over us?
I want our public servants who we are paying for after all, to serve the best interest of all citizen that gave them the job in the first place. We will lead ourselves.

Peace

What gets in the way of us connecting with others?

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:07:37 -0000

Self-Doubt.
There are still moments, where if I think, I have something to contribute, I am afraid to, and hesitate, because I think that my answer might not be insightful enough, or smart enough. I express myself differently - while intelectually, I know that is my strength, and my individuality - I compare neverless on the emotional scale. So I can get intimitated sometimes.
Now, I must smile at times at people who I think are intellectually superior to me in a specific field that I am interested in, and then I hear them express the same self-doubt I just described. I guess many of us feel that way.

Peace

Human Right # 19: Freedom of Expression

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:59:22 -0000

If you live in a country, where you are free to express yourself, do so loudly and in any way you can! Do it through any media you feel right for you, music, painting, your voice, articles, poetry, whatever way feels right for you at the moment.
Do it for you, to bring joy into your own life, through experiencing the freedom of hearing your own voice, and feeling its importance.
Do it for us, as you inspire, make us think, make us laugh, lift us up, and open the discussions.
Do it for the people who do not have the access to this right yet, so someday, inspired by you, they can also reach their dreams, their moment, their truth - and find their perfect expression of who they are.

peace

5 Things I learned from Jesus

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:03:55 -0000

You do not have to call yourself a Christian to apprechiate his wisdom.

1. Give thanks first, then take actions.
2. We are all equal.
3. All things are possible.
4. If you want forgiveness give it away.
5. Faith will make you well.

As a part of my journey, I am making peace with all aspects of me - even if they are no longer as much a part of my life, as they used to be. One way, I do that, is by seeking what positive lesson I learned from each part of my past. It heals, gives me peace, allows me to see beauty where I could not before, and gives me positive memories to play in my mind. With that view in my head, I am able to move forward freely. Ultimatly this freedom and peace is what I thrive for.

Hugs to All of You

Tired of People Assuming Who I Really Am

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:32:15 -0000

Lately I have been approached by people, in the "real world" making remarks - some that are hurtful toward others - assuming I fit into their category of what they believe, without taking a moment to find out anything about me.
Okay, let me give you a visual on me - I am a average looking, 5' 4" white female, brown hair, blue eyes, with a faint German accent. That gets me the following reactions from other people, that just piss me off (sorry - but I am letting off steam here).
People assume, that it is okay to make racist comments about another person in front of me. I do not want to hear about their ignorance. Is it because I am white, that they can think, that it is okay to speak freely about their stupidity?
My son has a "Christian" first name - that does not mean, you can now preach to me about how wrong anyone else is, who does not believe in Jesus. I named him Phillip, because I like the sound of the name - no other reason.
My German accent, is not an invitation to discuss Hitler. He is dead. He killed people. We got now to worry about. People are hungry - let's talk about how to feed them. Ever heard of Burma? What about helping the people in New Orleans who are still trying to rebuild their lives? Stop wasting your energy, on what was! Help me fix today!
What ever happened to thinking before speaking? Maybe it is just me, or maybe some would say, that because I am resisting and focusing upon this subject, attaching emotions, I attract more of that. I thought off all that.
But where it gets me, is that we still categorize people too fast, and too often. Worse, we advertise this openly to others, assuming that we are the same. Well, unless there is a meeting for racist people, don't assume I am, you might be surprised how I will react. Stop assuming that because there is a cross on my living room wall, that you can ignore the Buddha on my altar.
Get to know me - I am so far out of the box, that my outsides, the visual you get, when you first see me - have not much to do with how I think, how I react, and how I believe. Instead of assuming, ask.

Letting that out felt good. Back to my eclectic style of homeschooling.

peace

What are you going to do next?

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:07:12 -0000

I am giving myself the freedom to persue my strengths.
When I made the decision to focus upon my writing and create a new website as a information portal to self-help and activism, it seemed like a weight lifted off my shoulders. i am lucky to be in the unique situation, where money does not matter - my husband makes plenty so that I would not have to work outside the home, one day in my life - so I am free to pursue my passion without pressure, with the focus on helping others, and enjoying my actions, at the moment that I am inspired to do so.
For about a year, I thought having my own business would be cool - and it was - but once it took away from my passion, and the mundane part took time away from helping people, which I originally invisioned as being a Life Coach, I found myself less helping, and more marketing.
How am I good to anyone - and to myself - if I am hunting down leads, and arranging newsletters - while the people who could use my help, can not afford to hire a Life Coach in the first place?
Now I learned so much from that year though - how to set up a website in a hurry, how to find information for all kinds of subjects, that allows people to grow, how to become more agressive, when I need to find help for someone, how to ignore other people's comments about not being conventional.
All these things will help me help others, for the only fee that I want to charge - knowing that someones life is better, because I was able to point them into the right direction.
What more can you ask for in a life time?