Sustainining the Dreaming

Mood music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TohFk9qkePQ

I have vivid, powerful and epic dreams. Always have.
Some are lessons for me to unravel. Others are meant to be shared with anyone who's willing to listen. I truly believe the Dreaming is a reality that is just a blink away from this one.
recently, I have asked for important dreams before I sleep and the Dreaming answered.
http://www.shamanichealing.info/id38.html

The first dream. I found myself and other survivors crawling from the rubble of what seemed a large city. Someone finally created the ultimate weapon and used it. So powerful was this creation of madness that it ripped the seams of the worlds. We were somehow in a shadow land between what was once our waking reality and the Dreaming.
As the survivors gathered together, we began to discuss what to do next. I wanted to explore this strange place and find out if there were any beings who might be able to help or at least explain where we were. A large, loud man stood up and quickly declared himself the leader. My ideas were crazy. He told everyone we needed to get back to the way things were. Barricades and weapons were needed to protect ourselves.
I argued that this was the same thinking that destroyed the world as we knew it in the first place. We needed to adapt to our new environment. Not the other way around.
I was quickly exiled from the "safety" of the city.
Out in the strange wilderness, I quickly met a being that looked like a cross between a black cat and a teddy bear. I curbed my fear and let myself radiate friendliness. The creature responded and began to teach me the way this world and its creatures worked. This place was a small pocket between what had been our world and the Dreaming. Reality was pliable so we had to be careful with our thoughts. Because I was thinking peaceful and friendly thoughts when I met my guide. It reflected back to me. The beings in this world were able to phase in and out. Traveling where they wished with a thought.
With time and coaching, I had created a small dwelling that blended with the environment. Fruit bearing bushes and trees grew nearby and water was close and clean. I had many, friendly, shape shifting neighbors. I was getting the hang of this place and loved it. It was like lucid dreaming and I needed to go back to the city and teach this to the others before something bad happened.
http://www.shamansdreammusic.com/index.html

Why are humans so stupid? It amazes me that we've been able to avoid extinction this long.
Anyway.. Something bad was on it's way.
When I went back to the city it had changed. Rebuilt as best it could be by fearful people. Barricades, fires, and where the hell did they get the guns?
I was let in by someone who knew I wasn't a threat and had something important to say. They didn't like the way things were going but were too afraid to speak up for fear of being exiled like me. I began to talk about the wilderness and how our new home conformed to our thoughts. We could create a beautiful world if we just put our minds to it. Just when I began to reach people, the leader showed up. He began to preach hate and fear. Saying I was a lier. People didn't know who to believe until my friend showed up and went to a small child. At first, the child seemed eager to be friendly and the creature smiled and looked adorable. Then, the child's mother looked at the leader and pulled her child away. Saying it was dangerous. The child seemed confused for a moment but then looked at her mother and believed as she did.
My cute, little kitty bear friend suddenly transformed into the child's and her mother's worst fear. It grew fangs, claws and foamed at the mouth before attacking the mother and child. Al, hell broke out as other denizens came to the call of panicked humans. It was not a pretty sight.
Some in the city escaped with me into the wilderness where I began to teach them what I had learned. Our new home blossomed and every creature was considered a friend.

Want to read about other dreams and dreamers?
http://www.worlddreambank.org/INDEX.HTM

My second, important dream that needs to be shared.
I'll keep this brief.
I found myself in a secret, underground, government facility. I had gotten in because many people put themselves at risk to get me fake documents. My job was to find out what was being kept prisoner and tell the world.
Years ago, an emissary of Mother Earth came to talk to those in power and warn of the harm they were causing to the planet. This gentle, physical manifestation of nature was locked up and studied mercilessly.
As it's anger and frustration grew, so did its physical form. Now it was as big as Godzilla and breaking free of its prison. The whole mountain shook as it broke through barrier after barrier. Evacuation sirens blared as we ran. Trying to get out before the mountain collapsed on us.
I wanted to see the creature. I had to. I found a small, observation window and caught a glimpse of its eye. I still weep when I remember the pain and anger in that huge eye, staring back at me.
I knew everything then.
It had come in peace and was betrayed. Now its goal was to reach the ocean and begin to repair the damage humans had caused. I found my hand on a lever that would open the last barrier and give this "monster" access to the ocean. I knew many people would die and I might be one of them. I pulled the lever and woke up. Earth's bodyguard had left the building and was it pissed.

Now for something a little more friendly.
http://www.shamantic.org/shamanticarts.phtml
I need to know the universe is also kind, silly and loving as well as a tough teacher.
http://www.shamanworld.com/

So I wish everyone out there, powerful dreams. Thoughts have power. Use them wisely.

Sustaining fashion

OMG! It's back to school time and that means NEW CLOTHES!? Have you seen all the adds for the latest fashions? Since when did our children become bratty little clothes horses? Why are we bullied into buying them expensive things they're going to outgrow in a few months or worse.. They won't be in style next week. Gah!! I have multiple solutions my friends. 1. Teach your offspring how cool it is to be an individual. 2. Make them listen to The Ramones, The Clash, Dead Kennedys and other punk bands. 3. Take them to a second hand store and let them discover how fun it is to create their OWN style. 4. Teach them the value of money. 5. Turn off the TV! I see so many young girls dressed up like they're hookers! The boys look like they could have a small family living inside their pants. That can't be comfortable. While researching this blog. I came across some pretty disturbing images. I'm going to have nightmares tonight. I'm sure. baby jumpers with an Apple iphone icon. What is wrong with this picture!?
http://ipopmybaby.com/

People pay ridiculous prices for clothes, bags and shoes with designer names on them. Shouldn't THEY be paying US for advertising? Alright. I'm going to stop this rant before I drool angry, ranting froth onto my keyboard. Lets fight the fascists, fashion police and dress as individuals. We can be cool and still kind to our Mother Earth. Lets start with one of my favorite sites.
http://www.adbusters.org/
Free your mind!

Now, I found this and it's wonderful! Put in your own local and BAM! Get busy.
http://www.hellolocal.com/ypsearch.cfm?kw=fashion%20recycle&KID=30273

Don't forget that you can fix old, stained, moth eaten clothes by using patches, sewing if you have the knack or just plain old cut off couture. Never forget to be creative. It's fun.
Eco fashion is becoming a trend. "Green is the new Black." They say.
Fine, but stop putting a hefty price tag on your trendy, hemp and organic cotton crap! Saving the planet shouldn't drain your back account. That's why I recommend local, second hand stores over the green washed, Internet stores I looked into before writing this. *Grumble*
I like this site though. Get the kids involved. This world will be theirs soon enough.
http://www.stepin.org/

Can you imagine working in a sweatshop? Those cheap clothes and shoes you bought at Walmart weren't made by workaholic Elves. I hate to break the news to you sunshine.
Do a little research into sweatshops and you'll probably be appalled at how much stuff you own that was made by underpaid and over worked people.
STOP BUYING SO MUCH STUFF!
Do you really need it? Do any of us?
Lets be kind to each other and think about the ripples we cause with every thing we do.
http://www.coopamerica.org/

I am so glad my son has listened to me. He's turned out to be a savvy kid with a kind heart and beautiful soul. Not to mention a punky fashion sense and a love for going "treasure hunting" with his mom at the second hand stores. He's growing so fast I can't imagine buying him Brand New clothes! Shoes are the only thing I have no problem with buying new.
I don't want someone else's foot funk, thank you very much. I have my own.
So, stay cool, be an individual and don't dress like everyone else! How am I supposed to pick you out in a police line up?

Sustaining our animal friends

Woof, Meow, Chirp, Hiss, and whatever sound a fish makes.

We LOVE our critters. Our non human friends who love us back and ask so little of us in return.

I miss having animals around me. I have lots of exposure to other people's animals and I do feel that they love me but they don't live with me. I get the benefit of playing, petting and talking to these animals without the ugliness of cleaning up after them, buying food and making sure they stay healthy. Life is good!

But what about those of you who do have to do the dirty work? I feel your angst and can smell the poo from here. Ewww!

Lets start with basics.

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/default.aspx

This is genius! How about cat poo?

http://homepage.mac.com/cityfarmer/PhotoAlbum22.html

Alright, cats and dogs are regular pets. How about the exotics? Love reptiles? I do. Silky scales or sharp spines. I'd take an apple off one any day.

I have a beautiful friend who does some pretty amazing things along with her sweet, partner.

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/dragon_sanctuary/

Lots of links if you join but if not here's a good one.

http://www.herpetology.com/

For those who are are sexy, activists and love to stay informed.

http://www.neopoa.com/

Knowledge is power and animals need all the help they can get.

Oh, dear Goddess. This is a very good argument to become a vegetarian. Too bad I was born a carnivore. Go ahead and tell me I'll die. Choking on a bacon cheeseburger. Mmmmm, bacon.

Oh, wait. What was I talking about? Oh yes..

Love the animals.. Don't eat them!

http://cultureandanimals.org/animalrights.htm#rational

I feel the urge to make a salad and sing to my fish.

I have a lovely, spunky and sometimes insane Betta. His name is Spike and he lives in a bowl on my table. He's my pretty boy! Yes he is. They are such cool fish.

http://www.bettafishcenter.com/Betta-Pictures.shtml

So it appears I'm rambling. This is a simple subject with simple resources.

Every time I research something it all boils down to one thing.

Be Nice!

Sustaining the spirit through cultivation.

I just spent 4 days at a Qigong seminar. I recomend this to anyone who has the opportunity.

http://qigong.com/Welcome.html

Now, be prepared for the hard sell on the books, DVDs, shirts, and blender. I understand everyone needs to make a living. The message and lessons are beautiful and powerful.

I always try to take something possitive from every experience.

Like the concept of Cultivation. Not just plants but good deeds, compassion and love.

http://spiritualcultivation.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/

Now, I'd like to discuss something that might make some of you uncomfortable, angry or just plain laugh at this crazy woman.

The DIVINE. Goddess, God, The Source, The Big Electron.. It has many names but none has touched it. How can we, as infant gods and goddess' ourselves begine to understand what IT is? We're still learning to crawl it seems sometimes. How many enlightened people do you know? Not just the people who you know are farther on the path than you but truely enlightened, like Buddah or Jesus?

We all long for union with our creator. Don't we?

http://www.godsdirectcontact.com/quanyin/index.html

At this seminar there were 450 people. The instructor said he had 1800 at the last one. At one point we were ALL breathing together in an intense meditaion. We sent loving, healing energy to the people we love, ourselves and even to people who we didn't love. It's TRUE sharing and it's powerful! If it doesn't make you uncomfortable. It's not really true sharing. That's a good thing to remember. Also, there are so many of us who are striving for UNITY and PEACE.

http://www.experiencefestival.com/

Now, can you imagine football stadiums filled with people meditating on peace and love at the same time? I think we could change things quite quickly if we could organize.

Oh, no! Here comes my evil twin!!

Alright, sounds great but lets take into account human nature.. How many wars have been started in the name of God? Look at some of the BIG religions and tell me, with a straight face that they really want to love their fellow man. What started out as a good idea warped and mutated into a Religious beurocracy. More concerned with controlling its followers with rules, regulations and self imposed eating disorders than encouraging joy and kindness. WTF!?

Oh, and lets not forget the way they love to hate anyone who doesn't believe the same way as they do. Somehow GOD sanctions killing these non believers. I can't wrap my head around that idea. String theory makes more sense than that.

Be nice people! For no other reason than it's the right thing to do.

Is that so hard? What is wrong with humanity? I weep when I see the evil that we do to each other. We can do better. I know we can and I'm working on it. How about you?

I don't care what name you tag onto Divinity. It loves us all and that's good enough for me.

lets keep our thoughts peaceful and loving. If you can get friends to meditate with you. Please do. Let's work together for a change. Things are getting pretty grim out there.

I highly recomend this movie. Buy or rent. It's worth a look see.

http://www.whatthebleep.com/index2.shtml

Change your mindset, then change the world.

Come on people! I can't do this by myself.

Duh! 101 Less is more

"Look at every path closely and deliberately, then ask ourselves this crucial question: Does this path have a heart? If it does, then the path is good. If it doesn't, it is of no use."--Carlos Castaneda

Great opener, right?

Now that I have you lulled into a false sense of security..

STOP BUYING SO MUCH STUFF!!

Honestly, do you really need it?

It sickens me that our culture is based on consumption. We eat, drink, talk, drive, shop and drink too much. Obesity is preventable. Debt is mostly preventable. What happened to accountability? Ever watch a talk show? Ok, it was for research purposes ONLY, I swear.

Nothing is any one's fault. They have a condition, mental disorder, drug problem, they're abusive mother screwed them up or the devil made them do it. No one drops their head in shame and exclaims "I'm a weak, easily seduced moron with no self control!"

Now you can come out from behind your chair. The mad rant is over.. for now.

I have embraced minimalism most of my life. Granted, as a member of the Raven tribe I love my shiny objects and tasty bites now and again. But my home is small, I have one TV, computer, stereo, microwave and a rapidly declining collection of dishes. (They break) And a car that's paid for.

It was never my ambition to become rich and famous. Comfortable and notorious, yes, but not at the expense of other beings. How did we, as a culture grow into a bunch of stupid, mean, selfish and lazy bullies? Who's guiding this ship of insane consumerism? Why are so many people on board? Are we that insecure in our own self worth that we need to base it on the stuff we own? Instead of beautifying our souls and loving our fellow beings. {Hey, vegetarian friends. I do love all beings. Some of them are down right delicious!}

Alright, enough teasing. Vegetarians are great people.

Now, what was I talking about before I was so rudely interrupted by my evil twin? Oh, yes..

STOP BUYING SO MUCH STUFF!

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. Ralph Waldo Emerson

I like to challenge myself on how little I spend. I go "treasure hunting" with my son. We each have a certain amount of money that we can spend. Then we go to second hand stores and try to find a "treasure" for under that amount. In a local, green paper, I read about a great idea. During the depression some one's grandparents came up with a beautiful, free and entertaining game. Air castles. One would start out the wishful thinking story and each would take turns building on it. Sounds like a great campfire or coffee table game. What a lovely way for people to interact and get to know each other.

It might be a good way to find out if someone you know might be a psychotic, serial killer.

Back in the closet, evil twin! I have a serious blog to write..

"Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value." Albert Einstein

Not everything has to cost money. Do you really need to have the latest, most expensive THING? Reduce, Reuse and Recycle isn't just a catchy slogan to slap on your SUV.

Lets start with getting out and seeing this beautiful country. Don't forget to carpool and drive the speed limit.

http://www.free-attractions.com/

I LOVE these ideas!! What ever happened to the bloc party?

http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/04/17/fifteen-free-things-to-do-during-a-money-free-weekend/

Alright, the theme of this blog is consuming less. There are people in the world that live on less than $2.00 a day. Can you imagine that!? Now I know there are people who think they need to live surrounded by stuff and things. Electronics, clothes, cars, and other things. I knew someone who lost their job and had to economize. I told him to cut a lot of things I thought were unnecessary, like his expensive cell phone, extended cable, and a few other services that were just draining his bank account. He told me that living like a monk might be good enough for me but not him. The man loved his things.

I prefer living things, beautiful places, and the time to enjoy them. Simple pleasures are usually the best.

http://zenhabits.net/2007/07/75-simple-pleasures-to-brighten-your-day/

Then, there are simple solutions that don't cost much and reuse things you might not think to reuse.

http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/homepage/flash/0,23022,,00.shtml?origref=http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,1076272,00.html

Make a game out of being cheap and it becomes habit. Now I'm not advocating living like a monk all of the time. I love treating myself to fine chocolate, a fun pair of shoes or a glass of single malt whiskey. My dad always taught me the importance of what he called mad money.

Being frugal and stepping lightly on the earth is not something only poor people do. Why is greed, gluttony, sloth, vanity, lust, anger and envy encouraged and pandered to? Aren't these the seven deadly sins for a reason? Is this a flashback to Sodom and Gomorrah? Don't we humans learn from past mistakes? I guess not.

Keep consuming like locusts until there is nothing left.

http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue55/classic.html

Remember this!? Getting pretty close to reality. I'm scared.

http://www.huxley.net/bnw/index.html

Another scary, future. Written in 1932! Emotionless, drugged up, uber consumers who have meaningless sex. Hmm..

I don't want a future like this. I want one where we explore our inner worlds and realize we're all connected. We're all family.

http://earthlovemovement.org/

Sustaining Hope and outrage

I am hopeful that things will get better. I am outraged that it isn't happening as quickly as it needs to be!

Conversations with friends can be so enlightning and helpful.

There are a lot of us who are working to make things better but when we watch the news and hear about how polititians and big business keep tying up efforts at change with red tape. We get a little discouraged, angry and hopeless. If we give up, we loose.. EVERYTHING.

Keep the faith my brothers and sisters.

We have to stick together and bolster each other up when things look bleak. Even if it's a simple gesture, like recomending a good book, documentary or offering an inspiration quote. Oh, and let's not forget. A good beer with friends is always an uplifting experience.

This is on my reading list and comes highly recomended by a good friend.

http://www.paulloeb.org/newimp/impindex.htm

I loved this book! We have the ability to do this. Why aren't we?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotopia

Oh, wait.. people are terrified of change. That and it costs too much. $$$$$

Old men sitting in air conditioned offices. Drinking bottled water. What do they care about the future?

ARRRGH!

Ahem, anyway.. There are more of us than there are of them and we're networking. I LOVE the internet!!

http://www.ecotopia.com/

Lets not forget another, important neccessity of life.

http://about.adnams.co.uk/post/News/2008/04/East-Green.aspx

All things are possible. It might take a little time, thought and inspiration, but it's possible.

Yeah for GREEN beer.

Whatever your passions are, make them green and things will fall into place.

Be good to your Mother. She can really lay the spank down on us if she wants to.

Sustaining sanity during insane times

Purple, one of my favorite colors. It's warm, peaceful and powerful.
Oh, God! I want my mommy!
Iran is testing missiles along with threatening everyone and no one is going to spank them like the brat they are because they might block the OIL traffic.
http://www.worldwithoutoil.org/
But that isn't stopping anyone from the standard, primate posturing and weenie waiving. They toss threats and warnings around as if this were a ping pong match. It Isn't!! What is wrong with people? Doesn't anyone remember the epic cock/flag waiving that Reagan did? Daring Russia to do something. Well, now the world has a new wacko with an attitude problem and his finger on a button.

“Patriot: the person who can holler the loudest without knowing what he is hollering about.”
Mark Twain

I have a solution.
Neuter them! That's right. You heard me. Snip off their chicken shit nuggets and lets see how eager they are to start another war. The war mongers never seem to be in any real danger anyway, do they? It's the rest of us who are just trying to live our lives that become pawns in their game of Stratego. How did the majority of humanity become so powerless in the face of a few, cowardly bullies?
They keep us divided, that's why. Religion, race, ethnicity, culture, age, economics. I could go on but you get the point.
Boil us down to our simplest desires and we all want to live, be happy and safe. This shouldn't come into conflict with anyone elses desire for the same thing. Should it? Play nice children.
But no, there are always those who can't be happy unless they have everything and/or everyone else is miserable. These are the people who seek power, money and fame so they can be at the top of the food chain. The rest of us, sane people don't want that crap. Too much trouble and work. I want to play, have fun and make friends. Don't you?
http://iamrevolting.org/
Yes, it's a Jesus based organization but like all good messengers, Jesus said we should be nice to each other. So no complaints from my Wiccan, Buddhist, Druid, Hindu and other non-Christian friends. Play nice or no cookie.
I just finished a book by Dalai Lama Ethics for the New Millennium. It was a bit wordy but then, he was trying NOT to interject his religious beliefs into it as well as trying to explain Tibetan terms that do not translate well into English. No easy task, I'm sure.
Most religions seem to get lost in their rules and regulations and loose sight of their founding principles. Basically, be compassionate and mindful.
http://aeu.org/
Just another group trying to be good humans. We are all HUMANS. Lets start acting like it and see beyond our differences. Please, please.

“I think that people want peace so much that one of these days government had better get out of their way and let them have it.”
Dwight Eisenhower

Alright, lets get a little light hearted here. I'm becoming hopeless and that's not an option now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ-wRci8JhU

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.”
Dr. Seuss

And just because it makes me laugh.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JJcJIiQq2A