The early months of 2018 served an important role in humbling me. I say that not with any sense of sorrow or regret as I reflect today, but from a state of thankfulness and appreciation. I once prayed that the fire of my karma would set itself upon me. And it did so, both in ways I had fairly predicted and in others that were unforeseen/unimaginable. In order to heal, I was forced to dig deep and realign my focus with the pure intentions that help me to best walk with purpose. I had to discover anew the breath of simplicity that allows for inner peace even when circumstances are chaotic and complicated in the world at large.

This popped up today in my Facebook memories from three years ago on April 30, 2015. I stand by it for the most part. Why not?

The power of freewill is the greatest force in all of creation. It is the primal energy from which pure consciousness takes directive. A mind that is sovereign and self-aware cannot be led astray, nor tempted by the low energy of this fallen culture.

This is why the institutions of this world seek to smash freewill by placing each person under a spell which leads them to believe that they need whatever type of snake oil any particular institution happens to be selling.

The churches sell God from the pulpit.

The governments sell utopia through socialist programs.

The schools sell the idea of education through their rote, paint-by-numbers, color inside the box, standardized test, single file line, hierarchical system.

The medical industrial death machine sells its wares through allopathic, symptom suppressing medications that never address the root cause of disease.

The military industrial complex sells the idea of freedom and protection through bombs, missiles, empire expansion, war, death, homeland security, and every other ungodly terror that the bureaucrats and politicians happen to dream up from their lofty towers.

The news media sells fear and apathy through its propaganda laced, teleprompter read, corporate messages.

It’s no wonder there is a fog of confusion hanging heavy in the numbed minds of most of the zombie populations of this world. But ignorance is no excuse, apathy is not a solid game plan, and being a sucker is not a wise life path. Thankfully, the solution is simple: Crane the neck, bow the back, and get on with the show.

There is no experience that arises in a person’s life that they are not inherently capable of working through and growing from. That is the way the universe works. It’s called Karma. Life is a constantly evolving system that cannot progress when static is disrupting the program. Apathy leads to entropy. Thus chaos is naturally created to break down a particular set of circumstances so that a higher state of order can emerge.

Those who adapt, survive. Those who don’t, perish.

Sunday provides the perfect opportunity for introspection and reflection (rest and relaxation are also appropriate). There is something about its spiritual energy that helps manifest mindfulness, though it is then dependent upon our own efforts to maintain such a state of consciousness.

Peace has returned to my spirit of late. There is grace in this world, and for that I am grateful. Now it’s time to take a walk to the park, bask in this beautiful weather, count my lucky stars (even while the sun burns bright), and do a bit of writing in the woods.

My latest poem at Dissident Voice is a reminder that nothing in life should ever be taken for granted. The moments we are blessed with are powerful, yet can often seem so fleeting. It was inspired by all the concentration and dedication my nieces put toward creating an elaborate city drawn in chalk on the driveway recently, and then how quickly a massive storm arrived to wash it all away. “Better Take a Big One” can be read here…

https://dissidentvoice.org/2018/04/better-take-a-big-one/

Good vibes and contented thoughts your way, my friends! I hope everyone’s weekend ends on a high note.

There is a time for deep introspection of the psyche in a process of internalized spring cleaning. There is also a time to simply float along the surface of shallow waters while silencing all sounds and enjoying the present moment. Finding the right balance is obviously critical. I’m always seeking to settle into and maintain connection with the sweet spot. The trick is being able to stay centered in such a space regardless of whether your eyes are open or closed. Breathing deeply helps. And laughter. You bet!

Thank you to Angie Tibbs for publishing my poem “No Such Number, No Such Zone” recently here at Dissident Voice.

Cheers to an inspired new week, my friends! Lots of steady mojo and a healthy dose of creative vibes your way.

There is nothing new under the sun (or moon or stars or street lamps shining in the suburbs of Atlanta), and there is no deeper wisdom I can summon right now on an early Sunday morning. Try as I might. Flail as I do. In vanity.

I truly believe that the kernel of life can be gleaned from this verse found in the Gospel of Thomas:

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”

Thank you to Angie Tibbs for publishing my poem “Radio Silence” at Dissident Voice this week. It’s a newer piece that can be read here…

https://dissidentvoice.org/2018/04/radio-silence/

Breathe. Deeply. Stay present in the moment. Allow whatever emotions arise throughout the day to pass through consciousness as they need. Accept reality as it is with as much peace as possible. And with love. And with faith. It’s all a necessary part of the process that will lead to growth. Time does heal. It just takes time. That’s the catch. Tricky, tricky.  

Life is karma. Each step forward is born of trust in the future. All the best, my friends. Selah

A little bit/fit of laughter is good at times (as the cycles shift). It’s a healthy remedy for almost anyone (though cynics can’t stomach such). I recommend the practice at any hour, though the odd ones are best. All patterns should be shaken and/or stirred on a regular basis. All habits should be sent to the four winds to sing and swirl.

Rain is just one point of view. Sunshine is another. But proper perspective can thrive in all environments.