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a late night caller

She had married for the first time in her forties to a man she loved. He died when she was in her fifties. She had lived in the same town, a small, quiet New England town, all her life. The job she’d had for so long no longer satisfied her.

Late one night when heavy rains pounded at her house she found herself in a deep state of unhappiness. She’d been sitting with her unhappiness for some time unable to shake it or to even think of her next step when suddenly a name popped into her mind. She’d gotten the name from someone awhile ago, but never followed up on a call. The name belonged to a highly-recommended counselor. As if in a trance she looked for the number and found herself making a phone call. Had she been in her usual state, and had put more thought into making the call, it never would have happened since it was past midnight. Luckily she wasn’t in her usual state. Althought it was late the woman answered her phone and agreed to see the caller. It would be another hour or so for the caller to get to the counselor’s house since she lived in another city. It was all right the counselor had said. “Come.”

They met on that stormy night and the caller’s life was forever changed. This is all she told me when I first met her in New Mexico. I’ve no idea what was said in the wee hours of that stormy morning. I think she has no desire to relive that part of her life, but whatever it was it was like a healing pill for the unhappy caller. From the east coast to the west coast the caller traveled. An interesting step since she’d never traveled any where except in her own home state before this time. At the time I was fortunate enough to meet the caller she had gotten her college and master’s degrees and went from pastoral training right into the ministry. Of course, it wasn’t an easy road. Did she mind? It doesn’t seem that way. And I don’t think she knows what the word unhappy means anymore.

I marvel at what was set in motion because a compassionate counselor answered a phone call late one night and said, “come.”

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healing

What is cancer all about? I’ve been closely following the journey of discovery with a special person who was told she has cancer. Is it a “psychological disease” as a friend recently said after spending weeks researching, studying treatments and speaking to people. And what exactly does “psychological disease” imply?

There’s so much information about cancer. When the research began, we knew nothing about cancer treatments, or about the disease. And discovered that at times oncologists are not in agreement with other oncologists regarding treatment, and people”s experiences with the same type of cancer are different. That can be a good thing because you begin to feel that you don’t need to box yourself in if you have different ideas about treatments. What would happen if my friend would let go and allow herself to be utterly free – nothing – no thing holding her, restricting her in any way, free to choose.

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the master cleanser

If you’re one of those people who feel timid when anyone talks about the human body, particularly about detoxifying it, you probably won’t want to read this. Before you click off though, remember we’re all in this together; we basically have the same system, and if yours needs an overhaul, you might want to stay with me for just a bit. I’ve known about the Master Cleanser for awhile. I began reading books on how to detoxify the body, dipped into colonics when I took a course in Florida, and into detoxifying at OHI in the San Diego area. And the little book, The Master Cleanser, stayed steadily on my shelf waiting for the right moment when it would have its chance to be recognized.

Now I’m remembering that little book. Let’s imagine spending from ten to forty (yes, 40, if that’s what you want) days on a simple program that will leave you with a clearer mind, more energy, aches and pains gone, and an overall feeling of exhileration upon completion. Yes, I’ve heard about the extraordinary benefits of The Master Cleanser, and still it remains just that – hearing about it. That’s not good enough anymore. If you’re still with me, you’ll need your little book, The Master Cleanser, and you’ll want to read it carefully. Then you’ll need a big supply of organic lemons, cayenne pepper, grade B maple syrup and filtered water. www.optimumhealth.org
www.mastercleanser.com

Are you in?

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brother sun sister moon

I have a quest; I’m not exactly sure what it is. But I feel it’s evolving-slowly. Sometimes Life’s like that. It takes its time. It’s been said that the process is a vital part of the destination, sometimes more so. That being the case, I’m looking for clues suggesting that’s what’s happening.

I saw a beautiful movie “brother sun sister moon” which had an impact on me. Why? That’s what I want to know. Why? I saw it twice. There was no hidden message; it was right up front. When a story grips you, you want to know what’s going on within. The acting, the story, the scenery, the directing by Franco Zeffirelli was superb. The story’s about St. Francis of Assisi, the son of a wealthy merchant, who decided the life his father wanted for him was not what he wanted. Many people lately are saying they long for a different way of life. So although the message is an old one, it’s still a timely one.

It seems that more and more people are talking about how busy they are, and how tired they are. It’s all true. They look busy and seem tired. What are we doing that makes us so busy? Busy because we don’t know how to stop the roller coaster we’re on? Busy because we can’t say that tiny, wonderful, valuable-to-our-sanity little word,-no? Busy because we’re afraid to be alone? Busy because we need more money to buy more stuff? To be busy and tired most of the time is draining, and leaves people around us depleted too. Of course to be happily busy is an entirely different matter. And all the more power to us when we get up in the morning with a song in our heart because we love what we’re doing, and are bringing good energy to ourselves and our world. This quest of mine-could it be to create a happier, simpler way of life?

“If you want to live life free, take your time go slowly.” – brother sun sister moon
(sing it)

“If the purpose of life is this loveless toil we fill our days with then it’s not for me. There must be something better. There has to be. Man is a spirit; he has a soul, and that, that is what I want to recapture – my soul.” -brother sun sister moon

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magnesium? maybe. . .

I wasn’t looking for any information on magnesium when first it came in the form of an article in Vol.9 Issue 1 of Namaste Magazine called “The Miracle of Magnesium” written by Dr. Carolyn Dean (www.carolyndean.com). And then in “Naked Chocolate” written by David Wolfe and Shazzie. The pages of this book simply opened to the chapter on magnesium after I lifted it from the bookstore’s shelf. This twice in a short span of time means it’s time to listen. www.namastepublishing.co.uk www.carolyndean.com

Dr. Carolyn Dean states, “The only contraindications to magnesium are caused in people with outright kidney failure, bowel obstruction, Myasthenia gravis, or heart block.” She went on to write, “Magnesium deficiency triggers or causes the following conditions Anxiety and Panic attacks, Asthma, Blood clots, Bowel disease, Cystitis, Depression, Detoxification, Diabetes, Fatigue, Heart disease, Hypertension, Hypoglycemia, Insomnia, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Migraine, Masculoskeletal conditions, Nerve problems, Osteoporosis, Raynaud’s syndroms, Tooth decay, Obstetrics and Gynecology.” And she explained, in a little more detail, magnesium’s role in the the above-mentioned.

“Naked Chocolate” -so nice to read-will impress you with the amount of research that went into its writing, and, it could be, that all chocoholics will agree that the recipes are to die for. (Not that I particularly like that expression, but it works). The importance of magnesium, can’t forget about magnesium, is carefully explained in this book. www.sunfood.com

Got to do more research because this vitamin, mineral, nutrition stuff-can get complicated. And if those tablets in the bottle are not up to snuff, then not only are they worthless, they can be harmful, too.

If you want to know all about chocolate, “Naked Chocolate” is a wonderful surprise and a great way to rev up your nutrition. Don’t believe me? You’ll understand when you read it.

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our world

Sometimes I’m at a loss, for brief moments, as to what and how to think about our world. I understand that it’s a spectacular world. However, so much is happening all over at any given time, and much is said and written about it, that it’s nice to simply draw a blank some of the time, and think about absolutely nothing. Or simplify and think only of the things that are pleasing for as long as we need in order to relax enough to enjoy and appreciate the world we live in. For although there are lots of heavy-duty things going on; there are also wonderful happenings that could make our hearts sing. And unless we stop and see the good and appreciate it, most likely we’ll miss it. And that would be unfortunate.

“When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.” -Rochefoucauld, French philosopher

“Don’t hurry, don’t worry. You’re only here for a short visit.” – anonymous

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manchester, nh and a few of its neighbors

I never realized the history that is Manchester, NH until I picked up the book AMOSKEAG by Tamara K Hareven & Randolph Langenbach. In it is written that “The Amoskeag Company founded the city of Manchester and dominated it over the entire century of its existence. There was hardly a person in Manchester between 1838, when construction began, and 1936, when the mills shut down, whose life was not in some way affected by the company.” www.manchesternh.gov

Tonight I’ll read about the Manchester I knew, and about the role the Amoskeag Millyard played in the lives of the many people who lived at the time when, “it was the world’s largest textile plant, employing up to seventeen thousand workers.” I wish those red brick factories that line the Merrimack River could tell the stories of those whose lives were impacted by the founding of the Amoskeag Mills in this American city.

The Manchester of today is changing. The once short restaurant list is now much longer, and folks don’t necessarily go to Boston for things that they “need”, and new businesses are opening, companies are locating here. Highways are being expanded, and homes are being built. And these days those solid red brick buildings have new occupants. But it was only a short time ago, or so it seems, when Thursday evening on Elm Street was a time for families and friends to shop together. They’d walk up one side of the street and down the other stopping at the small stores along the way. Woolworth’s was there – it had something for everyone-even if was just sitting at the long clean counter enjoying an ice cream soda. And there was The Puritan where folks would go before, during or after shopping often for a grilled English muffin with lots of butter, or a grilled tomato and cheese sandwich, a root beer float, a sundae, or a cup of coffee – there was something very pleasing about a cup of coffee in that small white cup at The Puritan. Then it happened – almost in the blink of an eye-that Elm Street became a lonely place as people drove toward the newly-built Mall of New Hampshire. www.puritanbackroom.com/history.php

Now, after all those years of lonliness, Elm Street is looking good. And, just as with the factories, once again it’s occupied with businesses. Manchester has a phenomenal location. It’s approximately (depending on traffic) one hour from Boston, from the coast of Maine, and from the White Mountains. And The Lakes Region are never forgotten with there many beautiful big lakes and small mountains. Wonderful places, including Concord, the capital of New Hampshire, are bustling, and its many small shops near the capitol and along the main street, are thisclose to Manchester. www.lakesregion.org www.winnipesaukee.com www.concordnhchamber.com www.visitwhitemountains.com www.visitmaine.com

And one hour north of Logan International Airport in Boston, and nearer to Manchester, is a grand New England Victorian hotel called Wentworth By The Sea in New Castle. It’s a AAA Four Diamond resort and it’s also a member of Historic Hotels of America due to the fact that at the end of the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, the Treaty of Portsmouth Conference was held there. The Portsmouth Peace Treaty was the result. Wentworth By the Sea Hotel & Spa is a beautiful place to be. If wending your way by car, be sure to stop at a good eating establishment for a delicious seafood meal.
www.wentworth.com/seacoast-nh

Have fun!

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the little girl

Often in life important decisions have to be made. I knew a little girl who was born with a gift of knowing. She didn’t hesitate when making decisions, and since a confidence and a knowing always preceeded her decision making, she was trusted in those matters because the gift she had was felt and accepted.

Time passed and the little girl became a beautiful woman, and the gift she possessed was forgotten by her as she struggled to make decisions in the world. Perhaps she thought making important decisions as an adult required a different approach. Perhaps she got caught up in believing that certain things like making important decisions actually require struggle. She changed and I watched her worry about what was right and what was wrong, longed for her to rediscover the gift she once had and used so easily. She was a child who so simply tapped into what her heart told her, before she became a learned adult trying to figure out all the thoughts in her head. Those thoughts that never seem to stop. Those thoughts-are they right or are they wrong? Who knows? The heart of a little girl once knew. Surely the gift is still there waiting to to be trusted and used once again.

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an utterly simple day

At times life seems complicated. At other times it’s utterly simple. Today was one of those utterly simple days. Let me explain.
In a Manhattan taxi on the way to the corner of Canal and Bowery Streets to get the 11:00 am Fung Wah bus, I reach for the bottle of just purchased Perfect water. It wasn’t until after its opening that I realize a very easy twist released the cap, and there was no seal to remove. I place it back in the bag as the conversation with the taxi driver continues. We’re in agreement that the city has changed, and that Saturdays are not as busy as other days. That’s not to say that Saturdays are not busy-just not as. Soon we reach the Fung Wah bus area. I pay the driver and cross Canal Street, and walk to the Fung Wah store front with suitcase in hand to purchase a one-way ticket to Boston for $15. The day is humid and passengers have boarded the bus with bottled water. No time to buy water; the bus is ready to leave. www.fungwah.com

In Connecticut I think about the water still in its bag. Suddenly a vision floods my mind. I take a sip from my bottle of Perfect water bought with a loose cap. I clutch my throat, only the whites of my eyes show. My body falls forward with an impact-dead. Monkey mind is working overtime it seems. What is the possibility someone tampered with that bottled water with the loose cap? I ask myself.

There’s suddenly a wonderful smell in the bus. A favorite Chinese food? Maybe. French fries from you-know-where has the same affect when you’re enclosed in a place for a time and someone opens a bag of them. Back to the important matter at hand, drink or not drink the bottled water with the loose cap? That is the question. We’re now at McDonald’s in Connecticut “for 10 minutes” our courteous bus driver announces as we line up to leave the bus. I get off with the others and walk around. I’m back on the bus after 10 minutes, and as I slip into my seat I notice a book, FAST FOOD NATION, on the seat in back of mine. I’d have felt a pang of guilt had I returned with a bag of fast-food. I smile when noticing that the reader of the book is also empty-handed.

Traffic is a bit heavy. It’s okay. We’re a neat group on the bus; it feels happy. Traveling alone allows for listening to parts of conversations. Sometimes you learn something. Not this time as a group of Chinese people are directly in front of me, and I entertain no thought of ever being able to understand the Chinese language. Back to my iPod listening to Christmas music. The songs haven’t been changed since December. I hesitate to return a message on my cell phone, not wanting to be the third person with the loud voice calling everyone on the bus to attention.

Have you eaten Goji berries? They’re supposed to give energy. I brought them along for that purpose. Next trip I’ll check the cap on the bottled water and bring more than Goji berries. I spot a motorcyclist without a helmut. I guess it’s his choice. He looks carefree-red bandana around his forehead, chocolate-colored tank top, jeans. A peaceful, totally content with life expression on his face. www.sunfood.com

Drink or not drink the bottled water with the loose cap? That is the question.

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sebastian

Pupul Jayakar wrote in her book, J. Krishnamurti A Biography, that as the time of Krishnamurti’s birth approached, his mother prepared the room, sang Teluga songs to her husband in her melodious voice, and rested on a mat. . . . ” And that “For eleven days of the prescribed period, the baby rested in an atmosphere that recreated the ambiance of the womb. He lay in semidarkness gently rocked in a cloth cradle next to his mother as in all Orthodox Hindu births. Krishnamurti’s entry into the dazzling light of the sun and the world was gradual.” www.jkrishnamurti.org

Sebastian, my grandson, entered the world on 25 May 2006. The delivery room at the hospital where he was born contained a happy staff. Ah, so important. There was a lot of merriment at the time of his birth, and Sebastian’s parents, Alicia and Michael, were alert, helpful and laughing, and the doctor was compassionate and encouraging throughout the delivery process. I’m sure that the little one felt joy in the room at the moment of his entrance. It seems a very kind way of starting life. Just as Krishnamurti’s mother prepared for his birth, Sebastian’s parents prepared in their own loving way for him.

Imagine that-you’ve finally arrived dear Sebastian! It’s an absolute delight to have you with us. May your life have-among other things-love, joy, compassion, understanding, beauty, harmony, success and abundance (in whatever those two words mean to you).

Welcome, Sebastian, to this fascinating world.