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illicit, moises naim

When I watched the PBS documentary called ILLICIT I became increasingly saddened. And I wondered why so many people are using all kinds of methods to fill their pockets with millions and millions, at times billions, of dollars at the expense of human beings and our planet? I watched an hour’s worth of talk on money laundering, copied goods transported around the world (including medicines), killings for profit, people used as slaves with no apparent means of freeing themselves, And I thought “the truth hurts” can be applied here. Then I got really antsy as I saw all the confiscated stuff being destroyed, and began wondering about the earth with all the destroyed confiscated stuff being thrown at it. So much was going on in this PBS documentary that it started to become difficult to watch.

The documentary was based on Moises Naim’s book ILLICIT which was named “One of the Best Books of 2005” by the Washington Post. www.moisesnaim.com .

It’s been said many times that the BIG rule of life is to not violate ourselves or others. And though some think that lining their pockets with money gotten by illicit means is okay, it would seem that the Intelligence of the Universe will one day catch up with them. It’s amazing that some think the whole purpose of life is to satisfy their needs with ludicrous amounts of consumption. If they were to look around and see the earth and its beauty, and the way the Energy that created and guides it does so in harmony, tranquility, peace, joy, and if they were to go off by themselves for a time, and recapture the other part of themselves, maybe they’d understand that “conspicuous consumption” is a substandard way of living, and one day they just might have to pay the piper.

The simple truth is that more and more is not the answer. If our hearts are empty, and we don’t allow the beauty of the world, and its people to enter, then no amount of stuff will help.

It’s true that, on a small scale, many of us are guilty of using, or purchasing, copied goods. We think it’s only a small offense, or, it’s so easy, we don’t think about it at all. But . . . “One illicit . . . transaction always leads to another.” -Burke

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cities and a sky

City people often want more of nature in their daily lives – trees, valleys, a sea, hills, a mountain, sand, a river, fields, stars (which are often hidden from view by bright city lights). This longing for nature seems natural. Some city people get away “to the country” whenever they can. Others can’t. There are trees in the parks of cities, and beautiful flowers planted in the middle of wide streets. A small piece of nature shared by many.

It’s with this in mind that a sudden realization came my way – the sky is always there and can keep us from longing for what we don’t have at the moment. If we would keep our eyes on the vastness above as we walk, we’d have what’s needed on a daily basis. When we’re in the city the sky has the ability to pull us away from the concrete surrounding us. All we need do is look into the distance and keep our eyes straight ahead, and there we are connected to nature until we’re able to go “to the country” and be with as much nature as our hearts desire. I do that, and it feels good.

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john perkins, psychonavigation

Last November 2007 I bought a book at Robin’s Bookstore, the oldest independent bookstore in Philadelphia. Something coerced me into picking it up and perusing it. I had another book in hand, but found myself purchasing and walking out with THE WORLD IS AS YOU DREAM IT Teachings from the Amazon and Andes, by New York Times bestselling author of CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN, John Perkins. I cried as I read many of the passages, and cried even more when I read the Epilogue. If you were to read this book I think you would understand.

In an interview On Spiritual Travel, Shamanism, and Consciousness, with Dennis Hughes, Share Guide Publisher, is written: “John Perkins spent three years in the Peace Corps in Ecuador and then became a consultant to the United Nations and World Bank, then a businessman in my own right. . . .” The interviewer asked him to give a definition of shamanism, he said his favorite short definition is:

“A shaman is a man or woman who journeys to other worlds in order to obtain power, wisdom and energy from those worlds to affect change in this world. When we talk about other worlds, we can use terms like the unconscious or the subconscious – there are a lot of different terms that can be used.”

At the end of the interview he said:

“The shamans like to tell us that Mother Earth isn’t in danger, this idea of needing to save the planet is ridiculous. That human beings aren’t going to destroy the planet. But the planet may just shake us all off like a bunch of fleas. She’s giving us a lot of warnings right now. El Nino as a message is a great gift. Climate change, the fires that have swept through the Indonesian rainforest, the drought which for the first time ever has hit the Amazon, are all amazing warnings. Receding glaciers. . . and so she’s giving us a message and this is a very exciting time for human beings to live in and to react. Because we don’t want to be shaken off. Yet it really doesn’t matter a whole lot if we do get shaken off, for we know that everything shapeshifts. We never die, we never leave. Einsteinian science confirms that matter and enery never leave they just change – they shapeshift. But since we’re getting these messages from the earth, it’s an incredibly wonderful opportunity to be able to respond to the challenge.”
www.shareguide.com
www.shareguide.com/Perkins.html

John Perkins’s organization Dream Change Coalition leads trips to the Highlands of Ecuador to work with the Shuar and Quechua and he gives workshops in the USA and in Europe. On the back cover of the book is written:

…Now these shamans are turning their wisdom and power to the problem of curing a new kind of illness-that created by the industrial world’s dream of dominating and exploiting nature.
John Perkins tells the story of these remarkable shamans and of the U.S. medical doctors, psychologists, and scientists who have gone with him to learn the techniques of dream change. These shamanic teachings have sparked a revolution in modern concepts about healing, the subconscious, and the powers each of us has to alter individual and communal reality.

John has used the knowledge he gained from master shamans, around the world in his successful career as a management consultant, president of a US energy company, and as founder of the Dream Change Coalition, an organization that inspires executives to clean up pollution, reshape corporate goals, and form Earth-honoring partnerships with indigenous cultures. www.dreamchange.org
www.johnperkins.org

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a cough

My friend has a cough, a dry, unrelenting kind of cough. It’s the kind of cough that leaves her feeling okay at home, but the minute she steps outside it seems to yell for attention. I had it once for a long time years ago. I know this cough. Since then I’ve found (well, actually I didn’t find it, someone told me about it) a product that’s able to beat down a cough for once and for all, and a cold and the flu. It’s good to know that there’s a natural remedy available for anyone who needs it. I almost hesitate to pass the name along because your know what can happen. When you want it, you can’t find it. Since that’s not a nice way to be, I’ll pass it along. Besides, there’s always more than one great, natural product around. We live in a creative universe, and we’ll find it, if we need it.

Quantum Cold & Flu Formula is its name, phone number: 845-246-1344, and its email address is: info@quantumherbalproducts.com. And the brochure states that it’s, “The World’s Most Effective Herbal Concentrates,” and that “Quantum’s liquid concentrates are made by people, not machines. They are hand-crafted in small batches in an exclusive alchemic process, not mass-produced as most tinctures are.” The best way to know is from experience, not that I’m wishing a dry, unrelenting cough on you, but just in case, it’s good to know that Quantum Cold & Flu Formula is available at a health food store. And my friend with the cough? This is where we part ways. She’s off to the drug store. It’s all about choices. Isn’t that Right?

Also, to help us along, is Louise Hay’s book, “HEAL YOUR BODY.” In it she gives us the “mental equivalents” for a cold, cough and flu. www.louisehay.com

Colds Too much going on at once. Mental confusion, disorder. Small hurts. “I get three colds every winter” type of belief.

Coughs A desire to bark at the world. “See me! Listen to me!

Influenza Response to mass negativity and beliefs. Fear. Belief in statistics.

We’ve nothing to lose and maybe lots to gain from these explanations. Here’s to our health.

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sacred places

An amazing world opens to the one who reads the book SACRED PLACES How the Living Earth Seeks Our Friendship by James A. Swan. In SACRED PLACES we read about the deep connection and love the American Indians had and have for the earth, And read stories of the many ways nature has of communicating with us, and we learn that at times those who seek the earth’s ancient places have found unusual experiences that have significantly changed them. We begin to understand that the earth truly is our friend, and for us to not know this-to never give a thought to this-to not have utmost respect for it, tells a lot about us, about our civilization. When we are looking for answers, when we find ourselves depressed, when we need a friend, when those things we rely on fail us, nature is there waiting. We need to know this, and “…acknowledge guides from the various earth, air, water, fire, plant and animal kingdoms.” -Guenn Nimue. It has things to teach us that are impossible for us to imagine. And in the book are amazing stories of how the earth calls for protection to those who are listening.

Simply by reading SACRED PLACES I began to feel a greater connection to the earth. I know this is a small start, but it is a start. I also began to understand that for us to not seek what it offers is our huge loss. How does one feel close to the earth when it’s not been one’s lifestyle? I want to find out. I have to admit that when I first bought the book, I wasn’t sure why. I left it on a bookshelf for quite a few months. Then one day I began reading it. It took me awhile to be comfortable with it. But as I read it became more and more meaningful. The words ooze with power from the pages and give the reader a sense of wonderment.

“Simply be aware of the oneness of things.” -Lao Tsu

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snow

From my window I’m watching people shovel. Some are happy shovelers. Other are not enjoying it at all. In fact, there’s an argument -someone’s not doing his share of removing snow from a car. An elderly woman looking like an experienced shoveler is out also; she’s no-nonsense-just get the job done. Reminds me of my yankee upbringing.

How beautiful Central Park looks with snow. The park has its own kind of beauty all four seasons; it’s very different when covered in snow. What a great day for the park, for children and children at heart. And it’s Saturday. Kids, small and big, will slide down a little hill using cardboard, sled, or the newest contraption. It’s a delight walking around the park on a day like today. I’m not a huge fan of the cold, but this kind of a day somehow makes it okay. Ice skaters at Wollman Rink will look postcard perfect. Photographers will meander about looking for wonderful winter scenes to shoot. Horses and carriages will wend their way in the park looking lost in time. Couples holding hands will walk slowly. Memories will be made. Tourists will enjoy the wonder of it all. Central Park can do that, if you let it. A snowman or two, or more, will put a smile on your face. Maybe you’re thinking of building your own endearing one, or funny one. Have you brought a few carrots with you, and an extra hat to spare, and don’t forget the twigs, can you reach them?

There’s snow; let’s go.

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a ride along the hudson river

The river changes all the time, and when you take the Metro Hudson train from Manhattan either at 125th Street or Grand Central, you’ll see it in all its splendor. Watch as you travel; it’s a perfect winter scene. If you have to walk through all the cars to get a seat by the river, it’s worth the effort. Perhaps there’s an artist in you waiting to be discovered, and perhaps the river will uncover it. Trying to make a decision? Think only of the river’s beauty as you ride along, forget everything else. That grand river changes from stop to stop. Closer to Manhattan it flows slowly, continue on and it’s rushing, then suddenly there are large blocks of ice all askew on the Hudson’s surface. What a grand site. It leaves a lot to the rider’s imagination. Let nature work its magic on you.

Poughkeepsie is the last stop on the Hudson Line. When you get off at any one of the towns you can either take a $5.00 (usually) taxi ride to the main area, or, if you want to walk, ask someone to direct you to the main part of town, depending on the town, buses are not always around. There are times when it’s nice to stay around the river, and that depends on the design of the town. You might want to get off at Cold Spring, or Beacon for the galleries, antique shops, charming restaurants or to simply take in a new place. The trains run fairly often as you’ll see on the Hudson Line schedule. No need to rush though. If you’ve bought a ticket to one destination and want to go to another, then just get off and explore. And the bonus – you begin to shake off the stress of the big city. Feeling more relaxed yet? Notice no one is rushing? You’ve left all that behind. Ah, take a big deep breath and enjoy. Perhaps you’ll see a B&B, and who knows, you’ll decide to walk in and stay the night. No toothbrush, no toothpaste, no stress – just an exquisite feeling of freedom. www.mta.info/mnr

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pauline

Pauline called. She’s a very funny person. She’s also a great storyteller. Her humor seems endless. I don’t know why she’s a nurse and not a stand-up comedian. Although if there’s a nurse you’d want if you were a patient in a hospital, she’d be the one.

She called on a rainy, windy Saturday morning. “I love this weather.” she said. “It’s a perfect reason for staying in and enjoying staying in, instead of running around with a list of things to do.” She’s right, you know. Maybe the weather should indicate to us when it’s a perfect time to stay in. Some of us need this kind of direction. Otherwise we don’t know when to stop. Listen to what the weather is saying. It’s a small way, too, of getting closer to nature.

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the catskills

Time spent in the Catskills – so close to Manhattan, yet so far away, without newspaper, television, radio, or car is quiet time. Here it’s seven miles to the nearest town. I stay put enjoying the numerous, beautiful massive trees surrounding the house; and the woods inviting me to walk into them to explore; and the daffodils that are beginning to bloom wherever you look; and the streams of clear water gently flowing toward the Black River; and the ladybugs. The lady bugs are everywhere. During the day they’re busy. By evening they’re a shell of their former selves. “What is their life span?” I wonder to myself. It seems they’re here today and gone tomorrow.

There are old, weather-beaten wooden lawn chairs scattered around the back of the house with old worn tables to accompany them. An Adirondack chair looks comfortable in its own space with its back to the house. They beckon the onlooker with their presence. Post card pretty is what they are. They say, when seen from the kitchen window or porch, “life is real good here, find a book, bring a slice of apple pie and a cup of coffee, choose a chair and sit a spell.”

On the land is a well-designed grill made of stone. It’s very old. Actually, it’s a bit regal looking to me. It seems to sense that it fits in nicely with the land. It was probably built by a former occupant of the house-perhaps the same occupant who long ago built the lovely house. The grill has three shelves built-in for placing plates, utensils and pans. It’s a fine place for grilling and gets a lot of use. I said to myself today, “It’s a fine grill for toasting marshmallows, too.” Here the nearest neighbor is not next door. That’s okay, there’s plenty of weeding to do, and you can chat with nature while walking the wheelbarrow full of weeds to the back where someday they’ll be part of a nice bon fire. It sure is a change from life in the big city. They say change is good. I believe it.

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ayahuasca

When I visited Ecuador in 2004, I stayed at a charming spa located two hours north of Quito. Big old bookcases stood in the corners of two sitting rooms, and a few large thick candles were held by wrought iron candle stands, and two large laughing Buddha statues were pure delight. Come to think of it, all the things in the two rooms were large and beautiful and inviting, and all spelled serenity. Most of the books in the old bookcases were left by travelers. I took one and brought it to a comfortable leather chair, sat back and began reading. It was about the ayahuasca plant, also called “the vine of the soul” and “the mother of the jungle” and “the teacher of teachers.” It grows in the Amazon jungle. The book was old and reading it was not easy, but I was enthralled with it.

Then a week after returning to the States I saw the words, “Mystical Healing in the Amazon” on a magazine cover. The December 2004 issue of Spirituality&Health magazine www.spiritualityhealth.com had a thoroughly-researched article about the ayahuasca vine written by Louise Danielle Palmer. She wrote that in Washington, DC she had attended a conference in indigenous healing traditions. It was there that she met Dr. Jacques Mabit, who left France in 1980 and worked for Doctors without Borders www.doctorswithoutborders.org in a small Peruvian village in the Andes. And it was there that he became acquainted with a very different way of healing people using ayahuasca and other plants. Eventually he opened a rehabilitation center in the town of Tarapoto in Peru for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction.

Ayahuasca is an amazing healing plant as the writer of the article discovered when she traveled to Peru, spoke at length with Dr. Mabit, and took part in the ceremony at his center, Takiwasi www.takiwasi.com . She said, “Ayahuasca is most often mixed with the leaf of the chacruna plant and the tea is ingested only during ceremonies led by an ayahuasquero.” Those who have studied and used it have a deep reverence for its power to heal body and mind and connect one to the divine. Ms. Palmer said that for millennia the plant was used by tribes in the Amazon basin from Colombia, and Brazil to Peru and Suriname.

Ayahuasca and other healing plants are used by those who see things differently. I like to think of this special vine as one of Life’s beautiful gifts.