I just read fellow Zaadster Gwen wonderful interview with Fleet Maull, a zen priest who spent 14 years in prison for his peace activism. If anyone has Buddha eyes, Fleet does.He also has just published a new book which contains essays he wrote while in prison. It is called Dharma in Hell: The Prison Writings of Fleet Maull Thanks Gwen, for an inspirational interview. Check out Gwen's site for more Zaadster interviews. Right now I am just leaving the link to the interview.But I will write more later. Here's the link. I don't know how to do the text only link thing yet. Sorry. http://gwen.zaadz.com/blog/2006/10/interview_with_fleet_maull_it_is_possible_to_change_our_world Peace, Elena

This coming weekend The Conversations With God film is previewing in some areas. I have always enjoyed the books written by Neale Donald Walsch, and look forward to catching this film at some point. Unfortunately, I am in a small town in upstate NY where films like this rarely preview and the nearest town it will be showing is over an hour away. But for those of you who may find yourselves close to a preview site, perhaps you'd like to see it. You can find out here if there will be a showing near you. http://www.spiritualcinemanetwork.com/ Namaste, Elena

Well, these days I have been grateful for the inspiration that the Cyber community offers me. For the last year I have been living far away from my dearest friends which has been challenging at times. I have been fortunate to feel connected to a few generous souls at Zaadz, as well as just to be able to feel the slender electro-threads of cyber community simply by reading many people's blogs here and checking in with various and sundry sweet pods.I thank all of the Zaadz community for being my family away from home and for all the wonderful energy that so many of you put into your blogs/pods/etc! Thank you, thank you! I don't seem to have as much time as some of my favorite bloggers do to write more creative, uplifting offerings. But I hope all of you will receive the appreciation I have for your supportive and uplifting presence here. I am seeking to transform the thoughts that lead me to fear. Today. I was visiting the Power of My Way website and I saw a beautiful video/audio clip that was so healing to listen to and watch. I realize that change comes most lastingly from a place of self-acceptance and when we are loving what is and while allowing the change to occur from a place of self-love. So good-bye inner critic, and hello to the inner lover. Go gently into the wonderful world! If you would like to see the uplifting snippet check out the website below: http://www.meditationmovie.com/ Blessings to you, may your heart be a light as a bird and open as a flower! Elena

I know many Zaadsters are familiar with Byron Katie's brilliant therapeutic process called "The Work', as well as her book "Loving What Is: 4 Questions That Can Change Your Life" Today, Jeremiah's (zaadzster extraordinaire) words reminded me of the healing potential of loving what is via asking the 4 questions (below) and then turning them around. It is a way to own our projections and to create a more loving reality than the one that is based on our subjectivity. A succint review found on Amazon explains; Remember the phrase "question authority"? Loving What Is is a workbook on questioning authority--but in this case, what is in question is the authority of our own fundamental beliefs about our relationships. Known simply as "The Work," Byron Katie's methods are clean and straightforward. The basis is a series of four questions addressed to your own lists of written assumptions. Whether you're angry with your boss, frustrated with your teen's behavior, or appalled at the state of the world's environment, Katie suggests you write down your most honest thoughts on the matter, and then begin the examination. Starting with, "Is it true?" and continuing with explorations of "Who would you be without that thought?" this method allows you to get through unhelpful preconceptions and find peace. An integral part of the process is "turning the thought around," and at first this can seem like you're simply blaming yourself for everything. Push a little harder, and you'll find a very responsible acceptance of reality, beyond questions of fault and blame. The book is filled with examples of folks applying The Work to a variety of life situations, and reading other's examples gets the idea across pretty clearly; chances are you'll find your own frustrations echoed on the pages a few times. Many chapters are divided into specific topics, such as couples, money, addictions, and self-judgments, with one chapter devoted to exploring the method with children. Questioning your own authority is never an easy process, but it seems well worth the potential rewards--stress-free choices, peace, and affection for those closest to you. --Jill Lightner The Work of Byron Katie Four Questions 1. Is it true? 2. Can you absolutely know that it's true? 3. How do you react when you believe that thought? 4. Who would you be without the thought? And remember to turn it around. Yes, at first it can seem difficult to challenge my own assumptions. Particularly in my family of origin ,specifically, my dear ol' (alcoholic) dad, I often make assumptions about his feelings toward me when he is verbally abusive toward me. I compound the distance between us by creating a certain story about why he criticizes me that has everything to do with my "reality" rather than what is True with a captial T. If I step back and ask the 4 questions about my feelings in regards to his behavior I realize I am freer , and so i s he, when I let go of the story and just "Love What Is" and not personalize certain things,it is easier to feel compassion for both he and I. What a gift for both of us. Gotta keep doing the work and remembering to Love What Is. Thanks, Jeremiah. Namaste, Elena

I thank a fellow Zaadster who shall remained nameless for posting this uplifting link. A song and a video to make you smile... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rezHrKzabZE&search=hold Sometimes I am human in the worst of ways Overstated, but, hey, strangely enough that is where the inspiration came today ( oh lighten up, you try too hard, her soft head said) where is the Observer in moments like these? Just be one with all and enjoy the fall when grace is just out of reach what me? Point the finger A bit abrupt, maybe even a little rude What excuse have I? Old brain action, New brain notion Mere excuse, or trial motion judge and jury deliberate Let's just skip the analysis and head for the heart A new moment is born and I am free to start this moment anew Shed worn opinions, take off thought shoes Barefoot wisdom is easier to slip into A New Morning I Rewrite my story, plan a bit of glory create some freedom from my little monkey climb out of my mind for a better view out of time Perspective is reached when I'm out on a limb not looking down at where I begin You are All with me and I am You that We are beyond us we are together souls of this rainbow feather redeemed simply by laughter and kindness, and a blindness where it is easy to forgive cuz there is no Other to blame Freedom is touched thank You so much Peace to all Minds over Matter hearts do sweetly shatter Big bang's not a theory Just an infinite party becoming One with you, you, and you, and with me Once again and with feeling a new moment is born

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." e. e. cummings

Sounds of the Season Golden leaves adorn the ground, while some still hang upon the tree Rainy whispers of winter abound, geese fly overhead as the cold they flee Their voices make a humorous sound, day and night one can hear their constant plea "toward southern breezes we are bound, where the suns rays are long upon the sea" Happy trails, winged harbingers of winter's descent May you carry upon your weary wings the verdant autumn scent of northern leaves returning to the pungent garden of earth's repose Your return in the spring fulfills the promise of all that this rich earth grows

There is a beautiful website dedicated to the poem "Interview with God" (author unknown) where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the gorgeous images in the video featuring the poem by clicking below. http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/viewmovie.html THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD I dreamed I had an interview with God. “So you would like to interview me?” God asked. “If you have the time” I said. God smiled. “My time is eternity.” “What questions do you have in mind for me?” “What surprises you most about humankind?” God answered... “That they get bored with childhood, they rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.” “That they lose their health to make money... and then lose their money to restore their health.” “That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live in neither the present nor the future.” "That they live as if they will never die, and die as though they had never lived.” God’s hand took mine and we were silent for a while. And then I asked... “As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want your children to learn?” “To learn they cannot make anyone love them. All they can do is let themselves be loved.” “To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others.” “To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.” “To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in those they love, and it can take many years to heal them.” “To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.” “To learn that there are people who love them dearly, but simply have not yet learned how to express or show their feelings.” “To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it differently.” “To learn that it is not enough that they forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves.” "Thank you for your time," I said humbly. "Is there anything else you would like your children to know?" God smiled and said, “Just know that I am here... always.” -author unknown

It's the official first snow in my little town... Unexpected, to say the least! The Corn(y) Poem Sessions: ;) continued First Snow Well it probably won't last too long, or stick fast but that's neither here nor there, for tonight the sugary snow will last Droplets of frozen rain fell straight out of the big cottony sky It caught me by surprise, as well as some geese who were flying by The first blanket of snowfall is always a bit of crystalline magic It's been so long since I've seen it's sparkle , it doesn't seem at all tragic By March and April, though, the snow will have lost all of its frosty appeal except for those who look forward to Winter with Frosty the Snowman-like zeal you know who you are! Enjoy the snow! Namaste, Elena

Autumn Symphony If colors could sing what a fiery song would be heard dancing, prancing gold, red, orange leaves in sunlight All the blending of color until my vision is blurred Oh, what a magnificent visual sonata so bright Autumn's grand finale is the season's last word a bittersweet farewell as autumn takes flight

Autumn tends to be a wistful time of year for me. I love its fiery beauty, the brilliant colors on the tree Yet, I think in another life, I must have been a goose because when I see geese flyng south, I wish I was, too Now, don't mistake me, I love the fall, it's a gorgeous time of year I just dread what follows after, 'tis the endless northern winter that I fear I know some of you will say, come on, love all seasons, winter's not so bad winter may even be shorter than ever, thanks to climate change, so don't be sad. Well, I wouldn't mind a shorter winter, though not at the ozone's cost So please forgive my lack of winter wonderment, I'll leave that to Jack Frost And if you love the winter, have fun in the snow and ice, my hat to you, I toss

I've been touched by an ❅angel❅ today. Thank you bright being, ♥Jeremiah♥ for leading me to discovering the ancient Hawaiian healing method known as .What a beautiful teaching.... Ho'oponopono resonates so deeply within me.... I have been saying "I love you , I'm sorry" I love you many times since reading about this way of uniting -becoming whole - with all Oness - I AM For more info about Ho'oponopono I have included this wonderful article from their website which can be linked below; http://hooponopono.org There's Got to Be an Easier Way with Ihaleakala Hew Len, Ph.D. & Mabel Katz, ABA, EA If your mantra has ever been, Theres got to be an easier way, then you need to check into Hooponopono. This Ancient Hawaiian belief system offers the cures for a world which has been inundated with convoluted and intellectual patterns of thought. Meeting with Ihaleakala Hew Len, Ph.D., and Mable Katz, ABA, EA, was like stepping into a peaceful oasis, right in the middle of Dennys. Dr. Ihaleakala is an educator and psychologist, who is both a practitioner and teacher of this ancient art, which he has updated for todays world. Ms. Katz is also a practitioner and has presented lectures and training worldwide with Dr. Ihaleakala. She shared some of the practical experiences in which she uses the simple tools of Hooponopono in her everyday life as an accountant, negotiator and event coordinator. Dr. Ihaleakala took my tablet of paper and showed me a blank page, he said, This is how we all come in...clear, knowing who we are, no preconceived ideas we are the number 1, which represents our wholeness. Then, the first thought of separation occurs (as he makes an x on the unblemished sheet) and we have picked up our first barnacle. We are no longer one, but have gone into division...now represent by two. Two takes us to the place of right and left; good and bad; light and dark. We have caused the blemish on our wholeness to come into being, and we can asked that it be cleared. This is where Hooponopono comes in. Hoo means cause in Hawaiian and ponopono means perfection. We have the ability to keep returning to this perfect state...the blank page, just by asking for whatever lies within us, that has caused this barnaclethis division in thoughtto come to the surface to be released. We asked for forgiveness that we have harbored this thought which has separated us from our Oneness with Spirit...and the thought barnacle disappears. Dr. Ihaleakala mentioned, that sometimes he needs to ask up to three times, for the reason behind the thought to come up for release. And, when it is released, the space is immediately filled again with that loving Oneness. Simplistic, no...Simple, yes. Ms. Katz shared from her own experiences how this idea works in action. She mentioned that after her divorce, she felt she would never be financially able to own a house again. It was a thought she carried within her. She thought she would just rent for the rest of her life. Upon finding the perfect house for rent, she was told by the landlord that he was selling the house, and she could either buy it, or move. She confronted this idea within herof not being able to buy a houseand asked for its release. She put out the idea that if this house was hers, then the financing would be made available to her. And, as sometimes happens with Spirit, at the last moment, she got a call that her loan was approved. When we are confronted with the barnacles of another, Dr. Ihaleakala said, instead of going into our judgements (which only reinforces our own division barnacle of 2...that the other is different, in turmoil, or sick) that here is where we ask to clear our own consciousness of seeing division. If we can see division in our world, and all with whom we come in contact, then it is because we are carrying division within us. As we ask to release divisive thoughts within us, our own state of Oneness returns. Division no longer has to be reflected out into our worldour world is cleared and made whole, as we clear ourselves. If your children, your partner, or your friends are experiencing division within their lives, look to clear your own thinking and see how it affects those within your life. What ideas within you have drawn these reflections into your outer world? Ask for any thought which reflects this division in your own life to come forward for clearing, and ask for forgiveness for holding such a thought which is out of alignment with the principle of Oneness and Love.. Or, as one of our great prophets have told us, Love is all there is. This idea also gives an added meaning to the instructions, Love your neighbor, as you love yourself. We have always thought that we needed to do the first part, when it was the second part which needed to be experienced. How can we love another, when we have not begun to love ourselves? And Hooponopono offers us a simplenot easy, but simplemethod of loving our state of Peace and Oneness so much, that we must keep returning to it. We return to that state of Oneness by asking for anything less than oneness to be released. We affect change in our world, by affecting change within ourselves. And, there is more...but this is the basis upon which this belief, or knowing, is built. If you get a chance to experience Dr. Ihaleakala and Ms. Katz, you are in for a treat...an experience of self-love and how to maintain that love to affect change in your world and the world at large. It all comes down to knowing yourself and Hooponopono offers a key to opening this inner door. Ho'oponopono Principles I operate my life and my relationships according to the following insights: 1. The physical universe is an actualization of my thoughts. 2. If my thoughts are cancerous, they create a cancerous physical reality. 3. If my thoughts are perfect, they create a physical reality brimming with LOVE. 4. I am 100% responsible for creating my physical universe the way it is. 5. I am 100% responsible for correcting the cancerous thoughts that create a diseased reality. 6. There is no such thing as out there. Everything exists as thoughts in my mind. Self Identity Ho`oponopono is about opening doors to greater understanding and deeper awareness of life and one's purpose as an individual incarnated on earth as an inhabitant of humanity. You as a soul are precious. Knowingly and unknowingly you impact all about you through thoughts, words, deeds and actions. Self Identity Ho`oponopono is a process of letting go of toxic energies within you to allow the impact of Divine thoughts, words, deeds and actions. Blessed Be !!!!

Today I discovered the truly inspiring John Healey aka "the awakened foot soldier" In a time when so many "foot soldiers" are killed/maimed/traumatized, John Healey holds a vision that he wishes to share with other returning Iraq Veterans. His vision is the creation of a healing place where veterans could come and receive the time and space necessary to recover their spiritual/mental etc health via a variety of services, both cnventional and natural therapies. In his own healing he found that Rolfing (deep muscular alignment) and Reiki were vital in helping him return to him Self, among other things. I know John isn't the only person wishing that there were better services available to those who have had their spirits altered by their tragic participation in war. May "Supporting Our Troops" lead to the providing of accessible, and caring comprehensive medical and psychological care. And may Peace prevail in our hearts and minds and on this beautiful planet. John's story is fascinating and I highly recommend listening to his experience of spiritual awakening that began while he had his finger on the trigger of a gun, pointed at three Iraqi children while he was working a for a private contractor in Iraq in 2004. As John had his finger on the trigger he had a "Near Death Experience"aka NDE, where he was shown the possible effects/outcomes of his pulling the trigger, as well as being taken back in time to a moment when he had shot someone else and he was shown how that action had spiritually effected both the child he shot and himself. He had a vison of the repercussions of his action and the domino effect it took in both his life and the child's life.. All of this happened in seconds- he was in an expanded state of conscoiusness that unlike most known NDE's, which happen when one is injured or near death. This event changed the course of John's life and he has written a book about all of this. The world talk radio link below will lead you to John's telling his own story about rising above Duality and Ego into a dimension of non-judgement and all inclusive Beingness. John's Blog http://awakenedfootsoldier.zaadz.com/ to listen to John's story http://www.worldtalkradio.com/archive.asp?aid=7205 John has just published a book about his experience called "The Awakening of a Foot Soldier". Thank you John for Being! Namaste

I have always been fascinated by people's descriptions of their NDE and OBE experiences. (Near Death & Out of Body), as well as those who are able to access different dimensions. I have never had contact with anyone who has these experiences until I met Jeremiah though my dear friend Mary's blog. Today I got a wonderful message via Morning Messages from Peggy Black, that was very encouraging about developing this ability. You can find out more about morning messages if your are so inclined at: www.MorningMessages.com Here was today's message: You are as free to travel the other realities and dimensions. It is just a matter of where you place your attention. Remember energy follows thought. The goal that is being offered is the awareness that you are not alone and that you can easily connect with the non-physical support systems. There is always an ebb and flow between the states of consciousness. This is something that everyone is dealing with right now on your planet, the bridging of two or more different levels of consciousness or the straddling of multi-realities. You are as free to travel the other realities and dimensions. It is just a matter of where you place your attention. Remember energy follows thought. So shift your thoughts and shift your feeling nature, and you will throw off your limited beliefs, and the limited net that would keep you anchored to only one reality. The important thing to remember is that constant interaction with othe rs can be a distraction to the subtle ability to alter your awareness and shift your focus to the nested dimensions in which you dwell. That is why it is valuable to meditate, walk, and allow quietness and creativity to flow. It is in those places that you gently slip into another dimension. The goal that is being offered is the awareness that you are not alone and that you can easily connect with the non-physical support systems. However, what is required of you, and anyone who seeks this connection, is to make space for it to happen.