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Reflections to help us avoid getting mauled in a shopping mall... These reflections developed over 2 weeks. Some of them were given to me as I awoke in the middle of the night. Others, as I was just waking up. And still another group came as I was talking with my labyrinth guide and friend Janet Rudolph about what seemed like a totally different topic. "It's ALL connected..." Meditation "Shopping" List (post sections) Stairway to Heaven CHANT I SHOP, therefore I AM (ego emere, ergo sum) The 12 Steps before the Holidays The 12 Steps...Part of a Monastic Rule for Life...and for everyone else... Before going holiday shopping...PAUSE...and ask ourselves: How Much is ENOUGH??? The 12 Steps help us recover our direction...BUT, we have to take the FIRST step... Step 1: Start close in. Take the first step. The step you don’t want to take. Seek Presence rather than Presents by letting go of what's holding us captive... Teach the children Teach the parents Poems, Prayers and Promises for Meditation Underwater On stage In the mall In West Africa In Germany Underwater in England In New Hyde Park and along Long Island's beaches "There's a Grateful Dead song for every occasion" The Center for Spiritual Imagination Stairway to Heaven CHANT Last week, in our Tittmann family text conversation, when we were discussing our Thanksgiving dinner adventures, I shared this photo of Garden City's Season 52's parfait dessert tower: When I captioned it with Led Zeppelin's classic "I'm climbing a stairway to heaven". ..my writing adventures "Led" me here... Applying "the gods help those who help themselves" ...I helped my Muse lead me to this particular video... Twice a day, I practice the Center for Spiritual Imagination's "Incarnation Method of Prayer." Each meditation session begins and concludes with a short chant. I really like this part, especially the female voices (see an example in the " In Germany" subsection of " Poems, Prayers and Promises for Meditation" near the end of the post)... So, I searched "chanting and stairway to heaven" and this video appeared at the top of the results: Gregorian - Stairway to Heaven (08:08) Here's their album art...recalls characters from Star Wars, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings: I SHOP, therefore I AM ( ego emere, ergo sum ) These words about the spirit of consumerism presented themselves to me in a 2011 article about NYC's Occupy Wall Street protests. The article also mentioned Fr. John Merz , pastor of Brooklyn's Ascension Episcopal Church . I was led to the article after a conversation with Janet Rudolph in which she mentions Fr. John. As I said at the beginning of the post, this is another example of how seemingly unrelated things showed themselves as belonging in this story… Fr. Merz was our host at November's "Center Down" gathering. Click here for info about upcoming gatherings. Thanks to artist Karen Renna for contacting me about the authorship of this slogan. Karen joins other collaborators on this post! "We're all connected!" Barbara Kruger - is the artist who brought this to public awareness. 5 Works by Barbara Kruger on Gender and Feminism [from the article] Barbara Kruger is an American conceptual artist whose career spans over 40 years. Even though most of her masterpieces were created in the 1980s and 1990s, Kruger’s art is still important and relatable in the present day. The timelessness of her works comes from the fact that she explores ever-present themes such as feminism, consumerism, and politics . Materialized in the appropriation of advertising language and pop culture imagery, Kruger’s artistic style also makes her art approachable and relevant in contemporary society. Barbara Kruger - MoMA A modern version of Rene Des CART es original... Ego Emere, Ergo Sum; (I buy, therefore I am) - Antartica The 12 Steps before the Holidays Feel free to replace "shopping" with your own issue... The 12 Steps...Part of a Monastic Rule for Life...and for everyone else... "Adopt the 12-steps as a method of conversion of life, specifically by working the steps in a small group". The Center for Spiritual Imagination includes the Steps as part of its Rule for Life for vowed members. The writer of this next piece - Kristin Vieira Coleman - is co-founder and Program Director for the Center for Spiritual Imagination. Using the 12-step process in community to engage in an ever-deepening relationship with God - Kristin Vieira Coleman - Episcopal Diocese of Long Island (Jan. 2025) In her article, Kristin mentions the two people that introduced our family to the Christian contemplative tradition and led me to investigate the Twelve Steps: Richard Rohr  - wrote "Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps" Thomas Keating  - wrote "Divine Therapy: Addiction Centering Prayer and the Twelve Steps" Personal note: In the late 70's and early 80's Eileen and I participated in local events that featured both men. One of these venues was Wisdom House in nearby Connecticut. Fr. Thomas Keating was a founding member and the spiritual guide of Contemplative Outreach.  Fr. Keating was one of the principal architects and teachers of the Christian contemplative prayer movement and, in many ways, Contemplative Outreach is a manifestation of his longtime desire to contribute to the recovery of the contemplative dimension of Christianity. ​ We were fortunate to participate in retreats and workshops with Fr. Thomas. He introduced me and my family to the practice of centering prayer meditation in August 2004 during a weekend retreat with him at Wisdom House in Litchfield, CT . Our son John was probably in the 8th grade and already practicing sitting at a master's feet. SOURCE Members of the Community of the Incarnation with Fr. Richard Rohr, author of Breathing Underwater, at the Center for Action and Contemplation. [l-r] Guesnerth Josue Perea (Director of Black Lives & Contemplation), The Rev. Adam Bucko (Co-Founder and Director), Richard Rohr , The Very Rev. Dr. Michael Sniffen  (a co-founder of the Center for Spiritual Imagination and serves concurrently as Dean of the Cathedral of the Incarnation and Dean of the Mercer School of Theology), Kristin Vieira Coleman (Co-founder / Program Director) Personal Note: In the early years of our relationship with contemplative prayer, Eileen and I were part of the Peter and Paul Catholic charismatic prayer group that met at the Bishop Molloy Retreat House (Passionist) in Jamaica, NY. A few years, it was renamed the Thomas Berry Place to honor the passion with which this Passionist labored to heal our Earth. Click here for more. In the late 1970's, several leaders in our group were sensing a call to share life more deeply as an intentional covenant community and flew to Cincinnati to meet with Fr. Richard and other members of the New Jerusalem Covenant Community (1). Eileen and I accompanied them and all of us stayed in the homes of Community members and participated in their activities. (1) Both Fr. Richard and Fr. Adam began their ministries working with youth. In the early years of our 47-year young relationship, Eileen and I also cared for youth in parishes we were part of and working on young adult retreats alongside guitar-playing Passionist Fr. Don Ware . In addition to being the chaplain of our charismatic prayer group, he also had the honor of officiating when Eileen and I tied the knot over 47 years ago. "Who knows where the time goes...?" Before going holiday shopping...PAUSE...and ask ourselves: How Much is ENOUGH??? As these reflections were unfolding, I'm so grateful that the following refrain from Kevin Griffin's song started reverberating in my mind: "Enough, enough, we got enough stuff..." Enough - Kevin Griffin (02:51) ENOUGH By Kevin Griffin, Wes Nisker   (Sung to the bass line of “The Beat Goes On” by Sonny and Cher.)   Enough, enough, we got enough stuff (repeat four times)   I got a SUV, DVD, HDTV Laptop, hip-hop, diamond-studded flip-flops Prozac, Xanax, no-carb candy snacks My cell phone ringtone’s a symphony by Beethoven   Enough, enough, we got enough stuff (repeat four times)   Video, stereo, vacation in Guantánamo Microwave, electric shave, a thousand ways to help me save Internet, virtual pets, a ninety-inch TV set Credit card, bodyguard, a hundred-acre backyard   Enough, enough, we got enough stuff (repeat four times)   WE GOT ENOUGH To sink a ship WE GOT ENOUGH To make your backbone slip WE GOT ENOUGH Don’t need anymore WE GOT ENOUGH We bought the whole store   Xbox, punk rocks, refrigerator that talks iPod, hot rod, summer house on Cape Cod Pokémon, Spiderman, drugs that make me Superman Hot tub, back rub, pet Tibetan tiger cub   Enough, enough, we got enough stuff (repeat four times) SOURCE: Inquiring Mind The 12 Steps help us recover our direction...BUT, we have to take the FIRST step... I first met Kevin Griffin via his book "One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps." I read it and did a workshop with him. To continue to get to know myself better, I also consulted books on recovery from addiction from other spiritual traditions As part of my early journey, I've spent helpful times in the rooms of recovery movements. In the early years of our marriage, I got up in the middle of the night to score some cocaine from a coworker. When I got home, Eileen gave me a choice between her and this other lifestyle. NOW, 47 years later...I made the right choice In my state of self-awareness at that time, I wasn't aware of any other addictive behaviors...(This would change as I continued my journey, learned more about myself and others became apparent...) Back then, the Malverne, NY church we were part of had a 12-Step meeting that was led by a guy with a lot of charisma. Around this time, I came upon a book on recovery from the person who had been my spiritual guide for years - Richard Rohr - "Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps.." The title is from a poem by Sr. Carol Bieleck: "Breathing Underwater." (See the video in the " Poems, Prayers and Promises for Meditation " section at the end of the post.) So...I donned my Sociology Degree from Cal State Fullerton and went to my first recovery meeting in that church's basement to see what "THEY " were like. At my first meeting, as I heard people describe what was going on in their minds...I quickly realized that I was THEM. .. ...and stayed for several years. I returned to the rooms a few years ago, when a neighbor told me that he was going to a closed A.A. meeting at the Witches Brew Coffee House at 311 Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead, a block from our home. As a service to the community, the shop provides this space from 11-12 on Thursday's, an hour before they open for the public. I was going through a rough time and benefited from the company of others who were working the Steps...FYI-they're NOT just for people in recovery. Step 1: Start close in. Take the first step. The step you don’t want to take. Start close in. Take the first step. The step you don’t want to take. David Whyte (02:43) Start close in, don’t take the second step or the third, start with the first thing close in, the step you don’t want to take. Start Close In by David Whyte (02:50) Seek Presence rather than Presents by letting go of what's holding us captive... Yusuf / Cat Stevens – On The Road To Find Out (04:08)  Teach the children Spotted this a few weeks ago as I was walking in the Presidential section of our town: Hopefully, the child has a practice to bring balance to the Force... The power of example... Teach the parents Also on one of my daily rounds through West Hempstead... Hmm...wonder if the white rabbit by the steps played a role in this acquisition? We'll have to go ask Alice or Grace. Slick, huh? In April, I did a post to celebrate Janis after "bumping into her" at the Whole Foods parking lot in Garden City. Today, I bumped into Janis Joplin at Whole Foods... If you're in a hurry, here's a one-minute add from my post that features her song. Mercedes Benz Song by Janis Joplin I'd like to do a song of great social and political import It goes like this Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends So, oh, Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? Oh Lord, won't you buy me a color TV? Dialing For Dollars is trying to find me I wait for delivery each day until three So, oh, Lord, won't you buy me a color TV? Oh, Lord, won't you buy me a night on the town? I'm counting on you Lord, please don't let me down Prove that you love me and buy the next round Oh, Lord, won't you buy me a night on the town? Everybody Oh, Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends So, oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? That's it Poems, Prayers and Promises for Meditation Underwater... Breathing Underwater by Carol Bieleck (Excerpt read by Love Ablan and crow friends) (00:59) On Stage... Unpacking "Stairway"... At its core, “Stairway to Heaven” is a mystery, a riddle set to music that has fueled decades of debate and speculation. The lyrics, written by Robert Plant , unfold like a spiritual journey, a meditation on materialism, choice, and transcendence. The “lady” at the center of the song is often seen as a symbol —perhaps of greed, or blind ambition, or even spiritual yearning. She is “sure all that glitters is gold,” a phrase that recalls Shakespeare’s warning that appearances can be deceiving. She believes she can buy her way into heaven, that wealth can unlock the ultimate truth. But can it? Or is she chasing an illusion? Click the following link for complete article. Complete Meanings Behind The Lyrics To Stairway To Heaven - Classic Rock History In the $hopping mall... Travelling Temple Chanting in Shopping Mall Rockhampton 1987 (04:12) In Senegal West Africa ... I'm including this next topic because these Senegalese nuns were mentioned during last Monday evening's first of three sessions of Center for Spiritual Imagination's course and practice in Lectio Divina . Kora and emancipation in secular and liturgical music [from the link below this text] The founders of the Keur Moussa monastery in Senegal came from Solesmes monastery in France, which since its new foundation by Dom Guéranger has distinguished itself which the tradition of Gregorian chant. In the wake of the Second Vatican Council, the Benedictine monks endeavoured to adapt the music to African conditions and introduced the Kora as a liturgical instrument. After many years of experimentation, the West African Griots’ instrument, which was played primarily by men from certain families of musicians, became, in the hands of the monks of Keur Moussa, an instrument played internationally by men and women and used for liturgical music throughout West Africa. The Mandingos’ instrument has been transformed into a chromatic scale instrument, produced in Keur Moussa and sold worldwide. From the monastery of Keur Moussa in Senegal, we will follow the musical networks, which lead us, among others, to the monasteries of Burkina Faso, Benin and France, to find answers to our research questions: the feminisation of the liturgy as a secondary effect of acculturation, the exercise of the kora and Gregorian chant by women , as well as the cooperation or competition between monks and nuns concerning the commercialisation of liturgical music. During the 2nd research phase we would like to go further in our questioning as well as explore the process of feminisation thoroughly: To what extent has the opening of the Kora playing for women by the Keur Moussa monastery also contributed to making this instrument more accessible to secular women, or conversely has the recent emergence of female Kora players in the Global North influenced nuns in Africa? Liturgical music as a place of emancipation for African nuns? (Sona Jobarteh) Woman playing the complex West African instrument called the kora - Facebook (03:48) Sona Jobarteh - Jarabi (BBC News Africa (05:36) In Ger many ... A sacred spiral... Hildegard of Bingen: Caritas abundant in Omnia - Love Aboundeth In All Things (11:11) [from the video description] Hildegard of Bingen , also known as Saint Hildegard and the Sibyl of the Rhine , was a German Benedictine abbess and polymath active as a writer, composer, philosopher, mystic, visionary, and as a medical writer and practitioner during the High Middle Ages. She is one of the best-known composers of sacred monophony, as well as the most recorded in modern history. The title of her piece called up this modern version from the Gospel of John, Paul, George and Ringo : Combining Underwater and En gl and All You Need Is Love (Remastered 2009) (03:51) Beatles In New Hyde Park and along Long Island's beaches Ray is a member of our monthly Men2Men group . He fashions Christmas creches of all sizes from driftwood he collects along Long Island beaches. Here's one he gave me: Here's a 2024 post about our group and others influenced by the men's work of Fr. Richard Rohr: Men, Join me for Road Trippin' with some helpful companions... Seeing those Nativity figures reminded me of this oldie... And on the dashboards of our cars along life's highways and byways... Billy Idol - Plastic Jesus (04:18) "There's a Grateful Dead song for every occasion" So says Steve ... in our early years, a fellow surfer and today, still a longtime friend...and a "Friend of Jerry" ... “Who Are the Wharf Rats? – Enjoying Concerts and Music Without The Drugs - SoberNation [ from the article...more at the above link] Wharf Rats are a group of concertgoers who choose to live a clean and sober lifestyle and are present at concerts to provide support and encouragement to others who live a drug-free lifestyle. Their name came from the song of the same name which was written by Jerry Garcia and lyricist Robert Hunter of the iconic jam band The Grateful Dead . The song tells the story of a wino named August West and the consequences of his decision to choose alcohol over all other things. This sub-group of music lovers first appeared at Grateful Dead shows in the early 1980’s and were comprised of AA and NA members who are afraid of divulging their status as Deadheads during Twelve-Step meetings. Members of this group could be identified by the presence of yellow balloons that were clearly visible overhead, and during intermissions would hold (and still hold) Twelve-Step type meetings. While the group is comprised of those who are in recovery, they are not affiliated with formal Twelve-Step groups ; instead, they see themselves as a group which can provide information and support in an environment which is hostile to those in recovery. Let's hear his tale as visually crafted by a favorite chronicler if Grateful Dead stories... He ends this "tragedy" where we begin...at the wharf... Grateful Dead Wharf Rat Boston Music Hall 12-02-1973 (10:43) The Center for Spiritual Imagination As I spend time with these folks, I'm seeing that we share some similar "watering holes" and have been influenced by some of the same teachers and guides - such as Richard Rohr and Thomas Keating. Website Weekly Meditation and Contemplative Prayer Mondays 6:30pm to 7:00pm ET Each week, we practice making conscious contact with God by showing up as we are, gathering all of our fears, anxieties, and life circumstances that need special care, and simply bringing them to God. Our time together includes a guided meditation based on an ancient monastic prayer practice, time for intercession, silence, and beautiful ancient chants. To join us online: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/s/ 89109075281 Meeting ID: 891 0907 5281 SOURCE Two of my posts: Re: Incarnation...in Garden City: I'm hanging around to learn old things in new ways...(October 2025) inSPIREd April Lunar See at Historic Garden City Cathedral: MOON as Sacred Mirror (April 2025) #music #humor #ShoppingMall #JanetRudolph #CathedralOfTheIncarnation #Gregorian #chant #FrJohnMerz #KarenRenna #CenterDown #StairwayToHeaven #12Steps #TwelveSteps #ThomasKeating #GuesnerthJosuePerea # RevAdamBucko # VeryRevDrMichaelSniffe n #KristinVieiraColeman #ThomasBerry #KevinGriffin #Buddhism #LedZeppelin #CarolBieleck #DavidWhyte #Rumi #InayatKhan #MercedesBenz #YusufCatStevens #Beatles # SonaJobarte h #Senegal #WestAfrica #kora # HildegardOfBingen #Men2Men #Ray #BillyIdol

My expectation is that what follows will help us appreciate other ways to experience the reality that "G-d as we understand G-d" ( AA's Step 3 ) is all around us. This broader awareness can be helped as we receive and learn new ways to see...new ways for Lover and Beloved to be in relationship with one another. I begin by introducing some of the people and organizations that have and are still helping me discover and practice expanding way of experiencing the spiritual realms. Fr. Adam Bucko and the Center for Spiritual Imagination First: Lectio Divina: Online Mondays Dec. 1, 8, 15 I'm signed up for this online offering from the Center for Spiritual Imagination ... Join me...Learn how to practice seeing with our inner eyes... Each week, our New Monastic Community  will lead a teaching on Lectio Divina , followed by an interactive practice.  Week 1: The history of Lectio Divina Week 2: Variations on Lectio: Visio Divina, Musica Divina, Somnium Divina Week 3: How to start a personal practice Click here for information and to register. [ from the "About" page on his site - refer to the page for additional links] Father Adam Bucko has been a committed voice in the movement for the renewal of Christian Contemplative Spirituality and the growing New Monastic movement . He has taught engaged contemplative spirituality in Europe and the United States, and has authored Let Your Heartbreak be Your Guide: Lessons in Engaged Contemplation  and co-authored Occupy Spirituality: A Radical Vision for a New Generation,  and The New Monasticism: An Interspiritual Manifesto for Contemplative Living. Committed to an integration of contemplation and just practice , he co-founded an award-winning non-profit, the Reciprocity Foundation , where he spent 15 years working with homeless youth living on the streets of New York City, providing spiritual care, developing programs to end youth homelessness, and articulating a vision for spiritual mentoring in a post-religious world. He currently serves as a director of  The Center for Spiritual Imagination at the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, New York , and is a member of “The Community of the Incarnation,” a ‘new monastic’ community dedicated to democratizing the gifts of monastic spirituality and teaching contemplative spirituality, in the context of hearing and responding to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth. Adam lives in New York with his wife, Kaira Jewel Lingo , a Buddhist teacher and former nun in the community of Thich Nhat Hanh . Together they lead The Buddhist-Christian Community for Meditation and Action. Fr. Richard Rohr and the Center for Action and Contemplation [ from the CAC faculty page - refer to the page for links ] Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher, Father Richard Rohr bears witness to the deep wisdom of Christian mysticism and traditions of action and contemplation. Founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation , Father Richard teaches how God’s grace guides us to our birthright as beings made of Divine Love. He is the author of numerous books, including  The Universal Christ ,  The Wisdom Pattern , Just This , and Falling Upward . A Personal Note: Since the early 1970's Eileen and I have benefited from Richard's approach to the spiritual journey. Our son John's journey has also been aided. Also, on the second Saturday of each month, I meet with other men whose lives have been helped by Fr. Richard and the Center. Call me if you're interested or check out this 2024 post. Mirabai Starr endorses and is endorsed by both of the above organizations. She serves as a guest faculty member for The Living School of the Center for Action and Contemplation and teaches at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur . [ from her website ] Award-winning author, contemporary translator of sacred literature, international speaker, and world-renowned teacher of contemplative practice and inter-spiritual dialog. A certified bereavement counselor, Mirabai helps mourners harness the transformational power of loss. Her book, WILD MERCY: Living the Fierce & Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics , continues to sell widely and has been translated into multiple languages. Fr. Thomas Keating and Contemplative Outreach [Following are highlights from his bio on the Contemplative Outreach website ] Fr. Thomas Keating was a founding member and the spiritual guide of Contemplative Outreach .  Fr. Keating was one of the principal architects and teachers of the Christian contemplative prayer movement and, in many ways, Contemplative Outreach is a manifestation of his longtime desire to contribute to the recovery of the contemplative dimension of Christianity. Fr. Keating’s interest in contemplative prayer began during his freshman year at Yale University in 1940 when he became aware of the Church’s history and of the writings of Christian mystics. Prompted by these studies and time spent in prayer and meditation, he experienced a profound realization that, on a spiritual level, the Scriptures call people to a personal relationship with God. During Fr. Keating’s term as abbot at St. Joseph’s and in response to the reforms of Vatican II, he invited teachers from the East to the monastery . As a result of this exposure to Eastern spiritual traditions, Fr. Keating and several of the monks at St. Joseph’s were led to develop the modern form of Christian contemplative prayer called Centering Prayer . Fr. Keating was an internationally renowned theologian and an accomplished author. He traveled the world to speak with laypeople and communities about contemplative Christian practices and the psychology of the spiritual journey , which is the subject of his  Spiritual Journey  video and DVD series. Since the reforms of Vatican II, Fr. Keating was a core participant in and supporter of interreligious dialogue . He helped found the Snowmass Interreligious Conference , which had its first meeting in the fall of 1983 and continued meeting annually. Fr. Keating also was a past president of the Temple of Understanding and of the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue . Perhaps the biggest testament to Fr. Keating’s dedication to reviving Christian contemplative practices was his choice to live a busy, public life instead of the quiet, monastic life for which he entered the monastery. Fr. Keating’s life was lived in the service of sharing the gifts God gave him with others. ---->>>Eileen and I were very fortunate to have been in the company of both Fr. Richard and Fr. Thomas when they were in Connecticut or locally at the Tilles Center. Father-Son Pilgrimage Seeing the hot air balloons in the "On Top of the World" Imagine Dragons video (see next link) recalled our father-son pilgrimage in the Summer of 2016  that included a visit to Richard Rohr's Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque for their annual Conspire Conference. Richard shown signing a book for John: More here in a 2024 post celebrating his birthday: John Tittmann: On the Road of Healing: China & Tibet Endorsements for the Center for Spiritual Imagination More endorsements here “Adam blows open the gates of my heart, as he has done since I first met him when he was a young contemplative serving homeless youth on the streets of New York City. The deeper he walks into the holy and broken landscape of the human condition, the more graciously service melds with prayer.”— Mirabai Starr , author,  God of Love  and  Wild Mercy  “I am deeply inspired by these words from Adam Bucko, a contemplative priest, mentor, and friend to the poor. He is a trustworthy guide to discovering a spiritual life for our century and living in service of compassion and justice.”— Richard Rohr, author,  Universal Christ Visio Divina Do you want to go deeper in prayer? Do you appreciate art but aren’t sure how it can benefit your spiritual life? If so, you should consider trying visio divina ! Similar to lectio divina , the practice of praying with Scripture, visio divina  uses sacred art and images to facilitate a meditative and powerful prayer experience. [ Source: next link] What Is Visio Divina? Translated from Latin, visio divina  means “divine seeing.” It’s the practice of praying with a sacred image or work of art. By incorporating art into prayer, visio divina  invites us to bring our sense of sight as well as our imagination into our relationship with God . Visio divina thus takes on an incarnational nature, affirming the goodness of how we visually encounter the world and inviting us to a similar encounter in the spiritual life. [ Source: next link ] Here's one from this article that "bears" out the messages on my "Grateful Dad" tee shirts. FYI - Bears are a sacred animal in the Grateful Dead's iconography. During our times of divine seeing, as we contemplate each image, we allow our hearts to open to the inspiration of our inner guides...Allow questions to form...and more questions and insights to flow from the initial questions... What Is Visio Divina and How Do I Pray with It? (2024) - Catholic TV On the most recent Center for Spiritual Imagination's  weekly Monday meditation gathering (6:30-7:00 on Zoom ), our facilitator offered the following non-traditional icon of the Holy Family  for us to gaze on... -->>Let me know if you're interested and I'll send you the Zoom link. Finding G-d in the Mirror This was posted on Facebook over a video of Snatum Kau r singing "Ong Namo." When I was learning Kundalini yoga, Elena , our teacher, frequently used this mantra... Note: Just like in secular music, the lyrics can be modified...depending on the available energy and needs of the performer and audience... Source Lectio Divina: Online Mondays Dec. 1, 8, 15 I'm signed up for this online offering from the Center for Spiritual Imagination ...Join me...Learn how to practice seeing with our inner eyes... Each week, our New Monastic Community will lead a teaching on Lectio Divina , followed by an interactive practice.  Week 1: The history of Lectio Divina Week 2: Variations on Lectio: Visio Divina, Musica Divina, Somnium Divina Week 3: How to start a personal practice Click here for information and to register. "Picture yourself on a boat in a mirror..." Before we start or use any practice, let's LOOK at ourselves in a mirror and begin by asking, "WHY do I want to use it?" ...then allow this opening question to raise others... AND, when you're not sure that your Inner Knower is developed enough to make the decision, seek the counsel of someone you trust. FURTHER JOURNEYS Labyrinth Bathing...helping reveal open and stuck places in my life...   Tarot Cards: thru the lenses of Contemplative Practice, NYC Subway Cave Art & Grateful Dead #VisioDivina #LectioDivina #AA #12Steps #ContemplativePractice #FrAdamBucko #CenterForSpiritualImagination #EpiscopalCathedralOfTheIncarnation #GardenCityNY #FrRichardRohr #CenterForActionAndContemplation #MirabaiStarr #TheLivingSchoolOfTheCenterForActionAndContemplation #FrThomasKeating #ContemplativeOutreach #JohnTittmann #pilgrimmage #mirror

This is a second post introducing readers and seekers after "spiritual but not religious" frontiers to this historic Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, NY. Thanks to friend - Barbara - for passing this along. She's also a "Friend of Jerry" : ))) In the first post: inSPIREd April Lunar See at Garden City Cathedral: MOON as sacred mirror --I presented details of their upcoming series (April 11-May 4) entitled:  For events that include REGISTRATION, refer to the FULL SCHEDULE PAGE. April Full Moon is April 13 ORDER OF THIS SERVICE "FYI - tab" key returns you to the next item in the list... MY "CREEDENTIALS" - PART 1 MY "CREEDENTIALS" - PART 2 #humor #music "US AND FLOYD": PINK FLOYD PLAYS THE CATHEDRAL ART YOGA CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER MOON DANCING IN THE NAVE MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU: HUMOR WARS...YOU'LL DIE LAUGHING... LUNA WATCH PLAYLISTS EARLIER MOON LANDINGS (POSTS) INSPIRED MUSINGS... OTHER CREATIVE EPISCOPAL CHURCH EVENTS IMMIGRATION: WE'RE ALL STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND... MY "CREEDENTIALS" - PART 1 Raised Roman Catholic through 9 primary school years, 4 high school ones and 2 colleges. In the Fall of 1968, I had an epiphany/spiritual awakening (first of many) as I started my 3rd year at Iona College in New Rochelle ("graduate school" for my high school: Power Memorial Academy ). As I recall, it was precipitated by my participation in an on-campus anti-war rally. Me and a few buddies went into NYC's East Village to pick up members of a protest group known as "The FUGS." As they were speaking in front of Spellman Hall, one of the Irish Christian Brothers heckled them through a megaphone... ...Shortly after, I saw the Dean of Students and told him what he could do with his school and his religion...used my refunded student loan money, bought a VW Bus ...and in the spirit of S&G...went off to look for America... Years later, Pink Floyd wrote a song for my "exit interview"... Pink Floyd - Another Brick In The Wall (HQ) (06:00) I smiled as I saved this file as "moon-2-32"... Pink Floyd - Another Brick In The Wall, Part Two (Official Music Video) (03:18) MY "CREEDENTIALS" - PART 2 Throughout my rebellious years, I also had another "voice in my head". .. known by various names: Holy Spirit...third eye...cosmic consciousness...that guided me to deeper places...that are still manifesting themselves...as I've explored different spiritual pathways... I see myself as "a fortunate son"...See "INSPIRED MUSINGS" below for the song. As I look back at what I called my restricting time at Iona, I remembered being exposed to a small but powerful book by Anglican author J. B. Phillips that "gave me permission to go on my spiritual quests...Journeys that brought to spend time with traditions such as: The Catholic Charismatic Renewal, The Episcopal Church, the Charismatic Episcopal Church, Recovery Groups, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and, most recently, Bahai's...and also "NONES"... Along the way Eileen and I worked with various youth groups and I spent almost 30 years in the basement playing with 5-8 year old Sunday school kids. GRAND!!! Some of these pathways led me to a form of Christian contemplative prayer known as "centering prayer" and opportunities to sit with my wife Eileen in the presence of teachers like Thomas Keating and Richard Rohr . As part of his spiritual evolution, our son John started practicing... Book Overview This forty-year-old Christian classic and bestseller is a study group favorite; this book challenges readers' conventional views about God and encourages them to search for a meaningful redefinition of a higher power that is relevant to contemporary existence.   Your God is Too Small is a groundbreaking work of faith, which challenges the constraints of traditional religion. In his discussion of God, author J.B. Phillips encourages Christians to redefine their understanding of a creator without labels or earthly constraints and instead search for a meaningful concept of God. Phillips explains that the trouble facing many of us today is that we have not found a God big enough for our modern needs. In a world where our experience of life has grown in myriad directions and our mental horizons have been expanded to the point of bewilderment by world events and scientific discoveries, our ideas of God have remained largely static. This inspirational work tackles tough topics and inspires readers to reevaluate and connect more deeply with a God that is relevant to current experience and big enough to command respect and admiration. SOURCE ************************************************************************** In this second post, I'll be offering some personal Reflections...Observations... Nearly all of my writings include #music and lots feature #music ...so in this spirit... #humor Before this post blasts off, here's some collegial humor to help loosen up our funny bones: The Moon is in Whose Diocese? Did Apollo 11 mission make Orlando’s founding bishop the bishop of moon? [from the article] According to a remembrance written in 2016 by Renae Bennett, Orlando’s diocesan archivist, “During his visit, Bishop Borders mentioned to the pope that he was the ‘bishop of the moon.’ Responding to the pontiff’s perplexed reaction, Bishop Borders explained that according to the 1917 Code of Canon Law (in effect at that time), any newly discovered territory was placed under the jurisdiction of the diocese from which the expedition that discovered that territory originated. #music '"ECUSA" me while I kiss the sky..." --"Bishop" Jimi Hendrix - - FYI - "ECUSA" was a former acronym standing for: The Episcopal Church in the United States." ...more at the next link. And, YES! this spacey collection called "LUNAPRISE" includes Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon".. . How A Jimi Hendrix Song Landed On The Moon - Classic Rock Lunar Records "Us and Floyd" LI Pink Floyd Cover Band Here's Long Island's Pink Floyd tribute band "Us and Floyd" that the Cathedral has engaged... Their website Since their event on the moon is sold out, I've included a sampling of their audio and visual mastery of the material. Odds and Ends: Putting some "pink" in the band... Who is the only female vocalist to sing lead on a song by Pink Floyd? - Far Out FYI - the song is included in the above article [from the article] The search for the right candidate didn’t take too long, and the band’s studio engineer suggested they consider Clare Torry for a song that would eventually become ‘The Great Gig in the Sky’ , wailing at the song’s most climactic juncture as if she was an instrument herself. Interestingly, she had no idea whether the band were happy with her performance—she just turned up, did what she could, and then left with a small payment for her contributions and her time. REFLECTIONS...OBSERVATIONS...on Selected Events ART Considering a Bishop's residence is called a "SEE" ...and the parish includes a contemplative prayer group (info follows) ...let's imagine this next image from the Cathedral's website in this light... FYI - For over 50 years, our family has included a form of contemplative prayer known as Centering Prayer among its meditative practices... 'See' of Tranquility Massive moon sculpture brings art, science and spirituality to Garden City cathedral - news12 LONG ISLAND (01:42) Museum of the Moon - UK artist Luke Jerram. Be sure to leave time to explore his site and his work at the Cathedral... See next link: April 11–May 4, 2025 Museum of the Moon  — UK artist Luke Jerram's l arge-scale 20-ft, 3D representation of the moon — comes to the Cathedral nave this April and May. Created using detailed NASA imagery, this awe-inspiring work of art has been displayed in cathedrals, museums, and other public spaces the world-over. This will be Museum of the Moon’s first installation in a house of worship in the United States and will serve as a powerful theological and cultural focal point, bridging sacred and secular understandings of existence. At the intersection of science, art, and faith, the moon becomes our companion through the journey from Passiontide to Eastertide. The moon that reflected the sun’s pale night light on the Holy Land during Christ’s life and earthly ministry hangs over our island today, reminding us of God’s creation amid a changing world. The moon invites contemplation of humanity's relationship with our cosmic neighbors, while celebrating the Creator's majesty in natural and divine realms. We invite you to explore the schedule of events in this program and to join us as the Cathedral of the Incarnation embraces its role as the focal point for learning, contemplation, and prayer for our entire island home. YOGA A Kundalini yoga class at West Hempstead’s Echo Park introduced me to this healing practice…a practice that opened my heart and mind to the music of the East. In each class, Elena, our teacher, played a particular musician from this genre: Snatum Kaur . As I'd play her songs during my home practice, "Yogi YouTube" would offer suggestions that included similar artists. One of those was Ajeet Kau r. Kiss the Earth - La Luna Walk quietly my love Let's kiss this earth we walk upon With our steps The moon she shines In the silence of your mind Close your eyes YaYa La Luna YaYa La Luna What is the sound Of the song in your heart Listen Close Dance wildly my love Let's throw our songs into the wind And let them echo echo YaYa La Luna YaYa La Luna Medicine festival 2022 Ajeet Kiss the earth - La Luna (11:28) Yoga is Union - Integral Yoga Magazine Yoga is a Sanskrit word that comes from the root, “yuj” which means “to join together.”  Simply put, Yoga means “union.” In many ways the term Yoga is similar to the English term, “communion.” It refers to the state of union or communion with God, one’s true Self, or Higher Power. Yoga also refers to the philosophy and practices that may be undertaken in order to achieve a state of union or communion. It delineates the conditions necessary to experience inner peace and enlightenment. Two main aspects of Yoga practice focus on how to bring flexibility to the body and how to have tranquility of mind.  In the state of Yoga, the body, mind, emotions, soul are all in balance—a state of equanimity. Ajeet teaches Kundalini yoga: Wake up your Prana! Simple Kundalini with Ajeet Kaur (01:25) CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER: A PLACE FOR THOSE SEEKING AN INNER EXPERIENCE... The underground church...filled with people in recovery and those who are seeking an inner journey of spirit... Meditation Under the Moon Tuesday, April 29 7pm to 8pm Online and In Person Join us for an hour of contemplation and meditation at the Cathedral of the Incarnation's Museum of the Moon. UK artist Luke Jerram's l arge-scale 20-ft, 3D representation of the moon was created using detailed NASA imagery. This awe-inspiring work of art has been displayed in cathedrals, museums, and other public spaces the world-over. For the best experience, join us in person in Garden City, NY. We will also live stream the meditation. The experience will include prayer, walking meditation under the moon, guided meditation, ancient chants performed live, and time for silence. Led by the Center for Spiritual Imagination's cofounders. In Person: Cathedral of the Incarnation 50 Cathedral Ave Garden City, NY 11530 Join online: https://www.incarnationgc.org/worship/live/ The Center for Spiritual Imagination... ...exists to deepen and enrich human relationships with God, self and neighbor in new and ancient ways. Endorsements for the Center come from some of the folks who have played and are still playing an important role in my own growth - including: “The Center for Spiritual Imagination is  re-envisioning an inclusive and engaged spirituality for the 21st century , where the gifts of monastic spirituality are translated into a form that can be practiced in everyday life and where one’s commitment to contemplative practice leads to justice-making.”  — Richard Rohr ,  author of Universal Christ  and Founder of Center for Action and Contemplation “I am profoundly moved by the emerging work of The Center or Spiritual Imagination. We find ourselves in a time of great uncertainty in which many of the structures we have taken for granted are beginning to collapse.  The Center is a space of calm and courage, a community rising to meet the challenges of our global crisis with vast generosity  — embodying the unconditional mercy and justice Christ represents, without ever asking its members or those they so joyfully serve to adhere to any particular belief system. This is wisdom in action, the sacred pouring into the ordinary, love wildly blossoming in the most broken of spaces.” — Mirabai Starr,  bestselling author of  Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics, Caravan of No Despair: A Memoir of Loss and Transformation  and, an acclaimed translator and contemporary interpreter of the works of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. “The Center for Spiritual Imagination provides much-needed resources and supports for living the Christian contemplative life of prayer, service and community in new and meaningful ways. Our rapidly changing world desperately needs the depths of contemplative wisdom preserved and translated for those outside the cloister, including young seekers, SBNR’s (spiritual but not religious), social justice and environmental activists. The Center is an invaluable gift for those who hunger for meaning and connection." — David Frenette, author of The Path of Centering Prayer “The Center for Spiritual Imagination is serving a deep and wide need in our contemporary world, re-imagining, re-membering, and celebrating the sacred in our everyday lives.  The Center's radical hospitality offers pathways for any one to enter safely into the Spirit.  This invitation reminds us that we are both unique and interconnected. May the Center reach all who long to respond to such a call.” — Mirabai Bush,  founder and senior fellow of the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, co-author (with Ram Dass) of Compassion in Action and Walking Each Other Home , (and with Daniel Barbezat) Contemplative Practices in Higher Education. Online Weekly Meditation and Contemplative Prayer Mondays 6:30pm to 7:00pm ET Join us each week for a 30 minute practice of meditation and contemplative prayer led by our vowed New Monastic members. Click below for more info and details on how to join us online. Event Details for Weekly Meditation and Contemplative Prayer Incarnation's underground CRYPT... Cathedral of the Incarnation - The Mystery of the Crypt --This week John Ellis Kordes delves into the kidnapping of Garden City's founder. ...watch the rest of the video for the "remains" of this tale... VIDEO (05:18) The name "Crypt" calls for this tune....A tale from the crypt of the Grateful Dead ...and dig the creative stained glass medieval artwork featuring the visages of the band members...some of whom have passed on to what Pink Floyd sing about in "The Great Gig in the Sky." Cryptical Envelopment (Live at Jahrhundert Halle, Frankfurt, Germany, April 26, 1972) (36:29) Pink Floyd - The Great Gig In The Sky (Animated Promo Video) (00:33) MOON DANCING IN THE NAVE Van Morrison, George Benson, Dr John, Santana, Etta James & Tom Scott Moondance - April 1977 (07:19) MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU: HUMOR WARS...YOU'LL DIE LAUGHING...   Spaceballs (1987) | Official Trailer | MGM Studios (02:19) President Skroob, the incompetent leader of Planet Spaceball. He is a parody of Emperor Palpatine with his name "Skroob" being an anagram of "Brooks". LUNA WATCH PLAYLISTS Lunar Eclipse: See you on the dark side of the mountains of the moon (17 videos) Moondancin' (8 videos) LUNA SEE (10 videos) Luna See (20 videos) EARLIER MOON LANDINGS (POSTS) LUNA See Lunar New Year LUNA SEE Lunar Eclipse: See You on the Dark Side of the Mountains of the MOON Join Me for some LUNAR SEE that's sure to leave us HOWLIN' at the Moon INSPIRED MUSINGS... From Grateful Dead to Catholic Bishop podcast Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son (Official Music Video) (02:17) OTHER CREATIVE EPISCOPAL CHURCH EVENTS Evidence that the Grateful Dead have "mass" appeal... Gulfport Episcopal Church celebrates a Grateful Dead mass (01:47) At NYC's Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine...the world's largest Gothic cathedral...they celebrate an annual Halloween "Procession of the Ghouls." I went several times with different friends...Here, bringing some playful light amidst the darkness... All Saints Day: "Hey, tOM, what's your religion?" "I'm a FRANCISCAN!" And here, with an attitude of gratitude...I'm sportin' my Grateful gear...while holding a campaign poster for the then upcoming 2024 presidential elections Cosmic Charlie Brown & the GRATEfull Pumpkin IMMIGRATION: WE'RE ALL STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND... A friend sent this haunting video today...and it called out for a place in this post... Mojado - Ricardo Arjona e Intocable (Lyrics in English) (04:35) EPISCOPAL Diocese of LI & Cathedral of the Incarnation ministry among immigrants Immigration through the lens of faith Houses of Worship: Know Your Rights Webinar 2/13/25 - Episcopal Diocese of LI --includes downloadable PDF presentation slides Immigrant Protection & Safety Protocol Regarding Interactions with Immigration Agencies - Episcopal Diocese of LI -- includes downloadable PDF My website's name was inspired by this musical team's album name . I've enjoyed them live in NYC. Noticing the singer's "universal visa" recalled this song - one that includes references to "moonlight"..."We're all reaching for the stars in the sky"... Humaniversal - Miten & Deva Premal (03:39) [Verse 1: Miten] Ever been lonely? Ever felt out of place? Ever cried yourself to sleep at night Praying for descending grace? Ever danced alone in the moonlight? Dancing like there's nobody there The whole world lookin' on, but What do you care? [Chorus: Miten & Deva Premal] Humaniversal We're all reaching for The stars in the sky Humaniversal You and I You and I [Verse 2: Miten] Ever been to India? Seen the world from ground zero? Thirteen-year-old mother with a baby in her arms Knockin' on your taxi window Lights change And leave her standin' in the road Still her eyes come back to haunt you Wherever you go [Chorus: Miten & Deva Premal] Humaniversal We can all hear Her baby cry Humaniversal You and I [Bridge: Miten & Deva Premal] And after all It's only life We come and go In the wink of an eye We say hello We say goodbye That's all (Ah) That's all (Ah) (La la la la) (La la) [Verse 3: Miten] And what about the Dalai Lama? What about that smile? A simple monk from the roof of the world Living in exile And he can't go back And he can't go home What does that say to you and me? Speaking of love and compassion Even towards his enemy [Chorus: Miten & Deva Premal] Humaniversal (Ooh) Say a prayer for his people When you're driving home tonight Humaniversal (Ooh) Say a prayer for him When you turn out the light (Ah) Tonight (Oh, ah) [Outro: Miten] Humaniversal You and I You and I You and I #music #humor #moon #mirror#CathedralOfTheIncarnation #GardenCity #EpiscopalChurch #bishops #diocese #Apollo11 #BishopBorders #PopePaulVI #PinkFloyd #UsAndFloyd #JimiHendrix #LukeJerram #yoga #KundaliniYoga #EchoPark #SnatumKaur #AjeetKaur #ContemplativePrayer #CenterForSpiritualImagination #meditation #RichardRohr #MirabaiStarr #DavidFrenette #MirabaiBush #RamDass #VanMorrison #Spaceballs #MelBrooks #GratefulDeadMass #crypt #GratefulDead #StPetersByTheSea #CathedralOfStJohnTheDivine #ProcessionOfTheGhouls #GratefulDead #CharlieBrown #GratefulPumpkin #Franciscan #immigration #ICE #Mojado #Miten #DevaPremal #CreedenceClearwaterRevival

During my recent labyrinth bathing experience, I was introduced to the Tarot . I'm providing this post from the lens of my 50 years of contemplative practice. Because tarot cards are discouraged in many Christian circles, I looked to see if there are alternative perspectives... "Picture yourself on a boat in a mirror..." Before we investigate or use any practice, let's LOOK at ourselves in a mirror and begin by asking, "WHY do I want to use it?" ...then allow this opening question to raise others... AND, when you're not sure that your Inner Knower is developed enough to make the decision, seek the counsel of someone you trust. Brittany Muller - The Contemplative Tarot Why does tarot have, as you say in the book, a “bad reputation”? Tarot originated in Renaissance Italy as a card game for Italian nobles and had no association with the occult. It wasn’t used for divination or fortunetelling. It was just a card game. That’s where a lot of the Christian imagery comes from, because obviously Renaissance Italy was a very Catholic culture. It wasn’t until several hundred years later, during the occult revival in France in the 18th century, that tarot got picked up by occultists who fabricated a history of tarot as the key to this lost ancient wisdom from Egypt. I think that became tarot’s association for a long time, even into the present. There’s been sort of a revival of tarot just in general in the last five or 10 years, and it’s been really interesting to see the different ways people use tarot now. Even the non-Christians I know who use tarot rarely use it for any sort of divination. Most people I know who read tarot now, even people who are not Christian, use it as a tool for self-reflection. I would liken it more to therapy than fortunetelling. That’s very similar to the way that I use tarot. I liken it to Visio Divina , a contemplative prayer practice that translates to “divine seeing.” It involves praying with images — to look at an image, to insert yourself into the image, to spend time with an image in contemplation and to see if God is speaking to you in some way through the image. Source: Brittany Muller combines Christianity and the cards in 'The Contemplative Tarot' (2022) - Religion News Service This next article from the Theosophical Society is a commentary on the above book. [This is the complete article from the link below - with my added emphases.] The last few decades have seen an explosion of books on Tarot, ranging from straightforward guides to divinatory expositions to complex esoteric philosophy. One might wonder if any uncharted territory remains. However, Brittany Muller guides her readers into such a new perspective in this gentle, thoughtful, beautiful book. Muller is a Roman Catholic layperson and approaches the cards as prompts for prayer, reflection, and journaling, deeply informed by Catholic theology and spirituality. Muller provides a short reflection for each card, illustrated by the well-known Rider-Waite-Smith deck (whose creators were Christians, even if unconventional ones), preceded by a quote from the Bible or a saint, and followed by questions for pondering. These selections are pious in the best sense of that word, and suffused with a wonder-filled devotional spirit. Muller stirs her readers to inwardly enter the mysteries she is describing in an almost sermonic way. Any Christian, Catholic or otherwise, will find much value here, and esoteric students of the Tarot from non-Christian backgrounds will be enriched by a possibly unexpected perspective. Those who are familiar with traditional Tarot attributions will note Muller’s familiarity with them, but she brings her own unique theological lens to her reflections. For example, in a powerful section on the Justice card, she notes that “to be just is to love our neighbor” and that justice is a virtue “not of retribution but of generosity in all things.” Furthermore, “the paradox of Christian justice is that we do not exact sacrifices for others, but take on the sacrifices ourselves.” Words which deserve a hearing in our difficult times! To give another example, Muller takes the Wands in the Minor Arcana as representations of the Holy Spirit and the power of God. Thus she writes about the Eight of Wands: “The whole landscape is taken up by God’s terrible grace hurtling through the air, miracle crashing into the dull, cruel sameness of the world—the wands are . . . for us. The mystery is for us. A miracle breaks through, longing to be caught, and to catch it is part of our work in the world.” The book is suffused with Miller’s sense of the joyous strangeness of her religious tradition and of the mysterious yet deeply loving power of God.   The Contemplative Tarot  concludes with a section on the court cards. Noting that they represent “a wide variety of personalities,” Muller has chosen a saint which aligns with each. I was surprised at her choices, which align with the cards with a natural grace: Francis of Assisi as the Page of Pentacles, Hildegard of Bingen as Queen of Pentacles, Thérèse of Lisieux as Page of Swords. Muller should be commended for this lovely, prayerful book, which I will read again and keep on my reference shelf. I hope it will serve as a bridge between Tarot and Christian thought, stimulating further exploration from both sides. The Contemplative Tarot: A Christian Guide to the Cards - The Theosophical Society Theosophical Society website Meditations on the Tarot: A Journey into Christian Hermeticism    Note: There are several different versions available.     [from the Amazon Review ] Published for the first time with an index and Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar’s afterword, this new English publication of Meditations on the Tarot  is the landmark edition of one of the most important works of esoteric Christianity. Written anonymously and published posthumously, as was the author’s wish, the intention of this work is for the reader to find a relationship with the author in the spiritual dimensions of existence. The author wanted not to be thought of as a personality who lived from 1900 to 1973, but as a friend who is communicating with us from beyond the boundaries of ordinary life. Using the 22 major arcana of the tarot deck as a means to explore some of humanity’s most penetrating spiritual questions, Meditations on the Tarot has attracted an unprecedented range of praise from across the spiritual spectrum. From the Publisher: Additional Editorial Reviews: “This book, in my view, is the greatest contribution to date toward the rediscovery and renewal of the Christian contemplative tradition of the Fathers of the Church and the High Middle Ages.”—Trappist abbot Thomas Keating , OCSO “Meditations on the Tarot has become instrumental in my thinking….The writer – who calls himself ‘Unknown Friend’ – seems to be speaking to me directly, with endless wisdom and inspiration.” — Gerald Epstein , M.D., author of Healing Visualizations “The book begs not only to be studied cover to cover, but also to be savored, meditated upon and assimilated into one’s life.” — Richard W. Kropf , National Catholic Reporter Amazon source for all of the above Modern "Cave Art"...TAROT Art on a NYC Subway wall... This text accompanies all three images: Hilma’s Ghost, installation view of Abstract Futures , 2025, at 42 St-Grand Central Station, 2025. © Hilma’s Ghost. Photo by Etienne Frossard. Courtesy Hilma’s Ghost and SECRIST | BEACH. A 600-square-foot mural inspired by Swedish artist Hilma af Klint has been installed in the New York subway. The mosaic, commissioned by MTA Arts & Design , is the first public commission by Hilma’s Ghost , a feminist artist collective co-founded by Sharmistha Ray and Dannielle Tegeder. Titled Abstract Futures (2025) , the mosaic is located at the 42nd Street/3rd Avenue entrance to Grand Central Station, serving the 7 train on the Flushing line. Drawing from tarot iconography and the artists’ ongoing interest in spiritual symbolism, the work is presented in three segments, each depicting a stage in a symbolic commuter journey. The piece reflects on transformation and renewal through abstraction and color, connecting everyday urban life with metaphysical themes. The first segment features “The Fool,” a tarot archetype that represents risk-taking and new beginnings, expressed through a composition of reds, pinks, and oranges. The second segment, depicting “The Wheel of Fortune,” introduces earthy tones meant to convey grounding and change. The final and largest section, located near the fare array gates, includes celestial imagery such as the moon, the star, and the sun, culminating in “The World” —a tarot symbol for integration and renewal. [Links and more description at the next link] New York subway unveils artist mural inspired by Hilma af Klint (Apr. 2025) Another perspective... NYC Subway Mural Evokes Hilma af Klint’s (April 2025) POST LUDE First, here's why I chose the above modified version of the word postlude ...: Next, as is frequently my custom, I follow the advice of my friend Steve who says, "There's a Grateful Dead song for every occasion." He and I surfed together years ago - on both coasts. That said, here's my...your fortune: See, this song features words that help tell our Tarot story... "I can tell your future Look what's in your hand" --"Playing in the Band" - Grateful Dead FIRST, some background for fans... It has since become one of the best-known Grateful Dead numbers and a standard part of their repertoire. According to Deadbase X , it ranks fourth on the list of songs played most often in concert by the band with 581 performances . In the Grateful Dead's live repertoire, all songs featured musical improvisation and many featured extended instrumental solos; but certain key songs were used as starting points for serious collective musical improvisation—the entire band creating spontaneously, all at once. In this regard "Playing in the Band" was of major importance, second only to "Dark Star". During "Playing in the Band" the Grateful Dead would play the planned verses and choruses of the song itself; then they would improvise and explore brand new musical territory, sometimes for twenty minutes or more; and then the chorus would usually be reprised, to bring the song to its end. Sometimes during these extended "jams", the band would even perform other entire songs, before at last coming back around to the final chorus from "Playing in the Band". Its performance on 21 May 1974 at the Hec Edmundson Pavilion in Seattle has been cited as the longest uninterrupted performance of a single song in the Grateful Dead's history, clocking in at 46 minutes and 32 seconds. During a Bob Weir and Wolf Bros concert livestream on February 12, 2021, Weir credited David Crosby with the composition of the main riff. Weir stated, "David Crosby came up with the seminal lick... and then he left. We were out at Mickey's barn. So Mickey said, 'Make a song out of that'. Next day, I had it". WIKIPEDIA Grateful Dead - Playing In The Band (San Francisco, CA October 1974) Playing In The Band (Live at the Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY 2/21/1971) [2020 Remaster] Song by Grateful Dead Some folks trust to reason Others trust to might I don't trust to nothing But I know it come out right Say it once again now Oh I hope you understand When it's done and over Lord, a man is just a man Playing Playing in the band Daybreak Daybreak on the land Some folks look for answers Others look for fights Some folks up in treetops Just look to see the sights I can tell your future Look what's in your hand But I can't stop for nothing I'm just playing in the band Playing Playing in the band Daybreak Daybreak on the land Standing on a tower World at my command You just keep a turning While I'm playing in the band If a man among you Got no sin upon his hand Let him cast a stone at me For playing in the band Playing Playing in the band Daybreak Daybreak on the land Playing Playing in the band Daybreak Daybreak on the land Songwriters: Robert Hunter, Bob Weir, Michael Hart. For non-commercial use only. Seeing "ripple effect" in the above leads us to the next stop on our journey... "Reach out your hand if your cup be empty If your cup is full may it be again Let it be known there is a fountain That was not made by the hands of men..." Grateful Dead - Ripple (Official Music Video) (04:24) The Story of "Ripple" by the Grateful Dead (04:53) RELATED POSTS Labyrinth Bathing...helping reveal open and stuck places in my life...   Practices for Contemplative Living: Visio Divina/Lectio Divina...Praying with art & other images and text...   #music #JanetRudolph #labyrynth #Tarot #BrittanyMuller #VisioDivina #TheosophicalSociety #FrancisOfAssisi, #PageOfPentacles, #HildegardOfBingen #QueenOfPentacles, #ThérèseOfLisieux, #PageOfSwords, #NYCSubway #HilmaAFKlindt #Steve #GratefulDead #DalaiLama #LectioDivina #labyrinth #LabyrinthBathing #ContemplativeLiving #Ripple #kindness

I drafted this post as a response to a Veterans Day email I received this morning from Senator Siela Bynoe - my NYS 6th District representative. My initial thoughts were: "How about we stop making veterans - abled and disabled - by teaching peace instead of war...beginning with our children. Because women have the honor of bringing new lives into our world, women need to lead the charge to reverse the age-old "solution" of WAR as a primary means for resolving conflicts. Let's champion the role of music in bringing people together... The first two sections highlight the role music can play in helping people appreciate different cultures. The final section provides a look at the important work of the people who are part of Veterans for Peace . I encourage you to watch at least the opening 6 minutes of the Playing for Change documentary, as founder Mark Johnson talks about how he was inspired by Roger Ridley - a street musician he passed while walking in downtown Santa Monica, CA . He does this by featuring guitarist Roger Ridley performing Ben E. King's 1961 classic "Stand by Me." For those in a hurry, here's another of PFC's online versions: Stand By Me | Playing For Change | Song Around The World (05:27) "Peace Through Music" Playing for Change For years, as a member, I've supported PFC's efforts at uniting our world through music. Because of their worldwide success, they've been able to build schools in under-served parts of our shared globe so children can receive the benefits of education in the arts. For this and more, click on their website link below. Playing for Change website Playing for Change: Peace Through Music Documentary (1:21:45) Playing for Change - In Northern Ireland In 1998 after a tragic terrorist car bomb killed and injured people, a local man brought together young people from both sides and formed a choir to help begin the healing work... To hear their story refer to the Peace Through Music Documentary (24:00 to 29:45) Mideast: Arab-Jewish Orchestra To hear their story refer to the Peace Through Music Documentary (45:50 to to 52:19) Tibet/India Border Refugees To hear their story refer to the Peace Through Music Documentary (56:54 to 101:55) Peace Through Music Act/Global Music Diplomacy Initiative The Initiative was launched to enact the bipartisan Promoting Peace, Education, and Cultural Exchange (PEACE) Through Music Diplomacy Act , sponsored by Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Ted Deutch (D-FL) in the House of Representatives. [12][13][14]  A companion bill was introduced by Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in the Senate. [ 15][16]  It passed Congress and was signed into law by President Joe Biden  as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023  in December 2022. [17][18][19] The Initiative came amid calls from senior diplomats (such as Tara Sonenshine ) and think tank researchers (such as from the Atlantic Council) for the U.S. government to strategically strengthen its music diplomacy efforts, including through the implementation of new programs replicating the Cold War-era Jazz Ambassador initiative. [20][9] SOURCE Introducing the U.S. Global Music Ambassadors - U.S. Dept. of State/YouTube June 2024 (03:36) [From the video's text] The universal language of music has the power to transcend borders, ignite understanding, and foster peace. We're humbled to announce a new partnership between ‪@YouTube‬  and the U.S. State Department that aims to harness this power for good. Together, we're reviving the spirit of cultural exchange through the Global Music Diplomac y Initiative. Secretary of State Blinken plays guitar at the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative (03:56) Black & White  & Blues ...Muddy Waters "Hoochie Coochie Man"  was Waters' 10th hit and best-selling single ever. It clung near the top of the R&B charts for 13 weeks. But that didn't mean Muddy Waters made a lot of money, says Marshall Chess , whose father and uncle ran Chess Records , Waters' label. "There were not many radio stations that played black music," Chess says. "White radio was very racist at the time. There was not distribution everywhere in black neighborhoods of the big cities. There weren't many record shops. People bought their music at barber shops — sort of general store, package stores where they sold milk, beer, cigarettes and records." The Story Of 'I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man' - NPR Veterans For Peace Arlington Memorial Displays 'Arlington Memorial' displays are an ongoing project of Veterans for Peace. Arlington West  began in Santa Barbara, CA when VFP members began every week setting up crosses for each of the US military killed in the Iraq war. Their purpose is t   o remember the fallen and wounded, to provide a place to grieve, to acknowledge the human cost of war, to encourage dialogue among people with varied points of view and to educate the public about the needs of those returning from war. Arlington displays are now regularly created by VFP chapters across the country. True Costs of War: Civilian & Military Deaths - Veterans for Peace Note the irony of the "LIFEGUARD" vehicle in this next image. Huntington Beach, CA Santa Monica Beach, CA Closing Meditation Blowin' In The Wind - Bob Dylan - Lyrics - (HD scenic) (02:40) #VeteransDay #music #peace #PlayingForChange #MarkJohnson #RogerRidley #BenEKing #PeaceThroughMusicAct #GlobalMusicDiplomacyInitiative #AntonyBlinken #JazzAmbassadorInitiative #MuddyWaters #ChessRecords #VeteransForPeace #ArlingtonMemorials #BobDylan

I offer these reflections in gratitude for the time I spent immersed in my first labyrinth bathing experience on Sunday November 2 at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Bellmore, NY. There's an event flyer at the end of the post. Participants were guided through this healing time by  Janet Rudolph. To learn more about Janet, refer to the links at the end of this post. Alternative Spiritual Medicine Like I've done for many years in the world of physical medicine, I am now deepening my explorations into alternative forms of spiritual practice... In my physical journey , I've benefited from various forms of what's known as alternative and complementary medicine . I was led here when conventional medicine was not helping. My spiritual journey (it's actually one with my physical journey) has followed the same branching out. The first "alternative" I was led to many years ago was a form of Christian contemplative practice known as centering prayer . A modified form - introduced to me this year via my association with the Center for Spiritual Imagination in Garden City, NY - is still helping "still and quiet my soul" - as I sit and pause for 30 minutes twice a day and then bring the fruit of this practice into my daily life. Kundalini yoga was another physical and spiritual practice that was added. I'm especially grateful that this practiced introduced me to a new genre of sacred music. I consider my time in the recovery rooms of the 12 Steps as important tools to help me take stock of who I am and where I'm going...where am I open and where am I stuck? NOW ...as we'll see in the post that follows, some new tools for the healing journey of self-discovery are being offered to me and other students who are ready... I like the following modified version of the original quote because it describes how one of the key roles of the teacher (parent, guru, shaman, priest, rabbi, imam, stranger...) is to help students learn to recognize the voice of our inner guide, who in some circles is known as Holy Spirit or Counselor. Healing Tools... Ceremonial tools Shamanic ceremonies provide sacred spaces where healing and transformation can occur. These rituals often involve a combination of various tools, such as incense, smudging herbs (like sage or palo santo), crystals, and sacred objects. The ceremony creates a container where individuals can release limiting beliefs, traumas, and negative energies while inviting in positive intentions and healing energy . The structure and symbolism of the ceremony help align the individual with their spiritual purpose and the greater web of life. [Source with my added emphases] From the wealth of her spiritual practice experiences, Janet employs appropriate tools like those listed above, as well as a drum to help us better recognize areas where we are open or closed. She also introduced the following two tools: Chakras/Energy Centers Tarot Cards While I've had familiarity with the first, tarot cards were something new for me. The first is more widely utilized in conventional circles - both sacred and secular. Because tarot cards can be controversial, especially among Christians, I've written a separate post that presents the tarot cards as a type of Visio Divina (click above "Tarot Cards" link) - a practice that's encouraged in traditional Christian circles..and helpful for everyone. Consider it like "reading with our third eye." I plan to practice more with these and others I'm led to...to aid my journey of self-discovery... The Role of Preparation To help us prepare for our experience, Janet sent us a series of questions designed to aid our self-discovery process. These were an important part of my time and I put other things aside so I could allow her questions to probe my heart and soul . Rather than being a distraction from my current exploration of life's deeper issues, they shed new light on areas that were already under investigation...AND, they showed me new areas to give my attention to. At this place in my life, these connections are road signs that help me know that I'm following the path that's being laid out for me. Let me begin by saying that due to Janet's guidance, I felt very safe and secure throughout the afternoon. This helped me relax so I could better receive the healing energies that were available all around us. Based on the level of honest communication, I could tell that my fellow participants were experiencing similar feelings of safety. MUSIC FOR THE INNER & OUTER JOURNEYS “Darkness has its teachings…” During the time I was preparing for the labyrinth bathing experience, several lyrics about the inner journey kept coming to me. Some came from this favorite song. FYI - I first met Trevor when he played at Mulcahy's in Wantagh. In this online version, Trevor introduces the song with a story from his life that bears out why a serious illness that caused him to have to cancel concerts... "it was the perfect time to get sick." Trevor Hall - You Can't Rush Your Healing - ARISE Music Festival - August 9, 2015 (10:41) "Hello, Darkness, my old friend...I've come to talk with you again..." JANET: In response to the reflections you sent us after our time together, I offer this song - with its visual tapestry that includes fire and water…darkness and light…words and images of people sleeping - though the signs of awakening from their slumber are calling to them… The Sound of Silence Song by Simon & Garfunkel Hello darkness, my old friend I've come to talk with you again Because a vision softly creeping Left its seeds while I was sleeping And the vision that was planted in my brain Still remains within the sound of silence In restless dreams I walked alone Narrow streets of cobblestone 'Neath the halo of a street lamp I turned my collar to the cold and damp When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light That split the night and touched the sound of silence And in the naked light I saw Ten thousand people, maybe more People talking without speaking People hearing without listening People writing songs that voices never share No one dared disturb the sound of silence "Fools", said I, "You do not know Silence like a cancer grows Hear my words that I might teach you Take my arms that I might reach you" But my words, like silent raindrops, fell And echoed in the wells of silence And the people bowed and prayed To the neon God they made And the sign flashed out its warning In the words that it was forming And the sign said "The words of the prophets are Written on the subway walls, tenement halls And whispered in the sound of silence" JANET: This next video image reminded me of the JK photograph you gave us (follows). Disturbed - The Sound Of Silence (Official Music Video) (04:22) Original Flyer...Due to weather rescheduled to Nov. 2 FOOD for our Further Journeys... Tarot Cards: thru the lenses of Contemplative Practice, NYC Subway Cave Art & Grateful Dead...Nov. 2025 The Labyrinth: One of Life's Sacred Paths...Oct. 2025 Meet friend and labyrinth SME Janet Rudolph as we enter the world of labyrinths... Women's HERstory Month: SHE Speaks...April 2025 Janet Rudolph  - a friend who includes among her offerings one that I've enjoyed - guided labyrinth walks  - will be part of an April 28-29 symposium celebrating matriarchal and matrilineal spiritual traditions. I'm already registered. #music #labyrinth #LabyrinthBathing #JanetRudolph #shamanic #StFrancisEpiscopalChurchBellmoreNY #AlternativeMedicine #ComplementaryMedicine #CenterForSpiritualImagination #CenteringPrayer #KundaliniYoga #12Steps #HolySpirit #guru #shaman #imam #rabbi #priest #chakras #EnergyCenters #TarotCards #darkness #TrevorHall #Disturbed

VISITORS: I've prepared these words, images and songs for this month's Men2Men gathering in Brentwood. We meet on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 8-9:30 AM on the sacred grounds of the Sisters of Saint Joseph 1725 Brentwood Road, Brentwood, NY 11717 . We begin with a complete cafeteria breakfast. Contact me if interested. Together, we will be exploring various ways we experience "G-d"..."as we understand God"...as the Third Step of Alcoholics Anonymous presents it. Is there a "G-d"? Yes...this could be included in those BIG QUESTIONS I describe later as being "above my pay grade" ...But,as I've tried to simplify my mind, I've become comfortable with 2 "proofs" or "evidences": the amazing intricacies of my body the cosmic majesty of our universe ...these are enough for me... What is an experience of "G-d"? There are Many Ways to Experience God – Richard Rohr April 9, 2022 / Brian Legate A very little bit of God goes an awfully long way. When another’s experience of God isn’t exactly the way I would describe it, it doesn’t mean that they haven’t had an experience of God or that their experience is completely wrong. We have to remain with Francis’s prayer: “Who are you, God, and who am I?” Isn’t there at least ten percent of that person’s experience of God with which I can agree? Can’t I at least say, “I wish I could experience God in that way”? What characterizes anyone who has had just a little bit of God is that they always want more of that experience! Could it not be that this Hindu, this Sufi, this charismatic, this Jew has, in fact, touched upon the same eternal Mystery that I am seeking? Can’t we at least give one another the benefit of the doubt? I can be somewhat patient with people who think they have the truth. The problem for me is when they think they have the whole truth. The mystic probably represents the old shibboleth, “Those who really know don’t speak too quickly. Those who speak too quickly don’t really know.” +Adapted from Following the Mystics through the Narrow Gate… Seeing God in All Things (Recording). Source Expanding Our Images of God Great Mystery and Great Intimacy - Center for Action and Contemplation Friday, December 13, 2024 Richard Rohr explains how experiencing God can be both scary and alluring, and ultimately wonderful.    In his book The Idea of the Holy, scholar Rudolph Otto (1869–1937) says that when someone has an experience of the Holy, they find themselves caught up in two opposite things at the same time: the mysterium tremendum and the mysterium fascinans , or the scary mystery and the alluring mystery. [1] We both draw back and are pulled forward into a very new space.   In the mysterium tremendum , God is ultimately far, ultimately beyond—too much, too much, too much (see Isaiah 6:3). It inspires fear and drawing back. Many people never get beyond this first half of the journey. If that is the only half of holiness we experience, we experience God as dread, as the one who has all the power, and in whose presence, we are utterly powerless. Religion at this initial stage tends to become overwhelmed by a sense of sinfulness and separateness. The defining of sin and sin management becomes the very nature of religion, and clergy move in to do the job.   Simultaneously, with the experience of the Holy as beyond and too much is another sense of fascination, allurement, and seduction, a being pulled into something very good and inviting and wonderful or the mysterium fascinans . It’s a paradoxical experience. Otto says if we don’t have both, we don’t have the true or full experience of the Holy. I would agree, based on my experience.   Mysticism begins when the totally transcendent image of God starts to recede, and there’s a deepening sense of God as imminent, present, here, now, safe, and even within me. In Augustine’s words, “God is more intimate to me than I am to myself” [2] or “more me than I am myself.” St. Catherine of Genoa shouted in the streets, “My deepest me is God!” [3]   To spiritually know things on a deeper level, we must overcome this gap. Then, ironically, we’ll know that Someone Else is doing the knowing through us. God is no longer “out there.” At this point, it’s not like one has a new relationship with God; it’s like one has a whole new God! “God is my counselor, and at night my innermost being instructs me,” says the Psalmist (Psalm 16:7). God is operating with us, in us, and even as us.   The mystics are those who are let in on this secret mystery of God’s love affair with the soul, each knowing God loves my soul in particular; God loves me uniquely. We are invited into that same mystery. All true love gives us this sense of being special, chosen, and like nobody else. That is why we are so joyful in the presence of our lover, who mirrors us with a divine mirror.   Source Opening Questions...   Let's begin by considering these three questions (as well as others that arise from them) AND then added your reflections to the appropriate place on the handout. What is an experience of G-d? How have you experienced G-d?   Has this changed over time? If so, how?   Has your experience of G-d changed your behavior? In what ways?   [At the meeting, we'll allow enough time for journaling and then sharing on these three questions.] My story...or, how "as" is saving my "ass"... "Evidences for my faith..." I'll start with an Amy Grant song (below) that expresses my developing experiences of "g-d". They have emerged from what I like to call an increasing number of "evidences for my faith". .. ...faith that there is some form (or formless) prime mover, higher power...intelligence..."G-d" as you understand "G-d"... These "evidences" are showing up as messages on license plates or their frames...texts and emails...things that show up in my search results (often while looking for something else)...words and songs people share...experiences in spiritual traditions that are different from my original "tribe"and, most especially,...those that are emerging from within me...from that deep place...in my inner being...I'm especially grateful for this inner connection...inner relationship... HOW I'm responding to these evidences is helping develop heretofore under-utilized TRUST muscles... "Everywhere I go I see your face...hear your voice..." Amy Grant - Everywhere I Go (Live Music Video) (04:26) "WHERE" is "G-d"?... Rabbi Heschel was a champion of social justice and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King . He also advocated for peace . With my present understanding of the nature of "G-d", I would revise his gender pronouns so they are more inclusive...more representative of the true nature of "G-d". "As" is saving my ass About a year ago seeing the “as” in this verse opened up a new phase in my relationship with all three participants: G-d, myself and my neighbors .    A chief way this new insight helped me is I became more aware of times I was practicing self-care and times I was not. A major cause of my suffering was from the anxiety I was causing myself trying to get answers to big questions...questions that I came to label as "being above my pay grade." I began to see that my “unanswered” questions, including those about why G-d allowed suffering, were causing me anxiety. SO, I was faced with a choice…continue suffering as I sought “answers”…or let go and trust the trust of other people I trust…(a topic for another discussion) I was invited to practice a new form of self-care ... Replacement Therapy When I become aware of these troublesome thoughts, I replace them with the “simpler”: "what’s the next loving thing I can do…for myself and for my neighbor?"    This practice of paying attention to my thoughts - a major part of mindfulness techniques - is captured in this visual:   NOW, I'm practicing taking better care of myself by listening more to my body and its messages so I'll be better aware of when I need to rest…to let stuff go… ...and, conversely, when I need to get up and take care of something - especially, things I've been putting off. Love Triangle...self...neighbor...G-d... REPEAT...     Step 11: Sought through PRAYER & MEDITATION to increase our conscious contact with "G-d" Bill W.: Conscious Contact - Trailer (02:57)   [from the transcript] Again, we're back to the 11th step, prayer and meditation. I think it's a brilliant, brilliant message. He said to me later. "I never understood the 11th step." I said, "What do you mean you wrote it?" He said, "No, I didn't write it. It came to me as an inspiration." And that's because I think his own ideas of the spiritual pathway to long-term sobriety changed and expand on that over the years. Bill was a good meditator. He understood the role of spirit in a person's life. He was open-minded. Click here, for more about this project plus a link to the full 60-minute conversation. [from the webpage] As a beta tester for the Stepping Stones Online Archive of the National Historic Landmark home of the Wilsons in New York, Stinnett has had “the privilege of knowing the coffee shop Bill Wilson as opposed to the podium Bill.” Jay’s research into Wilson’s personal correspondence provides him with a fresh perspective on Bill Wilson’s spiritual journey. Music for our journeys of experience... First time they played it...   Blind Faith - Can't Find My Way Home - London Hyde Park 1969. (06:08) And from that same show... Blind Faith - Presence of the Lord (05:55) #music #Men2Men #SistersOfSaintJoseph #Brentwood #faith #experience #G-d #12Steps #BillW #BillWilson #JimiHendrix #JamesThurber #AmyGrant #Empedocles #AbrahamHershel #neighbor #mindfulness #trust #prayer #meditation #SteppingStonesOnlineArchive  #JayStinnet #AAStep11 #AAStep3 #BlindFaith

I'm grateful for finding this sacred space...Not because of pink Lenten vestments; rather, because of Pink Floyd! In April, Garden City's Cathedral of the Incarnation presented us with "Moon as a Sacred Mirror" - a program that combined science, spirituality and sounds. Thanks Barbara H for letting me know about it. The sounds were provided by "Us and Floyd" - a terrific Pink Floyd cover band. You can learn more about these past events by clicking on the links at the end of this post. The Center for Spiritual Imagination While on my April "moon walks" during their series of creative offerings, I discovered a subset of the Cathedral known as "The Center for Spiritual Imagination." Curious? Let these lyrics play in the background as you stroll around their site... "We'd like to help you learn to help yourself Look around you, all you see are sympathetic eyes Stroll around the grounds until you feel at home" --Mrs Robinson - Simon & Garfunkel Two of the Center's upcoming events that may interest you: Weekly Meditation and Contemplative Prayer Mondays 6:30pm to 7:00pm ET Info & Zoom link Monthly Center Down Contemplative Sessions Please register here. I'm in West Hempstead and will be driving there. If you live near me want to join, call 516-850-2493 NEW EXPERIENCES... My family has had a centering prayer/contemplative prayer practice for almost 50 years. Over time, some things we do regularly can become stale. To help me learn about this body of practitioners, I enrolled in and completed their course called "The Incarnation Method of Prayer." It's been breathing new life into stale places. A helpful component is that it uses some familiar sources I grew up with in the charismatic renewal as it is presenting me with NEW WAYS to utilize what I had previously been given...as well as offering me new territories to explore... I’ve been benefiting as I travel to inner places and outer spaces with the Center for Spiritual Imagination ---from the dark side of the moon and now to Brooklyn… https://www.facebook.com/ben.dehart.5/posts/10101047822308182/ An important component of our time at this gathering was maintaining silence. As an example, we ate our lunches in silence. I joined a few others who sat here in the courtyard garden space in front of St. John's . Several times, I noticed passersby glancing in to see what we were doing. I heard a few ask our celebrant Fr. Ben DeHart , "What's going on?" Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (Lyric Video) 03:56 Jazz Eucharist To avoid giving my sometimes distractable mind more distractions...I chose not to take any photos or videos...So, to give you an idea of how this type of ceremony could be conducted... here's a recent clip from St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Portland, OR . The other 12 videos from this "gig" (1) are also on their YouTube channel . (1) No sooner did I write the previous paragraph than "gig" provided a perfect example of a distraction BUT one that I'll share with you. My "Holy justification, Batman!" rationale is Incarnation's inclusion of Pink Floyd in their April 11 "gig" that you can check out at the links at the end of this post. Sample Jazz Eucharist A Jazz Eucharist at St Gabriel s (2 of 13) (08:46) Josue Perea , one of my fellow Jazz participants at St. John's and facilitator of the event had a shirt with this image. As you'll see below this icon, it's a real club/church in San Francisco ... Facebook: Saint John Will I Am Coltrane African Orthodox Church-Jurisdiction West. " Mission: To paint the globe with the message of A Love Supreme, & in doing so promote global unity, peace on earth, & knowledge of the one true living God." Website: Saint John Coltrane Church Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech at 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival "God has wrought many things out of oppression. He has endowed his creatures with the capacity to create-and from this capacity has flowed the sweet songs of sorrow and joy that have allowed man to cope with his environment and many different situations."  "Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life's difficulties, and if you think for a moment, you will realize that they take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph. This is triumphant music."  "Modern Jazz has continued in this tradition, singing the songs of a more complicated urban existence. When life itself offers no order and meaning, the musician creates an order and meaning from the sounds of the earth which flow through his instrument." "It is no wonder that so much of the search for identity among American Negroes was championed by Jazz musicians. Long before the modern essayists and scholars wrote of racial identity as a problem for a multiracial world, musicians were returning to their roots to affirm that which was stirring within their souls. Much of the power of our Freedom Movement in the United States has come from this music. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down. And now, Jazz is exported to the world. For in the particular struggle of the Negro in America there is something akin to the universal struggle of modern man. Everybody has the Blues. Everybody longs for meaning. Everybody needs to love and be loved. Everybody needs to clap hands and be happy. Everybody longs for faith."  "In music, especially this broad category called Jazz, there is a stepping stone towards all of these.""We must use time creatively." - Martin Luther King, Jr Encore: From the cushion to the concrete In meditation circles, we are reminded that what happens on our prayer cushions is supposed to carry over into our daily lives... Here's an example: A few days after my participation in the Jazz Eucharist , this next song "appeared" in my search results... and, while I was searching for something else. "...and the tongue of the " mute" shall shout for joy..." Wynton Marsalis Eric Clapton Just A Closer Walk With Thee (12:33) "In and Through the Body..." I feel that another reason I was drawn to Incarnation is that the "incarnation" in their name has to do with our bodies and I'm at a place in my journey of spirit where I've begun to re-experience and appreciate my own body . My wife Eileen and I have an ongoing conversation about the body and spirit dichotomy. How, in some circles the role of our bodies in downplayed... As I'm experiencing it, why would our spirits be given bodies if they aren't an important part of the experience? I add, that's why in the Garden story, I imagine G-d creating us - so G-d could actually experience life from a corporeal perspective.  Continuing...looking at OUR relationship with the Divine...its depth, it's closeness depends on how much WE experience the Divine... I'm seeing this new awareness as helping me move from spending a lot of time in my head to moving  "Furthur"   into the other parts. Trevor Hall - IN AND THROUGH THE BODY (DELUXE EDITION) [Full Album] (1:41:34) I was first introduced to Trevor when he played a "gig" at Mulcahy's in Wantagh. Distractions that lead us to healing spaces... Perhaps Fr. Adam and Kristin might consider using these 3 enCHANTresses in a new form of prayer chanting in the Center for Spiritual Imagination's contemplative prayer sessions. The chants are a powerfully healing component of their "Exploring the Incarnation Method of Prayer" course that I've just completed. In the spirit and energy of JANIS... 12 The Great Gig in The Sky, Pink Floyd , PULSE (05:12) Previous Posts About the Cathedral inSPIREd April Lunar See at Historic Garden City Cathedral: MOON as Sacred Mirror April 11, 2025 A Lunar Schtick is in the halls of this historic Garden City Cathedral April 11, 2025 #music #humor #CathedralOfTheIncarnation #BarbaraH #GardenCity #meditation #ContemplativePrayer #CenteringPrayer #PinkFloyd #JazzEucharist #Brooklyn #SaintJohnsEpiscopalChurchParkSlopeBrooklyn #FatherBenDeHart #SaintGabrielsEpiscopalChurchPortlandOR #ReverendAdamBucko #KristinVieiraColeman #SaintJohnColtraneChurch

Hello! We're going on a journey to a far off land where we'll connect with our son John who, for the second year in a row, has traveled to the East, where he's continuing his studies in traditional Chinese medicine ... For much of his life, John has followed paths of healing. Eileen and I have learned much from him and are so grateful. "And you of tender years (Can you hear and do you care) Can't know the fears (And can you see) That your elders grew by (We must be free) And so please help (To teach your children) Them with your youth (What you believe in) They seek the truth (Make a world) Before they can die (That we can live in) Teach your parents well Their children's hell Will slowly go by And feed them on your dreams The one they pick's The one you'll know by" --Teach Your Children - Crosby, Still, Nash & Young (04:11) This post includes links to two separate posts with photos from this year's excursions to China and Tibet . At the end of the post there's a link to last year's September trip. On the Road to Find Out... If you're in a hurry to catch a bus...(from the mundane)...click any of these next 3 links to places "Furthur"... --Watch this Trevor Hall "Moon/Sun" music video that's later down in the post --Photos of John in China 2025 --Photos of John in Tibet 2025 Otherwise, let's continue on the road to find out... Those who know him, know that John spends a lot of time in the sun… The sunflower’s genus  Helianthus comes from two ancient Greek words, ‘helios’ which refers to the sun, and ‘anthos’ meaning flower. There’s even a Greek myth surrounding sunflowers, explaining why they always face the sun. Chinese Folklore Sunflowers in Chinese culture symbolize good fortune and longevity, reflecting the flower’s ability to turn towards the sun. Historically, they were valued by Chinese nobility, who consumed them as snacks, believing they could promote a long life. For more sunflower myths from around our shared world, please refer to the link under this next image. The Sunflower: Meanings, Myths, and Folklore - Petal Republic (2024) This next article provides guidance on using sunflowers in our spiritual practices. It begins with... The Sunflower’s Connection to the Sun Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are named for their unique behavior—they turn their faces toward the sun, following its path from east to west in a phenomenon called heliotropism . This trait has made them a powerful symbol of: Light and Positivity  – Just as they seek sunlight, sunflowers remind us to seek out the light in our own lives. Resilience and Strength  – They stand tall, even in harsh conditions, teaching us about endurance. Faith and Devotion  – Their unwavering focus on the sun mirrors spiritual devotion. The Spiritual Meaning of Sunflowers: A Bright Guide to Their Symbolism - Wisdom of the Spirit (2025) Music for Life's Road Trips... My 2024 post about John's adventures in the Orient included a lot of music...So, here are some new tunes... First stop via some English explorers... "Brave Helios, wake up your steeds, Bring the warmth the countryside needs." --"The Day Begins" - Moody Blues The Day Begins by The Moody Blues (05:33) ...Next, on our planet...Xavier Rudd guides us... When you feel love coming down on you Like a heavy wave When you feel this crazy society Headin' to the strand Take a straw to the nearest waters and Remember your place Many moons have risen and fallen long Long before you came Xavier Rudd - Follow The Sun [official music video] (04:19) --lyrics for this song are at the end of the post -- Linhai , the leader of this and last year's expeditions, includes surfing and playing guitar in his medicine bag... He's the guy seated on the left sporting a blue hat. John is seated in the back row to Linhai's left. ...Moving further into the Cosmos...with Trevor Hall as our guide... Life is more colorfully vibrant when we travel with "companions" ** **word means "those with whom we share bread" Trevor Hall - MOON / SUN (Official Music Video) (04:03) --lyrics for this song are at the end of the post -- Trevor is among my favorite mindful music makers. First saw him live at Mulcahy's  on Long Island. John Tittmann: Unafraid of new faces...strange places... "Eight Miles High" --the Byrds Eight miles high and when you touch down You'll find that it's stranger than known Signs in the street that say where you're going Are somewhere just being their own Nowhere is there warmth to be found Among those afraid of losing their ground Rain gray town known for its sound In places small faces unbound Round the squares huddled in storms Some laughing some just shapeless forms Sidewalk scenes and black limousines Some living, some standing alone Eight Miles High - The Byrds (03:35) NOW...for this next one, let's tune into the energy of John Lennon's birthday (today, Oct. 9) and IMAGINE... ...G-d as a woman who's joyfully singing this number to one of her creation that has chosen to love HER... Weekend Prayer Warriors: These words are addressed to you...See, we gotta keep our focus for 8 Days a Week... Katrina & The Waves - Walking On Sunshine (Official Music Video) (03:48) Channeling the loving birthday energies from son John (Oct. 8) and John Lennon (Oct. 9)...I was greeted by this lawn sign today while out on my daily rounds through our neighborhood: "There's a Grateful Dead song for every occasion..." ...So says longtime friend Steve Bermont. We surfed together around the country and Steve was my Volkswagen  repair mentor...as he calls it  "playing with cars." In some posts, a particular Dead song emerges as I listen to my Muse and tell the story. In this case, "China Cat Sunflower"  provided a lot of the initial motivation to celebrate John's adventures... Grateful Dead - China Cat Sunflower by Jam Bands Video (04:56) ----->Grateful Dead Family: Click here to continue on exploring an annual festival "deadicated" to DEAD Chinese Sunflower gardens... Chanting for Tibet...Dead plus Monks... Enchanting Spirit of Buddhism : Music: Drummer for Grateful Dead backs Tibetan monks of Gyuto Tantric Choir, which will perform at USD’s Camino Hall. L A Times (1991) [excerpts from the article] " Hart and a few of his rock band colleagues formed the Society for Gyuto Sacred Arts in the late 1980s to support the monks’ efforts to draw international attention to persecution in Tibet ."   "Tibet was annexed by the Chinese in 1950. It has since periodically experienced devastating attacks by Chinese Communists . In the 1959 Tibetan uprising, 10,000 people reportedly died. A few monks escaped with their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama , to northern India, where they have been living in exile." The Tibetans and The Grateful Dead -- The Magical Buffet (2012) [excerpt from this article] " Mickey Hart , a drummer for the erstwhile Grateful Dead, is also a serious ethnomusicologist who now works with the Smithsonian Institution . Fascinated by the Tibetan monks’ multiphonic chanting, he put the infrastructure of the Dead to work and helped organize six sellout coast-to-coast tours with twelve of the Gyuto monks." Read on to hear about their being led to pray with San Quentin inmates... He toured with the Grateful Dead and now runs the Bay Area's biggest Tibetan monastery - SF Gate (2024) Yes...this "tail" includes a cat on the path to enlightenment... [Excerpts from the article] From the Himalayas to the Grateful Dead "At the age of 12, Donyo’s parents asked him if he wanted to be a monk, and he 'maybe accidentally' said yes. A few weeks later his father dropped him off at the Gyuto monastery. So began a life of service."  "At the time, he had no money. He lived, in his words, as an 'undercover monk,' delivering auto parts and working as a busboy. In 2000, he finally founded the Gyuto Foundation in a small house in San Jose . But the monastery’s history goes even further back, and it involves the Grateful Dead  — a group that Donyo intermittently refers to as 'the hippie guys.'" "The story goes like this: In the 1960s, Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart received a tape recording of the Gyuto monks’ chants and developed a fascination. When the monks began touring the U.S. to call attention to the persecution of Tibetans , he sponsored several of their tours around the country." Related article: Monks' chanting begins around 06:50 as deep guttural utterances. Grateful Dead - "Drums/Gyuto Monk Chant" (Shoreline, 6/2/95) (13:40) Lyrics to "Follow the Sun" & "Moon/Sun" Follow the Sun - Xavier Rudd Lyrics   [Verse 1] Follow Follow the sun And which way the wind blows When this day is done [Verse 2] Breathe Breathe in the air Set your intentions Dream with care [Verse 3] Tomorrow is a new day, for everyone And brand new moon, and brand new sun [Verse 4] So follow Follow the sun The direction of the birds The direction of love [Verse 5] Breathe Breathe in the air Cherish this moment Cherish this breath [Verse 6] Tomorrow is a new day, for everyone And brand new moon, brand new sun [Verse 7] When you feel love coming down on you Like a heavy wave When you feel this crazy society Headin' to the strand Take a straw to the nearest waters and Remember your place Many moons have risen and fallen long Long before you came [Verse 8] So which way is the wind blowing? And what does you heart say? [Verse 9] So follow Follow the sun And which way the wind blows When this day is done Moon / Sun -Trevor Hall Lyrics Here we go again, creation Clap now for the jubilation Look at all that light you making Send it out no reservation Like a river we let it flow Still hot like a volcano Mother Earth still got my soul In the hot, in the cold, in the rain, in the snow Hey lo, wish on a butterfly wing Take that crown, put it on that king Sing like a child, no care for opinion Real love across our dominion Oh, so bountiful Pull it back and let it go Like ocean wave, we're powerful Constellation, magical So, this love still holds true Now what you gonna do? I won't give up on you I won't give up on you Between the moon and sun This life is never done I won't give up on you I won't give up on you, ah I won't give up on you, yeah Send up, send up, send up my love, ah I won't give up on you I stand up, gotta put my hands up Fruit down straw like Mauna Kea In the ocean, holy motion Ride that flow, I'll see you later In the park of Shangri-La I see my ma She's standing holy, all those colours filled with glory Open up and hear this story Oh, and this love still holds true Now what you gonna do? I won't give up on you I won't give up on you Between the moon and sun This life is never done I won't give up on you I won't give up on you This love still holds true Now what you gonna do? I won't give up on you I won't give up on you Between the moon and sun This life is never done I won't give up on you I won't give up on you I will follow you I will follow you I will follow, follow, follow you I will follow you I will follow you I will follow, follow, follow you I will follow you I will follow you I will follow, follow, follow you (I will follow you, yeah) I will follow you I will follow you I will follow, follow, follow you (I will follow you, yeah) I will follow you I will follow you I will follow, follow, follow you (I will follow you, yeah) I will follow you I will follow you I will follow, follow, follow you (I will follow you, yeah) I will follow you I will follow you I will follow, follow, follow you Yeah I will follow you, yeah MORE PLACES TO GET ORIENTED... John Tittmann: On the Road of Healing: China & Tibet (September 2024) #John #JohnTittmann #China #Tibet #TraditionalChineseMedicine #Furthur #Snoopy #GratefulDead #sunflowers #TheMoodyBlues #XavierRudd #TrevorHall #Linhai #surfing #guitar #Byrds #KatrinaAndTheWaves #DeadAndCompany #Buddhism #TibetanMonks #GyutoTantricChoir #DalaiLama #SmithsonianInstitution #MickeyHart #CrosbyStillsNashAndYoung #SteveBermont

Hello! This post was originally part of the one about our son John's current explorations in China and Tibet to continue his studies in traditional Chinese medicine . For much of his life, John has followed paths of healing. Eileen and I have learned much from him and are so grateful. I decided to "prune the garden" of the original longer post and move these Dead Chinese Sunflowers into this separate "bed"...for the benefit of folks who aren't passionate followers. "There's a Grateful Dead song for every occasion..." ...So says longtime friend Steve Bermont. We surfed together around the country and was my Volkswagen repair mentor...as he calls it "playing with cars." In some posts, a particular song emerges as I listen to my Muse and tell the story. In this case, "China Cat Sunflower" provided a lot of the initial motivation to celebrate John's adventures in the Orient... Grateful Dead - China Cat Sunflower by Jam Bands Video (04:56) Not your father's Fillmore... You decide which is real and which is an illusion... Dead & Company - China Cat Sunflower into I Know You Rider - 3/29/2025 - Sphere, Las Vegas (15:36) Jacksonville's China Cat Sunflower Festival Jacksonville’s Grateful Dead Festival | 30th China Cat Sunflower Weekend (Aug 8–10) - Hanging with the Hunns (07:37) Here are stills and footage from this year's festivities: China Cat Sunflower Festival: Honoring Jerry Garcia & Jacksonville’s Deadhead Family - Hanging with the Hunns (1:05:59) " What began in 1995 as a heartfelt tribute to Jerry Garcia has grown into a beloved tradition — the China Cat Sunflower Festival — bringing together generations of Deadheads, music lovers, and families for a celebration like no other." (from the documentary's description) Of course, the tie dye rack featured a sunflower tee: And the Next Generation of Deadheads: Meet "B-Star" (Brenda Star Walker) - the amazing leader of the pack for 30 years... Starting at 55:34, her segment of this documentary includes: --the Dead and Tibetan Buddhist monk's sharing multiphonic chanting (see more below) Click here for more. --giving a massage to Mickey Hart --buying artwork from Jerry --a time the Dead stayed at her house --her personal answers to 3 questions about the band that she poses to people: Do you remember the the first time you saw the Grateful Dead with Jerry? Do you remember the last time you heard the Dead with Jerry play? Do you remember where you were when you heard the news that Jerry had died? She "stole" those earrings... (((: #John #JohnTittmann #China #Tibet #TraditionalChineseMedicine #GratefulDead #sunflowers #DeadAndCompany #Fillmore #TheSphere #ChinaCatSunflowerFestival #BrendaStarWalker #Buddhism #TibetanMonks #MickeyHart

Hello! I'm creating this post because Janet Rudolph's guided labyrinth bathing event that was planned for Monday at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Bellmore NY was cancelled because of the upcoming nor'easter. Meet Janet... The Magic of the Labyrinth by Janet Maika’i Rudolph - Feminism and Religion (June 29, 2022) Labyrinth at St. Francis Episcopal Church Bellmore NY - Open every day This labyrinth is located on the grounds of St. Francis Episcopal Church as part of The Garden at St. Francis, an organic garden that donates produce to local food pantries. If you park in the church's parking lot just off Bellmore Avenue, walk back into the grounds away from the road and find the labyrinth at the furthest extent of our property next to the fence line. No appointment necessary – the public is welcome to visit during daylight hours. For information about guided Labyrinth walks, please send us an email. SOURCE: Worldwide Labyrinth Locator Soundtracks for walking these Earthscapes... In the next number, our protagonist is wrestling with major life choices - ones that could be helped by time spent navigating the wisdom of the labyrinth... RIDING AGAINST THE WIND - Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band In this next mournful ode, the singer laments a choice he could have made... Asaf Avidan - In a Box II - The Labyrinth Song (04:38) "The Labyrinth Song" "Evening rises, darkness threatens to engulf us all But there's a moon above it's shining and I think I hear a call It's just a whisper through the trees, my ears can hardly make it out But I can hear it in my heart, vibrating strong as if she shouts Oh Ariadne, I am coming, I just need to work this maze inside my head I came here like you asked, I killed the beast, that part of me is dead Oh Ariadne, I just need to work this maze inside my head If only I'd have listened to you when you offered me that thread Everything is quiet and I'm not exactly sure If it really was your voice I heard or maybe it's a door That's closing up some hero's back, on his track to be a man Can it be that all us heroes have a path but not a plan? Oh Ariadne, I'm coming, I just need to work this maze inside my mind I wish I had that string, it's so damn dark, I think I'm going blind Oh Ariadne, I just need to work this maze inside my mind For the life of me I don't remember what I came to find Now tell me princess are you strolling through your sacred grove? And is the moon still shining? You're the only thing I'm thinking of The sword you gave me, it was heavy, I just had to lay it down It's funny how defenseless I can feel here when there's nobody around Oh Ariadne, I'm coming, I just need to work this maze inside my heart I was blind, I thought you'd bind me, but you offered me a chart Oh Ariadne, I just need to work this maze inside my heart If I'd known that you could guide me, I'd have listened from the start Somewhere up there there midnight strikes, I think I hear the fall Of little drops of water, magnified against the barren wall It's more a feeling than a substance, but there's nobody around And when I'm in here all alone, it's just enough to let me drown Oh Ariadne, I was coming, but I failed you in this labyrinth of my past Oh Ariadne, let me sing you, and we'll make each other last Oh Ariadne, I have failed you in this labyrinth of my past Oh Ariadne, let me sing you, and we'll make each other last" For Further Discoveries... Who was the Ariadne in Asaf Avidan's ode? Greek Mythology: Story of Ariadne (03:32) Another of Janet's Passions: The Sacred Feminine Women's HERstory Month: SHE Speaks... (March 2025) [from this post] Janet Rudolph  - a friend who includes among her offerings one that I've enjoyed - guided labyrinth walks  - will be part of an April 28-29 symposium celebrating matriarchal and matrilineal spiritual traditions. I'm already registered...JOIN ME! Janet will be presenting her SheSpeaks! films along with time for QandA and discussion on April 28th from 3:00-4:30 Eastern time.  Come Walk with Me... After my monthly Men2Men circle on the sacred grounds of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Brentwood , I paused to walk their labyrinth...Since Janet had already decided to cancel Monday's walk. These holy grounds also include a Cosmic Walk, organic farm, beehives...and soon, affordable housing... FYI - Here's a link to the first of three Cosmic Walk posts. It contains links to the other two. Entering... Labyrinth 1 of 2 ENTERING @ Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood, NY (07:29) Emerging... Labyrinth 2 of 2 EMERGING @ Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood, NY (07:17) #music #JanetRudolph #labyrinth #SaintFrancisEspiscopalChurchBellmoreNY #BobSegerAndSilverBulletBand #AsafAvidan #SistersOfSaintJosephBrentwoodNY #FeminineSpirituality #CosmicWalk

This is one of two posts with photos from John's 2025 adventures in the Orient and beyond. This next link will return you to the main story... Let’s follow our SON: a China Cat Sunfollower… NOTE: Captions for these photos will be added when John returns from his third stop: Ibiza. September 14 September 15 September 17 September 18 September 19 #JohnTittmann #Tibet #adventures