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Mike , seeing as today is the release date of your new song, your words and imagery are fitting, as the recent holidays offered opportunities to “go home…”come home”…to remember and reflect... As your returning person goes through the attic in her childhood home ... "She pulls down the attic stairs to photograph what lives up there" , memories flood her awareness… While she’s sad that she’s forgotten her phone, this omission will actually enable her to be more fully aware of each passing moment … of each item she beholds and her stored memories about it....as she won't be preoccupied with snapping photos of them. This is an example of my recent comforting awareness that everything I’ve ever experienced is still up “there”…and all that’s needed to access them is the right stimulus.   Mike , you sang, “A picture’s worth a thousand songs”...  Well, I like video with my music…reaches more parts of who I am. Thanks for posting this on Facebook with video!!! And road scenes always get my “wheels” in motion.  Your Facebook Post https://www.facebook.com/michael.duffy.77 Mike's Spotify link: “There’s a Grateful Dead song for every occasion” I often use this wisdom from a friend I know almost 60 years. In the late 60's, Steve and I and other friends began traveling around the country enjoying surfing and the rest of life. Here’s today’s example of Steve's savvy for Mike's new song. It's offered from my favorite kids choir in Austin, TX. It's a Grateful Dead song about the attics of our lives ... BUT, before we listen to the choir, some backstory...See, I want Mike the English teacher to give me a "Grate" grade on my "paper" (post). Not surprisingly, note the comments below in RED from my first reference article (link below): FYI - Robert Hunter co-wrote the song with Jerry Garcia . AND, David Dodd's site - "Greatest Stories Every Told" - is my Holy Grail for all things DEAD. [more at the next link] Subject: R. Hunter on "Attics..." This post is mainly in response to those who helped me out on the interpretation of "Attics of my Life" for my English paper . The paper is going great thanks to a lot of you. Greatest Stories Ever Told - "Attics of My Life" - David Dodd 'Attics Of My Life' by the Barton Hills Choir (04:25) About the Barton Hills Choir "Weir here and then we're gone..." With Bob Weir's recent passing, I'm including this section to honor his memory, [from the David Dodd article - David writes about his personal experience with Bob] A couple of years ago, I lucked into a musical opportunity that will probably never come my way again: I got to sing back-up harmonies for Bob Weir . OK, it was for Bob Weir and the Marin Philharmonic , and I was one of ten or so singers, but still. Very fun. And the highlight of that highlight of my life was singing the final encore, just Bob and us on the stage proscenium, a capella  — “Attics of My Life.” Bob Weir First Fusion- Attics Of My Life (01:03) Views from another seat in the house [from the link that follows] Saturday at the Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium hosted a gathering of two tribes who seldom – if ever – find themselves at the same event. But the pairing of the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir and the Marin Symphony provided just such an occasion, as Weir and Stanford composer Giancarlo Aquilanti collaborated to frame the music of the Dead in an orchestral setting, with stunning results. Although those in jeans and tie-dyed T-shirts appeared to vastly outnumber those in sport jackets, the music offered much to appreciate to both camps. A Gathering of Two Tribes May 9, 2011 by Dan.Reich    Extra Credit Mike's returning woman finds a cassette mixtape and then looks for something on which to play it. So, in light of his song's title ("Anna Log"), in case you're interested... Unraveling the Mystery: Is a Cassette Tape Analog or Digital?” (2025)   Next, in the song we hear reference to one of her finds: " a mixtape from a friend". .. [from the next link] Mixtapes have been a significant part of musical culture for decades, encompassing various genres and serving different purposes. From courtship tapes to break-up compilations, mixtapes have evolved over time to include a wide range of themes. Tim Walker from The Independent once highlighted their diversity, even mentioning the “tape you thought was a courtship tape until she mentioned her boyfriend” type. These collections of carefully selected tracks have taken on many forms, such as walking tapes, summer tapes, dance party mixes, and the classic “showing off your collection to a new mate” tape. What is a Mixtape? Rotary Phone Also in his lyrics is a reference to another attic find: a "rotary phone"... ...there are MANY more like this... #music #humor #MikeDuffy #EnglishTeacher #Facebook #Spotify #attic #analog #digital #GratefulDead #RobertHunter #JerryGarcia #DavidDodd #BobWeir #MarinPhilharmonic #cassette #mixtape #RotaryPhone

MENU My last cup of the year There's also something BREWING  on the outside... Coffee Therapy Listen to Morning Brew with your morning dew... Some poetry with your cup @ caffeinatedepiphanies.com Bilingual ODE to the sacred bean... "...in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there..." More Dead with your coffee? Grateful Dead Coffee House Jammin' Getting to the Brew (contact info) My last cup of the year On the last day of the year, I went to Witches Brew Coffee House in West Hempstead for my last cup of the year. SHAQ took my order and met my request for generous servings of whipped cream. Visitors are greeted by their delicious dessert display: A visual representation of my late Grandmother "Nanny" Julia Burns's wisdom: "Life's short...Eat dessert FIRST!" VOTIVE CANDLE: This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine... From my vantage point, I spotted the inspiration for this post (skeleton on right edge of the next image)... After dark... There's also something BREWING on the outside... Coffee Therapy These images line a hallway...While looking similar, each is unique. On my takeout "daze", as the crew is brewing a fresh pot, I wait here and play mind games by trying to name the different shapes of "things"...some walking, some crawling, some flying... TRY IT... Listen to Morning Brew with your morning dew... Morning Brew: Original Song - TKTalk (03:13) Some poetry with your cup @caffeinatedepiphanies.com Here's one of several posts about a friend's passion for coffee AND VERSE... A friend's inspiring poetry is riding PA buses...So,"The bus came by and I got on..." (2024) Mary's website: https://caffeineepiphanies.com/ Mary's mate Mark Phillips is a musician. He's featured in a new post: Get on your "Mark's"...Heaven on Earth...Baseball and Rock & Roll... Bilingual ODE to the sacred bean... As we wrap our hands around our "chalice"...listen as the poet inspires us... ode to coffee...oda al café - Poetry Foundation "...in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there..." Let's continue Clement Clarke Moore's poem......with this afterthought to the original post. Some pieces of St. Nicholas's skeleton have been preserved as relics in churches such as Bari in Turkey. Where in the World Are Santa Claus’s Bones? [from this article] The remains of St. Nick can be found on multiple continents. More Dead with your coffee? Morning Brew: The Grateful Dead And Verve Coffee On The Coffee Sprudgecast - Sprudge (7/3/25) --contains link to the podcast Grateful Dead Coffee House Jammin' A fan posted this a month ago as "“Grateful Dead • Cozy 1979 Coffee House Jam - YouTube “Grateful Dead • 11/30/79 Pittsburgh Winter Holiday Ambience 🔥🎄 Vintage AUD Recording (3:17:17) Getting to the Brew (contact info) 311 Hempstead Turnpike West Hempstead, NY 11552 Phone: 516-489-9481 Open Wed-Sun from 12 PM to 12 AM Yelp Wherevi #music #humor #WitchesBrewCoffeeHouse #coffee #WestHempsteadNY #Shaq #skeletons #chimney #JuliaBurns #Nanny #Sprudge #TKTalk #poetry #buses #MaryCMPhillips #MarkPhillips #CoffeeClaus #ode #SaintNicholas #relic

Somethings old...Somethings new... MANIFEST...OUR OWN DESTINIES Among my top 2025 epiphanies Follow the Star: "Sometimes we get shown the light in the strangest of places if we look at it right" Grateful Dead epiphanies (aka, "There's a Grateful Dead song...tale... for every occasion"***) Epifunny :))))) The Three Italian Kings asked, "WITCH way did they go?" Resources...for your own epiphanies... Among my top 2025 epiphanies "as" saved my "ass" ... SELF-CARE One day early in the year, as I was reading a New Testament passage about loving our neighbors, the word "as" caught my attention - as I realized it was making a conditional statement ... HOW I was loving myself had a direct impact on HOW I was loving you and everyone else. As a result of this insight, I began paying more attention to how I was caring for myself, starting with paying more attention to my thoughts and words, especially negative self-talk. Another self-care practice that is still developing is NOT trying to fit too much into my day. This over-scheduling inevitably leads to anxiety . It also caused me to get anxious as a result of fear of not meeting "self-imposed" deadlines. This first section of this post is an example of what can happen when I trust my Higher Power and let things naturally emerge...It wasn't part of earlier drafts. "Go ask Alice..." Let's see what she has to show us: Alice in Wonderland (1951) “I’m Late!” BLACK AND WHITE EDITION (00:42) "Let my people go" (and merge into traffic)... Woke up thinking about this practice in the context of this post. It's been part of my toolkit for some time - both on the roads and the supermarket checkout lines. People who always let others merge in traffic usually display these 8 remarkable traits, says psychology - Lachlan Brown Learning a new form of meditation that's helping me deal with common distractions in prayer...and more...For this gem, I'd like to thank Garden City's Cathedral of the Incarnation's Center for Spiritual Imagination (CSI) and their "Exploring the Incarnation Method of Prayer" course [see links at end under "Resources"]. For almost 50 years I've had a twice-daily centering prayer practice . Like many practices over time, they can lose something. What I noticed right away about the CSI practice is that it begins by inviting us to recognize what's going on in our thoughts and bodies AND present these as legitimate parts of our prayer. So, instead of trying to block them, we welcome them and talk about them with the One we are sitting with. In a few minutes, we then pray for others. As a result, intercession has become a regular part of my prayer life ...AND, one that continues throughout the day after I leave the cushion. The CSI practice concludes with a period of REST...RECEPTIVITY...and SILENCE. Seeing my "old" centering prayer practice in a "new" light. As a result of these reflections, I was led to revisit centering prayer through the eyes of my original teachers: Fr. Thomas Keating, Fr. Richard Rohr and Cynthia Bourgeault . She writes, "In one of the very earliest training workshops led by Keating himself, a nun tried out her first twenty-minute taste of Centering Prayer and then lamented, “Oh, Father Thomas, I’m such a failure at this prayer. In twenty minutes I’ve had ten thousand thoughts!”  “How lovely,” responded Keating, without missing a beat. “Ten thousand opportunities to return to God.”  Centering Prayer - The Center for Action and Contemplation Follow the Star: "Sometimes we get shown the light in the strangest of places if we look at it right" This heading is a NEW find for this season's post...as is "LaBefana" as the end... --from " Scarlett Begonias" - The Grateful Dead Grateful Dead's 'Scarlet Begonias' by the Barton Hills Choir and DeadEye #DeadCoversProject2017 Wise ones still follow a STAR... Here's the single version...for "beginners"...there are MUCH LONGER versions. FYI - I like this uploader's sci fi take... Grateful Dead - Dark Star (Single Version) (02:39) Grateful Dead epiphanies (aka, "There's a Grateful Dead song...tale... for every occasion"***) [This and subsequent citations are from the link that follows the last citation.] Epiphany is both individual and universal, an insight in which we intuit answers to the mysteries of consciousness and existence and glimpse the profound connections between the self and the world. ...the Grateful Dead's project is one of the minor utopias that held sway in America and Europe during that deeply destructive epoch, ones that loom large in retrospect precisely for the hope they represented against the much larger and deeply destructive utopian—or dystopian—movements that dominated that time. Phil Lesh used those terms when he reflected, “The onrushing sixties were to bring a completely different paradigm, when we would begin to involve ourselves in working toward the realization of what some would deride as a Utopian dream: a nation and a culture built on love, respect, and the quest for spiritual values.” One of the band's earliest literary influences, James Joyce , expanded the idea of epiphany from its strictly religious context to the secular; no wonder that concept would strike a critic as a fitting way to describe the power and impact of a Dead concert, of its consummate co-creation of a music-in-the-moment that dissolved the boundary around the stage in what Garcia memorably called “seat of-the-pants shamanism.” As early as 1966, however, both the Dead and their fans had their own description for that vision quest, one that connected to that older spiritual definition: “Every place we play is church.” Phil Lesh called the Dead phenomenon “slippery” in a discussion with one writer. “There's nothing you can get a handle on . . . it's like looking at a mirrored ball: There's nothing to grasp, because all you're seeing is what's reflected. All you're seeing is yourself.” Barlow put it more poetically in his lyrics to “Let It Grow”: “What shall we say, shall we call it by a name / As well to count the angels dancing on a pin.” In an interview with Garcia , Lesh commented, “If we could explain it to ourselves, we would. But then, we'd probably lose it.” Garcia agreed: “Yeah, right! It's always skittering out of our grasp.” Yet they welcomed that elusiveness; that was what their music sought. “That's why we play,” Bob Weir explained to a reporter in 1980. “If there's anything about us, if there's any point we'd like to make, it's so ethereal, so abstract, that we have to turn to music to articulate it.” It was a tantalizing statement of what the band's project really was: to reveal what was hidden, to do what Aldous Huxley had suggested of psychedelics when he quoted William Blake's line from The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell : “If the doors of perception were cleansed, every thing would appear to man as it is, Infinite.” For the Dead and their listeners, that went to the heart of what the shared ritual of music-making could be: nothing less than a tool for expanding consciousness, for emotional catharsis and psychological gestalt, and most of all, renewal-to touch the infinite. And it expressed a fundamentally artistic imperative, a restatement of the ancient aesthetic charge that all artists embrace, to “make it new.” Together, all of these insights add up to indeed form mammoth epiphanies. Yet at their core, what made up those epiphanies were moments, scattered and fragmentary and precious. Shadow Boxing The Apocalypse Chasing Epiphany, Improvising Revelation: An Alternate History of the Grateful Dead - Dead.net ***A frequent quote - this wisdom was first uttered by my former surfer friend and VW repair mentor Steve Bermont . Epifunny :))))) This next one's for my card-playing friends from South Ozone Park...Great seeing youze guys the other day at the diner... Baby, I've got a crèche on you... Epiphany 2023: Journeys Within & Without... Here are two SNL skits that are included in the above post link. Three wise guys - DeNiro Goodman Stallone (05:10) Because they're in the wrong part of town...They get pulled over...by a torch-wielding Roman officer...Some things never change...BUT, they should! Three Wise Men - SNL (04:40) Epiphany 2023: Journeys Within & Without... The Three Italian Kings asked, "WITCH way did they go?" (NIV...New York Italian Version) Three wise guys from the East Side, lower East Side to be precise, crossed the sands of Old Nevada and arrived in the city looking for a place to crash…but no dice…not even when they told the bouncer at the door, “Gabe sent me…” Disappointed (and pissed off) they packed up their Camels (the only kind real men smoke) and headed for the poor side of town - the other side of the tracks - camel tracks…singing as they arrived, “just got into Nazareth…” (Another NIV) Napoletan Italian Version (original "sauce" unknown) Look who's located there... The Weight - McCall Brothers Band (08:10) [from their description] A McCall Brothers Band tribute to (The Band) and their song (The Weight). The song is described as a masterpiece of Biblical allusions, enigmatic lines and iconic characters making it an essential part of the American songbook. Some closing thoughts offered as a shout out to music and horror maven Keith Crocker (1) as well as the crew at Witches Brew Coffee House in West Hempstead, NY. (1) this is just one of several posts about Keith's presentations on topics like music and horror. For more fun, get on his mailing list: faustusmd@verizon.net   La Befana: The Italian Christmas Witch (03:44) [from next link] In the Italian cultural calendar , the period between December 24th and January 6th represents a sacred suspension of time— a "liminal" space where the sacred and the profane intertwine. While much of the Western world concludes its holiday festivities on New Year’s Day, Italy holds its breath for one final, spectacular crescendo: l'Epifania . As the popular Italian proverb dictates, l’Epifania tutte le feste porta via  (the Epiphany carries away all the holidays). Far from being a mere postscript to Christmas, January 6th is a national holiday  and a cornerstone of Italian identity, blending rigorous Catholic liturgy with ancestral pagan rites  that date back to Roman times. For the discerning traveler, understanding the traditions of the Epiphany  is the key to unlocking the true soul of an Italian winter . Epiphany in Italy: traditions, folklore, and the legend of La Befana - Guide to Italy Seeing "The Trinity" in the title of this cover of Donovan's classic 1966 song echoes our Three Kings themes... Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity - Season Of The Witch (07:44) Resources...for manifesting our own epiphanies... Prophet...or...loss... --Meditative & musical reflections to help us avoid getting mauled in a shopping mall...But there’s more…Wise folks recommend periodically taking stock of where we are on this adventure called life. Practices for Contemplative Living: Lectio Divina/Visio Divina...Praying with art & other images and text... --My expectation is that what follows will help us appreciate yet another way 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 learn new ways to see... #music #humor #Epiphany #CenteringPrayer #ThomasKeating #RichardRohr #CynthiaBourgeault #ThreeKings #GratefulDead #SteveBermont #WiseMen #WiseGuys #VWBus #SNL #ChurchOfTheIntercessor #MalverneNY #WitchesBrewCoffeeHouse #WestHempsteadNY #LaBefana #witch #Italy #JulieDriscoll #BrianAuger #TheTrinity #KeithCrocker #Nazareth #CenterForActionAndContemplation #CenterForSpiritualImagination #CathedralOfTheIncarnation #GardenCityNY #CenteringPrayer #meditation #prophet #loss #LectioDivina #VisioDivina

ROAD MAP Questions of a Thousand Years... But First, Here's a Musical Shortcut Thru This Post PART 1: REFLECTIONS ON LONGING...WAITING... "A picture's worth a thousand words" Dancing is Embodying... "There's a Grateful Dead song for every occasion." PART 2: "G-D" IS ALREADY..."HERE"..."THERE" & "EVERYWHERE"... Waiting for "G-d"...as we understand "G-d" (AA)... Francis of Assisi saw God everywhere Is there any place we can go where G-d isn't? Mountaintop experiences... Street level (ordinary time) experiences... "G-d loves things by becoming them." PART 3: FOR THOSE STILL UNSURE..."Go to the limits of your longing..." BLIND FAITH - "Can't find my way home" U2 - "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" YUSUF / CAT STEVENS - "On the road to find out" Questions of a Thousand Years... Can we see G-d before our spirits leave our bodies? If so... ...will this be with our eyes and/or with our spirits? The seeds for this post were sown during our December Men2Men circle in Brentwood, when Don , our presenter, offered reflections on "longing" - a predominant Advent theme. "Waiting" is another. Well, some of these seeds fell on "good ground"... ...BUT, like things in a garden, they had to develop and that took time. I've been in Earth's garden now for 78 years and, as a result of life experiences, the intentions I've made and the people I've chosen to spend time with, I am seeing and understanding things in new and evolving ways. This is both exciting and challenging...as light and dark do their work...in helping my transformation... A key decision has been my intention to see my relationship with my Higher Power as just that: a RELATIONSHIP . It's part of an overall OVERHAUL of HOW I'm choosing to live...FIRST, with myself...and then, with everyone else. One of the fruits of this decision is a RENEWAL of the love relationship between Eileen and I...Now in it's 47th year . Another is my awareness that I don't have to wait until my spirit leaves my body to "see" G-d...I can see G-d NOW...This is in spite of passages like the following that claim we CAN'T see the face of G-d and live: "The LORD replied, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.' " Exodus 30:19-20 But First, Here's a Musical Shortcut Thru This Post If you're feeling like the refrain in this first song...continue to the second... The Kinks "Tired Of Waiting For You" (Live Video 1965) (02:34) Amy Grant - Everywhere I Go (Live Music Video) (04:26) PART 1: REFLECTIONS ON LONGING...WAITING...SEEING G-D Here's the poem Don shared with us: A few days later, during the weekly Monday night meditation and contemplative prayer online session offered by the Cathedral of the Incarnation's Center for Spiritual Imagination in Garden City, NY (click link for info).... ...a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke "Go to the Limits of Your Longing" was offered. Click the next link to hear the poem read... Go to the Limits of Your Longing Written by Rainer Maria Rilke                Translated and read by Joanna Macy God speaks to each of us as he makes us, then walks with us silently out of the night. These are the words we dimly hear: You, sent out beyond your recall, go to the limits of your longing. Embody me. Flare up like a flame and make big shadows I can move in. Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final. Don’t let yourself lose me. Nearby is the country they call life. You will know it by its seriousness. Give me your hand. --Book of Hours, I 59 SOURCE: On Being Project "A picture's worth a thousand words" " God speaks to each of us as he makes us, then walks with us silently out of the night." "G-d knits us together in our mother's womb" Psalm 139 "Embody me." Embodying God: What It Truly Means Embodying God means living as the living expression of divine presence on Earth. It involves allowing God's presence to fill every cell, every breath, every choice until there is no longer a gap between who you believe yourself to be and Who I Am within you. This process is not about striving for perfection but about surrendering to the divine and allowing grace, joy, and truth to flow through you. It is a journey of wholeness where spirit and flesh no longer oppose one another but dance as one divine rhythm. ( SOURCE ) "Nearby is the country they call life." Canned Heat - Going Up The Country 1970 (02:44) While the song referenced in Don's handout - "There is a Longing" - isn't online, here's another by the Monks that expresses "longing" : We Desire You - The Monks of Weston Priory (03:14) Dancing is Embodying... Many years ago, Eileen and I and friends would drive up to Weston, VT to spend time celebrating with the Monks . On warm days, they would open the barn doors and dance in the spirit as they sang. A fine example of embodiment . Here's a nearby place where we practice the Gentry's "Keep on Dancing "...At the Baha'i Cultural Center in Valley Stream NY. Dances of Universal Peace "There's a Grateful Dead song for every occasion." The words from Rumi lead us here... The quoted title of this section are the wise words of my friend Steve - as we surfed and listened to the Dead in many wonder-filled places and states of mind.... I picked this particular video because the thumbnail image featured Bob Weir's countenance. He left these worldly plains on Jan.10 to join Jerry, Pigpen and Phil in the "house" band in the sky. Here they are together at NYC's Radio City Music Hall . Grateful Dead - Franklin's Tower | Live at Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY (1980) (09:03) PART 2: "G-D" IS ALREADY..."HERE"..."THERE" & "EVERYWHERE"... Waiting for "G-d"...as we understand "G-d" (AA)... For the thoughts and experiences that follow, my hope is that we'll realize that "G-d" (as we understand "G-d" [AA]) is not far away but... rather as... ..."We open our awareness to God  whom we know by faith is within us, closer   than   breathing , closer  than thinking, closer  than choosing – closer than consciousness itself."  ( SOURCE )   Francis of Assisi saw God everywhere Francis was praying alone …, uttering a mantra in the form of a question: “Who are You, O God? And who am I?” [1] The more Francis wandered into the fields of nature, the more he wandered into the fields of his own heart. The outer world invited him to enter his inner world. There he encountered the mystery of God who was at once, Most High, and yet infinitely near; more intimate than his own self....The more he found God within himself, the more he saw God outside himself where every detail of nature spoke to him of God...It was love that moved Francis into other worlds: the world of the leper, the world of the poor, the world of earthworms and wolves, into the world of everything, because only in the world is God born through love. However, one must be able to see and listen to the sounds of divine love crying out in the birth pangs of the new creation. Francis set his heart on God’s passionate love, his mind on knowing this love and his eyes on seeing this love.   [full article at next link] Love in the Created World - Center for Action and Contemplation Is there any place we can go where G-d isn't? Psalm 139 The Message Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?     to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there!     If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings     to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute—     you’re already there waiting! Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark!     At night I’m immersed in the light!” It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you;     night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you. Mountaintop experiences... If you're like me and grew up with Hollywood's portrayals of Moses  on the mountain, we were shown that only a select few ever had this experience of closeness. Worse, parts of scripture paint a fearful image of what can happen if we desire face-to-face intimacy: 20  But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.” --Exodus 33:20 New Living Translation ( SOURCE ) Street level (ordinary time) experiences...   All her life, Mirabai Starr  wanted to be one of the “God-intoxicated ones”  as she calls them—the kind of spiritual person who exudes stillness and embodies equanimity. The type of person who might chant all night in a temple or know the Beatitudes by heart. And then, she didn’t want that. Instead, she wanted to walk the path of what she calls the ordinary mystic—someone who’s able to be present with what is, whatever that may be. Starr wants that for all of us, too. “I want you to be exactly who you are: a true human person doing their best to show up for this fleeting life with a measure of grace, with kindness and a sense of humor, with curiosity and a willingness to not have all the answers, with reverence for life,” she writes in her new book, Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground . “Say yes to what is, even when it is uncomfortable or embarrassing or heartbreaking. Hurl your handful of yes into the treetops and then lift your face as the rain of yes drops its grace all over you, all around you, and settles deep inside you.” The Sunday Paper   caught up with Starr after her book reading in Boulder, Colorado, this week to ask her how we might get better at saying yes to what is, find more love and grace in the everyday, and walk the path of the ordinary mystic. ( SOURCE ) "G-d loves things by becoming them." Speaking about Bono's affection for Richard , Oprah says: Father Richard Rohr: "God Loves Things By Becoming Them" | SuperSoul Sunday | Oprah Winfrey Network (01:42) [from the video's description] In his new book, "The Universal Christ", Father Richard Rohr writes: "God loves things by becoming them." Here, Father Rohr shares with Oprah why "Christ" is another name for everything and asks us to discover God's presence in everything and everyone around us. PART 3: FOR THOSE STILL UNSURE... "Go to the limits of your longing..." BLIND FAITH - "Can't find my way home" Blind Faith - Can't Find My Way Home - London Hyde Park 1969. (06:08) U2 - "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" "I have climbed highest mountains I have run through the fields Only to be with you Only to be with you I have run, I have crawled I have scaled these city walls These city walls Only to be with you..." U2 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (Official Music Video) [from the article that follows] “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” tackles, in touching fashion, the struggle to maintain faith, when the proof of divinity can’t ever be pinned down by us mere mortals. In every verse, the narrator describes his efforts, taking him through all manner of obstacles. And every time that refrain ( But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for ) returns, a fresh pang of anguish hits once again. Even when he does make some progress, it’s contradicted by another feeling. The healing  of honey lips and fingertips  only serve to foster more longing within him: It burned like fire / The burning desire . His search engenders loneliness, when he imagines himself the only one left on the outside of heavenly love: It was warm in the night / I was cold as a stone . For all these bumps in the road, he holds fast to his beliefs, as the final verse makes clear. He anticipates a paradise where all the colours bleed into one . Perhaps it’s telling that “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” went to No. 1 in just one other country besides the band’s native Ireland: the U.S. U2 officially earned their American roots-music stripes with this soul-stirrer of a track. The Meaning Behind “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 and How It Reflected the Band’s New Focus - American Songwriter YUSUF / CAT STEVENS - "On the road to find out" Yusuf / Cat Stevens – On The Road To Find Out (04:08) #music #humor #Men2Men #Brentwood #Don #waiting #longing #Advent #Kinks #AmyGrant #MonksOfWestonPriory #WestonVT #CathedralOfTheIncarnation #GardenCityNY #CenterForSpiritualImagination #poems #RainerMariaRilke #JoannaMacy #OnBeingProject #enbodying #CannedHeat #dancing #Eileen #Gentrys #DancesOfUniversalPeace #BahaiCulturalCenter #ValleyStreamNY #GratefulDead #Rumi #dancing #ThomasKeating #BillW #AA #FrancisOfAssisi #Psalm139 #MirabaiStarr #RichardRohr #Bono #Oprah #BlindFaith #U2 #YusufCatStevens #InayatKhan #RamDass

The journey is an archetypal symbol...Since the beginning of time, some people have felt the inner call to pick up their tent poles and look for SOMETHING ELSE... In 1973, after several summers of traveling with friends and family to California following waves and the Grateful Dead, I packed up my 1965 VW Bus and moved to California...but this is not about that journey... For a chapter in THAT journey, take a side trip here... At some point in our travels...hopefully, we will remain open when a "STAR" invites us to the INNER JOURNEY...Where we'll discover the gifts...the treasures...the king...the kingdom...is WITHIN... NIV: Newly Imagined Version or NRSV: Nicely Revised SNL Version They came from the East…East New York…East L A… Three Wise Men - SNL (2003) (04:40) On the way to Bethlehem, a racist cop (Jimmy Fallon) on camelback pulls over the Three Wise Men (Al Sharpton, Tracy Morgan, Kenan Thompson) for suspicious activities in the desert. [Season 29, 2003] They came from the East…East Coast… Three Wise Guys - SNL (2013) (05:10) Three kings played by Sylvester Stallone, John Goodman and Robert De Niro gossip about baby Jesus while riding their camels to Bethlehem. So much for “Hymns”…Let’s give equal time to “Hers”… See more wise women below under "STORIES"... So much for three CAMELS… So much for three WHITE men... So much for three kings or magi... Let's imagine they were three musicians looking for a new gig... FOOD FOR OUR JOURNEY... Ten Cuidado (Be Careful): Before biting in, note that this sweet contains a plastic figurine of a baby inside. "Sí! , somos tres reyes..." (Por Pedro...) NYC: Rosca de Reyes (Mexican Three Kings Bread) @ Todo Rico Bakery in Jackson Heights Queens (02:50) Be sure to read the description Rosca de Reyes: The special Mexican sweet bread celebrating Three Kings Day (03:05) "Oui! ...Nous sommes trois rois..." (Pour Dr. Reagan...) Traditional French King's Cake Recipe (Galette des Rois) || William's Kitchen (10:36) SONGS FOR OUR JOURNEY... Three Wise Men - Jim Nabors (02:48) Three Wise Men (01:42) We Three Camels Christmas 2015 (02:30) --as told by the camels (hand puppets) We Three Kings - Hugh Jackman, David Hobson and Peter Cousen (04:27) We Three Kings - Clamavi De Profundis (05:19) Mediaeval Baebes - 'We Three Kings' (04:19) Mariah Carey - The Star (Official Video) (04:01) Live and animated STORIES FOR OUR JOURNEY... Lego Nativity - The Wise Men (02:45) The Three Wise Men and Their Epic Road Trip Three Wise Women – A story for Epiphany (07:28) --the following images are from this charming tale For FURTHUR Journeying... Going Furthur Documentary Official Trailer (02:40) Furthur Bus - Wikipedia The Who - Magic Bus - Live At Leeds HQ (07:33) Follow YOUR Star...Get on YOUR Bus... The Other One - Grateful Dead Fillmore East March 1971 (18:08) Grateful Dead - Scarlet Begonias (Winterland 10/19/74) (Official Live Video) (12:57) The Journey is to find the king...the kingdom...WITHIN... In the original story, the wise men traveled from the East westward...In the 60's, people seeking the "SOMETHING ELSE" I mentioned at the beginning of this tale...they/WE traveled a reverse route...from the West to the East... Within You Without You - George Harrison (05:04) The Beatles' Magical Orchestra: "Within You Without You" (07:30) On Long Island Sit back and watch The Magical Orchestra recreate George Harrison's "Within You Without You." First up, maestro David Amram introduces the classical instruments of India used in the song. This is actually an edit of two incomplete videos: the opening of the song from The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts (2005) and the remainder of the song from The Dix Hills Performing Arts Center (2006). It was a great honor working with two groups of extraordinary musicians. Within You Without You - George Harrison covered by The Magical Orchestra (04:48) --the images are an amazing visual masterpiece to accompany George and the rest of us on our journeys through life... "Within You Without You" We were talking about the space between us all And the people who hide themselves behind a wall of illusion Never glimpse the truth, then it's far too late, when they pass away We were talking about the love we all could share When we find it, to try our best to hold it there with our love With our love, we could save the world, if they only knew Try to realize it's all within yourself No one else can make you change And to see you're really only very small And life flows on within you and without you We were talking about the love that's gone so cold And the people who gain the world and lose their soul They don't know, they can't see, are you one of them? When you've seen beyond yourself then you may find Peace of mind is waiting there And the time will come when you see we're all one And life flows on within you and without you "We are all potential Messiahs sent from the One…but we need to spend time in quiet reflection to hear the individual messages with which we are entrusted… From an unpaid acting gig at Church of the Intercessor in Malverne, NY - I'm the guy on the left...Like a lot lately...I came upon a midnight clear...Oops...I was led to this pic while looking for something else... Journeys Ended, Journeys Begun - The Monks of Weston Priory (04:13) Together with my mate and with other friends, we had the pleasure to visit the brothers at their hillside retreat in the rolling green hills of Weston Vermont. On warm summer days, they'd slide open the barn doors of the worship space and dance in the spirit. #music #humor #SNL #SaturdayNightLive #ThreeKingsDay #JimNabors #LEGOS #TheWHO #GratefulDead #FurthurBus # MediaevalBaebes # ClamaviDeProfundis #Beatles #Jesus #MonksOfWestonPriory

At the conclusion of last Monday's Lectio Divina (1) gathering offered by the Center for Spiritual Imagination , one of my fellow participants mentioned that the lectionary selection we read caused him to feel happiness … Immediately, a popular song came to mind and I dropped a few words in our chat: “Happiness runs in a circular motion” (1) slow, mindful reading with repetition. For more, see post link under "Resources" heading. Opening Act Which comes first: happiness or gratitude? Benefits of Gratitude All Together Now...Gratitude for our friends With a Little Help from our Friends Gratitude Meditation Grateful I'm not DEAD... “From the lips of infants and children you have ordained praise” - Psalm 8:2 The Gospel of John, Paul, George & Ringo says it like this Resources Opening Act Here’s “Saint” Donovan leading us in this round: Feel free to join in... Donovan in Concert - Happiness Runs (05:57) Which leads us to ponder the age-old question… Which comes first: happiness or gratitude? [Opening remarks...Click next link for complete talk] There is something you know about me, something very personal, and there is something I know about every one of you and that's very central to your concerns. There is something that we know about everyone we meet anywhere in the world, on the street, that is the very mainspring of whatever they do and whatever they put up with. And that is that all of us want to be happy. In this, we are all together. How we imagine our happiness, that differs from one another, but it's already a lot that we have all in common, that we want to be happy. Now my topic is gratefulness. What is the connection between happiness and gratefulness? Many people would say, well, that's very easy. When you are happy, you are grateful. But think again. Is it really the happy people that are grateful? We all know quite a number of people who have everything that it would take to be happy, and they are not happy, because they want something else or they want more of the same. And we all know people who have lots of misfortune, misfortune that we ourselves would not want to have, and they are deeply happy. They radiate happiness. You are surprised. Why? Because they are grateful. So it is not happiness that makes us grateful. It's gratefulness that makes us happy. If you think it's happiness that makes you grateful, think again. It's gratefulness that makes you happy. Want to be happy? Be grateful - David Steindl-Rast TED (14:16) Gratitude - David Steindl-Rast (05:21) Benefits of Gratitude [Click next link for complete article]. Understanding Gratitude When we talk about gratitude, it's like holding up a mirror to the good in our lives. Studies show that individuals who consciously cultivate gratitude tend to have a more positive outlook on life. This isn’t some magic cure, but rather a mindset shift. By actively practicing gratitude, one may very well transform their state of mind. "Gratitude turns what we have into enough." — Aesop The Impact of Gratitude on Happiness Gratitude and happiness, intertwined like threads in a tapestry, often influence each other. When you practice gratitude, it often leads to a mental state where happiness can bloom. Here are some key ways gratitude fosters happiness: Improved Physical Health : Feeling thankful reduces stress and helps individuals experience fewer ailments, fostering a healthier body and, consequently, a happier one. Better Relationships : Expressing gratitude cultivates meaningful connections, enhancing one's social and emotional support network. Enhanced Resilience : Grateful people are more adaptable when facing challenges, which contributes to longer-lasting happiness. The Connection Between Gratitude and Happiness - Ravi Patel All Together Now...Gratitude for our friends Seeing the words "All Together Now" on the screen in front of David Steindl-Rast , called for this tune: The Beatles - All Together Now (Official Video) (02:20) With a Little Help from our Friends Joe Cocker - With A Little Help From My Friends (Live) (08:47) Gratitude Meditation 10 Min Gratitude Meditation | Cultivate Profound Gratitude & Peace To Transform Your Reality (10:47) Grateful I'm not DEAD... 10 Grateful Dead Quotes to Inspire You to Be Thankful for What You Have - The Capitol Theatre Check out this Lutheran pastor's take... “From the lips of infants and children you have ordained praise” - Psalm 8:2 Here's a bunch of Austin, Texas kids that are DEADicated to spreading the joy... 'Attics Of My Life' by the Barton Hills Choir (04:25) Attics of My Life (Grateful Dead) In the attics of my life Full of cloudy dreams unreal Full of tastes no tongue can know And lights no eye can see When there was no ear to hear You sang to me I have spent my life Seeking all that's still unsung Bent my ear to hear the tune And closed my eyes to see When there were no strings to play You played to me In the book of love's own dream Where all the print is blood Where all the pages are my days And all my lights grow old When I had no wings to fly You flew to me You flew to me In the secret space of dreams Where I dreaming lay amazed When the secrets all are told And the petals all unfold When there was no dream of mine You dreamed of me Songwriters: Robert Hunter, Jerry Garcia. For non-commercial use only. The Gospel of John, Paul, George & Ringo says it like this: “All you need is love…Love is all you need…” Paul McCartney, Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton & Rod Stewart - All You Need Is Love (LIVE) HD (04:09) Resources As we were wrapping up, our facilitator Kris mentioned other forms of sacred reading such as Visio Divina and Musica Divina that will be part of our third get together. Listening three times… --->>> If you sign up for this third offering, you'll be able to access the first two. Registration link can be found in this next link. Practices for Contemplative Living: Lectio Divina/Visio Divina...Praying with art & other images and text... #music #humor #CenterForSpiritualImagination #LectioDivina #Donovan #happiness #gratitude #DavidSteindlRast #Aesop #meditation #Beatles #gospel #friends #JoeCocker #GratefulDead #VisioDivina #MusicaDivina

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

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

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