Bringing Forth A Good Vote

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don’t bring forth what is within you, what you don’t bring forth will destroy you.” - JC 

Rather than the blather of corporatism and the let it all hang out of pop psychology we must bring forth the good inside of each of us. First we need to relect on what our talents and gifts are, then share them. In contemplating these ideas we may not find it necessary to sit with a koan like "What is the sound of one hand clapping? or "If the tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound?" but perhaps we can use a new set of koans for the electronic age.

Does a lone heart beating feel love?

Can one spirit sustain itself by giving yet never receiving?

Can one’s soul pour itself out seeking connection and survive the void that follows?

If you do nothing will the world ever change?

We live in a time when communication is measured in milliseconds, in which connection and intimacy are seen as posting personal information on a website for strangers to read. The sound of a loving voice, the warmth of hand in hand, and intimate human contact is quickly disappearing.

Is it possible to create a peaceful, loving world in the face of such dramatic loss? What can we teach that will sustain the personal intimacy with one another that is needed to create such a world? It seems a futile task, but one which must be undertaken and with some urgency.

I recall reading an article explaining how a parent can transmit the idea of a loving god to a child. It stated, that in the presence of something that represents your god or higher power to you, embrace your child and say, “This is______and ______ loves you.” The child will come to understand what that love feels like.

If we want our neighbors, our companions, our students, our families, our enemies, our global community to experience human interaction as a life giving force and a powerful healing energy we must first take the time to create true human connectedness with the people we encounter each day. We must model respectful, loving interactions in our smallest gestures – smile, say good morning, hold the door, thank the cashier at the deli, call a friend, write a letter or postcard, and embrace love and goodness.

In this last year, we have seen economic collapse most of which was the result of incredible greed. How can a $250,000,000 bonus for one person ever be seen as just compensation? How can spending $35,000 an hour to get yourself reelected ever be considered fair? In a world where 50,000 children die every day for lack of clean water, the most basic of medical care, and inadequate nutrition how can such wasteful self-indulgence be allowed to continue?

Then there are those of us who barely make $35,000 a year. We too must consider how our spending creates or destroys healthy communities. Do we shop at a multibillion dollar corporation that permits third world child labor or refuses to provide health Insurance for its employees? Do we walk two blocks to the store or do we drive our car? Can we get what we need from the family owned and operated business in our neighborhood or do we travel to the big box to save 50¢? If we participate in a spiritual or religious group, do we leave the precepts in the pew or do we attempt to live them out? Do we distort the true message due to our own prejudice, ignorance and fear?

In the recent Christmas season whether we are Christian and not, was our spending in response to the story of a homeless, immigrant, unwed pregnant woman or was it an exercise in wanton waste? Did we support someone less fortunate? Did we create a gift to honor the spirit of a beloved friend or family member?

There are some who hope to create great policy and global plans to bring about change and they are essential to change, but I prefer to laugh, hug, praise, and love those that I encounter along my journey.

Does a lone heart beating feel love? No, so connect in some way with anyone you know who might be experienceing lonliness.

Can one spirit sustain itself by giving yet never receiving? No, so offer to give some respite to anyone you know who is caring for a sick person or send a message telling them how much they are appreciated. Cook them a meal, give them a hug, so they may be able to continue their work.

Can one’s soul pour itself out seeking connection and survive the void that follows? No, so listen to a child ramble on or to an elderly neighbors woes or to a friend’s worries.

If you do nothing will the world ever change? No, but being attentive to one another in the smallest ways will create loving, peaceful communities. It can be done. It does not matter how busy we think we are, 10 minutes a few times a week allows for a tremendous amount of good to be done.

We cannot let consumerism and corporate greed stop our dreams

Gregory

 When you read the name of a Senator or Congressperson, you usually see a D or R following their name, referring to their party, then their state. Why not their name, followed by their money backers, like W for Walmart, or L for Landlord Association?

Great blog, and it made me think about the role spirituality plays in my life as I strive to contribute to the transformation of this planet.
     I often feel so bombarded by technology and the abruptness of digital life especially here in NYC that I need to GET OUT!  And when I think of how to escape the nature of this high tech consumerist world we live in I immediately think of an ashram, or some secluded sanctuary in nature.  It pains me to think that in order to find peace of mind to the degree that I desire means buying a ticket to india or having to find some way to financially afford to leave the life & responsibility i'm tied to.  
     It's through arts, music, yoga & meditation I try to stay balanced here in NYC.  I live here because of the quote that Reverend started this blog with. It is my purpose to bring forth my inner artist, singer, dancer,yogi, buddhist, peacemaker, lover and optimist because that is who I am and I will change the world by doing so!  And this is the city people with a strong voice, dream & purpose flock to so that we can join forces with others to realize those dreams together. You are who you surround yourself with...and It takes a community!
      Peace begins within oneself, so it is all of our individual responsibilities to find ways to quiet the mind amidst the chaos and from there we can take a stronger stand in our communication, relationships, communities and efforts to spread a powerful and healthy way of living all around the planet.  I just came from a buddhist festival adn they spoke of never being defeated.  PERSISTANCE! I see this as being love in the face of anger, hate, greed, etc. "All you need is love!" man I wish musicians ran our governments sometimes!
    So in the meantime, I work on being generous, loving, kind, helping strangers and proving to myself and others that random acts of kindness CAN b the norm, that generosity IS a way of life and that community is everywhere-and in this way I am contributing to this world becoming a more generous and peaceful place.
    At christmas I donated money to charity organizations in honor of whom the gift was for, and spread the word to friends who did the same.  
    GRATITUDE is also an easy practice that directly improves your quality of life and therefore those around you.  Share it!  What are you grateful for?  I use technology (text and facebook) to post 10 things every morning I am grateful for, and ask others what they are grateful for.....its contagious!!!!
  peace&blessings, Sierra

     

I find that a little time with my hands in the dirt functions as a good mental cleansing. Unplug and dig, plant, weed, harvest--even if it's flowers in a window planter box or a tomato stalk in a bucket.  Attentiveness to the soil helps keep one's attention away from corporate messaging. (Although I've admittedly unearthed a number of logos on wrappers and such while sifting soil). 

Also, what you bring forth may be delicious.

 Billy & the Choir -- I was unable to attend the last evening's benefit show for the people of Haiti held at the Living Theatre.  How was it?  What was it like performing?