Louiza's Spirituality and Religion Blog

Acting Paradox

2026-10-03T19:18:46.665-07:00

An acting teacher said that children or animals will steal the stage from adults. They are not self-conscious. They are free and usually authentic.

At the same time, life experience is the best acting teacher, allowing the actor to draw from emotions (often contradictory and complex) people, and events for the art.

The latest book, Musings, is available at: http://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/louiza-patsis-phd/musings/paperback/product.

My other short story and poetry book Life, Work and Play, fitness book Pocket Guide to Fitness (two versions and the anti-bullying children's book The Boy in a Wheelchair are available on Authorhouse or Amazon. My other short story and poetry book Life, Work and Play, fitness book Pocket

Guide to Fitness (two versions and the anti-bullying children's book The Boy in a Wheelchair are available on Authorhouse or Amazon.

Female and Male Pain

2026-10-03T19:13:56.584-07:00

Generally, men are physically stronger than women. Yet some at times complain while having a common cold, while women often experience childbirth with no anesthetics. So who is stronger?

Recently, I thought that Jesus Christ endured the cross. Yet his mother endured enormous pain, perhaps greater and for a longer time, while she watched him suffer and for years later. She was fully human in nature. Although she knew he was God, she must have suffered. Perhaps during her passing on August 15, when she saw him again, her pain was assuaged for a while. Then the cycle started again, much like we have crucifixions and resurrections.

Perhaps men can suffer more acutely, like during a boxing match or even a longer military battle, but women, who more encompass source energy, can take more pain longer.

I was reminded of the long-suffering of my grandmother Areti, who lsot her husband Aristomenis and son Petros during World War II.

The latest book, Musings, is available at: http://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/louiza-patsis-phd/musings/paperback/product.

Guide to Fitness (two versions and the anti-bullying children's book The Boy in a Wheelchair are available on Authorhouse or Amazon.

Being or the Environment in Sports and Life

2026-05-29T21:48:23.300-07:00

The question about why things happen: God's Hand, fate, choices, energy, or clearing is complicated and unanswerable. Some things are true in percentages in given seconds as per quantum mechanics "positions." Who knows? But many people get away with getting paid a lot for seminars to answer these questions.

Most things, as I've thought for decades, are a paradox, yin-yang balance, or multidimensional. I am writing a quick post late. You can comment on your thoughts, hopefully careful and deep ones, although quick ones may reveal some truth (another paradox).

A Spurs player recently said they brought out something from their being to win their last game, plus it was the environment. Which was it? It was probably a combination of both. Victor Wembanyama commented that they won by being. There is great truth to that. There is also such a thing as home-game advantage. I think for all sports, semifinals and finals should be played in a neutral third city. You can do your own research in statistics to see the rate of home turf wins and losses. A greater being from deeper, though, may have to be brought out to action if the game is not at home, or if in your life you are surrounded by smiling vipers.

The latest book, Musings, is available at: http://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/louiza-patsis-phd/musings/paperback/product.

Guide to Fitness (two versions and the anti-bullying children's book The Boy in a Wheelchair are available on Authorhouse or Amazon.

Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning Play Reading

2025-12-18T20:02:00.000-08:00

I saw the play Immerensis by Denzi Bing. The writer/actress is trans. I did not know that until I saw the play reading. I mention it because it was emphasized. I live in Jamaica. I'd love to see good, good-looking, tall, built, Christian, single, fun, smart, caring, non Momma-boy Caucasian straight men here and in many places, but there are not many. Of course, I believe all people should have rights. I also believe that most people are not trans, some that are have problems and children should not get sex-change operations. Probably, one percent or fewer people in the United States really are trans authentically, not due to trauma or these days status in some circles. [I also know that a few people biologically can have the presence of both genitals or a variation of XY chromosomes and at some point must make a choice or be non-binary, I guess.]

I did enjoy the play reading as art work. I act and write myself. There were some great lines I could relate to, such as that men date for status. I always thought women did, but looking back perhaps men do as much. Almost every man I liked asked why I live in Jamaica and judged me over it. It could be racism, elitism and heavy judgment over me like my ambition or mental health if I live there, or more. I even had one man say he would not drive through Jamaica. Most people from all races seek status. I doubt that one of the Obama daughters will marry a white, black, Asian or mixed like their father doorman from Jamaica I believe there is a new Indian movie aout how some adhere to he class system. I think this is based more on work and money than how dark the brown skin is

I am not on one extreme of ways of thoughts or politics and for decades, perhaps since I was a child, have thought multidimensionally, which few do. People of all races seek status.

I like the "fuck boy" phrase (perhaps not original) and the emphasis on getting to know someone and shared experiences like Thai food. I related to pushing someone away, which could be an actual good testing tactic. Of course, if one does not know you slowly, they may not know if they want to be there for trauma, but the good ones who know you will.

At the same time, I do not know why everything had to revert to toxic patriarchy, melanin people problems or being anti-Trump as if he invented everything bad in the world, which existed since the Garden of Eden. I do not approve of making fun of "disabled" people, or women's looks firing people like scientists with no investigation, or burying an ex-wife on a golf course. The bombing of boats may be unconstitutional. But overall, he is a big improvement over President Biden and wokeism. (President Biden did acknowledge the Armenian genocide, much to his credit. And Armenians (Cher, the Kardashians) are white.)

I have a mostly Greek background: Many "browner" people if we are to classify people that way, which is not by character that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr noted, the Turks, killed and dislocated many Greeks from Asia Minor in 192. The Western part of Turkey could be Greek today. They also took the northern art of Cyprus in 1974. Why is no one protesting on that as much as they do with Palestine? Turks, a browner and Moslem group since we classify people that way, held Greeks and others as slaves for centuries in the Ottoman empire. I am sure there are many other examples of this, like Barbary pirates and white slaves and blacks selling blacks in slave trades and massacring each other in Africa today. What are we to make of that? Is it President Trump's fault? If you think so, you have Trump Derangement Symptom. Perhaps the author or some audience members have it; I do not know them enough to know.

Yes, some men, like ones that would ask why I live in Jamaica, do have some toxic masculinity. But some that have balls, like the man who jumped on the man with a machine gun in Australia have a good masculinity and the ones being silent while the young white woman was stabbed on the train need some damn masculinity!

As for trauma of people with melanin, I didn't know those with smaller levels of melanin have less disease, family and marital issues, career problems and more. That is a bunch of BS that alienates and divides people and is just surreptitiously seeking dominance by victimhood. It's a MASK unless someone gives specific instances of definitely being discriminated against due to their race or ethnicity, and will give equal listening and action energy to a "white" or "Asian" person to hear how they were discriminated against due to their skin (yes, it happens) or any other problem in their life.

A woman in the audience made a wonderful comment to judge by our souls.

A man in the audience said we are living in what men (I am sure they meant white) created. Ther e is a BIT of Truth in that. But in this country you are free to have blue hair, be an atheist and screw different genders weekly if they are over 18 years old. So what is the problem? I have heard of intersectionality. I am white in Jamaica. I am a woman with science degrees. There is a bit of wisdom in talking about that, but it is not inventing the wheel. Just like a lion is beautiful AND a deadly killer who will not be a vegetarian tomorrow, yes, the normal is dual. Most men are attracted to women and their attraction is why we are all here. Men should have the b*lls to protect for and provide for women (even if women are millionaires. Most trees are green and some, even in the summer, may be burgundy. There are normals in nature. Even magnetic spin is dual. And it is great for some variation, and we have a lot in Queens and in Jamaica, yet it is not the large part of the bell curve. The majority of the bell curve is it bad. And that inclusivity, if it is inclusivity, should include people like myself and my views, as well as a rainbow (hmmm) of other views.

I am not sure "trans women" is a proper phrase unless "trans men" is used. Women in all their complexity of spirit, soul and body which may be hard to describe in words are women. They are entitled to that word, and to their spaces like locker rooms and sports.

Perhaps everyone in this country, including President Trump, a new money person, is marginalized and is trying to break into the "blue blood" original Anglo Saxon settlers. Perhaps everyone thinks they are better than everyone and pretend to be victims to gain status. Perhaps the rich are banding together with the poor to assuage their guilt and because the poor compared to the middle class pose a smaller threat to their status. Many or most Greeks think they are the chosen people who gave most to the world, including to Anglo Saxons, who get an ugly drunk on the Greek islands, as opposed to Greeks and Italians, and who borrowed Christianity, democracy, literature and more from them. Many Jews think they are the chosen people. It's Shakespearean, or actually Aristophanean.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Nigerian, proclaims to be Greek as he carries the flag at the start of the Olympic Games. (Is this intersectional?)

The experiences talked about in the play excerpt, some of which I mentioned, and I am sure there are more in the play, are the experiences of people everywhere. We do not need to mention trans trauma, melanin or the problems with President Trump, who is a Jamaica homeboy by the way. lol Just keep it at an art show about life, and yes, this trans person's (and friends') experiences, which we may all be able to relate to in some way be because we're all human, for better or for worse.

Oy voy

The January playwright series was good and focus on a Latin man who had come to the United States and died as a cop. Intricacy included that he had a Native American spirituality and that his daughter had some bad memories with him. The playwright talked about otherness but did not seem to know that in New York City n the 1970s and 1980s, there were many outlets for various Latin cultural groups and many Spanish speakers. She should recognize that Caucasians from all places are ethnically diverse. One Welsh village may differ from another, let alone an Anglo-Saxon village. One great thing to focus on is using some of that Native American language so it won't die. I did enjoy the play reading.

The latest one, Musings https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/louiza-patsis-phd/musings/paperback/product

Guide to Fitness (two versions and the anti-bullying children's book The Boy in a Wheelchair are available on Authorhouse or Amazon.

How Exercise Benefits Your Cells and Overall Health by Gemma Conroy, Published in Nature, May 2, 2024

2024-05-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

This article is worth leading. The author cites some new discoveries and points to new research that needs to be done. When you tear up muscle fibers during exercise and then rest, the muscles come back bigger and stronger. Research has shown that the stress that exercise brings to your body, even a temporary increase of oxidative molecules, eventually allows the body to become stronger, like in the adage "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

One effect of exercise is increased IL-6, which can cause inflammation and is "linked to obesity and insulin resistance," but exercise leads to increased anti-inflammatory molecules IL-10 and IL-1ra.

Reactive oxygen species, which in excess amounts can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids, kick-start a heightened presence of molecules such as proteins PGC-1α and NRF2, which activate genes that encode antioxidant enzymes.

Jonathan Long and colleagues at Stanford University found that exercise affects more than 200 cell types. When Long and his colleagues genetically tweaked mice so that their livers expressed elevated levels of these enzymes, they did not gain weight when eating fatty foods and had increased endurance.

One study found that endurance training had different effects on men and women. Fat breakdown markers increased in men, while fat maintenance and insulin signaling markers increased in women.

A study of exercising rats at the National Institutes of Health showed that molecular changes led to less inflammatory bowel disease and tissue injury.

Another study found that insulin alters gene expression linked to asthma.

Some scientists think they can develop drugs to mimic the good molecular effects of exercise for those who are unable to exercise for short or long lengths of time.

I conduct Zoom workout sessions. Send me a message if you are interested.

The latest one, Musings https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/louiza-patsis-phd/musings/paperback/product

My other short story and poetry book Life, Work and Play, fitness book Pocket Guide to Fitness (two versions and the anti-bullying children's book The Boy in a Wheelchair are available on Authorhouse or AmazonMy other short story and poetry book Life, Work and Play, fitness book Pocket

Guide to Fitness (two versions and the anti-bullying children's book The Boy in a Wheelchair are available on Authorhouse or Amazon.

The Obvious: State of Journalism in the United States

2024-03-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

So why did I get a Masters from Journalism from NYU? Why did I get any education may be the subject of another article. [I noticed at 18 that colleges are a business and people of all parties seem to be seeing that now. Some college insurance should be thought of by Congress or the private sector.] Much, as we usually do not tell children, is the hand of God or whom you know in almost all industries. At the latest alumni function at NYU, there was not one conservative voice in the audience, and when I raised my hand to ask why there is no Walter Kronkite any more or investigative journalism except for murders, the microphone was almost yanked from my hands as pronounced I had no more questions. Many Dateline and 48 Hours journalists have excellent capabilities, and they are steered to murder mysteries that do nothing for our souls or brains, and definitely not for the nation. I am continually asking, wtf?

What is happening? How can CNN and MSNBC, not to mention shows like The View, be geared toward one party or another or be so against Donald Trump. Yes, he should not say things about the “disabled” or women, but no, he is not a fascist and he cares about this country. Where is actual information flowing? Did I tell you I spent 15 years of my life to get a Ph.D. in information science, and I don’t see any of my colleagues from CW Post as information experts on television, while both sides of the aisle (and unfortunately there are usually two) proclaim that others are the leaders in dis- and mis-information.

How many times are Republicans, especially those that like Trump or are far right on CNN, MSNBC, The View or other shows? What kind of journalism is that? Why not have two if not four of varying degrees of agreement on a subject each one with a neutral journalist that has investigated and research the topic? When I edited science, I was told to dumb it down to a seventh grade level. Although there are many stupid people out there, I’d give the American public the benefit of the doubt that that is the kind of journalism and information sharing they’d want and need.

I do also think sometimes Fox overdoes things, although not as much as liberal media, like in alleging Biden had drugs to deliver the State of the Union speech. I am not sure he is fit to be President for four more years, and he is a puppet of the Far Left in areas, but Fox does overdo age comments.

At the NYU journalism alumni event, a young Asian woman proclaimed I am a fascist if I think Trump is good for the country. She walked away before I could point out that my grandfather and his eldest son, then 17, were killed by firing squad by actual German fascists during World War II on May 1, 1944 in Argostoli, Kephallonia, Greece. (Film Corelli’s Mandolin, 2000) How can college, let alone NYU, Columbia or other schools we think are tops, throw a term like that around the place? Last time I checked, Trump works with Greeks and many others, and isn’t planning on killing any. Perhaps there are personal or collective wounds having people project that Trump is Hitler. Cancel culture itself, where you cannot give your opinion, is conducted by those who project the fascists they really are by calling others fascists (much like those who have put down my intellect or called me fat are the actual fat, stupid ones). These are people weaponizing the justice system against Trump, while Biden gets by free. When was it okay for any President or official to have classified information?

Of course, I am aware that several that like Trump (and he can be any Republican candidate in the future) are male-chauvinist pigs and racist. I am Greek and many in church are like that. But let’s get real. People are complicated onions. Don’t we all have some racism in us? Don’t most whites think whites are better in some way, or blacks think blacks are better, or Italians think Italians are better But most have the sense to look at people as individuals. Maybe we feel different to different degrees at different times of the day or year. People may prefer their family, neighborhood, city race or two races, ethnicities, or at times not even like them. (I can say that about most family members.) Trump, whose daughter “became” Jewish and who I am sure employs all kinds of people, is not an anti-black or anti-gay person as far as I can see or more than many others are different times, including those that may be prejudiced against whites.

Many or most may have thought of the n, h and s words as applied to negative characteristics shown by people of different races. It can be an angry word spoken at times, and may not mean one is inherently racist to everyone of one ethnicity or race. At the School of Practical Philosophy, I learned about the sattvic, rajasic and tamasic elements of life.¹ I am sure they can be applied to races, ethnicities, occupations and more, although they would be stereotypes true at times. For instance, each ethnicity may have its sattwic, or usually best, wise, calm version; rajasic or energetic, working and at times argumentative and too busy nature; and tamasic nature which can range from rest to dark and evil.

It's an absurd world to hear at times that one can change genders daily then wander into a Greek event and be asked (at the other end of the spectrum) if I am 100% Greek, or what village my mother hails…I wonder if there is a third country somewhere in which to be “happy.”

And how many times do they “old money” people not like the “new money” people, or “new money” people not like those in the social class they left behind, whether it is the same or different race or ethnicity?

For those who see only the bad about America, have you tried living somewhere else? I am sure there are some good places. I can actually pick one of the gorgeous islands of Greece and stay there. But I may be too much of a New Yorker so I know, to an extent, I like the variety of cultures and the energy/rhythm. I also know that to Greeks, although born there, I am an American. I am sure if one is from or partly from Norway to Uganda, they’d be thought of the same and would come to realize that they may vibe with some characteristics of that country’s culture, but also find many rather stupid and annoying since they are also American. So take the best of both.

For women’s month, I’ll add this: Many of us women are happy we are here, and those expounding too far left views should think of it. If your hair would show or you’d look at a man, in some villages in the Middle East or Asia, you’d be stoned to death or beheaded. And in some African villages, you’d lose your clitoris. I’ll keep America, thank you, plus my head and clitoris.

Besides football and apple pie, a main characteristic of being an American is innovation, optimism, progress and taking the best of different cultures. I love my Greek culture and religion, but I know I have to open the window and let some air in or it may get stifling and a bit Dark Age-y at times. I also know that being an American is not self-hate and annihilation from the inside, which some woke culture is consciously or subconsciously fostering. That would be rather stupid. I recall the biggest sports blunder I saw. A man in a European or South American soccer match fervently ran across the field and scored a goal. Then he realized it was against his team, rather stupid.

An informed, neutral, well-meaning press can foster and then receive more information form in a truly safe environment, the populace. This would have us be able to gather any sattwic messages from the extreme left and right, left and right, and middle, to use easy terms and have actual progress.

And no country can NOT have a border. No white American can march to Mexico, or Canada, or Kenya, or Singapore, or Norway and decide to live there for as long as they want with no paperwork. It is not a racism thing. Did anyone investigate if George Floyd and his murderer had beef from the past? If any subordinate cops had feeble personalities and could not stop what was happening? If any bystander called the black police captain?

I went to clubs since I was 13 years old. Yes, there were some gay and bisexual people, and transvestites. However, a huge amount of people were not changing their gender, and definitely not children. There weren’t countless proclaimed genders. This is post-modernism turning to craziness. Crossdressers do not need to read books to children, as we do not need to show them straight X-rated films, and this is coming from a club -goer at 13. One day at a Chelsea school, I subbed for the DOE in a special education classroom, to see them showing them a Harvey Mil movie. I see this in my 20s. This is not appropriate for any children due to the sexual and drug content, and this is coming from someone who went to NYC nightclubs at 13 years old. In addition, the young African-American paraprofessional, way less educated than myself, had reverse racism. (I will not get into the whole story.) And many of us experimented with drugs and sexuality. Thirteen is different than six. Most parents are competent enough to handle their children over teachers or doctors.

Yes, my religion says that gay people have demons in their head. A Greek Orthodox priest-Ph.D. wrote well on this topic, but I will not get into it now. A small percentage of people are gay, even if you account for those who don’t admit it in countries like Uganda or Iran. Some of these people have better relationships than heterosexuals, where the divorce rate is around 50%REF, and may have no demons in their head. Everyone does to an extent. Of course, everyone deserves civil rights, obviously, and some gay people or black people or white people or whatever, may have a better character or heart than a neighbor. Only God can judge a heart, soul or spirit, and being straight or gay is not the measure as some on the extreme right (to use an easy phrase) may think.

To group a person who may not be pro children changing their genders, for example, and say they are fascists or some other unfitting, ludicrous term is collapsing civil rights with individual opinion, including religious ones, on which this country was founded and is assuming the auditory recipient is stupid enough to agree with you for fear of being canceled, not seeming nice or smart, or whatever else. That person never said anything on the important subject of civil rights, on which this country was also founded.

However, just like so many all of a sudden have a lactose, peanut or gluten allergy, even after accounting for those that were too afraid to voice it, it does not seem logical that more people want a gender change operation, or are gay or some other of many proclaimed genders. I can imagine in a small minority of cases, some are not comfortable in their gender, but it is a small percentage. And they may change their mind at 18, 21 or 25 years old! Intuition tells me so, and it is hardly ever wrong. I myself was feminine to my soul since I was a child, but also have masculine characteristics or those thought so, like being bossy or strong, but it doesn’t mean I will change my gender. Ever heard of a yin-yang balance, and then I’d say most are more feminine if female and male if male. To say one does not know what a woman is, is ridiculous. I am reminded of my favorite ancient Greek story of Diogenes being asked why he is carrying a lamp at noon time. His answer was to find a human being.

Company can be found in district attorneys not prosecuting crime. Aren’t district attorneys supposed to be hard on crime? What is the point of public arrests if people are let out in the street again. I do not agree with Fox News that sending The National Guard to NYC subways is a prelude to a police state. But why do we need them? Is cop enrollment low because of some bad vibes to cops? Or is crime so high? Why are illegals in The Roosevelt Hotel? Yes, they are illegal. Some are criminals and in gangs. Some are innocent women with children or families. You must come into this country legally, as my parents came, and as with every country. Why aren’t mentally unstable people housed here to get medical and mental help they need and money? Some of them are veterans!

I thought in 2001 we should have nuclear detectors on trains. `The CIA and FBI did not communicate well and the CIA did not listen to women prior to 911 (as Israelis didn’t prior to October 7). Terrorists can enter from either border, become citizens and facilitate others to enter for another 911.

Perhaps I am innocent at heart, but besides leanings on a high level of Constitutional interpretation at the Supreme Court, aren’t judges supposed to be neutral? Isn’t that the point of the blind Justice statue with a scale? Again, wtf.

To also try to divide the country on race is ridiculous. This country was contributed to by everyone from the Founding Fathers to current immigrants. Most contribution did not come from slaves, but from everyday poor farmers and also city innovators and industrialists. Slaves did contribute a lot. But so did everyone in our country.²To say one group contributed the most is racist and too prideful. I have an intuitive/artistic side and scientific one. Here my scieintific side would require many primary documents and accounts. I am sure there were more poor family farmers than their were salves and wheat was more important than cotton.

The Founding Fathers were amazing at starting this country, and proclaiming freedom. I haven’t started a country lately, have you? Yes, many had slaves. Slavery is huge in almost all parts of the world, and is happening now in the form of labor and sex slavery, and more.³ Greeks, for instance, were slaves in the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. England and Ireland, China and Japan, Arabs and Persians, Indians and Pakistanis have had strife. We are in a Fallen World. And yes, our history has not been the best with Native American Indians. Life is full or winners and losers. Whoever loses the Super Bowl does not want to play again the next day. (This is not to make light of atrocities.) Yes, slavery is wrong. Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory marched with Martin Luther King Sr and was on the cover of Life with him. The Founding Fathers were flawed as were my ancient Greek philosopher ancestors who were probably all male chauvinist pigs. Aristotle thought all DNA came from sperm, when more than half (mitochondrial as well as other genes) come from mothers. But you don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

The same is true of cops. There are some bad apples. Cops should be vetted trained and fired if they commit crimes. Yet we must fund them. You call a cop when you need someone, and if you are alone and a woman, this is more necessary.

Let’s talk about privilege for a while: Is there systematic racism? I am sure there has been in the areas of policing, voting, real estate, work and more at times in different places. At the same time, I, as a white, healthy, educated woman, have had incredible obstacles from family to frenemies to dating to men. People have thought I am a slut, not getting laid enough, fat or thin, too young or too old, privileged, a snob, stupid and more. In Greek Orthodoxy and other “religions,” we learn we all carry a cross. To what extent is one person responsible for another? That is a choice. Is a single rich white man, for instance, whose father abused him, wife cheated on him and child has cancer at five more privileged than someone with little work but close friends hanging out on his stoop each night and four healthy children? Hmmm

Back to journalism: We are not stupid, although we are inundated with often crap information of pop culture, violent video games and movies and repetitive “journalism.” I remember that in my 20s I wrote a paper on how journalism is consumed with several things like sensationalism and repetitiveness. Not much has changed. Where is the investigative journalism on the environment; statistics of crimes by illegal aliens; cops that have had social training; causes of crime; and more? For instance, what are reasons that inflation went up and are they related to COVD, Trump, Biden, Jobs, interest rates or others and to what capacity each? What caused COVD? How were scientists, including Dr. Fauci, complicit in it knowingly or not? Why can’t we educate poachers of wildlife?

I am waiting for reparations from Germany. My family had repercussions resulting in emotional and verbal abuse to me and who knows what came or has not come about in my life due to that. How economically feasible is that for descendants of slaves? What if they are 1/16 black? What about Northern descendants and immigrant families who had nothing to do with that. No, they should pay nothing. Why are people like former President Obama who are not half black called white as much as they are called black. He came from a white mother and she and his grandmother were his biggest mentors, I think.

Where are the parties that actually want to work together for the medical, mental, economic, environmental and spiritual health of a nation? I do not see them, or at least a majority of journalists or politicians, being a neutral, investigative “middle.” I wonder again if there is some third country for me. I would not join Bezos or Musk on their rockets, as I like Nature here, as cruel as it can be at times in this Fallen World. Perhaps we can all stop this madness and help make it better.

Socrates has been credited of saying “Pan metron ariston.” To everything, measure (or the middle road) is arista or excellence. Thinking Trump is Hitler, saying homosexuals will go to hell, saying all Democrats are Communists are extreme, useless and only harmful ideas as bad as any prejudice. An informed, neutral, investigating journalism will feed the minds of Americans and wake up their intelligence, be they black, white, a mixture, Asian, rich, poor and of varying types of education. They will feed the media and increase the standard of journalism. This cycle will hopefully fuel other positive cycles, increase communication and foster unity. We already have enough mind-numbing entertainment, including violence, from movies to television to video games to apps. I enjoy some of it. But, again, Pan Metron Ariston. Perhaps we need something else, and true journalism can be one of the leaders.

From Ancient Greece to that President Lincoln said about a house divided, we know where that ends. And I I know we can all agree on certain things. It must start with loving this country. And I know everyone wants their family to be safe, and no one wants to pay $7 for Corn Flakes.

1. https://www.yogabasics.com/learn/the-3-gunas-of-nature/

2. Most people came to this country as poor people who wanted different or more rights. Few, comparatively, were plantation owners. All ethnicites and races (or mixtures thereof) contributed in urban settings. Researching this would take months or years, and could include primary documents. If anyone pays me, I will do it. When having mostly a correct intuition as a child and having education and experience, you can go with that before [paid] research.

3. https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_855019/lang--en/index.htm

I conduct Zoom workout sessions. Send me a message if you are interested.

The latest one, Musings https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/louiza-patsis-phd/musings/paperback/product

My other short story and poetry book Life, Work and Play, fitness book Pocket Guide to Fitness (two versions and the anti-bullying children's book The Boy in a Wheelchair are available on Authorhouse or AmazonMy other short story and poetry book Life, Work and Play, fitness book Pocket

Guide to Fitness (two versions and the anti-bullying children's book The Boy in a Wheelchair are available on Authorhouse or Amazon.

Third Entity in Romantic Relationships

2023-06-15T20:11:00.002-07:00

Relationships can be hard. No one had a perfect childhood or has no "issues and they cannot be solved fully, or through religion, therapy, meditation, and yoga. Often, as Harville Hendrix said years ago you grow most in committed relationships with those who will be there e for you through the good and bad moments and times.

A third entity must be God, Jesus Christ, and it is best in a Greek Orthodox context.

Besides this, the third entity is also the "we", the relationship. Recently, a relationship I had with someone was a baby. After no communication about what I did not like, I ruined it, consciously, and I thought I was killing the baby. If both of us fostered it, it would be growing now. But I could not lower my standards enough to warrant having a sort of or on-and-off relationship.

Perhaps, if both of us watered that baby, we'd be together, closer daily, or at least monthly, through the ups and downs.

Intersection of Art, Science and Religion

2023-03-30T20:20:00.002-07:00

This is an email to Bible class and will be edited and added to in the future:

I still think you need works and that Orthodoxy thinks you need both, or it seems too much like the Protestant
"I am saved" and that is it.

I also think we are obligated, within the parameters of our choices, and giving ourselves times to rest, to grow and increase our talents to show appreciation for what God gave us, inspire others (which can also mean doctors since medicine with art; medicine is not the only thing that heals), and make a difference, including by sharing any money gained.

For those of us not called to be nuns or monks, we are going to be in this world. For some, given their personalities and circumstances, that may mean to concentrate on family. For others that is or includes art and science. If those are done in the context of having faith, the person has two entities going for them. I have seen what a female psychologist said, an emptiness of some artists (and perhaps if they are not anchored in faith, some turn to drugs, etc.), but I have alternatively seen some artists, especially dancers, who are loving and spiritual whether Christian or Orthodox or not. (In fact, I think of all artists, dancers are the most special no matter the race, gender, sexuality, or religion) in general. (You can find jerks everywhere)

With art, whether music, a poem, or dance, you can explain all kinds of human conditions and emotions, albeit not of Heaven or just praising God, but that are in the world which, after all, God gave us (although it was influenced by the Fall). If an artist can express the complication of human emotions, the beauty of what another may overlook like a rose or even an orange, our psychology and more, while being in and appreciating Christ or God or at least human love (for atheists), that is divine and sacred.

An artist can express angst or death via music, a painting, a dance a photograph, and show suffering in the world, as we spoke about on Zoom.

Some desires can also be to me since we are of and in this world and you can always be Christ-conscious.

A scientist interested in a bacterium, as well, while having a passion to understand God's world and help to cure a disease, fight for the environment, or other, also is often being Christ- or God-conscious.

On the other hand, many in church who are middle or upper class, may speak about doing away with passions, while giving 1% of what they have for others. And that may include myself.

We can keep God first, but work on our talents and be ourselves as we grow daily and have free will.

I can write more, but will wrap Here is some wonderful chanting:

Gaslighting

2022-12-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

I will post something short now, as it is late and I am listening to a wonderful vigil for Saint Porphyrios from Zoodochos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church in the Bronx.

My father always called me "athoa" or innocent in Greek. I am finding out why these last years. It is beyond me, although I do have the capacity both ways good and bad in extremes, that people can be evil, sadistic, jealous, and aiming to destroy others' souls and self-confidence.

They may do this consciously or subconsciously, as I have seen even in close family members, not to mention frenemies and strangers.

Often, this is in the guise that they want to tell you the truth about who you are, your personality, your looks, your talents, your abilities, your relationships, your future. Ultimately, YOU get to say.

Curiously, these are the same people that are most "sensitive" when you tell them a FRACTION of anything back. They often back away like wounded animals. Poor babies

I am a Christian, but often not a good one. I do have a mouth, and will use it. If someone is not with me on my birthday or Christmas Eve, they are most likely or surely not with me. So what the fuck! Let the tongue loose finally.

More is to come.

Happy Saint Porphyrios Day! He said to pray for enemies and be good. I am not usually Saint Porphyrios. God help us, or them.

Older Women and Younger Men

2022-12-02T18:06:00.003-08:00

I have cursed less and less through the years, but after reading Kelly Ripa's book, I gather since she has a loving husband and children, parents and in-laws, a good career and millions, I will be authentic --

WTF is the taboo with older women and younger men? Last year a woman who is a year older than I am and who attended my Greek church grammar school, went on in an embarrassed way about how she is THREE (Wow!!!) years younger than her husband. They are married with children from years. WTF I think her older celebrity sister married a much younger man, after a divorce with one probably her age or older.

Come to think of it, most divorces are with men older than women. An uncle of mine, the best man at my parent's wedding, got married for a second time at 45 years old to his wife who was 18. He took her straight out of the villager around 1971. They have seven grandchildren. All three of their children are married. I do not know if they are happy. None of the couples is divorced.

Another lady at the same church recently, who married a Protestant from Trinidad, looked to the floor as if she had just killed a baby elephant or a baby, and said that her husband is THREE (!!!) years younger than she is. They met on vacation, he was a complete gentleman to her, getting her a dozen roses plus one for a girlfriend once, he converted to Greek Orthodoxy and they have three healthy children. A fortune teller from Atlantic City, that we are not supposed to believe in as priests say they open the way to demons, predicted his name or something. So why the hell id she seem apologetic?

Men die before women anyway, so usually women are stuck being nurses, so naturally women should marry younger men, if they meet the "right" one. What matters is if people get along, if it a good fit, if they have enough things in common, if they have enough things to teach each other or complement each other with and a common future direction.

Research can yield more statistics. I did not check for the precision of these. Here are two I found readily.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/241572/death-rate-by-age-and-sex-in-the-us/

https://www.worlddata.info/life-expectancy.php#:~:text=The%20world%20average%20age%20of,data%20from%20the%20year%202020.

A male dance teacher I had, God bless him, died of a rare brain cancer in his 40s. He had the body of a 20-year-old, at least looking at him, and also was an acrobat, I believe, not easy. He tried many alternative therapies and went to MSKCC. Another dance teacher, a female, died at 102 years old.

They say men are visual. Then wtf are women, especially women artists and editors. We can find a wrong comma in pages of hard science material! We love and overlook beer bellies, wrinkles and rotting teeth! Meanwhile, a woman has a few gray hairs and two fine lines and 35 to 50 years old = 80 years old. WTF! And these men may not even kiss, or as Kelly wrote, be able to find a clitoris (or know what to do with it). Now maybe we can all grow to overlook looks totally, but those or at least chemistry matter. Someone's heart, smarts and especially CHARACTER, may make up for them. Often, however, older men that are 60 that think of course they will get a 40-year-old (or younger) woman, are a-holes, commenting on any body flaw that they PERCEIVE she has while they are a demolished building. The same goes for those that are 70 thinking they will be with a 50-year-old because they have money or they look so good. WTF Often, they may have utterly racist, cheap and other hideous qualities to boot! I remember an old New Yorker cartoon where an in-shape woman looks in the mirror and sees a fat woman, while a multi-twin beer-belly man looks in the mirror and sees a handsome hunk.

We see acceptance of trans surgery for children, talking about sex to children under 12 years old, and drag queens in classrooms and libraries. (They have their place in art, but not in classrooms or libraries of children.) Yet if a woman is 30 dating a 25-year-old she may be called a "cougar," as if labels like "slut" and "bitch" are not enough! WTF!

I think we should each have a train of good men, younger or not, pining after us, try them out, keep the good and throw out the rest.

Distinctions from Canadian Geese II and a Miracle

2020-08-11T21:05:00.001-07:00

August 11, until minutes ago, was my birthday. A miracle happened. After seeing Cody/Codette sweating from his/her tongue, having diarrhea at least once, following me like I am their stepmother, and gnawing on dead leaves, I returned to the park today to find around 22 other geese! He waited. They came.
Was it my clearing?
I went to finding a problem or complaint: I could not tell if any were from his family. Why doesn't God make geese look more different from each other? Cody/Codette has a white mark on their head.
I wish I knew who was a boy or a girl too.
Well, the part of me that is like my mother was at times always finds a problem. A miracle cannot be enough...
Yet I am happy about it.
Sigh

Check out my books on www.Authorhouse.com or www.Amazon.com The Boy in a Wheelchair, Life, Work and Play and PocketGuide to Fitness and Musings on www.Lulu.com.

The Goose

2020-07-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

Well, there is only one goose left. I am devastated. I did get a bit unattached days ago.
It is not one I particularly liked. my favorites were Mosely the father that I first saw and Psoma who ate from my hand. This one, Cody if a boy or Codette if a girl, poked at a sibling and his Dad if I recall and freely shook his/her butt and pooped.

The charm of Cody/Codette has grown on me. I recall he/she loved to primp their feathers with their beak, to scratch their back with the back of their head, and to spread their wings and stretch. He/she, like the other ones, close their eyes with their lower white eyelids and stand on one leg.

I wonder if park goers, mostly Moslems, took the geese for food. They seem peaceful.
Today was a major holiday for them and I did not see any of them bothering geese. One jogger said that he is a local and other years saw geese leave and return. Let's hope that happens. Other theories are that evil teenagers killed them or perhaps animals like foxes and coyotes. Or perhaps they went away, single or in small groups, and will return. Sigh. I will be an FBI agent until I find out.

I visit Cody/Codette, how has yet to eat from my hand and at times has been fed bread by others. He/she continues their gestures. Days ago, he/she kept company with tow young duckettes, that are now gone. Cody/Codette floats around, eats, drinks in muddy water, and today was chewing on dead twigs and a potato chip bag. Was he/she "brushing their teeth? I am fascinated.

I recalled an acting teacher saying often that a baby, child, pet or animal will upstage the best actor. Why? They are being themselves. They do not want to defend or prove anything. They are not self-conscious. I cannot imagine Cody/Codette thinking: "How am I chewing this grass? Is my ass fat? Can they see me poop? How should I best spend my time today?"

I have thought that at times I have sweated different people because they had or put up a show that they had what I did not have or really thought I did not have at the moment: a certain fitness level, a career, a carefree attitude. Cody/Codette does not have this problem. And this is what makes him/her so fascinating. Besides, he/she is so sweet.

Check out my books on www.Authorhouse.com or www.Amazon.com The Boy in a Wheelchair, Life, Work and Play and PocketGuide to Fitness and Musings on www.Lulu.com.

Distinctions from Canadian Geese

2020-07-21T17:41:00.002-07:00

Who would've thought I'd care for geese? As far as I remember, I only thought of them, when I did, as almost ugly, big birds that fill Long Island parking lots with poop.

With years of ups and downs in family, dating, frenemies, human resource catastrophe, intrusive thoughts and other mental concerns, I adapted well to COVD. Besides deaths, may God rest victims' souls and give strength to their families and friends, I enjoyed the quiet time.

I did well without my favorite things: the gym and sauna, theater, restaurants and museums. I substituted home workouts and walks for the gym. Intuition told me to go to a lake where I went with my father and uncle as a child one day and I started going often. I had no expectations but to walk, with music and Dave Ramsey on my cell phone.

I saw four duck pairs, turtles, fish and eventually two white herons and two blue-gray herons. On one of my first visits, or the first, I saw one goose. I guessed he was male and called him Mosely. I wondered inside and out loud where his mate was; unlike the ducks, he was one like I was. Days later, Mosely had a wife and five children. I was a bit jealous of his wife who had a family. I eventually called her Barbara. I had difficulty naming the children, not knowing if they were male or female and not wanting gender-neutral names like Cody. One grown girl, it seemed , who ate from my hand was called Psoma or Bread Man in Greek. It sounded cute. In two weeks the end of May and early June, the grew and their feathers went from down to grown brown and black colors. Their necks and faces started getting black, and white spots appeared on their head. Sigh. I cried inside they'd leave me. I thought they left one by one, and begged them not to do that.

I observed the family on the water; feeding on grass; pruning their feathers, even turning their necks all around; dipping themselves in the water; looking for food in mud; and taking naps, their under eyelids white.

One day I walked by them and fed them, continued to walk and job and when I returned, I saw a 9- and 11-year-old girls pestering them. I castigated myself that I did not tell them to stop loudly enough. The geese showed off their feathers and then headed to the lake. I counted four, not five, goslings and thought I saw someone with one in the corner of my eye. I was guilty it was my fault. The girls must have hurt them.

I returned that night and there were still four goslings.

It stayed that way for weeks.

Then there were three.

I called 311. I called Audubon. I emailed PETA. I put out questions on Quora. No one seemed to know. Did anyone get them and eat them? Did an angry teenager hurt them? Were there raccoons, coyotes or foxes at the park? I doubt that.

Last week, my Psoma was gone. I visited twice one day, and skipped the next. A day made a difference.

I put up signs. Nothing.

What I learned:

Animals in the wild, even more than pets or zoo animals, are totally themselves. Even in the cruelty of nature, (beyond a heron catching fish, I did not observe), they are in a smooth, wondrous dance. they do not want to impress you and they do not wonder what you think. We can take lessons.

There is a line between possibility and wishful thinking Jogging at the park recently, I envisioned the three missing goslings flying over the tree tops to their family: probably wishful thinking.

I blame myself. When other goslings went missing, I could not really blame myself more for the first one's missing.

I cling. I cling to still have those weeks of peace walking, seeing my family unfold, wanting to be part of it, and somehow being part of it, although at times the geese seemed annoyed to see me. I cling and so does/did some family members at times I was in grammar school and the family relationships were more simple. Expectations, control and vindictiveness had not set in yet. So stagnation and clutter are a result.

On one hand, things are sweet when you sweat, hunt and work for them. On the other, they are sweeter, and definitely more light when you do nothing and discover/receive beauty, a gift, love, new people and experiences...

In any case, I miss my geese and do not know when gratefulness for the unfolding of that family in my presence will be greater than pain and nostalgia.

Check out my books on www.Authorhouse.com or www.Amazon.com The Boy in a Wheelchair, Life, Work and Play and PocketGuide to Fitness and Musings on www.Lulu.com.

Distinctions from a Greek Orthodox Psychiatrist

2020-06-27T14:31:00.001-07:00

I was clicking though television channels and happened upon a program I saw months ago, a Greek Orthodox Christian psychiatrist being interviewed on a Greek channel. Below is a combination of my thoughts and what he said.

He talked about things I knew and it would be a good time to write a post about this, during a time when many are polarized: defund police; police are heroes; you owe us retributions for slavery; that was centuries ago; wear masks; don't wear masks; and lots more.

I am sure you can take away some things for yourself and find the relevance in today's events.

Humble does not mean your do not know or even say your good attributes. You know they are sourced from God. False humility, which is worse than conceit, is not saying what your good attributes are, but rather allowing a friend to do so, or those on social media. I have observed in some circles that people do not say what their good attributes or accomplishments are, but someone in their circle does. So they get to show off while appearing humble. Here is a scenario: A successful business man has a friend who owns a newspaper and writes an article about the business. The businessman another day gives an award to the newspaper owner for being a good journalism or philanthropist. I add, tout your own horn once in a while, especially if negative and jealous people around you don't acknowledge you. It is a way to be thankful for what you have, give a message you know you have it and won't be gaslighted and increasing your power and self-esteem. You are telling the Universe you mean business. Of course, do not do it all day long.

On pleasure: It is not bad in and of itself.
I will second that. Being hedonistic is needed, whether it is taking a walk and observing nature, dancing, having a good meal, or whatever suits your fancy if you do not hurt anyone. I am into balance. Taking a break and relaxing and fun are wonderful. If your life is based on fun, though, without meaning, it leads to emptiness and despair. Going after every stimulus is an excess. For instance, you eat an éclair every time you see one. The doctor gave an example where a relationship only based on sex fizzles out because the serotonin wears out, and there is no meaning behind it.

Living for moments can be good if it is being grateful for little things or everything: the sunrise and sunset, a cup of coffee, stretching your toes. If you live only for the moment and do not have a context of meaning in your life, for most a Higher Power and a purpose, there will be an existential crisis.

Meaning can come from overcoming the obstacles in a relationship or life. What you learn from the pain and overcoming obstacles makes you grow and increase self-confidence. You see things in what you go through and build character. You can transmute the pain you feel to power, strength, and energy to work, experience, accomplish and create. This can lead to joy and peace.

Simple scenarios I thought of quickly: You punch a bag with anger energy and end up with happy hormones.
You cry and take a walk to get away from it all. You notice nature and become calm.
You do not like that someone put an obstacle in your career. Your anger fuels healthy competition. You accomplish something and are confident.

In the paralytic verses of the Bible, Christ asks the paralytic if he wants to get better. First you must make a choice to get better. I always said that complaining is good to a point. You can get to know someone and get to know your ability for empathy if you listen. Relationships can deepen. You get things off your chest and out of your blood and your cells, if you will. But it does not lead to growth, progress or happiness if you do it too much. Being fake is never good. But if you are the victim all the time, you end up dominating those around you. If the paralytic did not pick up his bed and assume responsibility, he would still be lying down in it, possibly even bringing his family down with him. Do not BE a victim all day with all of your being. Some people or groups being victims make other people guilty if they are doing well and the victimization can be a mask for hate and domination.

Check out my books on wwwAuthorhouse.com or www.Amazon.com The Boy in a Wheelchair, Life, Work and Play and PocketGuide to Fitness and Musings on www.Lulu.com.

Quit! Give Up!

2019-12-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

Many things are a paradox: Insanity is repeating the same thing over and expecting the same results. Yet in running the Marathon or getting a Ph.D, you must persist when things look bleak and when you are in pain.

Many good-natured people do not realize there are evil, jealous people out there who want you to fail. If you are surrounded by those people and keep getting remarks downplaying your character, brains or looks, be assured that these are usually vipers, or, as Jordan Peterson says, dragons.

If you are persisting in your career and things are not working, perhaps God wants you to change careers. Or try a different approach. The latter may be more complicated, but when it comes to vile people around you, do not feel like a quitter if what you need to do is

QUIT!!!

That will open the door to NEW PEOPLE AND PLACES.

As I heard somewhere before, if you buy new furniture, you need to get rid of the old furniture to make room.

You can buy my new book Musings below:

https://www.lulu.com/shop/search.ep?keyWords=musings+patsis&type=

My other short story and poetry book Life, Work and Play, fitness book Pocket Guide to Fitness (two versions and anti-bullying children's book The Boy in a Wheelchair are available on Authorhouse.com or Amazon:

https://www.authorhouse.com/en/search?query=louiza+patsis

https://www.amazon.com/louiza-patsis/s?k=louiza+patsis

What I Am Giving Up for Lent, the Ten Commandments, an SNL skit and Aristophanes

2015-02-28T04:21:00.000-08:00

I do quite enough. Yesterday, I had a good workout, spent hours in public transportation and waiting for the bus in chilly weather, and had a meeting about Ph.D work. I will not do a full fast. Like last year, I will give up red meat, almost. I'll have two or so home-made hamburgers like the one I had yesterday for strength and perhaps a little bacon.

But what I will try to give up is a desire. It can't be the ambition desire. Unless it overwhelms you, it is not bad. And my financial situation is not near where it "should" be. I will give up my desire to find that bloke to be a husband. Somewhere in my subconscious or conscious is the belief that I am not whole, complete and perfect on my own, that I "need" a man for a happy life, and that women that have or pretend to have a happy marriage are better than I am or know something that I do not know.

With the pressures of having a child on time when you are a woman, I feel the pressure I inflict on myself (and a lot really is from society and culture) to find a four-leaf clover in a field of three-leaf ones. It feel like tons of weight on my shoulders.

It occurred to me that this is against two of the Ten Commandments, honoring my mother and father and not idolizing anyone. If I think I am not enough or whole, complete and perfect on my own, that does not honor what my parents created and brought up. They had their faults, but they did a great job. I may not have held on exactly to all their beliefs, but, again, they did a great job. If I consciously or subconsciously think some j*rks are people I need to be good enough for or change for or have them like me and get them, I am idolizing them.

And of course we have the epidemic of men being lazy and egotistical, offering to take women out for coffee or a beer, to see how soon they can sleep with them or to interview the women to see if they are worth some more dimes for dinner. In some cultures, like Greek, their moms may at times be to blame; ("My baby boy...") so much for doing the energy, time and financial work to pursue a woman. It reminds me of the Saturday Night Live skit with Justin Timberlake "D*ck in a box." If we are so lucky, we can have that, and a cup of coffee! Yippee! Perhaps women should do what they did in the Aristophenes play Lysistrata where they stopped giving sex to men and thus influenced war and peace. Let's see how many dinners we'd get taken to then!

It also occurred to me that women and scientists for years have made it possible for women to have children on their own. (That brings me back to money.) And plenty of men that love women marry women with children, be it from a sperm bank or a marriage where the husband died (God forbid) or there was a divorce. So that's another reason not to sweat anything.

Well, that makes me feel calmer and more grateful this time of Lent.

My third book, Pocket Guide to Fitness, is available on http://www.Authorhouse.com and http://www.Amazon.com. If you look up my name on those Web sites, you will find my other books The Boy in a Wheelchair and Life, Work and Play: Poems and Short Stories. These two books are on my Web site http://www.LouizaPatsis.com.Visit and like, if you so see fit, my book page at www.facebook.com/PocketGuidetoFitness.

Virgin Mary Archetype

2015-02-27T11:59:00.002-08:00

Someone, with a Ph.D. mind you so he must know better than I do, and better yet, he is a therapist, so he must know exactly how I must be fixed and changed to conform and be like him or his ideal woman and then of course get a man I guess, told me when I will be more like the Virgin Mary, I will be the most beautiful woman in the world. Well, I am that already, he just fails to see it.

I am a complicated creature, as most mature, deep people are. I have integrated thoughts, values and views that I love and with which I am happy and complete. Some cannot be expressed in words. I may think the Virgin Mary or a saint is higher than I am or I may think not in some other dimension. The points are: To me, one of or the greatest point of life is to be more you, the authentic you, and, unless you are a doorknob, that will include many different characters, aspects and dimensions.

Then I got to thinking more...The Gospel of the Virgin Mary has been rejected. I think she actually speaks there. I wonder if women wrote some of the Bible, if she would have been different. Perhaps men want a mother or lover who is quiet and humble and a virgin or non-sexual, except, of course, when it comes to them. And further, if she never speaks her mind, it's even better. I am not discounting here the strong feminine power, stronger than masculine, that comes from being quiet and committed, having an intent, and thus having people know and getting what you want.

I further got to thinking: Perhaps the more complete feminine archetype also includes Athena, that strong female goddess of wisdom and war. And perhaps some women writers of the Bible would have included a vocal feminine character. Perhaps she'd even be bossy and wear pumps at times.

After all, even God came from and through a woman.

You wouldn't know it with the lack of equal pay, even in the USA, and growing rates of college rapes, war rapes, rapes in India and more happening in the world now.

Speak up!

Lastly, a dog is not a cat, a cat is not a dog, a rose is not a tulip, a tulip is not a rose. Be yourself. You may spend the rest of your life finding out just what that is. And at the same time, when you were a child or teenager, you knew.

My third book, Pocket Guide to Fitness, is available on http://www.Authorhouse.com and http://www.Amazon.com. If you look up my name on those Web sites, you will find my other books The Boy in a Wheelchair and Life, Work and Play: Poems and Short Stories. These two books are on my Web site http://www.LouizaPatsis.com.Visit and like, if you so see fit, my book page at www.facebook.com/PocketGuidetoFitness.

Horse Whisperer

2013-07-20T08:53:00.003-07:00

I have been full of questions since I was a child. Even though I have science degrees and some would say I am well-read, I sometimes wonder about questions like: "Why do we have eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair in our nose? Why are most people's hair brown? What if leaves were blue?" Although I know or can find the scientific explanations, or get into aesthetically appreciating what is, I still ask these questions. I wonder if I am cuckoo. Most tell me that I am curious and creative. Other questions include: "What is the nature of moving through space?" I guess Einstein asked something similar. Years ago I wondered how we came upon language and writing and if they will be replaced by higher forms of communication, such as telepathy, which many people experience at times.

In the July 2013 issue of O Magazine, I read about Koelle Simpson who is very adept at communicating with horses, a horse whisperer if you will, and who provides therapy for all kinds of people. Here you have it, a horse telepathically communicating with humans, leading them to feel better. People go to Koelle and her horses to heal from anxiety, abuse, negative relationship and career patterns. Horses are preyed upon and feel anxiety and fear when alone, like women, according to Martha Beck, author of the article. She wrote that human and horse psychology are similar: "Throughout history, horses have been whipped, hobbled, dragged, and otherwise tortured until they go numb to their instincts and agree to do whatever humans want. This may sound familiar. How many times have you felt the lash of disapproval, the hobbling of your heart's desires, the torture of others' expectations?" She wrote that horses tell you what they think, and it is usually what other people think of you.

One lady, Avery, who went to see Koelle seemed to have a perfect life: She was a social media director at an apparel company, was married to her high school sweetheart, and had two teenagers. But she lost her temper in a grand way at work, her husband drank, and she feared she could not parent her teenagers. She went to see Koelle and her horse Ernie, which is powerful enough to harm her with a kick. Avery learned to use telepathy to ask for more space or whatever she needed from the horse and learned to trust the horse.When she lost her temper with him, he reacted by running around the pen. She learned to ask for what she needed and to set boundaries effectively with the horse.Avery learned to relax. Koelle told her: "Relax. There's no hurry, and you can't fail. You're just exploring a relationship."

Koelle lets Ernie run:"Running away is his primary defense, and I'm not going to take that form him. I don't want the people I love to come with me because I force them. That's not love; it's control."

Avery stopped fearing she cannot lead at work. She leads, and does not worry who follows. And now people follow because they want to follow. At work, she shows calm authority, not tantrums.She confronted her husband about his drinking without fear or rage, and he admitted his problem.

Fasting and Personal Choices

2012-10-27T18:25:00.001-07:00

There was a debate in a recent Greek Orthodox meeting on fasting before Holy Communion. I see the importance and discipline of fasting. However, those that emphasize it too much miss the forest for hte trees and come from conceit, ego and judgment, much like many who meditate and stay calm put down those who get angry or show other emotions. Often, these people are not spiritual, and doing things in order to do them correctly, often missing the point, and do such things as concentrate on and gossip about others rather than expressing emotion directly.

Here is a passage I happened to open to in church for Saint Demetrios Day yesterday: n the subject: Romans `14:2-7A man of sound faith knows he can eat anything, while one who is weak in faith eats only vegetables. The man who will eat anything must not ridicule him who abstains from certain foods; the man who abstains must not sit in judgment on him who eats. After all, God himself has made him welcome. Who are you to pass judgment on another's servant? His master alone can judge whether he stands or falls. And stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand.One man regards this day as better than that; someone else considers all days alike. Each should be certain of his own conscience.The man who observes the day does so to honor the Lord,. The man who eats does so to honor the Lord, and he gives thanks to God. The man who does not eat abstains to honor the Lord, and he too gives thanks to God..."

I see this passage as having people exercise choice in their personal lives, ultimately having God be the Judge.

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

2012-07-22T14:21:00.001-07:00

Great article by Father Mark Sietsema on page 12 of the latest Orthodox Observer: "Prune" Juice: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People
www.goarch.org/news/observer/

My third book, Pocket Guide to Fitness, is available on http://www.Authorhouse.com and http://www.Amazon.com. If you look up my name on those Web sites, you will find my other books The Boy in a Wheelchair and Life, Work and Play: Poems and Short Stories. These two books are on my Web site http://www.LouizaPatsis.com.Visit and like, if you so see fit, my book page at www.facebook.com/PocketGuidetoFitness.

Three Bucket Lists

2012-07-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

There is a wonderful article in the June 2012 issue of the Orthodox Observer by Bill Marianes: There are three groups of "things" (I'd add at any given time): Things we control, things we influence, and things we can't do anything about. I think we can control and influence more than we think, but getting in to the mindset that our being or thoughts can control everything may lead to lots of figuring out, taking too many courses, making ourselves wrong, and wondering what others have that we don't. Of course, you don't want to go the opposite route of thinking it's being a victim or "luck". It's all about balance.

Check out page 9 of the pdf. http://www.goarch.org/news/observer/

My third book, Pocket Guide to Fitness, is available on http://www.Authorhouse.com and http://www.Amazon.com. If you look up my name on those Web sites, you will find my other books The Boy in a Wheelchair and Life, Work and Play: Poems and Short Stories. These two books are on my Web site http://www.LouizaPatsis.com.Visit and like, if you so see fit, my book page at www.facebook.com/PocketGuidetoFitness.

Martha Beck in O Magazine: Heart or Brain

2012-06-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

As I have written before, I believe you always need balance. You need to be logical sometimes, but modern society usually emphasizes a logical or perhaps male way to go about things. Often we are told not to go with the heart or to be emotional. Recently my heart was telling my legs to go talk to someone whom I haven't spoken to besides texts for the most part for months. I wanted to also show or give him an autograph he'd find valuable. For two hours at one venue, and two hours at another venue, I did not go up to him. He was with two friends whom I was comfortable to be around, and he kept looking back at me. We have lots to talk about and blame each other for, but he seemed open at the time to talk, and it may have been the first step in a beautiful unfolding that would lead to closure or to a wonderful relationship, friendship and/or love. Yet I did not do it, even with someone pressing me to do it so I would not regret it. He seemed to stop in front of me while moving to another table, and I shot him a glare, thinking of all his past wrongs, as I did when he found me flirting with another at another venue. (I really did not like the second person but I had arrived alone.) He seemed hurt and I realized the next day that I was angry he did not text that he was willing to talk and would drive me home.

I "have to" forgive myself. We often know or read things, yet don't carry them out or act according to them. Martha Beck, in the July issue of O Magazine wrote the article "Decisions, Decisions". She wrote about one woman who spent her life avoiding what economists call opportunity cost: if you chose one mate, career, etc., you rule out others. She was deadlocked. She wrote how Spock on Star Trek would make a cost and benefits analysis, while Captain Kirk would go with the heart. One or both are appropriate at different times. I'd say to use your intuition, hopefully at its best at a given time, and go with it, or at least the next day think it over and ask your intuition again. It seems intuition can be bogged down by the past, stress and emotions, or at times it may even be helped by these. There is no clearcut "answer", but sometimes you know if you've made the best one.

She went on to write something similar to what I wrote before: "Great strategists trust both intellect and instinct; they gather information until they feel they can make a good decision. But people who try to decide with the mind alone, who place no faith in their heart's desires, are doomed to stall and fuss, compare and contrast, forever insisting that just a little more knowledge will make the choice clear." She also wrote that those who trust only their intellect take forever to make a choice, those who trust only their gut may take too many risks, and those who trust neither their intellect or gut take the path of least resistance.

She recommends the following for making decisions: 1. Check in with your body to see how you feel. She shared a yogi quote: "The body truth is ahead of the mind lie."

2. Your body may tell you that you are not spending your energy well at thinking about it at this moment or in what you are investing time in your life at this time.

She quoted from Faust: "Seize this very minute. What you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

It comes down to choosing, as she wrote, choosing actively. "Feel your mind, but feel your heart. Trust in your truth. It will be the best investment you'll ever make."

It's this one word: Choosing. Argh!

Movie Hysteria

2012-02-26T12:43:00.003-08:00

I am so happy the new movie Hysteria was made. It tells of:

How women were and often are labeled due to their intuition, emotions and rightful plethora of reactions as "hysterical", "crazy", "needy", "slutty" and more;

How technological innovation is sparked by a light inhuman consciousness;

How some old traditional values, even fatal ones, often have a hard time going away, but do go away with committed individuals; and

How sometimes the one who vexes a man the most ends up his Love.

My third book, Pocket Guide to Fitness, is available on http://www.Authorhouse.com and http://www.Amazon.com. If you look up my name on those Web sites, you will find my other books The Boy in a Wheelchair and Life, Work and Play: Poems and Short Stories. These two books are on my Web site http://www.LouizaPatsis.com.Visit and like, if you so see fit, my book page at www.facebook.com/PocketGuidetoFitness.

Piña Movie

2012-02-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

Piña, an Oscar-nominated 3D movie I saw recently, was an experience. I did not like the first third of the film, with the dance seeming like some kind of comment on menstrual pain (for some women). It seemed like the choreographer or dancers seemed to try to be "dramatic" instead of finding it inside and bringing it out authentically. I think that our 3D technology leaves a lot to be desired. I did enjoy comments her students said she made, the earthy, passionate performance of the dancers, and the beautiful, diverse male dancers.

Some of what she has said:

Keep searching.
Be a stand for each step you take.
What do you long for? Where does it come from?

For the movements, including psychological connotations and interpretations, you will have to see the movie. The dancers seemed ordinary at first, and then came to life.

My third book, Pocket Guide to Fitness, is available on http://www.Authorhouse.com and http://www.Amazon.com. If you look up my name on those Web sites, you will find my other books The Boy in a Wheelchair and Life, Work and Play: Poems and Short Stories. These two books are on my Web site http://www.LouizaPatsis.com.Visit and like, if you so see fit, my book page at www.facebook.com/PocketGuidetoFitness.

Great Post on Chakras

2012-02-18T09:59:00.001-08:00

http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=1005501598&gid=99695&type=member&item=95774205&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Falphabodyhardening.com%2F%3Fp%3D265&urlhash=GDHV&goback=.gde_99695_member_95774205