Pagan Ponderings

Kudos Mr. President on your State of the Union address

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:37:00 +0000

It has been a long time since I’ve heard a State of the Union address that seems so close to the heart and reflective of, what I perceive to be, the true spirit of America that the founders had in mind.

Obama is often criticized for saying he is going to do something but never reveling the details of his plans. There was none of that in this speech. Nor was there any doubt that he plans to (continue) doing everything he can to put forward that which is in the best interest of the citizenship of America.

For the first time I can say I’m proud of our President. His ideas are solid and will undoubtedly work however, it’s going to take more than 4 years, and perhaps longer than eight.

While there are many Obama detractors, when I look at the other choices out there, well there really isn’t one. The GOP it seems isn’t planning to back Newt. And I don’t think Mitt could find his ass with both hands.

So all that really remains is for Americans to decide if they’re going to vote along party lines simply because it’s what they do, or if they’re going to vote with the majority and work with Obama to do what we put him in office to do.

We often get frustrated with presidents, any presidents because of what they do, or fail to do. What we forget is that congress has far more control than the president does. We’re seeing this with Obama as we did with Clinton.

I say onward and upward Mr. Obama.

State of the Union 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:54:00 +0000

If you haven't seen the 2012 State of the Union I highly recommend it. I can't think of another state of the union this good. Reminded me of MLK..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLYphVUutTs

more on this later...

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 21:28:00 +0000

We start out life as a single cell that divides and divides. It has no concept of right or wrong. It passes no judgments. It cares nothing about competition. Its soul purpose is to nurture itself so it can do its part to grow a complex life form. Though it has no sentience, its formation is influenced by aspects beyond itself. This is the nature of the web of life.

So how are we as “complete” sentient beings different; or are we? We each have ideas/goals/desires that we strife toward. Sometimes it appears we, as individuals, can’t possibly effect any change. Our visions appear to die in the light of everyday reality. We are alone in our quests.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Our culture values individualism over community, consumption over conservation, mindlessness over thought, and competition over cooperation. Is it any wonder we are at war, even among ourselves?

I propose a form of society that would be much like that of the way nature works. If we, as a society, provide fertile soil in which to grow our ideas, then we will nurture an environment that supports enriched results.

What this means in real terms is that we need to change what we value. We need to “weed out” the ideas of judgment and competition. The ideas of right and wrong need to be looked at in light of how they affect whole systems; not just one element (humanity).

Looking at each element in the big picture (seed view) instead of only as a harvester (farmer) allows us a much deeper understanding of the requirements of the systems.

Though no two are alike, working together, as a community, we can all achieve a better

Environment in which to thrive. Like pollen required to produce the fruit, we are the bees that provide that pollen, in the form of honesty, respect, and dignity. The fruit of these labors will be a stronger community, one that supports greater diversity, ever broadening ideas, real change in the world. And each new generation will be like the seed heads that explode into life to replace the previous, only stronger, and with new ideas, but with a strong root system from which to draw. Let their food/energy be based on the principals, songs, rituals, etc. that we value, that they may make them their own, and shape them to their new understandings and meanings.

They will be able to see that life is not a circle, but a spiral, with no beginning and no end. If we can do this, we can indeed “be the change we wish to see”. “We are the one’s we’ve been waiting for. Our time is dawning”!!

Namaste

Occupy movement and Change

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:55:00 +0000

I see a lot of things going on in the occupy movement. It’s great to see people finally awakening to the injustice that has been going on for a long, long time. And I am so thankful to all those who have the ability and desire to be on the front lines. Thank you!!

But there are also other things we need to address. While direct action is a key component of change, we need cohesion and collaboration in our efforts.. For thought if you will. It seems to me that while we have a lot of initiative, often we get caught up in the moment of knowing we need change, knowing what needs to change, having the will to show that we demand change, but we often falter in our ability to plan for and communicate well. We need to not just demand change, we need to have very specific demands. Something like “fair wages” is a great thing to strive for, but we can’t just say it and expect it to materialize. We must be ready with a course of action to get there. This will not likely be something that is achieved overnight, but through much deliberation, with give and take on both sides of the issue.

Those of us who support the Occupy Movement at home need to be working toward that end. It’s easier to think rationally while we’re not in the mist of the threat of arrest and police brutality. We can also keep an outside view of what’s going on, what may not be obvious to those on the front lines.

We will be in for a long fight so we should be prepared for entrenchment. We need to establish a support system, something that will be ready to step in when the current system fails. I’m talking more about community function here than government leadership.

To get out of this mess things are going to have to convert from global back to local economies. The reason we have issues with the economic system is because the same people have controlled the economy for decades. Why don’t we get rid of them you might ask? As it stands the average person doesn’t have the knowledge, call it job security if you wish. Those in power are accountable to no one and thus get away with what they please, at our expense. We need to end the FED. Decentralize the banking industry. Disband corporations, end campaign contributions by pharm, big business, etc.. Then we can start having some accountability. It’s much easier to hold local bankers accountable if they have to look you in the eye than it is to talk to you on the phone from across the ocean.

What I recommend is getting some sustainable systems in place now. Grow local community gardens. Start CSA’s, anything that helps our community be sustainable and far less reliant on anyone or anything. It is going to take some time and great effort as many are far removed from the farm. But it’s doable, if we truly have the desire to be the change we wish to see.

Those on the front lines, keep doing what your doing. Those of us here at home, watching the news, reading the papers, hoping our family and friends are ok out there, let’s start pulling it together. While change may come tomorrow or not for many years, we need to have our shit together so when it hits the fan we’re not scrambling. While I may not be around to see the changes, it gives me renewed hope to see so many working for it. For a better future for the next generations and beyond.

Blessed Be

What do I believe?

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:32:00 +0000

So I’ve made the decision to join our local UU congregation. Certainly this likely comes as a surprise to many of you, and honestly, to me as well. I find that the UU principals mesh well with my pagan beliefs.

After nearly 10 months of going to Sunday service,helping with community outreach, and meeting many people who are likewise concerned with what’s going on, here I am.

One of the things we are task with in the membership class is to create a creedo. This can really be anything that represents our beliefs. While this sounds simple enough it’s not. We all know what we believe right? Well yes, internally that’s. Bringing that from mind to words isn’t always easy. Things are so fluid. Situations can be different, ad nauseam.

Here is a partial list of what I believe at this moment in time:

“We are part of the multiverse. An organism that operates as an interconnected whole; if one variable changes, everything changes. Balance is vital.

We must be mindful in our thoughts and actions. We will make mistakes, but we need to take responsibility. Our search for truth and meaning is an ongoing journey.

As individuals, we must strive not to be centric to anything. We should value the worth of every part of the web of life.

There is darkness and light in all; if we listen with open mind, we can find some value in almost any system.

When we find ourselves in a situation that seems insufferable, we need first to look within. Our perceptions are often a reflection of our past experiences. If we can change these perceptions we can change our reality.

If we do not find what we are searching for within, we will never find it without. God(s)/Goddess(es) are representations of inner facets of our personality.

We must work together toward a world that extols Equality, Liberty, and Justice not just for humans, but for all living things.

Love and compassion are not all that’s required for peace, but they are a strong foundation to build from. We must do more than give lip service to these values. It is through our actions that we bring about change.”

I think the following quote sums up my thoughts on Unitarian Universalism

“We are Unitarian Universalist with minds that think,hearts that love, and hands that are ready to serve.”

The Occupy Movement

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:23:00 +0000

The occupy movement has been going on for awhile now. It has spread worldwide, or at least through the North American Continent. According to our local paper (Springfield NewsLeader) the idea for Occupy Wall Street came out of a subculture publication in Mexico. Some folks in the states took up the idea and here we are.

It’s anyone's guess how many people are involved. It does renew my hope that people are finally starting to “get it”. I’ve looked for something like this for years but it always seems to be happening somewhere else. We’re the buckle in the bible belt here and ultra-conservative, thus change is slow. We now have an Occupy Springfield group!

Tomorrow marks the first “official” protest/rally whatever you wish to call it. We will be walking from the square to the Kitchen (our local soup kitchen), and donating non-perishables. Likely talking to people there.. Hopefully no confrontation or problems. I must admit I’m terrified. I don’t know what to expect.

“We are the one’s we’ve been waiting for, and we are dawning”. Which is to say if we don’t do something no one will.

We are beyond left or right, Democratic or Republican, Chevy or Ford. We are at the point of survival or extinction, both in a figurative and literal sense.

Since the Industrial Revolution (and likely before) we’ve been exploiting the planet and each other for profit.. be it dollars, food, or fur.

Recently (within the past 30-40 years) scientist have been able to measure the impacts of our “civilization and industrialization”. While it is impossible to determine the full consequences of our past actions, it is quite clear that our current path is unsustainable.

If we wish to be a “civilized” society, then we must start walking our talk. We must make some tough decisions. We must decide if we want to continue overpopulation the planet. If we want to support companies that exploit other human beings to make cheaper products. If we want to continue taking more and more drugs to offset the side effects of other drugs. If we want to keep paying exorbitant health care cost that covers very little when it comes down to it.

If we want to continue to support candidates that don’t vote on our behalf because they are being bribed by big business.. Medical, Pharm, AG to name but a few.

The truth of the matter is money is the game they play. They don’t give a damn about anyone but the money. They’ve even found a way to make corporations people. How sick is that? GREED

If we truly want to get out of this depression (not recession) then it’s going to take a lot more than bailing out Wall Street.

My Ideas

1) If we want to drop unemployment then we can bring our manufacturing, IT, etc

jobs back to the states. Pay livable wages. This alone should create a huge increase

in jobs and help to reinvigorate the economy. And while we’re at it create a tariff

that makes it unprofitable to move jobs out of the country just to save a dollar.

2) Bring the local economy back. Instead of trucking things thousands of miles, eat in

season. If you don’t grow your own veggies at least buy from your local farmer.

Provide incentives for farmers that helps reduce production cost. Pass that savings

to the consumer, thus making healthy food available to everyone.

3) Restructure the tax code. Make the rich pay their fair share of the taxes. It’s cruel

to pay those who make your living for you low wages and then expect them to pay

your part of the taxes too.

4) Provide comprehensive healthcare to ALL. The US is the only 1st world country

who isn’t already doing this.

5) Provide free college education to ALL.

6) Funding for scientific research for things from cancer to alternative energy. Then

fund production and purchase of said energy products. This also should create

Jobs.

7) Get to know your senators/representatives, etc.. Hold them accountable to their

constituency. Let them know if their vote doesn’t reflect the people they

represent, they will not get another term.

I’m sure I’m missing many thing as it is 2 am. But this would be a HUGE start.

Until we get out of the “money is god” mentality things will not improve. Greed is like crack.. the more you have the more you believe you need.

People are starting to see this and making it clear they want change. We’ve got a long ways to go but it all starts with spreading the message. Small steps big results!!

Goodbye Sweet Gabby Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:19:00 +0000

A lot of things have happened since I last posted. The most critical was our Weimaraner (Gabby) was diagnosed with cancer about three weeks ago. A week ago tomorrow (10/5), we had to have her put to sleep.

We’d had her since she was a puppy (almost 14 years). Once the decision was made, I decided to take her out to Dad’s property in Norwood. She always loved going there and running around being a hunting dog. We spent a few hours out there just walking around with her. So she had a good last day (or more likely, it gave us a bit of peace of mind). The next day when we took her in, I could tell she was in pain and her eyes were telling me she was ready.

She was the most intelligent, loving dog I’ve ever had. I still wake up every morning to let her out, and think about her every time we go out or come home. It’s difficult, even now I’m tearing up thinking about it.

I’ve had a dog for most of my life and I’m used to the companionship. I think it will be a while before we get another pet. We’ve got to get into our own place first and it’s problematic finding a rental that accepts pets.

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 20:17:00 +0000

Find a local chapter and get involved. If you local visit Occupy Springfield
or do a Google search for a group near you.

We are the ones we've been waiting for, and we are dawning

Anger

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:08:00 +0000

What makes you angry? Why does it make you angry? Are you angry more often than not?

For me it’s not really one thing I can pin down; its lots of little things that build into an explosion. I’m not good at letting things go so it’s a real steam kettle when it happens.

I’ve discovered is a simple solution. Will it always work? Likely, but even if it works only 75% of the time its worth it. Keeps the old blood pressure down, stops resentment, and keeps you from doing/saying something in the heat of the moment you will regret later.

When you find yourself getting the least bit upset about something, stop for just a few moments. Take a few deep breaths and think “is this something really so important to get worked up over?” More often than not you’ll find it isn’t. This is harder to do than it sounds but stopping the angry thought for rational though is what you’re after. Often the breath will do the trick but you can try anything that will get your mind off what’s making you angry. I often start singing a chant in my head “when I breath in, I breath in peace, when I breath out, I breath out love.” Usually a couple times gets me back to where I need to be.

The other thing works if what’s making you angry persist over time. This tip I obtained from a book about the law of attraction. There is no “good” or “bad” in a situation. There is only fact and the value we assign to circumstance. If you can step back and see what the actual situation is and then what value you have assigned to it, you can often change how you feel in the situation to something less tense. If after doing this, you still find yourself upset in the moment, try method one to balance it out.

I won’t tell you that these methods always work, or work for everyone. I won’t tell you that they are always easy to do. What I will say is I’ve been putting them to work

a week or two now and I’m far less stressed and likely much more tolerable.

Life is far richer when you are enjoying it, sharing it, helping others. Food for thought

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 16:20:00 +0000

Pretty much says it all

Summer Spirit, Winter Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:05:00 +0000

This post is inspired by a sermon of the same title. It was originally presented by Rev. Christine Robinson of the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and revisited at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Springfield, MO

Regardless of what you believe, or don’t. Do you feel you are a summer or winter spirit?

Are you fiery in you convictions. Do you feel you are in direct contact with divinity? “Praise God”, “Bless you”, “Everything is wonderful”.

Are you more reflective? Perhaps you sense the divine in everything, but somehow feel apart from it.

Many of us come from a Christian background, which in every breath promotes the idea that Summer Spirituality is the only “real spirituality”. That if you’re not in direct contact with God, you’re not doing something right.

I call this type of religion revelation experience, instead of common. While I do believe there are those who are “connected”, I think they are far fewer than the church would have one believe. It seems to go back to dogma; Keeping the members down on themselves ensures their return.

Martin Marty says that: “These spiritual styles are modes of being whatever you are: Christian, Buddhist, etc…. They are completely independent of theology.”

Pshchologist William James put it this way: “each person has an innate psychological type that tends toward a wintery or summery style.”

He believed in “once borns” and “twice borns.” Once borns were people who are naturally in touch with God, while twice borns are those who don’t naturally feel God’s presence in their lives but sometimes have fleeting mystical experiences that can change their lives.

I tend more toward the Wintery type. In truth I feel very confused about spirituality most days. To me everything is so interconnected. From taking care of the planet to how we communicate, to what we value. How can we separate the mundane from the sacred? If we don’t separate them, do we risk devaluing them or making ourselves hypersensitive?

If I were forced to pigeonhole my beliefs, I’d have say my spirituality is pagan. I feel most spiritual (ecstatic) and “connected” when I am in nature. I don’t get to spend near enough time there and so it takes me more time to reconnect when I am, but when I do!!!. I haven’t done a lot of solitary work but I can tell the connection is there even if I’m just sitting and contemplating. When I am in an environment like Witchcamp.. that’s when I can feel the energy and everything comes alive..

Theologically I’d say Unitarian Universalism comes closest to my beliefs. While I realize that the principals aren’t unique to UU, it feels more real to me. It seems there is an openness for congregation participation and input that I’ve never found in a church. I feel this is very important because without it we’re just nodding our head to someone else's ideas, not really thinking, not defining our experience, learning or expanding our ideas. All of which, I feel are important things if we plan to improve how we interact.

I have had my moments of inspiration, which is what keeps me on the path. Those moments are awesome. But one must not get too caught up in the adrenline rush, waiting for the next “fix”. It is the mundane that keeps us grounded. Doing the mundane work is like eating dinner, it keeps us nourished so we can continue. Moments of inspiration are like dessert, everyone wants more but if we over-indulge we risk filling up, leaving no room for “dinner”. We all need balance; It’s our endeavor to find what works for us.

Fall Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 02:17:00 +0000

It’s been hot here lately. Really hot for quite some time. The kind of hot where, if you don’t get done before daylight, you aren’t gonna get started.

So, while I ain’t enjoying the heat, I am enjoying getting the garden ready for fall planting. Just thinking about the winter brightens my day.

I picked up a load of mulch from the yard waste recycling center on Wednesday and will pick up composted horse manure in the AM.

Just a matter of spreading it, tilling it in and watering it. Then plant in a few days. Yeeha!!

Besides that, I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately. Mostly about farming/community/ecology. Very interesting stuff.

I’m intrigued by cover crops/green manure/compost. don’t have it all figured out of course but it seems interesting and doable.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled muggle day!!

Legislate This!

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:57:00 +0000

Is it just me or has the whole political system suddenly went absolutely batshit? I know it’s wacked anyway, but it seems more so as of late.

The government (and thus us) have a huge problem with debt (to say nothing about our reliance on foreign goods and resources). No one is going to back down, and for the first time in history the US is going to be in default of it’s debt.

It’s obvious who this is going to impact the most isn’t it? It’s certainly not the upper class. If the current numbers are right (the top 5% makes/owns/controls more than the other 95% combined) then this should give one some inkling.

Indeed doom and gloom but no other way that I see. This could turn out to be a good thing (in the long run). It could be just the push we need to reinvent ourselves as a nation. Maybe we’ll make some different (ie better) decisions this time.. one can only hope.

Then we have the whole debate about Obesity. Holy shit let’s face it folks, you just can’t legislate everything. I heard on the news this evening that the government is wanting to tax “junk food” like they do alcohol, cigarettes, etc. Well what’s junk food? What are people who don’t have the time/money to buy “healthy foods” suppose to eat ? A family can eat a meal at McDonalds for $3/person. What kind of healthy meal can you put together at the store for that? It makes no sense. If you want to regulate something then regulate food prices or the labor market.. they’re doing it ass backward if you ask me.

While all my values say that helping others is the right thing to do, you must be sure your taking care of your shit first. Foreign aid is great, but not while people are starving and homeless in your own backyard.

Enthusiasm

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:42:00 +0000

Enthusiasm by Mars Dorian

Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” is a great line from Emerson. If there’s no enthusiasm in what

you do, it won’t be remarkable and certainly won’t connect with people on an emotional basis. But, if you put that

magic energy into all of your work, you can create something that touches people on a deeper level.

Hmm to true. If you're not excited about what you do.. well likely it won't get done, or will get put off till it's to

late.It certainly won't be your "Best" work.

So how can one bring more enthusiasm into one's work? What does one have to think or believe about one's work to be

totally excited about it?

To me everything is so overwhelming. The environment, poverty, war.. where does one even start? without being overcome

by the feeling that "I'm only one person" how can my small action even matter? I struggle with this always.

I guess different people have different ways of coping with this. I've yet to find something that works for me. Though

working for causes with a group is as close as I've found to a solution.

I hear others say that they focus on one thing, be it changing some facet of the system, writing to our

representatives, or being involved in direct action.

While all these things do ring a bell, and certainly feel good while we're doing them. How do we continue that feeling

and enthusiasm in our "Muggle" daily lives?

It's great to go to a protest and show your support. Or donate to a cause, or a million other things. But to me there

needs to be something more. Else we risk becoming "Sunday Christians" you know the folks who proclaim values and

beliefs but live totally opposite to those values the rest of the week.

So how do we incorporate "Walking your talk" into your daily life?

While it's true that not everyday can be a solidarity march, or march on washington,etc. We can use our spiritual

beliefs or values to promote our visions. And this need not be screaming anything. You'd be suprised how many actions

people accept without thinking about it, but the minute you name it, it all turns to shit. For instance, have you ever

helped someone get something off the shelf in the store, or helped someone across the street? These seem to be special

things today, but in the past this was common, even expected action. It is human helping human. Compassion. But if

someone gives it a name.. say "social services" it becomes something distrusted, or something that shouldn't be "on the

dole" comes to mind as a phrase some might use for such services.

My point is who cares what we call it or don't call it really? The point is to do it. These actions may not seem like

much, may become second nature if you work at it. And while it seems like a small thing to you, it might be a huge help

to someone else. It will also show others that you live what you say your values are. And that can be a very large

catalyst to start a change.

So to answer the question, I'd have to say that to be excited about the work I do , I need to do the work that is

important to my values. I don't need confirmation of these values, but I do need to feel I am "walking my talk".A smile

or kind word from those I help let me know I'm on the right path.

You must find what works for you and stay true to your values. You can not hope to help someone else until your house

is in order. This is where you will find solace, joy, and wisdom

One Strong Belief

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:38:00 +0000

It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance
The world is powered by passionate people, powerful ideas, and fearless action. What’s one strong belief you possess that isn’t shared by your closest friends or family? What inspires this belief, and what have you done to actively live it?

Hmm so many things really. I'll say that everything is connected. We do not exist in a universe of our own. The decisions we make and our action/inaction effects the whole, from the microscopic to the cosmic.
If we intend to survive then we need to stop thinking in terms of dollars and start thinking in terms of community, sustainability, healing.

We need to stop thinking in terms of us and them. We need to stop worrying about what others believe and trying to convert them to our way of thinking and just get down to the work that needs to be done.

I could go on...

What inspires these beliefs? I've always had a reverence for nature but never really had a name for it. I thought I was the odd ball. Then I discovered wicca/paganism. I took a science course in environmental science and could see the web of life in everything, and how we were adversely effecting it with our greed. I decided that I didn't feel right about what was happening. That I wanted to do my part to help heal the earth.

We've done organic gardening, as well as some other artisan projects. The idea being that if we can learn these skills, we can cut our reliance on the systems that are exploiting resources.
Perhaps we can make a sustainable amount to continue expanding so we can support a CSA or at least provide for those who are in need.

I've been deeply seclusive for the past decade or so. Trusting very few people and cynically believing that everyone is unconcerned about anything but themselves and money, with a bent toward being crooks.

I am trying to overcome this feeling. I've started to meet other pagans and like minded individuals and see that not everyone is out to get me. Most people are good at heart, doing the best they can with what they've got.

Though a lot of our beliefs may differ, we have the human condition in common and often that is enough.

I also have to thank the people that make up our week long community at Vermont Witch camp. This community was really the first exposure I had to community, and earth based spirituality. It has renewed my hope for humanity and changed my outlook on everything. It is with much excitement that I look forward to reuniting this August!!

Time's up

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:01:00 +0000

“We are afraid of truth, afraid of fortune, afraid of death, and afraid of each other. Our age yields no great and perfect persons. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

You just discovered you have fifteen minutes to live. Write the story that has to be written..

Life is too short!!

In our society we worry ourselves about money (or lack there of), what we own, what we wear. We feel we need the latest gadget, the new fad diet, etc. Just to be "in" and thin. Life is to short!!

We fret over black and white, gay or straight, Christian or Pagan. Life is to Short!!

We're concern ourselves with our self-centered desires, to the detriment of our brothers and sisters, our home planet. Never once considering future generations. Life is too short!!

if we have any hope of saving humanity, we've got to get past our fears and prejudice and work together. In the end all that makes a difference is we are all human, we are all in this together, and only together can we get the job done.

Stop listening to the propaganda that big business is disseminating through the media. Get involved in humanitarian work, activism, or whatever you feel most strongly about.

Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like no one is watching. Life is too short!!

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I know I know

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 20:51:00 +0000

Haven't posted in a Looong time. Sorry to disappoint but nothing today. I'll try and get something going in the next few days.

In the mean time Enjoy the Summer Solstice!!

Blessed Be

Joplin Tornado Cleanup

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 02:38:00 +0000

Joplin, MO got hit with an EF-5 tornado about 2-3 weeks ago. That's too close to home to ignore.
We went there yesterday to see what we could do to help out.
I'd never been anywhere in the aftermath of a tornado. The area we were working in was where the least damage had occurred. Yet I couldn't imagine how scary it would have been. There were trees the size of a torso that had been tossed about like twigs. Stuff in the tops of trees.. Insulation covering the outside of buidings.
Astounding, and very humbling. It certainly makes one reevaluate their own complaints. Makes trivial what seemed so important just an hour ago. Hell it makes you feel lucky to be alive and still have a roof over your head. When you think, at the end of the day, how hot it was out there and how little it seems you got done, the view reminds you that it takes a community. That just because you can go home and take a cool shower and go to bed, the people you're helping out don't have that option.
It's going to take a long time to cleanup and recover, but if the people of Joplin and the volunteers that were there yesterday are any indication it will get done.
I guess I'm use to the stuffy/conservative/individual attitude of the midwest but, there was none of that out at the site. No bickering about religion, race, etc. No complaints about what had to be done. Just determination to get in there and do what one could. To me that's what community is about.

I have to hand it to Service International. I'm not sure what all they do there but they provided transport from the church to the worksites, food, water, and tools. The support system of the efforts if you will.
There were people there from all over. From St. Louis (nearly 300 miles) to Kansas and Arkansas.

It's nice to see so many people from all over, from all walks of life, helping out. It does sadden me though, that it takes a catastrophe to bring community together.

Food for though

Rediscovering Music

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Tue, 31 May 2011 15:11:00 +0000

I've loved music for what seems like forever. It's very rare a day goes by that I don't listen to at least a few tunes. It's hard to imagine a lifetime without music.

I did a brief period when I was a kid learning to play piano..but that was a lifetime ago.. I've forgotten almost everything. How to read music, keep time, etc.

But music has somehow become more to me over the past several years. I still like a wide variety, but I tend to listen to a more mellow mix.

A lot of chants and songs from the UU hymnal.

I use to listen to music because the beat and the words fit my mood. But now It's something deeper than that. It's spiritual, it moves me.

Something that I'm finding is that I don't have as deep a contempt for other religions as I use to. I've come to the realization that all religions are striving for deeper meaning of life. Granted some in very fucked up ways but still.

Anyway, if you can get beyond all that and past what one calls God, Goddess, Greater power, whatever. There are songs/messages that are worth contemplating.

I am trying to relearn music. I want to eventually play guitar (considering I have two). But I'm starting out with the piano again because visually and mentally it's easier for me to do. Likely because it was what I learned on. I'm rather excited that some of it is starting to come back!!

I never understood people who are so into art, music, etc. But I'm starting to. These are mediums that are conductive to self expression and interpretation. It's not important that others understand, or like what you're doing. It's your expression. Of course it's nice (and often profitable) if you create something that everyone "gets" or relates to.

Anyway I'm excited. It seems I maybe figuring out my spiritual path. Now if I can get the rest of my shit in order ;)

Law of attraction

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sun, 29 May 2011 21:39:00 +0000

A friend suggested I read The Secret. I gave it the college try but, it was a bit to hmm preachy..mystical.. can't exactly describe it. I gave it my 20% test. If I don't like what I'm reading to start with, I commit I won't give up until I've read at least 20% then re-evaluate. Sorry but it just wasn't doing it for me. The logic makes perfect sense.. it was just all the filler.

Anyhow. I found another book at the library called The Law of Attraction Plain and Simple. Much, much better. It also has exercises. Helen and I have been going through them, a step an evening and it really clicks. I'll be the first to admit it's counter intuitive to how I think. It's one of those things you go "looks good on paper but it'd never work in the real world".. See there you go thinking negatively again!!

Anyway with me it's one of those things I know is true subconsciously, but my conscious mind doesn't believe.

Basically you are trying to retrain yourself to think of things in a positive light instead of the negative.

I know this works. It's how I survived college. I told myself I would be the first in my family to graduate college and I would do so with honors. I left no room for argument. This was on the subconscious level. On the conscious level I was busting my ass and worrying to death. But I must have believed it because it worked. After graduation I was like WTF was that!!

I guess my point is that it works. Trick is doing the exercises, saying the affirmations, thinking positively, until it becomes automatic to your subconscious.

I'm working on getting back to that place. It's very difficult for me. I suppose I'm a rather sensitive person as to all that goes on around me. I mean how am I going to make a positive thing out of the tornado that killed 130+ people and left many homeless in Joplin last week?

I'm very willing to keep working on this though because in the past few days I seem to be in a better mood.. Things aren't pissing me off as much.

I'm also hoping it will help me get my shit together and focus on the future. My mind is going in a thousand different directions and I don't know which one to choose. One day this one seems the best, next week it might be something entirely different. Sometimes I wonder If I'm not crazy!!

Anyone that knows me will likely say "certifiable".

Anyway I see I've written a book again!! I haven't been posting much lately but when I do I make it worth while!!

Love & Light,

Don

Change

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sat, 21 May 2011 19:39:00 +0000

(The Lion King)

Rafiki: "Oh, change is good"

Simba: "Hey, what did you do that for?" (hit on head by Rafiki)

Rafiki: "It doesn't matter, it's in the past"

Simba "Yea but it still hurts"

Rafiki "Ah yes, the past can hurt"

Looking back over this past year, there have been a lot of changes in my life. Mostly good, though a lot that inspire me to reflect on my previous outlook on life.

A lot of it comes back to life experiences. I was very shy when I was younger and got bullied in school. I was always very timid in relationships and usually got dumped when the next best thing came a long.

These experiences left me very bitter; I lost faith in humanity. I had no desire to interact with people on anything more than a civil passing acquaintance, and kept it as short as possible.

I've operated in this defensive/withdrawn state for close to 25 years. I'm no closer to my dreams, I'm only bitter, lonely, and likely a bit cynical.

Then we started going to Witchcamp!! The first year there was very difficult. Being born and raised in a Baptist backwater town, having only studied paganism as solitaries, it was a bit overwhelming to see strangers being so friendly, so "hug hug, kiss kiss" with one another and welcoming to newbies. This did nothing for my social awkwardness. But somehow, I knew, If I could get past my bitterness and fear, that this was home. Something I could relate to and that would make life worthwhile and make sense. The second year was much easier we already knew a few people there and hung out with them. I even wrote some poetry and read it in ritual!!

Last year was my third year and was the best yet. I reconnected with old friends, we did a lot of ritual work together and deepened our friendships. I went against my own gut instinct of being reclusive and made a point to be an impromptu mentor to new campers. I took a bards path, It was large (30+ people) in a 13x13 tent. And we're suppose to dance and write and vision and share these experiences.. How fuckin scary is that? But I survived. I vowed that by the end of the week I would meet and try to remember everyones name.. I talked to everyone, And remembered most of their names.

By the end of the week I was so tied to the energy, I couldn't imagine how I'd ever return to the muggle world. I always leave camp with such good intentions of how I'm not going to let anything effect my good feelings, and I'm going to keep it going, that usually last until I get home. This year was different though. I vowed to try and remain open to new ideas, to keep pushing my boundaries. While I'm still cautious, I am more receptive to differing points of view and to meeting new people.

We've been going to the local UU sunday service and the pagan group for a few months now and it's great. I don't yet feel the close-knit community feeling I get at witchcamp. But It is good to have some other folks to share with. I think it's mostly me.This area (midwest) is very conservative, so one is often, by necessity, very closeted.

One of the things I so love is that UU and pagan group are not just talk talk talk like some of the meetups we've been to. Talk is great but sometimes you need to act. In the short time we've been there we've done a march for peace, there is food drives for local food pantry, we did a stand in for solidarity with the local Islam center. Just a great bunch of people.

Something that I've discovered is that you don't have to out yourself to do this "good work". Often people assume if you're doing good you must be a christian… whatever. I might have been hung up on that in the past. Why bicker over it. Good work is good work no matter. And the work, to me is THE point.

The more I get involved with these actions, the more I want to do. I'd love to go into the peace corps… education is all that holds me back, and yet not really, there is a lot you can do right at home. Better the world one community at a time.

My biggest issue now is where to start. There is just so much to do, one can easily get stuck in the mire of all the catastrophe going on around us. How do you decide what's important to you, or do you? Is it selfish to look to what's important to you? Maybe not decide, just jump in where help is needed.

I'm trying to get it all sorted in my mind, not an easy task with all the clutter. I've several ideas but I need to sit down and write it out.

With the recent death of my father-in-law, it's really hit home.. I'm 37 and I'm no place I want to be, doing nothing I want to do. Most of the men in my family have died around 40 from heart issues and I'm right there with high BP, bad diet, and little exercise. My old demeanor keeps coming through, "who cares about anything, you'll be dead in a few more years".. Maybe, but If those next few years could be productive, it would be life well spent, and would certainly fade those old wounds.

So while I may talk like I don't give a shit about dying, truth is I'm scared shitless by the idea, not of dying, but of not doing something worthwhile while I'm here.

Jack Savoretti said it best:

"'Cause it's not where you go when you die
It's how you live when you're alive
Who you touch and how you feel it

And it's not about the time that you have
It's how you cry and how you laugh
Who you love and how you mean it
And do you mean it"

I've also found things I'm looking for appear when I need them… Kind of scary for a newbie but I'm not going to question it. Just use it well

For instance: I've been studying about staring a farm/market garden sort of endeavor. I get so excited about the endeavor. I'm certain it's something I could excel at.. Then I start thinking about how much it will cost, and how I could never get a loan, and I don't have any experience. And I try to think of solutions to the problem.. I might think or ask out loud.. what do I need to do to to overcome these obstacles and get to where I need/want to be?

Suddenly a 2 books appear on the library shelf :

"Stop overreacting: effective strategies for calming your emotions"

"The one thing holding you back: releasing the power of emotional connection"

Just sayin

Blessed Be

Why is Organic so Exotic?

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Mon, 16 May 2011 00:54:00 +0000

It seems there is a lot of misconceptions/myths about organic gardening/farming.

There's the idea that organic is a fad, something for the uber rich food snob, and so on.

We're so use to foods out of season, foods trucked in from half way around the world. Foods genetically modified, foods picked before they're ripe then irradiated.

And somehow we think this is the only way to feed the masses. The only way to continue farming.. Getting bigger or getting out. The death of the small farm and the local economy.

What the naysayers are forgetting is that, prior to WWII most everything was grown organically. Granted they didn't call it that, but they did use cover crops and other soil building and conservation methods. There wasn't many (if any) fertilizers/pesticides/herbicides.

The world population is much larger today than yesteryear, but there's still no reason we can't feed everyone. We've got to get back to local community, bartering goods and services,etc.

If we hope to survive and heal the planet for future generations, we must think and act sustainable. We need family farms and not agribusiness. Open pollenated seeds and not GMOs and terminator genes and patents on seeds.

We need to cut back on our wants and concern ourselves with our needs. We need to abolish the capitalist system, with its ever growing consumption addiction, need for more hours to buy something that will make our life better, until the next new thing comes along. We need to treat each other and our environment with the respect deserved and stop the exploitation.

I am 110% sure that we could accomplish this in a short period of time (say 10-20 years) we could be a self-reliant society once again, far less dependent on oil. It would take retraining, lets face it, America is a service industry now. There is very little know-how left.. we've outsourced it.

Would it be easy.. no.. we've become lazy as a society. We work in the abstract and not the mechanical. We'd have to get off our ass and learn what a hard days work is.. You'd be working harder but you'd be working smarter (and likely less hours).. Instead of working to make Joe Smuck rich, you could work to make your life better as well as you're community and the world. What could be more satisfying than that?

In short Organic is not Exotic.. It's sustainable.. It's a paradigm shift to be certain. One who's time has come.

The original meaning of Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Mon, 09 May 2011 01:27:00 +0000

You can read the entire article here

So you think mother's day is all about buying flowers, candies, etc for mom eh? If you do, don't feel bad, you are in the majority.

Here is an excerpt from the above article:

The women who originally celebrated Mother's Day conceived of it as an occasion to use their status as mothers to protest injustice and war. In 1858, Anna Reeves Jarvis organized Mother's Work Days in West Appalachian communities to protest the lack of sanitation that caused disease- bearing insects and polluted water to sicken or even kill poor workers. In 1870, after witnessing the bloody Civil War, Julia Ward Howe—a Boston pacifist, poet, and suffragist who wrote the "Battle Hymn of the Republic"—proclaimed a special day for mothers to oppose war. Committed to ending all armed conflict, Howe wrote, "Our husbands shall not come to us reeking with carnage. ... Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience."

For the next three decades, Americans celebrated Mother's Days for Peace on June 2. Women political activists of this era fought to end lynching and organized to end child labor, trafficking of women, and consumer fraud. In their view, their moral superiority was grounded in the fact of their motherhood.

When Anna Jarvis died in 1905, her daughter, also named Anna, vowed to honor her mother's political activism by creating a national Mother's Day. The gift card and flower industries also lobbied hard. As an industry publication, the Florists' Review, put it, "This was a holiday that could be exploited." In 1914, Congress responded and proclaimed the second Sunday in May to be Mother's Day.

Companies seized on the holiday by setting out to teach Americans how to honor their mothers by buying them flowers, candy, or cards. This outraged Anna Jarvis the daughter. When florists sold carnations for the then-exorbitant price of $1 a piece, she began a campaign against "those who would undermine Mother's Day with their greed." But she was hardly a match for the flower and card companies. Soon, the Florists' Review announced, with a certain triumphant tone, that it was "Miss Jarvis who was completely squelched." And they were right.

Different way of thinking

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sat, 07 May 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Terence McKenna - Culture is your Operating System

There are many ways of thinking about things. A whole lot of how we think about things are based on our beliefs, social norms, etc. So how do we see other point’s of view? I don’t know.. but there area some interesting ideas out there.

Terrence Mckenna’s idea that we need to get back to in touch with the shaman idea, has a lot of merit to it. I’m not sure if the drugs are necessary, though they may get you there far quicker. I think it’s more a state of mind, getting into your headspace, be that through ecstatic trance or whatever. It’s different for each person.

I find that I can get into headspace if I’m relaxed and doing some breathing exercises. I’m beginning to be able to see better when listening to guided meditation. I’ve yet to be able to get to where I can let my mind go and let it experience what it will.

Being able to do this is important. I don’t know what’s out there, but I think that within “the collective unconscious” lies the answers to many unknowns as well as solutions to major problems. Imagine if we could connect with the Gaian mind, would we see a solution to the environmental, social, etc problems? or would it be more subtle, something we have to discern using our “higher” knowledge and our ordinary reality knowledge.

Food for thought

Poems for Beltane

noreply@blogger.com (Don Scroggins) — Sun, 01 May 2011 02:02:00 +0000

two. One on a more serious note.. the second on a playful note

Hopes alive on Beltane eve
On fertile ground sow your dreams

if you feed and water them well
harvest time will set you swell

Hail to the Lady and the Lord

-----------------------------------

On Beltane eve don't be perplexed
Just grab some rubbers and have some sex