We are all Part of the Earth

Make the Climate Crisis Personal

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 09:35:00 -0700

We created this page because we want to make a difference for our forests. We are inspired by the work of the National Forest Foundation and want to support them by raising money as part of our participation in 50 Million Trees for Our Forests.

Please help us help them by giving whatever you can. Use the 'Give Now' button. The more people who know about the National Forest Foundation, the greater their impact, so please also spread the word by sharing our page with your friends and family. Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means a lot!

Make the Climate Crisis Personal by taking Action with us. Are you tired of waiting for federal and state politicians to take action on the climate crisis? Then you can act now and join us in planting trees to sequester carbon for the future of the planet and our children. This year instead of buying presents for your friends and families we ask you to consider donating a tree in their name. It is estimated that 20 million trees burned in California wildfires in 2018. Help us to replace these trees and others by joining our effort at Help Make the Climate Crisis Personal Plant Trees make a difference National Forest Foundation https://50-million.everydayhero.com/us/make-the-climate-crisis-personal-plant-trees all donations are tax-deductible.

WHY ARE TREES SO IMPORTANT TO THE ENVIRONMENT?

Fossil fuels and deforestation are causing increasing levels of carbon dioxide. Trees absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide and reduce the effects of the climate change crisis.
By capturing rainwater, trees play a major role in reducing the risk of flooding and landslides.
Trees can reduce the overall temperature in cities by up to eight degrees Celsius by storing carbon dioxide in their trunks, branches, and leaves and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere.
Trees provide shelter for animals and shade for people from the sun’s harsh rays.
Walking through a forest of trees allows reconnection with nature and the reduction of stress.
Trees support life on our planet. Trees are homes for hundreds of species of insects, fungi, moss, birds, and animals. Trees contain key ingredients for some of our life-saving medicines. Thank you for taking action with us.

Gene and Joyce Stone

The Equinoxes for Mystics 2018

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 17:57:00 -0800

New life breaking free as a concept for freedom and power as the awakening of the Bear to be reborn and overcome challenges rising from entangled tree roots of the past.

Spring Equinox 2018

On the spring equinox, the Earth hits the turning point in its orbit where neither the North or the South poles are tilted towards the sun. As a result, the Sun spends a roughly equal amount of time above and below the horizon at every location on the Earth, so night and day are about the same length.

The word equinox is Latin for "equal night". Meteorologists use it as the official turning point in the seasons because, although it can vary from year to year, it allows for the most accurate record-keeping.

There are many rites and celebrations and prayers for the end of winter and the return to spring, rites of renewal and celebrations of the return of the sun and from the darkness and cold of winter. The renewal of the mind, body, and spirit, all of which are important ways for us to celebrate this season.

The Solstices and Equinoxes for Mystics in the modern of now, “the cycles of the sun have their own special significance. Going back to their most ancient origins, the various myths and rituals surrounding the solar journey are reflective of a universal process of spiritual change: the ascendency from the material to the spiritual, the struggle against inner darkness, and the victory of spiritual light. This is a process that mystics aim to experience within themselves, on a personal level. It’s a universal process, not owned by any place or time but having clear and unique manifestations in many cultures throughout history.” By inexplore

Today, I wish to consider and pray about our commitments and responsibilities at this time of renewal in our modern age now in 2018. Our commitment of renewal to making a world a better place for everyone, our commitment of renewal to our children, our commitment of renewal to Mother Earth, our air, water, and the land that feeds us, our commitment of renewal to our democracy at this time in our nation when many in our government are trying to destroy it. How and what will we do at this time to live up to our commitment to renewal and the responsibilities of our time? These prayers and actions are up to each of us each day.

Here is a prayer I would ask you to consider and share if it feels right please join me in this prayer. Using the One Mind, intuition, creativity and consciousness, my prayer is that we ask Spirit to guide us to not only a spiritual but a physical and absolute solution of the world's nuclear waste problem. In my mind, I'm asking Spirit to guide us collectively to find a physical and a permanent solution to make radioactive material inert so that it be stored safely without the dangers of long-term storage of nuclear waste to our Earth Mother and its inhabitants. To manifest this into reality for the good of creation and all living things.

Please join us March 21, 2018, 7 P.M.The Spring Equinoxes for Mystics bring your prayers, children and drums to the Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley 1201 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente, CA 92673.

Prayers for the Earth

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Thu, 9 Nov 2017 11:09:00 -0800

Save the date November 29, 2017, 7 pm for "Prayers for the Earth Ceremony" at the Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley 1201 Puerta Del Sol Suite 100 San Clemente, California 92673.

Bring your prayers and drums as we will have four rounds of prayers to share with all that join us for our wonderful Earth Mother that gives us all we need to live.

Discussions of the Tao

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 17:49:00 -0700

Please join us for a "Discussions of the Tao" with Pattie Mercado and Gene Stone Tuesday Oct 10 6:30 to 8 pm, Oct 17 and Oct 24. This free discussion group will take place at Center for Spiritual Living San Clemente 1201 Puerta Del Sol, Suite 100 San Clemente, CA 92673.

Our handout for this discussion:

Tao Te Ching

The Tao Te Ching was written by Lao Tsu 2600 years ago. The Tao is the complete explanation of space and time. Te is the use of Tao by all living things. The purpose of the Tao Te Ching is to teach the world to live harmoniously can open us you a higher wisdom and happiness. This is because understanding of Tao bring us closer to our innermost source a place of balance and peace within and without.

Taoism's roots, like much of its visible manifestations, are buried in shamanic prehistoric China. Sometime around 500 B.C.E., a shadowy figure who is called Lao Tsu set down the philosophical principles of a Taoist way of life in a collection of teachings we know as the "Tao Te Ching." It has been pondered, studied and used as a guide for living ever since. Gradually, some of the trappings of religion grew around the essential philosophy. There are Taoist priests who perform the complex prayer rituals, temple protocol and scripture memorization, which functions as a kind of prayer. But Taoists do not pray in the way Christians do, for example. They regard gods as embodiments of the principles of the Tao. The essence of the Tao is a personal journey to "Practice not-doing, and everything will fall into place."

The four cardinal virtues are found in the Tao.

1. Gentleness

2. Natural Sincerity

3. Reverence for all Life

4. Supportiveness

Tao will answer 8 questions:

1. Where do we come from and where are we going?

2. Can the opposite of a profound truth also be true?

3. What is the invisible action of Tao or the Way?

4. What happens when we reach total silence?

5. Are we born as enlightened beings?

6. Is there Cosmic Justice?

7. What is enough?

8. Are we altruistic in nature?

Tao can be grouped into 8 principles:

1. Tao

2. Oneness

3. Action

4. Silence

5. Life

6. Peace

7. Contentment

8. Love

Tao can be universally applied to: Religion, science, politics, commence, medicine, education, arts and Kung fu just to name a few. To be a warrior in the inner-outer life you have to be a warrior on the inner life.

Drumming for World Peace

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Tue, 6 Jun 2017 09:25:00 -0700

Join us for Wednesday's Wisdom June 7, 7 pm at the Center for Spiritual Living 1201 Puerta Del Sol, Suite 100 San Clemente, CA 92673

CALLING IN THE SPIRIT OF PEACE PRAYER
I Declare World Peace

To gain the power to be able to Declare Peace, we must find peace in ourselves, make peace with our neighbors, with all religions, with our governments, with our environment, with our enemies.

The man who sat on the ground in his tipi meditating on life and its meaning, accepting the kinship of all creatures and acknowledging unity with the universe of things was infusing into his being the true essence of civilization. Chief Luther Standing Bear

Peace cannot look like this to any group of people! After being sent to an indian boarding school in the late 1800’s a Hope Chief later said:

“I had learned many english word and could recite part of the Ten Commandments. I knew how to sleep on a bed, pray to Jesus, comb my hair, eat with a knife and fork, and use a toilet…. I had also learned that a person thinks with his head instead of his heart.” Sun Chief Hopi 1890

The Centers for Spiritual Living in a effort to make peace with our environment made this statement on June 2.

Call to Action for all Centers... June 2, 2017

Centers for Spiritual Living

Golden, Colorado

Climate Change Statement and Position

The Centers for Spiritual Living (CSL) stands in support of the Paris Climate Accord (Paris Agreement). We view Thursday’s decision by the Trump Administration to back out of the agreement to be a significant setback for any global effort to curb global warming.

The Paris Agreement was created to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions to help reverse the devastating effects of Global Warming. It is unfortunate that a Nation, which is one of the largest polluters historically, is taking such a step. The United States now joins Syria and Nicaragua, who did not sign the Agreement because it was viewed as too weak. The Agreement has been signed by nearly 200 other countries.

We believe that God acts through creation, not independently of it. Statements which have been made to the effect that, “God will take care of Global Warming,” fail to recognize that each of us individually and us as a whole are responsible for our own experience - that God acts through creation. If we want a green and verdant planet, we will have to act in ways which support that outcome.

“Centers for Spiritual Living believes climate change and environmental deterioration are moral issues and as a spiritual organization, we must take a stand,” said Rev. Dr. Kenn Gordon, CSL Spiritual Leader. “Climate change will not only affect our generation, but our children, our grandchildren, and all future generations of humanity, as well as other forms of life. We stand united with other faith communities in our call to care for the earth and to protect the poor and suffering.”

CSL recognizes the evidence of science: Human activity is the main cause of the climate crisis. This crisis is seen in the extreme weather, changes to seasons, rising sea levels, species extinctions, the melting of glaciers, and shrinking of the polar ice caps. The scientific consensus is clear.

The United States can best serve its own interests and those of all of humanity by continuing to be an environmental leader of the world in reducing emissions. Today’s decision to exit from the Paris Agreement moves in the opposite direction. “We recognize that our good is within us, so we awaken to our individual responsibility and empowerment to properly steward our planet. So, let our voices be heard and let our actions speak of our love for our planet,” said Dr. Gordon

Prayers for the Earth

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 12:01:00 -0700

We live in a time when it is now more important than ever to rise above the sense of separateness from the natural world. We are invited by Native Americans and Indigenous peoples from around the world, poets and mystics to become aware of the inter-connectedness of everything and everyone in the universe. The Oneness of the Circle of Life.

Examining our world, we can see clearly everything that needs our care - the land that feeds all creatures, the air we breathe, the water which gives us life - and we know in our deepest spiritual self that life is sacred and we are each responsible for doing our part to live in harmony with the earth.

Come add your prayers for the Earth and the life she gives to all. As we drum, sing and dance ours prayers into sacred actions that will heal all creation. November 30, 7 PM at the Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley. 1201 Puerta Del Sol Suite 100 San Clemente, Ca. 92673.

“This we know. The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth. All things are connected, like the blood that unites one family. Whatever befalls the Earth, befalls the children of the Earth. We do not weave the web of life; we are only a strand of it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.” Chief Seattle

"The beauty of the trees,

the softness of the air,

the fragrance of the grass

speaks to me,

the summit of the mountain,

the Thunder of the sky

the rhythm of the sea

speaks to me,

And my heart soars" Chief Dan George

"Air, water, plants, animals and humans give themselves to each other. It is in this giving-themselves-to-each-other that we actually live." Kodo Sasaki

An Iroquois Prayer

We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us. We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with water. We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases. We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, the beans and squash, which give us life. We return thanks to the bushes and trees, which provide us with fruit. We return thanks to the wind, which, moving the air, has banished diseases. We return thanks to the moon and the stars, which have given us their light when the sun was gone. We return thanks to our grandfather He-no, who has given to us his rain. We return thanks to the sun, that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye. Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in whom is embodied all goodness, and who directs all things, for the good of his children.

“Sowing the seed,

My hand is one with the earth.

Wanting the seed to grow,

My mind is one with the light.

Hoeing the crop,

My hands are one with the rain.

Having cared the the plants,

My mind is one with the air.

Hungry and trusting,

My mind is one with the earth.

Eating the fruit,

My body is with the earth.” Wendell Berry

Oh Great Spirit, Grandfather, Grandmother,
You walk together hand-in-hand
across the sky of the Sacred Earth Mother,
walking with great beauty
with your robes of stars trailing along behind you as the milky way,
you walk on rainbows
coming to us in the sacred hoop.

Your gifts of love keep the heart of we,
the two legged people, beating with the breath of life.
We stand before you with our hearts filled
from the Sacred Mountain.

We ask only to give away and share the gifts of this hoop,
this sacred ceremony, as we come out of this circle
into this land of beauty that you have asked us to hold
and take care of for you, Grandfather.

We see many of our brothers and sister
are sick in their hearts and bodies,
and the Earth Mother cries with tears of the souls
of many who now walk upon the rainbows with you.

We know that if one child cries or is sick
it is because the sacred hoop of love is broken by hate and lies.
We have only to listen to our hearts and speak the truth
that is spoken within the great circle of life.

The power of our vision, Oh Great Spirit, is within our hands.
We have only to speak it and share it, each in our own way.
I hear you speaking Grandfather, form the Sacred Place,
from Pa-ha Wast-ta: The Mountain Beautiful.

You call to us to sing in a sacred way,
and to dance in a sacred way
so that we might heal ourselves.
In doing so also heal others, as the sacred circle fills
and ever expands with all human beings
and our understanding of all living things grows,
with the light from within.

So that we may stand before you Grandfather,
in a Sacred Way. Eagle that Flies through Two Skies

Prayer from the Green Gulch Farm

"It is lovely indeed, it is lovely indeed.

I, I am the spirit within the earth.

The feet of the Earth are my feet,

the legs of the Earth are my legs.

The strength of the earth is my strength,

The thoughts of the Earth are my thoughts,

The voice of the earth is my voice.

The feather of the earth is my feather,

All that belong to the Earth belongs to me,

All that surrounds the Earth is me.

I, I am the Sacred works of the Earth.

It is lovely indeed, it is lovely indeed." Suzanne Anderson

"Sometimes, when the birds cry out,

and the wind sweeps through a tree,

or a dog barks at a far-off farm,

I hold still and listen a long time.

My world turns and goes back to the place

Where, a thousand forgotten years ago,

The bird and the howling wind

Were like me, and were my brothers.

My soul turns into a tree,

And an animal, and a cloud bank.

Then changed and odd it comes home

And asks me questions. What should I reply? Hermann Hesse

"We live by the sun

We feel by the moon

We move by the stars

We live in all things

All things live in us

We eat from the earth

We drink from the rain

We breathe of the air

We live in all things

All things live in us

We call to each other

We listen to each other

Our hearts deepen with love and compassion

We live in all things

All things live in us

We depend on the trees and the animals

We depend on the Earth

Our minds open with wisdom and insight

We live in all things

All things live in us

We dedicate our practice to others

We include all forms of life

We celebrate the joy of loving-dying

We live in all things

All things live in us

We are full of life

We are full of death

We are grateful for all being and companions" Stephanie Kaza

“O our mother the earth, O our father the sky,

Your children are we, and with tired backs

We bring you gifts that you love.

Then weave for us a garment of brightness,

May the warp be the white light of morning,

May the weft be the red light of evening,

May the fringes be the falling rain,

May the border be the standing rainbow.

Thus weave for us a garment of brightness

That we may walk fittingly where grass is green,

O our mother the earth, O our father the sky!” Tewa Pueblo

"Apprehend God in all things,

For God is in all things.

Every single creature is full of God

And is a book about God.

If I spent enough time with the tiniest creature--

Even a caterpillar--

I would never have to prepare a sermon. So full of God is every creature." Meister Eckhart

"And now we will count twelve

And we will all keep still…

For once on the face of the earth

Let’s not speak in any language,

Let’s stop for one second,

And not move our arms so much.

It would be an exotic moment

Without rush, without engines,

We would all be together

In a sudden strangeness.

Fishermen in the cold sea

Would not harm whales

And the man gathering salt

Would look at his hurt hands.

Those who prepare green wars,

Wars with gas, wars with fire,

Victory with no survivors,

Would put on clean clothes

And walk about with their brothers

In the shade, doing nothing.

What I want should not be confused

With total inactivity.

(Life is what it is about,

I want no truck with death.)

If we were not so single-minded

About keeping our lives moving,

And for once could do nothing,

Perhaps a huge silence

Might interrupt this sadness

Of never understanding ourselves

And of threatening ourselves with death.

Perhaps the earth can teach us

As when everything seems dead

And later proves to be alive.

Now I’ll count up to twelve,

And you keep quiet and I will go." Pablo Neruda

"Lord the air smells good today, straight from the mysteries

within the inner court of God.

A grace like new clothes thrown

across the garden, free medicine for everybody.

The trees in their prayers, the birds in praise,

the first blue violets kneeling.

Whatever came from Being is caught up in being, drunkenly

forgetting the way back. Rumi

Apache Blessing

May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night,

may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being,

may you walk gently through the world and know it's beauty all the days of your life. Apache Blessing

Black Elk last Prayer

"Hey! Lean to hear my feeble voice.

At the center of the sacred hoop

You have said that I should make the tree to bloom.

With tears running, O Great Spirit, my Grandfather.

With running eyes I must say

The tree has never bloomed

Here I stand, and the tree is withered.

Again, I recall the great vision you gave me.

It may be that some little root of the sacred tree still lives.

Nourish it then

That it may leaf

And bloom

And fill with singing birds!

Hear me, that the people may once again

Find the good road

And the shielding tree." Black Elk

Standing Rock and the Sacred Stone Camp

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 11:43:00 -0700

I stand with the People of Standing Rock and the Sacred Stone Camp

I have been keeping track for some time of what was going on at the Sacred Prayer Camp Standing Rock Reservation and stand in complete solidarity. Water is Sacred, Water is Life. But make no mistake, this struggle goes far beyond this seemingly simple statement "Water is Life." Water is necessary for all life on this planet; everything that lives and grows needs water. The United Nations in 1952 stated that clean water is a basic right of all people in all countries in our world. Included in this struggle are the sovereign rights of the indigenous peoples. Treaty rights that were made long ago giving these nations the power to make their own decisions on their land must be upheld now. The struggle is also about all of humanity’s right to clean water. The struggle is most definitely about people's right to clean water and a clean environment on every level opposed to the rights of corporations to use and pollute our Earth for their profit. It is about the rights of the next seven generations of human beings to be left a planet that is clean, vibrant and healthy for them.

I've been praying from home with the people of Standing Rock and the Sacred Stone encampment for all the reasons stated above. Knowing that as it is spoken in prayer that is the way it will be. I woke up Sunday morning after ceremony on Saturday knowing that I'm not the "ONE" but I am part of the "ONE" and with that knowing, I knew that I must prepare and leave as soon as possible for the journey until my feet are standing on that sacred ground. I then must invest my prayers and those prayers that were sent with me into the goodness that has arisen at that sacred ground. So I prepared and I left and drove for 3 days as I was driven by my spirit to get there as soon as possible, which I did. I could tell you of the beauty I saw there which started with the same words from every person I met, which were "Welcome, thanks for coming." It is important for everyone to know of the spiritual Unity of this Gathering of people from the four directions, the Deep spiritual understanding of the purpose of why they came together at this spot and at this time. I could tell you of the deeply personal signs and things that the Spirits showed me and of what happened to me in rapid time from the moment I walked onto this land. But I won't as that was a gift for me. I can say this Gathering of human beings goes far beyond the many environmental reasons and justifications to stand together for the protection of the Mother Earth and its resources from the greedy corporate monsters that would destroy the Earth for a few dollars a profit! This Gathering of people from around the world of the four directions was nothing less to me then the spirit of loving-kindness coming together showing us how mankind can work together to solve our many human and physical and spiritual problems together.

The Gathering at the Sacred Stone Camp has already changed my life and the lives of everyone who has and will show up there to the support Earth. The Sacredness and the Power of these actions will go out to each person who is praying in support and it will spread from contact with people who have been at this event. If the Spirit calls you should go now! If you know someone who has been there, gather in small groups to pray and listen to the stories about what is really going on at the Sacred Stone Camp. #NoDAPL is just the beginning.

Please let me share one more thing I saw there and the vision that was shared with me. There were many people from all age groups working and praying and taking action together. I now have very strong hope that from this gathering will come the new generation of young activists that are now needed for the future health of our planet. The vision shared with me is that this Sacred Stone Camp will continue to gather young and old from all the races from around our world to bring into view the many environmental, treaty, human rights and social and political justice, climate change, any and all issues from local to worldwide that need attention if life is to go on..

VOICE OF THE DRUM

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Mon, 1 Aug 2016 12:03:00 -0700

VOICE OF THE DRUM Wednesday Wisdom August 17, 7 PM Drum Circle with Gene & Joyce

Bring your drums and let them speak. Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley 1201 Puerta Del Sol Suite 100 San Clemente, California 92673. Children are welcome.

The Abenaki People and the Legend of the Drum

It is said that when Creator was preparing a place for the Spirits to dwell on Mother Earth, a loud BOOM was heard in the distance. As Creator listened, the sound came ever closer until it was present right in front of Creator. Creator asked – “who are you?” “I am the Spirit of the Drum”, came the reply. Creator asked of the Spirit of the Drum, “What is it you want?” The Spirit of the Drum spoke to Creator, saying “I would like to be a part of this wonderful thing you are creating.”

After a moment of thought, Creator asked , “And what part will you play, Spirit of the Drum?” “I would like to accompany the voices of the People” replied Spirit of the Drum. “When they sing from their hearts, I will sing too, as if I am the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Then all will sing in harmony.”

Creator granted the request of Spirit of the Drum and from that point on, the drum has accompanied the voices of the People. The Abenaki People

“Since the drum is often the only instrument used in our sacred rites, It is because the round form of the drum represents the whole universe, and its steady strong beat is the pulse, the heart, throbbing at the center of the universe. It is the voice of Wakan Tanka (Great Spirit), and this sound stirs us and helps us to understand the mystery and power of all things.” Black Elk

Drums by Native Arts

World Peace Dance for the Peoples of the 4 Directions

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 15:19:00 -0700

Walking in Good

It is time that all people of good heart work together to build a world that works for everyone. No matter your race, creed or religious, political, or sexual preference, we must start to work together. When this happens the world looks to me to be more inclusive and compassionate in all aspects of life. It is time to find the common thread that holds us together to do the right things for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. We are all members of the worldwide human race, we are all part of the earth, each one a strand in the web of life. Our actions have a dramatic impact on our peace as individuals and world peace. We are responsible for the air, water, soil, and every other living organism on earth. The decisions we make on a daily basis determine if there will be peace, harmony and justice for all living beings or if we continue down a path which leads to war, injustice and destruction of the earth.

Questions we need to consider:

What are the common threads that hold all life together on our planet?
Is All Life Sacred?
Do we all have basic needs for peace, food, shelter, clothing, love, opportunity to grow, and education?
A sense of belonging, purpose in life?
The global economic system is changing our world. Is there a place for everyone to thrive in this new system?
Should it be fair for everyone in the world, or just the rich?
Who is it creating winners and losers in this system?
Is this outdated system effective for the modern era?
What is a world system we think would be fair and work for the good of all?
Are spiritual and Humanistic principles guiding economic policy?
Can and will we describe a principle of fairness and equality for the rights of all living things?
Do Bears and Eagles and other animals have as much right to clean air, water, and food as human beings do?
Can the people of the world and the world itself afford to leave these answers in the hands of a few political and spiritual leaders, or will it take more minds and hearts than that?

In these polarizing times, we are being led by the few who do not have the same goals as the many, and do not keep the good of the people they represent in mind. Far too many political and religious leaders advocate for separation rather than inclusion. We already observe the suffering happening in the world due to economic injustice and wars. People are losing their homes and communities related to climate change. The economically challenged people all over the world will suffer the most for a world they did not create.

We human beings, since we are the ones who are causing most of the damage to the earth, must consider our responsibility to all other living things upon the earth. Please remember that war is one of the leading contributors to pollution and environmental damage in our world, even to the point of a potential future nuclear Holocaust.

What are the solutions to this? It is now time for a new awakening that we all have the same right to become fully who we are in this new world if we want life to continue for all. Examples of people working for good together (Gov, NGO’s & other groups):

http://www.earthday.org/greencities/events/

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/earth/crowdsourcing-climate-change-solutions/

http://climatecolab.org/

http://www.springforalexandria.org/

Examples of leaders who have made a difference in the world and how they did it.

http://www.biographyonline.net/people/people-who-changed-world.html http://www.emlii.com/9146884/31-Most-Inspiring-Women-Who-Changed-The-World http://twistedsifter.com/2013/12/10-people-who-made-the-world-a-better-place/

Future of economics, what are the possibilities? Below are a few examples;

https://issuu.com/new-economies/docs/voicesneweconomies

http://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/11/5-trends-for-the-future-of-economic-growth

http://www.oecdobserver.org/news/fullstory.php/aid/1895/Rethinking_our_economic_future.html

We are at a Moment in Time, the question is what will we do with it?

It seems we are at a pivotal point in time once again with choices to be made that will affect the future for our children and the planet, perhaps even the survival of all things! We can all see even from our different perspective the importance of the upcoming presidential election. I suggest it may be far more important than we see on the surface.

Keeping in mind the global economy no matter what you think, it's here, good or bad. Science and robotics are making the future new and exciting in many ways. But they are also producing concerns about the future of our jobs. If we need fewer humans for jobs what will we do? Can the earth sustain the increasing destruction of the planet for raw materials for profit? Is it time for a change in the world economy? Does everyone need to be a billionaire in the new economy? Is the upcoming political change a signal for an evolutionary change in humankind's thinking? I believe we are certainly reaching this crossroads.

Here are just a few of our future opportunities that I see at our fingertips, if we have the courage to grasp them at this "moment in time." This future will hold as important the development of the human mind and spirit. Increasing our knowledge through education of science & mathematics, spiritual awareness, and developing as more fully realized human beings, and opening our minds and our hearts to a more compassionate future that makes the world a better place for everyone. Enriching the quality of life for all while at the same time solving our many environmental challenges to live and thrive on this planet. Basic needs such as peace, clean water, air and land for the production of safe and abundant crops for all is of course a necessity. Business models will also change with the times. They will no longer be based on profit and greed, they will simply provide the basic economy that is necessary to make the world function for this new paradigm.

It is now time for all people of good to come together to work together to make the world a better place for all. To put your prayers, thoughts and ideas into action please join us April 27, 2016 at the World Peace Dance for the Peoples of the 4 Directions at 7 P.M. Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley 1201 Puerta Del Sol San Clemente 92673.

Led by Gene Stone and Beth Boardman featuring the Native Hummingbird Women's Drum. We will all join in a Prayer Dance for Peace where we will sing, dance and say prayers for peace for the People of the Four Directions Upon Our Earth. You need only come with a good heart to join this dance. Come and add your Prayers for Peace. Everyone is welcome!

Gene Stone

Compassion

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Tue, 1 Mar 2016 11:59:00 -0800

Compassion literally means “being with suffering.”

“Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life's search for love and wisdom.” Rumi

“Compassion is that mysterious capacity within each of us that makes it possible for suffering that is neither our own nor of our concern, to affect us as though it were. It is that instinctive and selfless insight that reveals to us the existence of our own true being in every living creature.

Compassion is the tie that binds every human being to each other and to the mystery of creation. It is the common thread of all religions, meditations, and community structures. Compassion does not acknowledge the artificial social, economic, and religious barriers we place between ourselves and others. It acknowledges the common cry of human longings, aspirations, and tragedies. When a reflex reaction causes us to help a stranger, with no motivation other than that person is in need, or maybe in peril of his life, our compassion is in action.” from Wisdom Commons http://www.wisdomcommons.org/virtue/22-compassion/essays

Everyone has to cope with loss, fear, sorrow, and self-doubt at some time in their lives. Instead of reacting during these times with anger and judgement we can make the choice to extend compassion to ourselves and others. We can make the choice to be aware of suffering with an intention to alleviate it. Compassion helps us to transcend our own personal feelings and fears and extend caring for ourselves and all those who suffer.

One of the greatest sources of suffering is the idea that we are separated from everyone and everything else. Practicing compassion for ourselves and others teaches us that we are never separated from the Oneness.

Being compassionate is not always popular in this society. It is more popular to show strength and a certain toughness in all situations. Being compassionate means being vulnerable and that can create uncomfortable feelings. Feeling compassion is worth the risk. By releasing harsh judgements of ourselves and others we can open ourselves to a generosity of spirit which heals the heart.

"Write down how many things you want. Meditate on how many things you need. When you write them down you will see that you want millions of things. When you meditate you will notice that you need only one thing and that is God the Compassion, God the eternal Compassion."  By Sri Chinmoy

Love and blessings from Gene and Joyce

Nature in Balance

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:07:00 -0800

“Fill the earth with your songs of gratitude.” Charles Spurgeon

This past autumn, a group of volunteers came together to plant a teaching garden for the girls and boys at the Oso Lake Camp. This garden is filled with drought resistant plants which are native to California. The plants provide good habitat for California quail, butterflies and other native birds and wildlife. All of these plants were used by the indigenous native California tribes for medicinal purposes. One of the plants, for example, is Eriogonum fasciculatum var. foliolosum, California Buckwheat. It has flowers, leaves and seeds that are all used by butterflies and small birds. The buckwheats are very important butterfly plants and are one of the pillars of their communities. Another plant, Baccharis pilularis consanguinea, Coyote Brush, provides a place for Jays to plant acorns under the bushes. Baccharis species are the nectary sources for most of the predatory wasps, native skippers (small butterflies) and native flies. The Mexican elderberry or Tapiro,(Sambucus mexicana) is a deciduous shrub to tree with butter yellow flowers in April-August followed by purple berries in September-October. If you look carefully as you pass an Elderberry you may see a hummingbird, butterfly, chipmunk, Jay, Thrasher, or other bird as it is an excellent wildlife plant.

Indigenous people everywhere hold the view that we are all part of the earth in which we are related to all things and each thing has its place and purpose in this living world. There is a natural order that creates life and balance to this ecosystem. When we support this natural system we live in harmony with all of our relations. Our purpose in planting this garden was to teach the younger generation the importance of habitat restoration to maintain the natural order of their local environment. Rather than just taking from the earth, we can make a choice to replenish, to revere, and to support growth of all living things. To choose otherwise contributes to imbalance and a future of greater uncertainty.

While we planted we remembered that the soil cares for us as we care for the soil. As we felt the joy of cooperation and achievement through working together we realized that we are a natural part of the ecosystem that sustains life.

We would like to thank all those who participated in the project.

Gene and Joyce Stone

Religious Wars! Is that really what's going on?

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 11:53:00 -0800

Religious Wars! Is that really what's going on?

It is extremely difficult to think that in the year 2015 we are still having to fight religious wars between the different faiths. 90% of the world's population believe in one form or another that there is a God or something greater than ourselves! I do not believe that this is truly a war between the religions. I believe it is a war for power on many levels, but a war nonetheless. One that we need to deal with quickly and effectively.

When I first heard of the psychopathic terrorist attacks in France on Friday, the warrior in me rose up immediately even at the age of 70. I'm happy to say that quickly my Spiritual Warrior overtook my human instinct for revenge. As Mahatma Gandhi once said an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. It seems to me we are on the brink of going blind. Do I believe that all Muslims are terrorists? I do not! I do not believe a majority of people of any religious faith are terrorists. I do believe there are a few confused and dangerous people in all of the world's religions today, as it has always been. What seems to be worse to me are the people that "hijack religious beliefs of any faith" for their own purposes to gain power. This I consider "EVIL."

We have from the beginning of time dealt with threats and war, with more threats and more war in return. That approach has always taken us deeper into the darkness of this world. Just look at our history to understand this. All life is precious! We all have the right to protect themselves in the times of trouble. The question is what is the best way to protect ourselves? It is my belief that we should all stand together as human beings and protect the rights of all of us to search and develop our understanding of the Creator God and how we wish to live our lives. So it is the obligation and responsibility of all good people to protect these rights for all. This means as all good people around our world, we must act together to stop those who would deny us the sacred right of understanding and living our own faith. I am talking here to every believer and non believer. Will we really let a few thousand psychopaths divide the majority of us from making the world a better place for all?

Divine Purpose

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 10:52:00 -0700

The purpose of life is to be free from suffering and to attain infinite bliss consciousness that is God. Mankind is engaged in an eternal quest for that “something else” he hopes will bring him happiness, complete and unending. Many people may doubt that finding God is the purpose of life; but everyone can accept the idea that the purpose of life is to find happiness. I say that God is Happiness. God is Bliss. God is Love. God is Joy that will never go away from your soul. No one else can give it to you. You must continuously cultivate it yourself.

If we are attuned to God, our perception is limitless, pervading everywhere in the oceanic flow of the Divine Presence. When the Spirit is known, and when we know ourselves as Spirit, there is no land or sea, no earth or sky--all is Spirit. From the writings of Yogananda

THE QUESTION IS, HOW DO WE FIND AND MANIFEST IN OUR LIFE AND ACTIONS THIS DIVINE PURPOSE?

For me, being a human being, it has become quite simple. Divine Purpose is clarified and given with each breath I take. It is so simple, yet elusive, I breathe in Oneness, I breathe out Oneness! Knowing that all I am and all that I do comes from that Oneness, and for the good of all that Creator has created. Are my actions divine? Are yours? The answer is "Yes" always, our nature is to be Divine even when we may think we miss the mark. Take the Oneness of the Creator and the Creation with you as you Walk in Good in this the Circle of Life.

We all will find our path, each in our own way!

The understanding of this and the path it takes us down in this life is the perfection of Spirit in all of us. Those different paths of life and understanding is what completes the Circle for all of us. I trust your choices along the way.

We weave our personal vision together to form a common vision of good for ourselves and for our planet. Joining with all our relations, we can learn to walk peacefully upon Mother Earth, knowing that she provides for all living things. We are all part of the Earth and part of the Divine Purpose in this the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

Finding your Divine Purpose in the Circle of Life

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 15:07:00 -0700

The purpose of life is to be free from suffering and to attain infinite bliss consciousness that is God.

Mankind is engaged in an eternal quest for that “something else” he hopes will bring him happiness, complete and unending. Many people may doubt that finding God is the purpose of life; but everyone can accept the idea that the purpose of life is to find happiness. I say that God is Happiness. He is Bliss. He is Love. He is Joy that will never go away from your soul. So why shouldn’t you try to acquire that Happiness? No one else can give it to you. You must continuously cultivate it yourself.

The love of God, the love of the Spirit, is an all-consuming love. Once you have experienced it, it shall lead you on and on in the eternal realms. That love will never be taken away from your heart. It shall burn there, and in its fire you shall find the great magnetism of Spirit that draws others unto you, and attracts whatsoever you truly need or desire.

Man has come on earth solely to learn to know God; he is here for no other reason. This is the true message of the Lord. To all those who seek and love Him, He tells of that great Life where there is no pain, no old age, no war, no death — only eternal assurance. In that Life nothing is destroyed. There is only ineffable happiness that will never grow stale — a happiness always new. From the writings of Yogananda

For me, being a human being, it has become quite simple. Divine Purpose is clarified and given with each breath I take. It is so simple, yet elusive, I breathe in Oneness, I breathe out Oneness! Knowing that all I am and all that I do comes from that Oneness, and for the good of all that Creator has created. Are my actions divine, are yours? The answer is "Yes" always, our nature is to be Divine even when we may miss the mark. Take the Oneness of the Creator and the Creation with you as you walk in Good in this the Circle of Life. Gene Stone

The love of the Creator and the Creation is meant to unite us not divided us.

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 10:40:00 -0700

Some religions and people believe there is only one true religion, and that religion knows everything, is and has everything, and can do everything. I'm not one of the people that believes that. I believe that all the religions combined, all the people on earth combined, and all things in the universe combined, and more makeup the one true Creator or God. And even that statement is putting limitations on the Creator, which I believe in reality we cannot do.

There is one thing that I am sure of and that is our concepts of religion and God should not separate human beings at all. It should in fact united us in the belief that God is alive and bigger than all of us, and we share that in common. Only by working together can our understanding of this Great Mystery become greater and more complete.

The love of the Creator and the Creation is meant to unite us not divided us. This I know!

What are you doing for your Mother on EARTH DAY 2015?

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 19:49:00 -0700

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Socrates

“Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. Earth Day was founded by Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970. While this first Earth Day was focused on the United States, an organization launched by Denis Hayes, who was the original national coordinator in 1970, took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations.It is celebrated in more than 175 countries.” Wikipedia reference

Just as we humans need to protect, nurture, and feed ourselves, we can offer to the planet, our Mother Earth, respect, protection, and nurturance. “Given the present rate of planetary pollution and destruction, we need to negotiate a detente with nature and ourselves.” Paul Hawken. There are many positive actions taking place all over the world. For instance, there are over six thousand different women’s groups in Africa planting trees and four thousand organizations in North America have adopted a river, creek, or stream. Organic agriculture is the fastest growing sector of farming in North America, Japan, Mexico and Europe. There are three thousand organizations that educate farmers, customers and legislators about sustainable and biological agriculture. The world is now understanding the need to move away from the dirty carbon based energies of the past 150 years into the clean and renewable energy future. Solar, wind and wave energy technologies are just a few of the bright stars this future will be based on.

Our indigenous first peoples of the Americas have given the long held wisdom that we should always be thinking of the next seven generations to come in our interactions with Mother Earth. It is said that we do not own the earth, we borrow it from our children. Many of us are just now coming to understand that the earth is taking care of us and not the other way around. Our actions have far reaching effects and consequences on our planet, climate, oceans and air. Droughts, flooding, super storms, melting of the glaciers and the ice caps in the north and south poles are just some indications of severe climate change.

“Great Spirit, whose dry lands thirst, help us to find the way to refresh your lands.

We pray for the power to refresh your lands.

Great Spirit, whose waters are choked with debris and pollution, help us to find the way to cleanse your waters.

We pray for your knowledge to find a way to cleanse the waters.

Great Spirit, whose beautiful earth grows ugly with misuse, help us to find the way to restore beauty to your handiwork.

We pray for your strength to restore the beauty of your handiwork.

Great Spirit, whose great creatures are being destroyed, help us to find a way to replenish them.

We pray for your power to replenish the earth.

Great Spirit, whose gifts to us are being lost in selfishness and corruption, help us to find the way to restore our humanity.

We pray for the wisdom to find the way to restore our humanity.” UN Environmental Sabbath Program

It was our honor yesterday to help the Cub Scouts of troop 714 of San Clemente Las Palmas school to plant eight California Laurel Bay trees for their Earth Day celebration in their new camping area at Oso Lake. This was the first experience planting trees for this troop. They worked hard digging the holes, preparing the soil and placing the trees in the ground. As we worked together, we had the opportunity to share the value of planting trees and how this action helps the future of the planet. The scouts were amazed to learn that trees breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. As the work continued, their understanding of the cycle of life deepened. As we finished placing the last tree in the ground, a red tail hawk flew directly over our heads making her voice known to all of us. It was clear that this sign was a good one and the spirit of the hawk was saying thank you.

How can we help to make Earth Day everyday? Here are some ideas:

Plant trees

Conserve water

Walk or ride your bike to school or work

Use public transportation

Recycle

Compost

Make your home energy efficient

To learn more visit the websites below:

http://www.wattlesswednesday.org/

http://www.earthday.org/2015?gclid=Cj0KEQjwpM2pBRChsZCzm_CU0t4BEiQAxDVFmlR83yiKujlmwwxzuClFLM_WXxTekrzZFZDkx5nj7ScaAnXj8P8HAQ

http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/save-earth-top-ten.htm

http://www.plant-for-the-planet-billiontreecampaign.org/

Remember, on Earth Day and everyday, we are all part of the earth.

Love,

Joyce and Gene

Tree of Life

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Sun, 5 Apr 2015 19:26:00 -0700

Tree of Life

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness”. John Muir

While hiking through the woods in Sequoia National Park one summer, we came upon a grove of redwood trees. Entering the group of Standing Ones, we felt ourselves become quiet as the awe within us grew. The trees formed an almost perfect circle. Allowing the silence of the place to sink in, we breathed deeply of the forest scent and relaxed into the peace surrounding us. In this sacred grove of trees, we felt the connection with the Infinite.

In our home, we have on our walls beautiful woven pieces depicting “The Tree of Life”

symbol. Each was created by a weaver from a different culture: Indian, Guatemalan, Native American. The Tree of Life is a common image in art from around the world. This ancient symbol is understood by people everywhere. The symbol speaks of roots buried in the earth with branches stretching upward to the sky. The tree serves as a living connection between this and other worlds. Many myths describe gods and their messengers traveling from one world to another by climbing up or down the tree.

Long ago, in many cultures, trees were intensely worshipped. The Native American peoples called them the “Standing Ones.” They respectfully used trees for medicine, food, fiber, dye, musical instruments, lodges for habitation and ceremony, and many other things. Something precious was lost once modern peoples no longer viewed trees as living beings. It became easy to clear cut acres and acres of trees to use as lumber without a thought of how great a loss this created. For the sake of our Mother Earth, it is time to recall Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s words, “Reverence for all life.”

We cannot live without trees. Trees are called “the lungs of the world.” They clean the air we breathe, taking in the carbon dioxide we exhale and we breathe the oxygen they exhale. Trees are needed to produce rain and without the rain, topsoil is blown away, leading to the creation of deserts and hunger from famine.

“Oxford University scientists, after years of research, have determined the best technology to suck carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and try to reverse global warming is to plant trees.” (Bloomberg News)

Over the past seven years, we have planted over two hundred trees in Orange County, CA. Man has taken so many trees that it is now time for us to reforest the earth that provides us with the basis for all life. Your help is desperately needed to replenish trees, locally and around the world. “God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools.” John Muir We must always remember that we are all part of the earth.

Here are some links for free trees and groups planting trees that need your help:

https://www.arborday.org/takeaction/volunteer/

http://www.nwf.org/trees-for-wildlife/about/tree-bank-information.aspx

http://www.plant-for-the-planet-billiontreecampaign.org/

http://www.savetheredwoods.org/

https://www.treepeople.org/ LA area

http://therainforestsite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/trs/home

http://www.treehuggersofamerica.org/

Love, Gene and Joyce

WATER IS LIFE

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 20:01:00 -0700

Water is Life

WORLD WATER DAY MARCH 22, 2015 ACTION DAY

“Water is life.” George Mackenzie Tlicho, NW Territories, Canada.

Water is Sacred to Indigenous peoples around the world because they know nothing on Earth lives without water, and that includes the living Planet Earth. International Decade for action “Water for Life”. “On 28 July 2010 Resolution 64/292, the United Nations General Assembly explicitly recognized the human right to water and sanitation and acknowledged that clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to the realisation of all human rights. In 2006, the Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted decision 2/104 “human rights and access to water”. It’s that face of America that Catarina de Albuquerque witnessed at the end of her U.S. visit.. De Albuquerque, the UN independent expert on water and sanitation, visited the U.S. to examine human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation. What she found was not befitting of the world’s richest nation.” from UN documents.

‘The human right to water and sanitation entitles everyone to water and sanitation that is available, accessible, affordable, acceptable and safe without discrimination. But de Albuquerque found that people of color and Native Americans disproportionately suffer insufficient access to clean water and sanitation services. While less than one percent of non-native American households have no access to safe water and/or wastewater disposal, 13 percent of Native Americans lack access.” from UN documents.

Here are some important facts about water from Water. Org:

1 in 9 people in the world lack access to safe water.
Women and children spend 140 million hours a day collecting water.
840,000 people die each year from a water related disease.

From our personal experience:

We saw the reality of these statistics when we traveled with a group of volunteers to a small village in the mountains of Guatemala to build a medical clinic and provide basic healthcare to the people living there.

Many of the children were malnourished from the scarcity of food, but the main contributor to low weight and poor health was the lack of access to clean water. Drinking from the streams and ponds caused the children to ingest parasites which created great suffering. Medication and education about boiling water decreased the problem over time for that village, but the challenge to create a sustainable clean water source is ongoing.

After that experience, we never thought of water in quite the same way. We saw for ourselves how a beautiful, vibrant child’s potential could be destroyed by the lack of what some Native American people call “the sacred life blood.” Conserving water and contributing to clean water projects around the world became part of our lives.

On World Water Day, we renew our commitment to support the right of all living things to clean, abundant water. We know many of you already have the same commitment. Here are a few more conservation ideas to consider.

LIST & LINKS TO WATER CONSERVATION IDEAS:

Never put water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or cleaning.
Verify that your home is leak-free, because many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.
Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year which will add to the cost of water and sewer utilities, or strain your septic system.
Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed. (Flush as soon as test is done, since food coloring may stain tank.)
Take shorter showers. Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version. Some units are available that allow you to cut off the flow without adjusting the water temperature knobs.
Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.

There are many ways for us to conserve water. To learn more use the links below for some great tips:

http://www.americanwater.com/49ways.php

http://eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm

http://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/

First, we must acknowledge the sacredness of and the necessity for clean water for all life on our planet. Then we must learn to use this gift wisely and share it equally, respecting the rights of access to the source of all life. “Water is Life” and we must take action now because “We are all part of the Earth.”

Love, Gene & Joyce

Image by Hamomilaki

How will you find your place in the Universe?

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 08:57:00 -0700

Until we realize we are not separate from everything in the universe, we will continue to believe that we are alienated from nature. Edgar Mitchell, one of the few human beings to have walked on the moon's surface, describes his experience of viewing the earth from space in these words, " Gradually I was flooded with the ecstatic awareness that I was part of what I was observing. Every molecule in my body was birthed in a star hanging in space. I became aware that everything that exists is part of one intricately interconnected whole. "

Photo by NASA

Indigenous people all over the world have long sought and found their place in the universe. The search for this understanding of how we are connected to the Source of Life is far under -estimated in modern times.

I spent many years searching for my own understanding of my place in the Universe. One beautiful spring day in Kansas, I found myself sitting upon the earth watching the Thunder Beings forming over the ridge. As I continued to observe the gathering Cloud People, I had the sense that I was looking down upon myself from above.

In that moment of time, all things stopped. It became clear to me that I was not separate from the creation, but I was connected with all of the creation. To truly understand myself, I knew I needed to understand my place in the Universe.

Feeling our connection, knowing who we are, helps us to find our purpose and live in harmony with all of our Relations.

We weave our personal vision together to form a common vision of good for ourselves and for the planet. Joining with all our relations, we can learn to walk peacefully upon Mother Earth, knowing that she provides for all living things. We are all part of the Earth.

Love, Gene and Joyce

Gardening in the Web

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Sun, 8 Mar 2015 14:39:00 -0700

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” Chief Seattle

As we begin to prepare the soil for our garden this week we are mindful that we are part of the earth. Bringing together the elements of mulch,water and seeds, we reflect on our parts in the process of life. We care for the soil as the soil cares for us. As we place each seed into the warm, rich, life filled earth we become more aware of our connection to the ever expanding web of life.

We live in a time of climate change challenges, lack of access to clean water for many, millions of tons of high level radioactive nuclear waste, and the existence of over 88,000 toxic chemicals introduced into our air, soil and water by humankind. We are not here only to be stewards of the earth, but to realize our oneness with the earth.The simple act of planting flowers and vegetables and trees becomes an expression of the sacredness of life. We realize that we are planting in the garden of life and we wonder about how deep and how far this journey will take us.

Love, Gene and Joyce

Where will you stand in 2015

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 11:30:00 -0800

A small group of people gathered in the cool morning air as the Sun arose on Jan 1, 2015 to set their intentions for the new year with prayer and community. Standing around the Fire of Life that was heating the Stone People that would help us all to speak our intentions into words that will come to be with our actions as this year moves through it’s life cycle and this day turns into the next. The words and prayers of that chilly morning were strong and meaningful to each of us in our own way, as it should be.

The first two weeks of this year is bearing witness to the message that came with the entering of the Stone People into the hoop of life that day. I can only speak for myself of course. It was evident that I would have to make clear where I stand as a man and human being without fear or hesitation. Knowing that I can fail or succeed at any moment in time, with words or deeds. It is my choice to make. Do I choose darkness or do I walk in my own good?

I choose to stand in prayer with love, unity and equality for all, women, children, men and all religious beliefs with honor and respect and also love and healing for the Earth Mother. It has been said that the Creator gave ceremonies and prayers to the spirits to take to all the peoples of the world, to help them understand how to live, sing and dance in the sacred way. All of them being equal and none of them better or more important than the others in anyway. The different races of the people of the earth all received these prayers and ceremonies each in their own way of understanding. These gifts from Spirit were not given to us to divide and separate us, but were meant to unite us in our knowledge of the Creator and the Creation.

It is clear in 2015 that humankind has forgotten and have confused these gifts from the Creator with greed, power and the will to dominate others, especially women and the Earth itself which is our Mother. How did this happen? It started long ago when one person in each of our communities chose to use these gifts against the others. It started when we forgot we are all part of the Creator and the Creation, we are all one in Spirit. It happened when we begin thinking that tradition could not be wrong or change or advance as our understanding grows closer with the flow and energies that makes up the living Spirit in all things.

This year things will get better or worse as each of us choose for our own life, and this life is connected to all life. WE ARE ALL ONE IN SPIRIT. My prayer is that we all choose wisely and put an end to the madness of hate, greed, separation and the will to dominate others which could destroy us all, that we once again find love and kindness and respect for one another. AS IT WILL BE SPOKEN, IT WILL BE SO. -Three Trees Cloud

"One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in darktimes. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires, causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these – to be fierce and to show mercy toward others; both are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity." Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Berlin House of One: The first church-mosque-synagogue? By Stephen Evans BBC News, Berlin

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:26:00 -0700

House of One The first Church / Mosque / Synagogue is being built in Berlin !
Muslims, Jews and Christians join hands to build a place where they can all worship. The House of One, as it is being called, will be a synagogue, a church and a mosque under one roof. The location is highly significant, according to one of the three religious leaders involved, Rabbi Tovia Ben Chorin. "From my Jewish point of view the city where Jewish suffering was planned is now the city where a centre is being built by the three monotheistic religions which shaped European culture," he told the BBC.

Can they get on? "We can. That there are people within each group who can't is our problem but you have to start somewhere and that's what we are doing."

The imam involved, Kadir Sanci, sees the House of One as "a sign, a signal to the world that the great majority of Muslims are peaceful and not violent". It's also, he says, a place where different cultures can learn from each other.

Each of the three areas in the House will be the same size, but of a different shape, architect Wilfried Kuehn points out.

Link to article: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27872551

The Quantum theory and mechanics of Prayer, or Living with the Power of the Universe

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 11:12:00 -0800

The definition of “quantum theory” is (physics) a physical theory that certain properties occur only in discrete amounts. Quantum mechanics accounts for this matter at the atomic level. The branch of mathematical physics that deals with atomic and subatomic systems. It is concerned with phenomena that are so small-scale that they cannot be described in classical terms. It explained the structure of atoms, atomic nuclei, and molecules; the behavior of subatomic particles; the nature of chemical bonds; the properties of crystalline solids; nuclear energy; and the forces that stabilize collapsed stars. It also led directly to the development of the laser, the electron microscope, and the transistor, and this is just the beginning.

How to apply the quantum theory and mechanics of prayer into your daily life. The power of prayer is in the prayer itself. Know that you are not separated from God or the Universe itself, you are part and parcel of both and there is no separation possible, (other than in your own mind). Jesus said if you had faith the size of mustard seed you can move mountains. He was describing the subatomic particles of the Great Mystery of the “Circle of life.” The connection between the Creator and all things, and beyond, “I am that I am.” This is the place of power from which all life and faith comes, the place we, and all creation is born.

When you start your prayer remember there is no separation from God, find gratitude for this, acceptance, and love, with a good heart find your place in the great Circle of life and know this is the way it should be. State your prayer clearly in a simple way so that you understand its meaning. Then put your prayers into action. Remember to open your mind and heart to receive. Have no fear to walk knowing it is so, for prayer is an action. Remember that prayer is always complete when gratitude is given.

Walking across the Skies of Sacred Rainbows

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 10:22:00 -0800

Oh Great Spirit, Grandfather, Grandmother,

You walk together hand-in-hand
across the sky of the Sacred Earth Mother,
walking with great beauty
with your robes of stars trailing along behind you as the milky way,
you walk on rainbows
coming to us in the sacred hoop.

Your gifts of love keep the heart of we,
the two legged people, beating with the breath of life.
We stand before you with our hearts filled
from the Sacred Mountain.

We ask only to give away and share the gifts of this hoop,
this sacred ceremony, as we come out of this circle
into this land of beauty that you have asked us to hold
and take care of for you, Grandfather.

We see many of our brothers and sister
are sick in their hearts and bodies,
and the Earth Mother cries with tears of the souls
of many who now walk upon the rainbows with you.

We know that if one child cries or is sick
it is because the sacred hoop of love is broken by hate and lies.
We have only to listen to our hearts and speak the truth
that is spoken within the great circle of life.

The power of our vision, Oh Great Spirit, is within our hands.
We have only to speak it and share it, each in our own way.
I hear you speaking Grandfather, form the Sacred Place,
from Pa-ha Wast-ta: The Mountain Beautiful.

You call to us to sing in a sacred way,
and to dance in a sacred way
so that we might heal ourselves.
In doing so also heal others, as the sacred circle fills
and ever expands with all human beings
and our understanding of all living things grows,
with the light from within.

So that we may stand before you Grandfather,
in a Sacred Way.

Eagle that Flies through Two Skies

Out of the Blue the Eagle wields Thunder Bolts

noreply@blogger.com (We are all Part of the Earth) — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 08:40:00 -0800

Out of the blue and into the black light, the Eagle wields thunder bolts to clear shadows from the world; the Swan brings love and peace on Earth, clearing the perceived illusion of a grievance that hangs like a dark shadow in the hearts of the indigenous peoples of the earth, sounding like sorrow and ringing true in their ears so their eyes see a loss deeply rooted in an illusion shinning in the blue cloak of day, returning the sacred stone of the sun to the children of the earth heart, who lay sleeping in the mists of her dream time.

The colors of the rainbow like the 7 tribes are the keepers of the sacred holding the key to the sacred tree of life, the color is the shadow you see, the light is the wood in the tree. Magic was there, moving in the air, carrying her fragrance everywhere. - It was all just an echo of her dream, the nature of loves story singing across the fields. The web has been woven; the sacred light fabric is spun the time to heal the sacred waters of creation has begun. We are the ancient ones remembering our own story as we tread lightly on the mist seeing with the eyes in the souls of feet, standing inside our own essence looking through the sun in the house of the soul.
Hokia ki ngā maunga Kia purea koe E ngā hau o Tawhirimatea. Return to the mountains to be purified by the winds of Tawhirimatea.

When one has kissed the sky and sat in the room with gods, Listened to angels - watching civilizations unfold in a moment glance as legends create corridors to the heavens in time, while stars are being born. We never come back, there is no coming back or going back, it is the journey of many many lifetimes, and a journey many are still yet to begin, a journey of discovery that will unfold over many more lifetimes for those who are about to begin. Opening the womb of consciousness the river flows, the flood begins a fire of truth awakening the world to a new light.

A new learning to begin the healing. As the cycles of the galactic clock of ages slowly grinds the wheels of time to a halt, the keepers of the records begin to strike the bells of peace loudly sending ripples across the ocean of consciousness, sounding the beginning of the age of golden light is near, as the goddesses of love prepare to birth the new age of abundance into the darkness of day, and onto the fabric of creation, the children of freedom begin to rise and shine their love, casting their music across the earth like waves as the beginning approaches like the mist of a rainbow. As the gods gently turn back the hands of time, navigating us toward the stars, may we begin to enter through the gateway of the heavens in peace and back home into the realms of magic. Back home beyond forever into the healing balms of loves abyss, born from the sacred fire of spirit and nourished by the sacred spring of love eternal waters. Remembering, we are loves infinite power. This is the turning of the ages and the return to love, as written in the prophecy.

The taking back is a returning to love; nothing was ever lost but the true wisdom of love which remains deep in the waters of the sacred earth. There is nothing to fight, the goddess is on our side. There is no fight left in her, just love. And that's the best thing that ever happened for her. For far too long the futile battle of light & dark has left her exhausted. She's accepting both light & dark as the inherent gifts of the universe. She's not in a dueling match with them. The light no longer wishes to 'reform' her dark, and her dark no longer wants to 'control' the light. Suddenly, she's not playing the polarity game. She's not fooled into buying the teaching that there's something wrong with her that needs fixing, and she's got work to do before she's finally 'good'. Her divinity is in fully embracing her humanity. All of it. So where's the imperfection? The myth that one day light will vanquish the dark and there will be peace would have kept her exhausted & imprisoned. She's already at peace right now! Even the light and dark within her are sitting at peace with each other. Game over. What she's experiencing in the ceasing of war is an unbelievable tranquility & peace. Thank goddess she believed in her own wisdom.

Love The empath can feel what makes the heart heavy. In her right hand she holds a magical instrument with which she eliminates what makes the heart heavy so it becomes as light as the Feather of Truth. This instrument is the Goddess Eye that is framed in a golden triangle. From this Eye streams a beam of bolt of lightning that frees the world. When the Goddess Eye retreats from the world evil reigns for a time; when the Goddess Eye returns evil is destroyed, old world psychic forms are broken and a new world begins. It is now that the Eye returns. When alchemical transformation takes place chi or primal energy is conserved in this time by breathing vital energy up. At the Full Moon chi is converted into chi and gathered as the Elixir of Immortality. Rhythmic movement and breath are used to convert chi to chi. This way primal lead is transformed into the gold of love and divine union occurs within. This inner Alchemy will then be realized in the outer world. Ascending the lunar wave is like surfing, each lunar cycle brings good tidings that become greater if we maintain our balance and stay on the boat.

If you talk to nature, nature will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not communicate you will not know, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys.” So come, she is waiting to sing to you and talk about love.
Spiritual Ecology, the philosophy of the nature of love is a political assassin. Environmentalism is the Medicine of the future, nature’s book of wisdom and the nature love - the tree of life, and when humanity raises children with love and learns to learns love, then love can take over the world.

By Joni Bridge re posted with permission.
Thank you for sharing this with us at We are all Part of the Earth.