Meanwhile, these dolphins are some of the kindest & most intelligent sea animals, who are really human’s friend. ‘Are they becoming extinct?’ is another conjured up question. 

While it is against the law at the Faroe Islands to hurt animals unnecessarily, this scene of killing is gruesome. The visual display of a sea of blood appears to be utterly barbaric to the sane.

Let’s stop this non-sense and instead prove maturity in wise & gentle ways.

Let’s Look at the Facts

The Faroe Island Statistical Office has published the official numbers for the 2009 drive hunt:

* 310 pilot whales

* 174 white-beaked dolphins

* 2 bottlenose whales

* 1 bottlenose dolphin

killed in three separate grinds.

Method of Slaughter

Caught dolphins don’t die instantly. As per legal restrictions, they are cut 1, 2 or 3 times with knives & thick hooks. I understand that, at that time, the dolphins produce a grim cry like that of a new born child. But of course, instead of being born, they die.

The pilot whale hunt in the Faroes is, by its very nature, a dramatic and bloody sight. Entire schools of whales are killed on the shore and in the shallows of bays. The knives are used to sever the major blood supply to the brain. This is the most efficient and humane means of killing these animals under the circumstances, but it naturally results in a lot of blood in the water.

While whales were the major food supply for the island, it was argued that it is more humane to leave a whale live in freedom all its life, and then slaughter it in a few minutes, than the way we typically treat commercial life stock such as pigs and cows. The latter animals live all their lives in captivity, are unable to choose what to eat, face injections of hormones, etc. and endure quite some stress of transport, prior to their slaughter.

Origin Purpose of the Ritual

The pilot whale hunts at Faroes Islands have been around for centuries and centuries: since 1584.

Its original purpose was to supply the island with food. White whale meat and blubber has been a Faroese specialty for as long as anyone can remember. Given the prior importance of the whales for the islands, the tradition of the whale hunt is a communal affair, completely ingrained in the local culture. The whale meat of this non-commercial drive is  not sold in supermarkets. Instead, the annual catch is divided evenly among local families.

Today’s Situation

However, it is no longer smart to eat any of the hundreds of whales caught and killed. In November 2008 the chief medical officers of the Faroe Islands recommended that pilot whales no longer be considered safe for human consumption because of the levels of toxins in the whales (too much mercury, PCBs and DDT derivatives) . 

Furthermore, in today’s Faroes, there is amply alternative food supply.  Whale killing has become completely unnecessary.

Meanwhile, there is ongoing debate whether the pilot whale is becoming extinct. This is particularly an issue in the case of Faroe Islands.

So, what exactly is the purpose of these ancient fests other than showing off bravery in the process of the hunt??

It seems a simple conclusion that …

it’s time for a change.

Looking at a Slightly Bigger Scope: Other Dolphin & Whale Hunts

The situation in Faroe Islands are non-commercial hunts. Other such smaller, non-commercial hunts take place in in the Arctic, the Caribbean, Peru, and the Solomon Islands. However, a commercial hunts take place  in Taiji (Japan), where annually 2000 dolphins are killed. Their meat is sold in Japanese supermarkets. As well, the Japanese fishermen supplement their income by taking about a hundred dolphins alive and selling them for tens of thousands of dollars each to aquariums in Asia and EAU.  Greenpeace is working on this very issue of whaling in Japan, and asking for your signature support. 

Seeing to the Bigger Picture of Environmental Protection & Change

To learn more about what is going on in our natural environment and how we can and should protect it better, there are many issues for us to take action on. Greenpeace has done a good job on sorting out some of our priorities:

  (click image)

– > Get Involved

–> Support Greenpeace

Now is a Pretty Good Time

Just 9 days ago, on July 23, Greenpeace co-founder Dorothy Stowe died in Vancouver, Canada at age 89.

Dorothy was a woman who dedicated her life to making the world a better place for others. 

What would you like to be remembered by? 

What could you do today to make the world a better place?

Sources: wikipedia.org,

Paws.org.au, greenpeace.org

Copyright , We Are One World Healing – All Rights Reserved. A Therapeutic Reiki Initiative

Yesterday’s BBC News is making my day:

The sweet-voiced woman managed to convince a man attempting an armed robbery in Florida to walk away, by being full of compassion, offering assistance & reminding him to go back to church & Jesus.

The desperate man said he needed money to pay his rent but the Christian shop manager convinced him that he should choose another path. She offered to help him find another job and look for another way to solve his problems.

He apologized and left.

Copyright , We Are One World Healing – All Rights Reserved. A Therapeutic Reiki Initiative

May this beautiful song bring some hope, to you and I.

SONG OF THE EARTH

(Canto della Terra)

Yes I know
My love, that you and me
Are together briefly
For just a few moments
In silence
As we look out of our windows
And listen
To the sky
And to a world
That’s awakening and the night is
Already far away
Already far away

 
Look at this world
Turning around, with us
Even in the dark
Look at this world
Turning around, for us
Giving us hope and some sun, sun, sun

My love, whoever you are, my love
I hear your voice, yet I listen to the sea
It sounds just like your breathing
And all the love you want to give me
This love
That is there, hidden
Hidden among the waves
All the waves in the world
Just like a boat that…

Looks at this world
Turning around, with us
Even in the dark
Look at this world
Turning around, for us
Giving us hope, and some sun
Sun!

Look at this world
Turning around, with us
Giving us hope, and some sun
Mighty sun
Mighty sun

Copyright , We Are One World Healing – All Rights Reserved. A Therapeutic Reiki Initiative

Today, I came across an old comment from Anna, a World Healing participant, who was looking for a beloved poem that I posted 2 years ago.*

While the poem was called ‘The New Religion of the 21st Century’ , Anna called it ‘Silent Love Bombs’, a title I like so much better!!!

Let me share it with you all today, again. It’s a lovely and inspirational poem by Brian Piergrossi. Here’s the link:

Silent Love Bombs

(image source: Astrid Lee)

* btw. To find anything this blog, use the search function (top right) as well as the category directory (right column, middle).

Copyright , We Are One World Healing – All Rights Reserved. A Therapeutic Reiki Initiative

In Essence: SELF-CONFIDENCE.

Affirmation:

“I act with self-confidence. I am capable and apply myself in creative ways. I’m good enough. “ ~ A. Lee.

"For those who do not consider themselves as good or capable as those around them, who expect failure, who feel that they will never be a success, an so do not venture or make a strong enough attempt to succeed." – Dr. Edward Bach

Larch ~ Bach Flower Remedies for Children

Larch: This Essence helps your child when feeling lack self-confidence and self esteem. The child doubts its abilities and therefore do not even try. Larch helps your child regain a realistic sense of self esteem and confidence, unworried about failure or success.

Larch ~ Bach Flower Remedies for Adults

Larch is for lack of self-confidence, for people who won’t even try because they are sure in advance that they will fail. They suffer from feelings of inferiority.

They are secretly aware they have potential ability but refuse to acknowledge it, thereby avoiding the risk of failure. This is also a useful remedy for anyone who lacks confidence before examinations, interviews, driving tests, etc. (see also Rescue Remedy).

The positive potential of Larch is expressed in people who are determined, capable, with a realistic sense of self esteem, unworried about failure or success. They are aware of their own potential and work towards achieving it.

They are able to take the initiative, to take risks, and refuse to accept the word ‘can’t’. They use their critical faculties sensibly.

Bach Larch Flower Essence 20 ml / 0.7 fl oz: K Click image or link above  to learn more

Back to the Bach Flower Remedies – Overview

Copyright , We Are One World Healing – All Rights Reserved. A Therapeutic Reiki Initiative

In Essence: ENTHUSIASM.

For

Affirmation: “I am full of energy, enthusiasm and interest for all that’s in my everyday life.” ~ A. Lee

"For those who feel that they have not sufficient strength, mentally or physically, to carry the burden of life placed upon them; the affairs of every day seem too much for them to accomplish, though they generally succeed in fulfilling their task. For those who believe that some part, of mind or body, needs to be strengthened before they can easily fulfill their work." – Dr. Edward Bach

Hornbeam ~ Bach Flower Remedy for Children

Hornbeam: This Essence helps when your child have the "Monday morning feeling" all week. The weariness is rather mental than physical and it is difficult to face the day’s work.

Hornbeam ~ Bach Flower Remedy for Adults

Hornbeam is for weariness, mental rather than physical; for those who wake up doubting their ability to face the day’s work. They find it difficult to face up to problems, or cope with the day’s program, although in fact they usually get everything done.

People in need of Hornbeam may be suffering from overwork, or a sense of staleness and lack of variety in life, for example when studying hard for exams (see also Olive). They lack enthusiasm and may procrastinate. Sleep in not refreshing and if convalescing from illness, they doubt their strength to recover.

The positive potential of Hornbeam is certainly of one’s strength and ability to face the day’s work. A lively mind, vitality, freshness and spontaneity are restored, and life is enjoyable again. They day’s work can be faced with energy and a clear head, and is properly balanced with play.

Bach Hornbeam Flower Essence 20 ml / 0.7 fl oz: K Click image or link above  to learn more

Back to the Bach Flower Remedies – Overview

Copyright , We Are One World Healing – All Rights Reserved. A Therapeutic Reiki Initiative

Affirmations:

“I align my pace with the universal flow of life. I am relaxed, sympathetic and patient.”  ~ A Lee

Impatiens (Impatiens Glandulifera)

"Those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery. They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow as they consider it wrong and a waste of time, and they will endeavor to make such people quicker in all ways. They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can do everything at their own speed." – Dr. Edward Bach

Impatiens ~ Bach Flower Remedies for Children

Impatiens essence helps when your child gets impatient and irritated. If your child is quick in speed and runs instead of walks, Impatiens will help him/her to relax and slow down.

Impatiens ~ Bach Flower Remedies for Adults

Impatiens is suitable for people who are easily irritated. They are impatient and want everything done instantly. They act, think and speak quickly. These people are capable and efficient but irritated and frustrated by slow co-workers and therefore prefer to work alone.

They are independent, hate wasting time and often finish other people’s sentences. They may have temper flare-ups but these are soon over. When ill, they make restless and irritable patients. They are often fidgety and their hastiness may lead to accident-proneness.

The positive potential of Impatiens is someone who is decisive and spontaneous but less hasty in thought and action. They are relaxed and good-humored with others and sympathetic to those who are slow. They cope calmly and diplomatically with irritating problems

Bach Impatiens Flower Essence 20 ml / 0.7 fl oz: K Click image or link above  to learn more

Back to the Bach Flower Remedies – Overview

Copyright , We Are One World Healing – All Rights Reserved. A Therapeutic Reiki Initiative

Join our monthly world healing sessions. It is blissful to participate. Next session April 20. Sign up Today to Participate. Hold the vision of a Healed World.

COMPASSION

for talkative types who are obsessed with their own problems

Affirmations:

I am safe & feel nurtured. I joyfully listen and generously care for my friends & others, just as I care for myself. All our interests are in balance and all our challenges are taken care of. ~ Astrid Lee

"Those who are always seeking the companionship of anyone who may be available, as they find it necessary to discuss their own affairs with others, no matter who it may be. They are very unhappy if they have to be alone for any length of time." – Dr. Edward Bach

Heather ~ Bach Flower Remedy for Children

Heather: This Essence helps at times where your child is too self-preoccupied, your child may feel lonely and have few friends. Heather helps your child focus and empathize with others.

Heather ~ Bach Flower Remedy for Adults

Heather is indicated for those who are preoccupied with their own situation or ailments and unable to enter into genuine two way communication with others. They drive others away by their extreme neediness. They exaggerate their symptoms, or make mountains out of molehills.

They are compulsive talkers, needing an audience and will buttonhole people in order to talk in lengthy detail about themselves. They tend to speak rapidly, close into the listener’s face. They dislike being alone but fail to realize that they are often avoided because they sap other people’s vitality and show no interest in other people’s problems.

The positive potential of Heather is the good listener who is generous in helping others, selfless and understanding of other people’s problems. Positive Heather people are able to put their own suffering to good use by empathizing with others.

Bach Heather Flower Essence 20 ml / 0.7 fl oz: K Click image or link above  to learn more

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES – OVERVIEW PAGE

I am deeply saddened by the devastating tragedy caused by several severe earthquakes that struck on April 14 in Kham, Eastern Tibet. The region of Kyigudo (Chinese:  Yushu), which is located in Qinghai Province of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, has suffered significant losses, with more than 2000 confirmed dead 1), and many thousands more injured, tremendous loss of property, and exceptionally difficult conditions in which to help those suffering in the aftermath of the disaster. 

For those who wish to donate toward earthquake relief efforts, below is a partial list of organizations 2) that are fundraising for earthquake relief in the region.  It is just a partial list (please forgive any oversights or omissions of other worthy organizations also working to benefit those in the region).  

Partial List of Organizations Fundraising for Earthquake Relief

This is a compiled list* from email appeals received over the last weeks (we have not researched thoroughly which organization(s) are doing what, or which may be best equipped to get assistance in the quickest).  Please investigate for yourselves, and donate generously wherever your heart tells you is best.
www.thranguemergency.org
www.tibetanvillageproject.org/yer.html
www.jinpa.org
www.jorufoundation.org
www.padmasambhava.org
www.norlha.org
www.himalayan-foundation.org
www.thetibetfund.org
www.savetibet.org
www.konchok.org (mark donation "earthquake relief")

And here is a list of local NGOs that are working collaboratively in the region as the "Yushu Earthquake Response Team" to provide aid to those affected:

Trace Foundation
13997162846
sdondrub@trace.org
13709713503
khamotso@gmail.com

(2) source: list compiled by Vairotsana Foundation, Sta. Barbara, CA, US)

 

1.) 108 Zenbooks.com received the following letter from the Canada Tibet Committee, which contains further information and assistance:

 

“Dear friends,

Last week’s earthquake in Jyekundo (Chinese: Yushu), a predominantly Tibetan area, has devastated the region. Local citizens need your help. The official death toll at the time of writing this email stood at 2,039, but unofficial reports indicate the toll may be as high as 15,000. Another 12,000 are injured.

The CTC has pledged funds towards immediate relief for the victims of the earthquake. Our donation will be channeled through Machik, an organization that is already on the ground providing relief. Machik is also able to issue Canadian tax receipts.

If you are able to donate please visit: 

https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true and select the Jyekundo Earthquake relief option on the Fund designation icon. Or visit the Machik website – www.machik.org – and click on “Donate Now” through the Canada Helps icon.

You can also help by contacting your MP

Please write or call and ask your MP to:

• Make a statement in Parliament acknowledging the tragedy, and specifically referring to Tibetans. The population of the region is 97 per cent Tibetan.
  Encourage the Chinese government to graciously accept international offers of support from aid organizations ready to provide immediate relief, and for long term support in rebuilding.
• Encourage China to review its development policies in the region related to hydro facilities and water management, see: 
• www.tibet.ca/en/newsroom/news_releases/206
• Request that the Chinese government accept His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s offer to visit the earthquake zone. Tibetans in Jyekundo have issued a remarkable letter appealing for His Holiness to visit the region and His Holiness has expressed his willingness (full text below).

You can find your MP’s contact information at:
http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E

 

Letter from Tibetans to President Hu and Premier Wen, requesting a visit by the Dalai Lama
16 April 2010

Dear President Hu and Premier Wen,
Wish you both good health. During the initial hours of the natural disaster, we appreciate your government’s immediate relief efforts through soldiers and all round support from different sections of the society and we, the victims of this calamity, thank you for the same.

But we are a deeply religious community having a strong faith in the teachings of Buddha. Since many generations, we have a deep faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Today, as we are suffering from a great physical and mental anguish, we really need His Holiness to visit the quake affected area to pray for the departed souls and to provide solace to the broken hearts. Today, we request you, president Hu and premier Wen, to find the compassion in your hearts and fulfill this desire of us quake victims. We, the quake victims numbering more than 10,000, implore you from our hearts to temporarily set aside your government’s political differences with the Dalai Lama and kindly consider our request.

With this invitation to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we have no other objective apart from fulfilling our religious aspirations of praying for the departed souls and the survivors of the disaster.

In this hour of distress, His Holiness’ visit to offer prayers and condolences in person is the only way to heal our wounded hearts.

There is no other better way.

 

Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Eager to Visit Earthquake Affected Area

As I mentioned briefly soon after I heard the news, I was deeply saddened by the effects of the devastating earthquake in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Tibetan:Kyigudo) of Qinghai Province which resulted in the tragic loss of many lives, a great number of injured and severe loss of property. Because of the physical distance between us, at present I am unable to comfort those directly affected, but I would like them to know I am praying for them.

I commend the monastic community, young people and many other individuals from nearby areas for their good neighbourly support and assistance to the families of those who have lost everything. May your exemplary compassion continue to grow. This kind of voluntary work in the service of others really puts the bodhisattva aspiration into practice.
I also applaud the Chinese authorities for visiting the affected areas, especially Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who has not only personally offered comfort to the affected communities, but has also overseen the relief work. I am very appreciative too that the media have been free to report on the tragedy and its aftermath.

In 2008, when a similar earthquake struck Sichuan, Chinese central and local government leaders and auxiliary authorities took great pains to provide relief, allow free access to the media, as well as clearing the way for international relief agencies to provide assistance as required. I applauded these positive moves then and appeal for such ease of access on this occasion too.

The Tibetan community in exile would like to offer whatever support and assistance it can towards the relief work. We hope to be able to do this through the proper and appropriate channels as soon as possible.
When Sichuan was rocked by an earthquake two years ago, I wished to visit the affected areas to pray and comfort the people there, but I was unable to do so. However, when Taiwan was struck by a typhoon last year, I was able to visit the affected families and pray with them for those who had perished in that disaster. In providing some solace to the people concerned, I was happy to be able to do something useful.

This time the location of the earthquake, Kyigudo (Chinese: Yushu), lies in Qinghai Province, which happens to be where both the late Panchen Lama and I were born. To fulfill the wishes of many of the people there, I am eager to go there myself to offer them comfort.

In conclusion, I appeal to governments, international aid organizations and other agencies to extend whatever assistance they can to enable the families of those devastated by this tragedy to rebuild their lives. At the same time, I also call on the survivors of this catastrophe to recognize what has happened as the workings of karma and to transform this adversity into something positive, keeping their hopes up and meeting setbacks with courage as they struggle to restore what they have lost. Once again, I pray for those who have lost their lives as well as for the well being of those who have survived.

DALAI LAMA, 17 April 2010

 

Comité Canada Tibet Committee
300, Léo-Pariseau, Suite 2250,
Montréal, Québec H2X 4B3
514.487.0665 Fax 514.487.7825
ctcoffice@tibet.ca

Copyright , We Are One World Healing – All Rights Reserved. A Therapeutic Reiki Initiative

]]> http://therapeuticreiki.com/blog/help-tibet/feed/ 0 http://therapeuticreiki.com/blog/mother-mary-archangel-michael/ http://therapeuticreiki.com/blog/mother-mary-archangel-michael/#comments Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:59:00 +0000 Oneness World Healing http://therapeuticreiki.com/blog/mother-mary-archangel-michael-your-well-being/ They’ll hear & heal you.

Sunday I went to see a major monument dedicated to Archangel Michael in Rome and I want to share this experience with you, as it was special. 

 

The monument is the ‘Castel Sant’Angelo’. It is a huge 5 story, sacred geometrical building in the center of Rome. It’s origins are regal, while it’s current dedication is divine.

  

In 590, the pope of that time led a major procession, prayed to the Virgin Mary to please end the plague that had been destroying Rome at that time.  Then a huge angel appeared over this particular building in the sky. It was Archangel Michael. holding his sword in a symbolic position indicating that  the prayer was heard and the plague ended.

Mother Mary is sometimes called the queen of all angels, and Archangel Michael is the chief in command over all archangels and other angels.

 

Subsequent to the apparition,  in the area of what is currently the Vatican city where the Pope resides, there were 7 churches dedicated to Archangel Michael.  Also, this particular building now call ‘Castel Sant’Angelo’ was transformed and became dedicated to Archangel Michael. 

First, a beautiful chapel was built inside the building. Then, it’s prior warrior statue on top was replaced with an enormous statue of Archangel  Michael. As well, many of the frescos in the building celebrate Archangel Michael. An inner courtyard also features a statue of the Michael.

 

Yes, some remnants of the prior royal mausoleum still remain.  As its subsequently built warrior walls still remain. And the walkway towards the Vatican, which was built to protect the pope when he had control over the building, is still there. However, today, the single honor of this gigantic building goes to Archangel Michael.

 

However, when  I was on top of the building, on the foot of the angel, the Beatles song, ‘Let it Be’, popped in my mind.

 

The song happens to be stored in our cell phone, and so, when I replayed it, I felt like, for the first time, I REALLY heard it, and was reminded, that while there was no monumental sculpture celebrating her here, Mother Mary was omnipresent and I was reminded that SHE had been the one who had sent Archangel Michael down to conquer the plague.

 

I was so moved by the song, and no doubt Mary’s presents and message to me and now also to you, that it moved me to tears. I felt as if all my personal challenges were eased and my mind put to rest. 

 

So, like it did to me yesterday, may this song brings solace to your day, calmness in your heart, and trust in your mind.

 

Mother Mary

 

‘Let it be’ by the Beatles – Original Lyrics

 

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be.

 

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

 

Wanna hear Paul McCarthy sing his famous song? Here it is: 

 

 

Have a blessed day, and know that you too can ask the Virgin Mary and Archangel Michael for help to heal your world. Mother Mary ‘helps all mothers and children in particular. Her presence is of the warm loving mother who also prods you to do what’s good for you. Archangel Michael helps with fear, offering courage, and with finding and following your direction in life. He is a great way-finder and a great help on your way.

Archangels

Archangel Azrael
Archangel Jeremiel

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