Age Schmage…….Money Schmoney! An Excellent Philosophy!
July 29, 2015 by admin · 1 Comment
DOES HOW OLD YOU ARE AND HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE REALLY COUNT? NOT SO MUCH!
Almost a year ago, I published this blog post and it bears repeating…… especially since I have, only recently, become a huge fan of an Entity called Abraham-Hicks, through a DVD that I borrowed from The Celebration, a non-denominational worship service that I’m attending here in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Abraham channels through Esther Hicks and is certainly worth looking up on YouTube and checking out. This collective Entity on The Other Side reminds us of who we really are and what we have come to Earth to accomplish. I urge you to check out this Wisdom, as it is spot on!
Basically, Abraham’s Teachings remind us to always concentrate on The Positive aspects in our life and not to see anything in the negative. Just always being Positive, brings us into a Creational Vortex that’s always longing to reward us with what we need and ask for; but cannot do so if we complain about our current situation. Woops, after listening to this DVD, I realized that I was, in the previous blog, complaining about the beautiful sunlight and the fact that I was finally getting the long-needed eye surgery that will help me to see better. That’s sort of outside of the vortex that I need to be within. So, I’ll leave the evidence in the last post right here for all to see, and then, reprint this attitude about my life, which I think might be on the more positive side of things.
If what is really bugging me is that I am now becoming restless, and am eager to begin traveling again; well why not simply say so, and not fuss about what is currently my excuse for not sticking to business and writing more frequent blogs. Hey, it is what it is! Now, here’s the reprinted blog post. As true today as it was a year ago:
“Age Schmage,….Money Schmoney” was a book title I thought of a long time ago and never used. It doesn’t exactly explain itself, does it? And that’s the beauty of a title. Make it so intriguing that you lure the reader in and make him pick up your slim volume or keep reading on into your article. Or, increasingly in this day and age, your advertisement.
But, the reason I wanted to use that particular attitude in an autobiographical way, was that it does “Say it like it is” in justifying my particular lifestyle. And no, I’m not Jewish, but I love that succinct way of getting the point across with a dismissive flair of the hand or a telling facial expression. And the older I get….. and also, the poorer I get, if that were the case….is even more reason to carry such a happy-go-lucky attitude.
Here I am, less than a month before my 78th birthday, and I feel this truth more than ever. What does age have to do with it? Well, everything and nothing! You see, I’m weird. I’m a constant world-wanderer: always either on a long trip or planning one. I’m also weird because I talk constantly, internally, to The Holy Spirit (actually, I interview Him) and then I write books and blogs about it. See: www.insecretdiffusion.com.
Old Age has always been a universal basket to explain away odd behavior in an elderly person. Wandering away from home is another common appellation, dug up from that accusatory mindset. The thing is, I do wander away from home and then, write about my international adventures in books and blogs. There’s, obviously, no irresponsibility or Little Old Lady Leanings in any of them.
So, AGE is not causing this “Craziness!” Hence, the Age Schmage dismissal! In fact, the very act of constantly getting older, and yet, remaining the same, becomes a more and more rarified quality. I love to watch the eyebrows go up, when I mention that ever-changing factoid about myself.
And what about MONEY? Many people automatically assume that I must be rich, to be able to afford airfare and all my international expenses; to just be able to pack up and go, where and when I wish on the globe. But, that’s not so! I live on my Social Security alone and I live cheap, compared to most people. I’m a hosteller. I own only what fits inside of my two suitcases…..plus, some writing materials stored in the States.
I begin where most people hope they never wind up: HOMELESS! But, this is the true face of freedom!
You can’t have it all and these are choices I have made: No house. No car. No stuff No pets. My accumulation lies within my journal’s memories, filled with reports of adventures and friends collected along the way. I’m happy…..and my regular social security income helps me to stay that way….but is not the cause of it. I watch it carefully and don’t require too much of it…simply regular dole-outs from foreign ATMs. Plus, payments on a credit card used to charge online air purchases. Debit cards don’t work in that case.
And now, with shaky things predicted to be around the corner concerning our national economic future, I’m trying to get ahead of the curve. And, guess what? Lo and behold, I’m already practicing many recommended tactics: Such as:
“Get out of Dodge, while yet you can! Find a nice, inexpensive but beautiful, retirement land where the healthcare is good and the costs are not so high! Apply for a second passport to increase your options!”
Well, I’ve spent this past enjoying life in Uruguay, Peru and Ecuador, all of which fill that bill nicely and are on everyone’s advisory lists. Soon, I’ll check out Central American countries; also excellent candidates for living the good life without some of the homeland downsides; even concerning weather. Right now, I’m housesitting in New Mexico, which is a very win-win situation.
“Move your money into inflationary-free investments! Build a second income stream!”
I’m studying on that right now. And overseas is where the fingers point. All of a sudden, my journalistic, writerly qualities can turn investigative, because I’m on the cutting edge without even trying to be. I’m planning to attend another International Living Conference in Denver in September so that I can experience a global changing scene in a very “waterbugish” way, with Travel Writing and photography. I keep wanting to post my excellent photographs on money-making, perpetual-stream, photostock sites to generate a safety net, just in case social security gets downsized, someday. That’s been a long-term goal of mine. Maybe it will finally go beyond the talking stages.
Because nothing holds me down, it doesn’t harm me or dictate my life. I can shift on a whim and respond to the moment; just like a waterbug can, because it never breaks the surface tension. But, I’m also free to settle down with the right person, or in the right place, if I should choose to. How’s that for having choices? Shady or sunny? Mountains or Beachfront? Perpetual springtime, if I like!
Now do you see how the terms: “Age Schmage! Money Schmoney!” might just say it succinctly? And, a lot more positively than grousing about “too much light in my life!” Both terms have nothing and everything to do with me. That title was probably invented by some ancient Sage……unless, it was me, since I’ve never heard it before.
It’s not referring to your years or to your cash flow. It’s speaking of Freedom!
This photo was taken August 7, 2014, when I was one of the speakers at the monthly Writer’s In Transition public meeting. I read from my movie script for an animated children’s film called The Candlewick Question, about an alternate waxen universe, where the candle population believes that their wick is simply for making hairdos. The movie deals with the existential question: What is the purpose of the soul?
Life Brings Us All To The Right Shore, If We Will But Flow Within It!
May 24, 2014 by admin · Leave a Comment
I am in some sort of a current now; be it a rushing river or a slow, strong, ocean tidal pull. It takes me where it will. Surely, the ebb and flow has been responsible for my two complete circumnavigations of the planet. I then, rode a wave of impulse down the length of South America, for a fourth time; spending almost half a year in Uruguay before returning to the Sacred Valley, close to Machu Picchu, and Cusco, Peru. Here, I knew to stay awhile…. letting my soul catch up with my body, as the saying goes.
I have arrived at Paz y Luz (Peace & Light) Healing Resort in Pisac, Peru
And, sure enough! Something important was waiting here for my discovery. Something that you and I have never heard of; and could never have known that we needed. Through a fortunate accident of timing, I came to Paz y Luz Guest, Healing and Conference Center, before its founder, Diane Dunn, left for her speaking tour of Europe.
Thus, I am able to receive from her, the nine special Initiation Rites of a type of shamanic training, known as the Munay-Ki. In the Andean Quechua language, Munay means Love. Therefore, Munay-Ki means “I love you!”
Anciently, such traditions were protected in the highest Andean mountain reaches, where Q’ero shamans fled to escape Spanish Conquistadors, and knowledge was passed down only to long-serving apprentices within their own culture. However, this millennium was seen as a turning point in human history; as it is in societies all over the globe. Suddenly, old prophecies applied!
It was time to share these sacred ceremonies with awakened others, no matter what their background. The Munay-Ki Rites are the codes for the new human, delivered in the form of energetic transmissions and they help develop a new architecture in the body’s luminous energy field. In less than a decade, through a form of “each one, teach one,” the nine steps of this Rite have been performed on more than 500,000 people, worldwide; enabling them to become co-creators of a world they are dreaming into being. A world connected by the Power of Love.
In three different, half-hour sessions, Diane is introducing my body to layers of Shamanic Rites: the Foundation; the Lineage and the Rites to Come. If I should wish to pass on this ability to others; I’ll return someday and go through another three-day training, just as simple as these introductory rites have been. Let me describe them to you.
Yesterday, at 10:00 a.m., I took a seat in Diane’s upstairs, ceremonial room; closed my eyes, while Peruvian Pipe music created goosebumps within me and she alerted my consciousness with the shaking of a special rattle. Then, she put her hands on my shoulders and moved a doughnut-shaped, Pi stone to strategic places on my body, while I breathed deeply. First in the Foundation Rites, came the Healer Rite. I will quote from Diane Dunn’s book: “Cusco, The Munay-Ki Rites; Tradition, Magic and Andean Spirituality in Peru.”
1. HEALER RITE– (seated) Connects you to a lineage of shamans from the past who come and assist in your personal healing, offering tremendous spiritual assistance. These luminous beings work during your meditation and sleep time to heal the wounds of the past and of your ancestors.
2. BANDS OF POWER RITE – (which I stood to receive) These consist of five energetic bands representing earth, water, fire, air and pure light. These bands are activated in the luminous energy field and act as filters, breaking down into one of the five elements any heavy energy that comes your way; so that this energy can feed your body instead of making you toxic or ill. Once activated, the Bands of Power are always “on.” In a world filled with fear, the bands provide essential protection.
3. HARMONY RITE – (for which I lay on my back) plants seven archetypes into your chakras:
- The first,root chakra, at the base of the spine, The Serpent.
- The second,sacral chakra, the lower abdomen, The Jaguar/Puma
- The third, solar plexus chakra, the upper abdomen, The Hummingbird
- The fourth, heart chakra, just above the heart, The Eagle/Condor
- The fifth, throat chakra, at the throat, The Keeper of the Lower World, the unconscious
- The sixth, third eye chakra, forehead, The Feathered Serpent, our waking world
- The seventh crown chakra, top of the head, The Protector of the Upper World, our super-conscious
After this simple ceremony, I walked along the river into the small, nearby town of Pisac, just ten minutes from Paz y Luz. Pondering my new helpers in life, I welcomed them all into my body. Interestingly, during two different periods of long airline flights, I had already designated myself as a hummingbird and an American Eagle. Somewhere up ahead, I’d vowed to become The Condor.
Now, they had all “come home to roost,” so to speak! That felt very natural.
My next blog post will describe the Seer Rite; The Daykeeper Rite and the Wisdomkeeper Rite, which I experienced this morning. For more information about Paz y Luz, see www.pazyluz.com
I Took Part In An Ancient Andean Despacho Ceremony
June 26, 2009 by rtwsenior · Leave a Comment
I had company last week and haven’t blogged for awhile. Now, I’m back to typing up my travel journals covering my four month backpacking/hosteling journey down the Andean Cordillera, the spine of South America…nay, the spine of the whole planet….and just now, I’m working on my notes for Peru, written last March, 2009. I spent a week in Pisac, Peru, in the Sacred Valley, just an hour north of Cusco, as a guest at Paz y Luz Healing Center where I took part in several wonderful ancient shamanic ceremonies. This entry describes a Despacho Blessing Ceremony:
“About a dozen of us gathered in the circular glass house often used for meals at Paz y Luz, but designed also for classes and ceremonies. We sat on blankets on the floor and from within our glass house we could see the low afternoon sun, golden on the green encircling Andes heights. This was a special time of the year because recent rains had given a lush green covering to otherwise brown mountains and fields.
The Despacho is a ceremony in which wishes and intentions of everyone present are placed artistically into a bundle and burned so that the smoke carries our prayers up to Heaven. I understand that the bundle is sometimes buried as an offering to Pachamama or Mother Earth, but a large fire was being built to receive our offerings this day. The shaman and his wife came down from their village very, very high in the Andes to perform this ceremony. Their tribe still speaks an old version of the Quechua language and customs have not changed for many centuries, as their people had taken refuge on the heights when the Spanish Conquistadors ravaged the Incan civilization in the sixteenth century.
This couple was colorfully dressed in jackets and hats of lime green, pinks, reds, and yellows, over black felt knee-length pants for him and a black full skirt for her. They were short of stature, with strong sturdy bare legs and feet, well-muscled from climbing these mountain heights. What sort of shoes must they wear to do that, I wondered? Surely not barefoot, as they were now. They appeared to be naturally joyful and perfectly tuned to each other as she assisted him throughout the hour-long ceremony. It was a quiet, worshipful tribute to the Earth and all of her gifts, offering thanksgiving for prayers not yet answered. I was thinking to myself that there was no way to do justice to this event in words. “Indescribable” was all that I could think of when faced with the question of how I could capture this in a blog.
Each of us were given a small pile of fresh coca leaves and were told to select fifteen and then place them in sets of three. Each set was to represent our prayers and wishes for a certain outcome. I made sets for my family members’ health and happiness and then some for the success of my current plan: the healing of this planet using the spinal column analogy comparing the backbone of the human body to the Andean mountain cordillera throughout South America. Our blown breath carried our conscious intention into the leaves.
Upon a square of clean white paper before him, the shaman arranged a beautiful design of seeds, sugar, llama fat and coca leaves, as well as small candies, flower petals and chunks of animal crackers representing all of the kingdoms of creation. Our own human hearts were placed there within our little sets of coca leaves holding our prayers for the well-being of those we loved.
This beautiful despacho design reminded me of Native American sand paintings, or Buddhist sand mandalas offered to a watchful Deity, both of which are always destroyed after the ceremony. In fact, all ancient cultures living close to the earth … whether in these sacred mountains; deep in the Amazon jungle; throughout the vast plains of the world, or the unexploited regions of North America before the conquering, smothering influx of European culture… all must worship in a similar fashion. This quiet native thanksgiving to God and their humble way of offering prayers is in such contrast to the religions which replaced their tribal way.
There’s a strong matriarchal acknowledgment to Mother Earth, Pachamama, here. She is the source of all life and the people hold a deep appreciation of women as a whole, considering them the basis and foundation of life. Therefore, their whole approach might represent the feminine, in contrast to the masculine emphasis so strongly found in Western religions. It’s true that men are the shamans here, but they have a wide-awake awareness of each participant in the ceremony and a gentle concern to include every one. They seem to see themselves as facilitators for the inclusion of every individual present, and yet the women in attendance are singled out for special praise.
Gee, this is sounding like some psychological seminar or anthropological analysis which is nowhere within my small range of skills. Rather, it represents some of the small thoughts drifting through my mind as I was realizing that I couldn’t describe what I was seeing. Throughout the three ceremonies of this day, I was aware that I was taking part in something very, very ancient, which might have looked just this way many hundreds of years ago. Those ceremonies, however, wouldn’t have required translation to Spanish and English, but would have been understood in the Incan Quechua which the shaman and his wife were speaking.
There was no formality except in the quiet reverence with which the objects were handled and the uttering of soft prayers throughout the ceremoney. We were comfortable, quiet witnesses who took complete part at the same time. When the paper bundle was filled, it was folded within a square of reddish woven cloth. Each one of us stood, in turn, while the shaman moved this packet up and down our bodies, drawing off all negative energies to go into the fire with the offering. Then the shaman’s mesa, a cloth bundle containing objects of spiritual significance to him, was passed over those same parts of our bodies to infuse us with fresh strength and energy.
We were then invited to bring our own mesa, if we had one, for prayers and blessings. Most of the participants had already been to other such ceremonies and had accumulated their own objects, wrapped with cloth into a bound bundle. I did not have one, though I did have several Peruvian things bought in the Pisac market, including a necklace and a ceramic bull given to me by merchants who were grateful that I didn’t haggle. The shaman held our precious objects, prayed over them, blew his breath upon them and gave them back to us.
Soon, we all moved outside to the fire pit where the special packet was placed upon the flames, creating a moment when The Goddess would enjoy the gifts; during which we all respectfully turned our backs to the fire. A few minutes later, we were laughing and talking and warming our hands over the ceremonial fire, preparing to walk to our next event a mile or two across the village. It was to be my second Ayahuasca Ceremony of the week. I’ll cover that in the next blog.
Peru Is The New Himalayas
March 6, 2009 by rtwsenior · Leave a Comment
I keep hearing it, here in the Cuzco, Peru area, that among those in the know about these things, Peru has now been recognized as the epicenter of the spiritual vibrations of the planet. The energy has shifted in the New Millennium, they say, and people seeking wisdom are flocking into this beautiful Andean city and its environs.
I spent one night in Cuzco and then took a taxi for an hour to Pisac, the Artesanal Cultural Center of Peru, known for its wonderful Sunday bazaar, but also for its quiet and peaceful mountain serenity. Truly, it is glorious here, surrounded by high green mountains and criss-crossed by fast-flowing rivers. This is a small town in a rural surrounding but it is quickly being converted to a spiritual epicenter waiting to receive the many seekers who will soon begin to flock to Peru, much as they have flocked for years to India, now consulting shamans instead of gurus.
Paz y Luz (Peace & Light) Spiritual Healing Center and Bed & Breakfast is about four years old and is still growing into a lovely, hollyhock-adorned complex; modern, yet built with traditional Peruvian materials and symbols. A restaurant, a circular glass yoga and workshop session room, and a small hotel with more guest rooms are now under construction next to the labyrinth and a soon-to-be-erected Sweat Lodge. Next door, the neighbor´s cornfield sways in the breeze ripening it´s golden harvest.
Remember Dana and Annabelle, of our temporary Miraflores Fishrambrownbanner family? Dana, being a trained Yoga teacher knew of this lovely place and had taken part here earlier in a Peruvian medicine Ayahuasca ceremony. I became immediately interested in coming to experience some of this traditional wisdom myself. Plus, with my “shingles” again hitting my face and taking away my energy, I figured that a healing center was just the place to recover.
I was thrilled to feel the energy when I arrived in Pisac and then at Paz y Luz. I had been somewhat disappointed with what I picked up, vibrationally, in the city of Cuzco, but also realized that I might not be in the best of shape to appreciate that Navel (bellybutton) of the world. I´ll give it another chance next week when I return to go to Macchu Pichu and then to fly to Puerto Maldonado.
Signing in for a cost of about $27 a day at the weekly rate (including breakfast) I met several other powerful women who had come for much the same reason….spiritual exploration. There also was Dana and Annabelle arriving independently from a look at the same little towns I´d just passed through. Soon, a woman almost my age, Britt Paulsen (69) of Norway arrived just to have a look around, as she knew Diane Dunne, founder of Paz y Luz, whom you will soon hear about from me as soon as I meet her. That´s another story. Britt and I walked into town as I heard her story as a senior citizen who loves to travel freely alone throughout the world. She has traveled this way for years and also knows the world to be a safe and friendly place. We spoke about the Intergalactic Friend syndrome as she makes deep and abiding friendships instantly everywhere she goes and she was glad to get a name for them. Just that morning, as she stepped off the bus in Pisac, she had looked into the eyes of a 28-year-old young man who insisted upon bringing her home to meet his aunt. Though neither spoke the others´language, worlds of information passed between them and they were to meet again that afternoon for a musical ceremony. The aunt is psychic, though she doesn´t let the townspeople know, and she spontaneously offered to give Britt a Limpiar or a Cleansing. At first, Britt though that she must need a bath, but soon realized that it was a psychic cleansing that she was being offered.
We went to lunch before this second appointment and had someone take our picture as fellow IGFs ourselves. We look enough alike to be sisters. That was a lovely way to begin my first full day here. I fasted, drinking only water, to prepare for the evening´s ayahuasca ceremony that had been arranged at our request.
On my Around The World trip in 2005-2006, I stayed for ten days at the Osho Meditation Resort in Pune, India. Now, I am here in this lovely spot to immerse myself in the spiritual vibrations of this ancient land. They are already having their positive effect.
