Friday, September 9, 2016

Divisive Nation

The world is a puzzling place at the moment.Never have I witnessed such dissention among Americans in all my many years upon the planet. Name calling, threats, accusations, snarling, backbiting...I think I've made my point here. We have become a nation divided by political views, race, religion and whatever else ignites one's anger and indignation. Social media, news, reality television, all of which only acerbates the escalating anger of the masses and forces one to take sides, protest, shake our fists and raise our voices.

Does any of this actually accomplish anything? Do symbols matter more than humanity? Does taking a knee during the national anthem truly offend us? If so, we do not have our priorities straight in my humble opinion. We as a nation are backsliding into a mentality that judges all who do not agree with us disfavorably and we bravely call any and everyone out who is not on the same page and then the mudslinging begins. There are those who have a great deal of courage behind a keyboard or cell phone and throw caution to the wind when spewing forth verbal attacks based on differing views and then will even stoop so low as to launch attacks based on one's physical appearance and age. I don't know about anyone else but frankly, I have had enough. It is hard to be a light and a visionary when adults who should know better and should set an example of exemplary behavior for our country's youth, including their own children and grandchildren, become the bullies we try to keep out of the schoolyard.

Never have I witnessed such disrespectful behavior from our nation's highest office. I have no problem with others who do not share my views respectfully, as we do live in what is supposed to be a free nation. I, however, have zero tolerance for hatred or violence aimed toward anyone no matter their politics, race, sexuality, religion or social status. We now have resorted to misquoting the constitution to further our own agenda and bemoan it is our right, while denying the rights of others. We have politicians calling out a lynch mob for certain political figures while turning a blind eye to the misdeeds of others. We have news channels that spew more venom than a rattlesnake and call themselves professional journalists. We fear what we do not understand and therefore, point fingers and lay blame rather than educate ourselves before engaging in verbal or physical warfare.

What is the answer to all of the above? Guns are not the answer, rather becoming the problem. I am not suggesting ones sacred second amendment rights be taken away, rather the ease of attaining a weapon be more stringent to avoid as much as possible, guns in the hands of those who should never possess them in the first place. A responsible gun owner should have no problem with this. Perhaps we learn how to calmly and effectively communicate with those we disagree with and see the value of their opinion as long as they can carry on respectful dialogue. Let us remember that the Civil War has long since ended and waving the confederate flag does not symbolize honor and respect, rather sends a blatant message of racial injustice that needs to end once and for all.

Isn't everyone tired of all the needless battles while we try to keep this country and its inhabitants safe from harm? I am even finding some members of the military to be filled with hatred and rage toward anyone who does not see things their way. I respect and have supported veterans and the organizations that support them. I do not now nor will I ever respect violent and threatening statements and actions that not only demean those with whom you are communicating but it says even less about you. Let's try supporting and uplifting each other instead of tearing each other down. In the face of world terrorism, lets not give strength to those who seek to destroy us by destroying each other. Let us unify instead of dividing. I love my country but wish we could be the kind of nation we are capable of instead of the embarrassment we are becoming. We don't need to "Make America Great Again" We need to look within and make ourselves better or we will be responsible for our own demise.

I try to be a beacon of positive light but it is a battle and I am determined to keep darkness out and let my light shine. Our country is not just geography, landscapes, symbols and landmarks but the most important commodity we have is humanity. Let us strive to pay homage to the beauty of what the freedom so many have fought and died for truly represents so that "We the People" can enjoy freedom and justice for all who live in these UNITED States.


The Healing of a Nation

The world is a puzzling place at the moment. We have all been thrust into the abyss of a presidential election year that has been the most cutthroat of any I have ever witnessed in all my many years upon the planet. Name calling, threats, accusations, snarling, backbiting...I think I've made my point here. We have become a nation divided by political views, race, religion and whatever else ignites one's anger and indignation. Social media, news, reality television, all of which only acerbates the escalating anger of the masses and forces one to take sides, protest, shake our fists and raise our voices.

Does any of this actually accomplish anything? I have the opinion that we as a nation are backsliding into a mentality that judges all who do not agree with us dis favorably and we bravely call any and everyone out who is not on the same page and then the mudslinging begins. There are those who have a great deal of courage behind a keyboard or cell phone and throw caution to the wind when spewing forth verbal attacks based on differing views and then will even stoop so low as to launch attacks based on one's physical appearance and age. I don't know about anyone else but frankly, I have had enough. It is hard to be a light and a visionary when adults who should know better and set an example of exemplary behavior for our country's youth, including their own children and grandchildren, become the bullies we try to keep out of the schoolyard.

Never have I witnessed such disrespect toward our nation's highest official and his spouse. There have been a few leaders I have not agreed with but under no circumstances would I wish them or their families harm. I have no problem with others who do not share my views as we do live in what is supposed to be a free nation. I, however, have zero tolerance for hatred or violence aimed toward anyone no matter their politics, race, sexuality, religion or social status. We now have resorted to misquoting the constitution to further our own agenda and be cry it is our right, while denying the rights of others. We have politicians calling out a lynch mob for certain political figures while turning a blind eye to the misdeeds of others. We have news channels that spew more venom than a rattlesnake and call themselves professional journalists. We fear what we do not understand and therefore point fingers and lay blame rather than educate ourselves before engaging in verbal or physical warfare.

What is the answer to all of the above? Guns are not the answer, rather becoming the problem. I am not suggesting ones sacred second amendment rights be taken away, rather the ease of attaining a weapon be more stringent to avoid as much as possible, guns in the hands of those who should never possess them in the first place. A responsible gun owner should have no problem with this. How about we learn how to calmly and effectively communicate with those we disagree with and see the value of their opinion as long as they can carry on a respectful dialogue. Let us remember that the Civil War has long since ended and waving the confederate flag does not symbolize honor and respect, rather sends a blatant message of racial injustice that needs to end once and for all.

Isn't everyone tired of all the needless battles while we try to keep this country and its inhabitants safe from harm? I am even finding some members of the military to be filled with hatred and rage toward anyone who does not see things their way. I respect and have supported veterans and the organizations that support them. I do not now nor will I ever respect violent and threatening statements and actions that not only demeans those with whom you are communicating but it says even less about you. Let's try supporting and uplifting each other instead of tearing each other down. In the face of world terrorism we give strength to those who seek to destroy us by destroying each other. Let us unify instead of dividing. I love my country but wish we could be the kind of nation we are capable of instead of the embarrassment we are becoming. We don't need to "Make America Great Again" We need to look within and make ourselves better or we will be responsible for our own demise.

I try to be a beacon of positive light but it is a battle and I am determined to keep darkness out and let my light shine. Our country is not just geography and landscape and symbols and landmarks but the most important commodity we have is humanity. Let us strive to pay homage to the beauty of what the freedom so many have fought and died for so that "We the People" can enjoy freedom and justice for all who live in these UNITED States.


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Babette the Reikitty

Such a face! There are many kinds of pet owners, those who can't be without one, those who are allergic and those who prefer dogs over cats as they find them to be "friendlier". This is just my opinion and while I appreciate their cuteness and faithfulness, I also find them to be a bit needy for my taste. I like the self sufficiency of my feline companion and her ability to show love and affection (on her terms) and be dismissive and allow me to have time to myself without needing constant attention. I admire that in a pet frankly.


As a Reiki and healing arts practitioner, I find it very necessary to have as much peace and tranquility in my home as possible. When clients come for a healing session, dear old Babs makes herself scarce until the session is over, then, as if on cue, she appears and allows clients to pay attention to her, or not, whichever they please. I think she feels that the healing is not complete until she makes an appearance. She is probably right.

There are those who have doubts as to the healing qualities that animals possess but I know better.
Have you ever noticed your pets staring at a spot on the wall, avoiding a certain room in the house, or even avoiding certain people they may come in contact with? I never ignore my cat when she seems to "warn" me of something or someone to stay clear of, or gravitate to, whatever the case may be. Animals have a heightened sense of their surroundings and when they give warning, we would do well to take heed.

Native Americans have long since had a healthy respect for the intuition of animals. There is a reason why they choose animal totems to guide them in their daily lives. Humans possess intuition but on a very different level than animals. Many cultures find animals to be sacred and a gift from the spirits. That is how I feel about my furry friend, Babette.

When I am not feeling the healthiest in body and spirit, she lays on me or near me to "heal" me and it usually works wonders. I always feel better when petting her and when she reaches out her paw to express her love and unconditional acceptance, I melt a little inside. Call me a pushover but I never feel judged or that any more than love and affection are needed from me. People however, are not always so easy to please.

Being a lightworker has brought much joy and meaning in my life and besides my family and close friends, so does my dear Reikitty Babette. She is now 15 years old and I cannot bear to think of the day she will no longer be with me in this world. Pets are family as much as our human family members and often cause us less stress. May every pet owner be kind and gentle and remember that our animal companions give as much to us as we give to them and sometimes, maybe even more.


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Happy Birthday Miss America

The land of the free and the home of the brave, or so they say. Some may not agree with this time honored statement but if you compare our freedom and democracy with other countries, we actually have it pretty good my fellow Americans.
Let's face it, the world in general needs some work. Let us start by ending hatred, hunger, violence, abuse and financial devastation. These are all fixable and there are solutions to end these problems worldwide. However, we just need to do one thing...Compromise!  It begins with listening to one another and actually communicating in a effective and positive manner. One can wave the flag and becry the injustices we think we suffer from but my opinion is, people seem to listen harder when you speak softly and without judgment and condemnation. Let us all spend more wisely, judge others less harshly and work more effectively as a nation to end poverty, hunger, healthcare reform and violence.

It seems, we Americans tend to love the drama of negativity. Perhaps less reality tv and deal with reality off screen, cause we all know reality tv is a bit, shall I say, enhanced. Quit texting for 5 seconds and actually speak to someone in person for a change. Disconnect from our cell phones long enough for a personal exchange with a human within close proximity of you. Am I saying this technology is necessarily a bad thing? No, because I use all of the above but try to stay connected on a personal level with people whom I care about and do business with. If you ask me to lunch and spend most of your time texting or on your cell, I am going to haul my butt out the door because you have been beyond rude and don't deserve my time and attention.

Please stop blaming the plight of lost manners and poor behavior on our youth. Where do we think they learn this from? I have seen more moronic behavior and bad attitudes from adults than I have ever seen from children. I do not play into the "back in my day" BS either. Adults keep blaming the generation before and we need to just shut up and set a good example. The good old days are gone so quit reliving them and worry about the here and now. I am no longer in high school and don't want to go back. I have no misconceptions of how wonderful life "used" to be. We need to focus on the life we are currently living and deal with our problems in the present because, the "good old days" weren't always so great. We still had wars, domestic violence (keeping the little lady in line) child abuse (erroniously called discipline) racial unrest, murders, rapes, incest and the list goes on. The only reason we are more aware of these issues today is due to the media reporting everything and anything.

Want America to be better? Be part of the solution instead of part of the problem. The government isn't perfect and neither are we. Love your country? Prove it! Volunteer to help worthy organizations, support our neighbors instead of tearing them down, be a positive instead of a negative voice in the community, stop whining and start doing something. There are amazing citizens who make a difference every day in their communities and we should applaud them. Start putting positive posts on your facebook page instead of hateful and negative ones because frankly, I am getting sick of them.

Let us all love this country the way it deserves. Set aside our differences, political and religious views and combine energies to make this a country we can be proud to call our home. It is our responsibility to make it the best that it can be. As this Fourth of July celebration approaches, let us all take pause to remember why we honor this day in the first place. "Liberty and Justice for ALL"

Friday, April 27, 2012

Bitter Sweet May

We wait throughout the winter season, amid freezing temperatures, snow and ice covered roads which create hazardous driving conditions, endure post holiday blahs and long for the sweetness of spring. March welcomes in the season we long for but as any of us who live in the unpredictable Midwest know, March can and does come in like a lion. April can be lovely but there is still more likely than not, a chill in the air. May can bring equal parts of warmth, sunshine and a hint of summer.

For me, May is my favorite month of the spring season. Blossoms abound and the scent of flora and fauna intoxicate my senses, as I long for invigorating walks in nature, appreciating her colorful display designed by the most brilliant designer in the universe...Mother Nature. May is also the birthday month of my dearest friend of twelve years. We have had many adventures and will have many more I am sure.

May also holds bitter sweet memories of my parents, whom I dearly miss. My mother's birthday would be May 19th and my father's May 20th. My mother was a transplanted southern belle who still had a gentle lilt to her voice. I admit to having my moments with mom in my youth but any negative, rebellious feelings have long since passed and I came to respect and love her dearly. She was a marvelous grandmother and she is dearly missed by those who loved and still do love her. I am amazed that it has been almost twenty years since her passing and I cannot help but feel a bit envious at times when others of my age enjoy the company of their mother's. Mother's Day means even more, not only 
because I am a mother myself but this year, my oldest daughter will enjoy her very first Mother's Day. It is a time of joy, yet, I still have a stirring in my heart for my own mother.

How can I describe my dad? He was energetic, silly, sometimes exasperating and stubborn but he also was a social butterfly, good dancer, animal lover and had the huts pah to jump out of a plane at the tender age of 80 (which scared the life out of his daughters) and continued to do so until he was 85, stating "If George Bush can do it at 80, so can I". I believe the town he resided in is a bit quieter without him and I hope he, as well as my mother, are remembered as fondly by others who knew them as they are by their family.

This year, I will bake a cake for them both and wish them a "heavenly" birthday. I hope they look down favorably upon my creative and caring spirit and give a blessing to myself, my sisters and our children and now their great grandson.

May is a time of transformation and transition with cherished memories and the promise of hope and inspiration. For all the special days and special people both here on earth and beyond...celebrate May!

Monday, January 30, 2012

The Art of Healing









There are many ways in which the human body can heal itself. We may seek the knowledge of traditional medical professionals but we must also learn to listen to what our bodies tell us and take responsibility for our own health and well being.
When we seek treatment from our physicians or specialist, we must also take into consideration that other forms of treatment can and do enhance our ability to overcome certain illness and disorders, both physically and mentally.

I firmly believe that everyone should visit a nutritionist at one point in their lives, as what we consume plays a heavy role in a positive, healthy lifestyle. Some of the foods we eat can even be a factor in some disorders and diseases. I would highly recommend that every heart, cancer, and patients with digestive disorders spend quality time with a nutritionist and heed their advice. A good physician understands that they are not the sole answer to most medical issues.

A healthy diet, weight control and exercise (I need to improve those last two) are the ying and yang of daily maintenance to ensure good health. Find a fitness program that works for you and modify fitness programs for those with health issues. If you are not able to do this on your own, get yourself a membership to a fitness center.
If finances are an issue , many of these establishments offer affordable rates and the membership is cheaper than medical bills due to poor health and excess weight.

Holistic health practitioners offer vast knowledge on the subjects of natural healing through the use of vitamins, oils, herbs and offers clients a means of healing without the chemicals found in many pharmaceuticals. For those who seek to work with their physician and a holistic health practitioner, make sure to keep both health care providers informed of any medications prescribed to avoid harmful interaction.

Therapeutic massage is not only very relaxing (well, deep tissue can be pretty intense but purposeful) but works to keep our body in balance through capable hands working the muscles and tissues of our body and reduce stress which can put us at risk of serious illness. I recommend a visit to a great massage therapist once a month at least. It is good for your body and soul.
Note to massage therapists who are guilty of this: I have heard more than a few clients discuss their dismay at looking forward to a wonderful massage, only to have their therapist talk and talk about their problems and hardships. Not only is this unprofessional but it is extremely disrespectful to your client, who comes to you and pays for your services. You are THEIR therapist, they are not YOURS!

We will now go on to what many consider the "gray" matter of healing practices.
Reiki is the practice of energy healing through placement of hands to work with the bodies energy centers to assist clients balance the "chakra" system. This form of healing can bring about awareness, inner peace and tranquility and assists in bringing about good "Chi". There are skeptics but as a Reiki Practitioner myself, I find this practice to be highly effective and frankly, life changing. The term Reiki means "universal life force energy". This practice originated in Japan and has expanded over the years to reach out to other countries. When east meets west, good things can happen. I could go on to explain more about this wonderful art of healing but that would be another article in itself. There is much information concerning Reiki and it's healing attributes. I highly recommend that everyone try Reiki at least once in their lives but remember, you must be willing to accept the healing offered without reservation in order for it to be the most effective. Imagine going to your dentist for treatment and refusing to open your mouth. We all must be active participants when it comes to our own health and well being.

We can aid in our good health by keeping a less toxic home. Natural materials, fibers and clean air filtration are a wonderful enhancement to aid in our health. We can even create a more positive environment with the paint colors we choose as well as a less toxic choice which can be found at most establishment which sell paint products.
For instance, while purple is a vibrant color, I could not image bright purple walls in my bedroom being a sleep aid. Perhaps an accent wall in a less bright color would be lovely but I envision, sage green, taupe, lavendar or colors which create a peaceful atmosphere. Fabrics that are soft and plush create a feeling of comfort and ease when trying to relax and de stress. The environment we live and work in, aid in keeping us on an even keel.

Relationships can be just as toxic as our environment or a disease which invades our body. Anyone in the health care and mental health profession will tell you to detoxify your body (and soul) of anything which causes you harm. Unhealthy relationships are no different. This is not to say your should never speak to your family members again if they are the culprit but you must take charge of how an unhealthy association effects you. You need to set boundaries and limitations and be firm about it. You may also need to look at your own contribution in this matter. Life is too short not to surround yourself with those who are positive and supportive instead of parasitic and negative. Love yourself enough to set necessary boundaries and if counseling is needed than seek it immediately.

We are all mortal and will fall victim to the end of life at some time but until then, let us all take our health seriously and do what we need to in order to live the best quality of life that we can while we take up residence upon this earth.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

The Wonderful Thing About Teeger




Ah, the bliss of being a grandparent! Love them. spoil them and hand them over to their parents. When I look at my grandson, Teegan, I see a world of possibilities to carry on the family genetics. Does this sound too scientific? Perhaps but my intentions are not at all based in such logic and reasoning. I simply have hope that a member of our family lineage will bless the world we live in with something we have very little of in these troubled times....Hope, compassion, honesty and community spirit. We as a society are sadly lacking in these values and it is indeed troubling.

As I look into the face of my innocent grandson, I see what can be, what I so desperately wish humanity can achieve and I extend this invitation to the very young and less tainted souls among us to bring about this metamorphosis within our earthbound plane. Why can we not see every child as we see our own children and grandchildren? We all enter this world as innocents and how we choose to contribute to it's success or failure is purely up to us.

We all possess the tools which are necessary to achieve our goals and the irony in this statement is that there are many whom we may find "lacking" in certain areas of life, who, through sheer strength and determination, move past many of us considered more fortunate, to achieve greatness in what is most important, kindness, generosity and integrity. I could not ask for more from my grandson.

Let us all work together to ensure a bright future for all our children and grandchildren. Teach them to respect all living things and to save judgment for those entities whose power is greater than ours. Love is greater than hate and giving is more of a blessing than receiving.

My dear grandson is borne of those who see his possibilities and will guide him gently to achieve his life goals. May he always feel loved and accepted for who he is and not what others expect him to be. Mostly, that he can hold on to just a bit of that wonderful childlike innocence that I find so endearing. For the most wonderful thing about Teeger is, that he is our only one.