Path of the DharmaFarmer: Awakening to Wholeness

2010-01-26T20:08:00.002-05:00

~A Cushion for Your Head~

Just Sit Right Now

Don't Do A Thing

Just Rest.

For Your Separation From God,

From Love

Is The Hardest Work

In This World.

Let Me Bring You

Trays of Food

And Something That

You Like To Drink.

You Can Use My Soft Words

As A Cushion For Your Head.

~Hafiz, trans. Daniel Ladinski

2010-01-11T12:36:00.004-05:00

~The Activity of Emptiness~

I have encountered many people working with awakening practices that hold a certain view of the realization of emptiness. I have even watched my own mind hold on quite strongly to this same view. It is the view that realizing emptiness (sunyata) or 'essential insubstantiality' would result in an ineffective and unmotivated bag of bones, unable to act in the world for the betterment of the world.

If we took the image of a bamboo flute, this view holds that once we clear blockages in the flute itself, fully surrendering attachments (even the attachment to play this instrument), the flute would become totally mute, dead, and ineffective- because there's no one there to blow through it, right?

But, what we find (and what the sages teach), is that once blockages are cleared from the flute (attachments and identifications are released), the flute plays of its own nature. And it plays itself very, very well. How could this be so?

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, awakened Tibetan master, says it this way:

When you recognize the empty nature of phenomena, the energy to bring about the good of others dawns uncontrived and effortless. Compassion is the activity of emptiness.

The point is that emptiness has an active nature in relative reality (everyday life). When we realize ourselves as inherently empty of anything definable, perceived separation drops away, and there is nothing to impede or obstruct the flow of emptiness, the flow of life living itself. And when life is allowed to live itself free of egoic narrowness, what results could be called 'unsurpassed compassion and harmony'. Pure examples of this are readily displayed in nature, in the stars, in the atom, and even in humanity- though we work very hard no to see this.

'Be aware, don't cling', says Joseph Goldstein. The unattached, non-clinging heart-mind is where all traditions (that I have studied) converge. Even in the writings of Rumi or Hafiz, beings aflame with love for the mysterious-intimate beloved, the practice woven throughout is uncompromising surrender into life itself.

Love is the true activity of emptiness. And emptiness is the true wisdom of love.

offered in humility,

eka

2010-01-07T15:00:00.003-05:00

~Voices of Gaia~

A note written to myself, channeling the wisdom of Gaia-Earth-Mother, India 2006

Justin~

I am you- this is the first thing of importance. I am not this and you are not that- we are It together. To miss this point is separation anxiety in the most real sense. You are me; we are of the same stuff. To think that you are apart from me is to disconnect yourself from your source.

Try as hard as you can to get back to this source, to get back to me. But realize, getting back to me does not involve 'getting' anything, for you already have it; you are already there. All you can do is abide in this realization and act truly from it until you are firmly re-established in me...in yourself.

Thank you Justin for all you have done thus far to awaken to these truths. Surely I know it is not easy in your culture, which prides itself in its disconnection from me. Each effort- large or small- is felt by me and cherished as a son's gift to his mother. Keep pressing, keep striving- find your way home.

I love you.

Gaia

2009-12-28T10:38:00.003-05:00

~La Ilaha Illa Allah~

~God Alone Is~

~Aho~

2009-12-26T15:21:00.005-05:00

~New Year's Revelations~

We are in a time of deep reflection and envisioning...the Winter Solstice, the celebration of the Tree of Life, and the coming of the New Year. It is also, to me, the yearly rebirth of Christ Consciousness along our collective journey of spiritual evolution.

It is in this time of revelation and new beginnings that I share with you a great and beautiful shift in my life. The shift is threefold: life, love, and location.

~

A short backstory:

Almost a year ago around mid-November, during a 3-month meditation retreat, something deep and powerful awoke in me. Though I did not know the moment in which it occurred, I began soon after to see its effects. In fact, the effects were everywhere, because this awakening had fundamentally shifted my cognitive experience. One way I could put words to it (though inadequately) is to say that from that point on, my moment to moment experience of the world has been deeply intimate, inclusive, without separation. To say it short: it's all one.

Though I know this process is not 'over' and continues to deepen and enrich over time, it awoke something in me that has fundamentally changed the way I move through the world. Putting it in a question, 'If it and I and all are fundamentally always One, then does any essential change or growth occur?' And, 'If no essential change occurs in the One, what is the motivating factor for being and acting in the world?' To this, the clear and strong answer continues to ring out, 'To shine with true love for the upliftment and awakening of all beings!'

Though this realization has been ripening and integrating more and more as time goes, this last year has been guided by an ease and a spaciousness and a freedom of heart and mind that I have never before known. And because of this new realization, I have been moving through my own life in a totally unique way. And life, reflecting this truth, has responded in its own unique and beautiful way.

~

And so to the New Year's Revelations. In the course of this past year I have:

(1) connected with a spiritual lineage and teacher that my heart can call guru without hesitation,

(2) seen with clarity my place and calling as a spiritual guide and mentor, and

(3) been blessed to find intimate kalyana mitta: a spiritual love and life partner.

And what does this look like on the immediate level? Well, by the end of January, I will be living with my partner in San Francisco, engaged in my vocation of personal mentoring and facilitating group practices and workshops. I intend to offer myself to this service of mentoring as fully as possible, to all that seek it. And I intend to sustain myself financially through this work. Speaking of which, my new professional website is here, where I offer and explain my personal mentoring services. Take a look!

All of this marks a new phase for me and my journey, and in every way it feels timely and aligned. Life is asking me to jump, all in, and trust, and at this point in my process, I know I can and am doing so fully and joyfully. There are absolutely no guarantees with any of this, yet how can I say no to the sincere guidance of my own heart?

~

And though there is no sadness or longing, there is also a part of me that recognizes and honors the paths not taken, especially in regard to my earlier plan of moving back to the Pioneer Valley and beginning my work there. I have really been blessed with so many good friends over the years, truly lovely souls that have honored and supported my path, unconventional as it may be. And I know a part of me stays in Northampton, as parts of me have stayed in India, Peru, Argentina, etc. But it is also true that parts of these places and people live within me, and they inform and inspire me daily.

So thank you all for your friendship and support. You are each an intimate part of my journey.

I will continue to keep this blog, bringing to you news of the west coast adventures. Please stay in touch! Also, the mentoring services I offer are direct and effective. I mentor on a wide range of human experiences and processes, and I can definitely work over the phone, no matter where you are. If you are interested to know more about these services, please check out my website, or simply email me at integralmentor (at) gmail (dot) com. Entering into mentorship, clients not only receive essential understandings, techniques, and personal insights to evolve their own life situations, they also support me to continue this work of serving others.

Light and Love to you my friends,

Eka Joti

2009-12-16T11:58:00.004-05:00

~Footprints of Healing~

My long-time friend Shira Granote is preparing to do something quite extraordinary, beautiful, and courageous. Early in 2010, she will begin a selfless-service pilgrimage across the country in order to spread the message and work of healing to all beings that she crosses.

Personally, I have no doubt in the success of her pilgrimage, as she is one of the most intelligent, hardworking, caring, focused, and joyful people I know. Below is her short statement describing the why and how of the healing pilgrimage. Please read and feel if this touches something in you, offering a spark into your own creative life process. Blessings!

Dear Friends,

I am very excited to tell you about A Walk for Healing that will begin on March 18th 2010. The message behind the cross country walk is one of healing, transforming, and waking up to life around us.

The driving force behind the walk is to utilize the arts as a mode of healing. There are many forms of arts, such as: music, dance, yoga, handmade crafts, artwork, and in the broadest sense self-expression. These various modalities join the right and left sides of our brain and the result is union with the mind, body, and spirit, to cultivate amazing healing. I have come to recognize the true power of the arts and all of the ways they inspire growth, creativity, self-confidence, and community which is precisely what my mission will be on this walk.

It is on this walk that I am following my own heart path that was spoken to me on my very own Yoga Mat. It is on this walk that I walk for all of those individuals still suffering with their own inner dialogues. It is on this walk that I say let us heal ourselves, let us heal each other, and let us heal this world. This walk will include the following programming in various communities: yoga, meditation, healing circles, music, chanting, dancing, community service, presentations, discussions, laughter, fun, learning, brainstorming sessions to obtain global healing, and walking. It's sure to be unforgettable.

Please find it within your hearts to support my walk in any form that speaks to you. If you are called to walk, please do so any distance. If you are called to donate money to the healing fund (which will be offered to individuals we meet along the way) or donate to support food and shelter for participants along the walk, please do so any amount. If you are called to spread this walk of healing to those you know, please do so with openness and love. If you are called to send positive intentions, please do so with the beauty of your own heart.

In gratitude,
Shira

Here are the two sites Shira is using to spread the word and gather donations.

~Wake Up Now Homepage~

~Donate to Wake Up Now~

And to close, an inspiring excerpt from Nelson Mandela's 1994 inauguration speech~

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

LightLifeLove,

Eka

2009-12-05T14:38:00.001-05:00

~A Healing at Ground Zero~

During my time in NYC, the impulse came to visit the World Trade Site. This surprised me somewhat, as I had no personal interest in seeing the site. It was just a non-issue for me.

So I looked into this impulse, and found the guidance to do a shamanic healing there. This made sense, given the nature of the destruction, and the purpose of my visit to the city.

So that morning, I headed over early to the site. Arriving, I began to notice chaotic energies (and this compared to the normal chaos of other parts of Manhattan). I found I could hardly stay centered in concentration. I walked slowly around the periphery, deliberately taking in the atmosphere, sensing into the wound itself. You could say I was probing energetically.

Eventually, I made my way to the observation deck of a nearby hotel. Feeling I had found the spot, I rolled a ceremonial cigarette, and began the inward journey to find a song and a feeling appropriate for this healing. Now mind you, I had no thoughts that I was healing this large wound. What I felt was that I was doing my small bit, offering what I could.

And as I said before, it was unusually difficult to drop into concentration and hear the appropriate song. Eventually though I was able to do it. I had to restrict myself to a single image, a single feeling, and focus on that with all my ability, and then the song began to emerge. Allowing it to grow inside me, the feeling also grew, and I was able to see really what I was bringing down in that moment. Putting bounded words to an unbounded feeling, it would be something like: 'May we know and see the true causes of this wounding. Seeing the true causes, may we accept and forgive. Forgiving, may we become something greater and wiser.'

While I was singing this song and charging the cigarette, a tour group came and stood right next to me. Leading it were two women, both of whom had lost relatives in the attacks, I learned later. Finishing my song, I joined the group, which was just ending. Feeling draw, I engaged with the two women, asking them about the tour group and the work that they were doing. Pat, the one that seemed to connect most with me, had lost her son, a firefighter, that day. We talked a bit, and I could feel her still-healing wound. Reaching out with love and light, we walked and talked as we headed towards the firefighters memorial. At one point, I took my leave to find the firestation alone.

Heading outside, I found the station and memorial. I felt the steel embedded in the firestation exterior...steel that had once resided in the trade tower itself. I looked around, and felt that this was the space to offer the healing tobacco. I sang the song once again, and began to blow the smoke to the sky, the ground, and in all directions. I offered the feelings and words of the italicized statement written above. I held the space like one holds a frightened child. It was a very powerful experience.

As I closed, it was clear in a very strong way that I needed to fully clean myself, with smoke and breath and visualization. I felt my resources somewhat depleted, and found myself walking towards St. Paul Chapel. Upon entering, I collapsed on a chair there, and felt my energies cleansing and recharging. After a half hour or so of this, I stood and anointed my chakras and palms with holy water. Feeling like closure had occurred, I left with a prayer.

Truly, it was a very powerful lesson for me in channeling and healing. I am glad to have had the chance to offer my small but meaningful healing. Here also are a few pictures I took during the walkabout.

Love to you my friend,
Eka

2009-12-05T14:00:00.001-05:00

~A Stroll Through Prospect Park~

Visiting my lovely friends in Brooklyn, I was escorted for several hours through the ebbs and flows of Prospect Park. The day was just beautiful, and the light seemed infused with a golden hue. As we walked, we passed by no less than 4 wedding groups taking their photos in full regalia.

After an hour and some of meandering, we stopped to lay face-down on the grass, easefully passing into a restorative sleep. We woke warmed by the sun on our backs, and began to flow naturally into breath and movement, yoga reaching, inversions and tumbles. All in all, the day was quite magical.

I hope you enjoy these few photos.

In communion,

Ekayana

2009-11-26T10:41:00.002-05:00

~Mystery and Miracle~

Reflecting on this day of thanks-giving, my heart finds gratitude for many things, so many things. In fact, finding one object of gratitude, my heart sees the conditions connected to it, and gratitude increases. Just to have eyes to see this world, how many mysteries and miracles had to come together? To say that the whole universe is the direct cause of a single moment of joy in your life would not be an exaggeration. It is said, 'One cannot pick a flower without affecting the farthest star.' There is a reality to this statement.

Of all the miracles and mysteries I behold, that I behold is the greatest of them. Our authorities- scientific and religious- offer answers of every color to so many of our questions, yet this one question they cannot touch. What Am I? It is also asked in the questions, What is God? and What is Life? The three are actually one.

Knowing this, the mystic St. Francis of Assisi said, 'What you are looking for is what is looking.' Our true nature, the Godhead, is a mystery and a miracle, and is ours to realize.

Below is a short video from Mooji. I have posted this before, and I want to offer it up again, as an incredibly direct and potent expression of the mystery and miracle. Listen to his words from a state of detachment, like how you would listen to rain falling outside while sitting in your favorite chair...

My heart is struck and overwhelmed by gladness for all the light beings who guide us tirelessly, asking nothing in return. May we use our human opportunity wisely. May we be happy and free.

A Great Thanks-Giving to you all,

Eka

2009-11-16T13:07:00.004-05:00

~The Power of a Story~

My friends,

I have been keeping this online account of my travels, internal and external, for almost 4 years now. At first, this was really a simple, effective, and cheap way of keeping in contact with close friends and family while traveling. Yet bit by bit, it has become something more.

I began to understand the power of the story. Not just any story, but a personal account of this human journey. As I reached deeper into my own story, I found myself more and more interested in the stories of others, other seekers making their way, through many different paths and expressions.

And now, after 4 years, I can see with some clarity the real purpose of this blog...why I continue to feel drawn to share with you. It is really almost nothing, in the scheme of the web (let alone the scheme of the cosmos). Yet it is what it is, my story.

And every once in a while, I find that it has, in some way, helped someone: to understand a certain point of practice/philosophy, to connect with a resource or technique, to share spaces and places, or simply to know that they are not alone in this journey up and through and home again.

In both the deepest spiritual understandings and contemporary scientific systems, we are seeing that this collective human experience arises from collective human agreements. We steer this cosmic ship called Humanity through our collective beliefs and understandings, and the resulting actions. Gautama Buddha called them ditthis (views), and said that the world is literally arising from this mosaic of ditthis.

Really seeing this, we see the power of a story. It is the power of what we tell ourselves daily; how we choose to see ourselves and others; how we bring meaning and purpose to our shared world.

And so I put the question to each of us...what are our beliefs, our agreements? What stories, conscious and unconscious, are guiding our life experience, while contributing to the whole? At this time in our collective unfolding, we simply cannot afford to be directed by unconscious agreements. We must see what is driving our journey, and decide whether such agreements and resulting direction is something we want.

One of the greatest dangers I see today in our global society is the forfeiting of our agency over our personal and collective stories to interest groups that have no interest in our individual and communal spiritual development. Government, corporations, mass-media...these are social systems aimed at manipulating and maintaining the social world. We can see daily the decisions they make and the images/stories that they pump out into the airwaves and water-ways simply do not value our spiritual development. And it is our collective belief-power on which these social systems rely; without it they would have no power.

In making such a sweeping statement, I know I am liable to lose something. So please, feel into this for yourself, and if indeed your intuition and insight see the same pattern, then be with this. Ask yourself how you give up your inherent power to these social, impersonal systems, and how you can re-empower yourself.

We are so blessed, as there are still many powerful systems of learning how to see clearly our internal and external environments, and how to move in these internal and external domains with wise intent and action. Discover all your beliefs and self-agreements. It is ours to choose what we see and live out. Beliefs becoming stories becoming perspectives becoming motivations becoming thoughts, words, and actions, we manifest our reality. Come to see this and free yourself. Your freedom is integral to global freedom.

Namaste,

eka

2009-11-13T16:11:00.002-05:00

~What a God We Have~

What kind of God would He be

if He did not hear the bangles ring on an ant's wrist

as they move the earth in their sweet dance?

And what kind of God would He be

if a leaf's prayer was not as precious to creation

as the prayer His own son sang

from the glorious depth of his soul- for us.

And what kind of God would He be

if the vote of millions in this world

could sway Him to change the divine law of love

that speaks so clearly with compassion's elegant tongue,

saying, eternally saying:
'all are forgiven- moreover, dears no one has ever been guilty.'

What kind of God would He be

if He did not count the blinks of your eyes

and is in absolute awe of their movements?

What a God- what a God we have.

~Kabir

2009-11-01T22:44:00.001-05:00

~Playful Heart Collective~

New post on the Playful Heart adventures...

2009-11-01T19:05:00.001-05:00

~All in a Day's Work~

The work of a true bodhisattva is unpredictable at best. Enjoy!

2009-10-31T11:43:00.002-04:00

~The Deepening~

Though my original vision of a playful, cross-country ramble has found its intended closure, I find my ramblings continuing on.

Since returning to Pennsylvania, I have embarked on another journey of celebration and service, this time taking me through Massachusetts and New York. As before, I find myself staying with different heart-friends along the way.

Two of the main purposes of this journey were to drop my sister off at the one-month silent retreat at Insight Meditation Society last week, and to see my doctor about my knee injury and rehabilitation. Both of these purposes have been fulfilled, and I now find myself floating from home to home, offering myself into the need as it reveals itself.

Surrender and Service: these two were the central themes that emerged during my travels, and these continue to be my guiding principles. Surrendering to the moment, as it is unfolding and expressing itself, and aligning with a deep commitment to serve that moment, however the need be.

So I find myself spending Halloween weekend in dear Northampton, among the lovely freaky people that daily rock this town. Halloween supper tonight at Sirius among family, seeing Alex play at the NightKitchen tomorrow night, and then it's off to Hawthorne Valley Farm to offer some work-play with the kids there.

Is such a lifestyle considered a career? I'm not sure what it is, except that it's more and more aligned with my intuitive wisdom, and seems to be gaining a momentum that is totally beyond me.

And as it gains momentum, the truth emerges that I am not in control of this...it is a journey without a journeyer. 5-year plan? I don't even have a 5-week plan. Actually, I recently switched to an eternal life plan...it's free, and it gives great benefits ;)

Love to you, whoever, where ever, and however you are.

Eka

2009-10-31T11:32:00.002-04:00

~Beautiful~

So my friend from IMS, Hanuman, is putting together a music compilation, called Dhamma-Gita (Song of Truth). It is meant to include works from young Buddhist practitioners. The songs do not have to be overtly Buddhist, or even spiritual, but really coming from that place of deep inspiration and exploration.

So I reworked one of my favorite songs, and sent it in. Don't know yet if I made the grade, but we'll see. It was wonderful working on the song. I used very simple hardware and software: a Zoom Handy recorder and Audacity audio editor. Combine that with a quiet, inspiring environment, and this is what you get~

~Beautiful~

In gratitude,

OneLight

2009-10-31T10:48:00.000-04:00

~Art as Awakening~

Today for you a lovely piece by Ann Dennison, who creates all kinds of intriguing mandalas posted on her website. This one is entitled 'Cross Mandala', and when I saw it, I was immediately taken by the colors and shape.

As I gazed at it, an image arose of four golden robed beings, co-creating in the center an offering of concentrated light, each being encased by an energetic envelope. I wonder what you will see? Enjoy!

In co-creation,

Eka

2009-10-27T18:07:00.001-04:00

~Movement of Spirit~

Another short yet powerful quote from Dr. Howard Thurman.

The movement of the spirit of God in the hearts of [humans] often calls them to act against the spirit of their times or causes them to anticipate a spirit which is yet in the making. In a moment of dedication, they are given wisdom and courage to dare a deed that challenges and to kindle a hope that inspires.

Amen, Reverend.

2009-10-27T18:00:00.001-04:00

~Coming Alive~

My inspiration for writing today comes from the subtle and deep words of Reverend Howard Thurman. Dr. Thurman's career was distinguished by many honors, and he served as Dr. King's spiritual adviser.

He said:

Don't ask what the world needs.

Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.

Because what the world needs
is people who have come alive.

When I heard this quote, a strong resonance activated in me. Feeling this resonance, I went into it, asking why I responded so strongly. And this exploration brought a realization to the surface. In this one pithy statement, Thurman is bringing to light the difference between the intellect-ego-mind organ and the deep heart-intuition-god guidance.

So often we have such good intentions, such a sense of wanting to do good that sits underneath our decisions and actions. Yet, because we know no other outlet, we channel all this solely through the rational organ, the mental intellect. Though such action can seem very productive, very busy, it doesn't touch the core of the issue at hand. It remains heady, myopic, dualistic, hollow, and most importantly, it's source quickly fatigues.

Instead, we need to 'come alive'...we need to take a deep, honest, and fearless look into ourselves to find out what we are living for. Are we living for another's ideals or feelings or desires, grafted on to us through indoctrination and conditioning of one sort or another? Such an orientation to one's life simply cannot be sustained and does no one no good. On the other hand, to touch into the soul, that deep well in us of mystery and life, will bring forth a spring and often times a geyser of incredible inspiration, power, tenderness, focus, and reality.

And this is what the world needs...

not disconnected people offering disconnected solutions for a disconnected world...

but beings that have come alive through self-inquiry and self-love, responding and offering in the fullness of their joy.

In my limited experience, this is the only real action that creates personal and collective (r)evolution. And folks, that's exactly what we need right now. I am putting it to myself to do the best I can in this. And I am cheering for you too, holding a deep hope and vision that you find your aliveness and spread it far and wide.

Journey well my friend.

~

A few links to more information about Dr. Thurman:

Wiki

Annotation

PBS

2009-10-19T10:18:00.003-04:00

~This That Is~

Held in the goodness of family, friends, and strangers alike, for near two months I traveled. There was music, there was laughter, there was confusion, there was beauty, there were pains, there was surprise and wonder, there was struggle, and there was trust. All things human, moving and dancing, always bringing insight and unfolding to the eyes ready to see.

And so often I found myself. So often I found god and spirit and mystery staring back at me, through the whispering ways of all things. there is nothing in this world we can truly understand, and yet there is nothing estranged. All is intimate and inclusive, yet without a center. So full and so empty. Ahh, my mind breaks, shatters, and falls to pieces upon entering the mystery.

So now I gaze through my window and see a cold and cloudy day, gold-bronze farm fields, lush wet grass, and trees with leaves of red, green, and gold. Only days before I looked out upon the sun-burned chaparral, eucalyptus groves, and citrus trees. All has changed, yet All is the same. Here and Now, alive, aware, radiant. Beyond understanding yet known completely.

If only we could for one moment fully release into This That Is, we would arrive at complete peace and yet total amazement and wonder...always fresh and new, tender, yet ancient and immutable.

May we all come to see, quickly and easily, this reality, this mystery without and within, and finally begin to truly live.

EkaJoti

2009-10-14T18:21:00.004-04:00

~See, Be, Create, Nourish~

What do I wish to see, be, create, and nourish in this world we share?

~Conscious, deliberate community with others seeking to know and embody truth: sat-sangha.

~Spaces and methods of play, exploration, wonder, and discovery for all ages.

~Sincere and sensitive music and movement, as yoga, as prayer, as play, as release.

~Kind speech and compassionate listening among all beings.

~Altruistic offerings of healing and guidance/selfless service.

~Awakened Earth Stewardship: wise homesteading/soul permaculture/dharmafarming.

~Kind and skillful embodiment; caring for this wondrous physical vehicle.

~Silence of ego-mind, radiance of soul-heart.

~Deep Kalyana Mitta: a loving partner with whom to walk this mysterious wonder.

Aho!

2009-10-02T23:52:00.000-04:00

~Turning Japanese~

My final day in San Fran was an Asian extravaganza. Starting off with the incredible Asian Arts Museum, then heading over to Japantown for manga, incense, and tea, finally ending off at Cha Ya, an incredible vegetarian sushi place. A lovely day all in all.

Here is a selection of photos from the museum. Enjoy!

2009-10-02T00:08:00.002-04:00

~Bay Area Adventures~

Following Burning Man, I caught a ride over to San Francisco, to spend a few weeks with friends and sit a retreat before heading down to San Diego, my final destination.

First stop was reuniting with my dear friend Kieran. It had been 2 years since our last sharing. It was an overdue meeting of two good friends, and the hacky sack that soon ensued was the stuff of legends. He also taught me a new tai chi form, which is lovely and healing.

Over the next few weeks, I was able to see and do so much, and see several friends that I had known on the east coast. So blessed!

And just a few days before my plans to go up to Spirit Rock for a meditation retreat, I seriously injured my right knee. And so, I was not able to do the retreat (I had signed up to do work-exchange to cover the cost), and yet, it worked out so beautifully that I got to do my own sort of retreat up at Spirit Rock, getting to know the land and air and staff and teachers. And I was blessed with some clarities concerning some life situations and my deep vocation. And, to top this, I got to spend much time with an old friend from my travels in India. Gratitude!

Oh what else? Muir Woods, Baker Beach, Asian Arts Museum, Adyashanti Satsang, backyard barbecues, farmers' markets, people watching, cafes, cookies, music, open-mics, tea, love...

Here is a smattering of photos from my time all over SF. Enjoy!

2009-10-01T23:19:00.000-04:00

~Burn '09~

When I was last in the amazon, I got some guidance concerning Burning Man. Go, the energy said...which was very surprising for me. I'm not a festival-type person, and I had not yet any desire to go to Burning Man, even though I had several close friends that usually went. But this guidance was clear. But nonetheless, I asked the question- But why? Why Burning Man? Why now, after all this release and falling away following 4 months of deep retreat? And the response was, to learn more about true service; to touch and be touched by other light workers; to bring your gifts and share them; and to practice humility. And then I asked, but how will I get there, and with whom will I go? They response was, don't worry yourself about all that. Your travels will fall into place, and you will find the right community to be with. Alrighty then...

So at some point I realized I would most likely be going out to San Diego to celebrate my cousin Brooke's wedding, and saw the very real possibility of making a stop at Burning Man. Then, during my time working at Hawthorne Valley, I met up with three remarkable young light workers: Dawn, Jordan, and Lachlan. Over the course of a weekend workshop, we strongly connected on various levels, and I learned that these three were putting together a group to go cross country, kicking off the tour at Burning Man. I knew I had found my group.

Mercury, as this group was to be called, was interested in doing experiments and research into 'spiritual science'. Our goal was to learn about the skillful cultivation of spirit within ourselves and our community, and how to bring spirit down into the everyday human experience. Right on as far as my own heart was concerned. And our group committed to doing the whole of the trip- including Burning Man- drug-free. This included alcohol and cigarettes.

And in short, the Burn was awesome...truly. It was beyond description. I learned so much, and had such wonderful opportunity to serve. And the mysterious amazon guidance from 8 months back finally made more sense. I was able to personally witness the good, bad, and ugly of this consciousness revolution and spiritual awakening that is now in full swing. And I am so grateful for this.

So, below are pics from Burning Man '09. Mostly I will let the photos speak for themselves...for really, Burning Man is way beyond my ability to convey.

Much of the really beautiful and awe-inspiring stuff was at night, but between the dust-winds and my lack of professional photographic skills, mostly what I am offering is day shots. The scenery shots, especially at dawn and dusk, are just breathtaking. What a landscape!

2009-10-01T19:02:00.001-04:00

~Oh the Possibilities~

Shira and I visited Possibility Alliance (Wrensong) during our time in Missouri, just a few miles down the road from Butterfly Hill Farm. We came during their Permaculture course. This was the first Permaculture Certification Course offered on donation basis in the United States. Respect.

If we are to see a successful return of humanity to itself, such techniques of self-reliance and awakened earth stewardship must be available to the masses, not only to the minority that can financially afford it. ~My Two Cents~

Wrensong is most definitely doing their part in this, and I honor them for this.

Here are a few photos we took during our wonderful stay.

2009-10-01T18:27:00.000-04:00

~Butterfly Hill Beauty~

Hey gang. Here are some photos of the lovely Crawford homestead, also known as Butterfly Hill Farm.

Enjoy!