Drumming for myself has been a liberation journey. My health and sense of well - being has improved greatly. Drumming allows the emoting of unhelpful energy and often brings me back into rhythm with what is going on around me. The circle is a gathering of support and each person brings their own dimension and spirit to the expression of diversity in the community.
To understand the world often one must look from the bottom up. We are who we are by how we treat the weakest, vulnerable, and voiceless amongst us.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Slow Transition
October is a good month for the Spirit to appear as if I am on a vision quest. Deep listening - awakening - attentive to what is present in presence around me - dreaming - visioning the future beyond the church walls in the community.
Finding the courage to take the steps into another way of being seems to running in the family. I walk a little more gently now. I am able to listen a little more deeply. All is good.
Finding the courage to take the steps into another way of being seems to running in the family. I walk a little more gently now. I am able to listen a little more deeply. All is good.
Monday, August 23, 2010
A new page - a new path
I want to thank RevThom for his post on why ministers burn out. It affirms me this day as I begin to walk a new path apart from the congregation where I last celebrated at two wedding services on Saturday Aug 21. Today I am attending a new course on 'spiritual companioning' which is what I believe I am called to be about. This is not a recent call but one that I received many years ago.
I have been given the blessing of working in a congregation for the past 8 years. Much of what is mentioned in the article on why pastors burnout applied in my situation. In reflection and prayer I was able to say good-bye and now am concentrating on refining my gifts to be able to offer my calling in the community in a different way.
From Rosemary Heights Retreat Centre - and the Pacific Jubilee Program in Spiritual Companioning I give thanks.
Oh freedom is a blessing - and I give thanks and praise to the source of life - the sacred way.
Peace be upon you all
Bruce
I have been given the blessing of working in a congregation for the past 8 years. Much of what is mentioned in the article on why pastors burnout applied in my situation. In reflection and prayer I was able to say good-bye and now am concentrating on refining my gifts to be able to offer my calling in the community in a different way.
From Rosemary Heights Retreat Centre - and the Pacific Jubilee Program in Spiritual Companioning I give thanks.
Oh freedom is a blessing - and I give thanks and praise to the source of life - the sacred way.
Peace be upon you all
Bruce
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
DND, families of dead soldiers say leaked friendly-fire report is wrong - thestar.com
DND, families of dead soldiers say leaked friendly-fire report is wrong - thestar.com
"A truth about war is the first thing lost, is truth itself." Much of what happens in war has an "official cause" and then there is the actual. The island of Kiska in the Aleutian islands during WW2 was suspected of being occupied by the Japanese. Indeed the Japanese had been there and had even had supply bunkers equipped and filled before they vacated the island. A veteran who was in the landing party to recover the island of Kiska, shared the incident of the American soldiers to be killed following such landing. The troops had been ordered to dig in and not to move until they were given the word. The "trained" soldiers were tired of doing nothing and decided to sneak up the hills from the coast to figure out what was going on. This was when they found the supply bunkers and went in to investigate. They found uniforms and armament and decide to fool their buddies and dress up and come down in the new found uniforms to have a little fun. This is another story from those who were their - http://canadianheroes.org/henri/the-battle-for-kiska-story.htm
When they were spotted by the Canadians coming down the hill, they were mistaken for actually being Japanese and were shot by the Canadian soldiers. The newspaper and official release was that they had died in battle fighting the Japanese. My source who shared the story with me several years ago, I believe he told the truth. My father discovered the truth of war several times in his military career that was different from the "official decision". His dream of what he was being offerred to serve was not what he had signed up for either.
I mourn the loss of all soldiers who for what ever reason ended up dying, when it was the leaders of their countries who reclined in soft chairs wearing their white gloves to cover up the blood they did not want to show their mothers.
May we one day end the madness of recognizing what are leaders say is the truth and realize what it really is. Just another little lie in the scheme of the mission. Remember that power - politics and priviledge are the steroids that feed and grow the bulk of arrogance, that people believe is strength and character behind the padding and glitz of the uniform.
"A truth about war is the first thing lost, is truth itself." Much of what happens in war has an "official cause" and then there is the actual. The island of Kiska in the Aleutian islands during WW2 was suspected of being occupied by the Japanese. Indeed the Japanese had been there and had even had supply bunkers equipped and filled before they vacated the island. A veteran who was in the landing party to recover the island of Kiska, shared the incident of the American soldiers to be killed following such landing. The troops had been ordered to dig in and not to move until they were given the word. The "trained" soldiers were tired of doing nothing and decided to sneak up the hills from the coast to figure out what was going on. This was when they found the supply bunkers and went in to investigate. They found uniforms and armament and decide to fool their buddies and dress up and come down in the new found uniforms to have a little fun. This is another story from those who were their - http://canadianheroes.org/henri/the-battle-for-kiska-story.htm
When they were spotted by the Canadians coming down the hill, they were mistaken for actually being Japanese and were shot by the Canadian soldiers. The newspaper and official release was that they had died in battle fighting the Japanese. My source who shared the story with me several years ago, I believe he told the truth. My father discovered the truth of war several times in his military career that was different from the "official decision". His dream of what he was being offerred to serve was not what he had signed up for either.
I mourn the loss of all soldiers who for what ever reason ended up dying, when it was the leaders of their countries who reclined in soft chairs wearing their white gloves to cover up the blood they did not want to show their mothers.
May we one day end the madness of recognizing what are leaders say is the truth and realize what it really is. Just another little lie in the scheme of the mission. Remember that power - politics and priviledge are the steroids that feed and grow the bulk of arrogance, that people believe is strength and character behind the padding and glitz of the uniform.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Scharper: The price of political expediency - thestar.com
Scharper insight and reflection on democracy and what is happening needs to be shared.
Scharper: The price of political expediency - thestar.com
Maintaining vigilance and awareness by naming and helping others to perceive how the actions of the minority and people with power can abuse others is critical in a democracy. One should not fall asleep in our lawn chairs without pondering the consequences of the actions that go hardly noticed. Hope people can rest up and prepare themselves for the hard work of the elections and resitance needed, to prevent the abuse and misuse of power by those whom we have turned over our political power to in our complacency.
Other wise the world is alive and life is amazing. Such a paradox we live within.
Happy fishing in the lakes with no fish.
Scharper: The price of political expediency - thestar.com
Maintaining vigilance and awareness by naming and helping others to perceive how the actions of the minority and people with power can abuse others is critical in a democracy. One should not fall asleep in our lawn chairs without pondering the consequences of the actions that go hardly noticed. Hope people can rest up and prepare themselves for the hard work of the elections and resitance needed, to prevent the abuse and misuse of power by those whom we have turned over our political power to in our complacency.
Other wise the world is alive and life is amazing. Such a paradox we live within.
Happy fishing in the lakes with no fish.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Abram - Mary - Martha - Spiritual awakening
I must pay attention to the strangers who arrive in our midst especially when I find myself sitting under a tree in the desert. Like Abram, when I perceive the 3 strangers coming toward me, it is better that I welcome them and call for the celebratory banquet of welcome and sacrifice - the giving up of something in expectation of something to be better in future.
Perhaps as I prepare myself for the journey to follow the wandering Aramean where the holy mystery leads, I look forward to the spiritual direction course and further discernment of call. I yearn to be like Mary and sit at the feet of the teacher and allow the wisdom to emerge. Is such wisdom already there, and do I only need to let it come out like a doe and her fawns who wait by the water's edge to safely drink at the lakeshore? Can I give up my busyness - and distractions like Martha with all my attendent duties and obligations that I have entwined myself in as a result of my covenant and promise to settle amongst the people of the whispering hills?
Why is it when we want someone else to do something we ask Jesus or some other authority figure to do our asking for us. As I am discovering the idea of being triangled into someone else's issue is never comfortable for all involved. Why do we hesitate to ask directly? Fear of rejection - fear of not being listened to? Is the deeper fear of abandonment and how such request for them to join in what we believe is our duty or obligation somehow tied to our worthiness and acceptance?
When the holy angels or agents of the divine appear, how do we respond? Do we deny and ignore - so we do not allow ourselves to be hurt again by relationships gone wrong and hang onto the special intended lamb for the future that will not really sustain us or may never come? Do we let go - call for the celebration and in return be given the promise of a new birth - and Isaac the one who laughs in our midst in the near future? Such is faith - trusting in risking and welcoming and offerring hospitality?
Can a faith community become such a place of welcome - that in the days to come we will give up like a new parent the self-centered narcissitic life realizing our responsibility to the next generation and our brothers and sisters who dwell with us on spaceship earth? Will we give up our need to be voyeurs on the pain and sufferring of those who are not in our over-privileged status that we believe has been endowed upon us by reason of our intelligence and hard work and actually befriend them as holy guests? (one might consider a case for delusional living) and recognize the need for treatment and healing).
What will be your response to the visitors? Will you seek the spiritual dimension of eternal life and wholeness - sharing the banquet of life with all? Or remain distracted by duty and obligation imposed on us by the pharoahs and our own unconcious behaviors that lead to the abyss rather than life in all its glory, struggle and resurrection into the ever-birthing options that the holy - mid-wife births us into!!
Perhaps as I prepare myself for the journey to follow the wandering Aramean where the holy mystery leads, I look forward to the spiritual direction course and further discernment of call. I yearn to be like Mary and sit at the feet of the teacher and allow the wisdom to emerge. Is such wisdom already there, and do I only need to let it come out like a doe and her fawns who wait by the water's edge to safely drink at the lakeshore? Can I give up my busyness - and distractions like Martha with all my attendent duties and obligations that I have entwined myself in as a result of my covenant and promise to settle amongst the people of the whispering hills?
Why is it when we want someone else to do something we ask Jesus or some other authority figure to do our asking for us. As I am discovering the idea of being triangled into someone else's issue is never comfortable for all involved. Why do we hesitate to ask directly? Fear of rejection - fear of not being listened to? Is the deeper fear of abandonment and how such request for them to join in what we believe is our duty or obligation somehow tied to our worthiness and acceptance?
When the holy angels or agents of the divine appear, how do we respond? Do we deny and ignore - so we do not allow ourselves to be hurt again by relationships gone wrong and hang onto the special intended lamb for the future that will not really sustain us or may never come? Do we let go - call for the celebration and in return be given the promise of a new birth - and Isaac the one who laughs in our midst in the near future? Such is faith - trusting in risking and welcoming and offerring hospitality?
Can a faith community become such a place of welcome - that in the days to come we will give up like a new parent the self-centered narcissitic life realizing our responsibility to the next generation and our brothers and sisters who dwell with us on spaceship earth? Will we give up our need to be voyeurs on the pain and sufferring of those who are not in our over-privileged status that we believe has been endowed upon us by reason of our intelligence and hard work and actually befriend them as holy guests? (one might consider a case for delusional living) and recognize the need for treatment and healing).
What will be your response to the visitors? Will you seek the spiritual dimension of eternal life and wholeness - sharing the banquet of life with all? Or remain distracted by duty and obligation imposed on us by the pharoahs and our own unconcious behaviors that lead to the abyss rather than life in all its glory, struggle and resurrection into the ever-birthing options that the holy - mid-wife births us into!!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Mark Twain’s Early Protest against the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
Mark Twain’s Early Protest against the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
A holy moment.
The more we learn from history and the stories from previous generations, the more I can see how far the human condition is “off the mark” of living in right relationship with life in all aspects. Thanks for this revelation.
Serious political commentators of the past are often recognized and as youth and children we are encouraged to read their age appropriate materials. Mark Twain - Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn disclose the inquisitive - trials of youth but why at a young age did I not want to know more of the wisdom so eloquently offered by Samuel Clemons?
In old age so much to remember - so much unknown. Such a shame for me to admit.
Thank you for the enlightenment.
http://www.phnet.fi/public/mamaa1/twain.htm
Truth is more of a stranger than fiction.
Why shouldn't truth be stranger than fiction? Fiction after all, has to make sense.
A holy moment.
The more we learn from history and the stories from previous generations, the more I can see how far the human condition is “off the mark” of living in right relationship with life in all aspects. Thanks for this revelation.
Serious political commentators of the past are often recognized and as youth and children we are encouraged to read their age appropriate materials. Mark Twain - Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn disclose the inquisitive - trials of youth but why at a young age did I not want to know more of the wisdom so eloquently offered by Samuel Clemons?
In old age so much to remember - so much unknown. Such a shame for me to admit.
Thank you for the enlightenment.
http://www.phnet.fi/public/mamaa1/twain.htm
Truth is more of a stranger than fiction.
Why shouldn't truth be stranger than fiction? Fiction after all, has to make sense.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Right-Wing “Feminism” Nothing New
In a world that fails to see how we continue to use scapegoats to direct our violence at, especially in a "Christian" country leaves us a long way from redemption and how our lives continue to mimic the story of the sacred text. Perhaps that is why whether it is embodied in our DNA as humans we continue to use violence and animal behaviors to claim our authority as to "being on the right side" with God. In my humble opinion humanity is not on the way of Christ until we awake to see what we are doing. Conscience of our behaviors may provide us a way if we awake and seek forgiveness. Would that not require conversion like Saul - to Paul? Recognizing that all life is sacred and part of the divine intention. Fear mongers seem to teach separation and division using dehumanizing or demoniac language to claim righteousness. In my humble opinion for what it is worth, I am left "just wondering" when we will wake up?
Right-Wing “Feminism” Nothing New
Right-Wing “Feminism” Nothing New
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Apostolic Visitation: Why Bother? Why be Bothered? | National Catholic Reporter
Apostolic Visitation: Why Bother? Why be Bothered? | National Catholic Reporter
Sister Joan has laid out very clearly how inquiry can be used to falsely accuse people. The current judicial system has its origins in the process used in the inquisition of the 'witches trials' and still carries overtones of such failure to ensure fairness and respect to individual human rights. Perhaps Helena Guergis could relate to Stephen Harper's inquiry into her character discovery case.
I wonder who might be looking into Stephen Harper's character. With billions of dollars of security between himself and the peasants who inhabit the land, I guess we can be thankful that we still have a few crumbs to nibble on!
Sister Joan has laid out very clearly how inquiry can be used to falsely accuse people. The current judicial system has its origins in the process used in the inquisition of the 'witches trials' and still carries overtones of such failure to ensure fairness and respect to individual human rights. Perhaps Helena Guergis could relate to Stephen Harper's inquiry into her character discovery case.
I wonder who might be looking into Stephen Harper's character. With billions of dollars of security between himself and the peasants who inhabit the land, I guess we can be thankful that we still have a few crumbs to nibble on!
Monday, June 14, 2010
letter to mp
Hon. Brian Jean, Member of Parliament
House of Commons, Ottawa, Ont.K1A 0A6
5101 - 50th Ave. Athabasca, Ab. T9S 1T2
Dear Brian Jean;
I write as a clergy within the United Church of Canada who is shocked and dismayed by recent news of Israeli actions against Palestinians in the West Bank. A previously secret Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Order took effect in the third week of April 2010. It classifies Palestinians in the West Bank who do not have documentation issued by the local Israel Defence Forces commander as “infiltrators” in their own land.
It will also confine Palestinians to their villages and further sever them from vital economic, health, education, and social centres. Palestinians found in contravention of the order could be subject to almost immediate deportation or jail terms of up to seven years. Israel is party to the United Nations' fourth Geneva Convention that prohibits "individual or mass forcible transfers, as well as deportations of protected persons from occupied territory to the territory of the Occupying Power or to that of any other country....regardless of their motive."
I would urge you and your caucus to have Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally denounce this action in a protest to the government of Israel. Human rights apply to all citizens, and failure to speak out speaks volumes of your actual lived values concerning human rights. The culture of fear and intimidation that is currently being demonstrated as hosts of the G8 and G20 is an inane response reflecting values I as a Canadian neither hold or appreciate. Integrity requires symmetry between what you say and what you do. I appreciate the freedom of expression in Canada that allows us to respectfully point out to each other what we see and interpret of our actions and statements. I believe Canada's reputation is in jeopardy and others respect for Canada in the eyes world citizens will not be seen in a positive light.
Peace is not the absence of war and requires more dialogue, education and processes to bring people together. A violent military aggressive approach traumatizes generations for decades and teaches only war and not peace. Gandhi once wrote '' There are moments in your life when you must act even though you cannot carry your best friends with you. The still small voice within you must always be the final arbiter when there is a conflict of duty''. I urge you to listen to the voices of those who are not represented by the ''Official Statements'' that ignore basic human rights issued by those who consider themselves leaders. Tyrants come in many persuasions. As I may have mentioned before; power and politics are the steroids of arrogance that continue to build strong images of 'mighty men' meanwhile enhancing life threatening breakdown of the human families condition.
I would appreciate the opportunity, to meet with you to discuss this issue and other pressing and important concerns our community faces.
Respectfully
House of Commons, Ottawa, Ont.K1A 0A6
5101 - 50th Ave. Athabasca, Ab. T9S 1T2
Dear Brian Jean;
I write as a clergy within the United Church of Canada who is shocked and dismayed by recent news of Israeli actions against Palestinians in the West Bank. A previously secret Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Order took effect in the third week of April 2010. It classifies Palestinians in the West Bank who do not have documentation issued by the local Israel Defence Forces commander as “infiltrators” in their own land.
It will also confine Palestinians to their villages and further sever them from vital economic, health, education, and social centres. Palestinians found in contravention of the order could be subject to almost immediate deportation or jail terms of up to seven years. Israel is party to the United Nations' fourth Geneva Convention that prohibits "individual or mass forcible transfers, as well as deportations of protected persons from occupied territory to the territory of the Occupying Power or to that of any other country....regardless of their motive."
I would urge you and your caucus to have Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally denounce this action in a protest to the government of Israel. Human rights apply to all citizens, and failure to speak out speaks volumes of your actual lived values concerning human rights. The culture of fear and intimidation that is currently being demonstrated as hosts of the G8 and G20 is an inane response reflecting values I as a Canadian neither hold or appreciate. Integrity requires symmetry between what you say and what you do. I appreciate the freedom of expression in Canada that allows us to respectfully point out to each other what we see and interpret of our actions and statements. I believe Canada's reputation is in jeopardy and others respect for Canada in the eyes world citizens will not be seen in a positive light.
Peace is not the absence of war and requires more dialogue, education and processes to bring people together. A violent military aggressive approach traumatizes generations for decades and teaches only war and not peace. Gandhi once wrote '' There are moments in your life when you must act even though you cannot carry your best friends with you. The still small voice within you must always be the final arbiter when there is a conflict of duty''. I urge you to listen to the voices of those who are not represented by the ''Official Statements'' that ignore basic human rights issued by those who consider themselves leaders. Tyrants come in many persuasions. As I may have mentioned before; power and politics are the steroids of arrogance that continue to build strong images of 'mighty men' meanwhile enhancing life threatening breakdown of the human families condition.
I would appreciate the opportunity, to meet with you to discuss this issue and other pressing and important concerns our community faces.
Respectfully
Friday, April 16, 2010
“War is easy compared to life.”
Where one lives in position to the universe is beyond our knowing. Living on the earth we know neither if we are on the top or bottom of the little ball that orbits the sun. Depending where we are on the ball, we may experience life differently from someone elsewhere. Where we are should not change our purpose. My relationship to the Divine mystery takes my imagination from the edges of the universe to the smallest atoms put together within my own body and all things in between.
As my curiosity to know and understand life in all dimensions, and the fact as an animal with legs, ears, eyes etc. I search and wonder. Life in all its complexity is filled with joy, struggle, ecstasy, delight, sorrow. Sharing life with all life around me, I am part of an interwoven web, that for what I do, say, and act affects the whole. Holding such consciousness is for me why life is not easy. Death can bring relief from the struggle, but God the creator has set before us both life and death.
I will try to choose life for all, taking time to “figure – life out” as the alternative of dying which in itself may be easier. Our great work of life is to live fully. If we choose not to do the “great work” to nurture life, do we honour those who choose death and make it easier for a path of war? Do those who choose war actually make life easier for all? May your journey be in peace, love, hope and joy.
The human spirit lives by creating new ways to live. May you live fully today, so when you die others will know that you have truly lived. Being in awe of Creation, I will sit and sense the holy in all that is around me on this Earth Day of reflection.
Where one lives in position to the universe is beyond our knowing. Living on the earth we know neither if we are on the top or bottom of the little ball that orbits the sun. Depending where we are on the ball, we may experience life differently from someone elsewhere. Where we are should not change our purpose. My relationship to the Divine mystery takes my imagination from the edges of the universe to the smallest atoms put together within my own body and all things in between.
As my curiosity to know and understand life in all dimensions, and the fact as an animal with legs, ears, eyes etc. I search and wonder. Life in all its complexity is filled with joy, struggle, ecstasy, delight, sorrow. Sharing life with all life around me, I am part of an interwoven web, that for what I do, say, and act affects the whole. Holding such consciousness is for me why life is not easy. Death can bring relief from the struggle, but God the creator has set before us both life and death.
I will try to choose life for all, taking time to “figure – life out” as the alternative of dying which in itself may be easier. Our great work of life is to live fully. If we choose not to do the “great work” to nurture life, do we honour those who choose death and make it easier for a path of war? Do those who choose war actually make life easier for all? May your journey be in peace, love, hope and joy.
The human spirit lives by creating new ways to live. May you live fully today, so when you die others will know that you have truly lived. Being in awe of Creation, I will sit and sense the holy in all that is around me on this Earth Day of reflection.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Are we living the sacred myths
Pondering here in the hills; are we living the sacred myths. Why did President Obama decide to ride into Afghanistan as a messiah of peace on "palm sunday" as in the christian story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on his counter protest to the Romans and elite "taliban and rulers of what we want believe as the oppressors"?
In Canada the RCMP used the Easter long weekend to apologize to the mother of the innocent man killed by taser at the Vancouver Airport. Is this an example of the Roman soldier at the foot of the cross proclaiming they had killed an innocent man?
The unveiling events in Russia and Poland - have connections of which story of the Polish people will be allowed to be told. When someone comes along and trys to restate or reframe the actual story - the result often is termed 'tragic irony' and somewhere the truth is lost or changed for either the powerful or the underdog.
The one truth that I encountered this weekend was the statement "war is a lot simpler than life!" Are we only taking the easy way out of our "existential pain" by continuing a societal suicide?
As the holy fool I see strangely in the darkness. May we find ways to live in peace which is harder and lonelier but the right work of all.
In Canada the RCMP used the Easter long weekend to apologize to the mother of the innocent man killed by taser at the Vancouver Airport. Is this an example of the Roman soldier at the foot of the cross proclaiming they had killed an innocent man?
The unveiling events in Russia and Poland - have connections of which story of the Polish people will be allowed to be told. When someone comes along and trys to restate or reframe the actual story - the result often is termed 'tragic irony' and somewhere the truth is lost or changed for either the powerful or the underdog.
The one truth that I encountered this weekend was the statement "war is a lot simpler than life!" Are we only taking the easy way out of our "existential pain" by continuing a societal suicide?
As the holy fool I see strangely in the darkness. May we find ways to live in peace which is harder and lonelier but the right work of all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)