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On Sep 17, 2019 Jodyne wrote on Song Of The Birds, by David G. Haskell:
Q.)How do you relate to the notion of a new language being born when the minds of two different species connect?
A.) it may seem like a new language but I've been taught that in the beginning we all (all of creation) understood one another in perfect harmony. What has happened is we lost touch, and some are now re-discovering an ancient truth and understanding in the moment original joys.
Q.) Can you share a personal story of a time you heard and created earth's universal grammar by linking into the mind of another species?
A.) some connections are visual and body language speaks.
Q.) What helps you listen for wisdom in a language different from yours?
A.) To open all my senses and take time to pay attention and immerse myself in the joy of the moment of interspecies encounters.
A.) it may seem like a new language but I've been taught that in the beginning we all (all of creation) understood one another in perfect harmony. What has happened is we lost touch, and some are now re-discovering an ancient truth and understanding in the moment original joys.
Q.) Can you share a personal story of a time you heard and created earth's universal grammar by linking into the mind of another species?
A.) some connections are visual and body language speaks.
Q.) What helps you listen for wisdom in a language different from yours?
A.) To open all my senses and take time to pay attention and immerse myself in the joy of the moment of interspecies encounters.
On Aug 20, 2019 Jodyne wrote on Does God Have A Form?, by Arthur Osborne:
I’ve been taught, and I believe that humans were originally created in the form of God, ..meaning that God designed the human form in ‘His’ own image. I’ve learned that we have both a visible and an invisible self, a physical and a spiritual aspect; as well as an emotional and a mental self/aspect.
On Apr 3, 2019 Quacinda wrote on No Longer Playing It Safe, by bell hooks:
I really appreciate this profound and thoughtful reading; thank you. And thank you Creator for my life, for life and love all around me, and others who share this experience of love with me.
On Mar 20, 2019 Quacinda wrote on Why Busyness Is Actually Modern Laziness, by Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter:
Seed questions for reflection:
1.) What does being existentially lazy mean to you?
To me it means that:
• I have beenunaware of my own domestication - how I was trained to be and to behave.
•It means I am caught up in dysfunctional drama.
• it means I am living by lies instead of truth.
2.)Can you share a personal experience of a time you became acutely aware of this laziness?
Long story short.. when I realized I put-up with crap because I was raised to accept others being dominate and powerful over me. I was taught to give-in, to 'turn the other cheek' accepting and even going beyond acceptance by offering the abuser 'to do it again', all in the name of God [and in this way making a sacrificeof sorts - becoming a martyr, suffering for others and believing God has a reward for me in the endfor God.
I didn't realize I could say no to abuse and walk away from it. And I didn't have to stay in an abusiverelationship in order to live right.
Ibecame aware of the real issues and what to do about it when I was30 years old. I sought support from pastors, fromcounselors, and support groups. Then I askedfor a divorce, and walked away. It was painful and life became harder financially. But I talked openly with my four children (they were half grown) and showed son and daughters they didn't need to put up with abuse. Ten years later I can say we are definitely happier.
3.)What helps you be in activity without being "busy"?
For me, to be aware. To think positive, to take steps even if I don't get exactly what I want right away.
1.) What does being existentially lazy mean to you?
To me it means that:
• I have beenunaware of my own domestication - how I was trained to be and to behave.
•It means I am caught up in dysfunctional drama.
• it means I am living by lies instead of truth.
2.)Can you share a personal experience of a time you became acutely aware of this laziness?
Long story short.. when I realized I put-up with crap because I was raised to accept others being dominate and powerful over me. I was taught to give-in, to 'turn the other cheek' accepting and even going beyond acceptance by offering the abuser 'to do it again', all in the name of God [and in this way making a sacrificeof sorts - becoming a martyr, suffering for others and believing God has a reward for me in the endfor God.
I didn't realize I could say no to abuse and walk away from it. And I didn't have to stay in an abusiverelationship in order to live right.
Ibecame aware of the real issues and what to do about it when I was30 years old. I sought support from pastors, fromcounselors, and support groups. Then I askedfor a divorce, and walked away. It was painful and life became harder financially. But I talked openly with my four children (they were half grown) and showed son and daughters they didn't need to put up with abuse. Ten years later I can say we are definitely happier.
3.)What helps you be in activity without being "busy"?
For me, to be aware. To think positive, to take steps even if I don't get exactly what I want right away.
On Mar 13, 2019 Quacinda Topkok wrote on Three Qualities Of Holiness, by Anthony De Mello:
(Seed questions for reflection:)
How do you relate to the notion that holiness or virtue is unself-consciousness?
My understanding is that we are spiritual beings having a physical existence. We were created good from the beginning, collectively as well as individually. We are [created] perfect. Whole. And with everything we need to live our lives with success.
I don't understandit all but I have learned that after we are born we begin a process of domestication by our parents, extended family and. Society at large. Words and symbols are used to convey messages others in the world want us to know and understand, and we take these ideas and live by them. But who we are and what we believe we are are two different things. Who we really are cannot be described with words. Words, symbols and ideas they share with us may help by giving us ideas and if we open up our own imagination, and let ourselves become spiritual as well as physical, we live more completely.
Can you share an experience of a time that you observed the opposite of a virtue in you?
This is happens when we have become robots, and follow a pattern of living by someone else's guidelines and rules. We are not our true selves when we live someone else'sdream or vision. We can only be happy and free when we discover who we really are and what our mission inlife is.
If we live by a pattern someone else has set up for us [to follow]we are not living our true life, and that is living a lie. We needto live our own truths, and by the light and truth given to us by the Creator, THEN we will be living a virtuous life.
What helps you go past the cunningness of your ego and toward the wisdom of nature?
What helps me live truth instead of living a lie is to be aware. And then proceed with vision to shine in the world my true self.
How do you relate to the notion that holiness or virtue is unself-consciousness?
My understanding is that we are spiritual beings having a physical existence. We were created good from the beginning, collectively as well as individually. We are [created] perfect. Whole. And with everything we need to live our lives with success.
I don't understandit all but I have learned that after we are born we begin a process of domestication by our parents, extended family and. Society at large. Words and symbols are used to convey messages others in the world want us to know and understand, and we take these ideas and live by them. But who we are and what we believe we are are two different things. Who we really are cannot be described with words. Words, symbols and ideas they share with us may help by giving us ideas and if we open up our own imagination, and let ourselves become spiritual as well as physical, we live more completely.
Can you share an experience of a time that you observed the opposite of a virtue in you?
This is happens when we have become robots, and follow a pattern of living by someone else's guidelines and rules. We are not our true selves when we live someone else'sdream or vision. We can only be happy and free when we discover who we really are and what our mission inlife is.
If we live by a pattern someone else has set up for us [to follow]we are not living our true life, and that is living a lie. We needto live our own truths, and by the light and truth given to us by the Creator, THEN we will be living a virtuous life.
What helps you go past the cunningness of your ego and toward the wisdom of nature?
What helps me live truth instead of living a lie is to be aware. And then proceed with vision to shine in the world my true self.
On Feb 13, 2019 Jodyne wrote on What I Learned From Trees, by Herman Hesse:
Q: How do you relate to the notion that every path leads homeward?
The instructions from the Creator are written inside each of us, not with words or language as we know it, but more like instinct. We were created to be good, to succeed, to thrive. Yet I do believe there are two paths.. one leads to life and the other to death. The one leading to life is the easier one because that is the way we are created to be. One path leads to light and truth and the other is to darkness and lies. If we live according to the light and truths we know we are going to live and grow and one day be glorified. But if we live by the lies we have heard and been taught we begin to suffer and lose what light we have and one day we find we are living in darkness.
When the people of the earth each search for light and truth we may be traveling on different paths yet be traveling towards the same destination. There are many walks of faith around the world, and all of them encourage a walk towards truth and light.
Q: Can you share a personal experience of a time you were inspired to be who you are?
A: I have discovered that no matter how old I was,when I was ready to learn and grow, teachers and mentors appeared. Inspiration came from my parents, grandparents, teachers, my peers, co-workers, and now that I am older many people who are younger then me.
I can name names but I won't do that here [as I don't have their permission to post it here]. But I do remember my mother's example of prayer and faith esp when she was troubled or depressed. My grandparents example of steadfastness and faith in God. When I was but a child I remember the talks and stories of some of the older people in the village we lived in, they were not religious in nature but they were voices of light and examples to me how to stay on the path of light and truth. As an adult I had a Christian counselor who accepted me like family, he mentored me for several years and his commitment changed my life fo... [View Full Comment]
On Feb 1, 2019 Jodyne wrote on Generosity Helps Us Accept Change, by Sharon Salzberg:
Q: How do you relate to the notion that
the strength of our generosity is
a primary factor in our ability
to accept change?
A: I see change happening after
awareness of any particular issue or need is noted,
and the heart is engaged in the choice.
When the heart is free of any domestication,
free of anyone else's expectation,
and when we feel free to do as we want.
My generosity happens when
the mind is set free and
the heart can engage without restriction.
Q: Can you share a personal story of a time
when you could see
the movement of your heart
in practicing generosity
mirroring the movement of your heart
letting go inside?
A: No; I'm not sure I understand the question.
Q: What helps you cultivate a generous heart?
To practice awareness.
the strength of our generosity is
a primary factor in our ability
to accept change?
A: I see change happening after
awareness of any particular issue or need is noted,
and the heart is engaged in the choice.
When the heart is free of any domestication,
free of anyone else's expectation,
and when we feel free to do as we want.
My generosity happens when
the mind is set free and
the heart can engage without restriction.
Q: Can you share a personal story of a time
when you could see
the movement of your heart
in practicing generosity
mirroring the movement of your heart
letting go inside?
A: No; I'm not sure I understand the question.
Q: What helps you cultivate a generous heart?
To practice awareness.
On Jan 19, 2019 Quacinda Jodyne Topkok wrote on Signals Even GPS Cannot Detect, by Aylie Baker:
What does "being moved by nature" mean to you?
It means I am getting back to my roots. I am only one part of the created world; I have a spiritual and a physical nature. In today's societies many are focused on 'making a living' which may also mean 'making a profit'. Unfortunately we can become so focused on 'making a living' or 'making a profit' in the physical world we forget we also need to work on being spiritual. 'Being moved by nature' means being spiritual [to me]. Spiritual experience cannot be described with the words of any language. We just ARE. We live in the moment, take life as it is.. and live with positive mindview,
It means I am getting back to my roots. I am only one part of the created world; I have a spiritual and a physical nature. In today's societies many are focused on 'making a living' which may also mean 'making a profit'. Unfortunately we can become so focused on 'making a living' or 'making a profit' in the physical world we forget we also need to work on being spiritual. 'Being moved by nature' means being spiritual [to me]. Spiritual experience cannot be described with the words of any language. We just ARE. We live in the moment, take life as it is.. and live with positive mindview,
On Dec 27, 2018 Jodyne wrote on How Observation Changes Relationships, by Vimala Thakar:
When I sit in silence, this is what I like to do.. I put away all thoughts of what others would like me to be, I put away the dream of who my parents and grandparents, and even my children would like me to be. I put away all that society expects of me. I let-go of the burden of acting a part anyone would like me to play. And I consider the Creator, and who the Creator created me to be. I was created for life, for joy, for love, for service. I was not created to do the will of anyone except the Creator. I was created because it made the Creator happy. Basically.. I was created to just BE.. to enjoy the moment.. because everything else is not real (including my thoughts). Only what is happening right now is real, because what is in the past is in the past, and what is in the future hasn't happened yet.
My experience is both spiritual and physical. And I need both to function as the Creator intended me to be.
The key to living a good life is awareness.
* Being aware of my present surroundings in this moment is living.
* Being aware of the-dream-of-the-planet and that it is not real, it is a description, and is just a dream; and also, being aware that I can choose to act out the dream or not.
When I am aware then I can choose to live in the world of words and thoughts or in the world of just existing, of just knowing without words.
Words and thus thoughts are only symbols of what is real. [And] the only thing that is real is what is happening right now.
How I practice
observation
while staying checked-in.
By practicing AWARENESS.
When I am aware that there is both a spiritual and a physical world of existence and can immerse myself in either world of existence, then I am free to choose my experience - a spiritual one (without words) or a physical one (within which words create a mental picture of my existence).
... [View Full Comment]
On Dec 27, 2018 Jodyne wrote on Who Is My Neighbor?, by Ivan Illich:
I've not felt like I had to chooose which one I'd want for a neighbor. I do know my heart will tell me who my neighbor or is though.
On Dec 5, 2018 Jodyne wrote on The New And Ancient Story Of Interbeing, by Charles Eisenstein:
What do you make of the notion of 'interbeing'?
The way I see myself is that I am light/alive. When I was a VERY young person, just born, I opened my eyes and looked around, curiosity filled my innermost being and I enjoyed the moment - being touched by gentle hands, feeling the cool air and warmth of my mother. And although I was wordless, and knew no language in the concept of knowledge, I could communicate. I could receive information and I could express or share it as well. I was completely authentic - if I was hungry I let it be known. If I was cold or uncomfortable I let it be known.
But as I grew I was immersed into culture and knowledge. First spoken words and then visual words had meanings [established by culture] and I learned them from my parents and those around me. In this way I was culturized. . And I learned to please others, to live for others, to make them happy. And I enjoyed to see them happy. I learned that if I did not live to make them happy I was punished. THIS whole PROCESS is what I call DOMESTICATION. When I live like this I forget who I really am as I put on a show and act in ways to show or to prove to others I was as they desired me to be. I became an actor or an actress.
To become who I really am I need to pay attention to who I really am deep inside of myself and forget my training, and see beyond who others want me to be.
Can you share a personal story of a time you felt that the world and everything in it is a gift?
The first thing that comes to my mind is my early childhood experiences roughly from the ages of 4-13. During this time I had frequent exposure to Mother Earth and natural things, I believe this exposure reassured me of my true nature and being. It kept me grounded, and in touch with natural rhythms of life, I cant help but know that I am a part of all this life around me. What became increasingly uncomfortable was when... [View Full Comment]
On Nov 20, 2018 Quacinda Jodyne Topkok wrote on Love Is Not An Emotion, by Barbara Frederickson:
What is LOVE is one of the Greateat Questiins anyone can ask of themselves. The answer is foundational to one's life experience.
I understand LOVE to be LIFE it's self. And to experience life we only have THIS moment. One breath away doesn't count - a moment, even a split second ago is the past.. and LOVE is not there. The future has t happens yet even if it is imagined, and LOVE is not there.
When I think of something larger then myself I think of not just ME.. but everything around me.. EVERYTHING [that has been] created. I am part of the universe and a viable part of it just because I am alive.
Ive been asking the question of 'Who am
I?' Since my childhood. When I was born I just existed without thought, without shame, without aim to impress anyone... When I was happy I was at peace, when I felt pain or unhappiness I expressed it genuinely. I did not hide my feelings. I was completely authentic.
But as I grew I discovered the world of communication and learned how to make others happy.
On Nov 20, 2018 Quacinda Jodyne Topkok wrote on The Root Of The Root Of Your Self, by Rumi:
What does the root of the root of your self mean to you?
It means the REAL me.. not the one described with thought and verbal description.
Can you share a personal experience of a time you returned to the root of the root of your self?
I don't know if I have an exact or a dramatic moment of when I came to realize who I really was. Again, keeping in mind that one cannot describe who we each are, I'd suggest that we are life it's self, and the One who created us is the only one who can help us know or realize who we really are.
What helps you realize that you are a ruby embedded in granite?
Stories help me.. and when I hear a story or a description of the deepest part of me, I just know if it's true also for me.
These stories, these words and descriptions only scratch the surface. They are just words and words are just symbols, they represent an idea or thought. And the description is only accurate if the meaning is identical for both the teller and the listener.. If there are misunderstandings of the symbols or different descriptions then the story is scewed or twisted, it is not accurate.
But if I can identidy with the storyteller then I sense or feel that the storyteller understands [me]; I can express or affirm who I am, what I felt, and can confirm or give feedback about the truth of MY experience or story.
What really helps me the most is to connect to my creator. The Creator is the one who knows who I really am, and if I am still enough from my busy life I can contemplate on life and who I am, and disciver my place in the creation of all.
On Nov 4, 2018 Quacinda Jodyne Topkok wrote on No Rush, No Dawdle: The Secret Of Proper Timing, by Tom Maxwell:
No Rush, No Dawdle: The Secret Of Proper Timing
Q.) What does being fully unified with your experience mean to you?
A.) To be aware of and appreciate life to the core.. to live in the moment, right now.
It's really quite logical and simple.. the past is past and nothing can change it. The future is always in the future no matter what. Not even emotion can change that fact.
Mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually I 'know', with and without words the truth about time and place.
More specifically.. It means to be aware of my own domestication. To be aware of teachings and trainings I've been taught since birth; to be aware of whose approval I am seeking.. and surprisingly.. to [basically] be aware of language and the power of words (because whatever they mean to me may mean something different to anyone else and this can really add to our confusion in life); and why be aware of this? Because what we know and understand affects our values and beliefs and how we see and experience life. And even our our choices.
When I am aware of all these things then I can choose to ignore or forget it all, otherwise I am living automatically, I am living by my domestication (I had no choice regarding how I was taught and trained, how I was domesticated). I can live by spirit more fully, I am aware of who I really am, I can live by truths and not by [the] lies that make me miserable. I live by what is real.
Q.) Can you share a personal story of a time you got the feeling of the eternal present into your bones?
A.) Yes; exploring the woods behind our house in summertime. Watching my cat hunt in the never ending twilight of the Arctic region. Watching the birds within their nesting territory as they fly back and fourth gathering food for their babies. Just sitting and watching for hours, or wandering around for hours at place and tim... [View Full Comment]
On Oct 25, 2018 Jodyne wrote on Love Is Not An Emotion, by Barbara Frederickson:
I understand that we are made by love, and.. love is who we are. It is not something we get, it is something we give away. It is not just a feeling.. it is much more then that.. it is what makes life worthwhile and life has no meaning unless we are sharing it (giving it away). So.. it is love coming out of us that fulfills our purpose, and not the feelings we have that we can experience when someone else gives us attention and love.
On Oct 18, 2018 Jodyne wrote on Intentions And Effects, by Gary Zukav:
When I see the words 'intentions and effects' I remember that humans have a powerful source of power called 'the will'. When we are aware and apply the will we gain volition and can proceed from a beginning towards a goal. Every day, even several times a day we can meditate (at least remember) our goal and apply the will again. In time we see the results of our persistence.
On Oct 12, 2018 Jodyne wrote on You Must Shout From The Heart, by Ken Wilber:
How do you relate to the notion that you are in fact the entire world, in all its triumphs and tears?
For me, I had to be pushed into the world before I could identify that I was a viable part of it. I had to see and experience pain and pass through confusion to clarity. Without vision, without volition, without persistence, without determination, I could not have stepped into my new role of responsibility; and this was motivated by pure love.
Can you share a personal story of a time a transformative shout roared from your heart?
Yes; for months I became aware that my preteen daughter and my husband had entered into some sort of conflict. At first my reaction was to be a peacemaker, but when the unresolved conflicts grew to big and so powerful I became aware that I could not manage the situation playing the part of peacemaker any longer. I despaired, and I prayed, and every moment the situation between the two reached out to engulf me I reached out to my source of Power (to God), and then one late evening It came to me that even though our kids had two parents, neither one of them was protecting and guiding them. My parenting style had been one of taking responsibility for them, but who was teaching them to be responsible for themselves... no one.
It was time to teach my daughter that no one could live her life for her, and it was time for her to take hold of life or it would take hold of her.
Now I knew it was time to show them how to take care of their own personal issues and problems as much as they could and teach them what I already knew and entrust them to take action for themselves and I would begin to hold back and let them handle their own lives and challenges.
This was not anything I read or had heard about and moved to action by head knowledge, but I just 'knew' without words.
What helps you proceed carefully with... [View Full Comment]
On Sep 17, 2019 Quacinda wrote on Three Qualities Of Holiness, by Anthony De Mello:
When we are born born we are born perfect, but as we grow up we learn the culture we are born into; culture is riddled with lies that we live by. But the newborn does not have the words or understanding or culture until it is taught to him/her.
The lies which we live live by make all us unholy. My understanding is then that we have the power of choice. We can choose to live with a positive outlook or a negative one. We can chose to be happy or sad, we can choose to be holy or unholy.
I also understand that we cannot live by creeds, by any religion, or even anything taught to us; what we can discover with words is an idea(s) we can 'play' with as we organize and create our life.