Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Passion
I am reading Why Your Life Sucks by Alan H. Cohen for the second time, a rarity for me. That tells you how good the book is, not how much my life sucks. He points out how people fear their passions. Rather than letting our passions dictate how we live our lives, we repress them out of fear that if they were allowed free reign we would go on a spree of raping and plundering. This is a totally wrong headed view, but it is the predominant view, at least in this part of the world and probably world wide. Therefore, one of the biggest cultural, religious and political fronts in the culture wars is around sex. Who can have sex with whom, under what conditions, what can we do to avoid unwanted side effects and God knows, what should we teach our children about it.
However, a healthy expression of passion is the best antidote to raping and plundering. It is the unhealthy repression of passions that leads persons to rape and plunder. When the passions are repressed, they manifest in unhealthy ways. When they are expressed in healthy, loving ways, we become more kind, loving and compassionate to all persons. When persons are crushed by poverty and raised in dysfunctional families where they don't get the love and nurturing they need, they are more likely to become criminals. When persons are taught that sex is bad and really all forms of sensual pleasure are bad because we may offend an angry God, their sexuality and sensuality take on unhealthy expressions whether it is priests engaging in pedophilia or women engaging in unhealthy eating habits.
So as you think about new year's resolutions, be kind to yourself. Think about how you can let your passions guide you. What you are passionate about is often a sign of what you were put here on earth to do. Nurture your passions for creativity, love, sex, pleasure, peace, serenity, security, charity, justice, self expression, and whatever else turns you on in healthy ways. Seek self fulfillment, not self denial. Imagine what a perfect life would be like rather that tweaking this and that.
Peace, love and joy,
Steve
I am reading Why Your Life Sucks by Alan H. Cohen for the second time, a rarity for me. That tells you how good the book is, not how much my life sucks. He points out how people fear their passions. Rather than letting our passions dictate how we live our lives, we repress them out of fear that if they were allowed free reign we would go on a spree of raping and plundering. This is a totally wrong headed view, but it is the predominant view, at least in this part of the world and probably world wide. Therefore, one of the biggest cultural, religious and political fronts in the culture wars is around sex. Who can have sex with whom, under what conditions, what can we do to avoid unwanted side effects and God knows, what should we teach our children about it.
However, a healthy expression of passion is the best antidote to raping and plundering. It is the unhealthy repression of passions that leads persons to rape and plunder. When the passions are repressed, they manifest in unhealthy ways. When they are expressed in healthy, loving ways, we become more kind, loving and compassionate to all persons. When persons are crushed by poverty and raised in dysfunctional families where they don't get the love and nurturing they need, they are more likely to become criminals. When persons are taught that sex is bad and really all forms of sensual pleasure are bad because we may offend an angry God, their sexuality and sensuality take on unhealthy expressions whether it is priests engaging in pedophilia or women engaging in unhealthy eating habits.
So as you think about new year's resolutions, be kind to yourself. Think about how you can let your passions guide you. What you are passionate about is often a sign of what you were put here on earth to do. Nurture your passions for creativity, love, sex, pleasure, peace, serenity, security, charity, justice, self expression, and whatever else turns you on in healthy ways. Seek self fulfillment, not self denial. Imagine what a perfect life would be like rather that tweaking this and that.
Peace, love and joy,
Steve
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Religion and politics
I just read "Putting God Back in Politics" by Jim Wallis. This article appeared in the December 28, 2003 edition of The New York Times. Jim Wallis is editor of Sojourners magazine and the convener of Call to Renewal, a national network of churches working to overcome poverty. He faults the Democrats, esp. the presidential contenders, for secularizing their campaigns and not using religious language to address progressive social issues thus allowing the Republicans to define what the religious issues are and capturing the vote of most church going Americans. He makes a persuasive argument which I agree with.
Liberals' personalizing and privatizing religion, not wanting to offend anyone or not wanting to expose their views which they feel they may not be able to defend, has left the field of religion and politics dominated by the likes of George Bush, Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. I know liberal pastors also who are reluctant to express their views clearly to their congregations for fear of loosing their jobs. I know that is a real possibility because I openly expressed progressive theological, social and political views to my congregations. As I result, I am no longer in parish ministry.
It did give me pleasure on Friday to see "Now with Bill Moyers" on PBS focus on Rev. James Forbes at Riverside Church in New York. Rev. Forbes is not afraid to speak truth to authority even with Dick Cheney sitting in the pew. We need more preachers like him and Jim Wallis to speak out. Christians need to realize Jesus wasn't a conservative. He was really a radical, and if we're going to claim to be his followers, we need to be also. It certainly entails risk, but it is even more risky to abandon the culture wars to the religious conservatives. I am active with the local West Michigan Call to Renewal network, and you may want to see if there is a chapter near you. It is a worthwhile movement.
I just read "Putting God Back in Politics" by Jim Wallis. This article appeared in the December 28, 2003 edition of The New York Times. Jim Wallis is editor of Sojourners magazine and the convener of Call to Renewal, a national network of churches working to overcome poverty. He faults the Democrats, esp. the presidential contenders, for secularizing their campaigns and not using religious language to address progressive social issues thus allowing the Republicans to define what the religious issues are and capturing the vote of most church going Americans. He makes a persuasive argument which I agree with.
Liberals' personalizing and privatizing religion, not wanting to offend anyone or not wanting to expose their views which they feel they may not be able to defend, has left the field of religion and politics dominated by the likes of George Bush, Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. I know liberal pastors also who are reluctant to express their views clearly to their congregations for fear of loosing their jobs. I know that is a real possibility because I openly expressed progressive theological, social and political views to my congregations. As I result, I am no longer in parish ministry.
It did give me pleasure on Friday to see "Now with Bill Moyers" on PBS focus on Rev. James Forbes at Riverside Church in New York. Rev. Forbes is not afraid to speak truth to authority even with Dick Cheney sitting in the pew. We need more preachers like him and Jim Wallis to speak out. Christians need to realize Jesus wasn't a conservative. He was really a radical, and if we're going to claim to be his followers, we need to be also. It certainly entails risk, but it is even more risky to abandon the culture wars to the religious conservatives. I am active with the local West Michigan Call to Renewal network, and you may want to see if there is a chapter near you. It is a worthwhile movement.
Bob Dylan
I was reading a list of the top ten movies of 2003 at salon.com a couple of days ago and found Masked and Anonymous in that list. I had never heard of it. It's a new Bob Dylan movie that came out this summer. I'm a big Bob Dylan fan going back to the mid sixties. I was disappointed that it was not in theaters or available for home viewing. Yesterday, I got the sound-track CD, and it's great. Makes me want to see the movie even more. It's supposed to be like a long, non-linear, lyric story one might find in one of his songs. Keep an eye out for it all you Dylan fans.
It's great to see such a creative giant who is often unappreciated and ridiculed go on producing high quality work. He is really a prophet for our times. At least he is appreciated by his loyal fans and fellow artists.
I was reading a list of the top ten movies of 2003 at salon.com a couple of days ago and found Masked and Anonymous in that list. I had never heard of it. It's a new Bob Dylan movie that came out this summer. I'm a big Bob Dylan fan going back to the mid sixties. I was disappointed that it was not in theaters or available for home viewing. Yesterday, I got the sound-track CD, and it's great. Makes me want to see the movie even more. It's supposed to be like a long, non-linear, lyric story one might find in one of his songs. Keep an eye out for it all you Dylan fans.
It's great to see such a creative giant who is often unappreciated and ridiculed go on producing high quality work. He is really a prophet for our times. At least he is appreciated by his loyal fans and fellow artists.
Friday, December 26, 2003
All right!
Finally saw "Return of the King" today. What a great movie. What an enduring theme. It was 1966 in Haight Ashbury that I first read the Ring Trilogy and was thoroughly intrigued by it. It's remained a part of my personal mythology ever since. This has got to the best movie of the year. I must admit I was crying tears of joy at the end. I do cry rather easily and often. No I'm not ashamed of that. The more we can learn to cry and express our emotions the better off we will be. Men especially have been trained not to cry or express emotions, but I think we are the losers for that. Being able to experience the full range of emotions is a good thing. Then we are fully alive and present to life. Don't get caught up in a false division of the sexes.
Peace,
Steve
Finally saw "Return of the King" today. What a great movie. What an enduring theme. It was 1966 in Haight Ashbury that I first read the Ring Trilogy and was thoroughly intrigued by it. It's remained a part of my personal mythology ever since. This has got to the best movie of the year. I must admit I was crying tears of joy at the end. I do cry rather easily and often. No I'm not ashamed of that. The more we can learn to cry and express our emotions the better off we will be. Men especially have been trained not to cry or express emotions, but I think we are the losers for that. Being able to experience the full range of emotions is a good thing. Then we are fully alive and present to life. Don't get caught up in a false division of the sexes.
Peace,
Steve
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Love is the answer
The eternal religion is loving devotional service to God. It doesn't matter what path you follow. The goal is the same. God is unlimited and therefore there are unlimited ways to attain this goal. Chanting God's holy names is one way. God has unlimited names and God's name is the same as God. Constantly living in the presence of God consciously is another way. Loving God and God's creation is still another. Serving God and creation is part of it too.
God is loving and giving, and when we are loving and giving, we are like God, in union with God, enlightened and liberated. Is there any higher goal? Isn't this the essence? Everything else is superficial, superfluous, an impediment. When we are loving and giving, we are acting as liberated spiritual beings. When everyone acts in this way, it is heaven on earth.
Let love and peace and giving of oneself come to all this Christmas that we may experience heaven on earth.
Steve
The eternal religion is loving devotional service to God. It doesn't matter what path you follow. The goal is the same. God is unlimited and therefore there are unlimited ways to attain this goal. Chanting God's holy names is one way. God has unlimited names and God's name is the same as God. Constantly living in the presence of God consciously is another way. Loving God and God's creation is still another. Serving God and creation is part of it too.
God is loving and giving, and when we are loving and giving, we are like God, in union with God, enlightened and liberated. Is there any higher goal? Isn't this the essence? Everything else is superficial, superfluous, an impediment. When we are loving and giving, we are acting as liberated spiritual beings. When everyone acts in this way, it is heaven on earth.
Let love and peace and giving of oneself come to all this Christmas that we may experience heaven on earth.
Steve
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
The Greatest Gift
Look. It's like this. In the beginning, God created the whole universe. I believe it was done through a big bang and that bang was the word of God. The universe expanded, galaxies, stars, planets, life, consciousness, etc. all formed in course of time and evolution played a natural role in this development as did the laws of nature. Yet what was there before the bang? There was God, the Ground of All Being, Source of all life and love. So this whole creation is God's energy and God's consciousness pervades the whole thing, on every level and is accessible to us.
We are part and parcel of God. God is infinite. We are infinitesimal. We are all connected to everything including God. However, we have free will and often choose to forget about God and screw things up. This has been going on for a long, long time and has become a very bad habit. As long as we think we can profit at the expense of others, this will continue. We need to realize my happiness is dependent on your happiness. Just imagine how happy we'd all be if everyone were happy and had everything they needed to live happy, holy, whole, content, meaningful lives. What a wonderful place this would be. It would be heaven on earth.
Every once in a while, but more often than you may think, guys (and gals) like Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, etc. who are more open to the God energy working through them show up and say, "Come on people. Wake up. Realize why you're really here, who you are and what you're supposed to be doing. Let's get it together and love one another right now." Usually, they're ignored, co-opted and their teachings distorted by their followers. The thing is we're all supposed to be like them, not blind followers. The greatest gift you can give this season is to let the light of God shine through you for the good of all. May God so bless you.
Peace and love,
Steve
Look. It's like this. In the beginning, God created the whole universe. I believe it was done through a big bang and that bang was the word of God. The universe expanded, galaxies, stars, planets, life, consciousness, etc. all formed in course of time and evolution played a natural role in this development as did the laws of nature. Yet what was there before the bang? There was God, the Ground of All Being, Source of all life and love. So this whole creation is God's energy and God's consciousness pervades the whole thing, on every level and is accessible to us.
We are part and parcel of God. God is infinite. We are infinitesimal. We are all connected to everything including God. However, we have free will and often choose to forget about God and screw things up. This has been going on for a long, long time and has become a very bad habit. As long as we think we can profit at the expense of others, this will continue. We need to realize my happiness is dependent on your happiness. Just imagine how happy we'd all be if everyone were happy and had everything they needed to live happy, holy, whole, content, meaningful lives. What a wonderful place this would be. It would be heaven on earth.
Every once in a while, but more often than you may think, guys (and gals) like Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, etc. who are more open to the God energy working through them show up and say, "Come on people. Wake up. Realize why you're really here, who you are and what you're supposed to be doing. Let's get it together and love one another right now." Usually, they're ignored, co-opted and their teachings distorted by their followers. The thing is we're all supposed to be like them, not blind followers. The greatest gift you can give this season is to let the light of God shine through you for the good of all. May God so bless you.
Peace and love,
Steve
Monday, December 22, 2003
Shine on!
Yeah, it's the holiday season, and everyone's expectations are sky rocketing. Get a grip folks. We're still living in the material world. Things are never going to be perfect here. Be happy for what you have. If you're able to read this blog, you probably have quite a bit.
Sure, we all want life to be perfect. It is. We just don't know it. Life is what it is, and it gives us opportunities to grow even more perfect.
No matter what, remember you are part and parcel of God. What really matters cannot be taken from you or given to you. You are a perfect and complete spiritual being who is eternal, full of knowledge and bliss. The hype of consumerism is a ruse. Be thankful that God loves you and you are love. Let the light shine! "Shine on you crazy diamond."
Peace and love,
Steve
Yeah, it's the holiday season, and everyone's expectations are sky rocketing. Get a grip folks. We're still living in the material world. Things are never going to be perfect here. Be happy for what you have. If you're able to read this blog, you probably have quite a bit.
Sure, we all want life to be perfect. It is. We just don't know it. Life is what it is, and it gives us opportunities to grow even more perfect.
No matter what, remember you are part and parcel of God. What really matters cannot be taken from you or given to you. You are a perfect and complete spiritual being who is eternal, full of knowledge and bliss. The hype of consumerism is a ruse. Be thankful that God loves you and you are love. Let the light shine! "Shine on you crazy diamond."
Peace and love,
Steve
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Imagine
"Imagine there's no countries/ It isn't hard to do/ Nothing to kill or die for/ And no religion too./ Imagine all the people/ Living life in peace, aha./ You may say I'm a dreamer/ but I'm not the only one/ I hope someday you'll join us/ and the world will live as one." John Lennon
I must say these words resonate very strongly with me these days. I am a world citizen, an inhabitant of planet earth. I would like to be able to live where I choose, when I choose without a bunch of rules, regulations and visa requirements put on me. All borders and divisions are artificial control mechanisms put in place to maintain systems of power and oppression. It's a shame that so many religions are also part of this power and control mechanism lending credence to the state and further dividing people.
Yes. I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday this dream will come true.
Peace,
Steve
"Imagine there's no countries/ It isn't hard to do/ Nothing to kill or die for/ And no religion too./ Imagine all the people/ Living life in peace, aha./ You may say I'm a dreamer/ but I'm not the only one/ I hope someday you'll join us/ and the world will live as one." John Lennon
I must say these words resonate very strongly with me these days. I am a world citizen, an inhabitant of planet earth. I would like to be able to live where I choose, when I choose without a bunch of rules, regulations and visa requirements put on me. All borders and divisions are artificial control mechanisms put in place to maintain systems of power and oppression. It's a shame that so many religions are also part of this power and control mechanism lending credence to the state and further dividing people.
Yes. I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday this dream will come true.
Peace,
Steve
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Wake up!
Well, here I go again. Definite proof I am appealing to a particular target market.
Howard Dean is right. We are no safer with Saddam in jail. Saddam was never a threat to us. George Bush is a threat to us.
Regarding Plan B, the Morning After Pill, anything that will help women avoid unwanted pregnancies is a welcome addition to the solution. Do we really still want to keep women barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen? Don't we have enough humans over populating this planet and destroying the environment with inadequate jobs to support those who are already alive? Do we really want to keep increasing the population which we cannot afford to even educate due to tax cuts for the rich and excessive expenditures for an unnecessary war? What to speak of health care. When are we going to learn that it's alright to prevent unwanted births and to let old folks die a natural death? After all, as soon as you're born, you know the end will be death. It's unavoidable. Why prolong the inevitable with a miserable quality of life merely to enrich the medical profession?
Come on folks. Think about it. How long can you remain in denial?
Peace,
Steve
Well, here I go again. Definite proof I am appealing to a particular target market.
Howard Dean is right. We are no safer with Saddam in jail. Saddam was never a threat to us. George Bush is a threat to us.
Regarding Plan B, the Morning After Pill, anything that will help women avoid unwanted pregnancies is a welcome addition to the solution. Do we really still want to keep women barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen? Don't we have enough humans over populating this planet and destroying the environment with inadequate jobs to support those who are already alive? Do we really want to keep increasing the population which we cannot afford to even educate due to tax cuts for the rich and excessive expenditures for an unnecessary war? What to speak of health care. When are we going to learn that it's alright to prevent unwanted births and to let old folks die a natural death? After all, as soon as you're born, you know the end will be death. It's unavoidable. Why prolong the inevitable with a miserable quality of life merely to enrich the medical profession?
Come on folks. Think about it. How long can you remain in denial?
Peace,
Steve
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Guys
It's like why are men so cavalier when it comes to personal safety measures especially when doing stuff like home repairs? Does it have to bring out the macho, indestructible (in our own minds) genetic make-up we are ingrained with? My wife and I began tearing up our carpeting and redoing the hardwood floors this summer. There are still some things that need finishing up however. So today she took the job of staining the plywood around the heat vents, and I took the job of spray painting the vents. I pulled them out, took them down the basement, wire brushed them and spray painted them black. I read the paint can and was warned to have adequate ventilation. I thought of doing the painting in the garage, but it's too cold out there. I got a built-in ventilation fan in the basement going that I haven't used in the four years we lived here. But as I was wire brushing the vents to remove the rust and old loose paint I wondered if I should get a dust mask from the garage. I figured the vent was below my face and things fall rather than rise. As I was spray painting, I again wondered about a mask and quickly dismissed it again. After all, I was only doing three grates.
As I was cleaning up, I thought I'd better blow my nose and I was surprised how much black came out. As I sat down at the computer and started returning to my normal consciousness, I thought I'd better take a tissue and see if I could clean out my nose a little better and was again surprised at how much black there was.
I don't do much handy man work and physical labor although I've done my share at different times in my life. I usually think, meditate, write, read and talk to people about those things. I consider myself to be rather enlightened and self realized, pretty much of a spiritual master. Yet I notice that when I engage in physical work, I get into a mode or a zone that is quite different. I'm still very present and conscious, aware of my actions, yet there's kind of an auto-pilot where I'm just kind of plowing through what has to be done. My wife can notice a difference in me and so can I. It seems there are deep gender role conditionings that remain on a genetic level no matter what level of enlightenment one may attain. So when my wife asks why I act like I do sometimes, I say, "What can I do? I'm just a guy." I guess all us guys can relate to Tim Taylor or Red Green on some level. I guess you women know what I mean when I say, "I'm just a guy."
Peace,
Steve
It's like why are men so cavalier when it comes to personal safety measures especially when doing stuff like home repairs? Does it have to bring out the macho, indestructible (in our own minds) genetic make-up we are ingrained with? My wife and I began tearing up our carpeting and redoing the hardwood floors this summer. There are still some things that need finishing up however. So today she took the job of staining the plywood around the heat vents, and I took the job of spray painting the vents. I pulled them out, took them down the basement, wire brushed them and spray painted them black. I read the paint can and was warned to have adequate ventilation. I thought of doing the painting in the garage, but it's too cold out there. I got a built-in ventilation fan in the basement going that I haven't used in the four years we lived here. But as I was wire brushing the vents to remove the rust and old loose paint I wondered if I should get a dust mask from the garage. I figured the vent was below my face and things fall rather than rise. As I was spray painting, I again wondered about a mask and quickly dismissed it again. After all, I was only doing three grates.
As I was cleaning up, I thought I'd better blow my nose and I was surprised how much black came out. As I sat down at the computer and started returning to my normal consciousness, I thought I'd better take a tissue and see if I could clean out my nose a little better and was again surprised at how much black there was.
I don't do much handy man work and physical labor although I've done my share at different times in my life. I usually think, meditate, write, read and talk to people about those things. I consider myself to be rather enlightened and self realized, pretty much of a spiritual master. Yet I notice that when I engage in physical work, I get into a mode or a zone that is quite different. I'm still very present and conscious, aware of my actions, yet there's kind of an auto-pilot where I'm just kind of plowing through what has to be done. My wife can notice a difference in me and so can I. It seems there are deep gender role conditionings that remain on a genetic level no matter what level of enlightenment one may attain. So when my wife asks why I act like I do sometimes, I say, "What can I do? I'm just a guy." I guess all us guys can relate to Tim Taylor or Red Green on some level. I guess you women know what I mean when I say, "I'm just a guy."
Peace,
Steve
Saturday, December 13, 2003
A positive vision
Yesterday, my wife and I finally got to see The Matrix: Revolutions at the Imax. I was truly anxious to see this film, feeling I needed closure. I loved the first Matrix film and was just elated that so many spiritual themes were woven into the plot and that it was being so well received by the public and elucidated upon by scholars. Frankly, I left the theatre feeling bummed after seeing Reloaded. I watched it again on video and felt a bit better about it. Revolutions left me feeling satisfied and complete about the overall message of the trilogy. While apprehensive due to the negative reviews Revolutions received, I was glad I didn't allow them to keep me away. I don't think many reviewers are capable of appreciating the truly revolutionary message of The Matrix trilogy.
I am even more looking forward to The Return of the King. I first read The Ring Trilogy in 1966 while a hippie in Haight Ashbury. I was totally absorbed and fascinated by the mythology. I identified (and still do) with The Ranger, Aragorn, who later was recognized as the king.
I love sci-fi and fantasy, especially when they portray an uplifting vision. I find so much recent cinema and TV to be uninteresting garbage. Why not use all that money, talent and ability to communicate to uplift humanity? By the way, if you haven't already, check out "Joan of Arcadia."
Live long and prosper,
Steve
Yesterday, my wife and I finally got to see The Matrix: Revolutions at the Imax. I was truly anxious to see this film, feeling I needed closure. I loved the first Matrix film and was just elated that so many spiritual themes were woven into the plot and that it was being so well received by the public and elucidated upon by scholars. Frankly, I left the theatre feeling bummed after seeing Reloaded. I watched it again on video and felt a bit better about it. Revolutions left me feeling satisfied and complete about the overall message of the trilogy. While apprehensive due to the negative reviews Revolutions received, I was glad I didn't allow them to keep me away. I don't think many reviewers are capable of appreciating the truly revolutionary message of The Matrix trilogy.
I am even more looking forward to The Return of the King. I first read The Ring Trilogy in 1966 while a hippie in Haight Ashbury. I was totally absorbed and fascinated by the mythology. I identified (and still do) with The Ranger, Aragorn, who later was recognized as the king.
I love sci-fi and fantasy, especially when they portray an uplifting vision. I find so much recent cinema and TV to be uninteresting garbage. Why not use all that money, talent and ability to communicate to uplift humanity? By the way, if you haven't already, check out "Joan of Arcadia."
Live long and prosper,
Steve
Friday, December 12, 2003
The right to earn a living
Last night I was awarded the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award by the Kent-Ionia Labor Council. This was in recognition of the work I have been doing for three years along with the president of the Labor Council, the mayor-elect and other community leaders to get Grand Rapids to accept a Livable Family Income Incentive Proposal. Our proposal is a modified version of a living wage ordinance which is much less restrictive, rewards companies with good business practices and levels the playing field when bidding on city contracts. After three years, we have the support of one city commissioner who is a union man.
Yet right before going to the awards dinner, I was reading the GR Press on line and came across an article City creates public works incentives for minority hiring. This made me very angry since it employs similar bid discounts like we are proposing for businesses "who hire minorities and women for city public works projects." They even offer a discount for "Participating in an Adopt-A-Stream program." Now this tells me the city has a structure in place to monitor this program and audit contractors to insure that the hiring practices and stream cleaning are being done. Meanwhile, we were told that it would be too expensive to monitor contractors to see if they provided a livable family income for their workers. Sounds like they want to give women and minorities equal opportunity to earn low wages. Just don't ask businesses to give their workers a fair deal. I'm all in favor of giving a break to women and minorities. I also think everyone deserves a livable income. I don't see a contradiction between the programs. Rather, I say why can't both programs work together. Just add on discounts for businesses who provide a livable wage, health care and other family friendly benefits.
It makes sense to me. It made sense to folks at the union hall last night when I made my acceptance speech. Does it make sense to you?
Solidarity,
Steve
Last night I was awarded the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award by the Kent-Ionia Labor Council. This was in recognition of the work I have been doing for three years along with the president of the Labor Council, the mayor-elect and other community leaders to get Grand Rapids to accept a Livable Family Income Incentive Proposal. Our proposal is a modified version of a living wage ordinance which is much less restrictive, rewards companies with good business practices and levels the playing field when bidding on city contracts. After three years, we have the support of one city commissioner who is a union man.
Yet right before going to the awards dinner, I was reading the GR Press on line and came across an article City creates public works incentives for minority hiring. This made me very angry since it employs similar bid discounts like we are proposing for businesses "who hire minorities and women for city public works projects." They even offer a discount for "Participating in an Adopt-A-Stream program." Now this tells me the city has a structure in place to monitor this program and audit contractors to insure that the hiring practices and stream cleaning are being done. Meanwhile, we were told that it would be too expensive to monitor contractors to see if they provided a livable family income for their workers. Sounds like they want to give women and minorities equal opportunity to earn low wages. Just don't ask businesses to give their workers a fair deal. I'm all in favor of giving a break to women and minorities. I also think everyone deserves a livable income. I don't see a contradiction between the programs. Rather, I say why can't both programs work together. Just add on discounts for businesses who provide a livable wage, health care and other family friendly benefits.
It makes sense to me. It made sense to folks at the union hall last night when I made my acceptance speech. Does it make sense to you?
Solidarity,
Steve
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Health care choices
One of the benefits of the decline in health insurance benefits that I and many Americans are experiencing is that today I visited Jock, a practitioner of Oriental Assessment and Herbal Counseling. You see, last week, my wife whose health insurance I am under told me that because the deductibles are now so high on the policy she might as well go see Jock because even if she goes to a network provider the insurance will probably never kick in. She went to see Jock and after questioning her about his techniques I was impressed. I have no faith in traditional Western medical practitioners anyhow.
So, today I also saw Jock since I have some digestive problems that have been keeping my life from being as perfect as I would like. I spent about two and a half hours with him, got a good overview of how the body works, received a painless and non-intrusive diagnosis and a list of herbs for me to take. I have confidence in him. Our friends who have been seeing him for years gave him the highest recommendation.
Jock said that other clients said the same thing about their insurance coverage and why they were coming to him. If you have to pay for your medical expenses out of your own pocket, you might as well get the best available service. As for me, I'd rather deal with a holistic practitioner than a typical doctor who usually just treats symptoms rather than getting to the underlying causes of the symptoms. Two and a half hours with Jock cost me $90 and the herbs may cost a hundred dollars or so. Then I expect to be healthy. This makes sense to me. How about you?
Peace,
Steve
One of the benefits of the decline in health insurance benefits that I and many Americans are experiencing is that today I visited Jock, a practitioner of Oriental Assessment and Herbal Counseling. You see, last week, my wife whose health insurance I am under told me that because the deductibles are now so high on the policy she might as well go see Jock because even if she goes to a network provider the insurance will probably never kick in. She went to see Jock and after questioning her about his techniques I was impressed. I have no faith in traditional Western medical practitioners anyhow.
So, today I also saw Jock since I have some digestive problems that have been keeping my life from being as perfect as I would like. I spent about two and a half hours with him, got a good overview of how the body works, received a painless and non-intrusive diagnosis and a list of herbs for me to take. I have confidence in him. Our friends who have been seeing him for years gave him the highest recommendation.
Jock said that other clients said the same thing about their insurance coverage and why they were coming to him. If you have to pay for your medical expenses out of your own pocket, you might as well get the best available service. As for me, I'd rather deal with a holistic practitioner than a typical doctor who usually just treats symptoms rather than getting to the underlying causes of the symptoms. Two and a half hours with Jock cost me $90 and the herbs may cost a hundred dollars or so. Then I expect to be healthy. This makes sense to me. How about you?
Peace,
Steve
Monday, December 08, 2003
The need for change
Last night my wife and I went to a wonderful house party sponsored by MoveOn to view the video Uncovered: The Whole Truth about the Iraq War. The video confirmed what I already knew about Bush's lies that dragged us into this stupid Iraq war. It was good to view it with about 25 others and follow up with stimulating conversation about what we could do. While there were differing views on various points, I felt a general consensus about the need for change. Most felt little could be done until we get a Democrat (or Green) into the White House.
I spoke with a Dean supporter, and the more I learn about him the better I feel about him and his chances of winning. I just hope Bush will not steal or cancel the election with his bag of dirty tricks. It seems this administration will stop at nothing to achieve their nefarious aims.
I hope the electorate will become more aware of what is really going on. The media's lack of investigation and criticism of Bush and his tactics doesn't help. I am grateful for the internet and organizations like MoveOn which provide alternative views.
In solidarity,
Steve
Last night my wife and I went to a wonderful house party sponsored by MoveOn to view the video Uncovered: The Whole Truth about the Iraq War. The video confirmed what I already knew about Bush's lies that dragged us into this stupid Iraq war. It was good to view it with about 25 others and follow up with stimulating conversation about what we could do. While there were differing views on various points, I felt a general consensus about the need for change. Most felt little could be done until we get a Democrat (or Green) into the White House.
I spoke with a Dean supporter, and the more I learn about him the better I feel about him and his chances of winning. I just hope Bush will not steal or cancel the election with his bag of dirty tricks. It seems this administration will stop at nothing to achieve their nefarious aims.
I hope the electorate will become more aware of what is really going on. The media's lack of investigation and criticism of Bush and his tactics doesn't help. I am grateful for the internet and organizations like MoveOn which provide alternative views.
In solidarity,
Steve
Saturday, December 06, 2003
Christmas
I'm finding it hard to get into the Christmas spirit this year. I haven't put up any decorations or sent any cards. It seems like such a hollow ritual celebrating an event that never happened historically in the way it's described. There probably was a person named Jesus, but as for a "virgin" birth, angels, shepherds, magi, etc., that's just myth which tends to remove the effect of Jesus' teachings by making him "Son of God" by some miraculous birth. How can we ever hope to follow him? He's so "special."
As Meister Eckhart said, what good does it do if Christ was born 2,000 years ago if Christ isn't born in my heart. That's the real meaning of Christmas. May Christ be born in your heart as you endeavor to follow his teachings and example by becoming more Christlike.
That becomes more difficult as we pursue a commercialized, sentimentalized version of Christmas. Don't bust your budget and run yourself ragged this Christmas season. Rather look for Christ within and give the gift of love to all you meet.
Peace,
Steve
I'm finding it hard to get into the Christmas spirit this year. I haven't put up any decorations or sent any cards. It seems like such a hollow ritual celebrating an event that never happened historically in the way it's described. There probably was a person named Jesus, but as for a "virgin" birth, angels, shepherds, magi, etc., that's just myth which tends to remove the effect of Jesus' teachings by making him "Son of God" by some miraculous birth. How can we ever hope to follow him? He's so "special."
As Meister Eckhart said, what good does it do if Christ was born 2,000 years ago if Christ isn't born in my heart. That's the real meaning of Christmas. May Christ be born in your heart as you endeavor to follow his teachings and example by becoming more Christlike.
That becomes more difficult as we pursue a commercialized, sentimentalized version of Christmas. Don't bust your budget and run yourself ragged this Christmas season. Rather look for Christ within and give the gift of love to all you meet.
Peace,
Steve
Friday, December 05, 2003
Change the world
Life is perfect and getting more perfect by the day, at least for me. I've been absorbed in working the Perfect Life Program in my own life as I prepare to offer a series of workshops on the subject starting next month. I find myself much more content and happily engaged in the activities of my life that are already perfect in their own way. It's all a matter of perspective.
I find I'm cutting back on things that I feel I should be doing but am not really passionate about, e.g. the presidential race. My effect on the outcome will be very small. The large field of Democratic contenders makes it hard to know who to support at this time. I like Kucinich's ideals but don't think he has much chance of winning. I like Clark because I think he can win and has good positions. I also like Dean and there are some others I could live with. Fact of the matter is however that I have little faith that politics will substantially change things for us. I do believe we are better off when Democrats are in power and I will certainly vote, but after all they are politicians.
I believe real change occurs as individuals transform their lives to healthier, holistic, enlightened ways of being. As individuals change, society changes. Then a real paradigm shift occurs. That's why I've spent most of my life working in the spiritual and personal growth fields. I invite you to change along with me and we can change the world.
ShalOm,
Steve
Life is perfect and getting more perfect by the day, at least for me. I've been absorbed in working the Perfect Life Program in my own life as I prepare to offer a series of workshops on the subject starting next month. I find myself much more content and happily engaged in the activities of my life that are already perfect in their own way. It's all a matter of perspective.
I find I'm cutting back on things that I feel I should be doing but am not really passionate about, e.g. the presidential race. My effect on the outcome will be very small. The large field of Democratic contenders makes it hard to know who to support at this time. I like Kucinich's ideals but don't think he has much chance of winning. I like Clark because I think he can win and has good positions. I also like Dean and there are some others I could live with. Fact of the matter is however that I have little faith that politics will substantially change things for us. I do believe we are better off when Democrats are in power and I will certainly vote, but after all they are politicians.
I believe real change occurs as individuals transform their lives to healthier, holistic, enlightened ways of being. As individuals change, society changes. Then a real paradigm shift occurs. That's why I've spent most of my life working in the spiritual and personal growth fields. I invite you to change along with me and we can change the world.
ShalOm,
Steve
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Perfect!
A perfect life, what an incredible idea. To be able to live a perfect life in the midst of this world with all its obvious imperfections. When our life is so full of struggle, conflict, suffering, disappointment, etc., to be able to see the perfection in it is amazing. The thought that anything is "perfect" may astound some.
Yet, in January, I will begin a series of workshops on A Perfect Life. It's not a matter of being a perfectionist, but rather a matter of seeing the perfection in what is and making appropriate changes so that your life becomes even more perfect. What may be perfect for one will not be perfect for another. However, we all get to choose what is perfect for us.
Are you willing for your life to be perfect? If so, contact me for further information about how you can be part of this incredible program.
Go for it!
Steve
A perfect life, what an incredible idea. To be able to live a perfect life in the midst of this world with all its obvious imperfections. When our life is so full of struggle, conflict, suffering, disappointment, etc., to be able to see the perfection in it is amazing. The thought that anything is "perfect" may astound some.
Yet, in January, I will begin a series of workshops on A Perfect Life. It's not a matter of being a perfectionist, but rather a matter of seeing the perfection in what is and making appropriate changes so that your life becomes even more perfect. What may be perfect for one will not be perfect for another. However, we all get to choose what is perfect for us.
Are you willing for your life to be perfect? If so, contact me for further information about how you can be part of this incredible program.
Go for it!
Steve
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Don't let it get you down
Life sucks! That's for sure, especially the last three years of the Bush regime. I can't remember another time when the national and world outlook was so bleak. The suffering of so many persons especially due to economic despair and cutbacks, the death and absence of loved ones due to a senseless war, the erosion of the values this country stood for, there are so many things to get a person down.
But this too shall pass. Hopefully next years election will change things for the better. But remember, no matter which party rules, there will always be problems, things that drag us down. It's just a matter of degree. We live in the material world, a place of birth, death, disease and old age. These things cannot be avoided. We have to struggle just to survive. Yet we are really pure spirit souls that cannot be killed, do not age, are not born and do not get ill. We are eternal and untouched by the actions of material life. We falsely identify with the material body and its world. When we do so, we suffer. When we stop misidentifying, our suffering is reduced. As long as we are in this body, there will be suffering, but when we attain enlightenment we see a bigger picture and do not take things so personally or see them as being so serious.
We can also take comfort in knowing that there is a higher power behind this material creation which is loving and has our best interests at heart. If we can align our consciousness with that higher power which permeates all things and surrender our lives to serving that power, we are assured of attaining ultimate liberation. Don't let the world get you down. Tap into the eternal knowledge and bliss that is available to you right now. Celebrate and enjoy life! It's all a matter of perspective and how you choose to focus your consciousness.
Peace and joy,
Steve
Life sucks! That's for sure, especially the last three years of the Bush regime. I can't remember another time when the national and world outlook was so bleak. The suffering of so many persons especially due to economic despair and cutbacks, the death and absence of loved ones due to a senseless war, the erosion of the values this country stood for, there are so many things to get a person down.
But this too shall pass. Hopefully next years election will change things for the better. But remember, no matter which party rules, there will always be problems, things that drag us down. It's just a matter of degree. We live in the material world, a place of birth, death, disease and old age. These things cannot be avoided. We have to struggle just to survive. Yet we are really pure spirit souls that cannot be killed, do not age, are not born and do not get ill. We are eternal and untouched by the actions of material life. We falsely identify with the material body and its world. When we do so, we suffer. When we stop misidentifying, our suffering is reduced. As long as we are in this body, there will be suffering, but when we attain enlightenment we see a bigger picture and do not take things so personally or see them as being so serious.
We can also take comfort in knowing that there is a higher power behind this material creation which is loving and has our best interests at heart. If we can align our consciousness with that higher power which permeates all things and surrender our lives to serving that power, we are assured of attaining ultimate liberation. Don't let the world get you down. Tap into the eternal knowledge and bliss that is available to you right now. Celebrate and enjoy life! It's all a matter of perspective and how you choose to focus your consciousness.
Peace and joy,
Steve
