I loved Robin William's acting, but maybe I liked him because he was so bipolar, not sure. His interviews always sorta bothered me, cause I am so visual, I can see the pain folks try and hide. (I have always said that inside every Comedian, there's a 3 year old, waiting to be let out so they can go blow up some shit). I do know that in an interview of his so called best friend, he mentioned that Robin would have to hop on his bike and ride around the hills of Hollywood after a show, just to take the edge off. His friend said he would ride anywhere from 100-150 miles at a time. Since I used to also do this, when I had a bike, I get it. I never really liked bikes that much though, and I definitely preferred hiking so while I admire that impetus, since it shows discipline, the woods and trees were always my succor.
So, here I am. In the woods, FINALLY.
It sure did take a long time.
Whewy.
Did I mention in this blog anywhere, that I was/am 3 parts Bear? Anyhow, in my life long search for meaning, and during a really bad time, I was gifted some Medicine Cards, and boy did they help me make sense of so very many things. The Cards were produced by a Jamie Sams (who, incidentally, was shunned by doing this), who was Cherokee/Seneca. You can read about him, here: https://native-americans-online.com/native-american-jamie-sams.html The person who loaned hers to me is beyond kind at heart, so I owe her a debt of gratitude since you aren't really supposed to loan them out. She was probably adept at sage-ing and other purifying rituals, so she prolly didn't even think it a big deal, but I do. Here's to you Jesse, you are often in my thoughts!
Anyhow, the theory is that we have 7 animals who are our spirit guides for life. Normally, this would happen when the young person becomes a human, and gets their name at a naming ceremony. (Prior to their naming, they were just sort of considered babies and not yet able to become full-fledged members of the tribe.)
The spirit animals are arrayed in seven directions, North, East, South, West, Above, Below, and Within. The animal medicine follows the medicine wheel somewhat, but is truly a mythology all on its own. Natives had a LOT of ceremony, and it was very community oriented. I don't think I would have done well with this last part and would likely have left the reservation on my own, if my ancestors hadn't already.
Well, I digress. I have BEAR in three directions, Above, Below, and Within.
There's some dolphin in there........did you know that Dolphins have to breathe consciously? They have no choice. Makes sense that I would learn to meditate and do other solitary pursuits, doesn't it? I mean, a Bear is Solitary, and meditation is all about learning to breathe properly (consciously), so it makes perfect sense to me.
All of the other critters in my lineup are also power animals......it was, and still is, a LOT to manage; Eagle, Hawk, Turkey, Dolphin..... mostly flying animals and one pretty great swimmer. Makes sense that I would look to the mountains, and the sky all the time, and not much care for the water. I mean, you ever seen a BEAR taking a bath? I'm sure they do, but probably only occasionally and only uber privately. lol.
As far as the other stuff, my hands and feet are HUGE, and I used to hate never being able to get a proper pair of footwear that did not hurt my feet. Then as I got older, I realized my feet were one of my best features......I can actually grip rocks, pencils and branches, with them. I could probably eat with them, too, but I have never actually tried. I mean, I would if I had to, but why bother?
It does help to explain why I always wanted to hike and climb trees, tho, doesn't it?
And also why I was always able to talk to animals and plants and I was always able to hear their voices.
It's kind of a miracle, isn't it?
I am abashed to say that I forgot I could do this when I was a child. I remember now, though. It's a divine sort of calling and it makes me feel like I am talking to angels.
I believe this is true for everyone. We all experience magic when we are young. If only we could be wise enough as children to remember not to forget it. Well, we CAN actually remember, if we are willing to work hard to overcome our conditioning.
And if I can do it, with my incredibly dysfunctional background, then anyone can.
Just remember the magic.
Sounds so Simple, doesn't it?
It's the simplest thing in the world and also the hardest, simultaneously.
Buddhist philosophy says that life is suffering, you cannot advance until you become friends with Suffering. Once you do make friends with your shadow demon, then you have taken the first step to Enlightenment. Pema Chodron talks about the Tibetan Charnel Grounds and how, as part of their practice at a monastery, one of their challenges was to go spend a night (or three) in the Charnel Grounds. Talk about going to meet your maker, face to face. I am pretty sure I would never actually choose to do this. Kudo's to you, Pema!
I spent my childhood in the Charnel Grounds of Human Dysfunction, and I learned everything there was to know there, about suffering. Not saying I am particularly enlightened, but I sure am DONE with all that nonsense.
I made a vow to myself when I got here, and that is that nothing can be allowed here, unless it's beneficial to my higher good. I don't think that's particularly enlightened, but it works for me.
It is, in fact, one of the first steps of the 8-fold path. If it does not serve your higher good, then just say "no". This is not selfishness, it is essential. And it is only the FIRST step.............
Eckert Tolle said it best:
If you are not comfortable in a situation, you have four choices.
1. You can figure out how to learn to accept it.
2. If you cannot learn to accept it, you can try and change it.
3. If you can't change it, you can try and change the way you feel about it, i.e, accept it.
3. If you cannot do the first three things, you must leave.
ALL ELSE IS MADNESS.
Or to put it another way......"All unhappiness is caused by being unable to accept what is".
And on that note, it's another fine day weather-wise here at Hermit Haven. I haven't decided what projects I want to work on (if any), today, so I gotta go talk to the Buddha and find out what the next best step is.
Here's to moving towards sanity, a little bit more each day.
I leave you with this:
https://youtu.be/Mi8Tl1EphOs
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