There are better methods than cognitive therapy for self help one of which is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).  The methods are simple and use a self tapping system on specific meridian points on the body in combination with understanding the relationship between mind and body.  You will read a lot of BS about EFT from professionals attempting to protect their ‘mental health territory’; take it with a grain of salt.  The mental health industry is a multimillion dollar cottage industry that has about as much credibility as a US Congressman.  There is no more evidence for the effectiveness of psychotherapy than there is for any self help methods.

A good place to start your self help program is by studying web sites devoted to the topic such as psychological self help .  You may find some value in purchasing self help books, but most of them are nothing more than what you can learn simply by researching the net. Web sites that start tossing jargon around should be avoided like the plague.  They are meant to keep you in a state of doubt about your own ability to solve your own problems.  And lastly, the question in your mind should be, “does the author of this article have any credibility”?  Check It Out For Yourself.

Emotions are actually a form of energy that can be harnessed and used to gain control over events such as illness.

All life events are recorded not only in memory but also in the deep fissures of our emotional self. Our memory may wane over time, but our emotions are indelible and though at times hidden from consciousness they can influence our daily activities.  We maintain our equilibrium throughout the day by guarding against all those emotions that would wreck havoc on day to day activities.  Without that guarding mechanism, it would be difficult to get anything done.  Can you imagine a heart surgeon attempting to operate if she were constantly reviewing the flood of emotions she experienced from last week’s argument with her mate?  Most of us recognize when we are on emotional overload and take time out to allow the emotional floods to recede.  As we proceed through life events the passage of time dulls the intensity of emotions and eventually they appear to have completely dissolved.  Unfortunately, emotions never dissolve but are simply buried so deep that we no longer pay any attention to them and therefore believe they have no effect on our behavior.  The problem is that they do have some control over our behavior but we simply don’t realize their influence.  If the behavior is extremely maladaptive, such as overindulgence in alcohol, counseling (a sort of life review to uncover those hidden emotions), may become necessary to regain our equilibrium.

As our world changes our emotions become a record of those changes.  As the intensity of those changes increases so does our emotional reactivity.  When the change becomes part of the norm, the emotions tied to the change recede into the background.  In other words what was originally a major life event change has now become the standard.  As an example we may have an intense emotional reaction to moving from our old neighborhood, but within time our new home becomes comfortable and we would have an emotional reaction if we had to move from it.  However, just because an emotion has receded does not mean that it loses it’s ability to influence our behavior.  The above example of moving to a new neighborhood can easily produce “mixed emotions” when we attempt to define how we feel about a particular set of events.  In this case, that old “intense emotional reaction” to having to move is still there even though we may have acquired an equally intense emotional attachment to our new neighborhood.

The end result of all life events is an emotional soup in which the individual components become extremely difficult to define. However, regardless of how difficult they may be to define there is no doubt they exist, because emotions, unlike memories, are a form of energy that can actually invade the space of others.  This is not an analogy I am making.  I am saying that emotions are a form of energy not unlike static electricity.  Two people coming together produce the same type of discharge as two surfaces coming together (static electricity).  And we use words to describe that event, such as ‘sparks would fly when they came together in the same room’.  This energy is 3 dimensional and can be sensed by others: such as experiencing the “tension in a room”.  When harnessed this energy can be used to heal the body and the mind (such as the use of Emotional Freedom Techniques).

What can you do with this emotional energy?  All it takes is a willingness to search and experiment.  Maybe its time to un-twitter yourself and do something to make the world a better place.

Rune System (Elder Futhark): The ancient Norsemen used runes for divination as well as communication.  What is important to understand is that each rune actually had a meaning beyond its name in the alphabet.

These Elder Futhark runes are simple to memorize and can be used to mark forest paths or leave messages for others. There is a natural order of the runes (1 to 24).  The occult aspect of runes is that they were used by the ancient Norseman as a method of divination but more accurately as simply luck of the draw. Tossed like dice, or randomly selected the Norseman believed that the runes could be used to predict events.

The individual runes were painted on wood or stone. Although there is very limited historical reference it is thought by modern scholars that casting was simply a process of tossing the 24 runes and then interpreting events by way of which ones came face up and proximity to each other, including overlap.  Contemporary methods of casting is to simply draw your luck from a pouch containing the runes. This is done in a variety of ways such as selecting 3 runes at random for past, present and future, or selecting 1 rune in answer to a question. While the methods of casting are simple, the interpretation is extremely complex. The Norseman did not keep many records and the simple fact is that our information regarding runes is very limited. Those claiming knowledge about runes do so only at a most basic intuitive level.

There is no letter C, Q, V or X in the elder system. You can substitute K for C since the sound is extremely close and W for V. Regardless of what you may see on the net or elsewhere there are no other substitutions. Live with it and do not use words needing a X, or Q. Rune words and sentences were written from right to left and a double colon mark ( :: ) was used to separate sentences a single colon mark ( : ) is used to separate words. Use this method when passing messages in a primitive area, such as backpacking.

Runes have a natural order 1 to 24 and can be associated with the letters of the English alphabet with the exception of the letters X and Q. The individual runes were painted on wood or stone.  The following table lists the eldest runes known. They are called Elder Futhark .

Interpretation

F 1 fehu (Wealth and Power)

The primary issue is wealth and power Known as the fire which ignites the human potential. It can be used to attract wealth and it can also be used to disable an enemy. (Potential for greed.) Be advised that this rune must be understood in it’s context. When in doubt of an offer (money,etc.) it may be that "fehu" is at work in it’s negative aspects. However, when the intention of the giver is known then accept the offer graciously. It is truly the rune of the mundane world and should be recognized as such. In many respects it is the potential of the individual and society to advance technologically.

U 2 Uruz (Aurochs : Bison/Mega Strength)

The primary issue is strength. That is the strength associated with the wild Bison. This rune also speaks of new beginnings. This is the strength of will that is required to withstand despotism and other willful acts of abusive power. It can be used to unify and bring people together. It speaks of courage and tenacity. On it’s darker side it can be used to exert domination over others.

TH 3 Thurisaz (Hammer of Thor)

The primary issue is the raw power. Understand that this is the power associated with the intention to destroy and do harm. When used towards others it creates havoc and chaos. In a rune casting it might suggest the need for taking direct action. However, special attention should be paid towards influences in opposition in a cast. It could mean that there are forces working against the individual. It would be prudent to make use of some of the Shamanic shields such as color and herbs.

A 4 Ansuz (Odin/ communication)

The primary issue is divine insight and reasoning. As an example, Gary Zukav, author of "Seat Of The Soul", probably accessed this power in his writing. His written work seems to be inspired by the power of "Ansuz". In a sense he was able to delve into the chaotic mysteries of the Universe and bring forth order and wisdom. Use this power when you have a need to communicate.

R 5 Raidho ( Travel )

The primary issue is travel and journey. It may be a physical or spiritual quest. In a forecast this rune suggests that passage will be with ease. It is probably a rune that speaks of the immediate near future. Therefore, advice concerning safe travel is quite appropriate. When in a negative aspect to opposing forces, travel should be curtailed.

C/K 6 Kenaz (To Know)

The primary issue is being aware (to know). In the abstract it is the illumination of answers and ideas. It speaks of creativity and directness. In a rune cast, a positive aspect might suggest an opening of new knowledge. With a negative aspect it could mean that issues become clouded. However, negatively aspected with a Tarot card such as the moon might suggest that deception will be illuminated (known).

It is also the Fourth Power of the Magus "To Know". In a cast it may be a suggestion of beginning a quest for knowledge that is not inhibited by fear or superstition. Don’t let any authority stop you from seeking knowledge. Investigate all paths without fear, regardless of how dark it may appear.

G 7 Gebo (Gift)

The primary issue is the exchange of gifts. This probably includes the element of sacrifice. (The gifts are made through self sacrifice such as charity.) It has been suggested that the negative aspect might be the element of sacrifice. However, that is somewhat narrow as an interpretation. It is more likely that the negative aspect is greed and lack of compassion. In truth, this rune cannot be negative, and when presented in a cast it is always positive, regardless of opposing forces. It is a "Gift" from the gods and should be used wisely and shared with as many as possible.

W 8 Wunjo ( Joy )

The primary issues are joy and harmony by virtues of one’s own effort. In our modern world this comes about through our ability to cope and prosper regardless of the mundane external events. In a sense this is the recognition of our true self as infinite and without limits. It is the ecstasy reveled in the Celestine Prophesy when we come to realize through the fifth insight the limitless amount of cosmic energy available to us.

H 9 Hagalaz ( Hail/ Total destruction )

The primary issue is destruction or elimination of what used to be. It is the rune of absolute change. Often this comes through crisis. At the mundane level it could mean physical crisis. Don’t discount the literal meaning which is "hail". This destroys crops and prior efforts towards reaching fruition. At the psychological level it is likely that this rune is forecasting a stage of change as described by Eric Erickson. It would be unwise to simply interpret this as negative. For some, change is not possible without this rune.

N 10 Nauthiz (Need/ endurance)

The primary issue is endurance. That which needs to be endured to developed strength and character. It is what separates the leaders and followers. Gen. Patton’s description of fear and courage is one of the best examples of the use of this rune. "Courage is fear holding on one minute longer." In a casting it might be a forecast of the individual’s immediate future to endure. There is no doubt that it will be painful, but the end result will be monumental growth of spirit. In it’s most literal sense the appearance of this rune means a difficult experience which can be stated as:, "That Which Does Not Kill You Will Make You Stronger."

I 11 Isa (Ice/ no movement)

The primary issue is stasis. It is the time between reflection and action. When taken to the extreme it can result in quiet desperation. It is definitely a time for reflection, however it should be understood that this reflected state is also a time for other aspects of the universe to become active. Therefore the individual might think that everything else is in motion, but that he or she has been left behind. This is the illusion of Isa, it is a time for patience not depression.

J/Y 12 Jera ( j  Fruition and cycles /sound:jump or y sound as in year)

The primary issue is cycles of events. Under most circumstances it is a forecast of those issues in a persons life which are about to reach fruition. However, this is also a very narrow view of this rune. It really speaks of the cycles of all things from the mundane to the esoteric. It is that which is harvested from the original planting. In this sense it can be positive or negative. If seeds of doubt were planted then the fruit of that planting is paranoia. If the seeds of love and compassion were planted then the harvest is fellowship.

Y/EI 13 Eihwaz (Ei sound as in pride or Y sound)

The primary issue is inner strength. It should be viewed as a rune that can provide aid in a time of need. This can be in the form of a hiking staff or it may be realized as a form of inner enlightenment. It is always intense and associated with the concept of a flame. The flame may be literal as in burning or it could be esoteric in the form of the "fire of the soul".I t is that which we seek most of our lives and often fail to see the forest for the trees.In a rune cast it probably indicates that help is on it’s way. Be advised that this help is probably in a form we least expect.

P 14 Perthro (Party Time)

The primary issue is excess of everything. The modern example of this is probably the party atmosphere that is seen in Las Vegas Casinos. It can be viewed as the mundane entertainment of life. It is truly a rune of abundance, but care must be taken not to overindulge. This can lead to addictive behaviors. Be advised to know where the limits are and be prepared to leave the party before the party becomes a problem. However, do enjoy the moment. Enjoy!

Z 15 Elhaz (Protection/Elk)

The primary issue is a shield of protection. It should be a warning in a cast for the individual to be on their guard and proceed with caution. In some casts it could be interpreted as a sign of danger. However, it can also protect, therefore it must be interpreted in relationship to other runes. Used wisely it can be set as a protection for others. In times of great stress and danger, it can be used as an amulet to protect. A negative aspect might suggest a break with divine forces. However, under all circumstances, regardless of opposing forces, the shield will prevail.

S 16 Sowilo (Guidance)

The primary issue is guidance and counsel. It is that power of light (sun) which melts all resistance including Isa. A very powerful rune that represents the very fires of the primordial universe. It is a force of protection and purification. In a rune cast it is very positive regardless of any other aspecting because it is so potent.

T 17 Tiwaz (Balance and justice)

The primary issue is justice and order. Unlike Sowilo, which is offensive, Tiwaz is a rune of defensive protection. That is in a rune cast it can be expected that the unbiased sharp edge of justice and order will prevail. It relies on knowledge and facts and once these are made clear, order will result. In a sense it is that which combats chaos and disorder.

B 18 Berkano (Fertility)

The primary issue is new beginnings This rune speaks to the issues associated with female energy. It is a rune of fertility and hope. It is the life force of growth and beauty. In a rune cast it might suggest romantic involvement and love. At the esoteric level it represents "Mother Earth". It resists all perversion and encourages health and harmony. In times of stress this rune states that comfort and relief are at hand.

E 19 Ehwaz ( The Horse )

The primary issues are trust and cooperation. This is the rune which suggests an attitude of reliance. The kind of reliance that is often seen between old friends. It is the frame of mind which fosters teamwork and allows things to move forward because there is no ego resistance or fear of loss of one’s individuality. In a cast it might be suggestive of the teamwork seen between husband and wife or business partners. It forecasts harmony and cooperation.

M 20 Mannaz (Man)

The primary issue is the human intellect and reasoning skill. It is that force which distinguishes humans from other forms of earthly life. As an example a butterfly is a form of beauty and is distinguished by it’s beauty. So too with mankind, the earthly trait is intellect and reasoning which allows potential for an escape from instinct and fixed behavior.

L 21 Laguz (Water)

The primary issue is cleansing and often healing. It is probably one of the least understood runes and is often misinterpreted as a necessary burden of life. Quite the contrary it is in fact a that which will replenish the essence of the life force. It can be perverted when cast against others. This would result in deception and illusion. However, it is a rune which forecast change. The transition will test one’s strength, but in the end your goal will be reached.

ING 22 Ingwaz  (Domestic order)

The primary issue is domestic order and household affairs. It represents a quiet time in which the simple aspects of daily functioning need to be addressed. It is the the force which unites families and maintains the tranquility of the home. In a rune cast it suggests wholeness and well being within the family unit. A time of rest at home before one must face the rigors of the harsh elemental forces.

D 23 Dagaz (Dawn)

The primary issue is the closing of one event and the beginning of another. It is the druidic "time between times." That which rises (slowly) to the surface and casts light on old fears and concerns. The night is left behind and a new dawn has come. It allows a fresh start and new growth. It cannot be perverted. If there is a negative aspect it is only in the sense that the rune does not appear in a cast. There is no opposing force which can prevent the "Dawn" Of New Beginnings".

O 24 Otala (Home)

The primary issues are house and property. As an energy force it involves our ancestral roots. It is likely related to the second insight in the Celestine Prophecy. In a rune cast it could refer to inheritance or gifts. Usually these are related in some aspect to our family and those possessions that are handed down from one person to another.

Casting

Ask any question then toss all 24 runes on a flat surface.  Eliminate those that are face down.  Attempt to see how each definition of the runes might apply to the question.  A rune that covers another rune is something that inhibits or hides.  Those close to each other may work in a cooperative effort: but this really depends on which runes are influencing each other.  As an example Gebo and Hagalaz next to each other could be interpreted as ‘a destruction of what is but this is actually a gift from the gods.  What you see as a loss will eventually be reveal itself as a stroke of good luck.’

Writing in Runes is Right to Left

Words having "th" in sequence such as the word "the" are written using the thurisaz rune for the "th" sound.

Words are separated by a single colon: the path

htap:eht

 :

Sentences are separated by a double colon: the path ends. go now

won:og::sdne:htap:eht

 :::::

I have been traveling along the New Age path for nearly 25 years of my life.  Not a long time by some standards but certainly long for me.  It all started with a comment from a colleague back in the early 80s.  We had been invited to her home for a Christmas party and while waiting for the food to be served I wandered into her kitchen where she was busily putting together some appetizers.  Of course I knew this would be the case and thought I might snag a bit of shrimp.  While making small talk I noticed a purple quartz crystal sitting on the widow shelf.  Very absently I asked what it was for; thinking she would tell me it was the latest kitchen decoration fad.  Much to my surprise she said it brought harmony to her kitchen and the food she prepared.  At the time I was very much the scientific academic and was a bit taken back by her response.  As I dug into her reasoning she began to falter and simply handed me a book which she said would explain just what the hell she was talking about.  This was the beginning of a very long journey.

No need to bore you with all the details of that journey, but there are some things I feel are important for others to understand.  Back in the mid 80s information flow regarding new age concepts was limited to what you could dig up at the local library.  The Internet was in its infancy and my only source of information was from new age book stores.  Communication with other travelers was limited by traditional social networks: which in my case was a professional academic community that walked on a tight rope of being politically correct.  You could study non traditional beliefs, but to attempt to apply them in your own life had to be done in secret else family, friends and colleagues would question your mental stability.  With the advent of the Internet this all changed and nearly overnight  information exploded across the planet.  New social networks were immediately available which were ungoverned and allowed for a delightful mix of all people and groups protected by the prime law of the Internet: “Anonymity was sacrosanct”.

The historical aspects of the New Age are well laid out by Wikipedia however, this is a complex analysis that sort of misses the forest due to the blur of the trees.  The antecedents of contemporary new age spirituality, in our modern western world, can be traced to a handful of brave adventurers.  Heading this list of extraordinary people is Baird T. Spalding.  A truly remarkable individual who traveled to the far east to investigate supernatural practices.  He published his findings in 1924.  And of course the mentally challenged debunkers simply cannot accept the simple fact that he made this trip and reported what he found.  It should come as no surprise that Spalding detractors are devote Christians who are ever ready to denounce the heretic.  Spalding reported extraordinary human activity, but it was the work of Jane Roberts that actually set in motion the new age mantra of “creating your own reality” (and of course the critics are readily available to denounce this most heretical of new age thought).  On the heels of these two most controversial authors is Gary Zukav, a physicist whose investigations lead to some profound conclusions regarding human potential.  The foundation for his conclusions are presented in his book the “Dancing-Wu-Li-Masters” and eventually generalized as a practical guide for spiritual growth in his book “Seat Of The Soul”.   And while Zukav’s work opened new door ways for those seeking spiritual awareness, it was Neale Donald Walsch , author of Conversations With God, who set in motion the possibility that the God force of creation itself was not so distant and mysterious as proclaimed by traditional religion.

The one singular concept in all of these new age teachings is that the spiritual essence of mankind is not separate from the force (All That Is) of creation itself.  In simple terms, everything is God and we as humans are simply a part of that force in three dimensional form: there never was a time you did not exist for you are the God force of existence itself.  You may not remember it, but your lack of memory does not negate this one simple truth.  Spinning our wheels as to why we chose to do all of this is of course, the ultimate form of God like entertainment.  And of course, turning all of this into another primitive religion, such as Wicca,  is part of the entertainment.  One would think that realization of our Godhood would negate development of another fear based religion, but it has not.  No matter how much we understand we never seem to run out of the need for the drama associated with having to answer to and worship a separate Godhead.  But most astounding in all of this is the witless acceptance of  “The Myth of the Nobel Savage” who was instinctively tuned to mother earth and led a life of peace and harmony. It mattered not to the neophyte of mysticism that the Noble Savage spent much of his time clubbing the hell out of his neighbors.  All that mattered was the mythical harmony of being one with nature and honoring mother earth.  If the “wanna be” Native American ever wakes up he or she can blame Rousseau for having started this hoax.

Along with the brightly lit messages comes the business end of spiritual enlightenment: the pox that now rules the new age of enlightenment.  It is big business and for the right price you to can become enlightened by a Sedona guru.  Try finding a new age web site that is not trying to sell you a book or a ticket to the latest life coaching seminar.  There was a time when gurus handed out knowledge for the asking (The Buddha and Jesus), but times have changed and enlightenment is now limited to those fortunate souls who can afford the price for spiritual freedom.  However, the greed that motivates the new age guru is harmless compared to the charlatans that you will encounter in your spiritual quest.  The answer to all of this is very simple:  you do not need a spiritual broker or guide.  It is true that for the short term they will give you a sense of well being.  But it will not last and will not serve you in times of stress.  I am not advocating abandonment of reading books on interesting spiritual subjects. What I am saying is that spiritual enlightenment does not occur by reading or attending seminars from famous gurus.  It comes by way of understanding that you truly create your own reality by every thought and action.

What are the chances that humans have neighbors somewhere out there in the infinite Universe?  Some questions are not directly answerable because there is not enough information regarding the nature of the subject; such as ‘how big is our celestial backyard’?  We can investigate some of these questions by making a logical comparison to something we do understand.  In the case of possible ‘celestial neighbors’ we can make a comparison to our own personal neighborhoods on planet earth.

How strange would it be if you walked around your neighborhood every day of your life and never met anyone?  It would soon generate feelings that maybe you are a character in a science fiction movie.  But the reality is that we do meet our neighbors because people wander about and can be seen.  They drive cars, make noise and do a variety of things which brings their existence to our personal awareness.  Sometimes our neighbors will purposely come to visit us, possibly just to say hello (being neighborly).  It seems to be axiomatic that we have very real neighbors. In fact it is just about impossible for people to not meet because chance alone sort of insures that sooner or later you will bump into a neighbor or at the very least become aware of their existence because you can see them inside the vehicles they use to get about the neighborhood.

Some of us live in very small towns and our neighborhoods are small.  This Mayberry type of community usually provides a lot of social interaction where everyone seems to know everyone else.  In large cities people may not know their neighbors, but they cannot escape the evidence of the existence of their neighbors.  Regardless of the size of your community the humans in residence will make their existence known by chance or by some specific purpose.

Extending this reasoning out to our grand celestial neighborhood we might begin to wonder why we have not seen any of our neighbors (assuming that they exist).  Most people are aware of the UFO evidence which ‘suggest’ that we have neighbors.  Seeing moving objects is only circumstantial evidence that other life forms exist.  The objects could in fact be nothing more than natural phenomena that is devoid of having any sort of self awareness.  If we have celestial neighbors then why have we so little real evidence of their existence?

It just seems unreasonable to suggest that humans, as an intelligent species, are alone in the vast infinite Universe.  So why have we not met or at least seen our celestial neighbors?  One possible explanation is that the universe, as we know it, is a result of an initial ‘big bang’ which set everything into motion.  If this is true than it is also possible that all intelligent life across the Universe started about the same time and therefore are always at similar stages of technological development.  In short, none of us have the technology to make the trip to visit each other.

If some of the UFOs, are piloted by intelligent life, then the lack of personal contact would appear to be very intentional.  The reasons for their avoiding contact with us could be anything from fear of contracting or spreading disease to simply not wanting to associate with what they might consider a lower or dangerous life form.  What seems inescapable is that lack of contact, if not an issue of technology, is highly controlled by our celestial neighbors.  Of course there is a considerable amount of speculation across the net as to the reasons why our celestial neighbors are avoiding contact.  Regardless of the reason it does suggest a somewhat non neighborly attitude on the part of our neighbors.  They may have good reasons for avoiding direct contact, but there is no reason why they should not at least inform us of their existence.  Surely if they can traverse between galaxies they would be capable of sending a few radio signals that keep us informed.  One can only conclude that they are either very snooty or just don’t give a damn.

The brisk late autumn weather was a nagging reminder that the holiday season was about to make its annual debut.  ‘A time of cheer?’ she thought, ‘Its more like another reminder of my perfectly dull life.’

At 33 Claire did have the perfect life if you discounted her treadmill of ennui.  She had planned everything with such perfection that there was no room for mishaps.  Staring into her well organized closet she was considering which outfits were getting outdated.  And like every other Saturday night for the past 5 years, she was trying to decide which outfit she would wear to meet her friends at ‘The Blue Frog’.  It was a great neighbor bar forchatting with old friends but not worth a damn for meeting anyone new.  You might say it was safe and secure because there were no surprises.  Arnie would be tending bar as usual, the background music, that could dull the wits of a serial killer, would permeate the air and everyone would be pleasantly tipsy by 10pm. 

Five years ago, Clair’s personal life did include a significant other.  Her boyfriend, Charlie McKenna, had been as aimless as a drifting cloud and had almost zero motivation for moving ahead in the company.  They met at an office Christmas party and gradually shifted into a casual intimate relationship that had all the excitement of the Blue Frog elevator music.  The entire affair ended when Charlie got transferred to the Milwaukee branch of Wells Fargo.

Digging around her junk jewelry box for something that would go with her blue sweater, Clair found an old pendant that she bought at a street carnival while still in college.  Staring into the purple quartz crystal, hanging on a cheap silver chain she remembered the odd old couple that sold it to her.  The old woman read Tarot cards and her husband made the jewelry.  Clair didn’t believe in all that new age crap, but she was attracted to the amethyst crystal.  Handing her the pendant the old man said that this was a healing crystal.  Then with a mischievous glint in his eye he said it could even cure a lonely heart.  The pendant really did not go well with her sweater and she absently put it into one of the large pockets of her skirt. Not finding anything else she quickly put the jewelry box away and headed out the door.

The view was breathtaking but the cost to Jill’s body was as steep as the surrounding cliffs.  Her legs were wobbly but her determination to continue the climb could not be daunted. Clutching the rock face while turning around a sharp bend was a bit unnerving.  ‘How strange.’ she mused, ‘At the start of this hike the trail seemed so easy.  What the hell happened to that nice little brook along the side of the trail?  It’s hard but I made it and now I won’t have to hear Clair’s litany of reminders of my physical limitations.’

Jill and Clair had grown up together and were friends since 3rd grade.  But sometimes Clair had a way of really getting under her skin.  When they left the ‘Blue Frog’ last night Jill was still smoldering over Clair’s comment about Jill not having the strength to go on a rock climbing vacation with their friends this summer.  “Bull shit”, she yelled to know one in particular as she climbed up the stairs to her apartment.  She was determined to show them all that she was as capable as any of them.

Jill was born with a heart murmur and lately the doctors were describing it as the sound of glass breaking.  But she felt fine and was not going to let it hold her back from life.  Just before leaving the bar she announced that tomorrow morning she would climb over ‘Razor Back Ridge’ just for the hell of it. No one took her seriously because Jill was always so sensible and was not known for taking irrational risks.

Although she lived alone, Jill always had a string of boyfriends trying to get her to live with them.  She was popular and considered extremely attractive.  But somehow she always thought of that as an affront to her physical ability.  Deep down she felt that if she maintained her independence her health would not deteriorate. Now, it seemed that she was emotionally unable to form a serious attachment. She was getting distracted by too much male attention. Somehow she had planned a date with two guys for the same night she promised to meet her girl friends at the popular after work hangout. Her hurried excuses sounded lame even to herself.

Like waves crashing to their demise on the jagged jetties of destiny, men would willingly drown in Laura’s wake. Her utterly guileless demeanor melted the hearts of men and women alike.   In fact, her two best friends, Clair and Jill, often referred to her manner as somewhat ethereal. They also believed that she had psychic abilities because of the odd experiences they had with her while staying for weekend jaunts at the lighthouse in Brookings Oregon.  But now the odd experience was circumspect because the current trip to the lighthouse was unnerving.

A few years back, Laura, while driving along the Oregon coast with her friends, suggested they tour the old Green Meadow lighthouse.  Much to their surprise they learned from their guide that the lighthouse and surrounding property was for sale.  Privately owned prior to the federal surplus laws governing the sale of historic property it had fallen into disrepair, and was now on the auction block.  After the tour they got back on the road, headed onward in search of more adventures.  Clair and Jill cracked a lot of jokes about buying the place for a vacation home.  With tongue in cheek, Clair said, “And it would be something to do on the weekends besides meeting for drinks at the Blue Fog pub”; as she usually called the place due to the constant cloud of cigarette smoke.

Staring silently out the car window up to now, Laura said, “You’re absolutely right!  I’ll buy it and we can have some wonderful times beach combing.”  Of course, this set off another round of deep belly laughter.  What Jill and Clair did not know was that Laura was extremely wealthy.  She lived modestly and worked as a columnist for a high end fashion design magazine.  They were aware that her family lived on the North Shore of Long Island, known as the Gold Coast and brought to public attention by Nelson DeMille’s book, but simply assumed that neither Laura, nor her family were part of the gentry.  A month later, much to the shock and awe of her friends, and in her usual sedate manner, Laura announced that she had purchased the Green Meadow property.  Of course it took a bit of explaining, but eventually plans were made to visit the property and break it in with a ‘girls night out’.  The light house had become their official club house.  Over the past 5 years they enjoyed many parties and of course invited an assortment of friends from work.   All three lived and worked in San Francisco and the drive to Brookings was 10 hours. They planned their three day weekends with care, leaving work early on Friday and arriving at the lighthouse by midnight.

Princess Aurora and Rocco are having a late evening cup Chamomile tea on the deck of their small mountain cabin. The spell binding silence of the woods was intoxicating. But not quite intoxicating enough to get Rocco’s mind off of last night’s disappointing court ruling against the occupiers in Zucotti Park. But even more frustrating for him was his perception that the entire movement was stalled without any real direction.

With a sudden sense of urgency Rocco blurted out with, “The protesters really don’t seem to have any goal. What good is it if all they do is camp out in a park waiting for the police to run them off? It’s not going to solve anything!”

Staring up at the star studded black velvet sky Princess Aurora said, “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Is what beautiful?” asked Rocco.

“The night sky and all the stars of course.” said Princess Aurora. “It is just so awesome it upstages everything else.”

With a quizzical look on his face Rocco said, “Sweetie, I was talking about the Occupy Revolution not the sky.”

“Exactly!” said Princess Aurora. “The tragedy caused by greedy people is a constant, but it has no effect on the beauty of that magnificent sky.”

“Are you saying the Occupy Revolution is a waste of time?” asked Rocco with a slight edge to his voice.

“Of course not,” answered Princess Aurora, “but the whole point of drinking this tea and sitting on this deck is to enjoy the moment.” Then as an afterthought she added, “The greed of the world is not going to go away, but the beauty of this moment is very short lived.”

“So what does any of that have to do with a lack of direction in the Occupy Revolution?”

“It has nothing to do with the lack of direction in the Occupy Revolution. Just as the Occupy Revolution has nothing to do with our time spent on this deck tonight.”

Now smiling Rocco said, “Well you could have just said let’s discuss that later.”

Like a tinsel ribbon breeze her lilting laughter enveloped him as she said, “But then we would have missed this wonderful short lived moment of communication.  Now how about we go inside, sit by the fire and create some unique methods for getting warm.”

Rocco leaped up from his chair and was suddenly no longer focused on the Occupy Revolution…..he had a different Occupy in mind. 

Copyright ©: S. Rocco Campanella 2011

Do you understand what is truly important in life? Are you consumed by pointless robotic behavior that distracts you from telling your friends and family that you do love them?

We most certainly live in interesting times.  There is never a day that goes by without some news of floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, metropolis mayhem, wars, financial meltdown, etc.. But if you are lucky enough to escape these disasters you have some time left to enjoy the ‘Now’.  What will you do before your time is up?  And of course your time is limited.  Death can strike at any moment, without notice, without regard to your, age, social status or how much money you earn.  Even the most wealthy corporate executive may suddenly drop dead while planning his or her latest scheme to plunder the poor. Maybe you are a teenager that just left for school on the heels of a terrible argument with your mom.  Or possibly your a mom packing school lunches and worried about juggling household finances.  Are you right now ready for death?  Have you said and done everything you can so that you leave this world with a smile on your lips?  What is the last thought your friends and family have of you as you drop to the floor?

There are very few individuals that actually have control over world events.  Most of us simply wander around in a mist of quiet desperation hoping that our family and friends will remain in a guarded state of grace.  But what if something happens to one of them?  Are you secure within yourself to say that the last words off your lips to him or her was a message of love?  Or was it in fact a message coming from your ego out of control?

Too often we forget those things in life that are really important.  We become overwhelmed by life events and allow our thoughts to remain focused on pointless details.  When your child leaves for school, were they reminded of how much you love them?  When your grandmother calls, are you so taken up with the swill of life that you rush the conversation and forget to say “I love you”?

Our culture teaches us such things as how to get stressed, how to get a job,  how to get a great education, or how to be a good citizen, but never does it teach us what is truly meaningful in this life: letting others know that we do love them.  How odd that something so simple as a statement of love, gets so lost in the scuffle of pointless robotic behavior such as checking our email.  Do you need a list of what is truly important?  Click here for a reminder.

The only thing you have of any real value to offer friends and family is your love.  Money and possessions fade, but love is eternal.  There’s no big trick to all this.  You don’t need an expensive life coach to learn some simple methods for getting this started.  All you need are three little words: “I love you”.  Some people are not use to saying this, especially males, but its no big deal.  Start with ending family and friends phone conversation with “I love you”.   At first it may feel uncomfortable and sort of fake or artificial.  That’s OK, be clumsy with it, but do allow yourself the opportunity to unleash this universal force.  After a few hundred conversations the words will flow from your heart to your lips.  And what you will find is that many of those family and friends will return the gesture.  Don’t worry about those who are unable to do so.  They want to, but are not yet ready to cross that bridge.  Remember they will never be able to cross that bridge if you don’t first build it for them.  Be at peace knowing that you will leave this world with thoughts of love.