Update “Spread the Love NOW! Group Writing Project”
January 8, 2008
As many of you know we were part of a wonderful project called “Spread the Love NOW! Group Writing Project“. Created by those wonderfully enlightened folks at [The Middle Way], [Zen-Inspired Self Development], and [UrbanMonk.net]. The project was fantastic and led me to a whole new group of enlightened ones to read and be a part of on this crazy path we each share yet walk alone. To read Beyond Zen’s part of the project, check out this post: A Story of Compassion and Dying.
I want all of our readers to also enjoy some of the great writing from this project; stories of compassion, concepts of compassion from many spiritual themes, and discussions on definition of the word “Compassion”. The list is below, enjoy!
~La Boheme
Entries
Ben Lumley at The New Horizons Project.
Kris Vockler at Beyond Zen.
Corinne Edwards at Personal Growth with Corinne Edwards.
Isabella Mori at Change Therapy.
Paula Kawal at Journey Inward Coaching.
Liara Covert at Dream Builders.
David Bohl at Slow Down Fast.
Deb Estep at Deb_Inside.
Swami Nirmalananda Giri and ReddyK at the Atma Jyoti Blog.
Mary Jaksch at Goodlife Zen.
Takuin Minamoto at Daily Action and Natural Expression.
Robin at Reflections on Compassion, posted at Yogini Myspace Blog.
Karen Zara at Abaminds.
Jenny Mannion at Heal Pain Naturally.
Evan Hadkins at WellBeingAndHealth.Net.
Shawn Williamson at do you LIVE or simply EXIST.
Patricia Singleton at Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker.
Alex Blackwell at The Next 45 Years.
Akemi Gaines at Gratitude Magic.
Vitor Bosshard at The Fractal Forest.
CG Walters at Into The Mist.
John Torcello has also contributed an entry by email, I’ve included it in the comments below.
Brightdays at Brighter Days for you and me!
Karen at Loving Awareness.
Krista at Lucid Amphibology.
Karen Lynch at Live The Power.
Andrea Hess at Empowered Soul.
Waters at Waters: The Last Thing I Wanted To Give.
Eric Grey at Deepest Health.
Stephen Hopson at Adversity University.
Em Dy at Pulse: Intention to Treat.
Iain Hamp at Follow Your Passions.
Rahul at Raw Speak.
Stephen Miracle at AltNoise.Net.
Pearl at Interesting Observations.
Mark at My Tropical Escape.
Matthew at Loving Awareness.
Daylle Schwartz at Lessons from a Recovering Doormat.
Charities Link at Charities Link.
Mihaela Lica at Pamil Visions eWritings.
David at Virginia Breeze.
Jerry Summers at Nothing Like Now.
Wishbone at Wishbone.
Arvind Devalia at Make Things Happen.
Samir Bharadwaj at Samir Bharadwaj dot com.
Popularity: 37% [?]
Sphere: Related ContentBardo, Death, and a Moment of Transition
December 23, 2007
Often when I tell a story I shy away from those in which I was part of or a party to, to me it smacks of ego-center and self-serving. Yet this story, as it happened to me, was one of great compassion and love for my family. I did nothing but be present and party to something so amazing, I will never forget it.
Not far after my Grandfather passed away, the wife of one of his brother’s also passed away. Her husband had passed on some years before and she lived the rest of her life without him. I am very fond of that side of my family, although my father and my immediate family are not blood relation, you would never have guessed it. My Father and I are direct blood relations to this family in every spiritual sense of the word.
My Mother called to tell me that my great Aunt was passing, in hospice and not expected to live much longer. I remember thinking to myself; “It’s ok, I can go see her at 2PM tomorrow”. Why 2PM? I’m not sure but I knew that I had the time and that was the perfect time. So the next day at 2PM I went to the hospice center to visit. When I arrived I found my family all huddled around her in various states of shock, fear, sadness, love, kindness, and compassion. I was immedately welcomed and took a place in a chair next to my cousins.
As is customary in our culture, we all sat around and told stories of this woman, remembering the past and enjoying each other; laughing and crying together. As I sat there I thought to myself; “What can I do right now? What should I do? What is appropriate?” In studying Buddhism for years I wasn’t sure how to behave in front of my family at this moment, if I said anything, would it come out lost on a crowd who didn’t study Buddhism as I did or would my words we welcome?
After some time, a little voice in my head said, go see her, put your hands on her. This didn’t bother me either as I had been studying Reiki for years and placing my hands on an other to ease pain and suffering is a pleasure. I asked; “Do you all mind if I hold her hand”? Of course my family was like, “Please, get up here and join us”. So I did, I placed my hand in hers and joined the stories around her bed and tried to project energy and compassion onto this woman who was about to pass. The moment was very enjoyable as when I joined the group the stories seemed to flow and become more intensified.
Some more time went by and another voice in my head said to place a hand on her chest and one on the crown of her head. It felt so natural to do this, it felt like home to be in the energy field of not only my great Aunt but my family. It felt like being home, truly a good feeling.
What I felt was truly amazing, I could feel my great Aunt in the throws of her last few moments on earth. It was at this moment that I knew why I was to be there at 2PM, it was truly her last hour. With my hands placed on her head and chest I could feel her energy slowly untangling and lifting away. The next vision in my mind was of her husband and my Grandfather who appeared to be waiting for her to arrive. Right then, at that moment, I knew it was time for her to pass.
I told my family; “Come everyone, join around, put your hands on her, you can feel her; she’s here and she feels good”. Slowly each person in the room, about 15, got up and joined the rest of us around this woman and placed their hands on her feet, legs, hands, chest, head and stomach. I felt as if I wasn’t myself, like the sound of my voice wasn’t mine, I was elsewhere. Then I said to every one in the room; “Hold great thoughts of compassion and love for her, she is leaving now, she needs to know it’s ok and she is loved and love is waiting for her when she untangles from this life”, everyone did that, the room got silent.
In that moment when the room became silent, everyone could feel her. As soon as the last person put their hands on her, the room got very quiet yet very loud with love for what felt like forever but surely was just a few seconds. She passed on in that moment, the second the last person joined, she left. In that moment, what Tibetan Buddhists call Bardo, we all experienced that time in between when one life ends and another begins. The moment didn’t last forever and one everyone realized what had just happened, the tears began to fall. They were tears of joy for the ending of this life and the joining of pure love on the other side, where her husband and my Grandfather waited to welcome her and bring her into everything.
I didn’t do anything other than just be there, I could not have been more grateful to have done so in that moment. I can only hope when I pass from this life I can be in the presence of those who have witnessed my life and help me pass as we did for her.
In Tibetan Buddhism there are 6 levels of Bardo; This Life, Meditation, Dream, Dying, Dharmata, and Existence. They are the fragmented in between states, the gap between the ego and the self and the gap between the self and the next.
Popularity: 19% [?]
Sphere: Related ContentPopularity of Manifesting With Elephants
July 18, 2007
According to many books and websites the Elephant as a totem indicates strength, luck and wisdom. Apparently the Hindu God Shiva had the Elephant as a totem animal and where Shiva & Parvati produced a son, he came out as the Elephant headed Ganesha.
One of the coolest facts I’ve found on elephants is their intense and close knit family dynamic, even showing tears when a family member dies. Along with this, they are one of the longer living animals in the kingdom and have increadible senses for their size.The virtues an Elephant as a Totem has is: strength, wisdom, good fortune, power, sexual prowess (sweet!), moderation, eternity, responsibility, right emotion (ahhh, maybe I need to call on Elephant to determine if the emotion I’m feeling is right or even mine?), champion of injustice, ancient wisdom, respect for others, strengthened memory, long-life, increased sensitivity to others feelings (oh great), intelligence, loyalty, affection, passion, family values and happy family.
From www.linsdomain.com:
Before the power of Ganesha
All barriers and obstacles are removed.
Through the wisdom of Ganesha
I draw confidence and new opportunities.
Under the love of Ganesha
I learn and grow stronger in all ways.
From Ted Andrews’ “Animal Speak”:
“Those who have the elephant as a totem will usually find themselves in a position where the opportunity to reestablish family and societal ideas will occur. Mutual care of the young, respect for the elderly and the sick, being strong in your own self - these are the foundations of a great person or society. If the elephant has come to you, you will have the opportunity to work toward establishing this within your own life or the lives of others. If the elephant has come to you prepare to draw upon the most ancient wisdom and power. You will have an opportunity to either help yourself or others reclaim your most primordial royalty.”
What else can I do but just enjoy the fact that I am seeing elephant everywhere?
Popularity: 17% [?]
Sphere: Related ContentVancouver, Washington’s Health & Wellness Hub - August Moon
July 11, 2007
I’ve talked about August Moon in past posts, mostly about classes I’m taking there but in this post I really want to show some of the great events at the Moon as well as present what a great place this is to gather.
The main website is www.augustmooncenter.com so please check there for updates on events, classes, etc.
Several health practitioners have their spaces rooted a the Moon, from Acupuncture to Counseling it’s likely you can find a professional to fit your needs. The main page for practitioners can be found here.
Massage (from Shiatsu to Relaxation)
Energy Work
Essential Oil Therapy
Spanish for Children
Acupuncture
And much more…
As most of you know I take Qigong classes at the Moon, to see class events check here.
The center offers some amazing classes and programs for many things, check it out and take a class.
Keep your eyes open here and at the Moon for announcements for an upcoming 8 week Reiki I & II class at the center.
Namaste,
Kris
Popularity: 27% [?]
Sphere: Related ContentDeath, Dying, Buddhism and my Grandfather
November 22, 2006
This post originally appeared on Business Zen 2.0, November 22nd, 2006
I realize that my posts have been off topic lately and not in the area of mindfulness in business but isn’t this the best part of mindfulness, being in the moment, and although my duties at work are up to snuff and on track, it’s OK to be present on something else. Besides, it’s my reality not yours.
This post may seem sad and somber but it’s really not, it’s beautiful and happy, depending on how you see the world. Read through it and decide for yourself, maybe you will get it and maybe not. Again, it’s your filter for which you see reality.
My Grandfather, Harry K. Wellman died last Saturday night around midnight and it affected me greatly. Here is the obit I wrote for the newspapers:
Harry K. Wellman
Battle Ground, Washington — Harry K. Wellman, died November 18th, 2006 after a battle with Leukemia.
Born December 20th, 1926 in Camas, Washington he grew up and lived most of his life in the Vancouver area with his three brothers. Graduating from Washougal High School Harry entered the Army and served in Japan during and after WWII. In 1948 Harry met Doris Vockler and fell in love, resulting in a marriage of 58 and a half years. Harry used the G.I. Bill to attend Lewis & Clark College in Portland to study Business Administration after which he accepted a job at Bemis Company, Inc. where he retired from a career as a Logistics Manager.
Harry Wellman is best known for being a strong handsome gentleman who had many friends and enjoyed what the NW had to offer. Being an avid fisherman and hunter, Harry had a feel for how to catch fish. As well, Golf became a game of passion for Harry that he shared with his family; from Orchard Hills Golf Club to watching the Masters on television.
Harry Wellman was a kind and gentle person who deeply loved his family. This man lived the perfect life because he enjoyed every minute of it his way.
Surviving are his wife, Doris, of Battle Ground, one brother Syd of Vancouver, son Larry Vockler and wife Trisha of Vancouver; and one grandchild Kristian Vockler of Vancouver.
No memorial service will be held, by request of Harry but a gathering of friends and family are welcome to join the Vockler Family at 1-3 PM Saturday; at 4606 NE 125th Circle, Vancouver, WA 98686, for information please email krisvockler@icdcoatings.com or call 360-609-1001
Any Memorials you would like to send please do so in a donation to Kaiser Permanente Hospice of Portland, 2701 NW Vaughn Street, STE 140, Portland Oregon 97210
That’s Grandpa’s photo above, he is around 18 in this photo. He was a few weeks shy of 80 when he died and it’s not that he didn’t have a good photo of his later years, this photo sums up my Grandfather; fisherman, handsome, nice smile, kind.
My Grandfather taught me much in my life, like how to be a Gentle person, how to be kind, how to be thoughtful and how to be a good person. He wasn’t much on religion but he always felt a person ought to think for themselves on what worked for them. Needless to say we had some great conversations in this area as I was seeking what worked for me.
The whole process of dying in one word was beautiful, and I can’t just say that to anyone. It was painful, very painful, and I was tired and scared but after the weekend was over I was able to see how beautiful the process was. This was my first observance of death up close. I will have to say that this was due in part to my family, in part to the wonderful Hospice people, and in part to my understanding of death through Buddhism. Death is unavoidable, no matter how much money you have, pain is unavoidable when we lose that which we are attached to. Beyond the whole discussion of death to a Buddhist, I guess my point is my Grandfather is as close to a natural Buddhist as one could find without having learned it at all. The way he lived his life was in line with living mindful. I guess it made it that much easier to let go, I knew he had lived his life in mindfulness. Minus the killing of forest animals, that wasn’t very Buddhist but he ate them so it’s all good.
All kidding aside, he was one of the most mindful people I have ever met and his wisdom will be missed greatly.
For you Gramps…
Popularity: 19% [?]
Sphere: Related Content
Recent Comments
Fatal error: Call to undefined function get_recent_comments() in /home/beyondze/public_html/wp-content/themes/revolution_pro-10/sidebar_post.php on line 38