The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month

Today's somewhat brief post is a NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) prompt with the following questions, "If you could permanently get rid of one worry, what would it be?"

I have seen a similar question on Facebook and my answer is either "fear" or "hatred." However, I realize that they are one and the same for underneath hatred is fear.

There are a number of emotions that actually fall under fear including anger, anxiety, doubt, worry, and the like. Think of them all as a mountain or better yet an iceberg, with fear being the ice below the surface. It is like a big monster that destroys in its path.

Today in the western world is Remembrance Day, a day to honour by remembering those in the armed forces who died while serving their country, i.e., in the line of duty (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day). We take a minute at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, being today as I write this.

Since Canada is peacekeeping country, we have sent members of the armed forces to serve in peacekeeping missions such as in Afghanistan; see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Canadian_peacekeeping_missions for details.

If there was no such thing as hatred or fear, would there be war? I think the answer is obvious.

Some quotes on love and fear I would like to share are as follows: Marianne Williamson, a noted spiritual author says, "Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learned here." Oprah Winfrey states, "I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear." Or for those attuned to the Bible, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear..." similarly stated to the book, A Course in Miracles which declares, "Perfect love casts out fear. If fear exists, then there is not perfect love."

Interesting that most people think fear is the opposite of love. However, keep in mind that fear is underneath hatred.

Which do you usually choose? And now? (And no worries, I'm not perfect either! However, it's a daily and minute-by-minute decision.)

And by the way, for a change, I am not posting this on the 11th hour (near midnight) on this day! ;)

Linking this post to Write Tribe Bloggers.

P.S. The video on this particular post is very appropriate today if you wish a view: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/08/middle-child-you-are-special-todays.html

Hafiz, another Beloved Poet (Like Rumi)

I'm going to give myself a little break from writing about Rumi in relation to a world-renowned pop star! Yes, you did read that right! ;) Due to the time pressure of a daily blog post this month - I need some time to read and research - I will introduce you (if you aren't familiar yet) with another wonderful Middle Eastern poet in the meantime.

Have any of you heard of Hafiz (born as Shams-ud-din Muhammad Hafiz)? He was the most beloved poet of Persia, and he has impacted the lives of some pretty influential people since then: Ralph Waldo Emerson primarily known as a poet; Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a writer and poet; Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, a philospher, poet, and composer amongst other things; and the composer and pianist Johannes Brahms. (You can read more about Hafiz and Rumi in, Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West by Daniel Ladinsky.)

Hafiz penned about 5,000 poems in his lifetime of 66 years of age. Here are some short samples with some Iranian music:



This is one of my favourite poems of his: How did the rose ever open its heart and give to this world all of its beauty? It felt the encouragement of light against its being, otherwise we all remain too frightened. (I love how the poems in this book are all centred on the page, albeit I wish I knew how to do it here!)

Or how about this one which I adore just as much, Know the true nature of your Beloved. In His loving eyes, your every thought, word, and movement is always, always, beautiful. (Isn't his poetry just exquisite? I swear Hafiz could be Rumi reincarnated! Like Rumi, Hafiz was a Sufi mystic and his poems shared a similar quality in writing: eloquent and sensual, speaking of love and devotion, others of humour and wit.

And the video below is a twist on Hafiz' poetry with some modern words, music, and images: I love them all!



FYI (for your information), I just realized that I have been drinking organic "sweet rose" tea today and the past two postings. No wonder perhaps why I am drawn to write about "love" poetry! ;)

Part 2: 100 Ways to Kneel & Kiss the Ground

You may wonder, how did I, a North American gal get into Rumi? How did I hear about him?

Years ago, I met a former refugee who was a survivor of torture from the middle East. He was a lover of Rumi's poetry. It was he who organized "Rumi Night" on several occasions. It was always an evening event with recitation/reading of Rumi poetry with background music, sometimes with whirling dervishes dancing their divine dances of love and devotion.

I came to really enjoy and appreciate Rumi's poetry, not because I used to write inspired poetry (though haven't much lately), but I find his poetry so sensual. It is a feast to my ears, my heart, my soul. It pierces through unwanted emotions transforming and transmuting them into peace and love, similar to what I feel when I chant in Sanskrit.

In fact, at a community dance once, I felt strongly compelled to ask an acquaintance if I could recite/read some Rumi poetry at an upcoming evening. I was delighted when he replied that he would see what he could do, or did he say 'Yes!'?

Regardless, I was ecstatic yet humbled to be considered to take on such an honourable role. I took it quite seriously as I mentored with an older woman, Ruth Raziel, well known in the community for her readings of Rumi poetry.

My initial impulse was to read them passionately as I felt they "should be" expressed; however, it was suggested that I read them as if I was savouring the words like food on my tongue. (I don't know if she actually said that, but something along that line.)

This inspired me to write my interpretation of Rumi’s poetry:

close your eyes
listen
with ears wide
heart open
ready to burst
in flame
to the sounds of love –
fluid words
like soft feathers
or luscious chocolate
melting slowly in your mouth
such exquisite sweetness
and delight!

I love that poem, my poem, my inspired poem that tickled me pink. Do you think the poem describes an experience of Rumi poetry? (Not that your opinion matters though. I'm just curious!)

I still have the post-it notes marking some of my favourite poems and passages of The Essential Rumi (with a very similar cover featured yesterday on my blog post), such as:

Birdsong brings relief
to my longing.
I am just as ecstatic as they are,
but with nothing to say!
Please, universal soul, practice
some song, or something, through me!

I actually cried when I opened reciting my favourite Rumi poem, "I want to sing like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears or what they think” The words moved me deeply, touching me sincerely because of my heart's longing to sing freely, with wild abandon, and most of all, to start my inspired alternative youth choir.

If you wish to hear an inspirational and beautiful CD, check out a gift of love cd (pictured above). As you can see from the cover, it features a lot of actors.

Jared Harris, an English actor is one featured on the cd. Here is a short video clip with his voice and scenes from the film, Koyaanisqatsi; check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koyaanisqatsi for details if you are interested.


Does poetry move you? Would you be willing to allow it, listening to it with an open heart? And what happens if and when you do? You might just enjoy the experience. ;)

Part 2: To Give and Receive ... Love

Someone recently posted this on FB (Facebook): “The Greatest Power is the Power of Giving.”

I responded with – these words came immediately to me – “And in giving, so you (shall) receive,” that is, “in giving, so you receive” or “in giving, so you shall receive.”

And the word ‘love’ came immediately to mind after my phrase, as in ‘receiving love.’ Thus, the above statement can be read as “And in giving, so shall you receive love.” However, it can also be read as “…in giving love, so shall you receive” or “…in giving love, so shall you receive love.” (Can you tell I love to play with words?)

This spiritual or universal law on giving – there are others! – is what occurs when you give. When you give, you receive in turn. For example, offer love in kind acts of (selfless) service if you wish to have and feel love in your life.

This principle is similar to karma in that whatever action you take, it will initiate a response in kind. It is based on the intent or nature of the act of giving. Essentially, what you sow is what you reap.

Thus, if a good deed is demonstrated, a favourable response is reciprocated (and I'm not referring to the receiver). The reverse can also be said for unkind deeds. Though not always immediate, it does come...in time. In fact, it occurs when the time is right and not necessarily when you think or expect it. (Patience is supposedly a virtue!)

It is ideal, of course, to give without expectation(s) and to come from one’s heart when doing so. This is the highest form of giving which is, actually, a symbol of love. The receiving end can actualize in a vast variety of forms, from as simple as a smile, a hug, flowers, a card, a gift, money, a favour or service, and so on.

Again, to reiterate the importance of giving in coming from the heart, from a space of love as it is the highest expression of giving.

Indeed, the greatest power is the power of love.

What form of giving can you gift others? How is it received?

Part 1: Peace in Times of War

Years ago, sometime after the Bosnian war which lasted almost four years, my parents and I visited an area of Croatia (part of the former Bosnia and Herzegovina region. And, if I understand correctly, now known as Serbia.)

This country known for its mild Mediterranean weather was too hot and dry for me. The somewhat barren landscape, sparsely populated with vegetation (grasses) matched the desolate buildings of which there were many, at least what remained of them.

Remnants of (what I presume were residential) brick buildings with shattered windows dotted the road and countryside. It was not a pretty sight. (I still have photos that portray the aftereffects of that stark landscape, though I have them just as clearly etched in my mind.)

Was I as shocked and horrified as those buildings were (metaphorically speaking of course)? Were people living there during the bombings/explosions?

There are many civilians who question war, people like you and me. What is the purpose? Do we need it? Is it just an excuse for atrocities such as genocide and rape?

I have come to see and understand that what we experience as (so-called) reality is actually a reflection of our being. That is, what we think and feel is projected outside of us. Thus, the outer world, our outer world is a reflection of our inner world. This is experienced both individually and collectively.

If you dislike and/or disagree with these words, I totally understand. I used to! However, I have come to learn that this is indeed the case, whether we like it or not. In fact, I learned (the beginnings of) this phenomenon during a course on counselling skills.

There is a term known in the counselling and psychotherapy field as “transference.” This occurs when a client projects (i.e., transfers) their feelings and desires onto their counsellor or psychotherapist. It occurs at an unconscious level and can display in various ways, whether through feelings of love, fear, hate, or anything in between.

Thus, the state(s) of our being in our thoughts and feelings are important as it is the beginning of the ripple effect. Can you imagine the effect positively or negatively rippling in relation to that of a group of people whether in a family/home, at work, in meetings, in a village, town, city, or country? Use your imagination here or think of instances in your world.

Instead of judging others with eyes – and words – of anger or hate, we can choose to focus our thoughts and speech with compassionate and empathic tones. We can choose peace/love/joy/happiness or conflict/tension/hatred/anger in this moment, and this one, and the next, and so on. Hopefully peace, love, and joy will reign over conflict, tension, hatred, and even war.

It has been declared by an international spiritual teacher and author that peace will reign in our time. It is hard to imagine with all the wars and conflicts we have taking place in our everyday lives. Regardless, why not focus on peace...within ourselves first? Then let the ripples spread out...

Let's start today with Remembrance Day in Canada, and Veterans Day in the States: a moment of silence, of peace, of stillness - one (1) minute on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

How can we avoid conflict and tension in the world? How can we cultivate peace and keep it in our hearts and minds? To be continued ...

Expressions of the Heart

The above is the title I got intuitively while pondering writing about matters of the heart…that is to say, that (in italics) is an example of an expression about the heart that I’d like to write about! You probably use a number of these from time to time as they are or can be so close to one’s heart! ; )

We often use emotional expressions using pieces of the heart so-to-speak such as “at heart” as in a person is “playful at heart” or “to heart” as in “I take that to heart” – where is that?…in the middle of one’s heart? More often than not though, we may say something more along the lines of having a “heart-to-heart talk” or “I love you with all my heart.”

Why do we sometimes seemingly love only from the bottom of our heart as in Stevie Wonder’s song, “I Just Called to Say ‘I Love You’” when he sings “And I mean it from the bottom of my heart” – as opposed to the top or even the middle or centre of our heart? What’s that about? Where did these silly phrases or idioms come from?

While writing this blog, to open my heart (and mind?) in preparation of writing this blog posting – parts of it including the beginning was written spontaneously (i.e., intuitively) – I listened to some ‘heart’ or ‘love’ songs. One was from a CD by Antara Dekanic which I got from Luna Ravenchilde aka (also known as) Astraea Starr (http://ekstasisdance.com/classes/kundalini-dance/). The CD is Chakra Trancen-dance and the piece related to the heart is entitled “LOVE BREATH heart chakra.” I was literally and figuratively moved by the track (as I was dancing to it at the time) to buy the CD immediately after Luna’s dance class!

Another CD is by a sweet couple – Kirkland and Laura Ross – I met them at Banyen Books (www.banyen.com) last year when they were on tour with their healing music. The CD “OmniPure, DNA Music” is the one I currently have, as their latest one wasn’t out yet. Best to check out their website (www.omnipuremusic.com) as I’m sure it can explain their healing music much better than I can!

Lastly, Snatam Kaur (www.snatamkaur.com), whose voice I first heard via Abheeru, one of the founders and DJ’s of Just Dance (www.justdance.ca). Snatam’s music brought forth a premonition (a strong claircognizant impression in my heart/mind) that moved me to tears (and which later proved to be true, i.e., did occur).

When I heard Snatam in concert for the first time a short while later, I was crying most of the time as her voice is not only pure like that of an angel (that’s what came to me intuitively), but brought me ‘home’ to me, my soul. I can’t explain that. Listen to her live if possible, if not her CDs, or better yet, both! She will take you to your heart, your centre, your soul if you allow her to open your heart.

Some of the more positive idioms I like are, “Follow your heart” – I have been working on that for a long time and still am! ; ) – and someone who has a “heart of gold.” (Oh, by the way, if you find someone like that, will you let me know please!) ; )

At times I, and I’m sure you do too, learn or know “something by heart.” For me it’s reciting poetry, including two Shakespearean soliloquies. What is it for you?

How about to “have your heart on something.” I know what mine is…can you guess?! Mine is my vision of a non-traditional, co-creative children’s choir (see my very first couple of blog postings in particular about this).

What do you take to heart? What expressions do you hold close to your heart? Do you pour your heart out? Do you follow your heart?

How have you expressed your heart lately? (For example I read love poems, by Rumi and Hafiz, at work during a Valentine’s luncheon)

What are your heart’s desires? Do you take them to heart? ; ) Have no fear. Take heart! <3 (that is the shape of a heart, at least in FB land!)

Part 2: The Call to Write

In my last posting I referred to my passion of writing. I actually told a lie, a white lie. Now I’m generally an honest person – I’m not perfect! – but let me explain, and bear with me while I do so!

The part that I lied about is that I didn’t admit that my writing is not only my passion, but is also possibly a gift, a divine gift, my divine gift. I know, I know, I can’t believe it either! However, it was channelled through Baljit Rayat, an intuitive soul coach, that it would be best and in my highest good to be writing. She can literally 'see' into your soul. ; ) (My interpretation.)

I felt that to not share my truth, this truth, would be a dishonour and disservice not only to myself, but also to others, most of all to my twin (even though she's dead). She apparently graces me with words that I get intuitively. Yes, I know. I realize this may sound crazy and woo woo especially since she is gone. However, I know that I am indeed graced at times with Spirit when my fingers fly over a keyboard or my pen glides across the page, I can hardly keep up. Some may call this channeling. Perhaps it is. At this time, I prefer to refer to it as being guided, divinely guided or graced by Spirit, i.e., being inspired.

And yet, I also remember times, for example in my expressive arts therapy classes when writing poetry, that the words did not come out smoothly at all and land on the page in a way I had hoped or anticipated. Instead, the words stuck like glue, or gum, which made it challenging for me to articulate them as they tumbled out awkwardly from my mouth.

Or for instance when I was in a poetry workshop and my mind would go utterly blank. I was stupefied! Perhaps it was sharing my personal writings with people present as witnesses and/or critiques. Anyone else feel that way about their poetry or other writings? It may have been due to anxiety while performing under pressure, i.e., forcing poems into existence and not feeling inspired as a result. Or this in combination while simultaneously having people present. Who knows?

Then again I am reminded of an incident many years ago, when Shared Vision breakfast seminars were the norm in Vancouver. One time I had asked one of the speakers whom I believe was a psychic what I needed to do, as I felt stabbed in the heart with work that I was doing. I was informed that I should write and to post an ad in the paper. Well! I was shocked and didn’t believe the man because after all who was I to be a writer? I had never published anything, didn’t have my own business, no degree, and so on.

So when this extremely gifted woman also being an 'intuitionist' - my term - told me this, I believed her. This time I did. Because after all I’ve heard it’s best to pay attention, especially, if Spirit speaks to you three times, and perhaps even twice! Once “should be” enough though, right? Not for little miss stubborn old me! ; )

I also believed her because since then I had written a lot more stuff, though still yet unpublished, including my blogging which I had since started. By then, I knew that a number of my pieces were not coming from me directly. One piece stands out in my mind which I may share another time (to shorten this posting).

Writing is for sure a passion of mine amongst many passions that I have, that fall in the category of the creative and expressive arts. That basically includes writing, singing, dancing, and acting – did I miss any? I often introduce myself – on paper or screen – as a "poet, writer, singer, dancer, and actor at heart" or along those lines, though not necessarily in that order.

I didn’t want to state my truth above but felt the need to be honest, to come clean, and honour it. I didn't want to because I didn’t and still don't consider myself a writer, at least a professional writer. I haven’t published anything (yet) and only write creatively. At least, that is if I understand the definition of a professional writer. I’m still getting used to myself in that way, that is calling myself a writer.

As I alluded to in my last posting, I’m not a perfect writer - is there even such a thing, really?! - even though I get words a lot intuitively. I write because I love to write but I realized the reason or rather, reasons why, and more importantly the root reason. Do you want to know? Would you like me to tell you?

Well, I write for copious reasons:

I am quite imaginative. (I would love to say 'extremely' but then you might have high expectations of me and I don't wish to fail you!) I consider myself an ‘ideas’ person as I have a cornucopia of them and sometimes jot those ideas (and/or words that I get as mentioned above). Sometimes they are simply a title for a poem for example, even before the poem takes form.

I write, in part, because as I mentioned, I receive words intuitively a lot of the time and I feel like I’m supposed to do something with them. You might say that I feel drawn or 'called' to write! That would make a cool title. In fact, that’s how it works. One word or idea leads to another and then lends itself to more.

I am also very creative and love words. (Again, I would prefer to use the word 'extremely' but don't wish to disappoint you.) Love to create with words, love to make up words (which I do from time to time, like the word 'dishonour-ment' which I was considering using in this posting), love the sound and feel of words on my skin. No, just kiddin.’

Though perhaps I may feel them ‘under my skin,’ I was actually making that up, i.e., ‘on my skin’ as I was playing with words which I also love to do.

What I meant to say was ‘...love the sound and feel of words in my ear’ like Sanskrit, an ancient East Indian language. One reason why I love singing chants as well as the feeling of devotion when doing so. But I’m going off on a tangent here.

I also write because I love to read and hope that others will enjoy reading my words and what I have to say. I would love to empower others with my words, including these printed words. Of inconsequential importance is that I am a detailed person and thus am a great proofreader and editor, as well as being an excellent speller. LOL (I initially typed 'beign' but luckily caught myself! ; ) But more so, more importantly, I write because it’s fun. I enjoy it! In fact, I love it!

Another reason and at the crux of all this is that it is a way for me to express myself. At the deepest core is this (reason): I have the ability to express myself in (1) my own way and (2) safely without being edited. I can express myself freely and with ease.

Related to this is that I feel the urge to express myself and this is one of the vehicles I choose and use on a somewhat regular basis. I’d write more often, blog perhaps once a week but my schedule is quite busy with full-time work, choir (where we memorize the lyrics and music), volunteer work, and the like.

Through writing, I can also give voice to an opinion or share information, especially on important matters. It is a way to be heard, and hopefully understood.

Expressing myself AKA (also known as) self-expression is the heart of why I write and why, most importantly, I love writing, creative writing that is. I write because it's fun. I enjoy it. In fact, I love it!

At work I also write, but it’s a different animal altogether. Totally! But I’m not going to write about that, at least not here. Not now anyway!

Now I’d like to suggest that once you find your gift(s) and/or passion(s) to honour it/them. As I’m writing this now, I think of the hiding-under-the-bushel parable that Jesus shared about gifts or talents. And I know this was an inspirational thought! (Thank you angel!)

Words escape me now as I think that thought distracted me so I think it’s time to end. It’s also late and past my bedtime.

p.s. By the way, I took the photo above in relation to my last blog posting when I was struggling with paragraph order. I felt somewhat the same way with this posting and was considering doing the same, but didn’t! But it is a strategy that I can use again though this was the first time. Honest! ; )