the love-ly Miss Mary Peterson of Perpetual Sunshine Creations came up with a beautiful and effective idea for helping to clean up the Gulf. she has been posting photos for sale in her Etsy shoppe to raise money to go towards cleanup and animal rescue efforts. she has invited various IndieArtists to donate their work for this very important cause, and i am honored to have three of my photos involved.
if you're feeling a bit helpless in regards to the devastation caused by the oil spill this is a very simple way to show your support for restoring the waters, shorelines, air and life in the Gulf; not to mention, a very affordable way.
the prints also make wonder-ful gifts. i personally bought one of the images, by Mary herself, to gift to a good friend of mine. trying to make the world a better place in the name of someone you love is always an amazing gift in my eyes. so, if you know of someone whose special occassion is coming up this just might be the perfect gift for them.
the photos are all beautiful, honoring mother earth, and with your support you get to choose the organization that best resonates with you. i hope these photos will work as a reminder that the earth is worth protecting, afterall it is what sustains us- offering us nourishment for our bodies, as well as, our minds and souls. if we can take something good away from this tragedy, may it be that we move forward as a people and away from our dependency on fossil fuels, and may we act with compassion and wisdom in every decision we make.
please remember that this is an issue that involves all us, whether the tides have reached us directly or not. it is our job to protect the earth and all its inhabitants and to take responsibilty when things go otherwise. everything is connected.
Shanti.
to purchase a print(s) please visit:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PerpetualSunshine111?ref=seller_infoand, please, please, please spread the word.
with love and light.
-tammy
May All Beings Be Happy.
i had a spontaneous night of campin' with my soul-sister, Michelle. we arrived in Paris, MI early in the evening, and, although the forecast was that of thunderstorms and heavy winds, we arrived to find a big ol' blue sky. we set up the tent and rigged it well in spite of a missing cord, then took a walk along the Muskegon River and did some explorin' in the woods. we returned to camp just before dark, built a fire, talked much, and took delight in some locally brewed Oberon.
we woke around five in the mornin' to thunder, lightenin', and rain. i could feel the thunder through the ground which would then radiate through my entire body. the lightening illuminated our little tent with each interjection, and the birds expressed their excitement through song... it was a feast for the senses.
the sun came up, and the rain ceased. we spent the morning by the river. i was mesmerized by the resplendent droplets of rain left behind on the leaves, flowers, and grasses. we had to get back on the road by noon, Michelle still had much to do before she left this morning for New Orleans. we packed up camp, and thanked the river, the land, and all who inhabit it for their hospitality.
 'We come spinning out of nothingness, scattering stars … the stars form a circle, and in the center we dance.' - Rumi
these last few months i have been making homemade balms and salves. i have been greatly enjoying this extra time spent in the kitchen- the synergy of herbs is a thing of beauty.
all of my balms and salves are 100% vegan, and i use almost entirely organic and fair trade ingredients. i believe that if what we create isn't loving towards the earth and all sentient beings then it isn't worth sending out into the universe.
all of my balms and salves are made in small batches to insure freshness, and if kept refrigerated will last months and months and months... all are, also, infused with Reiki energy.
currently i have available a muscle relief salve, a headache relief balm, and a healthy skin balm. in addition, beginning this weekend, i will have available a "Three C's" healing salve with Comfrey, Calendula, and Chamomile which is good for cuts, scrapes, burns, bruises and bites.
if you are interested in learning more about my herbal goodness or purchasing these little tins filled with healing please visit my Etsy shoppe or talk with me next time you come for a session.
www.withmetta.etsy.com
or
http://withmetta.weebly.com
with love and light.
-t.l.c
Contrary to popular belief fluoride does not have any health benefits. In fact fluoride is a poison, a toxic by-product of aluminum. It is more poisonous than lead and only slightly less poisonous than arsenic. Before 1945 fluoride was regarded solely as an environmental pollutant. In fact, the aluminum industry had been marketing and selling their fluoride waste as a rat poison and pesticide. It truly bewilders me that a known toxin could be marketed so heavily as a health benefit. However, due to a savvy public relations campaign in the 1940s to eliminate lawsuits and to save face for a major corporation and our military, that is exactly what happened- and the myth is perpetuated to this day. During the 1940s Dupont supplied fluoride to the US military’s Manhattan Project for the making of atomic bombs. Fluoride is necessary for the processing of uranium and plutonium. The military needed millions of tons of fluoride for their project. As a result of the processing the workers and the surrounding area of Dupont’s plant in New Jersey became highly contaminated with fluoride emissions. The disturbing consequence of the contamination was that many people and animals became sick and crippled, and entire crops were wiped out. Even before this area’s contamination the use of fluoride in fertilizers as a pesticide had resulted in the deaths of many animals and the destruction of many crops, but Dupont did not head this warning. With impending lawsuits against both Dupont and the U.S. atomic bomb program, the Manhattan Project stepped in and agreed to do their own studies on fluoride, studies which were to span over a ten year period. The studies were never completed, but “proof” was still submitted to the courts that the consumption of fluoride in small doses was/is safe. These same inconclusive and incomplete studies proposed that fluoride prevented tooth decay. Sadly, this evidence was generated by the very people who had large stakes in, and who could only benefit from, the continued processing of fluoride. Fluoride has never been proven to have any health benefits, but has been proven time and time again to be damaging to our health. Long term use can be injurious to our central nervous system, and has been linked to learning disabilities and Alzheimer’s Disease. During the time of Nazi Germany the Nazis used fluoride to make their prisoners docile and infertile. Continued studies have shown that fluoride suppresses the immune system, inhibits key enzyme production, causes Osteoarthritis, and inhibits thyroid function. Fluoride has also been linked to bone and uterine cancer, and kidney and liver damage. Fluoride use can also lead to fluorosis, a condition which weakens the teeth and makes them prone to decay. Dental fluorosis usually occurs in children between the ages of one and four years of age, and is becoming increasingly more common. It can usually be detectedy by white, yellow or brown spots on the teeth. An important thing to remember is that what is happening in our bones is reflected in our teeth. If dental fluorosis is not cared for it will inevitably lead to skeletal fluorosis, which has been a contributing factor to the increase of bone fractures in children. Though common in children it is not exclusive in children. Adults are also susceptible to fluorosis. Fluorosis is fluoride poisoning. In India, where there are high levels of fluoride in the ground water, tens of millions of people have been afflicted with crippling skeletal fluorisis. The Indian government has been working hard at removing fluoride contamination from their water sources.Since 1997 the FDA has required all products containing fluoride to carry a poison warning label. Most recently the ADA (American Dental Association) has encouraged them to have labels which instruct “keep out of the hands of children under 6 years of age”. Does that sound like something that is good, let alone safe, for us? In addition to fluoride being in most toothpastes and oral rinses, it is now showing up as an ingredient in “nursery waters”. Fluoride is also still very much an environmental pollutant due to the continued processing of aluminum and water fluoridation. Currently forty-two of the U.S.’s major cities fluoridate their public water supply- Detroit being one of them- that’s 2/3 of our country’s drinking water! Unlike chlorine and other contaminates found in our water, fluoride cannot be removed from water through boiling or filtration. Water fluoridation is actually banned in many countries, including China, Austria, France, Scotland, Finland, Belgium, and many others.Very sadly, the powers that be have allowed the contamination of our waters, soils, and air. We can however write, call, and meet with our representatives to encourage and insist that they take better care of us, and our environment. This may not be an easy task, but it’s an important one, and with unity and diligence we just may get somewhere. Fortunately, you can find toothpastes and other oral hygiene products without fluoride. Nature’s Gate, Kiss My Face, and Tom’s of Maine are a few companies that make a non-fluoridated line of products (though still read the labels since they also offer ones that contain fluoride). Better still, you can make your own toothpowders and toothpastes. It is only possible through natural ingredients, care, and our diet to truly have healthy teeth and gums. Below is a recipe for a toothpowder that Mike and I use. To find out if your water is fluoridated visit: https://www.ada.org/public/media/presskits/fluoridation/overview_uscities.pdfTo find out who represents you visit:http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtmlThe Fluoride Action Network:http://www.fluoridealert.org/ All Natural Toothpowder
2 TBSP dried lemon peel¼ cup baking soda2 tsp sea salt (optional)½ tsp sage½ tsp cinnamon *you can also add ½ tsp of fennel Chop the dried lemon peel and using a mortar and pestle, or food processor, grind into a fine powder (make sure that the peel is completely dry),blend remaining ingredients together and voila, toothpowder! Store the toothpowder in a spice jar or other sealed container. When using, add a little water to the powder to make it into a paste and brush as you would normally. We follow each brushing with a brushing of pure Myrrh extract. Myrrh promotes healthy gums as well as prevents tooth decay. Remember also to drink plenty of water throughout the day, consume little (or no) refined sugars, floss regularly, and eat foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and D (green leafy vegetables, broccoli, carrots, and the blessed sun are good sources for all!). Baking Soda and Sea Salt act as an abrasion to clean teeth.Lemon Peel whitens teeth.Sage whitens teeth, removes plaque, and freshens the breath.Cinnamon inhibits bacterial growth.Fennel freshens the breath.withlovingkindness. -t.
The secret of health for both mind and body is to not mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” -Buddha
I hope that everyone had a beautiful holiday in whatever way you chose to celebrate, and that the new year brings you an abundance of joy, peace, and well-being. May we also be reminded that new beginnings do not only happen after the last page of our calendar year has been turned, but that we have the opportunity for rebirth with each and every moment, each and every breath. Life is a series of lessons, and a gift of continual growth and reawakening.
Mike and I have been making it our tradition this time of year to choose a place away from home to spend Christmas. We personally embrace the season more than the holiday, and our only gift to each other is to simply be with one another.
These sojourns help us to escape the normal stresses that the Christmas holiday inevitably brings in tow. We enjoy arriving in places as strangers to find empty streets and closed storefronts. With minimal busying and distractions we embrace the divine offering of the present moment.
Originally we thought that we would be doing some winter camping in Tennessee with friends, however that didn’t work out as planned, so instead we chose Grand Haven. Although the city was quieted, and greenness replaced with snow and ice, the pulse of nature was strong and we quickly found our rhythm within it.
Our stay in Grand Haven was filled with walks along the shoreline where I was mesmerized by the way that the tide and the sand, like a paintbrush and paint, embellished the snow, a once empty canvas, with abstract images resembling sunbursts and works by Jackson Pollock, even mandalas at times. We walked the South Pier to the lighthouse, which stood red and proud, the wind getting stronger with each step as we moved farther along. Foxtail and other grasses were browned but still very much alive, and the White Pines at Rosy Mound stood majestic as usual.
We spent three days in Grand Haven with a quick stop in Grand Rapids on the drive back to Detroit to visit Mike’s parents. Upon returning home we found Luka and Japhy Ryder in good spirits and good health, our dear friend Welby always takes such good care of them when we leave town to travel. I found my gardens covered with snow, but I know that despite appearances there is life still pulsating underneath the frozen ground. Nothing is truly dead, just in transition. Though I anticipate spring’s arrival I will respect and appreciate this time of rest for the earth, for it is with the help of rest that there is renewal, for all life.
Though much of plant life this time of year is in the midst of its transition and appears lifeless to the human eye (but not the human spirit), my kinship with nature does not lie dormant. I have been thinking of the many plants that have become symbolic of winter. I thought that it would be interesting to share those that come to mind when I think of winter and celebrate their beauty, as well as their extraordinary medicinal purposes.
I have great faith in food as our medicine, and that the earth provides us with all we need to sustain us, and I live my life accordingly. I would like to suggest, however, before incorporating any medicines- natural or synthetic- that you do your own additional research to rule out any personal contraindications that might be. Also, adhere to recommended doses gathered either through your own education or that of a homeopathic practitioner, herbalist, or other persons you trust in the field of natural healing. The plant world is extremely beneficial to us, and though much of our work with it is intuitive, it is always wisest to add the support of the bounty of wisdom from others that is readily available to us.
Pine needles are very high in Vitamin C. All pines have the same medicinal properties but Scotch and White Pines have the highest concentrations. Both Scotch and White Pines grow in Michigan, however the Eastern White Pine is a Michigan native. To reap the benefits you can simply chew on pine needles or make a tea. It is best to use green needles. For tea, take ¼ cup of pine needles and steep in boiling water for about ten minutes. One cup of tea offers more than the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C. Pycnogenol, which is a substance extracted from the bark, is very high in antioxidants and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Pine nuts also contain high levels of antioxidants, protein, fiber, niacin, Vitamins E and K, and have been known to lower blood cholesterol levels.
Although Holly berries are poisonous the leaves of the Holly plant, as well as its bark, have several healing properties. The leaves, which can be made into a tea, act as a diuretic as well as a febrifuge (fever eliminator). The bark steeped in cold water for at least twelve hours then consumed will cleanse the bowels, and will also provide a tranquilizing effect.
It is widely believed that if you kiss your lover under a swag of Mistletoe that you will remain in love forever. What many may not know is that Mistletoe has many medicinal properties. Mistletoe is actually a hemi-parasitic plant that attaches itself to deciduous trees. Large doses of Mistletoe can have harmful effects and, like Holly, the berries of Mistletoe are very toxic, so use with caution and knowledge. Mistletoe has been used to increase circulation, relax tight muscles, and as a remedy for stress and anxiety. It has very positive influences on the nervous system, and is also used to relieve headaches and asthma. Some believe that you will receive restful sleep and beautiful dreams when Mistletoe is laid near a bedroom door, hung on a headboard, or placed underneath your pillow.
Myrrh’s healing properties are found in the resin from a genus of trees and shrubs called Commiphora. The resin has been discovered to stimulate the production of white blood cells, thus making it an excellent aid in fighting infections. It is an analgesic, and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It has been used to treat respiratory infections, sore throats, digestive disorders, arthritis, and diabetes. Myrrh is also excellent for keeping gums healthy. Mike and I add a few drops of the extract to our toothbrushes whenever we brush our teeth.
Frankincense is extracted from Boswellia trees (there are 25 different species) and, like Myrrh, it’s the resin that is used. Frankincense can be used as an astringent, an antiseptic, and again, like Myrrh, it is also beneficial in tooth and gum health. It is helpful in relieving morning sickness, arthritis, sore muscles, and promotes healthy skin. Frankincense is also used to treat depression and to relieve respiratory disorders. In Chinese Medicine it is used to free the flow of the meridians. Frankincense has a very warm and earthy scent to it and used in aromatherapy it stimulates the mind, connects us to the spirit, has a grounding effect, and rids us of negativity.
Ginger- ah, beautiful ginger! Most of us know of ginger as a remedy for stomach ailments and digestive disorders. The reason that Ginger in so beneficial for our digestive systems is that it stimulates the pancreas and as a result increases the production of certain enzymes that aid in digestion. Ginger is also antibacterial and contains many antioxidants. It is very beneficial in protecting the liver, improves blood circulation, and is a good friend to the respiratory system thereby alleviating colds, asthma, sore throats, and sinusitis. In addition to taking ginger internally you can also use it externally. You can infuse a hand full of ginger root with a little water and add it to compresses to relieve arthritis inflammation, as well as apply it directly to gums and teeth to relieve the pain caused by infection and decay.
When using Wintergreen the leaves are the parts mostly used, however the berries are edible as well. Wintergreen is anti-inflammatory and can be used topically to relieve muscle and joint pain. Native Americans used to chew on wintergreen leaves to increase lung capacity and stamina. Internally it is used to alleviate rheumatism, bladder inflammation, and urinary tract infections. It is also known to prevent tooth decay. Wintergreen contains four different phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are plant based antioxidants which protect our cells from oxidative wear.
Nutmeg is an anti-inflammatory, a powerful stimulant, and like ginger has many benefits to our digestive system. It is an astringent and is helpful in treating rheumatism, eczema, toothaches, urinary incontinence, and sciatica. While most people know Nutmeg to be a popular ingredient in baked goods it should be used with care and in small doses. Large doses are extremely toxic and will act as a psychotropic. The psychotropic effect actually comes from Nutmeg poisoning. Use with care.
Clove oil is powerful in stabilizing our blood circulation and regulating our body’s temperature. Cloves aid in digestion, relieve colds and asthma, and when applied directly to an aching tooth it will relieve the pain almost instantly. As a child I used to tuck cloves in between my gums and cheeks to relieve the pain of toothaches, a rediscovery that came in very handy for myself only recently. Cloves sautéed in a little sesame or olive oil then applied by drops into the ear can relieve an earache. You can also use poultices made from clove oil and apply topically to alleviate muscle cramps and headaches. Three to five drops of clove oil mixed with a little honey, and a crushed clove of garlic then taken internally will relieve spasmodic coughing.
Bayberry is very popular as a candle scent this time of year (and my favorite of all candle scents no matter what season). American Bayberry grows along the shores of the Great Lakes-especially Lake Erie, so Michiganders have the added benefit of it being a native plant. American Bayberry is the species most used by herbalists, and it is the leaves, bark, and berries that are utilized. Bayberry taken internally helps relieve respiratory disorders, colic, diarrhea, uterine hemorrhaging, influenzas, digestive disorders, and rids the body of parasites. It is antibacterial, antispasmodic, astringent, an expectorant, and stimulates the circulatory system. You can chew on Bayberry bark to relieve toothaches, gargle infusions for a sore throat, and apply in poultice form to relieve varicose veins. Bayberry also helps to stimulate lymphatic drainage.
Wishing you all good health in body-mind-spirit in 2010 and always!
With
Love
and
Light,
-t.l.c.
"Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food." -Hippocrates
Last year I embarked on a strictly raw food diet for about two months. While eating 100% raw I saw many positive changes in my body, state of mind, and energy levels. I lost weight, my skin cleared, my head cleared, and unlike eating cooked foods where I would feel sluggish after a meal, I felt extremely energized after eating.
Up until my transition to a complete raw food diet much of my diet already consisted of raw foods, probably about 50%, but, however healthy the meals I cooked were I didn’t reap the benefits that I did until I took the complete leap to completely raw.
I had been wanting to introduce a whole raw food diet into my life for some time, but as silly as it may seem I thought I would miss cooking. I love cooking. I love experimenting with foods, feeding my friends and family, and there’s just something very comforting to be found in a warm meal. What I discovered when I finally made the switch is that although there is no cooking required there is much preparation and experimentation still involved- lots mashing, mixing, drying, sprouting, seasoning… If anything I think that raw foods can require much more creativity than cooked foods and I welcomed that aspect, along with the anticipated health benefits, with wide open arms.
Raw foods are also called ‘live foods’ or ‘living foods’. The reason is because cooked foods lose much of their nutrition during the heating process. Elimination of nutrition is elimination of life. We need the vitamins and minerals that are bestowed upon us from plant sources for our very own survival and well-being. Also lost in cooking are the many enzymes that our foods compassionately and naturally provide us which aid in digestion. Curiously, there are many, many digestive disorders in our society… a link perhaps?
Living Foods also maintain their fiber content which is essential in maintaining healthy arteries, intestines, blood sugar levels, and weight. Raw foods also maintain their great flavors, which would normally be lost during heating, and because of this less salt and sugar is consumed naturally- you just don’t feel the need to add them. What some may not know- but should definitely know- is that cooking and heating creates free radicals in our foods which knowingly contribute to many chronic diseases, including cancer.
Another wonderful benefit to eating live foods is that it is much gentler on our environment. In eating raw, waste is greatly reduced since unnecessary packaging is also reduced- there is no need for harmful plastics and aluminums, and less cardboard and paper means fewer trees are cut down. Less oil reserves are also used since less packaging is manufactured and that combined with less gas and electric cooking means less carbon dioxide put into the atmosphere. Also, a demand for more fruits and vegetables would put more oxygen into our environment and decrease carbon dioxide because of the simple increase in plant life.
Somewhere along the way I fell off the wagon and returned to a diet of about 50/50, cooking to raw, but I am feeling a strong need to return to one that is closer to 100% living! I am in no way trying to tell others how to live their lives but I would like to encourage you to try to bring more live foods into your diet. The benefits are plentiful! I would also like to encourage everyone- whether you partake in cooked or live foods- to bring as much organic food into your life, the positive health and environmental impacts are even greater.
With
Love
and
Light.
-t.
One of my favorite raw food recipes… Raw Fudge! Everyone who I have made this for loves it. It’s naturally sweet and oh-so-good for you. It’s loaded with fiber, protein, potassium, iron, simple sugars, Vitamin E, phytochemicals, Calcium, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin A, and Vitamins B3 and B6, to name a few.
Carob Walnut Fudge
3.5 cups of raw organic walnuts
1 3/4 cups raw, pitted, organic dates
1/2 cup raw, organic carob powder.
(I add raw coconut to mine, about a half cup or more- this is a great source of Manganese).
Put everything in a food processor and when smooth transfer to a square, glass dish (I use 9x9)
then the topping...
Cashew Date Frosting
1 cup of raw cashews
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
4 to 6 pitted, organic dates
Put all this in the food processor until smooth and creamy (you can add a little water if you want) and then smooth over fudge base.
Chill, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Reiki is a Japanese healing tradition which involves a technique very similar to “laying of hands”. Reiki is made up of two Japanese words. ‘Rei’, meaning “universal or transcendental”, and ‘Ki’, meaning “life force energy”. Reiki is rooted in the idea that we are made up of a universal energy force which flows through us and gives us life. When our life force energy is low or blocked, we are susceptible to sickness and stress, but when it is high we feel energized, healthy, have mental clarity, and a sense of inner peace.
Having the honor to be attuned in Reiki allows the practitioner the ability to tap into an unlimited supply of life force energy. It is then passed on person to person, or even onto ourselves. Through the practice of Reiki we are able to raise the vibrational frequency of ‘ki’ to enhance the quality of life.
While Reiki is a spiritual practice it adheres to no religion. It is universal. Reiki is safe, simple, and noninvasive. A person can remain fully clothed to receive it and it does not interfere with medical treatments. While I am not in a position to make gurantees, I can testify that Reiki has been known to encourage healing, restore vitality, and eliminate stress. Many people have described receiving Reiki as feeling a warm glow around their body, tingling sensations, and a deep state of relaxation.
I was taught Reiki in the tradition of Dr. Mikao Usui (Usui Sensei) and I have been certified in Reiki levels 1-3. I am always grateful to be given the opportunity to offer my skills in Reiki. I can administer a full Reiki session, or incorporate Reiki into your massage. I also practice distance Reiki. If you know of someone who could benefit from Reiki but they are not within travel distance to my studio, or are not mobile to visit, please message me their name and what my focus should be, and I will add them to my list for long distance Reiki. I never charge for distance Reiki.
Be well
And
Namaste’.
Energy work and Massage Rates:
$45 one hour
$60 one and a half hours
$80 two hours
*~*~*~*~*~
May all beings have happiness
and the causes of happiness
May all beings be free from suffering
and the causes of suffering
May all beings never be separated
from the supreme joy that is beyond all sorrow
May all beings abide in equanimity
free from attachment and aversion
-The Four Immeasurables
one of my teachers and mentors- Randy Fillion- taught me the practice of walking meditation. during walking meditation i am very aware of my feet touching the earth, and at the same time that i am experiencing the sensation of being grounded i feel incredibly free! outside of my body but in my mind. a quiet and stillness takes over. i feel as though nothing else exists in the world yet at the same time i feel connected to everything. time slows and only the very present moment matters.
although i really enjoy sitting meditation- and i will always continue the practice- walking meditation is becoming a very integral part of my life as well. life can be chaotic and busy. we move more than we sit and what a blessing it has been to make the hustle and bustle- no matter where i am off- a means of returning home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Walking with Peace and Presence
by Thich Nhat Hanh
I have arrived. I am home.
In the here. In the now.
I am solid. I am free.
In the ultimate I dwell.
Peace is something we can contemplate every day. Walking meditation is one of the ways to contemplate peace, and today we are going to walk together, generating the energy of peace, solidity, and freedom. I suggest that when you breathe in, you make three steps. Bring your attention to the soles of your feet, and become aware of the contact between your foot and the ground. Bring your attention down from the level of the brain to the soles of your feet. Breathing in, we make three steps, and we may tell ourselves with each step, "I have arrived. I have arrived. I have arrived." And breathing out, we make another three steps, always mindful of the contact between our feet and the ground, and we say, "I'm home. I'm home. I'm home."
Arrived where? Where is our home? According to the teaching and the practice of the Buddha, life is available only in the present moment, in the here and the now. And when you go back to the present moment, you have a chance to touch life, to encounter life, to become fully alive and fully present. That is why every step brings us back to the present moment, so that we can touch the wonders of life that are available. Therefore, when I say, "I have arrived," I mean I have arrived in the here and the now -- the only place, the only time where and when life is available, and that is my true home.
The Buddha said that the past is already gone, and the future is not yet here. There is only one moment for us to live, and that is the present moment. We have an appointment with life, and that appointment takes place in the present moment. If we miss the present moment, we miss our appointment with life, which is serious. In our daily life, we have a tendency to think about the past, to get caught in the sorrow and regret concerning the past, and to get caught in the fear and uncertainty about the future, so our mind is not in the present moment. That is why it is very important to learn how to go back to the present moment in order to become fully alive, fully present. Walking meditation helps us do that easily.
When I begin, I make two or three steps and I practice arriving. "I have arrived. I am home." It means, I don't want to run anymore, because I know that conditions for my happiness are already here in the present moment. Sometimes we believe that happiness is not possible in the here and the now; we need a few more conditions to be happy. So we run towards the future to get the conditions we think are missing. But by doing so we sacrifice the present moment, we sacrifice true life. Therefore, learning how to go home to the present moment is the basic practice of mindfulness. "I have arrived. I am home." My home is right here, right now. I don't want to run anymore. The habit of running may have been transmitted to me by my parents, and I may have been running all my life. Now I don't want to run anymore, I want to stop. Walking meditation helps us learn to stop in order to be truly alive, truly present. "I have arrived. I am home."
If you walk like that with every step, the energy of mindfulness and concentration will be there to support you. And the place where you walk becomes the pure land of the Buddha or the kingdom of God. The blue sky, the beautiful vegetation, the face of a child, the flower blooming -- all these wonders belong to the kingdom of God, to the pure land of the Buddha. We allow separation between us and those wonders of life because we allow anger, fear, grieving, and despair to stand in our way. Going home to our body by mindful breathing will help us let go of our worries, our regret and our fear, and that is the basic condition for us to get in touch with the wonders of life that are truly present in the here and the now.
We should walk in such a way that the pure land of the Buddha, the kingdom of God becomes a reality in the here and the now. There is not one day when I do not enjoy walking in the kingdom of God, in the pure land of the Buddha. Why should I deprive myself of that pleasure? I need only some energy of mindfulness, of concentration, in order to penetrate into the kingdom of God, into the pure land of the Buddha.
The kingdom of God is available to you in the here and the now. But the question is whether you are available to the kingdom. Our practice is to make ourselves ready for the kingdom so that it can manifest in the here and the now. You don't need to die in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. In fact, you have to be truly alive in order to do so. It's not too difficult. Just breathe in and bring your mind back to your body. That is the practice of mindfulness.
Mindfulness of breathing can be combined with mindfulness of walking, and you will continue to get the nourishment and healing that is available in the here and the now. Let us walk in such a way that every step can bring us stability, freedom, healing, and transformation. In order for each step to be solid, to be free, to be healing, to be nourishing, we need the energy of mindfulness and concentration. That energy can be obtained by mindful breathing, mindful stepping. "I have arrived. I am home." That is not a statement. That is a practice, and you will know whether you have arrived or not in the here and the now. You don't need another person to tell you. If you are truly established in the here and the now, you feel free, and you can get in touch with all the wonders of life that are available to you. Every step is an enjoyment.
Peace is the outcome of that practice. Walk in such a way that peace becomes a reality in every cell of your body, in every cell of your consciousness, because our consciousness is also made of cells. Mental formations, feelings, perception - they're all the cells of our consciousness. And when we breathe peacefully, the peace of our breath will penetrate into our body and into our mind. Then very soon, in no time at all, body, mind, and breath will become one in concentration, and we get the energy of stability, solidity, and freedom generated by every step we make. "I have arrived. I am home." That is a practice.
After a few minutes, you may move to the second line of the poem: "In the here. In the now." It means I have arrived in the here and the now. I am at home in the here and the now. The address of the pure land, the address of the kingdom of God, the address of peace and brotherhood is here and now. If you want to meet the Buddha, if you want to touch God, if you want to touch the ultimate dimension, that is the address: the here and the now. It is very special.
After some time, you might like to move to the third line. "I am solid. I am free." Solidity and freedom are the most important characteristics of happiness. Without some solidity, without some freedom, true happiness is not possible; therefore, every step should be able to generate more of the energy of solidity and freedom. And, again, this is not a wish or a declaration. If you are able to make steps, they can bring you back to the here and the now. You become more solid and freer with every step. So, "I am solid, I am free" means I notice that now I am more solid, I am freer. That makes the practice much more pleasant, because every step helps to bring more solidity and freedom to you. You walk like a prince. You walk like a lion, a princess. You walk like a king, because you are truly yourself, with all your serenity. "I am solid. I am free."
Every step becomes a delight. Every step has the power to heal, to transform. Not only can we heal ourselves by our steps, but we can help heal the Earth and the environment.
The last line of the poem is, "In the ultimate I dwell." There are two dimensions to reality. The first dimension is called the historical dimension, and the second dimension is the ultimate dimension. We have an ultimate dimension--the ground of our being--and if we know how to live deeply every moment of our historical dimension, we are able to touch our ultimate dimension.
It is like a wave. A wave may seem to have a beginning and end. A wave might be seen as high or low, big or small, different or not different from other waves. These terms--beginning, ending, high, low, more or less beautiful--they belong to the dimension called historical, but the wave is at the same time the water. Water transcends the form of the wave, the idea of beginning, ending, high, or low. These notions apply to the wave but not to the water. The moment when the wave realizes that she is water, she loses all her fear and she enjoys much more being a wave. She is free from birth and death, being and non-being, high or low, because when we are able to touch our ultimate dimension, we are no longer subjected to fear-- fear of being; fear of non-being; fear of birth; fear of death.
This is a very, very deep practice. When you've touched your true foundation, your true nature, the nature of no birth and no death, then non-fear arises. And with non-fear, true happiness will become possible. It is possible to live each moment of our daily life in such a way that helps us to touch our ultimate dimension. And this is a wonderful way to transcend fear.
"I have arrived. I am home. In the here. In the now. I am solid. I am free. In the ultimate I dwell." Four lines guiding us in our practice of walking meditation. Let us practice together as a Sangha, as a community. Let us flow like a river, generating peace with every step we make. There is no walk for peace; peace is the walk. By walking, we generate peace within our body, our consciousness. We embrace and heal the pain, the sorrow, the fear in us, and that is the ground for helping peace to be a reality in the world. Let us sing these lines together in order to help memorize the four lines of the song: "I have arrived. I am home. In the here and in the now. I am solid. I am free. In the ultimate I dwell."
Let us walk together and let us generate the energy of peace and happiness and joy. Let us transform this place and this time into the kingdom of God, into the pure land of the Buddha. This is possible. The collective energy of mindfulness will be generated and penetrate into every one of us for our transformation and healing. Happy walking for everyone.
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