Jan 17

“I cannot think that we are useless or God would not have created us.” – GOYATHLAY (Geronimo) Apache Medicine Man & War Chief 1829-1909.

I try to write to the spiritual teachings but today the newspaper blares no headlines of goodness we might bring to our planet. There is terror, pollution, bankruptcy, bottom lines, murder, pandemic.  Good news doesn’t sell papers. I wonder where in the paper to find evidence of usefulness and worth, but all I read is bloodshed and bloodbath.  My thoughts turn away from creation…

And what of evolution?

Are we important or irritant? We erode
the planet in our role as Man the Destroyer.
Even our fellow humans are not safe
from violence, destruction, madness.

I read today that Canadians
are cautious, respectful, bland.
I read today that terrorists only want
to control their own countries.

Yet events tell a different story.
There is no respect for borders.
What control of their own will be found
in France? in Belgium? In New York City?
CAS Jan. 17, 2015

Jan. 16  Bummer, it seems WordPress has taken away the neat tool I was using to include pictures and related posts. I may have to upgrade after all, but for now… today’s small stone:

 “…And as we shake hands today upon this broad plain, we may forever live in peace.” – Red Cloud (Makhpiya-Luta) Oglala Sioux Chief, late 19th century

Today, I strive for inner peace,
a calm knowing, acceptance
that where I am in the world,

where I am in my life,
is where I am supposed to be,
that everything is as it should be.

May I find peace,
may I be safe,
may I be healthy

may I move away from fear,
banish the anxiety that takes away
balance and serenity.

CAS Jan. 16, 2015

Jan 14

“Jan. 14, 1833: Reverend Samuel Worcester was released from a Georgia prison after serving four years of hard labor for speaking out against the mistreatment of Cherokee Indians.”

We look back 180 years, congratulating ourselves on how far we’ve come. Today I wonder. This morning’s reading from the book was followed by something in the newspaper that disturbs me: the idea of arresting someone not for an act of terror, but for the potential to act. To arrest the radicalized that would not ever resort to terrorism.

Of course I don’t support acts of terror. Nor do I consider myself radical. In fact, quite the opposite. But I wonder about the next step after that. The one where it becomes a crime to think, to speak out against those in power that we don’t agree with. Is that also radicalization? What does that word truly mean? I think about the weakening, perhaps abolishing of freedom of speech. Is that the next step?

Today, I read about imprisonment in the past
for speaking against mistreatment of Cherokee.

Today, for just the potential to act. How long before
they still the tongues of anyone who speaks against the powerful?

Is the future one of dictatorship, loss of freedom,
where just to think becomes a criminal intent?

CAS Jan. 14, 2015