In Honour Of….

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on April 28, 2016 in Historical, Inspiration, Matters of Faith, Spiritual

April 28, 2016, Prescott- I took today off from work, as we Baha’is are so advised, on Holy Days such as this- the Ninth Day of the Ridvan Festival; the Day when, 163 years ago, Baha’u’llah revealed His Station to family and closest associates, while preparing to follow lawful orders and proceed overland, from Baghdad to Constantinople (Istanbul). Their departure would begin in earnest, three days later.

We will gather as a community and celebrate the Anniversary, 1 1/2 hours from now, with sacred readings, contemplation and a fine meal. Baha’u’llah and His entourage, by contrast, frequently had scant food and drink- especially when on the dusty path, northward from Iraq and across Anatolia. The Messengers of God always take on suffering, if only to show us that it can be overcome, in the end.

Ours is not a Faith of asceticism, nor is it favourable towards over-indulgence. We do well, He says, to share good fortune, and not lose heart, in times of scarcity. The former is largely the result of dispassionate hard work. The latter is a reminder that this is a life meant for character building, which can best be achieved in the face of trials. So, at least, is my understanding of it all.

He came to bring unity to mankind- and gave us a blueprint, slowly being understood, and accepted, by more people. It must, however, be done willingly by each individual. The days of forced conversion are being seen for what they were, and will not be repeated.

Intercalary

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on February 26, 2016 in Community, Matters of Faith, Personal Values, Spiritual

February 26, 2016, Prescott- Today is the first of four Intercalary Days, celebrated by members of the Baha’i Faith, as days of charity, gift-giving and fellowship. The proper name for this short period is Ayyam-i-Ha, or “Days of Giving”. It is followed by a Fast, of nineteen days, on which I’ve written before, and will again. Our Fast has some similarities to Lent, Ramadan and the Jewish High Holy Days, as well as its own unique character.

Intercalary means “in-between calendar months”. Our Baha’i calendar, properly called the Badi Calendar, has nineteen months of nineteen days each. In the past, we would have four days of intercalary in 365- day years and five days, in a Leap Year. The calendar has now been synchronized, world-wide, so that our Holy Days will be based on the occurrence of the new moon, and thus will fall on different dates each year. The Intercalary Period, therefore, will be four days a year, regardless of a year’s actual length.

Personally, this month and next, are rather lean, so my charity and gift-giving come more in the form of time and energy, this year. I’d rather have it that way, actually, as we humans sometimes value each other more on what things people bring and how much money they give. I’ve lost a few friends, over the years, because I didn’t contribute, financially, to their efforts or causes. Then again, were they really friends, in the first place?

Today, I will shortly set out and see what is happening downtown, and visit one of my favourite journaling haunts- either the Courthouse lawn, or one of the coffee houses that so wonderfully grace our central area. This evening features two gatherings, and tomorrow- three. I have, on such occasions, developed the art of selective grazing- each of these affairs is centered around food- and refined my conversational skills, which, for much of my life, have been halting, at best.

It’ll be a fine weekend, at any rate, and will have its share of acts of service.

This Living Dream

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on February 5, 2016 in Inspiration, Matters of Faith, Personal Values, Social

February 4, 2016, Prescott- It’s been nearly three weeks since the nation took time to honour the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s been three weeks, since we heard this year’s iterations of the speech he gave, sharing his dream of a nation whose people were at peace with one another.

I have thought, long and hard, about the years that have passed since then, and the years that have passed since his slaying. We no longer, thankfully, have full-on urban riots, at least not since Los Angeles, and 25 other cities, in 1992. We no longer tell people of colour that they cannot live in certain neighbourhoods, or parts of the country. We have, on the one hand, made an attempt to include people of colour more fully in the outward cultural fabric of our world-with HipHop and rap becoming de rigeur, worldwide. On the other hand, there is so much unfinished, and even some progress at risk of being undone.

I have to say this, sans hard hat: There are still several areas of daily life, mostly involving how I, and people who look like me, are perceived by law enforcement, especially on the road at night, that are not experienced the same way by people of colour. As a nation, we buy too easily into stereotypes, still. It was not so long ago that I would lapse into a lilt, when speaking with African-Americans. That had to rankle the people with whom I was speaking and I apologize, profusely. It said volumes about my own gap in self-identity and deficit in self-confidence.

I am over that personal roadblock. The Dream that Dr. King shared with us, while speaking at the National Mall, those 53 years ago, was meant for all of us. It was meant for Blacks, Native-Americans, Latinos to claim a place in the true life of the nation. It was meant for women to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men. It was meant for Caucasians to recognize that sharing the full life of the nation with people of colour, in no way diminishes who we are as a dynamic force in the progress of mankind. It was meant for those of both sexual orientations to be afforded the opportunity to share their God-given strengths and talents, in making the world a better place. It was meant that the Dream be truly universal. I believe the Dream is alive. I believe that this is truly the Day that will not be followed by Night.

Everlastings

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on January 18, 2016 in Matters of Faith, Personal Values, Spiritual, Striving

January 16, 2016, Prescott-

God is reflected in the everlastings.

My love for my soul mate is everlasting.

Lemuria and Atlantis are not.

The joy taken from hearing children laugh, puppies bark and kittens mewl is.

The ups and downs of the financial markets are not.

A California traffic jam sometimes seems like it is.

The joy of time spent with good friends definitely is.

The Sun, as vital as it is, is not everlasting.

Beauty and radiance will always be found, somewhere, so they are.

Earth, as familiar as it is, is not everlasting.

The Universe, with neither beginning nor end, is.

The stuff in my cabinets and my refrigerator, definitely is not.

I, in some form, will be- at least I strive to meet with God’s pleasure.

The Road to 65, Mile 364: The Stuff That Matters

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on November 28, 2015 in Community, Family, Hiking and Nature, Historical, Matters of Faith, Personal goals, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Travel

November 27, 2015, Chula Vista- The brisk walk from Aram’s apartment to the area’s Costco was a two-mile round trip. I carried a small box, with salad fixings and a brick of sharp cheddar. I could have driven, or taken the bus. Instead, I was inspired, both by my own tradition and by a tourist in New York, who preferred to walk uptown from One World Trade Center, so as to “see what I’m passing.”

Having made two long journeys, this past year, I can say I saw alot. There are differences between the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf Coast, but also key similarities. Both are humid and moist. Both have people who are passionately close to the sea. Both require crossing starkly beautiful deserts, if one approaches by road or rail. Both have compelling stories to share and both have celebratory traditions. The Native Americans and First Nations peoples of Oregon, Idaho, Washington, British Columbia and southeast Alaska have civilized traditions and lore going back thousands of years. So do the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Miccosukee, Alabama, and the hybrid nation we call the Seminole. The story of the Aboriginals of North America matters, immensely.

Having hiked up Mt. Verstovia, along East Glacier Trail, six miles around Ketchikan, all over Manzanar, on two more segments of Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, and along the Prescott Circle, not far from my place of residence, I feel continually blessed by nature, health and mobility. The environment matters, enormously.

I spent time among the historical remnants of early European settlers and missionaries, in Santa Barbara, San Luis (now called Tallahassee) , San Antonio, Wrangell and Sitka. They wreaked havoc on those they found in the area already, thinking that educating the “savages” and exploiting the natural resources were their twin obligations to King and Country. Their successors followed suit, and I saw the results- some worthy of respect, (Tonopah, Bellingham and Moscow,ID), for the honest labour that modestly claimed a share of the resources of land and sea. Others, like the ravaging of Native Peoples in Sitka and Hoonah, the slaughter of Chinese immigrants in Hells Canyon and the internment of Japanese-Americans, as recorded for posterity, at Manzanar and Poston, stand as reminders of just how far we have to go. The historical record matters, tellingly.

I returned to work, towards the end of this, my 65th year, secondarily to recoup some of my financial resources, but primarily because the well-being of yet another rising generation needs whatever champions who can arise. I will work another five years or so, as long as my health and the goodwill of the powers that be remain strong. The people we call “Millennials” and “Generation Z” matter, beyond measure.

I will miss Margaret and Ardith Lambert, Tom Boyd, my Xanga friends who called themselves Inciteful and Sister Mae, and feel the losses of several friends’ parents, whom I never met, but sense their character, in the people their children, who are my friends, have become. Losses matter, achingly.

I visit with my son, not as often as I would like, but when our mutual schedules permit. I communicate with my immediate and extended families, again not as regularly as is desired, but often enough that we know we are there for one another. I visited with an elder in Colorado, at the beginning of this year, attempted to spend time with another elder in Florida, though to no avail, and did visit with people I regard as family, in Alabama, Mississippi, California,Nevada, Washington and Alaska. Family loves, quarrels, understands, misunderstands, hides, seeks and ultimately stays in bond. Family matters, indelibly, and yes, to answer an online friend’s plaint- family includes friends.

Central to all has been Faith. Looking back at the past 6 1/2 decades, I could never have survived my own missteps and foibles, or the trials sent my way, without knowing that there is something greater, Someone Indestructible, always seeing and caring. Belief, and the Faith Community, matter, in primacy.

So, my road to 65 nears an end. It has been vast, long, alternately wide and narrow, by turns straight and curving. It started at the end of a year of intense expansion of personal boundaries and ends at the beginning of a year of unknowns. Decisions made by others will figure greatly in my course of action. Time goes on.

The Road to 65, Mile 355: Positivity About Myself

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on November 20, 2015 in Matters of Faith, Personal Values

November 18, 2015, Chino Valley- I have a long history of self- doubt and second guessing. My late wife had just about cured me of these, when her disease took her to the Spirit Realm, five years ago, next March. On my own, since, I have had to face myself and look at the smiling, approving people in my life, while looking past the stern-faced ones. The biggest task is letting myself be among the former.

It was a bit tough, this evening, after a good, productive but tiring day, to face a meeting with people who were stern-faced and all business. I got it done, though I had to get hold of myself, as doubt began to slip back in. Rule Number One, anymore, is not to let detractors get a sense of any vulnerability I might feel.

So, here are three positives about me, which no one can take away. First: I am committed to bringing peace, safety and tranquility to the lives of children and other vulnerable people in my life. Second, I am doing better at taking the time to get my tasks done properly. Third, I take a larger view of things, so what I can do to help the wider society, in reaching its legitimate goals, is well-worth any personal sacrifice.

I am believing more in my abilities, every morning I have the honour of waking.

The Road to 65, Mile 352: Call to Account

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on November 18, 2015 in Inspiration, Matters of Faith

November 15, 2015, Prescott-

Fingers placed in the pie of another,

must first receive word of his druthers.

Assuming one’s neighbours will concur

with a sordid plan,

shows no keen understanding of fellow man.

The self-righteous tyrants striking one another,

will soon find the True Almighty calling them to account,

and rending them asunder.

The Road to 65, Mile 351: Marmalade Chicken and Old Bullwhacker

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on November 16, 2015 in Community, Hiking and Nature, Inspiration, Matters of Faith

November 14, 2015, Prescott- The nice thing about most Saturdays is that they tend to be the most open-ended day of the week. Today, for example, gave me a chance for a haircut, though not to visit the Farmer’s Market.

The trade-off came with the commemoration of one of our greatest Holy Days: The anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah. As I explained a day or so ago, we Baha’is now observe this Day in tandem with the anniversary of the Birth of Al-Bab. The spiritual power of these “twin” Holy Days has yet to be seen by humanity-at-large, but it is felt by me, and millions of others around the world.

About twenty-five of us gathered at the home of a retired physician and a retired pharmacist. We shared the account of Baha’u’llah’s early life and several prayers, then enjoyed yet another fine Persian repast, prepared by the ladies. Among the particular delights were two types of chicken: Rosemary and marmalade. These give me two more ideas for the crock pot, this winter. Lamb meatballs were also delectable, but it would take me lots more practice to get those done right.

After tarrying and conversing with my fellows-in-faith, a bit longer than usual on a beautiful afternoon, I headed home, changed clothes, and course, hitting the trail on Segment 7 of Prescott Circle Trail. The northern half of this segment occupied me from 3-6:30 P.M., and takes in about 4.5 miles, between Watson Lake and State Highway 69.

The area is one in which I have driven several times a week, while glancing over at the wilderness between several industrial parks and one of our major shopping plazas. Today, I got to walk that wilderness. Largely scrub oak forest and tall grass, it traverses an old city landfill, now home to a medium-sized herd of deer, and a pristine valley, looking somewhat like a bowl, carved by two creeks, over thousands of years. Here are some shots of the northern half of Segment 7.

This is a southern extension of the Peavine Trail, part of the Rails-to-Trails Project. It follows an underpass at the junction with Prescott Lakes Boulevard, the connector road from northeast Prescott to State Highway 69.

This scene, and the next one, are atop the former Prescott landfill, now left to area wildlife, and their admirers.

This crushed rock bed serves as a drainage medium.

Coming down off the landfill site, I crossed this dry wash, then went past the Yavapai County Justice Center, a juvenile court. There was no activity there, today.

Several bicyclists shared the trail with me today, coming quickly downhill, into washes like this.

This area, west of a WalMart, of all things, is as quiet and unassuming as any woodland in Prescott National Forest, some three miles further south.

From the ridge above the “bowl” seen above, I had this view of the hazy hills to the west and northwest.

Atop Old Bullwhacker Hill, I saw the southern half of Segment 7.

At the foot of Old Bullwhacker, I found another copse of trees and a dry creek bed, between two shopping centers.

This trail leads to a culvert, through which one may pass under the busy AZ Highway 69.

As I was wending my way back to the Peavine Parking Lot, I got a call from Aram, filling me in on some news from his end. After a ten-minute conversation, I looked down and saw this little affirmation, from the Universe.

The Road to 65, Mile 349: Anticipating Twin Lights

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on November 15, 2015 in Inspiration, Matters of Faith

November 12, 2015, Chino Valley-

I head homeward,

upon ending a successful day.

Many bright ideas were in view,

As our Science Fair displayed.

Now come the Twin Birthdays,

of Al-Bab and Baha’u’llah.

The Gate and Blessed Beauty,

Behold, and stand in awe!

This verse is in honour of the commemorations of the Births of Baha’u’llah, and His Herald, Al-Bab (The Gate), which are celebrated on November 13 (Al-Bab’s) and 14 (Baha’u’llah), as these are the days on which the Anniversaries fall, when gauged by the Badi, or Baha’i, Calendar, which is pegged to begin with the Vernal Equinox of the Northern Hemisphere (Autumnal, in the Southern Hemisphere). As the Equinox may fluctuate, from year to year, so will Baha’i Holy Days, including the Twin Anniversaries, fall on slightly different days, from one year to the next.

We Baha’is in the Prescott area had a lovely devotional, followed by an incomparable Persian dinner, in honouring Al-Bab, this evening. The same will ensue on Saturday, in honour of Baha’u’llah.