The Road to Diamond, Day 18: The Crick

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Posted by on in Assistance, collaborating, Community, impediments, Inner Struggles, Inspiration, Matters of Faith, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 16, 2024- With two quick movements, Dr. Robert soothed a crick in my neck, that had bothered me for nearly a month. I had kept it from being too bothersome, by applying Deep Blue oil blend. Chiropractic, though, is what tended the stiffness and restored my range of motion.

This evening, I pondered one of my mental cricks. I got a query from Penny, asking if I thought that I felt stuck with her, in the next life. My response, looking at her picture, was “Absolutely not. I love you and always will.” I then got a message that this beloved spirit was happy.

My mental crick came from the notion that two souls, and only two souls, can be together for eternity. However, nowhere in the Baha’i Writings does it say that, specifically. It does say that two souls bonded together in this life will be together in all the worlds of God. This does not preclude bonding with other souls, in the event one outlives the other. A letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi explains that:

“There is no teaching in the Bahá’í Faith that ‘soul mates’ exist. What is meant is that marriage should lead to a profound friendship of spirit, which will endure in the next world, where there is no sex, and no giving and taking in marriage; just the way we should establish with our parents, our children, our brothers and sisters and friends a deep spiritual bond which will be everlasting, and not merely physical bonds of human relationship.

“There is nothing against a person remarrying, the implication of unity in marriage being meant as a spiritual bond which will be everlasting, and not a sexual thing, in the quotation you cited.” – Written to an individual believer, in December, 1954.

The bond between Penny and me is an eternal, spiritual one. The bond between me and any other person can also be an eternal, spiritual one. I feel relieved by this meditation.

So often, we look at such matters solely from the standpoint of the temporary, physical reality. Those with whom I feel the strongest bond, however, are so much closer to me in a spiritual sense. I see that is true of every other pair of people who are truly united.

Two cricks are thus relieved, this evening.

The Road to Diamond, Day 17: Affirmation

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Posted by on in collaborating, Community, Entertainment, Inspiration, Matters of Faith, Personal Values, Service Activities, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 15, 2024- The adviser, whom I have known for twenty-four years, was unequivocal. “Follow your heart, listen to the messages you get from the spirits and don’t worry about pleasing the people here. Each community must find its energy, and not depend on any one person, or small group, to achieve its goals.”

This was in regard to any lingering concerns I had, regarding my plans for the near future. Only one of the team of advisers raised a mild objection to the idea of my not being around in summer. It may be inconvenient for that person and family, but the overwhelming consensus is that individuals and communities alike must face their challenges.

Said future will remain unsettled until at least February. That’s okay, as I know that everything will turn out for the best. There are still myriad things that could happen. I helped a bit with the community’s planning, while heeding the first adviser’s words and not backing off from my present plans.

Now, the heavy business of the first half of December is done, and short of a handful of regular volunteer shifts, my focus is on exercising and enjoying various Christmas season events. One of these is the Gingerbread House display, at Prescott Resort Hotel. I went up there this evening, spotting the full moon.

In the lobby, there were about forty entries, each of which must have taken five-ten hours to complete. Here are four, inspired by Prescott’s status as “Arizona’s Christmas City”.

This school is located in a forest environment, on the south end of town.

This one was inspired by Prescott’s annual Christmas Parade, which always takes place around noon, on the first Saturday in December. That is my time to help out at Farmers’ Market. Oh well.

The Museum of Indigenous People is a block from Home Base I. I will check out its holiday decor, this week.

Finally, here is an idea about what Santa does, after the holiday rush. It’s from the granddaughter of a Baha’i friend.

A busy weekend thus came to a “Vacay” end.

The Road to Diamond, Day 16: Privilege

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Posted by on in collaborating, Community, Family, Inspiration, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 14, 2024- Caitlin Clark, a White woman who some other White women love to hate, commented on her own selection as Athlete of the Year, pointing out that much of her success in life has come from having enjoyed privilege. This stung both those who themselves enjoy semi-royal perks and those who have struggled to so much as put food on the table. I don’t know Caitlin Clark, or any other professional athlete, for that matter, but I do know White people who enjoy privilege and several who do not. I, myself, have been in both categories, at different times in my life-enough to know that one can be traded for the other, at a moment’s notice.

To her credit, Ms. Clark calls on the public to show respect for the many athletes of colour who have built her League-the WBNA. This, too, has offended those who still don’t see beyond their own narrow circumstances. More’s the pity. My life has been made all the richer, by having people of all “colours” and ethnicities in my life. Not all of them have been friendly, but each has imparted an opportunity for me to build personal strength.

I see the entitled ones, each day. Some are White; some are people of colour. They tend to not want to have much to do with people like me, and that’s okay. I look in their eyes and see deadness, shadow. My friends are those whose eyes and faces radiate emotion-mostly caring, joie de vivre. The entitled ones radiate nothing. Their whole being is transactional and they only associate with those from whom they can derive benefit. The rest of us are seen as impediments.

My people are those whom the wirepullers and elitists have trampled, or have deluded into doing the trampling for them. My people are those who have struggled, and yet they keep on trying. They either have transcended the lie, or will transcend it. It has nothing to do with income level, or race, mind you. I know of at least one person of colour, here in Prescott, who only associates with the elites. I know many White people of achievement, including in my own family, who would give the shirts off their backs to the suffering. It is about character, and nothing else.

The vast majority of those I have met, are my people. I kind of think that Caitlin Clark would be one of them.

The Road to Diamond, Day 15: Hats and Antlers

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Posted by on in children, collaborating, Community, Education, Entertainment, Personal Values, Social, Striving

December 13, 2024- It was Acker Night, tonight, in downtown Prescott. This is an annual fund drive for Music Education, supporting programs in everything from dance to choral singing and a jazz quartet. The second Friday in December is thus an especially heartwarming night, the chill air aside.

I walked around downtown, stopping first at American Legion Post 6, to listen to a few songs by a couple of Post members and starting my “rounds” of contributions to the fund. After being admonished that “downtown is a long way”(It is a half mile from the Post to Courthouse Square), I walked down the hill. As long as I still can manage, walking is a joy. I feel for those who no longer can, though.

In a small alcove, at Lifeways Book Store, a bilingual singer offered several tunes with a Southwest flavour. In his rendition of Ray Charles’ “Seven Spanish Angels”, he sang both the English and Spanish lyrics. The singer told of his having studied the songs in his repertoire, and having “corrected” Mr. Charles’s Spanish translation-to make it flow better. Since he lived and worked for a time in Veracruz, I figured he knew what he was doing.

I walked the south side of the Square for a bit, listening to a choral group doing Christmas carols, then walking around to the north side, where a dance ensemble was doing a “Rockette-style line dance, to Kay Starr’s “The Man With The Bag”. A couple of beginner dance groups followed with “Silent Night” and “White Christmas”.

Finally, it was off to Raven Cafe and a bowl of cream of mushroom soup, which soothed whatever remnants I had of Wednesday night’s stomach flu. The featured artist for the evening, Kendra Vonderheide, gave a solid hour of mostly original tunes, saying that these were her way of releasing pent-up energy, after a three-hour drive from her hometown of Bisbee. Kendra complimented those who wore Santa hats and reindeer antlers. Arizona’s “Christmas City” would offer no less. It was another fabulous step forward for music education in our area.

Here is Ray Charles, with Willie Nelson, performing “Seven Spanish Angels”.

The Road to Diamond, Day 14: Home-bound

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Posted by on in Assistance, collaborating, Community, Entertainment, impediments, Inner Struggles, Personal Values, service, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 12, 2024- Last night was no fun. I got up, twice in the night and knelt by the open toilet. I felt a bit better, after the second time, but nowhere near well enough to go to my scheduled work assignment. The school administrators had no problem with my staying home. I felt a bit better, still, when it approached time for me to get a chiropractic adjustment. Still, the protocol for stomach flu is no contact with regular appointments, for twenty-four hours, so I rescheduled that as well.

I probably got more sleep today than I have in twenty-five years, thus accounting for the fairly quick rebound from this morning. I kept dreaming that I was going through a couple of folders that my friend, Kathy, gave me to read. There are no such folders here, so maybe they are at her house and I will be asked to read them later.

Other than that, my waking time allowed for catching up on reading, and on a bit of binge-watching shows like “Lioness” and season 5 of “The Expanse”. “The Chosen” is also going to be in the queue, but as the weekend approaches, there are three days of intense activity-so long as I make an overall recovery. The computer screen is no match for Acker Night, a Red Cross Christmas Party and a major Baha’i gathering.

The Road to Diamond, Day 13: Getting Past “Go”

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Posted by on in collaborating, Community, impediments, Inner Struggles, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 11, 2024- Some days, it is just hard to get out of bed. Negative energy can take hold, and simple tasks can seem like they are just in the way. On days like this, though, sleeping in is not an option.

I had my every-four-months dental checkup, which meant a drive to Phoenix. So, up it was, at 6:30 and out the door by 8. Negative energy presented itself, as I went to pay for my breakfast sandwich and coffee, at an automated register that alternately wouldn’t scan my items, then scanned the coffee twice. After human intelligence solved that problem and I got cash back, for the duplicate coffee, everything else fell into place, until I got to the on-ramp for AZ 101. After a five-minute crawl (this was after rush hour, mind you), the rest was easy and I got into the dentist’s office with five minutes to spare.

The exam itself was positive and I was again congratulated for keeping on top of oral hygiene. I had once again pushed past “Go” and collected $200.

Considering all that this life has brought, both good and not-so-good, I have been lucky to have had as many “Collect $200” days as I have. The cost is developing self-discipline, and while it came late to me, the benefits have piled up nicely. Getting out of bed in the morning, and in a timely manner, has paid the bills, taken me on some fabulous adventures and brought fascinating people into this life. Staying put, under the covers, would only guarantee aloneness, a fantasy life and ennui.

I will stick with getting past “Go”.

The Road to Diamond, Day 12: Like-Minded

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Posted by on in collaborating, Community, impediments, Inner Struggles, Matters of Faith, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 10, 2024- The repast was astonishing, bringing back memories of banquets in Taiwan, and of the full East Asian buffets that gave us comfort, in the hard times of the 2000s. The seven of us who gathered this afternoon are, to varying degrees, of progressive mind. There are, therefore, differing feelings among us, as to what awaits in the next four years. I see much good in the ethics of inclusion and sharing that my dining companions espouse. The rub, though, is in the shallowness of their politics.

It is my firm conviction that there is common ground among all people, and that it is worth the effort to bring that common ground to the fore. It is a mistake to give up and retreat, in the belief that there is an “other side”, with which it is impossible to reason. It is a mistake to assume that there is nothing to talk about, with that “other side”. I only see a continuum, with no barriers save the ones we choose to erect, either out of fear or exasperation. Those who are afraid, need backup and reassurance. Those who are exasperated should rest and gather their thoughts and feelings.

I thought of this again tonight, as we Baha’is gathered for a Spiritual Feast. We are all of differing backgrounds, mindsets and places on the political spectrum, yet there can be no animosity, where there is true unity of commitment to the Oneness of Mankind. It’s hard work, and it may take our species a thousand years to accomplish. The legwork, though, is going on now, and cannot be kicked down the road.

Like-minded people are always gathering, and will eventually bring in other like-minded people. No one needs to be left out.

The Road to Diamond, Day 11: Lights Dimmed

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Posted by on in collaborating, Community, impediments, Inspiration, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 9, 2024- The maintenance director at Solid Rock Christian Community was growing impatient with the last diner at this evening’s Soup Kitchen. The man is a slow eater, and is most often the last person to finish his meal. To his credit, he didn’t budge when the director dimmed the dining room lights. It took an extra three minutes for him to finish and leave-with a parting shot at said director.

Many people are concerned that the lights of democracy, and of a robust economy, are going to be dimmed, in the months and years ahead. Democracy must be seen as a vehicle for everyone to state their views. There are elements of elitism, in our country at present. Those who have long felt excluded deserve clearer explanations of policies and processes. Surely, it would help greatly if Civics were to be restored to its place in our education system. It is not an accident that many in Generation Z are drawn to quick fixes and more authoritarian approaches to problem-solving. Who has actually taken the time to carefully explain the nature of a democratic society to the youngest generation of adults?

The same is true of economics. There is a bit more emphasis on that subject, in the schools, but the fairly humming economy is not presenting itself, in an articulate manner, to many heads of households. There is a good return on investments and property values are holding steady, but people are not seeing their budgets stretching very far, despite the slowly declining rate of inflation. That, more than anything, is giving the loudest voices in the room traction.

Tariffs, especially at the rates being proposed now, will NOT have the desired effect on the economy. They will raise prices, and thus the rate of inflation, very likely to an astronomical level-with food, fuel, automobile repair and clothing among the commodities that will sink many a household budget, faster than is the case now. Tax cuts for the well-to-do will deplete the Treasury faster than tariff revenue can replenish it-thus adding to the national deficit, rather than shrinking it. Those who are presently staying at home, or who are otherwise not working, will find that there will be a growing clamour from their families, friends and neighbours for them to go back to work-often at fairly menial jobs, if the proposed deportation of the mass of undocumented immigrants is successfully carried out. Many of the stay-at-homes supported the incoming president. Are they ready to heed the call to work as landscapers, construction workers and housekeepers? Time will tell.

Is the national light dimming? Right now, I don’t think so, but there are some flickers. It is up to both conservatives and liberals to keep the lights burning brightly.

The Road to Diamond, Day 10: Consensus

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Posted by on in Assistance, collaborating, Community, Inspiration, Personal Values, Social, Striving

December 8, 2024- When I have substituted in an elementary classroom , at the beginning of a week, I have filled classroom jobs, by setting the previous week’s job holders’ names aside and selecting the new people from the jar that had the rest of the class members’ names. There were no favourites, and everyone accepted the job they were given.

Those gathered at table, this noon, were of one opinion regarding the present system of selecting people to fill government positions. Across the board, it seems that those who play the camaraderie game are finding their way to key Cabinet and sub-Cabinet posts. Now, this is obviously an experiment, much as the President-elect’s first term was. It has been pointed out, elsewhere, that there is a chance that the nominees may turn out to be quick studies and actually do great work. They may see things on the ground, that lead them to back away from some of the more radical proposals being floated. My fellow diners were, however, not inclined to approve-even if they themselves had voted for him.

Experimenting and thinking outside the box, in governmental matters-or in any large-scale executive situations, can go either way. The best, most versatile of Renaissance personages can think on their feet and get great deeds accomplished. President Harry Truman is an example of someone who was not given much chance of success, yet rose to the occasion. There are also those who are thrust into offices that are beyond their skill sets, and great damage has resulted. I personally have been in both situations, though there was not a whole lot of wreckage left in my wake, when I was a bit over my head. A good back-up team was in place, and carried on.

I trust that there will be a full period of due diligence by the Senate, and the duty of advisement and consent will be fulfilled. That was the consensus among the gathered friends today, as well. May the reasonable and responsible programs advanced by the incoming leadership outweigh those proposals that may do more harm than good.

The Road to Diamond, Day 9: Veterans

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Posted by on in collaborating, Community, impediments, Inspiration, Personal Values, service, Social, Spiritual, Striving

December 7, 2024- Eighty-three years ago today, Japanese planes attacked the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawai’i. This resulted in the deaths of 2305 Americans and 129 Japanese. There are a few centenarians still alive today, who survived that attack.

Ironic, then, that an immigrant and the son of immigrants, neither of whom have ever served in the military, are leading the call for cutting funding for veterans’ health care. They are citing a report, written by a Harvard graduate student, who also has not served in the military-for a publication in the United Kingdom(home to free medical care for all), that says Veterans’ Disability funds are reducing veterans’ employment.

This is hooey. I know of several disabled veterans, who are either working, happily, at full time jobs, or are actively seeking employment. Several employers, coached by the Veterans Administration and US Vets, are taking on disabled veterans as workers. The Small Business Administration has programs that assist with veterans who are establishing their own businesses.

One of the biggest false starts in academia comes from the words, “The statistics say…” or “Research tells us….” . Numbers and data can be manipulated towards any agenda. Blind pursuit of cutting expenditures, without considering the true human cost of those cuts, is a dead end. Coupled with the belief that only an economic elite can actually solve the problems facing humanity, that Capital should trump Labour, the road to economic decimation is assured.

Both Capital and Labour are needed, in order to make an economic system function fully. This is one reason why Baha’u’llah calls for a system of profit sharing, for employee-owned enterprises, as a way of building an economy that has no disparity between the very rich and very poor. As hard as it will be, to get the Uberwealthy to see this, short of a damaging economic downturn, a push towards such economic justice would resolve a host of financial woes-including the perception that veterans should not be cared for, following their military service.

Those who have served their nation should not be beholden to those who have done nothing in the way of service. Resolving the nagging problem of national debt is a matter that must not be given to false solutions, or scapegoating of Protected Classes. We all have a role to play in debt reduction-including the wealthiest among us.