Bear's Blog
Babies are the epitome of innocence, untainted by the world, pure - like the meme of the 3 wise monkeys would suggest. In the Buddhist tradition “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” is about avoiding evil thoughts and deeds. It’s also been interpreted as choosing to ignore indecent or dishonest behavior. Either way the ultimate meaning is about mature people taking responsibility for how they think and act. Today it can be hard to discern what is true, right or good...
Understanding the Energy Signatures of the presidential candidates gives us an opportunity to reflect on how the dynamics of their energy types explain their behavior. There are “2 sides of the coin” to each energy type. The gifts and the challenges are at the far ends of a spectrum. The more you work through your challenges (cons), the more you will exhibit the “gifts” (pros) side of the equation. A defensive pattern – how you react when in conflict – is...
Energy flows - more or less. So does water, and they move in similar ways. Contemplating our current state of affairs, iit's clear money does too. When they flow freely, all are sustained; people are provided with a living wage, society thrives, and the earth is nourished in a reciprocal give and take. When the flow gets hindered or blocked problems arise. Systems become depleted when resources are not freely circulating. We can see the effects of this in all those areas.
Without...
Symbols are powerful things. They are shorthand for what we believe in, and people have died for them - and what they symbolize - throughout history. National flags reflect those identities and values, and flags can also represent other self-defined groups. During Pride Month we see lots of flags in celebration of that community! Just recently the Democratic Party “reclaimed” the flag because it had become appropriated by Republicans as the symbol of their party - not the country...
I was going to do a series of relaxing, feel-good blogs for the summer, but the political sturm and drang have been disquieting. I’d still like to offer a break from all the drama! I invite you to dive into a few entertaining movies that illustrate other volatile moments in our body politic. All are fictional movies of actual events, and they give me perspective and hope at this particular time in American history. Maybe you think it’s never been this crazy, but take a look and...
There are two poles of human emotion - love and fear. Every other emotion is an iteration of those basic ones. Out of fear arises anger and its expression, violence; also greed, revenge, exploitation, and entitlement. Fear of survival is a basic instinct driving those impulses. We also have an instinct to love. To bond with another (as an infant does), to cooperate with others, to learn and grow and care. Those also contribute to our survival. We are hormonally hard-wired to seek connection....
This week we celebrate the birth of the United States of America. At the Constitutional Convention, Ben Franklin said “when you assemble a number of men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble… all their prejudices, passions, errors of opinion, local interests and selfish views.” Afterwards when asked about the outcome, he said “It’s a republic, if you can keep it.” The United States is a democratic (majority rule) republic (a...
When writing about current events, I avoid calling out particulars to focus on the bigger energetic dynamics in play. Not so in my last blog. I noted the similarities between the wave of anti-war student protests in the 60’s and now; I also emphasized the power of nonviolence, and that violence begets more violence. I’ve gotten many responses with a variety of positions on the Mideast war. In reply, I’d like to consider the ways we hold our own beliefs and relate to others...
There is an explosion of campus protests across the country (and spreading around the world). Young people are standing up to advocate for the Palestinian people. Early on this support was ascribed to endorsing Hamas, but I haven’t seen indications of anyone promoting terrorism! Why am I writing about such a hot-button issue now? I am reminded of the Vietnam War protests of the late 60s and early 70’s. It’s an indication that “the times they are a-changing” - in...
“My life is my message.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Our greatest heroes are those who affected the rest of humanity through their example - without violence. Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. are a few. Now Alexei Navalny will forever stand among those who made great sacrifices for the cause of freedom. Freedom from oppression; freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. All deserve equal treatment, respect and consideration. These beliefs are the hallmark...
Energy flows - more or less. So does water, and they move in similar ways. In contemplating our current state of affairs lately, I think money does too! When they flow freely, all are realizing their full potential; people are supported, society thrives and the earth is nourished in a reciprocal give and take.
When the flow gets hindered or blocked, problems arise. Systems become depleted when resources are not freely circulating. We can see the effects of this in all those areas.
Without enough food, water and...
The astrology these days is similar to the late 60’s – when a cultural revolution changed America forever. Now that we are officially in the Age of Aquarius, what exactly does that mean?
The political minority continues to wield power and discriminate against “others” in more and more extreme ways. Sides have hardened into full-out warfare between democracy and autocracy. Civil war is mentioned, and people have been called to arms. Who will lead the way out of these dangerous times?
The...
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