What If . . . ?

“What if” we BEings are more than the physical vessel we believe we see with our naked eye?

“What if” we BEings are made up more of subtle energy than physical matter much like what is represented by the spider (physical vessel) and web (subtle energy)? 

I recently heard that the ratio of energy to matter in living BEings is 90%:10% which caused me to pause and reflect. Back in the late ’80’s when I moved to Sonoma County after wandering the country in search of the “perfect job” I embarked upon a path of healing and self cultivation. As I began on this path I was introduced to the Enneagram, a dynamic map (“the map is not the territory” a soul sister voiced) of both the personality AND of higher states of BEing. I was intrigued that others saw the world differently and likewise reacted in other ways from myself. I thought to myself, “if others can see the world differently than me, I can learn to see differently too.” 

We Ones of the Enneagram are all about perfecting oneself which can be annoying to the other eight types and yet serves me well in the process of waking up from habitual behaviors learned in infancy and childhood.  While sitting a recent morning past while gazing at the beach rock engraved with the Enneagram symbol, a thought arose, “What if the opening in the bottom of the Enneagram diagram allows for the flow of Tao, aka qi/Life Force, which then splinters into 9 narrow and quite different fragments of reality?” 

Thus the Enneagram diagram illustrates that each of the nine types numbered One through Nine sees, experiences and feels a different slice of reality as though each type wears glass lenses of distinct color within the full spectrum of color representing reality, much like the opening in the bottom (all that is "real" or reality) splinters into narrow views of reality represented by the nine points around the circle. 

Recently my awareness has been shifting to seeing and feeling energy which is allowing me to recognize that energy flows within and around me. This process is affording me awareness of the connections to, not only the Tao, but all sentient BEings as well. As we live in a world of rapidly increasing human manufactured energy, aka electromagnetic fields (EMFs), how does that “static” interfere with our own individual BEing? And what disruption does more and more EMFs cause in our ability to connect or “bind together” (as in the Latin origin of the word: con - together and nectere - bind)?

Recently, while staying in a small house with solar panels atop the roof, I became aware of the splintering of/holes in my energy field. My late brother would say my energy field was "wonky." I could not connect with the beauty that I felt in my body or visually saw around me; nor could I stand still in the Standing Crane qi gong pose, one of my usual morning poses which I typically can maintain for some while. An ah-ha occurred when I noted the solar panels
above our living space. I have previously known viscerally that solar panels are not a beneficial way of generating electricity for the ever growing number of humans, most of whom have no idea about simplicity nor “what is enough.” Of course, there is the response, “the earth generates EMFs,” to which a counter response may be that all sentients BEings evolving here on Planet Earth have done so in the presence of her electrical field. The human generated EMFs are now occurring in massive amounts to accommodate the out of control appetites of our overpopulated planet.

So, “what if” the human created EMFs disrupt homeostasis not only of humans but all sentient BEings. We know from research that those humans living near electrical transformers have an increase of rare and unusual cancers. “What if” this is the end result of chronic interference with those humans' homeostases which are not maintained by physiological processes as we have been told, but rather by subtle energy processes?

Can you feel the energy and physical matrix
of Golden Currant (Ribes aurum) now beginning to
flower here at MuRefuge?

Or within the California Pipevine (Aristolochia californica)
also beginning to flower and leaf out here at MuRefuge?

For me the anthropocene worldview is nothing short of terrifying! Edward O. Wilson described this worldview in his glossary of Half-Earth: Our Planet’s Fight for Life (2016) as “applied to nature, the belief that all life should be henceforth valuated primarily or even solely for its importance to human welfare. In its extreme form, the worldview envisions future Earth as entirely enveloped and engineered by humans.” “What if” the widening chasm in our Congress is merely a microcosm of the widening schism between those viewing Nature with all of her magnificent subtle energy as the most valued force on Mother Earth versus “science” which believes and acts as though it can do better than Nature, or at the very least, create what she has created.

A revealing happening at the latest Heirloom Festival, held annually usually in August in Santa Rosa, California, at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, was a representative from agribusiness interviewing attendees about their preference for heirloom tomatoes to tomatoes created by this industry. YIKES! Humans think they can create something as good as or better than what has evolved without “splicing and dicing” as the saying goes?

Also in Wilson’s glossary: “Anthropocene: The proposed name for a new geological epoch in which the entire global environment has been altered by humanity.”

“What if” this comes to fruition? It seems to me we are well on our way. And if we continue on this path then of course we are participating in our own extinction. 

“What if” rather each human wakes up, is conscious and connects with Tao both within and without? Could we then avoid the Sixth Extinction?

As we each ponder this, may we 

Cross Quarter Day

Today, Imbolic, or Candlemas Day, is halfway between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. For some in cycle with the Seasons, it marks not only the beginning of Spring but marks the return of the light, mirroring the transformation within us from an inner contemplative focus towards one of outer manifestation.

"I who am the beauty of the green earth

and the white moon among the stars 

and mysteries of the waters,

I call upon your soul to arise 

and come unto Me [aka Tao]. 

For I am the soul of nature

that gives life to the universe.

From Me [aka Tao] all things proceed 

and unto Me [aka Tao] they must return.

Let My [aka Tao] worship be in the heart that rejoices,

for behold - 

all acts of love 

and pleasure are My [aka Tao] rituals.

Let there be beauty and strength, 

power and compassion,

honor and humility.

mirth and reverence 

within you.

And you who seek to know Me [aka Tao], 

know that your seeking and hearing will avail you not,

unless you know the Mystery [aka Tao]:

for if that which you seek, 

you find not within yourself,

you will never find it without.

For behold, 

I [aka Tao] have been with you from the beginning,

and I [aka Tao] am that which is attained at the end of desire.

Doreen Valiente 

As we herald this beginning of Spring, may we each

Year of the Purple Fire Rooster

The Year of the Purple Fire Rooster begins today, January 28, 2017. "Since ancient times, the Rooster announces the dawn and is a representative of new beginnings." I for one am ever so happy for the end of the Purple Year of the Fire Monkey, for having been born in the Year of the Wood Monkey this past year has been full of unpredictable events, unsettling health issues for my family, and letting go of connections I once thought valuable for my well BEing but realized they were not.

This elegant rooster sits atop the sign for Food For Thought's
local thrift store in Sonoma County.

With Liu Ming's passing several years ago, I miss his insights into the qi of the coming year and his predictions based on that knowledge of that all encompassing energy. 

Interestingly I am finding with space created by the letting go, awesome people and interests to be passionate about are coming my way. Susan Levitt, whose Feng Shui book sits on a bookshelf in our library, also does Chinese Astrology with an annual overview much like Liu Ming did. I was delighted to find her predictions for the new year beginning today online. And you too can read them by clicking on her name that contains a link to reading her overview for the year.

Some predict the Year of the Fire Rooster will be a "powerful one, with no middle of the road when it comes to moving forward." Well, are we not here in the United States of America now faced with the powerfully divided factions in our country with seemingly no middle of the road for compromise and working together for the whole of our nation? Our recently inaugurated President is "in your face," uncovering beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and ways of life that heretofore have been conveniently swept under the rug for way too many years. Will the widening chasm in our country widen further or we will be able listen to the opposition and begin to hear one another's opposing views?

According to Chinese astrology the Year of the Rooster is filled with integrity and efficiency, and success comes to those who work hard in any endeavor. This year, like the last one, is a "Purple Fire" year which means the yin fire element still rules as it did last year. It is said that "yin" years are a good time to spend "in solitude and harmony with friends and family whenever possible."

Some more traditional adherents see this "earthly branch" as Phoenix rather than Rooster since the Greek mythological Phoenix more aptly depicts the qi readily available for spiritual and personal transformation during this Chinese year. So perhaps by each and everyone of us harnessing the qi of this mythological creature attributed with carrying out hard work with quickness and flexibility, and wanting to do a great job, we may initiate conversation and listen carefully to bring about change and deep healing for each other and for our country.

As we make the transition from the Year of the Purple Fire Monkey to the Year of the Purple Fire Rooster/Phoenix, may each of us repeatedly

There Are No Accidents

This morning as the tail end of the storm played out and the clouds slowly cleared for the moon, Saturn and Jupiter to appear, at first for short intermittent periods, then for longer and longer periods of time. This in and of itself allowed for an awesome morning sitting.

A while later when it was fully light and Shasta was out for her morning checking of her territory, she ran to the South fence. I was amidst a standing qi gong set by then and I could see nothing in the field. But wait . . . as Shasta was waiting by the fence looking Southward, not one, but a pair of foxes appeared, sitting still. I wondered what message this pair was bringing??

From Animal Teachings: Enhancing Our Lives Through the Wisdom of Animals,(2012) by Dawn Brunke:

"Integration helps us to bring together that which has been separated, segregated, forgotten, or lost. It exposes us to contrasting points of view, especially those that differ from our own. In order to reconcile opposites, such as the dark and light within ourselves, we must integrate.

Through integration, we gather subconscious fragments, pieces of ourselves that have been hidden away due to trauma, emotional distress, or denial and repression. As we acknowledge, accept, and reclaim these vulnerable facets of ourselves, we realize their important essential nature. Thus, we begin to see the unseen....

Fox teaches the art of detachment - how to be cool and not jump to conclusions. From Fox, we learn the value of waiting for opportunity. Fox shows us how to anticipate, make informed decisions, and use situations to our advantage.... Too much Fox energy encourages us to show off, which leads to disaster. . . .

Master of agility and finely tuned senses, Fox teaches us how to travel between worlds and integrate that which exist beyond ordinary reality into everyday consciousness. . . .

Foxes say ~ Much of our work with humans involves opening up your senses, helping you to observe life more keenly, and to experience the world more fully. To those who are patient and alert, we reveal passageways to different dimensions. We can help you to find such openings within yourself. We are guides to a special form of integration. But we can only lead you so far.

We experience deep peace through observing life, although we also know when to participate with gusto and delight. We value the art of timing and moving with precision. We find pleasure in knowing when to freeze and when to leap, sliding between moments to catch prey or escape predators.

We are foxy - skilled, finely tuned, agile, sly. If you need help in seeing more clearly, moving more deftly, or finding the way you fit into the world, come sit with a fox. We observe the world with alert agility."

On the day before our next president's inauguration, may we let go of our fear  for what might happen and anger that we did not get our way. May we go forward with an open heart and open mind, using the Fox integration message for guidance to heal and make our nation whole.

To support the process of discharging our fear and anger may we often

Winter Solstice

Mt. Tom from the Buttermilks West of Bishop, California

May  Your 

Winter Solstice

Be filled with 

Awe and Wonder

And, of course, May You 

Yule Tree

A gorgeous Ephedra  (Ephedra nevadensis)  growing
along the gravel road West of Mono Lake
in November, 2016.

This year we brought our Yule Tree back with us from the Eastern Sierras. Since we were driving through the Toiyabe National Forest and the National Forest Service has an office just South of Bridgeport on Highway 395, we stopped and paid for a permit to cut two trees (for a whopping $10.00 per tree, double what we paid the last time we cut a tree which was a number of years ago). On our return from the Bishop area we took Highway 182 North out of Bridgeport to Nevada Highway 338 which bisects the North most section of the Toiyabe National Forest. The Forest Service is focusing on removing some Pinyon Pines from this area to open more habitat for the Sage Grouse. Apparently the Pinyon Pines have encroached upon and markedly reduced this bird's habitat thus causing the population to dramatically drop.

I love Pinyon Pines (Pinus monophylla). They have a wonderful fragrance no other pine has. These trees are also the source of pine nuts. I learned while shopping at Manor Market in Bishop that pine nuts can no longer be legally harvested and sold commercially since they are essential to the Native Peoples of California way of life. The Cultural Center in Bishop has a number of wonderful exhibits focusing on the harvesting, preparing and using pine nuts as well as the rhythm of living in relationship with the cycle of the production of this nutritious nut.

Cathie preparing to cut Tanis' Yule Tree.

This is the Pinyon Pine we all chose for our Yule Tree.

Dwight securing both trees atop Stella.

Ready to roll onto Minden, Nevada where we spent the night
before returning to MuRefuge with our Yule Tree.

Auntie T, aka Tanis Walters, with her Yule Tree
decorated with collected treasures.

Our fragrant Pinyon Pine adorned for celebrating 
the Yule, aka Winter Solstice, sitting in the corner 
of MuRefuge's Great Room.

As the shortest day and longest night draw near may we all

Thanksgiving Past

To celebrate our anniversary and Thanksgiving we spent some time in the Eastern Sierras. This year's sojourn was further South than we have previously spent much time, in the Owens Valley. Dwight's wish was to explore the early native peoples' (Nuumu and Newe, now commonly referred to as Paiute and Shoshone respectively) petroglyphs.  

We both are of the opinion that at this time of the year the light during the day illuminates the natural world to glorious hues. The late Galen Rowell has made famous the "light" in this area  and his work is featured at the Mountain Light Gallery located in an old bank building on Main Street in Bishop. The night sky is often clear, thus bright with brilliant stars since there is minimal light pollution during the dark hours in this area. Galen Rowell's son, Tony, is following in his father's footsteps bringing us gorgeous time lapsed photography of the brilliance of this night sky.

We made our home base in a small house moved from Manzanar, the now historical site where Japanese were interred during WW II further South on Highway 395. We were on the far North edge of Bishop and across the road from public lands. We were told we could walk from here to Lake Tahoe on these lands.    

Cathie and Shasta out for a early morning walk along
Dixon Road just South of the house.

On one of our morning hikes we came across the most
spectacular and largest stand of native
California Wild Rose I have ever seen.
The hips provide foo during the Winter for
birds and 4 leggeds.

The landscape we walked through on our daily midmorning hikes.

The Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center
on West Line Street was designed by the late Michael Black
of Sebastopol. The exhibits in the interior were extremely
well done and shared much history of these
indigenous people of the Owens Valley.

A stunning Paiute beaded treasure we bought at the center
to adorn our Yule Tree year after year.

One day we spent enjoying the Bishop Petroglyph Drive on Fish Slough Road which was unpaved, dusty. Three sites are spaced a few miles apart: the Fish Slough Petroglyph Site was difficult to locate but once we did we were pleasantly surprised to see our first ever Ringtail that quickly scurried beneath a huge rock where its den was obviously located.  

Do you notice the similarity of shape of the above "rock art" and this above petroglyph?

The second site: Chicago Canyon Petroglyph
 was a magnificent display of the ancient natives' art work.

Another day our excursion included the Inyo County Millpond Park for our morning walk. What an impressive park with a huge pond for Summer swimming, baseball playing field and a myriad of other facilities for families to have a grand Summer day. Our focus was traveling along Old Highway 395  to the little town of Rovana in the heart of Round Valley where thousands of Mule Deer migrate for the Winter, escaping the harsh weather in the Sierras where they live the rest of the year. Since, with the climate change and all, the weather is pretty mild the deer were scarce. There were a few including a magnificent buck. These Mule Deer do indeed look different than the deer around MuRefuge. We did however see an abundance of the Mule Deer's food for the Winter in Owens Valley, Rabbitbrush, which is stunning in the wintery light.

After the area received a light dusting of snow and more in the higher elevations, we drove out West Line Street to the Buttermilks. Shasta was so happy to romp around in the snow and she did so until she began biting at her paws that were covered with icy snow, at which time we corralled her into Stella (our trusty Prius). See the upcoming post, "Winter Solstice," for an amazing picture taken here.

This gorgeous view of Mono Lake is taken from one of our
favorite walks in the Mono Lake Basin. As we arrived we
were greeted by a Golden Eagle in flight.

The beginning and the ending of our drive along Highway 395 from Walker River Canyon to Bishop we punctuated with a stop in Bridgeport to enjoy the magical, mystical ancient energy of the wide meadow surrounding our previously favorite place to stay in the Eastern Sierras. Picnics were enjoyed both times in very brisk weather but the sun was out and we had on our down jackets. Shasta's natural coat she carries with her every where kept her plenty warm.

As you read of our Thanksgiving past and recent anniversary celebration, as well as enjoy the pictures, may you