VOICE OF THE DRUM

VOICE OF THE DRUM Wednesday Wisdom August 17, 7 PM Drum Circle with Gene & Joyce

Bring your drums and let them speak.  Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley 1201 Puerta Del Sol Suite 100 San Clemente, California 92673. Children are welcome.

The Abenaki People and the Legend of the Drum

It is said that when Creator was preparing a place for the Spirits to dwell on Mother Earth, a loud BOOM was heard in the distance. As Creator listened, the sound came ever closer until it was present right in front of Creator. Creator asked – “who are you?” “I am the Spirit of the Drum”, came the reply. Creator asked of the Spirit of the Drum, “What is it you want?” The Spirit of the Drum spoke to Creator, saying “I would like to be a part of this wonderful thing you are creating.”

After a moment of thought, Creator asked , “And what part will you play, Spirit of the Drum?” “I would like to accompany the voices of the People” replied Spirit of the Drum. “When they sing from their hearts, I will sing too, as if I am the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Then all will sing in harmony.”

Creator granted the request of Spirit of the Drum and from that point on, the drum has accompanied the voices of the People. The Abenaki People

“Since the drum is often the only instrument used in our sacred rites, It is because the round form of the drum represents the whole universe, and its steady strong beat is the pulse, the heart, throbbing at the center of the universe. It is the voice of Wakan Tanka (Great Spirit), and this sound stirs us and helps us to understand the mystery and power of all things.” Black Elk

                                                        

Drums by Native Arts

 

World Peace Dance for the Peoples of the 4 Directions

Walking in Good

It is time that all people of good heart work together to build a world that works for everyone. No matter your race, creed or religious, political, or sexual preference, we must start to work together.  When this happens the world looks to me to be more inclusive and compassionate in all aspects of life.  It is time to find the common thread that holds us together to do the right things for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. We are all members of the worldwide human race, we are all part of the earth, each one a strand in the web of life. Our actions have a dramatic impact on our peace as individuals and world peace. We are responsible for the air, water, soil, and every other living organism on earth. The decisions we make on a daily basis determine if there will be peace, harmony and justice for all living beings or if we continue down a path which leads to war, injustice and destruction of the earth.    

Questions we need to consider:

• What are the common threads that hold all life together on our planet?  
• Is All Life Sacred?
• Do we all have basic needs for peace, food, shelter, clothing, love, opportunity to grow, and education?
• A sense of belonging, purpose in life?
• The global economic system is changing our world. Is there a place for everyone to thrive in this new system?
• Should it be fair for everyone in the world, or just the rich?
• Who is it creating winners and losers in this system?  
• Is this outdated system effective for the modern era?
• What is a world system we think would be fair and work for the good of all?
• Are spiritual and Humanistic principles guiding economic policy?  
• Can and will we describe a principle of fairness and equality for the rights of all living things?
• Do Bears and Eagles and other animals have as much right to clean air, water, and food as human beings do?  
• Can the people of the world and the world itself afford to leave these answers in the hands of a few political and spiritual leaders, or will it take more minds and hearts than that?

In these polarizing times, we are being led by the few who do not have the same goals as the many, and do not keep the good of the people they represent in mind. Far too many political and religious leaders advocate for separation rather than inclusion. We already observe the suffering happening in the world due to economic injustice and wars. People are losing their homes and communities related to climate change. The economically challenged people all over the world will suffer the most for a world they did not create.

We human beings, since we are the ones who are causing most of the damage to the earth, must consider our responsibility to all other living things upon the earth. Please remember that war is  one of the leading contributors to pollution and environmental damage in our world, even to the point of a potential future nuclear Holocaust.

What are the solutions to this? It is now time for a new awakening that we all have the same right to become fully who we are in this new world if we want life to continue for all. Examples of people working for good together  (Gov, NGO’s & other groups):

http://www.earthday.org/greencities/events/

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/earth/crowdsourcing-climate-change-solutions/

http://climatecolab.org/

http://www.springforalexandria.org/

Examples of leaders who have made a difference in the world and how they did it.

http://www.biographyonline.net/people/people-who-changed-world.html http://www.emlii.com/9146884/31-Most-Inspiring-Women-Who-Changed-The-World http://twistedsifter.com/2013/12/10-people-who-made-the-world-a-better-place/

Future of economics, what are the possibilities? Below are a few examples;

https://issuu.com/new-economies/docs/voicesneweconomies

http://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/11/5-trends-for-the-future-of-economic-growth

http://www.oecdobserver.org/news/fullstory.php/aid/1895/Rethinking_our_economic_future.html

   

We are at a Moment in Time, the question is what will we do with it?

It seems we are at a pivotal point in time once again with choices to be made that will affect the future for our children and the planet, perhaps even the survival of all things! We can all see even from our different perspective the importance of the upcoming presidential election. I suggest it may be far more important than we see on the surface.

Keeping in mind the global economy no matter what you think, it's here, good or bad. Science and robotics are making the future new and exciting in many ways. But they are also producing concerns about the future of our jobs. If we need fewer humans for jobs what will we do? Can the earth sustain the increasing destruction of the planet for raw materials for profit? Is it time for a change in the world economy? Does everyone need to be a billionaire in the new economy? Is the upcoming political change a signal for an evolutionary change in humankind's thinking? I believe we are certainly reaching this crossroads.

Here are just a few of our future opportunities that I see at our fingertips, if we have the courage to grasp them at this "moment in time." This future will hold as important the development of the human mind and spirit. Increasing our knowledge through education of science & mathematics, spiritual awareness, and developing as more fully realized human beings, and opening our minds and our hearts to a more compassionate future that makes the world a better place for everyone. Enriching the quality of life for all while at the same time solving our many environmental challenges to live and thrive on this planet. Basic needs such as peace, clean water, air and land for the production of safe and abundant crops for all is of course a necessity. Business models will also change with the times. They will no longer be based on profit and greed, they will simply provide the basic economy that is necessary to make the world function for this new paradigm.

It is now time for all people of good to come together to work together to make the world a better place for all. To put your prayers, thoughts and ideas into action please join us April 27, 2016 at the World Peace Dance for the Peoples of the 4 Directions at 7 P.M. Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley 1201 Puerta Del Sol San Clemente 92673.

Led by Gene Stone and Beth Boardman featuring the Native Hummingbird Women's Drum. We will all join in a Prayer Dance for Peace where we will sing, dance and say prayers for peace for the People of the Four Directions Upon Our Earth. You need only come with a good heart to join this dance. Come and add your Prayers for Peace. Everyone is welcome!

Gene Stone

Compassion

Compassion literally means “being with suffering.”

“Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life's search for love and wisdom.” Rumi

“Compassion is that mysterious capacity within each of us that makes it possible for suffering that is neither our own nor of our concern, to affect us as though it were. It is that instinctive and selfless insight that reveals to us the existence of our own true being in every living creature.

Compassion is the tie that binds every human being to each other and to the mystery of creation. It is the common thread of all religions, meditations, and community structures. Compassion does not acknowledge the artificial social, economic, and religious barriers we place between ourselves and others. It acknowledges the common cry of human longings, aspirations, and tragedies. When a reflex reaction causes us to help a stranger, with no motivation other than that person is in need, or maybe in peril of his life, our compassion is in action.” from Wisdom Commons http://www.wisdomcommons.org/virtue/22-compassion/essays

Everyone has to cope with loss, fear, sorrow, and self-doubt at some time in their lives. Instead of reacting during these times with anger and judgement we can make the choice to extend compassion to ourselves and others. We can make the choice to be aware of suffering with an intention to alleviate it. Compassion helps us to transcend our own personal feelings and fears and extend caring for ourselves and all those who suffer.

One of the greatest sources of suffering is the idea that we are separated from everyone and everything else. Practicing compassion for ourselves and others teaches us that we are never separated from the Oneness.

Being compassionate is not always popular in this society. It is more popular to show strength and a certain toughness in all situations. Being compassionate means being vulnerable and that can create uncomfortable feelings. Feeling compassion is worth the risk. By releasing harsh judgements of ourselves and others we can open ourselves to a generosity of spirit which heals the heart.

"Write down how many things you want. Meditate on how many things you need. When you write them down you will see that you want millions of things. When you meditate you will notice that you need only one thing and that is God the Compassion, God the eternal Compassion." By Sri Chinmoy

Love and blessings from Gene and Joyce

Nature in Balance

“Fill the earth with your songs of gratitude.” Charles Spurgeon

This past autumn, a group of volunteers came together to plant a teaching garden for the girls and boys at the Oso Lake Camp. This garden is filled with drought resistant plants which are native to California.  The plants provide good habitat for California quail, butterflies and other native birds and wildlife. All of these plants were used by the indigenous native California tribes for medicinal purposes. One of the plants, for example, is Eriogonum fasciculatum var. foliolosum, California Buckwheat.  It has flowers, leaves and seeds that are all used by butterflies and small birds. The buckwheats are very important butterfly plants and are one of the pillars of their communities. Another plant, Baccharis pilularis consanguinea, Coyote Brush, provides a place for Jays to plant acorns under the bushes.  Baccharis species are the nectary sources for most of the predatory wasps, native skippers (small butterflies) and native flies.  The Mexican elderberry or Tapiro,(Sambucus mexicana) is a deciduous shrub to tree with butter yellow flowers in April-August followed by purple berries in September-October.  If you look carefully as you pass an Elderberry you may see a hummingbird, butterfly, chipmunk, Jay, Thrasher, or other bird as it is an excellent wildlife plant.

Indigenous people everywhere hold the view that we are all part of the earth in which we are related to all things and each thing has its place and purpose in this living world. There is a natural order that creates life and balance to this ecosystem. When we support this natural system we live in harmony with all of our relations. Our purpose in planting this garden was to teach the younger generation the importance of habitat restoration to maintain the natural order of their local environment. Rather than just taking from the earth, we can make a choice to replenish, to revere, and to support growth of all living things. To choose otherwise contributes to imbalance and a future of greater uncertainty. 

While we planted we remembered that the soil cares for us as we care for the soil. As we felt the joy of cooperation and achievement through working together we realized that we are a natural part of the ecosystem that sustains life.

We would like to thank all those who participated in the project.

Gene and Joyce Stone

Religious Wars! Is that really what's going on?

Religious Wars! Is that really what's going on?

It is extremely difficult to think that in the year 2015 we are still having to fight religious wars between the different faiths. 90% of the world's population believe in one form or another that there is a God or something greater than ourselves!  I do not believe that this is truly a war between the religions. I believe it is a war for power on many levels,  but a war nonetheless. One that we need to deal with quickly and effectively.

When I first heard of the psychopathic terrorist attacks in France on Friday, the warrior in me rose up immediately even at the age of 70. I'm happy to say that quickly my Spiritual Warrior overtook my human instinct for revenge.  As Mahatma Gandhi once said an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.   It seems to me we are on the brink of going blind.   Do I believe that all Muslims are terrorists? I do not!  I do not believe a majority of people of any religious faith are terrorists.  I do believe there are a few confused and dangerous people in all of the world's religions today, as it has always been.   What seems to be worse to me are the people that "hijack religious beliefs of any faith" for their own purposes to gain power.  This I consider "EVIL."

We have from the beginning of time dealt with threats and war, with more threats and more war in return.  That approach has always taken us deeper into the darkness of this world. Just look at our history to understand this.  All life is precious!   We all have the right to protect themselves in the times of trouble.  The question is what is the best way to protect ourselves?  It is my belief that we should all stand together as human beings and protect the rights of all of us to search and develop our understanding of the Creator God and how we wish to live our lives.  So it is the obligation and responsibility of all good people to protect these rights for all.  This means as all good people around our world, we must act together to stop those who would deny us the sacred right of understanding and living our own faith.  I am talking here to every believer and non believer.  Will we really let a few thousand psychopaths divide the majority of us from making the world a better place for all?

Divine Purpose

The purpose of life is to be free from suffering and to attain infinite bliss consciousness that is God. Mankind is engaged in an eternal quest for that “something else” he hopes will bring him happiness, complete and unending. Many people may doubt that finding God is the purpose of life; but everyone can accept the idea that the purpose of life is to find happiness. I say that God is Happiness. God is Bliss. God is Love. God is Joy that will never go away from your soul. No one else can give it to you. You must continuously cultivate it yourself.

If we are attuned to God, our perception is limitless, pervading everywhere in the oceanic flow of the Divine Presence. When the Spirit is known, and when we know ourselves as Spirit, there is no land or sea, no earth or sky--all is Spirit.  From the writings of Yogananda

THE QUESTION IS, HOW DO WE FIND AND MANIFEST IN OUR LIFE AND ACTIONS THIS DIVINE PURPOSE?

For me, being a human being, it has become quite simple. Divine Purpose is clarified and given with each breath I take. It is so simple, yet elusive, I breathe in Oneness, I breathe out Oneness! Knowing that all I am and all that I do comes from that Oneness, and for the good of all that Creator has created. Are my actions divine? Are yours? The answer is "Yes" always, our nature is to be Divine even when we may think we miss the mark. Take the Oneness of the Creator and the Creation with you as you Walk in Good in this the Circle of Life.

We all will find our path, each in our own way!

The understanding of this and the path it takes us down in this life is the perfection of Spirit in all of us. Those different paths of life and understanding is what completes the Circle for all of us. I trust your choices along the way.

We weave our personal vision together to form a common vision of good for ourselves and for our planet. Joining with all our relations, we can learn to walk peacefully upon Mother Earth, knowing that she provides for all living things. We are all part of the Earth and part of the Divine Purpose in this the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

Finding your Divine Purpose in the Circle of Life

The purpose of life is to be free from suffering and to attain infinite bliss consciousness that is God.

Mankind is engaged in an eternal quest for that “something else” he hopes will bring him happiness, complete and unending. Many people may doubt that finding God is the purpose of life; but everyone can accept the idea that the purpose of life is to find happiness. I say that God is Happiness. He is Bliss. He is Love. He is Joy that will never go away from your soul. So why shouldn’t you try to acquire that Happiness? No one else can give it to you. You must continuously cultivate it yourself.

If we are attuned to God, our perception is limitless, pervading everywhere in the oceanic flow of the Divine Presence. When the Spirit is known, and when we know ourselves as Spirit, there is no land or sea, no earth or sky — all is He. The melting of everything in Spirit is a state no one can describe. A great bliss is felt — eternal fullness of joy and knowledge and love.

The love of God, the love of the Spirit, is an all-consuming love. Once you have experienced it, it shall lead you on and on in the eternal realms. That love will never be taken away from your heart. It shall burn there, and in its fire you shall find the great magnetism of Spirit that draws others unto you, and attracts whatsoever you truly need or desire.

Man has come on earth solely to learn to know God; he is here for no other reason. This is the true message of the Lord. To all those who seek and love Him, He tells of that great Life where there is no pain, no old age, no war, no death — only eternal assurance. In that Life nothing is destroyed. There is only ineffable happiness that will never grow stale — a happiness always new. From the writings of Yogananda

For me, being a human being, it has become quite simple. Divine Purpose is clarified and given with each breath I take. It is so simple, yet elusive, I breathe in Oneness, I breathe out Oneness! Knowing that all I am and all that I do comes from that Oneness, and for the good of all that Creator has created. Are my actions divine, are yours? The answer is "Yes" always, our nature is to be Divine even when we may miss the mark. Take the Oneness of the Creator and the Creation with you as you walk in Good in this the Circle of Life. Gene Stone