.

My dear ego,

Thank you for getting me here today.

The sleep of unconsciousness is over,

and now my heart will lead the way.

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Awaken my darling,

Remove the veil from your eyes.

The miracles of the universe call to you,

and waits for your loving response.

Look into your eyes my love,

and see yourself as you truly are.

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Come to me, I am always here for you.

I long to tell you of your beauty and your inner strength,

Which will lead you to your hearts deepest desire.

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Leap bravely into the unknown,

trust you will not fall,

and never be alone.

Feel electric and alive,

achieving the flow of your inner guide

connected and touching every corner of the world.

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Dream sweet dreams of your dearest desires,

And open them each with joy,

your gifts revealed to you!

Belong here and now to the home you always dreamed of,

And the love you’ve always known.

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Barbara is a writer, artist, and a student of history and philosophy. Her current passion is in understanding and developing self-awareness techniques. She has become brilliantly awakened through the teachings she received . during a spiritual journey with One Community Programs to Teotihuacán, Mexico. Barbara has lived and traveled extensively in North America and Europe, and is currently living in Frensdorf, Germany with her husband Daniel, her dad, Sherman, and her white lab/husky mix dog, Sandi. “My awaking has been sublime. It’s the inner work I do which sets me free, and then the environment aligns itself with my intentions. I see personal miracles of flow and synchronicity in my everyday life”.

in the most unusual fashion.

With a blink of an eye,

at the speed of a fantastical mathematical calculation,

a formula came to me for living with passion.

A fraction of a second was all it would take,

to transport me to my future fate.

I was going so fast; I had to put on the brakes,

I wanted to know the difference I did make.

What happened to me, you must ask?

This is not logical, has it already come to pass?

With a close look at the calendar, I could see,

the days weeks and months were all lined up for me.

Each future day was connected to the seasons,

filled with my dreams, chores, love, and much more.

All were manifested in my landscape, in the exact manner in which I chose to create.

What am I to do? I see clearly, this is my life, the life I did choose!

Looking back, I was grateful I took the time to feed the birds, and to be genuinely kind in this world.

I am grateful for my desire to write,

I love this form of expression with all of my might.

I was sorry for being in a hurry,

turning joy into work and worry.

I was happy I saw the balance and perfection of nature,

right where it longed to be, living inside of me.

The books I’ve read all came to life,

opening the door to really seeing in this life.

Peace, war, love and hate,

balance is what we strive to create.

Time, your shackles have fallen from me,

I am free to be a part of anything I wish to be.

I will create my tomorrows in only one way,

by fully living my passions today!

Readers Challenge

Do you wish for a time machine? How do you see your future? Is their a crystal ball, or a psychic who can tell you what will come in your future?  What if you are the only one who can look inside of yourself and find who you are now, and envision where you are going? How would you start? By feeling your feelings.  By being honest with yourself. By being kind to yourself. By understanding you are doing your best right now, and trusting your instincts.   When you understand your feelings, you are kinder to others, because you see the nature inside of them, is connected to the nature inside of you. Seeing that you are a part of nature naturally generates a feeling of care for the environment. Let nature guide you. When you need a different point of view, go outside. Feel the fresh air in you lungs. Remember we are spinning on a star in our universe! Believe in yourself, and the miracle of life. Good luck with your time travel! Let me know where it takes you!

A Special Message to the Overachievers!

When you direct your attention to within, you no longer have time for criticism and judgment of others; you see conflict as a misunderstanding, and look for solutions to give clarity to the misunderstanding. When you can see conflict for what it is, you will not be overcome by conflict. Conflict is usually generated by   a misunderstanding which you have projected on yourself or others and it includes perceived unfulfilled desires. When I have or see there is conflict, I ask myself, what is the desire? I then evaluate the desire, by asking myself, it this really true? Using clarity most of the time conflict can be resolved by utilizing compassion, encouragement and understanding.

Barbara is a writer, artist, and a student of history and philosophy. Her current passion is in understanding and developing self-awareness techniques. She has become brilliantly awakened through the teachings she received . during a spiritual journey with One Community Programs to Teotihuacán, Mexico. Barbara has lived and traveled extensively in North America and Europe, and is currently living in Frensdorf, Germany with her husband Daniel, her dad, Sherman, and her white lab/husky mix dog, Sandi. “My awaking has been sublime. It’s the inner work I do which sets me free, and then the environment aligns itself with my intentions. I see personal miracles of flow and synchronicity in my everyday life”.

I caught you!

No longer will I be unaware of your ways.

The deception was seamless,

Blinded by your actions,

I stood unaware of what was happening,

and all along I was deceived!

I watch you relentlessly drive others through their days,

Helpless against your clever moves,

Unable to read the clues.

I am here to call you out!

To show everyone what you truly are all about,

And empower them to see right through you.

No longer will I allow you to steer me to my despair!

Angry and soaked in frustration, I followed you to your source.

I will stop you when you creep upon me again.

I found you, my inner thief.

Dissatisfaction, impatience and haste area few of your names,

and focus on the future is your game,

Procrastination, avoidance, and self-pity are your ploys,

Using fear to avert and avoid.

Forward and back we go,

Taking us away from our most precious gift,

The love of who we are now, and what we are creating right now.

Staying focused on the present is the choice I now make,

As I opened that door, my inner thief has power no more.

Released from my bonds, I now create what is dearest in my heart.

Peace, love, respect, and joy are what you will see,

When you look at the radiance coming from me!

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Reader’s Challenge

Are you enjoying what you are doing right now? Can you accept that choices and agreements you have made with yourself have put you exactly where you are today? Do you see the power of those choices and agreements directly affecting your life? How does living in the future, or getting trapped in the past affect how you feel? Think of all of the wonderful times in your life. I bet they were all lived in the present moment! How does this relate to Eco-Being? The choices you make are based on your perception. For example, “I am to busy to (fill in the blank)”. Recycle, protect the environment, conserve resources, or even live my life could be some examples. Do you think these excuses are valid? No, they are totally false! I would like you to know, at some point in my life, I have used everyone of them! Realize this is a false statement, and the truth is, instead of I am too busy too, replace it with “I choose not to (fill in the blank)”.  So then, if you correctly identify the fact that you choose not to do something, you may then think, what do I choose to do in my life? That is a question only you can answer, and if you are willing to work on examining and clarifying your goals, it is a very important step to a fulfilling life of creating what you do desire. Start by saying “I would like to (fill in the blank!)” and take an action towards that goal. If you find that goal isn’t really what you would like, than change it! The bottom line is to make time in your life to get to know what you love to do, which in turn, lays a foundation for the life you truly want and love. It may not be what you currently think or even expect! Get ready for some surprises! There are several techniques and many different tools available, but its best to start off by examining your choices you are making now.  Be gentle with yourself, this is an evolving process, and happy creating! I look forward to hearing from you!

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. Barbara is a writer, artist, and a student of history and philosophy. Her current passion is in understanding and  .developing self-awareness techniques. She has become brilliantly awakened through the teachings she received . .during a spiritual journey with One Community Programs to Teotihuacán, Mexico. Barbara has lived and traveled .extensively in North America and Europe, and is currently living in Frensdorf, Germany with her husband Daniel, .her dad, Sherman, and her white lab/husky mix dog, Sandi. “My awaking has been sublime. It’s the inner work I do .which sets me free, and then the environment aligns itself with my intentions. I see personal miracles of flow and .synchronicity in my everyday life”.

I planted, I tended, I watered, I watched;
Each new sprout come about.

The chaos sprang into a song.
Singing to me night and day,
To come outside and play.

Along the way I saw,
The garden was home to many sorts of things,
The spider and snail spoke to me,
In their silent lairs.

Naturally, I thought to stay,
It would be a joy to live this way.
So I put my heart inside of a tree,
And felt the seasons pass through me.

I was joyfully radiant in my dress of leaves,
Just the right shade of chartreuse this spring for me!

In summer I made the deepening cool shade
Irresistible on a hot day.
Deliciously drinking every drop of water from the rain;
Luxuriating in the freedom from pain.

Harvest was a feast for all.
Releasing my bounty amidst a spectacular show.
With the falling leaves dancing,
In the fragrant cool air.

As each leaf fell I set my buds tightly on branches,
Showing my naked silhouette to the world,
A smile, as I watch the days unfurl…

I put my heart inside of a tree,
And found the nature inside of me.

Writers Challenge

How does poetry speak to you? What place does poetry have in the world today?  Can you find a poem inside of you? Write me! I would love to hear your voice.

Barbara is a writer, artist, and a student of history and philosophy. Her current passion is in understanding and developing self-awareness techniques. She has become brilliantly awakened through the teachings she received during a spiritual journey with One Community Programs to Teotihuacán, Mexico. Barbara has lived and traveled extensively in North America and Europe, and is currently living in Frensdorf, Germany with her husband Daniel, her dad, Sherman, and her white lab/husky mix dog, Sandi. “My awaking has been sublime. It’s the inner work I do which sets me free, and then the environment aligns itself with my intentions. I see personal miracles of flow and synchronicity in my everyday life”.

OCP would like to welcome Barbara Canez as our newest addition.  Barbara has graciously accepted our invitation to write the Eco-being column.  We would like to also thank Lisa Morris for her wonderful contributions and efforts on the past Eco-being articles.   Please read the Bio at the bottom of the page to learn more about Barbara Canez.

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Clearing the Leaves

I awaken. It’s morning. I can hear the sound of raking leaves. The window is open slightly. I smell the cool, damp air. I reach out of bed and push open the sliding door, then hastily tuck the covers close to my neck. The leaves are all around the yard and in the shrub beds, having fallen from the black walnut tree in large clusters of four to five hand-sized, brown leaves. Some leaves have stayed attached to their branches, creating a silhouette against the morning light. I wish I could paint the details I see. Maybe a photograph will capture my view. I will try it. I look at the clock. It’s almost eight – time to get up! I am happy to meet my day. “Good morning puppy!” I rub Sandi’s silken white fur on the side of her body and touch her pretty face. She has come to expect and appreciate a morning greeting from me. The air is cold.  I grab the door handle and close the sliding door.

I quickly clean-up and get dressed. Heading towards the kitchen, I can smell the coffee already made. I think: “Thank you, honey, I do want some coffee.” I make breakfast for my Dad and myself, and I take a tray up to him. He is always grateful and tells me so. I eat downstairs in the quiet of the morning with gratitude and awareness. Sandi reminds me she would like breakfast too. I prepare her meal, wipe her face, clean the sand off the sleepy corners of her eyes, and say “Eat your breakfast!” She happily complies. I pour a second cup of coffee.  I carefully place all of the dishes in the dishwasher. My coffee is in sight. I take a sip, it is delicious, and I carry it with me into my bedroom. I open the curtains. The pansies in the window boxes call to me – they are healthy, blooming and protected from the frost.

The homes are all very close here. From my window, I see my neighbor quietly working on his home addition, and he can see my window boxes from his window. I notice that the plants need some water. I have a small watering can for indoor houseplants. It will do. I open the window. My neighbor looks up from his work. I smile and water the plants. I have more window boxes. I hastily put on my socks and shoes, and go outside with my small watering can.  Breathing in the cool fresh air brings me instant peace. I look around my garden. Everything looks great. I dip the watering can into the large container for collecting rain, and as the can fills, water spills over the edge onto the ground. I water the window box first, then I look at my roses, and I water them too. A neighbor walks by “guten morgan” (good morning). “Guten morgan” I happily reply, feeling elated at the opportunity to interact with my adopted community. I see that one-third of the yard and the garden beds have now been cleared of leaves.

My dad likes to work. He shows me the new toad stools like they are a work of art. He starts to count them, and loses count. I count twelve big ones for him, and then I see many small ones. I do want to help clear the leaves, but first I will water. I get the big can from the shed, and start to water the front garden. I see Simone, Fied and El Fredia. I wave and say hello. Fied, (which I think is Fred in English) is almost two years old. I hear him say, Barbara, Barbara, Barbara! I go to him and El Fredia. I wrap my arms around them both and give them a big hug. I hug Simone. I tell her she is looking good. I see Anika in her car seat. I say hello. She starts to cry. Fied waves goodbye. I look at him in his autumn colored, footed, striped stockings and sweater. He smiles. I see a couple of front teeth, his blond hair, and his shining blue eyes crinkle up and twinkle with joy. I invite him to visit with me again soon.

I finish watering the plants in front yard, then on to the backyard. I raise the can over my head, once, twice, and now the last one. The can is nearly empty and tips over, rushing cold water down my arm and sweater. I shriek when the cold water hits me. Dad and I laugh. Another neighbor hears me and sees me in my garden. She is elderly and widowed, taken care of by her son who lives in an upstairs apartment in her home. She comes to the back fence. I join her.  She invites me and my father for a midday break. Do I have any other visitors now, she asks? No, just Dad and me right now, I reply. I understand the invitation to her place (or one nearby) includes coffee and cake with the temptation of Amaretto. I am not sure I have translated well, but we will be ready at half three, which I decide is 2:30, for a small adventure.

I go inside. I must write. My friend believes in me, and feels I have a talent for writing. I look at her website, and the website of those she links to, and then again who they link to…so enough procrastinating. I find my journal shoved in the bottom library shelf.  It is exactly where I left it when we have moved here, completely untouched. I write my introduction. I think it is fresh, hip and cool. This is great for my ego. Then I brainstorm on paper. I list the topics under the title “EcoBeing”. The first topic is, “My Summer Mediterranean Cruise”. I think the story is good, but not current with the season, so I try again. Next I try “Fall’s Bounty”, which I decide is too informational sounding, and vague. I look out the window. Dad has two-thirds of the yard cleared of leaves. I want to go and help him. I do enjoy being outside. I have confidence. I’ll finish my writing project and be able to be out in the fresh air. Thirdly, I list, ”Why I Don’t Want to Eat with a Plastic Fork”. I decide describing what I do want is a much better perspective and a general good rule of thumb to comply with. Lastly, I list “Why I Live Here in This Village”. Thinking of all the many reasons I live here I come to the conclusion this is a very broad subject, and it may take a novel to explain this topic.

After listing these titles, I thought it would be helpful to look at my friend’s guidance. Her guidance is, if I would like, to write a monthly newsletter in the EcoBeing section of her website, about living in balance with the world around me, using the lessons I have learned on my journey of personal growth and self-awareness. I say yes. I am an EcoGirl. I care about our world. Then I ask myself, what does living in balance with the world to me? To begin with, my personal growth has been internal. I hunt and sort out all of the thoughts and feelings I have inside me, making sure I recognize and validate each one, not labeling them as good or bad, but acknowledging their existence. In this process, I am finding my authentic voice. I embrace the idea that I am fully human with all of the divine power and weakness inherent with human nature. I see that others are fully human and interconnected with each other and this world, just as I am. My environmental connections begin as internal beliefs I feel as truth in my heart. Finally, I have set intentions relate to who I am as an EcoBeing, and how my personal choices affect the environment around me. It means to have awareness of my personal choices, and to know when I choose not to act, it is with the awareness that not acting is also a committed personal choice – as it is with accepting the pain of being in limbo while I’m not choosing. The bottom line is, in everything I do, I always have a choice.

In my relationship with myself as an EcoBeing my intentions are:

1. I have community interaction and am a good neighbor.

2. Nutrition is connected to my body, mind and spirit, and I respect my body’s needs.

3. Respect for the environment is my personal responsibility.

4. Meal preparation is an important consumer activity and what I buy impacts the environment.

5. I design my home environment to reflect my own family values.

6. I have daily involvement with nature.

7. I have a conscious relationship with animals.

I have made these committed personal choices. In sharing with you today, I feel a closer connection to you, my friends, and I have crossed over a bridge to extend my hand to you to take the challenge of self-discovery. I now go to clear the rest of the leaves with my father. I am thankful as I work, smelling the fresh air, and feeling the warm glow of connectivity with the community all around me.

My Personal Choice

How do I become enlightened by clearing the leaves in my yard? Laugh if you wish, we all have doubts. That voice is one you know well. It’s your thoughts creating resistance to choosing happiness. When I feel resistance, which is any feeling I impose upon myself that would deny my happiness, I look inside to find what the source of my discomfort.  Following the feeling to its root, I find an old agreement I have made. The old agreement usually contains an aspect of self-doubt, which at its root, is fear. I then re-evaluate my old agreement bringing it in-line with what I feel is true now.  I bring fresh air and a new light to interpreting an old, painful thought or unhealthy agreement I had made with myself.  I can change. I choose to be a warrior, to take responsibility for my own thoughts and actions, making a personal choice to feel my feelings without judgment. This is what enables me to open up to see and know my true self.

Why am I making a commitment to write?  I decided no one else can speak for me in my personal voice. I am unique, and have my own view. Did I have fear of failure for trying something new? Of course. My mind immediately pointed out many talented writers who have practiced their craft endlessly. Then I returned to my agreement with myself. No one else can speak for me in my personal voice. I am the expert on my own views. I challenge you to be an expert on your own views, to look at your intentions as an EcoBeing, and then to communicate your committed, personal choices. Write to me! Shout it out! I can hear you!

Sincerely, your friend in the world community, Barbara!

Barbara is a writer, artist, and a student of history and philosophy. Her current passion is in understanding and developing self-awareness techniques. She has become brilliantly awakened through the teachings she received during a spiritual journey with One Community Programs to Teotihuacán, Mexico. Barbara has lived and traveled extensively in North America and Europe, and is currently living in Frensdorf, Germany with her husband Daniel, her dad, Sherman, and her white lab/husky mix dog, Sandi. “My awaking has been sublime. It’s the inner work I do which sets me free, and then the environment aligns itself with my intentions. I see personal miracles of flow and synchronicity in my everyday life”.

Here are some interesting questions to ask ourselves: Why is more better? Why is bigger better?  Why do we want all of this?

The challenge of changing our lifestyles and our consumption-styles is made more difficult if we don’t understand why we act the way we do in the first place.  Perhaps it is a quality versus quantity issue or, perhaps we are looking outside of ourselves for gratification and acceptance of who we are.  Do we accumulate more or consume more because we believe that having more of something, even at a lesser quality, is better? Do we measure our self-worth by how much we have instead of how we maintain ourselves and our environment?

Whatever the reason, even if unconscious, these actions have put us out of balance with our planet. We only need to look at our surroundings to see the affects.  Local climates are shifting, wildlife ends up foraging in our backyards to survive, and on the world stage, the very forests and bodies of water and ice that replenish our resources are being destroyed at an alarming rate.

It must be noted that a change has begun to take place, but is it enough?

What can we do as individuals, members of our communities and as citizens of our planet to shift this trend?

Each individual must begin to take full responsibility for the lifestyle and consumption-style we choose. Consumption begins with us and ends with us.  Have any of us or our children wondered what to do with ourselves with less cash available these days to spend at the mall?  If we are not going shopping, how are we spending our time? We are all aware that consumer purchasing is a large part of our economy, and we need stuff to survive. So perhaps responsible consumption is what’s called for now, instead of consumption for entertainment or to have something to do. Let’s call it consuming awareness. So when shopping, the first question may be: “Do I really need to purchase this?”  If the answer is yes, then perhaps the second question we ask ourselves is: “How can I reduce the environmental impact of what I do consume?”  Buy items with the least amount of packaging. Instead of buying a plastic water bottle everyday, or a cup of coffee or tea in a disposable container, purchase a reusable bottle or cup that can be refilled each day.  Let’s try to use more environmentally friendly detergents for our dishwashers, washing machines, hand soaps, and shower soaps to help save our communities, our wildlife, ourselves. The list of the things we can do is endless once we put our awareness and attention on first: figuring out where we are consuming without thinking; and second: reducing what we consume; reusing what we can; and recycling what’s left only when we have to (after all, as good as recycling is, it also takes resources and energy!)

Communities can band together to promote more environmentally-friendly activities which also create a social gatherings. Perhaps a plastic recycling day or a park clean-up day coupled with music played by local bands.  Encouraging the use of ride-sharing or public transportation for work, school or shopping not only saves resources, it allows us more time for social interaction and building community friendships and awareness. Create a community garden where folks pitch-in.  This will build community, teach our children where their food comes from, and provide a satisfying form of exercise.

As citizens of our planet, we must insist on making changes that will help assure that our world will still be here for our children’s’ children.  The notion of, “I won’t be here so it doesn’t matter to me” is irresponsible, and threatens the lives of our future family members.  The issues of global warming, extinction of resources and animal life and planetary distress are here now and need stern addressing.  Don’t buy into the idea that someone else will speak-up and take action. It is the responsibility of each one of us to do our part now.

As individuals, community members and world citizens, the quality and respect we have for ourselves is the same as the quality and respect we bring to everything we touch.  It is not the quantity of stuff we have in our lives that the future inhabitants of the world will remember, rather, they will remember us by the quality of the choices, actions and contributions we make.

HE NEEDED A MENTAL HEALTH DAY

He needed a mental health day. I agreed to let my seven-year-old son stay home from school even though we are well into the grand December count-down and I have a million things to do. As we drove back home, I gritted my teeth and kissed the day goodbye, surrendering all hope of getting any Work done for the day. My Day, my Work! I had an important day planned of home and holiday chores, quiet reflective discovery and creative productivity. Besides, I was tired too. I needed a mental health day too–alone.

As we arrived home I had no expectations for the day and we quietly moved into activity. We folded the clothes of the people we love best, laughing at the funny gestures we saw in the shirts and pants, and delighting in the neat stacks of seashell colors. We sang goofy lyrics to holiday songs. We googled the height of Niagara Falls, then compared it to the height of other waterfalls we know.

Preparing vegetables for a soup, I had the peculiar sense that I had never really felt zucchini before. It had such a solid hollowness, that strange squashness. I delighted in the subtle onion pattern of clear curve and clear’s shadow, and the deflated wilted net of the tomato, a wet orangey-red. Each vegetable had its own unique signature feeling, and each way of my sensing it contributed to feeling the many facets of its essence. Each one was to be a part of our soup creation and of our bodies. I felt so grateful! Being completely immersed in the seeing and the feeling, I reminded myself to tune into the smells and sounds. As I did so, the sensations all became fuller and richer; crystal sharp and lush. I remember this kind of cooking. This is heaven!

After lunch, as we fell into a cool, forgiving nap I listened to him breathe as he patted my arm with his dusty boy hands. I sank into a deep sleep, flying through cities in my dreams and having a deep satisfying conversation with my old friend while our legs dangled out of a high-rise window.

Later my son was intently working on a drawing project, taking his time and enjoying the laying of color on the paper, immersed in his vision as it was coming to him. After a half hour, he remembered to criticize his work and say that it wasn’t as good as the spiral I had drawn for him a few days earlier. I was astonished. To my eyes it was gorgeous and unique, among the most beautiful nautilus shapes ever. He had been loving the colors and strokes and experimenting with combining them, loving the dense, rich saturated color as he layered colored pencil over oil pastel as he had seen me demonstrate earlier.

But he had, in his opinion, just rendered a poor copy of my work. How could this be his view? I commented that in his attentive care and passion, he had created something that was all his own and had imbued the drawing with a little of himself. Hadn’t it felt wonderful to sit and create that drawing?

It was at that moment I realized I was doing it again. I was talking to myself. And I wondered why I didn’t listen to myself when I’m saying these really wise and beautiful things to my children. I so often trudge through the day as a recovering muggle – feeling I must do something new, something important – and ignore all of the brilliant things I know right now. Then I catch myself streaming something really magical: a lyrical dream of freedom and connectedness; chopping vegetables with sensual joy; listening to my wise voice speaking with my son.

This wakefulness in the Now moment is pleasure itself. Despite all dashed hopes for a productive day of Work, I found myself connected, intuitively aware and surprisingly productive. Mindfulness, paradoxically, quiets the thinking mind. It is the means and it is the end. It is the doorway. Even if you’re going nowhere, it is exquisite to just be in the doorway.

Lisa Morris is a landscape architect, shamanic healer, land whisperer, and mother of two cool sons. Through her ongoing studies of Katasee, an ancient Peruvian shamanic tradition, Lisa helps others reclaim awareness and cooperation with the wise voices of the Earth.

Lisa’s email is: lymorris@rcn.com