Gaia Community: Allison's Blog

DC: Finding My Place in History

http://allison.gaia.com — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:18:52 GMT

Inauguration Day!

It has been an amazing experience to travel to our nation’s capitol to be a part of this historic event. From the elated buzz on the flight from Milwaukee to Reagan National Airport, to the incomprehensible mobs of people, to the serene and hopeful moment of hushed silence just before Barack Obama took the oath of office, this has been an experience I will never forget, and try as I might, will never adequately describe.

The crowds were simply overwhelming in size, so often it seemed as though there was no end to the people, and moving in a collective mass quickly became the norm. My experience of this diverse, beautiful mix of people was so friendly, considerate, and united, that I was not at all surprised to hear reported that on Inauguration Day with two million people in attendance, there was not one single arrest made.

On that day, after hours of trying to make it through the crowd that seemed to never end, and through the security check I started to settle in to watch the swearing in ceremony. Standing there behind the reflecting pool at the front of the mall, I turned in attempt to take in the moment, and to survey the crowd. The view of the huge, elated crowd, waving American flags, for as far as the eye could see, with the Washington Monument in the backdrop was a simply breath-taking sight.

As many others in my generation, I have been critical of my government, and have not felt the sense of American patriotism that my parents and grandparents often describe. And at that moment, taking in that view, the simple thought came to mind, we actually did it. And then the tears began to freely flow, overwhelmed at the power of diverse people to come together with hope and optimism in these uncertain times.

And before I knew it, from seeing my tears, complete strangers around me were crying too, and then they were hugging me, and it was the moment that we had all come all that way to experience.

The swearing-in ceremony was moving, the speech by President Barack Obama was powerful and inspiring, and of course Malia and Sasha were undoubtedly the crowd favorites. And then it was over. We were back in the moving mass of people (sometimes not moving much) walking the seven blocks back to my friends’ apartment, which took two hours to navigate with many detours and the slow pace, and it was cold. This wasn’t the most pleasant walking conditions, but it was somehow different. The crowd was more subdued- no chants or song singing, and it was as though we were ready to get on with the business of being America. The energy of anticipation of this big day had been transformed to a deep sense of peace and together as individuals we walked forward as one.

Tags: Barack Obama, Inauguration, Crowd, Security, Diversity

New Year's Resolution Yoga Style

http://allison.gaia.com — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:17:41 GMT

First posted on my blog http://iallison.blogspot.com

Yesterday, I was writing the e-newsletter for the yoga studio where I teach. As I sat down to compose the message, I began thinking of my yoga training and the influence of my dear teacher Pam Schap (owner of the studio) and my teacher who trained me as a yoga instructor, Sandy Carden. Both have influenced me greatly through their words, actions and their being. And it was from their great teachings, and a quick google search that the following ideas came together.

So often we set out to make a New Year's Resolution. The trouble with this practice is that so often our resolutions are guided by negative feelings we hold about ourselves. Needing to loose weight because we are unhappy with how we look, stopping some habit that stems from our self-loathing, etc.

As a part of the training I did for yoga teacher certification was an intense study of the ancient yogic practice of Yoga Nidra. Yoga nidra is a meditation technique that guides you to such a deep level of relaxation, you are incredibly open and receptive. Nidra actually means sleep. If you can ever find an opportunity to participate in the practice of yoga nidra, I would highly recommend it. When you begin the practice of yoga nidra you state your sankalpa. A sankalpa is an affirmation, intention, or prayer stated in the present tense. Popular sankalpas include, I am peace, I am happy, healthy, and whole.

"The sankalpa is a chosen resolution made during the practice of yoga nidra. It could be said that the main purpose of yoga nidra is to realize one’s sankalpa. Whether this is true or not, sankalpa has the potential to release tremendous power by clearly defining and focusing on a chosen goal. Its effect is to awaken the willpower within by uniting the conscious awareness with the unconscious forces lying dormant. It takes the form of a short phrase or sentence, clearly and concisely expressed, using the same wording each time, to bring about a positive change in one’s life. Now the important question arises: How to choose the appropriate sankalpa?"*

*Read more of this text here.

This New Years I invite you to take some time to identify your sankalpa. Rather than creating a resolve to be different for a whole year, create a positive intention for how to be in the present moment. It is ludicrous to try to change your behavior for a whole year, by beginning with a self-deprecating style. So this year, I invite you to see yourself in your most positive true light and to let that light shine in this present moment and for many more to come.

Namaste!

Tags: Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Sankalpa, New Years, New Year's Resolution, Intention, Positive

What do I think of Rick Warren?

http://allison.gaia.com — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:00:20 GMT

Originally posted on my blog http://iallison.blogspot.com on 12/21/08

Ok, so I am frequently being asking what my opinion is on the Rick Warren selection for the invocation at the inauguration, and it is time to get this out once and for all.

I am mad as hell that Rick Warren was selected to give the invocation. I am mad that on the biggest human rights issue of our day, the candidate I worked endlessly for has decided to literally begin his presidency by giving the stage to someone who worked so hard to take the rights away of so many California citizens. Take rights away, I can't believe I am even typing those horrible words. If I hear one more person tell me it was a smart political move for Obama, I just might throw up. I didn't work this hard for this kind of "smart political moves."

As a Democrat, as an Obama volunteer and supporter, and as a person who deeply loves gay and lesbian family members and friends I am nothing short of furious!

But I do not wish to write today from any of those perspectives (though it would be easy to do...)

Today, I wish to write to you as an OUTRAGED Christian! I just can't take it anymore! ENOUGH! Seriously, dammit ENOUGH!

How, I ask you, how can the millions of American Christians, sit back and continue to allow their faith to be tarnished and marked by injustice and prejudice. What world are they living in? What faith are they following that makes this behavior acceptable?

How is Christianity any place other than the leading edge of the fight for equality? How is Christianity any place other than the leading edge of inclusion and acceptance and wholeness! How can Christianity and its followers possibly be responsible for discrimination against a minority group of Americans?

So in all my fury and outrage, here I sit. Yet, again questioning if remaining in the Christian movement is something I have the courage to do. I sit deeply ashamed of mainstream Christianity in this country today. I sit wishing Rick Warren wasn't the face of Christianity to millions of people. I sit ready to act and fight and work to end this last form of socially acceptable, truly rotten discrimination.

And I simply sit.

As a child it was almost more than I could bare to come to grips with the reality that I was white while learning of the pain and suffering "my people" had caused African-Americans.

And yet, like it or not, it is a part of me. But I hope dealing with the pain of that reality took me to a place of greater awareness.

So much of my time in the Christian movement is time spent with those just like me. The Progressive Christians that aren't interested in dogma or particular beliefs. They don't take the Bible literally, but look to it as one of many sources of poetry and metaphoric wisdom. These Progressive Christians care about the earth, work for equality for all people, love to use their mind and intellect to question and wonder, are followers of Darwin, champions for the poor and are inspired social activists.

All Christianity is not equal. But all Christianity is part of the human experience of trying to understand life. And a part of understanding life is wrestling with prejudice, and injustice, and at times even hatred.

So for today, I will sit with the utter agony of holding both the peace and the pain that my religious tradition has caused so many (this is where that courage comes in). And if I am able to survive that just maybe that will lead me to sit more generally with the peace and the pain, that I personally have caused the world. And if I keep sitting, maybe one day, down the road, I will see that my peace and my pain, my joy and my sorrow are one.

And for now... I will promise to try contain myself while at the inauguration and will try my best not to throw my shoe at Rick Warren.

Tags:

Have you started to think in tweets...

http://allison.gaia.com — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:01:05 GMT

originally posted at my blog http://iallison.blogspot.com

I have this idea for a film or a story, but since i am neither a screenplay writer or a novelist, i thought i would just share it here.

To be honest it comes out of my own neurosis, but then again, doesn't everything?

So, i have found myself living my life in tweets. Yes, i am one of those on twitter. I hate to admit i was skeptical at first, the whole concept seemed the height of egotism and really pointless. HA, I should have known i would LOVE it!

In case you are not familiar, Twitter, is microblogging, you get 140 characters to say your piece. You may say what you are doing, link an interesting find online, anything you choose with those few 140 characters. You "follow" others on twitter, and you get their updates all day and night long! I have sadly found it is a great replacement for a relationship. Seriously, no more missing talking to that special someone just before bed, here you have hundreds, thousands of people wanting to tell you something at all times of the day or night.

So anyway, as i was chatting with a friend who is new to twitter, at first you feel this sort of self-conscious careful scripting of your tweets, but then very quickly that falls aside and you just say whatever, free stream of conscious thought often.

So anyway, back to the character of my fabulous indie cult film...

So i envision this character living his/her whole life interrupted by the need to tweet. Examples: Dog runs into the street, but our character stops to tweet about it and missing the chance to call the dog back before the dog gets run over. Ok, clearly this is why i have no future as a screenwriter. But you get the idea right?

I guess what all this twittering is getting me to wonder, it feels like i am making this shift to always talking about, analyzing, reflection on or telling about my life, rather than simply living it. And this is not new for me, we all have our unique internal worlds. Well i tend to live my life always looking for the next quirky story. Crazy relatives and family dynamics being a great start, but it carries over into all areas of my life. I always act as though i am just one of those people that has strange shit happen to her all the time, but truth be told, i think i am just constantly on the lookout for the strange shit. (and have a gift for exaggeration!) So i have always tended toward this storytelling way of living, now i am just doing it on a truly micro and less funny level all the time!

So all this twitter focus is making me question if there is a way to turn all this action into a spiritual practice. Is it a way to be a witness to the thoughts, emotions, etc that are arising in me? Or am i simply getting trapped in a world of ego-madness!

We'll see, but for now just join me at http://twitter.com and of coursefollow me!

Tags: twitter, spiritual practice, ego

My VEEP Predictions

http://allison.gaia.com — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:30:24 GMT

Posted on my blog here

Ok, I can't be this much of a political junkie without just putting my predictions out there.

It is Friday, 9:08 a.m. and I am sitting here waiting for my txt from Barack with the big news. I literally jump every time my phone makes the slightest noise, so for my sanity I would appreciate no other txts from my friends until the news breaks!

Ok, for the less interesting choice on the Republican front: I have been saying for months now and still feel convinced that McCain will pick Romney. He is talking about Liebermann and others just so that he can show he could have and didn't choose a pro-choice candidate. Apparently for the evangelicals Romney hasn't been pro-life long enough, but he will seem like a relief after talk of Liebermann. Plus I think McCain thinks Romney will help him on the economy (#1 issue this fall) and will give him a potential boost in Michigan.

And on to the VEEP that has us all wanting to know...

My prediction is that Obama will choose Hillary. I did not hold this opinion until this week, and here are my reasons for my predictions:

1) It would explain why she has been so quiet. Not because she was sulking and being a poor looser as we all thought, but because he needed the time in the spotlight while she remained quiet. The only way for her to not overshadow him in the fall.

2) She would be such a shock at this point, and i think they want that sort of excitement.

3) I am feeling more reinforced by they fact that he hasn't announced yet. It is not like they need to introduce the country to Hillary, we know her pretty well.

4) She will deliver the blue-collar rural democrats that he must have to win.

Prediction 2:

Last night it was pointed out that his schedule is unknown for Saturday afternoon after the speech he will do with his VP and it is expected that he will be traveling to the home state of his VP.

My prediction going along with the fact that it will be Hillary is that Saturday afternoon they will spend their time in either Michigan or Florida. Together they will be saying we need you in november, you are our top priority now, sorry we didn't campaign here but we're here now together asking for your support.

So that is my best guess... Please share yours!

Tags: VEEP prediction, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Mitt Romney, Joe Libermann

The Search...

http://allison.gaia.com — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 04:29:05 GMT

this can also be read on my blog

It could be expected that this would be just a longer version of my twitter updates telling of my illusive search for the iPhone. That would be appropriate as it was just over two hours ago that I learned that for the second day my local (40-minute drive) apple store did not receive a shipment. So my search continues for at least two more days.

But, enough on The iPhone for tonight… I do not have The iPhone, I do not know when I will get The iPhone, and I am even starting to annoy myself with the incessant wanting mind focusing on The iPhone.

When not thinking of The iPhone, I have been spending a lot of time lately thinking of my search for a spiritual teacher. As of late I have realized my deep desire for a female spiritual teacher. So much of my spiritual quest has focused around male teachers and gurus. I follow traditions established by men, I read books written by men, I practice techniques designed by men, etc. I realized that I think I was wanting to become an enlightened man (as if just becoming enlightened wouldn’t be a tough enough task I was going to re-gender!)

To clarify a bit of what I mean, I am talking about enlightenment in a pop culture sort of way, not trying to actually confuse with any legit spiritual or religious lineage's definition of enlightenment. Also, I think my idea of the spiritual quest/perfection or enlightenment was focused primarily around masculine characteristics, hence feeling as though I was trying to become an enlightened man. I was seeking spiritual practice in order to become steady, grounded, unshakeable. I think that is truly a good thing, for men and for women, but lately has not been a great fit for me.

So lately I have been wanting a spiritual teacher, a book, anything, that could offer me an alternative, more feminine approach to enlightenment. I envision this feminine approach fitting in with the part of me that is screaming to dance, to flow, to shine, to evolve, to create, to transform, to emerge…

And tonight as I just caught my reflection in a mirror, it became so clear to me, call in the dogs, stop the search, the answer was right there. Just flow. Right now. Just be. Just create. Shine, beautiful, shine!

How could there possibly be one way to do what I was seeking? How could anyone ever possibly show me how? Here I am seeking something organic, creative, emerging, all by definition new and unique to this moment, to this experience, to me!

Maybe it is different for men. Maybe the pointing out instructions, and the meditating, and the paths and techniques help lead the way to the grounded, steadiness. Maybe it is really taught and passed down from one generation to the next.

And just maybe it is different for women. Maybe this is why we haven’t had lineages, whole faith traditions, and all that solid wisdom to pass down the way men have.

I heard once (and I hope I get this right) that the egg or at least the cells that became the egg that became you was alive in your grandmother. If that is true, isn’t it amazing to think of the way the female body passes life and life’s wisdom from one generation to the next. I was shaped by my grandmother’s life.

Could it be true (and please let me go with my metaphor if my science is off) could it be true that I am holding the cells of my grandchildren within me, right at this very moment? And if it is true, then of course every cell in my body wants to shine, radiate, create and become. And no one needs to teach me how, because it is a part of me, at my deepest core.

So rather than keep up the search, just maybe the answers are already within me, and my experiencing will just continue to naturally flow. Wasn't it Rilke who said we must live the questions first and one day we will live our way into the answers. Maybe one day I will be fortunate enough to hold my grandchild in my arms and I will feel that sense of peace. Or maybe that sense of peace will come through a non-biological path. Or maybe I will always have this urge to shine and radiate.

So tonight, I raise my cup of tea to all of us… to men and to women finding the beautiful balance of doing and being, grounding and radiating, sustaining and evolving, yang and yin, masculine and feminine dancing together for all of eternity…

Tags:

The birth of iAllison

http://allison.gaia.com — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:59:23 GMT

I have just started a new blog called iAllison. I will likely still post here, but if you would like to check that one out, you can here ...http://iallison.blogspot.com/

Actually i would love a few views, so do check it out if you have a chance, maybe even post a comment, thanks!

iAllison came from some thoughts always on my mind and some just passing through now. Always on my mind and close to my heart is the reality that I love everything ever touched or created by Steve Jobs. Though I have not in a literal, physical sense been touched by Mr. Jobs, I don't think it would be overstating to say that he has changed my life. iHeart all things apple.

I am fascinated by our egos and our sense of self. I so appreciate the distinction that is often made between the "self" and the "Self." My small "s" self is my ego, my identity, my physical body, the one who responds to Allison. My large "S" Self can witness the small "s" self and is one with all that is.

I expect this blog to be the exploration, findings, and discoveries of my "self." Hence the small "i". The small s "self" or small "i" I, is on a continual search for the "Self" so will likely explore those ideas as well. Though as I once heard Ken Wilber say, the only thing that wants to destroy the ego is the ego. Unfortunately my "i" isn't aware that "I" am always witnessing "i"Allison.

One last explanation for the iAllison blog. As of late, I have begun to feel that I am turning into a computer generated version of myself. I feel so completed demographicized and calculated. Netflix knows the movies I would like better than my closest friends. Amazon picks out books for me that are spot on, and even Facebook reconnects me with people from my past.

How can I manage to simultaneously feel so "known" by complete strangers, and emotions and thoughts arise and I feel as though I am a mystery even to myself.

So, I will begin to offer my experience, and views of the world as I see them from this place and time. I invite your comments, as new perspectives leads to growth, evolution, and change.

And as Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Tags: iAllison, apple, facebook, amazon, self, Self, Ken Wilber

Desperately wanting to see this movie...

http://allison.gaia.com — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:43:13 GMT

When (if ever) will it come to a theater near me?

Enlighten Up! Trailer (Yoga Movie)

Tags: yoga, enlighten up, film, practice

Awaken Your Christ Consciousness

http://allison.gaia.com — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:02:17 GMT

Check out the new e-course we are offering at Christ Community Church...

A New Christianity For a New Earth e-Course   

You can join the over two million people from 139 countries around the world who have found the tools to discover happiness and awaken to their potential through Eckhart Tolle's book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose.

A New Earth offers practical advice to:  

* Awaken to your life's unique purpose 

* Become free of unhealthy anger, jealousy, and unhappiness 

* End conflict and suffering throughout the world

Participate in our upcoming e-course, A New Christianity For A New Earth to see how Eckhart Tolle's message aligns with the teachings of Jesus. This course will guide you on a path to Christ consciousness. As we unite the religious stories of our tradition with the cutting-edge spirituality of today, you will receive the wisdom needed for lasting transformation.

This five-week course begins on Monday, July 28. You will receive three sessions per week, emailed to your personal inbox for study at your convenience. Sessions will include a variety of formats such as original articles by Ian Lawton, audio and video clips, meditation and prayer practices, as well as an interactive online discussion board on which you can chat with other participants.

Do not miss this unique offering providing you the space to explore Christian concepts in a new and transformative context. You will also get the practical tools to awaken to your life’s purpose.

The suggested donation for this e-course is $27.

Check out the Christ Community Church website for more information and to sign up.

If you have any questions feel free to ask me!

Tags: Eckhart Tolle, Christ Consciousness, A New Earth, Spirituality

In Blackwater Woods

http://allison.gaia.com — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:27:37 GMT

In Blackwater Woods

Mary Oliver

Look, the trees

are turning

their own bodies

into pillars

of light,

are giving off the rich

fragrance of cinnamon

and fulfillment,

the long tapers

of cattails

are bursting and floating away over

the blue shoulders

of the ponds,

and every pond,

no matter what its

name is, is

nameless now.

Every year

everything

I have ever learned

in my lifetime

leads back to this: the fires

and the black river of loss

whose other side

is salvation,

whose meaning

none of us will ever know.

To live in this world

you must be able

to do three things:

to love what is mortal;

to hold it

against your bones knowing

your own life depends on it;

and, when the time comes to let it go,

to let it go.

I just love this poem, particularly the end. I am feeling what i would describe as such a strong feminine urge, to hold, nurture, to love, to embrace that which is mortal.

Could it be that this desire to embrace what is mortal could, as this poem seems to suggest, take me to the other side, to salvation -- whatever that does mean, to peace, to bliss...

With every ounce of my being I know the consuming pain that comes with that embrace of the impermanent, the pain is absolutely unavoidable, but with the same intensity i know that I would dry up and die if i did not continue to reach out, to hold, to embrace all that is.

I am here to love, to live with passion, and to hold nothing back, I do not end with me...

Tags: In Blackwater Woods, Mary Oliver, love, passion, mortal, impermanence, bliss, peace, salvation

How Green Am I, Really?

http://allison.gaia.com — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:30:13 GMT

someecard method soap

I would call myself a mid-level environmentalist. I care, I really do care, but there is so much more I could do.

I mean it goes without saying that every bulb in my house is a cfl. That just seems basic, but I have my moments where in the eco-lax midwest i feel quite self-righteous in my greenness. I usually remember my hemp shopping bags for groceries, I have a pvc-free yoga mat made of rubber and a mat bag made out of recycled plastic bottles. I am a vegetarian (one of the best things you can do for the earth) and yes i do use the method hand soap and cleaning products.

BUT tonight, all of my glorious greenness was called into question. As i bopped down to the laundry room of my apartment building I was disheartened to find that someone had again used my laundry soap (yes my eco-fabulous laundry soap). Last time my dryer sheet box (the method brand, moist dryer sheets that you can use more than once) was empty, just the box, remained no sheets.

Now, if i was a true green queen wouldn't i just be thrilled that another load of laundry was done in this world without any harsh chemicals. I mean isn't that the point of all the education, to inspire people to make a change...

Maybe, just maybe i will consider buying two bottles of method laundry detergent next time.

Tags:

Lars and the Real Girl

http://allison.gaia.com — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:46:41 GMT

I recently saw the movie Lars and the Real Girl. It has jumped to the top of my favorite movie lists as a result. It so perfectly matched some experiences I have been having. I wanted to share the film with others as i am just not able to get it out of my mind.

Here's the trailer

LARS AND THE REAL GIRL (official trailer)

So basically it is the story of Lars (played by Ryan Gosling), who orders a life-size sex doll online and when she comes he "believes" she is real and that she is his girlfriend, Bianca.

Lars' brother and sister-in-law go to see a therapist and the therapist says that Lars has a delusion. When they ask how long it will last, the therapist tells them, "until he doesn't need it anymore."

That one line stayed with me from the moment i first saw the trailer, and is played out beautifully in this film, but i will come back to that point in a minute.

The other striking part to me was watching the transformation in Lars as a result of his delusion. Lars goes from being a shy, socially inept person, to being happy, social, and taking the first steps towards really participating in life.

Personally, I am just overwhelmed with the number of delusions i have in my life. Delusions about my past, delusions about my future, delusions about who i am, and who i am not. I am constantly living in a world of my own creation--sometimes good and sometimes bad. And i am not taking about the whole placing an intention, creating your own reality sort of idea. I am straight up saying, my experience is based on my view of the world, my perspective and my experience of myself.

I guess one could ask what is the difference between a delusion and a simple thought, idea or fact. On the one had it could be seen as fact that i am 26 years old, single, female, no children, brown hair (ok i color it so that has got to add to the delusion), greenish eyes, fair skin, weight 110 pounds etc.

But is that really fact? Is that really all i am?

Back to the movie, this fabulous film left me with acceptance and awareness of my delusions--both the ways i limit the experience of who "I am" to the form of the descriptive "facts" i listed above (the truly big question of who is "I am" in what is sometimes described as the spiritual sense), as well as in the relative sense of the stories allison creates to cope with her own relative life.

As I witnessed in Lars, sometimes our delusions are just what we need to cope or deal with life. So much can be expressed or played out through our delusions in that sense our delusions are very real. They serve a purpose and they are a crucial component to life. We don't need to place judgment on them. And it is okay to be crazy.

When this particular form of "crazy" stops serving us, we will move on, we will let the delusion die. Maybe sometimes the answer is so dive so deeply into our delusions that we come out on the other side.

I wonder if they make those dolls in male form? Nah, I guess for now I should just stick to my own particular delusions...

Tags: Lars and the real girl, movie, delusions, life, reality

So I live by a bike shop...

http://allison.gaia.com — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:51:55 GMT

I have the great privilege of living across the street from a locally-owned bike shop. It is called Rock and Road. Now most people wouldn't think this would really be the selling point of a great apartment, but it remains truly one of my favorite features.

When was the last time you rode a new bike, or took a new bike for a test ride? I think i could spend close to eternity watching people test drive bikes. There is this fabulous child-like quality about the experience. Almost as if they are on a bike for the first time, and it is all so new and special for them. And they are riding with such attention to detail, such focus and mindfulness. Little do they know that they will rarely ride the bike that way again, except for maybe if they think something is wrong with the bike.

Why do we do that? Be it our bicycles, ourselves, our relationships, we often only give such undivided, mindful attention to something when it is brand new or broken. The experience of awe and wonder though is always available to us.

I am reminded of that wonder each time i see one of these cyclists, test out a new bike. Don't get me wrong, they are often wearing a sorta ridiculous helmet and many times dressed still in work clothes and don't seem quite attired for their, i can only assume to be spontaneous, bike outing, which has often caused me to chuckle. But all the more isn't that indicative of life? We aren't always perfectly equipped or prepared for our situations, but when handled with attention, mindfulness, and a little curiosity, life comes alive.

Go test drive a bike today, or at least wonder past a bike shop and observe others, you'll be glad you did!

Tags: bike shop, wonder, mystery, mindfulness, awareness, awe, joy

Falling in...

http://allison.gaia.com — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:05:54 GMT

Thanks to Ian for sharing this great piece with me.

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

by Portia Nelson

Chapter 1

I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk

I fall in.

I am lost...I am hopeless.

It isn't my fault.

It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend I don't see it.

I fall in again.

I can't believe I'm in the same place.

But it isn't my fault.

It still takes time to get out.

Chapter 3

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk

I see it is there.

I still fall in...it's a habit

My eyes are open

I know where I am

It is my fault.

I get out immediately.

Chapter 4

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk

I walk around it.

Chapter 5

I walk down another street.

I seem to find myself stuck in about chapter 3 right now....

Do you ever find yourself oscillating so quickly between perspectives that you think you just might be insane? I think i am insane today.

I see the hole, I fall in, I feel hurt, I feel angry, I feel frustrated with myself, I mean, I saw the hole! And then I feel compassion and understanding, and I pull myself out of the hole. It was just a hole... I am not really that hurt, I can try again...

And then walking down the street and here i am again with my hole.

The constant struggle between awareness and real lasting change. Throw in some seeking mind, a heap of perfectionism, and a incessant desire for personal growth and transformation, and you seem to wind up with insanity.

I think i may have just found a much larger hole...

Tags: Autobiography in Five Short Chapters, Portia Nelson, change, transformation, personal growth, awareness

Bill Maher on Barack Obama's Bitter comment

http://allison.gaia.com — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:22:38 GMT

This doesn't even need an intro, just watch and enjoy!

New Rules with Bill Maher - Obama Bitter Elitism April 18

Tags: Bill Maher, Barack Obama, Bitter, Elitism

Religious vs. Human Rights

http://allison.gaia.com — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:20:20 GMT

I was so lucky to be in Paris for a couple weeks and have a dear friend tutoring me in French culture and perspective. In one conversation we were talking about religious freedoms and the ongoing issues that France is having with their Muslim population.

To most Americans it seems outrageous that the French government would ban Muslim girls from wearing a Hijab in public schools. To many of us this seems to break all rules of equality, religious freedom, and pluralistic values, not to mention points to down right discrimination.

My friend expressed to me that it is her understanding that some French view the Hijab, as well as other Islamic and other religious values, as oppressive towards women. It is their perspective that the state's view of human rights supercedes individual's ideas of religious freedom. And that a neutrality needs to be kept in the public sphere.

To this i responded with a heartfelt AMEN!

I love the awareness that comes with new perspectives. It is incredible how differently two cultures can view the separation of church and state. This same value of equality is taken in polar opposite directions. Where does the responsibility of the state lie? Is it in protecting human rights, or is it in protecting the rights to choose their values.

And today the question is raised how does this dialogue change when children are involved?

Just tonight the awful story broke about of the widespread abuse taking place in a polygamous compound in Texas. Clearly this situation is one in which there will be very little debate, polygamy is not a widely held value, and the abuse was so horrific, that of course the government needed to intervene. But what about the abuse that has taken place in the Catholic church? What about the emotional and often physical abuse of gay and lesbian children growing up in religiously conservative homes?

And yet I find myself in a country where just this week a Illinois state legislator verbally attacked an atheist, saying "It’s [meaning the views of atheism] dangerous to the progression of this state. And it’s dangerous for our children to even know that your philosophy exists.” Listen to it here

So i find myself a little bewildered. What role should the government have in raising the consciousness of a culture? I could be persuaded to totally agree wtih France, if of course they actually are protecting girls from religious oppression... Go women's lib! But is that really what is going on here? Who decides what is oppressive (besides queen me!)

Wow, through all this back and forth, I have found myself so happy to be working in the field of religion rather than government (which just proves that i am culturally american, even as i adore the french!) What better place than the Christian church is there to raise awareness, raise consciousness and help transform a culture. In France it may be the role of the government, but here in the ole U.S. of A. I think the church has a great opportunity, now just how to get the churches to wake up!

Tags: culture, equality, atheism, christian church, religion, human rights, church and state

Wal-Mart Drops Claim!

http://allison.gaia.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:05:26 GMT

I am so happy to report that as of today, Wal-Mart has decided to drop the claim against the Shank family that i wrote about in my last post.

It seems that the "outside" perspective has given them the clarity they needed to see that what they were doing was wrong. Though i still seriously question the mindset that could ever think they were justified, I am so happy to see this major corporation admitting their error and at least making amends now even if it is purely for publicity reasons.

What will make me sleep better tonight is knowing that just a shred of the nightmare that the Shank family has been living for years now is finally over. I hope that this is the beginning of some better times for this family.

Tags:

Do we live in a Wal-Mart world?

http://allison.gaia.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:04:07 GMT

Nothing has bothered me more than the most recent story of the inhuman, and truly evil acts of Wal-Mart. I am sure everyone has heard this horror story by now, but just in case you haven't let me share it with you.

Eight years ago, 52 year old Debbie Shank, was in a traffic accident that left her with extreme brain damage. The trucking company responsible awarded her $1,000,000. After legal fees and what not, $417,000 was put into a trust fund for her care. She needs round the clock care and now lives in an assisted living center.

Because of a despicable claus in her insurance policy from her former employeer wal-mart, wal-mart was able to sue her for $470,000 which they had paid for her medical bills through the insurance policy at the time of her accident. And because of the claus in her policy, Wal-Mart won.

This woman's dear husband is working two jobs and actually had to legally divorce his wife so they could receive more medicare assistance. I find it important to note that Wal-Mart's profits last year were $11 billion.

This is truly the worst story i have heard in sometime. How is there not a rational, humane person at Wal-Mart that has stepped in to stop this?

The story actually gets harder to bare. Just one week after the settlement in the case, the Shank's 18 year old son, a soldier, was killed in Iraq. And despite attending her son's funeral due to her brain injury Debbie asks everyday how her son is doing, and everyday as they tell her he has died, she cries as if hearing the news for the first time.

I don't want to live in a Wal-Mart world.

Here is the link to a recent article on CNN

"WAL MART": What A "SCHMUCK"

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A Changing World

http://allison.gaia.com — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:34:07 GMT

I am reading a fascinating article in the magazine "Fast Company." The article is the cover story of this month's issue and is called "The Brand Called Obama: Win or Lose Barack Obama's Rise Changes Business as Usual for Everyone, Here's Why" by Ellen McGirt.

I really recommend this magazine and particularly this article.

You can read the article online
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/124/the-brand-called-obama.html

There are many points that are made that I find fascinating, but it is just two small statistics that are not even the key points have me so hopeful at the moment.

Did you know that by 2010 (not so far off anymore) that the millennials (those roughly 18 to 29 years old) will outnumber the baby boomers.

Now please don't misinterpret me! I adore my boomer parents and my numerous boomer friends. I spend a lot of time with boomers! So i am not looking to see them start dropping, but for society as a whole, how exciting is this?

A generation (the millenials) who have grown up with values of equality (thanks to their boomer parents) who are not personally wearing the scars of so many past inequalities, a generation that knows a different America will soon be America's biggest demographic.

Another staggering stat is that by 2010, 40% of Americans will be non-white! Can i get an Amen for beautiful diversity!

When you put those two stats together, a generation less divided and more committed to equality than any before it, and a population more diverse, can you be anything but hopeful for the potential of this country?

And you throw in the end of the reign of the most divisive and polarizing president in U.S. history and it feels as though a tremendous shift could occur in this country. Could the alienating phrase of division and superiority, "God Bless America" be transformed to a call for a celebration of diversity?

Could I possibly reach a point where i am ready to hold my head high with pride in being an American?

Here's to 2010!

Tags: Barack Obama, Fast Company, diversity, baby boomers, millenials, America

Falling in love with a Frenchman

http://allison.gaia.com — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:56:45 GMT

Ok, so falling in love with a Frenchman is something I am yet to do, but now fully determined I must do in this lifetime.

I just returned from my first trip to Paris. J'adore Paris! I had an absolutely fabulous time. It was so fun to be in a different culture for a short time.

It was day 2 and I found myself at the base of the arc de triomphe. As I stood there, looking at it with all its magnificence I was completely overwhelmed by it size and nearly giddy with its beauty. Without thinking i turned to my friend and said with astonishment, "It is just so beautiful for something with absolutely no purpose!" Now I must admit there was a purpose, I mean who wouldn't want a magnificent structure to walk under after commanding victory in battle. But to my American mind, it really served no current purpose at all.

Days later I found myself gazing at the eiffel tower with much of the same sentiment. And it occurred to me. In my romanticized and biased mind, the French seem to care much more for beauty than we Americans. We seem so much more driven by practicality or maybe more accurately functionality, rather than beauty.

We are a society of people constantly doing. Could it be the French are a society of people in love with being?

That is when I noticed it. The look on the face of a french man as he gazes across the table at his lover. The men looked at their women, in a way I am sure I will not adequately put into words. A way, in fact, that I am quite certain would have creeped me out a few years ago, and may still make me a bit uncomfortable to the be the recipient of today. To use a totally lame, illustration, it was as if they were drinking in the beauty of the woman before them. Such appreciation for the woman, just for being, yes just being her radiantly, beautiful, self. It was as if they were addicted and drawn to her.

Now I am a driven, ambitious woman, who does well, in this driven, "doing" society. And to be honest, I love nothing more than for a man to look at me with honor and appreciation for my mind, intellect, and even my drive. But I definitely have something to learn from the French. Maybe it is from the French women I have lessons to learn, lessons on how to radiate, and fully embody my feminine beauty. But for now, I will appreciate the memories of the beauty of Paris, will open my eyes to the beauty around me, and perhaps turn up my inner sparkle, radiance if you will, just a notch.

And of course, there is always the possibility of falling for a Frenchman...

Tags: beauty, The French, Paris