Building Bridges with Corona

     

Balcony concert in Italy.

       This is a strange time to be in the world. When has there ever been another time when all of humanity had to practice social distancing for the survival of the race? Like so many of you, I am feeling the separation from the friends and family that I would normally see in person. I grieve for the thousands of people who are sick or mourning the loss of loved ones who have died of this virus. I weep for the healthcare workers who are overwhelmed by the enormity of their task. And yet, I also see the world community uniting spiritually during this time of physical separation. I see many ways in which the coronavirus is building bridges of oneness.

       People from all over the world are joining in prayer and meditation, creating positive energy and light for the healing of our planet, and offering suggestions for healthy ways to spend time alone at home. We have heard people singing together from their balconies in Italy and Spain; we have read poetry by those who have been inspired by the enormity of this experience; we have witnessed the selfless actions of those who continue to offer essential services, and those who sew masks or provide necessities to those who don't have them. My sister is posting online yoga classes and many others are live streaming programs of all kinds for adults and children. Our hearts are growing because of the need of the hour. We are reaching out to one another across borders and oceans, to seek solace, offer support, and share advice. 

       The coronavirus is helping us to recognize our oneness. May we learn this lesson now so that in the future it won't take a pandemic to wake us up to the truth of our interconnectedness.

       I'd like to share some of the poetry and images that give us hope during this cataclysmic time. If you have others to share, please post them under comments!

Poem by Donna Ashworth: 

History will remember when the world stopped,

And the flights stayed on the ground,

And the cars parked in the street,

And the trains didn’t run.

History will remember when the schools closed,

And the children stayed indoors,

And the medical staff walked towards the fire,

And they didn’t run.

History will remember when the people sang,

On their balconies, in isolation,

But so very much together,

In courage and song.

History will remember when the people fought

For their old and their weak,

Protected the vulnerable

by doing nothing at all.

History will remember when the virus left,

And the houses opened,

And the people came out,

And hugged and kissed,

And started again.

Pandemic

What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.

And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.

–Lynn Ungar 3/11/20

And this one by my brother:

Pandemic

Steve Harvester

Pardon me, my unknown friend,
For offering you this wine
Across our social distance.

It is bold, as we must be,
With hints of coffee, cherry,
Chocolate, plum, and leather.

Let us drink in together
Both the wine, and the sunlight,
As it turns brown grass to gold;
Hear the peepers spring to life.

“Pandemic” hints of “panic”;
Also “pandemonium.”
But here, now, across our space
I take your virtual hand.
Together, we raise glasses.
One leaf trembles on the pond
Then becomes perfectly still.

Balcony concerts in Italy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBByYjjvNzs

Europeans Under Lockdown Are Singing Together and Giving Their Health Care Workers Citywide Ovations: https://slate.com/culture/2020/03/coronavirus-quarantine-singalong-ovation-applause-italy-spain-bella-ciao-volare-nessun-dorma-verbena.html

From Patricia Cota-Robles at the Era of Peace: https://eraofpeace.org/blogs/news/a-positive-opportunity-involving-caronavirus

       

       Blessings to all of my friends around the world. Stay safe, stay well, stay home - but send your love and light around the world to keep those bridges strong!

Envisioning a Peaceful World

In August of 2011 I posted the following essay. I am reposting it now because I have started a Facebook group for people to share ideas about the New Peaceful World we want to create together. I do hope that readers of this blog will join and contribute to this group called Envisioning a Peaceful World: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1289483777899446/

All things begin in the imagination. “You’ve got to have a dream to have a dream come true” go the lyrics of one old song from the musical “South Pacific.” The only way to create a new and better world for the future is to imagine it NOW.

John Lennon promoted this idea with his famous song: “Imagine.” Some people assume Lennon was promoting a Godless world because he imagined a life without heaven or religions. His words, “Imagine all the people living for today” imply that we would live in peace and harmony with one another, our hearts full of love and compassion RIGHT NOW,  instead of basing our actions on the requirements of a future heaven and the threat of a future hell. (Even Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is among us - now - not up above the sky!) And there would be no religion, because so many wars have been fought over religious differences!

In the new world, as I imagine it, people would have faith in the divine spirit that connects us all. We would honor and respect the differences between people. We would love and honor every part of Creation, recognizing the connection and oneness of everything. This would not be a Godless world – it would be a God-full world!

In the world I imagine there will be an abundance of delicious and natural food available for every single person. Perhaps we’ll just go out and pick fruit straight from the trees and vegetables from the community gardens that will flourish in every village and town. We won’t need money because each person will freely give of his or her talents and abilities, and one will not be deemed more valuable than another. Unlike this world where entertainers are valued above everyone else, musicians and actors will perform for the love of their art and their audiences. There will be no violence in any kind of entertainment – in fact, no violence in the world. The very idea will be considered barbaric and antiquated. Better yet, we won’t even remember that violence ever existed!

I love Lennon’s line: “You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.” I’m a dreamer, too! Are you? I would love it if readers would add to my imaginings. Please comment: What do you imagine for the new world? Let your imagination go wild – with beauty, color, joy, and peace!

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Manifesting with Unicorns

       Last night I watched a quirky movie on Netflix called "Unicorn Store." It was pretty silly, but I did agree with the premise - that unicorns are real! I have been learning about unicorns from Diana Cooper, who has met them and tells us: "Unicorns are seventh dimensional creatures, ascended horses who are fully of the angelic hierarchy. They have the same frequency as archangels and are returning now for the first time since the fall of Atlantis to shine wonder and enlightenment on us. They offer healing through their horns of light and are looking for those who have a vision to help others beside themselves. Then they will work with you to give you the strength and courage, dignity and purity to fulfil your purpose."

       Yesterday I received the unicorn oracle cards that I had ordered, mainly to share with my three-year-old granddaughter, who loves unicorns. But I am going to enjoy them myself until Clara comes to visit! I like the way the instruction book offers a "Layout for World Service." I am always seeking ways to be of service to the world, mainly through prayer and meditation, because I am an introvert. I drew cards for this layout last night and this morning, and both times I drew the "MANIFESTATION" card. This card tells me to focus on a vision beyond myself and my unicorn will help me. 

       I have been visualizing millions of unicorns going around the world, to touch all human hearts with their horns of healing light - so that all selfish thoughts and desires will give way to divine will, and light and love and power will restore the divine plan on earth. 

       The manifestation card says: "When you have a dream to help people or situations the unicorns will give you the strength, courage, and dignity to bring your vision to fruition. The affirmation is "I will do something to help others today." I decided that I would write this blog post to share with others what I am learning about unicorns and the way they can help us to bring about a world where love, peace, and joy abound in every life. 

Out of Tragedy Springs New Life

       The fiery destruction of France's Notre Dame Cathedral last night was met by reactions of horror and sorrow around the globe. Sometimes it is a tragedy like this that builds bridges between people of different faiths and cultures. Even those of us who are not Catholic recognize the beauty, the history, and the spiritual significance of this great cathedral, now standing in partial ruin. Offers of financial assistance for the rebuilding of the cathedral have already come from around the world, coming to hundreds of millions of dollars. Notre Dame will rise from the ashes, like the magical phoenix of legend. 

       This blog has been inactive for several months, but yesterday I noticed there were 115 views from France. The French, as well as many others, are seeking spiritual solace at this time of tragedy. It was heartwarming to see the crowds singing hymns and praying as they watched their beloved cathedral burn. I think their prayers were answered, because the facade, the twin bell towers, and much of the cathedral's interior, as well as artifacts and works of art, remain unharmed. No one died in the fire and only one out of the 400 firefighters was injured. 

       Many have noted the significance of this fire occurring during Holy Week. Just as Jesus Christ's physical body was destroyed at the end of this week, so the physical embodiment of "Our Lady of Paris" suffered the ravages of fire last night. Jesus demonstrated that the death of our physical body is not the end of our eternal life. The destruction of a cathedral does not damage the divine spirit the cathedral symbolizes. In fact, the spirit is made stronger when it overcomes tragedy and begins anew. 

       Perhaps the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, a Christian icon, is a transformative fire that will lead to a spiritual renewal in which the Church will become more inclusive of all God's children. Signs of fire in Biblical Scripture signify God's holy presence, power, and glory, as well as the purification and cleansing action of the Holy Spirit. But fire is present in other spiritual pathways, and in many traditions it is a living presence which provides guidance and comfort. Divine flames can transmute negative energies into the positive energies of love and joy.

       It took a massive amount of water to squelch the Notre Dame fire, which brought to my mind the fire-and-water dragons that are a powerful force for movement and change. Fire and water together create steam, and steam-cleaning is extremely thorough. There are many aspects of the Catholic Church, and the Christian Church at large, that need to be deep cleaned. Let us pray that this deep-cleaning will be the catalyst for something new and wonderful. 

       This additional message comes from https://eraofpeace.org:

The Burning of Notre Dame

On April 15, 2019, billions of people around the world watched in horror as the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France burned out of control. The shock of this heart-rending event forced open the hearts of the masses of Humanity in ways that allowed the Divine Feminine to expand her Presence within every Heart Flame. This triggered a healing process that has been unfolding for over 850 years.
 
The most tragic result of our fall from Grace is that aeons ago we closed our Heart Chakra while trying to avoid the painful effects of our distorted human miscreations. This catapulted us into the abyss of separation and duality. We lost awareness of our Mother God, who is the Holy Spirit. We became oblivious of her Divine Love which is intended to perpetuate within us the knowing that we are One with ALL Life.  We also lost knowledge of the Divine Feminine.
 
We began believing that as Sons and Daughters of God we had just one single masculine parent, a Father God. Since that fateful time, Humanity has been functioning with a fragmented patriarchal consciousness.  Through this distorted consciousness we have grossly abused our Father God’s Divine Will and Masculine Power. For aeons of time, our fragmented and fear-based fallen ego has suppressed and oppressed our Mother God’s Transfiguring Divine Love. Our ego has blocked the awareness of the Oneness of ALL Life and the Divine Feminine. Nowhere has that abuse of power been more evident than in the hierarchy and teaching of the various organized world religions.
 
In the year 1163, through the unified efforts of Heaven and Earth, a plan was set into motion to create an outer-world symbol that would be dedicated to our Mother God and the return of the Divine Feminine. The goal was for the Cathedral of Notre Dameto be built in the heart Paris with such an exquisite demonstration of art and architecture that people from all over the world would be drawn to her with wonder and awe regardless of their religious affiliations.
 
Notre Dame means Our Lady. The spiritual symbol of France is the Fleur-de-lis, which represents the Immortal Victorious Threefold Flame pulsating in every person’s heart. This symbol reflects the Holy Trinity, our Father God’s Power, our Mother God’s Love and the Son and Daughter of God’s Enlightenment.
 
For 856 years our Mother God and various Aspects of the Divine Feminine have blessed the hearts and minds of people with the Sacred Breath of the Holy Spirit as they entered the Cathedral of Notre Dame. This Gift has gently softened hearts and helped prepare the masses of Humanity for this Cosmic Moment.
 
The Cathedral of Notre Dame has been under attack and rebuilt several times during the past centuries. These attacks were based in the patriarchal consciousness of Humanity’s fallen egos, which were striving to block the return of the Divine Feminine. In every instance these attacks failed and the radiance of our Mother God’s Love and the blessing of the Holy Spirit’s Sacred Breath became stronger.
 
Our Father-Mother God and the Company of Heaven want us to know in the deepest recesses of our hearts that the events that unfolded for “Our Lady of Paris” during Holy Week in 2019 were not an attack. This purging fire was very different from the things she experienced in the past.
 
There has been a valiant effort to refurbish the Cathedral of Notre Dame for a while now, but the Company of Heaven revealed that the purification that is needed to permanently burst the oppressive bonds of the abusive patriarchal hierarchy of organized religions has to be much more dramatic.
 
There has to be a changing of the guard. The “old guard” has to be removed and transformed back into its original perfection which reflects the Divine Masculine. Then the full expression of our Mother God’s Love, the Divine Feminine, will be able to reclaim her rightful place in the hearts of Humanity and the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
 
During the week before the fire that consumed much of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, twelve huge statues representing the Twelve Apostles were removed. These masculine representations of power and authority were considered “the Guardians” by the French people. The twelve statues have been taken to a special place where they are being refurbished and transformed. 
 
As the purging fire blazed through the structure of Notre Dame on April 15^th, the people of France gathered in front of the cathedral. They knelt in prayer, sang songs, cried and in deep reverence they held the sacred space for Notre Dame’s unfolding Divine Plan in the full embrace of our Mother God’s Divine Love.
 
At the same time, billions of people around the world supported them and joined them in consciousness through televised broadcasts and social media connections. This collective Cup of Consciousness created the Open Door through which our Mother God and the Feminine Aspects of Deity throughout Infinity, God Victoriously purged and cleansed the physical, etheric, mental and emotional strata of Mother Earth from the masculine abuse of power that has oppressed and suppressed the Divine Feminine since Humanity’s fall from Grace. For several days thereafter thousands of people marched in the streets and reverently held vigils in front of “Our Lady of Paris.”
 
Now through the unified efforts of Heaven and Earth the Cathedral of Notre Dame will be Resurrected and Transfigured.

       

Spreading Warmth and Oneness with the Orange Dragons

            Dragons feature in many of the myths and fairytales I learned as a child. They were usually evil creatures who had to be slain by a brave knight. Still, I must have had an innate knowledge of dragons as higher beings, because I wrote about one in my independent study of children’s fantasy literature during my senior year in college.

            Recently I have learned that dragons are real and wise beings of the angelic realms. I am reading Diana Cooper’s book: Dragons:Your Celestial Guardians. If you think a belief in dragons is nonsensical, you can stop reading now!

            To those of you with the imagination to encompass the reality of mythical beings in the higher realms of existence, I will share that dragons exist in the higher dimensions where they work together with angels for our highest good. Dragons have the ability to create matter and deconstruct it. The angels hold the vision while the dragons manifest it. Like angels, dragons do not have free will. They can do our bidding only if it is in alignment with divine will.  

            Dragons come in many different colors and serve in different ways. You can learn about all of the dragons and use the visualizations in Cooper’s book to manifest the highest good for yourself and others. For the purpose of building bridges, I’d like to tell you about the orange dragons who are devoted to uniting soul families and soul communities in preparation for the new Golden Age. Cooper tells us: “They light up individuals and groups so that they recognize each other.”

            The orange dragons are breathing harmony and oneness over people. The color orange emanates from the naval chakra, just above the sacral chakra. When it is open we feel inclusive, connected, and happy. The orange dragons are helping us to open this chakra. They watch over humanity to see whose naval chakras are open and shining. They know these are the people who are ready to spread the message of oneness and joy. They are looking for these people to be peace ambassadors in the world.

            The orange dragons are often found near borders and boundaries where they puff their energy of acceptance and freedom. There must be many of them puffing away at the border between Mexico and the United States now! The work of the orange dragons is so very important at this time. They need us to support their work in building bridges between countries, instead of walls. One way we can do this is through the following visualization from Diana Cooper's book: 

Visualization to Spread Peace and Friendship

1. Find a place where you can be quiet and undisturbed. 

2. Light a candle and dedicate it to higher peace and oneness on Earth.

3. Call in the orange dragons and ask them to blow into your navel chakra.

4. Relax and experience your navel lighting up. 

5. All over the world (forget about the weather) see front doors wide open.

6. See people everywhere relaxed, at peace, communicating, and smiling.

7. Visualize the orange dragons dissolving all boundaries between countries, religions,  communities, and individuals. 

8. See Archangel Metatron taking your intention and adding it to the Plan for Earth.

9. Thank the orange dragons. 

Diversity in Oneness

       People come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are born to riches, and some are born in poverty. The human race is spread around the globe in 195 different countries. Each human experience is unique. And yet, each one of us was created in the image of God. God is Love, and so are we. God is Light, and so are we. God is One - and so are we!

       My husband recently created and released a music video: "Packages" by Mark VanLaeys, that portrays the beauty of humanity's diversity. I hope you will watch it and comment on his YouTube page. He is just learning how to make videos and looking for constructive critiques. 

Tis the Season

 

In recent years a lot of people have been making a fuss about the type of greeting we should offer each other during the month of December. Some Christians insist that “Merry Christmas” is the only acceptable greeting, while others prefer “Happy Holidays” so as to include everyone, whether or not they celebrate Christmas. (And isn’t it interesting that nobody says “Happy Christmas” considering that “merry” is an old-fashioned term that we don’t use in modern conversation other than at Christmastime?)

            I grew up in a home where Christmas was celebrated every year, and that continues to be my favorite holiday. I still say “Merry Christmas” when sending cards or greeting those who celebrate the same holiday. I also recognize that some people in this country and around the world do not celebrate Christmas, and I think the way to build bridges with them is the more inclusive “Seasons Greetings.”

            When it comes right down to it, December marks the season of Love and Light, however we choose to celebrate it, and no matter what name we give the holiday of choice. December must be more like June for those who live in the Southern hemisphere, but up here in the North we experience the shortest days and longest nights this month, and so most holiday celebrations include lights and candles to brighten the darkness.

            Those who believe that “Merry Christmas” is the only acceptable greeting at this time of year may not realize that some of the other holidays celebrated in December originated long before Jesus was born. The celebration of his birth didn’t become a holiday until the year 336 when December 25^th was finally decided on as Christ’s birthday. The Germanic peoples had celebrated Yule on December 25^th, considered by ancients to be the winter solstice, for longer than historians can calculate. Hanukkah was first celebrated in the year 138 BCE. How can anyone claim that Christmas is the only December holiday worth recognizing when others pre-date it by centuries?

            People have celebrated with fire and feasts in December for ages because the short days evoke the human need for fun and frivolity. It is also the time of year when many believe the veil between heaven and the world is thin, and “angels bend near the earth.” Each year, when the sun is close to the earth and the days are dark, there is an opportunity to connect with our inner light and wisdom. It is an ancient belief that the sun, being the symbol of our consciousness, is reborn on the 25^th. It is a holy time for spiritual people, no matter what religion they do or don’t adhere to.

            The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Mexican holiday that is growing in popularity in the United States, celebrates the belief that a man encountered the Virgin Mary, Mexico's patron saint, in Mexico City on December 9 and 12, 1531. Some people hold the belief that the Virgin Mary appears to people in order to bring the energies of the Divine Feminine into the world. According to a message given by Patricia Cota-Robles for December 12, 2018: “The transfiguring divine love of our Mother God is the mightiest force in the Universe. It is the vibration from which we were born from the heart of God, and it is the vibration through which we must now evolve and ascend back into the heart of God.” She also said: “When we experience the love of our Mother God, we know that we are all one.”

            So – this season is a time to experience and share divine love with all the world. It is a time to seek the light within, symbolized by the candles and festive lights we decorate our homes with, and a time to recognize the oneness of humanity in all of its diversity, celebrating the season in whatever way we choose.

            I think I’m going to coin a new greeting for this time of year: “Season’s blessings to all!”