Volume 13, Issue 2 | February 2024 | |
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Hi!
The month of February is a significant month. Of course, it includes acknowledgements of love and friendship, aka Valentine’s Day.
February is Black History Month, an annual observance originating in the United States, although other countries around the world also devote a month to celebrating Black history. Black History Month celebrates the vast contributions of Black Americans to our country and recognizes that Black history is American history. Sadly, so much inequality and prejudice persists in this country, the sole country that was built on an idea that all are created equal and deserve to be treated with equal dignity. Yet, America was built on slavery, and we still have a long way to go for all peoples to enjoy equal opportunities, equal respect, etc.
I find it so unfortunate to have to write these words: February 24 marked the beginning of the third year of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The current fiasco going on in the U.S. House of Representatives regarding additional support for what is a fight for democracy not just in Ukraine but around the world makes this marker even more heart-wrenching. But Ukraine still stands!
And, the situation in the Middle East with innocent Palestinian and Israeli people caught in the middle continues to rage on.
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Now let us return to the uplifting subject of love and friendship…
Oprah said, “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” Lana Goes talks about a friend who taught her some essential lessons on friendship in “The Signs of a Strong Friendship (and an Unhealthy One."
Vicky and Dan, aka on YouTube as “Old, Madly in Love, Married... Dancing to the Oldies” and who are in their seventies, love dancing to their favorite song “Today” as they believe it captures their marriage. They are grateful to its writer, Randy Sparks, who died February 11. Mr. Sparks was active in the 1960s folk revival and nurtured a host of future stars including Kenny Rogers and John Denver. Through their dance videos, Vicky and Dan want people to see that folks in their senior years can still enjoy the music they remember so well from much earlier times in their life—and can stay in love.
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The world needs you. Shine your inner light and light up the world, | |
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Spirituality
What is the Spiritual Reason for War?
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I came across a discussion on Reddit about the topic “What’s the spiritual reason behind most of wars?” There were interesting ideas, some very close to my own. The way I see it, in general, wars (conflict, violence) in the physical world are a reflection of what is going on within. When we are at peace as individuals, we will see peace in the outer world. As within, so without.
Here’s more from one of the writers:
"At present, most of us are totally unaware, confused, broken. We are sitting on volcanoes of traumas, of lack of love, of betrayal, of not having been properly taken care of. So we are angry and need to strike at something. We hate ourselves, we hate others and so wars, mass shootings, racism, greed, hate, etc. are simply a projection of what's going on within. Had most of us made peace with ourselves, our world would be perfectly OK. A loving, peaceful, free being hates no one, he/she is open minded enough to accept people as they are and love them, understanding their pain and suffering. A peaceful person has no desire to kill innocent children, innocent people, harm animals, burn down properties, disrespect others, shoot them."
If you want to read more of the discussion, visit this subreddit.
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Inspiration and Contemplation
We Are in This Together, We Are One
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Despite all the conflict and seeming separation in the world, we are really one. We are interconnected and interdependent. Spirit flows in, around, and through all beings and all things. We are One.
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“Your life is my life; my life is your life. I cannot leave you out and understand myself. I am incomplete. I am lame and blind and halted without inclusion.”
—Ernest Holmes, “Ernest Holmes at Asilomar,” page 26
“Love is the essence of life, the divine energy that sustains all beings.”
—Bhagavad Gita
“The world is not going to change unless we’re willing to change ourselves.”
—Rigoberta Menchú
“Behold, I shall walk through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now.”
—White Buffalo Calf Woman
“Abundant love will find us when we make the decision to attentively and unconditionally give it to all the people God has invited into our life. Our primary purpose today is to know and give love.”
— "In God’s Care*", February 6
*As We Understand God
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People Making a Difference
An Act of Love
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Toby Chang is a teen in my town of Prescott, AZ. He was interviewed on Valentine's Day by Launch Pad Teen Center Founder and Executive Director Courtney Osterfelt for the Center's new "Walk and Talk" podcast series. The series is intended to elicit teen perspectives on community and various life issues.
The article touched upon the idea that the commitment to make a difference in one’s community or country is always an act of “love.”
Read the interesting article (in PDF format) by clicking here.
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e-newsletter designed, developed, written, and published by Joyce S. Kaye | |
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You, Me, and Spirit
I was a devout atheist until 33 years ago when I "came to believe" in a Power greater than myself. Thanks to hearing the novel idea (well, at least it was to me!) that one could choose their own concept of God—and name too (Spirit, The Great Mystery, All That Is, etc.)—and the workings of synchronicity, I embarked on a new way of thinking, a new way of living, a new way of being in the world and with others. It impacted all aspects of my life and relationships.
Since that time of commencing my conscious spiritual journey, I have endeavored to remember The Presence in all that is, all whom I meet, and all that I do—including working with clients in my own business, academia, and the corporate world. I strive to be of service and to nurture the human spirit in all environments.
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