Winter Snow in Prescott, AZ

Volume 14, Issue 1 | January 2025

Hi!

Well, it’s another new year. It’s hard for me to believe that we’re in the year 2025—I so vividly remember the concern of the Y2K bug 25 years ago! I also remember how I spent 1999 New Year’s Eve: doing a fire walk in Santa Fe. It certainly was an unusual time...

As we enter this new year, the United States of America enters perhaps her darkest period in history with forces running counter to the principles on which she was founded. Among those beliefs is the idea that all people are created equal and that they have fundamental rights, such as liberty, free speech, freedom of religion, due process of law, and freedom of assembly. One can already see these fundamental rights in jeopardy in the brief amount of time the 47th presidential administration has been in office.

While my soul is angry, sad, and grieving, it remains kind, compassionate, and of service, looking to ensure it is part of a solution, not part of the problem. Thus, more than ever, I am working on strengthening my connection to Source, being in the Light.

I cannot wallow in the darkness, and I, like others personally need and must shine our light—the world is desperate for it! Being kind and being of service helps not just others, but the doer as well. It is the process of giving and receiving—they go hand-in-hand, like breathing in and breathing out. Hence, as I give of myself in service to others, so does my soul receive nourishment and inspiration as part of the process. And, my connection to Spirit strengthens, promoting clearer and stronger communications between us, empowering me further.

Kindness is the first of the three great treasures advocated by Lao Tzu. The Buddha taught that generosity is a primary quality of an awakened mind. Muhammad regarded kindness as an essential sign of faith. Jewish and Christian ethics are built upon deeds of kindness, as are the daily interactions of people of primal traditions. Kindness entails being generous with your presence, your time, and your money.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and all beings for inner kindness, compassion, and peace. Shine on!

Blessings,

In 1967, when the track "Let’s Get Together," a paean to universal brotherhood written by American singer-songwriter Chet Powers first appeared, it did not sell well. But two years later renewed interest in the Youngbloods' version came when it was used in a radio public service announcement as a call for brotherhood by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. It was subsequently re-released in 1969 under the title "Get Together," and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Youngbloods did not perform at the Woodstock festival in 1969, where this video was filmed, but it is their version of "Get Together" that you hear. Richie Havens actually performed it at Woodstock, the summer when the song became a hit.

Spirituality

Helpful

I feel the presence of God when I am helpful.

   Feeling helpful fills my soul. If I feel frustration or resignation when confronting the struggles and ills of modern life, I can lift myself by offering a helping hand to whoever needs it wherever I am.

   Of course, I cannot solve the problems and heal the hurts of the world by myself. The good news is I don’t need to. If I have eyes to see, I can find kind folks everywhere who are quick to help, to lighten a load, or to ease a burden. These special ones do not seek attention or appreciation for their efforts. The satisfaction they feel from helping is enough for them.

   I am pleased to join with those who live in a spirit of helpfulness and service. Together, we heal the world, one kind act at a time.

—Excerpt from Daily Word, Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Inspiration and Contemplation

Buddhist Metta (Loving Kindness) Prayer

The Buddhist Metta (Loving Kindness) Prayer is simple but profound. It starts by blessing oneself and gradually expands outward from there, eventually wishing good intentions for the entire world and all beings, even our enemies. There are many variations and translations of this prayer.

Many believe that if we all said this prayer with sincerity at least once a week, the world could be a very different place.

A simple and fun way to say one of the versions of the prayer is to follow Karen Drucker’s musical version “Loving Kindness.”

People—and Other Beings—Making a Difference

Community Rallies Around Bookstore Owner After He Loses His Home in L.A. Fires

A small business owner in Pasadena is feeling big love from his community after being one of countless people impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles.

Tom Rogers has been the owner of Book Alley in Pasadena for about 20 years. After evacuating from his Altadena home and checking on his neighbors, they agreed to meet at his bookstore where they could shelter for a while.

Upon learning that his home had been completely leveled, the community he has served for the last two decades decided to give back to him. It started with a couple of employees setting up a GoFundMe account. Read more…

I leave you with the following words to keep in mind in the days to come...

Trust in the Light.

Darkness is not a force -

it is merely the absence of light.

Observe that when a light is brought to a dark place,

the darkness disappears.

Sadness is similar -

when joy is brought to suffering, the sadness disappears.

Open yourself to the Light!

Hold back nothing, Trust in the Light.

—Jonathan Lockwood Huie

All the darkness of the world cannot

extinguish the light of a single candle,

yet one candle can illuminate all the darkness.

[Exact origin remains debated] 

Blessings,

Let Us Not Forget!

It is amazing to me that I need to keep these symbols displayed...

Joyce S. Kaye

928.301.7292

joyce@thecomputerspirit.com

You, Me, and Spirit

I was a devout atheist until 34 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.