comma over-dosed (COD)

Posted on July 21, 2005 by sol

Do the intestines spewing out of my gut look suspiciously like sausages?

Kind of curious that the closest I get to meat is when it sits on my abdomen broiling in a broth of cheap hair gel and red dye.

And, yes, that’s a very special recipe for “Evisceration Simulation” straight from the kitchen cabinet recipe-rolodex of Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA).

That’s right. Eight 10-hour days later and scoring a 96% on the final exam, I am now an official and card-carrying WFR! Wilderness First Responder).

So what exactly does that mean? Well, it means that I encounter all the same things in the field (abroad) that I used to, but now I have fancy names, acronyms and systems to define, slang and organize it all: Heart attack (Myocardial Infarction)? Bee sting allergy (Anaphylactic Shock)? Hit on the head (Increasing Intracranial Pressure)? Numb, white, hard hands (Full thickness Frostbite)? Drinking too much water without enough food (Hypoglycemia)? Displaced knee cap (Patella Dislocation)? Bat bite (High Risk Puncture Wound)? Fell on your back (MOI Spine)? Nasty cough and nausea in Lhasa (High Altitude Pulmanary Edema)? Twisted ankle (Unstable Fifth Metatarsal Injury)? Scalded by the fire (Partial Thickness Burn)? Have no fear (assuming you’re more than two hours away from definitive care), for a WFR is here!

I’m not sure what the retention level is on this material, but as of this minute, I know how to swathe it, sprint it, sling it, inject it, NSAID medicate it, elevate it, body board it, motory skills test it, relocate it, TIP (traction into place) it, clean it, irrigate it, bandage it, disinfect it, uncork it, examine it, document it, triage it, resuscitate it, evacuate it, assess it, and in general, sustain it (wow, are you ever sick of my commas), till someone who actually knows what they’re doing can get their hands on it.

It might sound complicated, and indeed it was a lot of material, but actually it was all pretty intuitive information. In fact, I now have this sneaking feeling that I’ve somehow been swindled in life for not being taught all this really practical and user-friendly know-how about the human body (my body) before now. Why this curriculum isn’t included in high school basic ed or as a general prerequisite for parenting, is a question I’m left pondering. I feel like I just completed a Life 101 course and learned super useful skills that might one day actually save myself or someone in my company. (Now if only Apple offered similar courses for its laptops; mine is obviously limping around; and wow, I’m off subject.)

Anyway. If you like to learn and study, enjoy exploring the facilities of the human body, spend any time in the back country, have your ADD under moderate control (it’s a lot of class time), and can imagine yourself enjoying being a bloodied drama queen, then I can’t more highly recommend the WFR course to you.

*****

A few *new* photos in the WFR Course (Leavenworth, WA), Dragon’s Staff Retreat in the Sierras, and California Photo Albums.

*****

(world photogallery)&nbsp(about sol)&nbsp(some stories)&nbsp(LeapNow.org)&nbsp(travel disclaimer)&nbsp(packing list)&nbsp (photogallery guestbook)&nbsp (blogger profile)&nbsp(World Nomads Travel Insurance)&nbsp(WhereThereBeDragons.com)

a very good question

Posted on June 14, 2005 by sol

I don’t watch TV and only a select few make my movie list, but “What The Bleep Do We Know?!” was worth every minute of my time and attention.

*****

revelation recovered

Posted on May 30, 2005 by sol

I don’t look up, but feel the table vibrate as a chair is pulled out from under it and curious arms fold themselves across from mine…

“Hello.”

Although my eyes are reluctant to pull themselves from the egg hunt of inspiration that I have found in the book between my hands, I put a final exclamation point in the margin of my most recent golden revelation, close the book, look up, and return the greeting…

“Hello.”

His dark arms uncross and reach across the table to tilt the book to a title-reading angle.

“Sri Aurobindo, The Adventure of Consciousness,” he reads aloud and continues, “you like this book?”

“It might be the best book I’ve ever read,” I reply.

“Why?” he asks.

“Because after five years of intense spiritual searching, I can only stutter and sigh when trying to translate my learnings into words. But what I have come to know from my direct experience and experiments with Truth, Satprem seems to have captured here in this book; and with perfect grace and eloquence I believe he’s really transcribed messages divinely inspired.”

He smiles like he might know something I don’t.

And then he continues, “So, how did you find out about Auroville and why have you come here?”

I look to the left bottom corner of mind, where my fondest memories seem to be kept, and after reveling in the essence of the experience for a blissful minute, I tell him, “Nine months ago, I met a boy in Ecuador. As soon as I saw him I knew he was an important messenger in my life. I approached him while he sat alone on the beach, and two sentences later he said the word, “Auroville.” And when he said this name, chills ran up my arms. And for that reason, the chills of recognition, I’m here now.”

His smile, this time, is completely transparent to something inside of him that he judges it now safe to share. Another question slips through his smile, “And now that you are here, what do you think?”

“I think I’m going to live here.”

These words — MY words — startle me. There is confidence in them from which source I’m unable to identify. And my ego, unprepared for the treason, stands aghast and open-mouthed staring back at me.

The tone of confidence apparently carries itself all the way to him, for without jest or doubt, he sincerely asks, “And you discovered this by coming here?”

I look inside for a second to see if this statement is true and then reply, “No. I didn’t discover it. I re-covered it. And embraced the revelation like a long lost and beloved friend who’s been patiently awaiting my arrival at its recognition.”

While he reflects on my comment, he looks past me and, from the bottom of its protruding roots, follows the trunk of a mighty Banyan tree up to its outstretched leafy limbs that are shielding us from the sun-reining sky and blanketing us in a bath of cool shade. His gaze falls upon the gardens and I follow it. Chipmunks tear around the grounds in a mad game of touch tag while a thousand butterflies loft and land on the sweet of their choice in this blooming flower candy-land.

He continues, “So what have you found here that makes you realize you have a place here?”

I tilt my head for the delivery of my questions and ask him, “Do you know what “integral yoga” is and the philosophy behind it?”

“Of course,” he replies.

So I continue, “Do you know what, “ahimsa” is? And do you understand “voluntary simplicity”, “self sufficiency” and “human unity?” How about the terms, “organic”, “higher consciousness,” and “inner spirit”? And the concepts of, “the interconnectedness of all life”, “transparency to the divine within” and “synchronicity”?

“Yes. Of course I am familiar with all these things,” he says plainly.

“That is why I want to live here. Because I have spent a long part of my life searching, finding, defining and adopting these words into my practical living lingo. And because here in Auroville, for the first time in my life, I have found a place that not only shares my “speak,” but has these terms written into the very constitution of the community.”

He looks hesitant and I know what he is thinking, so I continue, “And I know that words are only words and that this place is so very FAR from perfect. Auroville is young. But have we not all gone through puberty? It’s the clumsiest stage of life: conflicted, rebellious, undirected, awkward, ungraceful, ugly, reckless, immature, blundering and sometimes plain scandalous!

But the potential of puberty is worth every toe-stepping moment of its dance with adolescence. For in this same youth there is endless energy, passion, possibility, hope, courage, compassion, vitality, adaptability, risk, undefended love and vision!

There is vision here in Auroville.

And for the same reasons that I love to work with 18-year olds, I want also to invest my hope, love and energy in the mission and vision of young Auroville,” I end.

“How can you be so certain?” he asks.

“I’m not. I’m not certain of anything in this life except for the certainty that nothing is certain. But do you see that painting?” I indicate to the garden.

He turns around, looks and nods his acknowledgment.

Embracing even my own curiosity in my voice I reply, “Nine months ago, on the back of a restaurant placemat, I drew that exact same image.”

…and it’s only one of a dozen synchronistic omens that have fallen into my lap since I arrived here. I feel like the Tetris game of life’s divine mystery just jumped to a bonus round and the puzzle pieces are falling with a sudden speed that I can only respond to on intuition.

And that is why I want to live here…

…because someone is jumping up and down inside of me at the excitement of being found.” As I deliver these words, I feel the jumping cease for the single second of time it takes for the mysterious “someone” inside of me to sigh in appreciation of my external expression and recognition of inner self. (And in the corner, my ego resorts to sulking.)

Perhaps my new friend sitting across the table meets quacks like me all the time for he accepts my story with honest interest and little surprise.

After a minute of comfortable silence he asks, “So then, do you know the legend behind Auroville?”

I open up my mouth and rally off that which I’ve recently read, “Of course. Auroville was Sri Aurobindo and The Mother’s inspiration to create a community that belongs to humanity as a whole; a place of unending education, constant progress and youth that never ages; a site of material and spiritual researches for a living embodiment of actual human unity; a center of accelerated evolution where a person must begin to change her world by means of the power of the inner spirit.”

He smiles and replies, “Yes. That’s the West’s version of the tale. But do you know what the Tamil people native to the land, my ancestors, know as the legend?”

I tilt my head in curiosity and beg him politely to tell me the other side of the story that I haven’t yet heard.

He obliges, “Let me tell you…”

There once was a kingdom here that was lush and lovely and plentiful. And on the outskirts of this kingdom lived a great yogi who spent all his days and nights investigating and navigating the spiritual realms. Well one day, this yogi went very deep into meditation; so deep that he stayed in this meditation for many, many weeks and months. And oddly enough, when he did so, the sun came out and decided not to leave; so for many, many weeks and months, the sun shone down on the kingdom while the great yogi meditated.

But after some time, with no monsoons on the horizon, the people of the kingdom began to worry, for their crops were starting to dry out and their animals becoming weak with thirst.

The King, quite wise and making the connection, realized that the rains had not come since the great yogi had gone into retreat. Wanting to wake the yogi, but knowing that no matter how unlucky you are things can always get worse with the curse one receives from disturbing a meditating holy man, he knew he needed a good plan. So he sent for all the best musicians in his kingdom and instructed them to approach the cave of the great yogi and play music so beautiful that would lure any soul back from the divine.

The musicians went. And they did indeed play truly beautiful music.

But the yogi did not wake.

So the King scratched his chin and came up with a new plan. He instructed his attendant to find the most beautiful and talented dancer in all the land and to bring her to the palace. When the woman, belonging to one of the lower castes (as all dancers were) was found, she was obviously the most beautiful woman and talented dancer in the whole kingdom if not the world. The king kindly instructed her in her task..to dance beautifully, and with equal grace to capture the great yogi’s attention and bring him back to the reality of the world.

So the dancer set out to the yogi’s remote home on the outskirts of the kingdom. And when she arrived, she put on her best bangles and began to dance all around him.

And she did indeed dance divinely.

But the yogi did not wake.

So the dancer stopped dancing and sat down to watch the yogi. She waited and watched, and watched and waited, and finally, after sitting with the silent yogi for many hours, she saw a nearby tree shake a branch and from it fell a single lush little green leaf right into the palm of the yogi. The dancer watched with disbelief as the great yogi, while still in trance, moved it to his mouth and ate the single leaf; his one and only daily meal to sustain his body while his mind was afar.

And the dancer came up with an idea!

She returned to her house and cooked up a very special and deliciously spiced curry. And from it she made one small and especially delightful bite that would awaken the excitement of any taste bud. And with this treat in her hand she returned to the great yogi the next day and waited. This time, when the tree shook its branch, she stood behind the yogi and dropped into his hand, in the place of the leaf, the tongue-tantalizing morsel.

The yogi, still in trance, gracefully accepted the offering and put the delicious truffle into his mouth, delicately chewed it, smiled…and woke up!

As soon as he opened his eyes, great grey clouds broke over the hills and into the sky, and as they smashed up against each other, they let out deafening roars of thunder and water poured down upon the entire kingdom!

And the people ran out into the rain and filled their troughs and watched their seedlings sprout and danced, and laughed and sang their thanks to the great yogi, the wise king and the rain gods who’d finally been awoken from their long hibernation.

The King was so happy that he sent a fine carriage to the cave of the yogi and humbly invited both him and the dancer immediately back to the palace for a jubilant celebration. The yogi and the dancer accepted and soon were in the palace with the whole of the kingdom celebrating on the estate. And the King asked that the beautiful dancer might perform to honor the great occasion.

And so the beautiful dancer did exactly as she was instructed, and danced.

But while she was dancing, one of the bangles of bells tied around her ankle fell off. And the great yogi, noticing that it had fallen, picked it up and touched her foot to tie it back on…

And when he did, a great hush fell over the crowd of the kingdom, for it is very much against all rules of caste for a great spiritual man to touch the foot of a mere dancer from the lowest of the castes. And the people who did not scorn, they laughed! Out loud and obnoxiously the whole kingdom laughed!

The great yogi stood up. And suddenly a great bolt of lightning from the thundering skies above shot down to the earth and stuck the great lingam (stone symbol of worship to the god Shiva) cracking it completely in half!

And the people were suddenly silenced in enormous fear.

In the midst of the pervading quiet, the great yogi explained that caste meant nothing, that all human beings were equal and united, and that since the kingdom had failed to recognize and appreciate this, he had therefore placed a curse on the land that it should dry out and turn to nothing but red dust.

The people of the kingdom were of course terrified for they had already witnessed and knew very well the power of the great yogi. And so they threw themselves down to the ground in prostrations and asked for his mercy.

The yogi listened to their lamenting and felt that they were sincere in their apology. But he knew it was impossible to remove a curse once it is given. And so he explained to the people, that indeed the land would still turn dry and die, and become nothing but red dust.

BUT…one day, far, far into the future, he explained…

“… one day people — different looking people with strange languages and unfamiliar behaviors; people from distant countries and cultures — will congregate on this one spot and share this same piece of land. And when they do, when the footsteps of people from all sides of the Earth converge and make their unified mark upon this land, without regard to caste and respectful only of their shared human unity — then, and only then — will the red earth sprout green anew.

And the land will once again — become lush, lovely and plentiful.”

*****

(Auroville in 1965)

(Auroville today; with a population of 2000 citizens coming from six continents and over 30 different countries.)

*****
(The next 15 months of my life calendar have already been filled in with an itinerary of traveling, leading, learning and loving. But I’ll be back in Auroville for the winter holiday to continue arrangements for my trial settlement in the community starting in the fall of 2006.)

practitioner of Pilgrimism

Posted on April 6, 2005 by sol

Out of meditation retreat and back to tracking the footsteps of the prophetic pilgrims themselves!

An update is on the way. In the meantime, I thought I’d share my backpack book stack…

The Secrets of Francis of Assisi: A Meditation
by Christian Bobin

Old Path, White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha
by Thich Nhat Hanh

Autobiography of a Yogi
by Paramahansa Yogananda

Are we seeing a pattern here?

on fire

Posted on January 5, 2005 by sol

(Noah Leaping)

My third grade teacher used to have a “mood thermometer” that rested on the wall in the front of the classroom with a big black arrow that she would slowly and deliberately slide over the rainbow of colors in relation to her, and thus our, general wellbeing.

Luckily, both her and my arrows spend most of their time kickin’ it in the cool-as-a glass-of-Blue-zone, but I’ll tell you what has sent mine racing to the other side of the rainbow where it trembles over the border of about-to-outburst-Orange and no-running-will-escape-my-rage-Red.

It’s this comment, that I have received in both written and verbal form, and from both family and friend, that makes me want to show my five-year-old niece how to throw a real proper tantrum…

“It’s just human nature.”

(Just typing it makes me clench my jaw and wring my wrists.)

“Chill out Sol. It’s just human nature to rape, burn, pillage, murder, exploit, destroy, be self-serving, lie, cheat, beat, and commit violent and horrific acts against animal, Earth and brother being. Look! We’ve been doing it for millennia. It’s just human nature.”

And in response to this comment, I think this;

Well then, if I am human, why is it not my instinct? If it’s my nature, then why does everything in my heart and soul scream out in protest when I see violence and exploitation flash across the screen? If it’s my human history, why do I weep at the thought of it continuing? And if it’s in my blood, why is it that although I have searched, I can not find this cell in my body or being?

And this is my conclusion;

Violence may very well be a provable fact of our horrific human history. But violence will not be reduced to a mysterious and unnamed, and oh so conveniently blamed, gene of my molecular construction. Not in my body. And not in my reality.

What baffles me most is why people point this finger? Why respectful, intelligent, loving, and compassionate people, who have never lifted a hand in a single violent act in their lives, will so lazily lift a finger to point to “human nature” and shrug it all off as “the way of the world.” Does it come from the couch of comfortable detachment? Give them a gun and they’ll put it down. But show it on TV and they’ll turn it off?

I just don’t know.

But I do have a finger.

And if you don’t mind. I’d like to point it right now.

Cause there’s another war going on in this world. And the people on the front line are not fighting with guns. And they’re not sitting on couches. And somewhere on their individual paths, they each realized that they could do more than take a trip to the ballot box to vote for tweedle-dee or tweedle-dum. They’ve seen it on TV but they haven’t turned their attention off. And instead of pointing one finger, they’ve taken action into their own hands, and employed all.

These are real people. They are all personal best friends and leaders of inspiration in my life. And when I am down in depression, or high in hate – or when my emotional gauge, for any reason, digs deep into the bloodier tones of red, it is THESE people, that send me, and my faith, soaring back to blue…

(AND, they are all Americans!)

*****

Meet Gregg…

With a collection of over 2000 exchanged emails, Gregg knows my heart and soul better than even I’d like to admit. In our 2300-something-th email, he informed me that he will soon be embarking on a 16,000 mile bike ride, from Alaska to Argentina, to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. In his own inspiring words;

“I can remember first dreaming of embarking on an extended journey through exotic and distant lands after reading JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit at an early age. This dream further solidified after years of learning about the explorations of scientists like Jacque Cousteau, Jack Wattley and Captain James Cook. As a child, I promised myself that I would embrace my dream in some form before settling into a long-term career or relationship. This promise also included a clause that disallowed a completely selfish pursuit of adventure, and that in some way, shape, or form its execution would benefit the greater good of society.

We began bicycle touring for the sense of adventure. Slowly, we realized that our efforts could help others. We also noticed that other charity rides spent considerable sums on maintenance and promotion, something we thought we could avoid. The result is Ribbon Of Road and our inaugural ride of the Pan American route.

We’ll ride to gain an intimate glimpse into the heart and sole of the Americas that can only be achieved on a self-powered journey. We’ll ride for the thrill of having each day be an adventure of its own. We’ll ride to take the risk of a road less traveled. We’ll ride to raise money for the American Diabetes Association and to help spread awareness of how global and how devastating diabetes really is. And in doing this, we’ll see a dream become real.”

*****

Meet Hanley…

I worked with Hanley for six months in the Guatemala city dump within her non-profit organization founded to provide an education to the children living in its squatter community. My own quote from a blog I posted years ago…

“The founder of the project, Hanley Denning, is probably the most devoted and diligent person I`ve ever come across in my life. I want to use the word “crazy” to describe her day and night dedication to the project. I`ve never, in three months, heard her speak on any subject that isn`t project-related. The Antigua office of the project is actually located in her house, which perfectly symbolizes how her life is consumed with her “work.” But how could it NOT? How could you NOT go “crazy” working from 5am to 10pm, 7 days a week, when you knew that your work meant the difference between 260 happy, fed, shoed and safe children – and 260 garbage-scavenging and glue-sniffing children? Hanley scares me. She scares me because she shows me the power and potential of what one human being can do. She scares me because she shows me the potential of what each one of us could do. She scares me because she shows me what I could do, if I were brave and selfless enough.”

*****

Meet Slava…

Slava’s a personal little miracle worker in the world of Sol. He is right on top of my list of persons of perfect integrity and an absolutely inspiring example of altruistic attitude. One of his favorite little charities happens to be solbeam.com, which if it were not for Slava, wouldn’t be, for he has been donating the hosting of this site for four years running. Additionally, he’s also donated the team, energy and resources to build a new website for Hanley and her non-profit (see above) which we are still working on together. And as if this all weren’t enough (because it’s only the beginning), the mission of his new project in my hometown Portland, Oregon sends shivers of joy straight up my spine!

“Our mission: The Portland Peace and Justice Center is anon-partisan, not-for-profit organization working to advance global peace and justice by promoting local economics and grassroots democracy. Pledging to actively resist, we withdraw consent from forces of war and injustice. Believing that the most daring act of resistance in times of brutal oppression and war is to push forward, we choose to promote alternative answers to local and global problems. Strongly condemning all wars as immoral and grave crimes against humanity, we seek to advance global peace and justice.”

“What are you doing to change the world this summer?” Cause Slava is looking for riders for his new 2005 Portland Peace and Social Justice Bike Tour right now…

*****

Meet Carla!

The first day I met Carla, we hugged before any words were exchanged. And the day I left her office (after she hired me to work my first LEAPnow semester), I cried in joy. She also is directly responsible for my inspiration to walk the Camino de Santiago. This woman is a mentor, example and inspiration in my life. Having spent 10 years leading semester abroad programs, she paved the path, and then opened the door and spread her arms wide to introduce me to the field of my own life calling: Alternative and Experiential Education. We both have chosen to focus our life missions on the youth, and her current project, The Mosaic Project, is another to make me throw a fist in the air for the good fight…

“The Mosaic Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works towards a peaceful future by reaching children in their formative years. We unite young children of diverse backgrounds, provide them with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly diverse society, and empower them to strive for peace. We seed the future population of middle schools, high schools, and all the venues of adult life with thousands of individuals who can: appreciate others without diminishing themselves, identify and respond constructively to prejudice and discrimination, create and lead diverse teams to resolve conflicts across different perspectives, and build inclusive, just, peaceful communities.”

> Read More about The Mosiac Project

*****

Now meet Noah…

I met Noah at a crossing of life paths during our shared adventures in Ecuador. He flipped over my world with the steady and strong grace of his well practiced break dancing moves. The man makes magic with words, so I’ll let him use his own…

“My name is Noah Moore, and I’ve spent 19 of my 21 years in my hometown of Eugene, Oregon and the other two unaccounted for years in Peru and Mexico. My diagnosis of diabetes came on the day after Christmas when I was 16, and if any diabetes diagnosis could be called “well-timed,” I would slap the label on mine. Within months, the Oregon chapter of the American Diabetes Association offered me the newly created advocacy position of Southern Oregon Youth Diabetes Ambassador. The title, although sometimes too lengthy to remember, brought me speaking engagements and event hosting opportunities that I had never dreamed of, specifically because these opportunities involved large audiences and thus held nightmare status. I held the Youth Ambassador position for a number of years until sadly, I was alerted to the fact that I was no longer classified as a youth. Attending college at the University of Oregon, I slipped into an advocacy identity crisis, until now…

Mission: Get information to all diabetics living non-complacent lives.

I have had a nearly lifelong love for South America since my yearlong visit to Peru when I was four. This love, combined with a worldwide need for global outreach, has revved up the metaphorical outboard motor for my upcoming South American voyage. I plan to work as a correspondent for diabetic publications while engaging in the most non-complacent and atypical travel lifestyle possible. River raft guiding, trekking, breakdancing, and foreign advocacy work are some of the steps on the yearlong adventure ahead. The correspondence will be designed to increase the physical and mental wellbeing of diabetics who need influence and motivation the most; namely, youth. I will achieve this feat by providing articles that take the form of Q & A for youth regarding touchy subjects, an adventure travel log with reflections on diabetes, and a how-to manual for diabetics traveling or living rigorous and abnormal lives. There are so many facets to the journey you can’t afford to miss any of it. Diabetes doesn’t limit one’s life, but becomes a part of it.”

> Read more on NoahsVoyage.com

*****

And then there’s Renee(to whom I wrote and posted a letter of gratitude a few months ago)…

She absolutely changed my world by introducing me to veganism, anarchy, protest within the system, alternative versions of American history and a life of voluntary simplicity. She taught me to look closely at my own life, to reanalyze the consequences of my personal actions and means of living with new critical eyes. She is a living example of Gandhi’s vision and advice to, “be the change you want to see.” And the best part? She will stomp, scream, (or just) smile and sit in jail to do it. And while she’s quite anxious to get back to New York to take her power to the marching front line, in the meantime, her work for Planet Drum is still quite honorable;

“Planet Drum’s Vision: What approach can we take to move beyond environmental protests and actually begin living sustainably wherever we are located? Planet Drum was founded in 1973 to provide an effective grassroots approach to ecology that emphasizes sustainability, community self-determination and regional self-reliance. In association with community activists and ecologists, Planet Drum developed the concept of a bioregion: a distinct area with coherent and interconnected plant and animal communities, and natural systems, often defined by a watershed. A bioregion is a whole “life-place” with unique requirements for human inhabitation so that it will not be disrupted and injured. Through its projects, publications, speakers, and workshops, Planet Drum helps start new bioregional groups and encourages local organizations and individuals to find ways to live within the natural confines of bioregions.”

> Read more about Renee and Planet Drum

*****

Meet Christian…

In addition to a hundred other gifts, Christian is an acupuncturist, Thai Chi master, stunning salsa instructor, and one of the most eloquent, intelligent and innovate people I know. He’s taught me a turn or two on the dance floor in exchange for a few care packages from India full of precious natural medicines you can only find in Asia to help him with his new non-profit in Guatemala, The Calacirya Foundation…

“The Calacirya Foundation is an organization of international educators, volunteers, and indigenous communities participating in the exchange of knowledge across cultures. As indigenous cultures continue to be eclipsed by the modern world, now more than ever, the need is apparent to create an environment where students and teachers the world over may learn from each other. The Calacirya Foundation connects people from different cultures, the modern and the ancient, discovering and sharing the best of both worlds. The current focus of the Calacirya Foundation is the people of rural Guatemala. Hosting volunteers and sponsoring programs in healthcare, practical education, housing improvement, sustainable building and sustainable agriculture, the Calacirya Foundation helps people to help themselves.”

Christian’s in need of volunteers, if you’re looking for a place to put your passion…

*****

Meet Dwaba…

I helped Dwaba prepare the gardens for the children that live in her orphanage in Rishikesh, India. Dwaba is the woman, through her extraordinary example, that gave me the courage to finally and completely say “no” to an ordinary life path. I had given myself my own permission to start following my dreams, but she game me permission to continue to do so for a lifetime. Her mission and drive are the strongest I’ve ever encountered. Tell her no and she’ll show you her fist. She has the whole universe on her side, and she knows it. And it’s for this unfaltering bravery that I admire her so. A bit of her story…

“In 1991 a Spiritual Teacher in India suggested that I move to a small Ashram on the banks of The Ganga in the foothills of the Himalayas near Rishikesh. “Just be with the river,” he said, “and everything will be revealed there.” As days flowed into months what revealed itself was a large population of beautiful tribal people living in severe poverty and malnutrition, with no medical assistance available to them. The children bore this burden and many didn’t survive the harsh winters. Their situation weighed heavy on my heart and made it difficult to” just be” there without wanting to do something to help them in some way… but which way? I didn’t know how to help and I felt incapable of making any contribution that would make a significant change in their lives, and yet uncomfortable to remain there among them without doing so.

I began with one small free clinic / dispensary and one primary school. I was amazed to discover how much I could do with so little money and effort. Within a year there were 2 clinics and 5 weekly medical camps in remote villages. Things just seemed to create themselves if I could just trust and stay out of my doubting mind and keep saying “Yes.” The schools blossomed into 13 primary and two Jr. Highs with hot nutritious lunch for 600 kids everyday. Today we provide assistance to 68 rural, below poverty-line villages, serving a population of 12,000.”

*****

And please meet Alex…

This man’s mug makes me want to hug the monitor! Alex was my wonderful co-leader for our shared semester in India. In addition to looking just like “lamb chop,” his optimism, vision, insight and intelligence stagger me in my admiration. Alex is a front line fighter, and his current project, “Citizens For a Better South Florida” owns yet another mission statement that will bring a smile and brighten any day:

“Citizens For A Better South Florida is a membership-based, non-profit, environmental education organization dedicated to improving our quality of life through instilling environmental awareness within South Florida’s diverse multi-lingual communities. Citizens for a Better South Florida was founded in 1988 as one of the first multi-lingual environmental education organizations in the United States. Our mission is to improve our quality of life through instilling environmental awareness within South Florida’s diverse multi-lingual communities. Over the past fifteen years, Citizens has designed experiential, multi-lingual education and outreach programs for students, teachers and community organizations, including activities such as community festivals, environmental field trips, curriculum development and trainings, tree plantings, workshops, in-class visits, and habitat restoration. We take a community-based environmental education and partnership approach to achieve our mission.”

*****

And people wonder where I get my inspiration?! I’m SURROUNDED by it! (For these are only the people who have websites!)

Humanity perhaps has a brutal history. But I REFUSE to excuse or continue such abuse as a simple matter of bad human habit. And Yes, Yes, YES! I DO have hope and faith and love for our future. First, I will be the change I want to see, because I know that peace starts in no other place but me. And second, I will surround myself with those that share the dream. For inspiration is like a single candle. The people attracted to it come as mirrors. What they see in the flame is a reflection of the flicker of a fire within. When two come, and the mirrors sit on either side, the light multiplies infinitely…me seeing in you, what you see in me, what we see in we. Inspiration is contagious. And the bonfire has begun.

*****

Passing the passion.

Igniting inspiration.

Sparking imagination.

With one shared vision.

Two hands at a time.

Lifiting up one heart.

A flicker and a flame.

Seeing in each other the same.

A divine dream inspired.

By a human heart consuming fire.

off spring sprung

Posted on November 12, 2004 by sol

*Did you just get goosebumps? Because I did!*

So my mother would like to clarify for the “blog-record” that she is NOT “fine” (as I had previously assumed and posted) with my going to Colombia, but, in her own words…

“Colombia does give me pause. I just am not shocked that you’re going. No, I do NOT want you to go there. I want you to come home and do good stuff around here. “Have fun” is short for, “we know you’re going to go where you’re gong to go regardless of what we say, so you might as well have a good time; Bring home some good stories and stay healthy and alive. We love you and we’re living vicariously through you. And don’t let anyone think you’re worth kidnapping for any money.”

I’m a nightmare of an offspring. And in the unlikely case that I actually live long/full enough, my parents will take great joy in the curse that will in turn be passed down to those that spring off me; For the one advise I will never be able to dish or defend is, “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

So yes! To Colombia, for an undefined and frosted slice of delicious time!

And deserving credit for the documentation of this upcoming adventure in “Locoland” goes to two very important supporters of this site.

First, as you can see by the new link (coming) on the right side of this page, solbeam.com has reached across both continents and cyberland to eagerly and appreciatively shake the hand of Australian based, WorldNomads.com.

WorldNomads has so graciously offered to indefinitely sponsor my spiritually-fueled and passionate pursuit of truth and inspiration in this world as it takes me physically around the globe.

And seeing as I have unlimited funds of passion, but a severely dwindling cash account, I, with joy, accept this partnership. AND they have even extended an offer to insure my laptop (the most prized and valuable material possession I’ve ever invested in) and digital camera. In consideration of the theft risk that IS present in Colombia, I had previously planned on leaving both in a safe in Quito. But thanks to the extended hand of WorldNomads, the live visual and verbal documentation of my adventures in Colombia will proceed!

(And if you are planning a trip, I can also, with perfect integrity, send you there with my personal recommendation. Their travel insurance rates are slashed to half of those that I’ve paid for in the past and their services, as well, are adapted, not to the touring retiree, but to the web savvy and long-term backpacker.)

And an additional heartfelt thanks goes to this girl…

Who, upon the sad and sudden death of mine, sacrificed and sent to me her own personal digital camera in order to help this penniless pilgrim continue to visually document the pursuit of her path.

The entire Colombia Photo Album will be in due and direct thanks to this wonderful woman.

Thank you Shal.

So I’ve got a few bus rides to catch (and hopefully less stops to sleep through). And if you care to read along with me, my backpack book of choice is the following:

Colombia: The Genocidal Democracy

Javier Giraldo and Noam Chomsky

(About the Book: “Behind the media’s focus on Colombia’s drug war is an unmentioned horror story: the Dirty War that has given Colombia the worst human rights record in the hemisphere. With icy precision and passionate prose, Father Giraldo and Noam Chomsky reveal the deadly landscape of what Eduardo Galeano termed the “Democratatorship”: how the United States helped Colombia carry out unrelenting human rights travesties; how the paramilitary system functions to shield the military from connection to death squad activities; and what Americans can do to change a situation funded with our tax dollars.”)

The book is actually still in transit from the States to Colombia via a very good friend of mine who’ll be meeting me in Cartagena in a few weeks. When I asked him to bring the book for me his response was…

“Are you trying to get me arrested? I can just see the immigration officials finding that beauty of a book title in my bag. Any other requests? “Idiot’s Guide to Overthrowing South American Governments?” Maybe I’ll put a Snoopy book cover on it or something…”

*Are you laughing? Because I am.*

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finger breather

Posted on October 22, 2004 by sol

You don’t have to worry. My mother promptly reminds me each time my blog goes without attention for any longer than a week. This time she also waved around childhood horror stories and threatened to “go into your webcam chat room with them if you don’t update soon!” Perhaps I should remind her that I haven’t had a webcam chat room for over four years?

(I love you mom.)

So I have lots of fingers to point the blame of my bloglessness on, but I’ll opt for my two pointer fingers and throw one at this girl…

Yes. You’ve seen her before. She made her first appearance in my Spain photo album and then popped in and out of my Portugal and Camino de Santiago albums. And although she isn’t in MY Dominican Republic album, she did make her own DR portfolio as I managed to bridge her into my place as the photographer in Club Med. But then Hurricane Jeanne blew the roof (literally) off her adventures and one frantic “what do I do?!” email later and…

*swoosh!*

Dorthy’s been swept off her feet and in the bed next to mine she now sleeps.

As for the second pointer finger…

Well it’s been too busy with the “J” key to even look up and deflect responsibility. For both hands have actually been securely locked in solitary keyboard confinement all week. But in the name of “secret higher level objectives” (namely, securing exciting blogging futures) the duty of the daily has fallen in priority.

(For those wondering, I´ve found the majority of my foreign job and volunteer placements on JobsAbroad.com and EscapeArtist.com.)

You see, contrary to the confident continuity that this site seems to stream — I usually have absolutely no idea of where I’m going until about two weeks before I’m there. And, well, that’s just about where I’m at; Smack in the middle of a master plan that’s all scrolled up in the Universe’s hands.

In the meantime, fingers are making final kicks at WPM finish lines as resumes, recommendations and references are flying cross countries and continents. Behind which I’ll be following, I wouldn’t dare guess. It’s not for me to know my future, but only to take delight in it as it unwraps itself to the present.

And speaking of the gift of Now, I would like to take this pause in the ramble to offer two of my best book recommendations:

“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

The mystery to me is that this book is a best seller and yet despite the “millions of copies sold” we remained consumed by concepts of time. Regardless, IF adhered, it is FULL if insightful advises.

And if you ever had the sneaking suspicion that the history books and media aren’t “quite” telling you the whole truth, then I give my absolute HIGHEST recommendation to this book:

“A People´s History of the United States: 1492 – Present”

by Howard Zinn

I yelled. I slammed fists. I sighed. And I certainly cried. If you are American, you should read this book. It’s on my top 10.

Oh look! My finger has taken a breather from banging itself on the more popular consonants to point at one more reason for being unbothered to blog…

The opening of the new Planet Drum Photogallery!

(If you’ve been with me for a few years, you’re beginning to see a pattern aren’t you?)

And while we’re there, there are a few dozen new photos in my own Ecuador album.

Now. I’ve got bags to pack and unknown adventures to open…

But as always, I’ll be back.

And next week, with a map.

(sol’s travel photos) (about sol) (some sol stories) (LeapNow.org) (travel disclaimer) (packing list) (photogallery guestbook) (blogger profile)

Deal with the Divine

Posted on May 2, 2004 by sol

Aha! So this is why it’s called “weed”….

(It literally grows on the side of the road here.)

But I’m not quite sure how time spent in this field is gonna appease his munchies.

*****

And perhaps I should convert to calling my rucksack a book bag?

(This pile isn’t even including the books that I’ve distributed among my students or the two I bought on the way to this internet cafe.)

Thus illustrating my insatiable appetite for the school of spirituality. I recognize now that my passion for this subject gives me the same cellular vibration of excitement that I get every time on the salsa dance floor and the same enveloping tranquility that I feel while buoyant at the bottom of the ocean. Peace and joy. Joy and peace. Now this is emotional homework I can handle.

And so I’ve come to a very important inspiration in my life. I’ve decided that I will officially attend this School of Spirituality. My course questions will be the following:

1. Who am I? From where have I come and why have I come? What is my relationship with the manifold universe and other human beings?

2. What is the essential nature of my being, and what is the essential nature of the manifested world and its cause?

3. What is the relationship of the center of consciousness and the objects of the world?

4. What is the nature of the forms and names of the objects of the world and how do they serve the essential nature of man or universal consciousness?

5. What are the guidelines for action as long as we live in the natural body? Do we live after death?

6. What is truth, and how do we arrive at rational conclusions on questions of truth?

Lucky for me, Eastern scholars have been studying these questions for many millennia and consequently, Indian Philosophy is now divided into seven systems (Vedanta, Yoga, Samkhya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Nyaya and Buddhism) that address these exact questions.

Let me pull out the word Yoga here as it is desperately in need of redefinition.

Yoga is NOT (as commonly misperceived by the West) a set of body stretches and exercises taught in a one-hour session at the local gym. In the Tradition of Yoga, these body postures (called “asanas”) are only one component of the entire philosophical system.

Here is Yoga as defined by my “Living with the Himalayan Masters” book;

“In the Yoga system of philosophy, the individual soul is a seeker, and cosmic consciousness is the ultimate reality it finds within. Yoga accommodates all religions and all systems of philosophy as far as the practical aspects are concerned. While dwelling in the manifold phenomenon of the universe, the soul must take care of the material body, purifying and strengthening its capacity. In this system the individual must practice the highest principle of behavior and the control of the various modifications of mind through the commitments called “yamas” (“ahimsa” *non-violence*, truth, non-stealing, non-materialism & continence and “niyamas” (right speech, purified body and mind, contentment, self-study & oneness with all). By practicing stillness in posture and breath, one then transforms oneself by having control over the senses with concentration and mediation and finally attains “Samadhi.” This yoga system was known and practiced several millennia before it was codified in the first century A.D. in the compilations of 196 aphorisms call the Yoga Sutras.”

I spent the last week living in a Yoga Ashram — a place where a community of people have come together to share in a disciplined (and individual) study and practice of Raja Yoga as it is defined above. There are many such ashrams all over India (and all over the world, including the United States, although unfortunately, simply because they have no organized religious affiliation and appear “different” — they are often slapped with the title “cult” by those who presume without asking questions. (In my opinion, so long as the members of the community have 1. unrestricted freedom of body, mind and spirit and 2. find new joy in their progressive learning, then I refrain from judgment upon the community.)

In any case, I have decided to join a Yoga Ashram.

Actually it was not so much a “decision” as it was an “understanding” of a choice that I’ve been waiting to arrive at all my life. Feels all kind of like a distant dream coming back to me. My path was always evolving this way. I’ve only just become conscious of it. And this revelation – this inspiration – has sent me soaring.

Of course there are many very big questions I have yet to address. What ashram? Under which teacher? In which country? For how many years? And when in my life? All this under the particular consideration and constraint of the fact that I have no money.

But I have no fear of these factors or worry over these questions. That is the absolute joy that comes from knowing *intuitively and confidently* that I am on the right path. For ala “The Alchemist” once again, “…the Universe always conspires to help the dreamer.”

It is only for me to make the dream. To conceive the inspiration. And to send out my intention to the Universe.

Although I have complete faith that the she will prevail (as she has consistently done so far), we will let it be a test. Cause I have a feeling that the Universe does not want her name to go down even on “blog” as not coming though on her side of the deal with one of her devoted.

Of course, because Time does not exist where my intention was sent, there are no time-constraints on this deal with the Divine. I am joyfully patient. After all, I’m a lover of every step of this path.

And thus the happy pilgrim, with a new dream tossed over her shoulder, treads on.

ps. Since a few have asked, let me just post for the record that regardless of where my travels take me (outward, inward) I have no intention of ever stopping blogging. I ask only two things of myself in this life; 1. To seek inspiration and 2. To share it. This blog brings that mission full cycle and I consider it an vital component of my self-realization. I’ve found that Inspiration is like two mirrors facing each other. The image within is not only reflective, but indefinite in replication. So thank you for sharing my inspiration with me and playing a critical role in the development of that which resides in both you and me.

(sol’s travel photos)?(about sol)?(some sol stories)?(LeapNow.org)

On Her Way to Oz

Posted on February 19, 2004 by sol

*clicks her heels three times*

Well it’s 4am, I leave for the airport at 9am, and I have YET to start packing!

In any case, it is now official; As of today, I am on the road! First stop, San Francisco, to make a little trouble with the old college mates…

Then off to the LeapNow retreat center to meet my new co-leader and finalize orientation for our semester in India.

And I will also, now, “officially” be delayed in responding to all emails and inquiries. For the tornado has arrived, and Dorthy has been swept up!

*****

Oh! One last thing before I take off! I’ve been asked for this a few times before, so I’d just like to post it for the record.

In a head-to-head heat with “travelling”, the other thing I am MOST passionate about is…(sitting on my ass and)…READING.

So with a smile and sigh of my utter adoration, I present to you the accounts of my favorite love affairs!

The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

Siddhartha – Herman Hesse

Every Book by Tom Robbins

Hitchikers Guide to the Gallaxy (The Whole Series) – Douglas Adams

The Prophet & “Ashes of the Ages & Eternal Fire”- Kahlil Gibran

Ishmael – Donald Walsch

The Celestine Prophecy – James Redfeild

Jonathon Livingston Seagull & The Bridge Across Forever – Richard Bach

Conversations with God (Book 1) – Neale D. Walsh

Journey of Souls – Case Studies of Life Between Life – Michael Newton

Any Book of Greek Myths

I LOVE all things Carl Jung.

The Dreaming Book — (I’ll get back on this one!)

Gone With the Wind – Margaret Mitchell

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values – Robert Persig

Self-Reliance: Inspiration For Daily Living – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I owe these book ALL my inspriration.

“My whole being was seeking for something still unknown.” - Carl Jung

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Notes to Self

Posted on January 24, 2004 by sol

Okay…so I’m back home, and if you wonder what I do when I’m home, let me tell you – I read.

And if you can believe it, I read ALL DAY long. Currently, on the floor scattered around me (in front of the fire, of course) I have open, Guns, Germs and Steel (Jared Diamond), Sacred Contracts (Caroline Myss), Lonely Planet India, Travel Tales India, The Religions of Man (Huston Smith), The Dharma Bums (Jack Kerouvac), Once Minutos (Paulo Coelho) and a Spanish dictionary, The Complete Works of Kahil Gibran, Mystery and Myth of Atlantis (Warren Smith), Journey of Souls, Undefended Love (Jett Psaris, Marlena Lyons), Conscious Living (Gay Hendricks), and Dreams – Your Magic Mirror (case studies of Edgar Cayce) and a dream dictionary.

Today I finished and retired to my bookshelf stories of Greek mythology and a compilation of essays called, Take My Advice (edited by James Harmon).

The final book is what has brought me to this blog. It’s a “book of letters to the next generation” from those that have survived and learned from the prior.

“Brilliant!” I say. How many times have I ignored my urge to go tromping through a old folks home demanding answers from those who’ve already spent a lifetime seeking solutions to my same questions. And here it is, a book of lived regrets and wisdoms. As I perused the pages, I found myself constantly shaking my head — either up and down in firm accord, or side to side in complete disagreement. I wouldn’t know, for I’ve never had living grandparents to provide me council, but I have a feeling the experience would be quite the same had I conducted my own experiment in the retirement home. For some wisdoms are simply timeless and others…well they should be retired along with the era.

So as usual, I took to my journal to record my final thoughts on the book and ended up just compiling my own “Take My Advice” reminders from myself TO myself;

Eat slow. Try to taste every single bite as if it were the first. Close your eyes if necessary. And disregard all the books on eating etiquette and smell your food first.

Turn off the TV. Even better, trash it completely. It’s a mind suck. And it jades you of the adventure in your own life that you could be playing out. Your own life is a comedy, a mystery, a thriller and a romance waiting for you to make it so. Snub Hollywood. You’re the star.

Walk barefoot every single day, preferably outside. Be reminded of your connection to the Earth. Don’t be afraid of the cold or sharp. Let them give you appreciation of the warm and soft.

Look up. At every opportunity look up. There is no better way to remind yourself of how small your problems are than to look up to the clouds or night sky and find your tiny and perfect place in this universe. And always reserve a window seat on planes to get REAL perspective on the world.

Get a hammock. Sit in it, swing in it or be still…but BE silent.

Never reject a gift. If you have problems receiving, it’s because you have problems giving. Start giving and learn how wonderful it is to give. Then you’ll understand that it is your own favor to allow someone else to experience that same joy of giving. It is always a gift to the giver that you happily receive.

Have conversations with yourself. Jesus. Who cares if people think you’re crazy? Being normal is so damn boring. A conversation with yourself will yield amazing answers that you had no idea were inside of you. And you don’t have to do it out loud.

Touch everything. Our hands and bottoms were slapped too often as toddlers. But now you know the difference between hot and not. So go ahead. If it looks interesting, touch it! Play with it. As you walk, reach out to life as it passes by and let your touch bring you back to the present moment.

Assume that every single person you meet in your life has some secret message for you, and it’s your job to reveal it. Even the people that drive you mad, they’ve got something good to teach you, they’re just gonna make you work for it. And when you get really good at finding your messages, start recognizing the secret messages YOU hold for others.

Read. Read. Read. If you don’t know what to read, then go to the library. Take your fingers for a walk down the isles and let you intuition choose the book that chooses you. The beauty of books is in their integrity. Books do not blast their messages over bars drowning our your conversation with friends, they aren’t sold to you by pushy salespeople or constantly interrupted by commercials, their words don’t blind you in flashing neon and their messages aren’t held up by a girl in a bikini. By its very nature, literature maintains a two-way relationship with its reader. At the end of every single sentence, you have the option to decide if it’s worth your attention and energy to continue with the next. And the book, should you show no interest in what it has got to say, has no obligation to keep reading to you as you stare blindly at its pages. Books are free tickets to life travel. They’ll take you to lands, people, and times that no plane can reach.

Have a romance with yourself. Take yourself on dates. Spend endless hours finding out what you’re passionate about. Lay with yourself under shaded trees in grassy parks for lazy afternoons giggling over the exploration of your own imagination. Understand your uniqueness and become enchanted with your own charms. Before you even think of falling in love with someone else….fall in love with yourself.

Buy the ticket. If you want to travel, but can’t find the time, just buy the ticket. Preferably non-refundable. Time to travel will suddenly find you.

Routinely ask yourself this, “What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?” Write down the answers. Then write out the steps you will take TODAY to start overcoming the fears that block you from your dreams. Then, walk the written.

Watch the sun set and/or rise every single day. You have a lot of things to be grateful for, so as you watch the day begin or end, count them ALL and smile over the day of life you’ve been so graciously given the opportunity to live.

www.solbeam.com

…equipped with backpack, blog and her sense of Wonder, a perpetual pilgrim wanders aimfully on…

Category Archives: books & travel recommends

comma over-dosed (COD)

a very good question

revelation recovered

practitioner of Pilgrimism

on fire

off spring sprung

finger breather

Deal with the Divine

On Her Way to Oz

Notes to Self