SKY EARTH MOON

 CÉLINE DION AT 2024 OLYMPICS IN PARIS

I cannot believe I am doing three postings about Céline Dion at the Opening of the 2024 Olympics! I was awestruck when I first saw it and found it on uTube so I could hear it and sing along at least ten more times. I remembered some of the lyrics from a way back in the day when I studied French culture. It is actually a famous tune sung by renowned French singer Edith Piaf. The tune, tone and lyrics are amazing, and speak to understanding our challenges and weaknesses, and having faith in our ability to move forward.  It’s not just a perfect song for Olympians … wow! It it it …it’s perfect for all humanity! Bravo Céline and bravo to the Olympic Committee for inviting her to sing! #2024Olympics Céline Dion  here is a bit of my translation : « the blue sky above us can cave in, and the Earth can collapse, but I am going to reach for the Moon» ! It really is a PERFECT song …

THE QI IN ME

 

PART ONE: JUST THINKING

In the beginning, there had to have been more than just one Adam and one Eve … not only that but there had to have been more than one « Adam » and more than one « Eve » on each continent of our planet. Plants are different on each continent and animals are different too. It makes sense that humans turned out differently in colour, appearances and size, on different continents, just like the animals and plants; but, where are the stories about the other « Adams » and other « Eves »? Then, by extension, from where did the ribs with reproductive powers come?

My theory is that long before life started on our Earth, another Earth with some form of human life, out there in the solar system, exploded and the live debris scattered all over the universe. Some of it landed on our Earth — on different parts of our Earth; and, rib pieces that still had energy were able to connect and start new civilizations , new flora and new fauna.

PART TWO: OUT OF THE BOX 

As we can see from the diverse  reactions to my posting of yesterday, it is hard sometimes to talk about the creation of life on our Earth. Whether it’s the start of human life, animals or flora, the actual beginning is rarely discussed between family, friends or colleagues. I get that there really isn’t an absolute “right” answer because every theory has loose ends, but I enjoy discussing (or debating) the similarities and differences in various points of view. I absolutely know that I don’t know the right answer to how life on earth actually began, but I like putting together my possible theory with my best effort from credible resources at the helm of the exercise.

Early in my lifetime, there were two plausible explanations on how life on Earth started: the version in the Holy Books and Darwin’s theory of evolution. I always felt I had to pick one or the other!

Over time, as logical thinking somehow crept up from behind unbendable religious doctrine, and when Darwin’s theory wasn’t picking up support, slowly from behind the dark curtain of verboten scientific or intellectual discussions, surfaced plausible other theories. Plausibilities caught my attention in Philosophy classes.

I can remember thinking at the time that I better run away from those classes because philosophers like Plato, Socrates, Aristotle and Descartes were crazy men high on something other than hot air! But, their “craziness” definitely caught my attention and intrigued me. I also knew that in order to score well, in a required course, I would have to get totally into it! 

I actually did get totally into it, not through indoctrination but by opening my mind to other plausibilities. No theory is absolute. I let go of the old way of staying stuck inside a box, to thinking outside of the box on many life-related subjects thanks to those classes. It’s still not a thinking path many in my world have chosen; but, I opened that door for me, and am sure glad I did. 

So that is how I started thinking about the “Adam and Eve” situation yesterday. Their story is mystical and odd, and I took it somewhere beyond the comfort zone of others. I’m not entirely surprised by the feedback, but I know for sure I got people thinking and perhaps even talking. Thinking outside of the box is like emptying what you thought was a treasure chest … a lot of the stuff may once have been treasures, but a lot has happened since, making them disposable. Who is still actually collecting Royal Dolton China or pinwheel crystal anymore ? That was yesterday, we are now at today.

I do get that some people will not agree with me on this, but a lot things in life don’t have absolute answers or explanations. Things that used to make sense, (plastic grocery bags, leaded gas, oil furnaces, stirofoam takeout containers, fax machines, one car aerial ferries, chlorinated drinking water, smoking, shock therapy, travellers’ cheques) don’t make sense anymore. Reflection, reading, recent research findings, discussions and debates can result in better answers or explanations — that’s all part of living and learning as we go along. 

I do enjoy opening doors and challenging the brain to fill in the puzzles of life the best I can … really that is all I can do … and, most importantly, the deep thinking process is enlightening and enriches my days. 

Fitting the pieces of some puzzles together doesn’t always come easily, and some will never be completed in my lifetime; but, that’s okay. I give everything my best shot and embrace nudges along the way!

If I remember correctly, it was Plato or Aristotle who said something like: “We all only have one life to live, and how we live it through is up to us.”

PART THREE: HIGHER AND HIGHER  ⬆️ 

I do strongly believe that living peacefully internally and dying in peace are key to living the best life possible. I also believe that “Our whole world is in our hands!” 🎼 🎶 🎵 and we all have a role to play. Watching different approaches is what inspired this trilogy … “different strokes for different folks.”

So now as I reflect on the things I said two days ago and yesterday, I  am now getting to the final curtain and just like “#one” and “#two”, the scene in Part Three is all mine for the making and yours for the taking.

The Adam and Eve scenario as presented in holy books does not make sense to me. My revision of it makes a lot more sense, and that gives me a slight sense of peace on that subject. I am now letting it go. Pushing it away. It’s gone and will never again resurface. It does not matter. It really does not matter.

The Darwin theory of evolution does score somewhat in the plausibility department except how did once brown apes turn black or white but, also, some stayed brown? Oh my gawd, I just want to say shut up already! Does it actually even matter? I’ve decided it too really does not matter, let’s just live on … no earthling actually knows and talking about it just stirs the pot, gets people worked up, angry, upset, perplexed, worried and almighty. Let’s just slot the subject under religion and politics, and carry on.

In Part 2 I made reference to philosophers. At their time, those guys were ostracized for speaking outside the box and for trying to round up supporters for a different way of thinking. A couple of them were even incarcerated. Today they are revered, honoured and respected as remarkable orators and intellectuals whose fearless expression and compassion for logic helped to get us to where we are now.

Now that I have clarified Parts one and two, carrying on is what I am doing; I found a path to steer me along a better personal mentally satisfying domaine — a domaine void of doctrine, doubt or dumbfoundedness. It’s taken me higher and higher.

The Qi Gong (Chee-gong ) path to inner peace and tranquility dates back centuries and is rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy… it is all about relaxing the body, mind and soul as an obedient specimen of Mother Earth with whom I share this planet, and of SkyWorld — a place in our atmosphere, not too far away, that radiates energy from the sun and moon to the Earth, keeping the Earth revolving and turning and liveable for humans, plants and animals, giving us seasons, daytime and nighttime, and various forms of weather. The work is reciprocal and cyclical, with each dependent on the other, giving and taking, in order for it all to work out well. 

I think earthlings who roam the sacred ground down here in Earth, along with Mother Nature, can learn a lot from that inter-dependent relationship up there in SkyWorld and how we can connect to that rhythm in much the same way as our plants and animals do.

From my short experience with Qi, I can see the correlation between what happens with cosmic energy and relationships in SkyWorld and what happens with energy and relationships down here on Earth. There is a magnetism within and between those relationships, and a strong connectivity. It is through that door that Part three will take you.

Qi is energy that fuels meditation. It awakens your conscience, clears the air, decimates the fog, releases the tears, celebrates accomplishments, and makes the heart smile, mind relax and soul feel cleansed. It’s uplifting, rejuvenating and for lack of a better way of putting it: it is energizing!

When I have a chance to go somewhere quiet and close to Nature, I usually start off with breathing in a few breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. That process sets the stage. A current of sorts is felt and a topic is selected. No topic is off limits. There are no judgments, road blocks, indoctrination tactics, monetary payments, penances or guilt trips. 

It’s just me and Qi hanging out, doing simple, easy body movements, keeping the blood flowing, muscles massaged, joints bending, neck, feet, toes, legs, fingers and arms stretching, and realizing every part of us is interconnected and dependent on each other. All the while my mind is thinking about or talking to Mother Earth or Mother Nature or the Keeper of SkyWorld, the higher entities, every step of the way. 

We remind each other to give thanks and praise for having a chance to live on Earth and acknowledge the leadership and role modeling of those higher entities. We express gratitude for how we are gifted and we gift in return with thoughts, words and gestures. We acknowledge, honour, respect and appreciate the flora and fauna, and other peoples. The process parallels non secular groups, but it is light not heavy. And, I suppose because there is no associated holy book, it isn’t yet under the definition of mainstream — but, I digress.

During this whole Qi meditation process, we earthlings, along with Mother Earth, Mother Nature and Mother of SkyWorld are very much aware of each other and present in the moment. The experience is relaxing and calming. The only objective is to feel at peace and be at peace with ourselves first and foremost, and then carry those strengths in all relationships and situations that come up.

It truly is as simple as that. Harmless and simple. The world of Qi is mental, physical and spiritual. It is open to everyone but not for everyone, and that’s okay — no harm in trying. 

May the Force be with you!”, as you enjoy life and living, and ultimately keeping our Earth liveable for yourselves and for those coming next  😉 ; isn’t that really all that matters?  The whole world is in our hands. 🎶

Bodacious Blueberries

BLUEBERRY HEAVEN

Tulip slipped out of her city life this morning to pay an annual visit to Mother Blueberry. Mother Blueberry is the overseer of all organic blueberries in the region, and Tulip heard the call last night saying it is time.

During the ten minute drive to MacDonald Blueberry Farm in the community of Pitt Meadows, Tulip is remembering the ease and joy of blueberry picking, and the excitement of making crêpes, pancakes, loaves and sauce to last for the next three seasons.

Upon arrival she is greeted by an offspring of farmer Don. Last year Don got very ill and never fully recovered. Other family members have taken on the farm work. She is directed to go to any row without an orange cone, and proceeds to the far right. It is not like her to select the right over the left, but as she stood looking at the row upon row of bushes with an abundance of midnight blue, berry clusters, she hears a chorus of “come to me, come to me.”

The right side wins.

As she stands there looking down the row, there isn’t a soul in sight … a human soul, that is. The fields are full of soul.

She approaches the first bush, thanks it for the call and for the opportunity to appreciate its fruit. 

Knowing one should never take the first nor the last of anything Nature provides, she bypasses the first cluster. She reaches for the next one hidden behind some luscious green leaves, clasps her palm gently in place, and feels the joy of what’s about to happen. She is about to wiggle her fingers gently against the big, bold, bodacious berries and make them fall into her hand —  sometimes one by one, and sometimes many all at once. Apparently picking blueberries properly is a skill, and that is why these bushes treat her well. She knows how to treat and please the crop, and the gift of giving is reciprocated equally well.

Within thirty minutes Tulip looks down at her basket, and knows it is time to stop. She must not pick more than she needs.

“These are simply the best!”

She spots a couple of new human arrivals who look a bit lost as to where to start. They notice Tulip’s cache and ask, in a clearly foreign accent: “where you go?” 

Tulip happily directs them to her ‘row of plenty’ and shows them how it’s done. With a bit of practice, they catch on. They individually press their hands together to express gratitude, and nod to show respect and honour to the bushes and to Tulip.  She understands the gestures and reciprocates. 

Her heart is smiling, and she is thinking of a Samurai or a Samaritan or a certain Shifu who taught her well: Nature and humanity thrive and survive with respect and honour.  

Tulip walks to the welcome tent to weigh the bounty. This was a good Pitt Meadows day … this was a very good day.

Train Trip July 2024

 REFLECTIONS OF GROUP HUGS

TULIP is embarking on a long train ride, from Maple Ridge to downtown Vancouver, with 15 other 55+ gal pals. It is a glorious day.

The early morning train ride on the Westcoast Express is quiet. The car is filled with the working class going downtown to help keep the economy strong.  The gals are not used to waking up so early and have not yet found their comfort in conversing when nobody seemed to be. There are occasional whispering sounds, but not much else.

Downtown is always a busy place as the HUB of economic movement for the City and Province — plus, today, there are two new cruise ships moored close by.

“The streets will be a zoo.”

Once they arrive at the final train stop at the waterfront, they wait patiently for the working class to disembark, while other passengers have a downtown play day or a wild and crazy seniors’ day — Take your pick.

It is 9 a.m.; the sky is a clear blue, the water calm and the scenery beautiful and breathtaking.  

“This is where we live—the glorious west coast of a quietly proud country called Canada! Let this journey begin.”

The group is led by their queen of walk organizers named Sandi. Sandi has clocked more walking steps and hours than anyone on earth, or at least on her section of the earth, and she has a plethora of stories to tell. Everyone loves to walk and talk with Sandi. Sandi Thiessen

The gang starts off full of joy and excitement, and everyone stops at the Canada Place Pier to take in what is before them: a people-happy place, a view to die for, two cruise ships, a tugboat in action, a few float planes, a yacht or two, a paved walking path and a separate cycling path, and only a few people moving along in either direction. With a small hop, skip and a jump they are on their way to Stanley Park.

The gals pair off and walk at a reasonable pace, not in a hurry; they are happy to be alive and well enough to embark on an outing to a place they had either often heard about or never explored on foot. Some never imagined themselves being so adventurous this late in life.  

There is a notable extra jump in their step and a youthful enthusiasm that lifts their spirits and helps them leave whatever heavy thoughts on a shelf somewhere, determined to fully enjoy the day. This is THEIR day — their Qi  (pronounced CHEE) day to be free of worries, obligations, issues, commitments and other pressures, demands or expectations! It is their free day to be free,  self-energized, and just relax their minds to enjoy the moments as they roll out.

First stop along the multipurpose pathway, on the edge of the second phase of Canada Place, is a washroom break at a beautifully kept public washroom  —where a happy attendant had just refreshed and cleaned eight stalls. 

“How more lucky could we be!”

Continuing on along the clean, spacious harbour walkway, they arrive at the Stanley Park entrance, divert the trajectory from the seawall over a half-moon bridge to the pathway leading to the most glorious of rose gardens. 

The gals disburse in every direction to take in the beauty and the scents of the various flora. They take photos and more photos and then even more photos. At every turn there is another ‘awe’ or ‘wow we live here’! The smiles and the stories of remembering that place decades ago to seeing it now, are heartwarming to themselves, each other and especially the first timers. 

Eventually they carry on through a forested area leading to the infamous Lumberman’s Arch along the seawall.  Someone mentions a memory of going there often, back in the day, for the delicious Fish n Chips served from the very same food pavilion, somewhat modernized, that is still there. Many in the group share the memory and share their stories. It becomes a group hug moment.

Amazingly, the outdoor public pool is also still there and the women see a reflection of themselves as they watch the happy children jump and play to their hearts content. It becomes another self-hug and group hug moment.

“Those were the days,” Tulip says aloud and others agree. Group hug.

After another bathroom break, the gals carry on, paired differently, engaging in more delightful conversations about memories and plans, smiling and laughing, and sometimes just quietly looking around at the bounty of all that was before them.

“These are our days!”

This section of the walk was quite long — but the ‘no need to hurry’ attitude, and the many shaded areas and benches along the way helped.

Several kilometres later the gals arrive without incident at Second Beach — another grand childhood memory of wonderful beach and outdoor pool time, as well as those delicious fish and chip lunches some of them often enjoyed. 

Tulip feels like she is in a reminiscent trance. Her mind is full of healthy energy, gratitude and transcendental bliss, as she looks at the majestic mountains, deep blue ocean and a sky spotted with small patches of cirrus clouds. Her arms are high and palms facing the sky. She is so very happy.

“Ah, yes, those were the days. A lot has happened since, but it’s great to just sit here to rest, reflect and remember.” 

Self-hug time, while others are in line for the washrooms at Second Beach.

At this point of the journey, the grand historic Sylvia Hotel restaurant —where they have lunch reservations, has to be contacted because the anticipated arrival time has to be adjusted. Thankfully the half hour time change will not be a problem giving them a stress-free final couple of kilometres to count their blessings, commend themselves and each other for making it this far, and look forward to a delicious lunch in the city’s oldest free standing hotel where millions of people have slept or eaten or stood outside to take photos over many decades. 

“If only the walls could talk!”

The gals arrive at the side entrance. They are greeted by very courteous staff and escorted to their especially reserved section of the restaurant, where ice cold water awaited. Congratulations are expressed as menus were handed out, and specials announced. Drinks are ordered and meals selected, and service is smooth and quick. The table eventually becomes adorned with Fish n Chips, Pulled Pork dip, Fish Tacos, Sylvia Burgers, Salmon Burgers, Crab cakes, Salads, and All Day Breakfast plates. More photos are taken and more memories shared. Smiles burst from hearts and quiet Qi (energy) radiates the room. Group hug.

“Ah yes, this is our day!” Group hug.

With their rest completed, the gals regain their footing and walk a short distance across the way to the now world famous street art dubbed ‘Laughing People” but officially called A-Maz-ing Laughter — an artistic masterpiece created by a first time visitor named Yue Minjun. It is a wonderful funny collection of 14 larger than life statues expressing various emotions with their arms, hands, facial expressions and stances. It is now a permanent landmark that radiates Qi (energy) inwardly and outwardly in people of all ages, all nationalities and all abilities. Nobody can leave that place without a smile, grin, giggle or burst of laughter — or a group hug.

“Set your troubles and worries aside, and just enjoy the moment. Smiles and laughter do our bodies, minds and soul a lot of good.”

Refreshed and ready to move forward, the wandering women start the return to the beginning of an amazing day.  They walk single file like a snake navigating its way around obstacles, down Denman Street, once known for shopping and dining but now predominantly a multicultural dining haven.

Suddenly something catches Tulip’s eye — a sale on blackberries at a small corner grocery store. The first sign said $2 a pint and another said 3 for $5. She loves blackberries and although the others seem to be uninterested in obliging, they wait, perhaps reluctantly, but patiently, for the transaction to complete. It is a very busy street corner and  moving away from there seems to be preferred. Tulip is happy they waited, but wonders why nobody else shared her excitement of a steal of a deal! No group hug there.

“Oh well, moving on.”

The street walk ends and the group is back at Coal Harbour seaplane terminal where one and two engine Cessnas are taking off or landing on the deep blue, calm waters of the inlet. The gals follow the recently revitalized walkway along the shore leading them back to Canada Place, the train station and a private room in the Rogue Restaurant where they each enjoy a wonderful, refreshing and cold drink, raising their glasses to express gratitude, congratulations and thanks to each other and themselves.

The spirit of the entire day carries on during the train ride home. After completing 18.5 kilometres on foot, everyone is tired; but, not too tired to keep the conversations going, the laughter rolling, and the camaraderie growing. The regular train passengers do not know what hit them, but the gals no doubt give everyone, including themselves, a reason to smile and a story to tell others once they get home. 

Self-hugs, group hugs and high fives all around for a most energizing, enjoyable and successful daytime outing in the lives of 16 55+ gals — who now feel more enriched, enlightened and informed than they did just days ago.

“Life is for living: living is a forward motion, not stationary, so let’s keep the train rolling for as long as we can!”