No doubt that my biggest battle, greatest conflict has been with “my”self. As illuminated in Eckart Tolle’s book, there is the ego… the self…and it is “I” that is my true nature…of which awakening or enlightenment is a manifesting or your destiny…to become what we all are deep within…universal love…and universal consiouness, which is the recognition that to love another, we love ourselves…that we are one. The separation  of mind body and spirit that evolved when the “rational mind” got busy, thinking about what the world was all about. To use the intellect and create means of measuring reality through the scientific enterprise, removed us from the essence of our being…that being a loving, caring, compassionate…and some define as “spiritual” self.

With this interpretation of what “me, myself and I”, reflect…it is not so much an internal conflict as a dominant force of ego….that as Eckhart says…wants to survive…in fact thrive, what is the mode or means in which to arrive at the awakening…the enlightenment. I pull from David Hawkins book “Power vs. Force, and can sense that there exists both Power and Force,  (in constant “Polarity” drawing us ever toward the ego…as that is what evolved with our rational mind…or collective consciousness…at least in the “Western World”…the one that created “rational thought” and “science” as a means of understanding and/or defining  truth. I could take us back to Socrates, Plato…Aristolole…but it really began before that …it was just that Socrates made debating and questioning…and “rationalizing” popular…the modern term for much of that is “Critical Thinking”. Critical thinking is now a “buzzword” labeling the behaviours that are deemed necessary to correct that which is wrong…or to determine the right action…the right “best” answer, or next step to take.

I am not dismissing the value of “critical thinking”…or diminishing the value-laden “scientific methodologies. What is illuminated from “Critical Analysis”…is to appreciate there are other methods of discovery then “Quantifying” or measuring (Quantitative or Empirical, if you prefer I speak on those terms) What is “added value” is the methodology of study, called Critical Discourse Analysis…that is to examine “truth”, “fact”…or “reality” but what voices are heard, to where (or to whom) does the power lie…are their underlying assumptions based on bias…are there voices unheard. In other words, what is the source…whose voice is dominant?

Shifting back to question brought forward about how does one become enlightened…or awakened…which is the dominant voice. It is the ego, says Tolle…it is the voice inside the head…the so called rational mind.

So, if our “rational mind” remains dominant…and it holds the power, we can come to terms (reconcile) how and why we think the way we do, at this point (this moment…the NOW)…because we must believe our life (and all the messages, the “truth”…the science… the teachings…all the content in all the books we have read…have been nothing short of the truth. Meanwhile I take you back to the question about assumptions, the biases, that “grew” with us….from parents, to teachers, to friends, to celebrities we admire to the authors of who we have read.

So…did my thinking…and “my” self evolve with perfection. Simple answer no. But it has been an interesting debate that has carried on. There has been multiple polarities of influence (Christianity and Buddhism) WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) ideologies as a younger person and  ever expanding  First Nation and  Eastern  Thought as I get older (Critical Discourse Analysis applied to all…as my reflective methodology). Now, what do I do with this “NOW” experience…this “present moment”  …this  state of “BE”ing?

I guess I share it with others…and hence you are witness to the journey. It trust you can see evidence of the “Transformative Living”…of which I have been ever expanding on for my consciousness. It is also my contribution to the ever expanding Universal Consciousness, that we read about in Tolle’s book.

So, visit again…but once again…the invitation to read along….The New Earth: Awakening to Life’s Purpose. Should you have appreciation for what I have shared here, perhaps you will appreciate my take on it all…I called  “The “e” factor, at first….as this was presented as a “e”-learning…”e”-community, that I envisioned.

Look for me to expand on the “e” factor (How to experience true empowerment, through enlightenment  and emancipation)…to include the “re” factor…leading up to learning to “be”

BE happy, healthy and wise…read today…and BE well, from the inside-out.

Dave

I decided to post on the transformative living site, a follow up thought to what I had shared in previous post…so visit here

Always worthy to reflect…”in the moment”…the value of our past.

BE happy, in your life as you have lived it,

Dave

According to the Book, A New Earth…we are just a few small steps from “awakening” to life’s purpose. So as I take it, there is a “historical context” for all of us, that somehow suppresses our universal consciousness…and we have to be ready…or in the right place to find this enlightenment.

It has always been very heart-warming to engage in a Yoga session…or even better, a discussion on spirituality with my children. There have been (and still remains) some contrasting perspectives and debates that may ensue (not uncommon, or always unhealthy for there to be debates between parents and children). This remains a believable and understandable “truth” that exist, their “truth” and my “truth” will differ, if they have listened to or accommodated any of the beliefs (”the truth”) of the other parent. This is what makes them “unigue” individuals and not “carbon copies” of either parent.

The fact that I had such contrasting “truths” for both of my parents, would suggest reasons in the time and struggle to sort everything out for myself. I would say there were some contrasts for my children’s maternal grand-parents…(dare I say all that know, as I use the commonly known “Nanny and Poppa” nicknames…reading this folks are shaking their heads in affirmation, as much as they would strongly agree my parents were so very different).

So what so you think about “your truth”, should you awaken fully to it. What do you think the universe may have planned for you…or should I say…how do you see yourself manifesting your own destiny? I know for myself…there is a lot to be said about the validity of those things they have suggested about birth order. I also and certain that “foundations” are laid, by the influence of both parents. Although my mother has not been with us for many years now…I am certain, her impact on all of her children…and her siblings, lingers and suggests to us that there was a very positive example set. While not perfect, Mom was a solid and growing toward “balanced”, role model. There would have been those struggles, demons…or influence, that was partly in keeping with both of her parents “truth”…and the “truth” of her siblings.

So to my readers…my family and friends…(and yes I consider my students my friends and/or family…on this planet…in “my truth”, we are one big (working toward) happy family. I am in agreement with Oprah, Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra and others who are suggesting that we have entered a new era, in spiritual awakening. The mere fact that I am having the conversations with my children, family and students about spirituality (and ten years ago what was in my “lifestyle Programs”, had little focus of content of spirituality…Yoga was more an exercise inclusion….and breath work …for optimal oxygenation)…it is now my intent to include “connection with breath”…to be the tool to open (or awaken) to a new “truth” in the “NOW”…or what I have been writing about the last couple of years, in just “BE”.

So…BE happy…BE awakened….once again I urge…get the book

Dave

I have written my thoughts about a new dawn…a new day, a new life…(which is inclusive of the worthiness of the Michael Buble song as the opening sound track…(or the closing one…or both)…but this is “NOW” inclusive of the impact of the Book by Eckhart Tolle (as mentioned in my last blog, but at the end as a P.S.

So for those that prefer I keep each blog short and sweet…here is the short and sweet..the most recommended of books I have read (other than the Bible and other historical ones…Upanishad’s, the Tao…

I give you this link…but I urge you, get the book… A New  Earth…Awakening to Life’s Purpose
Click here for link

BE wise, BE well, BE well-read,

Dave

Here I sit…at this moment, writing…in “The Forest City”. Worthy of the nickname, since it seems once one steps down the street and off to a path that one can very quickly, within minutes,…for some just a few seconds, being stepping into the woods…and perhaps along the river, creek or ravine. It is truly an “nature lovers” city. I have been treated to sunsets watching deer emerge as well as awesome sunrise…with deer… present with perhaps a fresh snowfall…or a blustery blizzard that “builds” beauty when all is said and done. Perhaps those that had the shoveling to do, or were delayed by traffic issues or the “slippery carpeting” that snow and ice have a side effect to be respected, are happy to see spring’s transitions and beauty.
I started the winter, back in November with the first real dump of snow…which I slipped on such slick carpeting that I just mentioned….one leg going east the other going west. The twinges continue…while I was out of commission for sometime where I did not dare teach a Yoga class…or push the envelope on the treadmill…I did enjoy many treks into the woods…along the river, a creek…or a babbling brook…it is all here in the Forest City, but it was a long healing process…and beyond the physical domain. The point made by the universe, this winter, last winter…all the winters of my past…is that the Blizzards, the deer,…the river, is not something separate from myself (the slippery carpet of snow gave me a daily reminder)…but all, in this world is a part of me…and I a part of the greater universe.

This is an ever expansive metaphor…not just the “can I tell the difference between the forest and the trees”….but also the “torn feeling” (much like what first was felt in groin and hip…in November)…I have about being from “the West”…but going “East” in my journey of understanding the universe (myself, everyone else and all of nature, in my world)…clearly I see that it is all expansive (my world)…truly infinite…I will never experience or come to know it all.

But that may be the most beautiful part…that the journey is endless, and evolving…I reflect back on my memories of my childhood…the woods behind our country home seemed like quite a hike…and once immersed in the “forest” you could no longer see the outside world (from the ever expansive swath of trees…or so it seemed when I was little).

I revisit my home town often enough…especially in the last year or so, since Dad had his big life-altering experience…and to visit Aunt Bea (which has not been as often as I wish…due to the many “slippery, blizzardy week-ends that defined this winter past). So while I always thought I grew up in the country… (and that “the woods” were so expansive) could never see myself enjoying “city life”…this sure has opened my eyes. Not just London itself, but the weather (so much more snow…as when I was that young adventurous boy)…the river, the deer, the ducks, the geese and all the people I have met.

It may also be the choice of reading…I did after all…out of necessity, have to bury myself in textbooks form Pharmacology, Pharmatoxicology…Pathophysiology (an ever expansive, ever expanding reality…as we recognize we have an aging society and diminishing resources and limited funds… a mass retirement exodus form health care)…the word Pathophysiology and ways of living have new meaning for me now…hence the new “ecologist” rising within me…not just the “tree-hugger” cause I am around more trees and water sources. I am choosing to read, along with the world, the new understanding or our place in the universe…our purpose….the meaning of life if you will.

So while I use (and probably include in a book) this metaphor of the forest, the trees…the river…water and that which the universe can give to us…if we are in the right place…at the right time…will be a “Western mind…meets Eastern Arts, Philosophy, spirituality, devotion and practice that for some have associated with Yoga. For my family and friends who have watched me take up the Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido and Tai Chi…I think there is much Zen as there has been Pranayama,… Karma and Dharma thinking.

We are the Master’s of our own thoughts and feelings…we do not need a Guru (though I would say it has been helpful to take all those classes…studied with my Sensei, Isha, and Yoga teachers….there have been so many Lillian Lee (first Taoist Tai Chi master), Sadhguru Jaggi Vesudev( Yoga immersion) Maureen Rae, for more Yoga teacher training…Takae Leung (Aikido), …so many to name…it is like the “trees”…standing firm in their convictions their realities..their fruit and gifts, many…while together they represent the “forest” of understanding of eastern thought, meditative motive arts and the healing arts…all of which have a positive potential in in decreasing the impact of Western ways of living and the Pathophysiology that we are creating and/or choosing to embrace.

Without a doubt, this is a great time in history to be a “witness” to the universe and its gifts…and to be an active participant in Transformative change…in heart, soul and ways of living.

There may be more exciting changes to share, just around the corner…as my practice environment changes, but offers to return to an Advanced Practice role…or the possibilities of “full-time” teaching…presents itself…our realities…our truth are always evolving….winter turns to spring…somethings we have come to expect and/or embrace.

BE the change, BE the tree, in the forest of transformation…

Dave

P.S. Recommended reading…”The Tree, by David Suzuki”….and A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle

I was quite moved by a song on the radio…and what was being said (I am really fond of listening to aucustic cafe on Sunday mornings…a continuation …extension really of the peaceful, tranquil feeling after Hot Yoga.

The song…not by its original artist, but by Jack Johnson…an impressive “cover” of one of the greatest songs of all time, first recorded by one of the greatest (and one of the most influential…as I speak of peace…for me head…but also for me world)

The Song: Imagine, first recorded by John Lennon.

The discussion that was taking place on the radio “show” was, what were the greatest “bands or artist” of all time. I was shocked as they introduced # 22….the influence around the world…and about the world has been huge. Winners of multiple grammy’s, an Academy award and the only artist (their front man) to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize ( I wonder if there would be “reconciliation” of John Lennon earning a Nobel Prize for peace…had there been different social views and acceptance…back in “the day”…(of “day in the life”?)

SO, yes…it was U2….at #22…I could not believe it ….and Bono’s public image…the efforts and the effects…could there be 21 bands with greater impact (and so, so many quality songs… Think “It’s a beautiful Day”….how could they rest at 22…there must be some criteria…such as record sales…# of hits in the top ten….but should the “sales”….and comparative competition…against their…at the time, competition, be what defines a “great band”?…

Then the next song was Dave Matthew’s….and I thought…hmmmm, maybe there is criteria here I do not understand….and yes…close call, Dave Matthew’s and U2….they end up in my Top Ten…or at least “in the moment” of while I was listening on the ride home.

Then getting home…and contemplating all my favourite bands….Knowing very well that one of My top ten “Best Bands of all time”, Blue Rodeo….is not even going to make it on the Rolling Stones top 200…or 1000.

It truly is all about reconciling what matters to you most…I go with Blue Rodeo…as an attender of nearly 20 of their concerts (and why 20 concerts over 12 years…is the feeling that I have had many times over, of being close, up front…and very much within arms length), and making me proud to be Canadian, helps their cause also…and they have been extremely influential in Canadian Music and within my own heart…at any given time of having listened to them.

So, I reconcile….that My tastes are not the most popular of tastes…in music, in food, in relationships and relating…not every one agrees with me…and that is fine. What is valuable is that I can “reconcile” each one of my relationships, to promote harmony, peace, “agree to disagree”, or saying “time to move on” and time to reflect on what is important to me,….and to all others to who I come to know or make contact.

Am I able (or have I been “abled”) to reconcile the relationships….with family, …with friends, with clients, co-workers, and any one who impacts me…or to whom I may impact. I desire to live a life that is all about “quality of life”…for those family, friends…all clients in all the many defined ways ‘clients’ can be used….students…of the many ways that “students” are defined in my world. The “co-worker” scenario, is also defined so many different ways…we may be “co-working” our relationships…and in shared responsibilities.

So,… I leave you with this to reflect on…as much as it will be a fun portal for me to re-visit and reconcile…who I feel deserves to be a “top ten favourite”…click here

And besides Blue Rodeo, the Beatles, U2…and for sure Led Zepplin…I enjoy and/or appreciate the view the others selected by others (inclusive but not exclusive to Rolling Stones Magazine).

I Agree with Nemesis,…from which came, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Mike and the Mechanics…and speaking of Phil Collins…think of the soundtracks and Grammy’s….Lion King, Brother Bear…I believe…someone stop me here if I am off base…

OH and there is Elvis…music and movies…and the Legacy….the songs we all love to belt out, when we hear them… “oh, don’t be cruel”…to a heart thats true…
Enough, for now, I have “reconciled” that not all of my readers are the music geeks that I am…

Oh, Bob Dylan…if we look at lyrics and impact on thought, feelings…and emotions…

Ponderance-a-plenty

BE peaceful, BE reconciled to make a difference….

Dave

It has been most interesting to watch the “winds of March” and April showers help usher in spring.

The songbirds, more ever present….the crocuses push through the earth with daffodils and tulips to follow.

The Flooding….oh the flooding, they say here in London the worst in 30 years. I return from a trip to the library (the Landon Library of London…what is really cool is my grandsons name, being Landon) give Landon a hug for grampa, K as you read this) They had a bulletin board with pictures of a much greater and devastating flood in 1937. (more…)

As creative as my meditation and contemplation of current events and the things that I am engaged in (and continue my education in)…it can sometimes seem bizarre. I had this thought about what we as a “manufacturing” society could be/should be “making”. As I get deeper into studying Yoga, and going to conferences and classes, I am impressed by the “growing” numbers. This term growing I mean both,  the sense that there are increasing enrollments and participation in something that provides multiple tools for “growing” a better spirit, heart and soul. I try not to promote a specific way in which to incorporate or live out ones spiritual self, but I am going to always suggest that Yoga in  part or in its entirety (which I feel is an near impossible feat in one lifetime) provides “complimentary” tools regardless of  one’s religious orientation.

In terms of where I think yoga and nursing specifically interface, is that no one can truly appreciate the truth about Yoga (and what it does on an inner engineering scale) nor is it easy to define/describe what it means to be “a nurse”. There is clearly a “self-less service to others” that is promoted by Yogic Philosophy, and those that have chosen nursing as a profession, we can only hope that it is their intention to live out nursing as a self-less service to others (nursing in its many many forms…much like Yoga…in it’s many many forms). Nursing may very well be the most diverse of professions in terms of how nursing (this self-less service I speak of) is manifested (living nursing)….the same can be said of Yoga…unlimited in its expression, interpretation and the way one may chose to “live yoga”.

So, while it is hard to clearly identify which came first, Yoga or Nursing?…it was very much a heart of a yogi that brought the art of nursing to the human race.

Those are my thoughts…possibly not yours….

BE well,

Dave

see story

This story and the one out of Sudbury, is the beginning of a new era- the development of true Primary Health Care…you can see elsewhere what the definitions are for Primary Health Care here…or type in primary-health-care.net

One can be supportive and join in a committee, council or contact your members of the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN)…or your town council, the mayor’s office, MPP or Community Development Office.

My Qualifications fit well with this development…my Master’s Degree is in Primary Health Care and you could say “the major” was in Community Development. There are others in this province who have both the RN(EC) PHC-NP designation and they graduated with their Masters -MN-ANP- Primary Health Care. Essentially this is double credentialing, both as Nurse Practitioner, and in Primary Health Care. There will be many things from this additional education that I would be able to draw from in order to be an excellent partner in community development projects, in terms of Primary Health Care initiatives. I see this as inclusive of Family Health Teams and Nurse Led Clinics.

Talk soon….but do talk it up…and letter or petition your community and governmental leaders…together we can make a difference,

Dave