As I had just enjoyed “the fruits of my labour” (had the first toasted tomato sandwich for this season)…from the garden planted, I could easily slide into reflection of what the tomato means, to so many of us.

For me, the tomato represents so much about my life and the lives lived by family members. For those not aware, my father had retired from Heinz. Many a tomato juice can or ketchup bottle would have had at least some of my father’s labour, as part of the contribution to “production”. You as a consumer, may not often think about it, but there is “tomato Product” everywhere you turn (for consumption that is). Fast food fare…think of it….ketchup on your burger, and/or your fries. How many actually do not eat fried potatoes in some form…french fries, home fries, hash browns…and then do most of us compliment them with ketchup.

Then there is pasta sauce (unless alfredo) most of which will have a tomato base. Salsa, with tortilla chips or as an added ingredient, to bring ‘zest’ to some dish or appetizer. Chili…now who does not have chili once and a while?

I trust you get my point…there have been tomatoes somewhere in our consumptive moments…and as I think of it….BBQ sauce, steak sauce…tomato based…so very relevant for the North American (and mediterranean diet). WE are just now coming to appreciate the health benefits of consuming more tomato based foods (for the Lycopene primarily but also potassium and Vitamin C ). Transferring this knowledge and we have a “healthy living” mantra. Protection for the prostate ills (cancer prevention), we are just beginning to appreciate. WE are just beginning to learn that it lycopene is just one anti-oxidant found in foods, may be key at prevention or reversal of more than cancers of all kinds, but in reduction of inflammation. With the newest research pointing to the role of inflammation in heart/vascular diseases and stroke….this gets absolutely HUGE as far as the impact the tomato, may have in our lives.

With reflection of my mother, pride had always included the messages from others in the communities of Kingsville, Ruthven and Leamington, that she was remembered as an exceptional person, and an “phenomenal” tomato picker. We (my family) came from humble beginnings, yet much to be proud of…in our mother’s memory. So, as one who had come from these humble beginnings…and a fairly large family…most all of us would have made our living, at some time…involving tomatoes.

So with that introduction (or the “why” as to this reflection) I trust you will humour me a bit (as you have needed to do on many an occasion..

The “lowly tomato”…is a fruit…not a vegetable as many think. It is attached to a vine…and begins with a “blossom”. This “blossoming” period, is not unlike many of the other fruits which “flower” to attach the “pollenators” of this world. It becomes a bigger world, when we consider all the tiniest of creatures (the bugs that love nectar and such)…and think of all the variety of plants that blossom. There are the “creepy crawlies” but also those with the power of flight (bees and beetles…wasps, hornets…you get the visual?)

The point of this visual exercise (picturing a garden in bloom…and all the tiniest of critters) is for later appreciation of “stages of life”. WE (all creatures and plants on the planet) go through stages from germination of seed or “embryo conversion”…to an seed (or egg) of some sort, which is “loaded” with DNA…and genes…chromsomes…and mitochondria and such with the nucleus of multiple cells. Explode this context of “what we are made of”…but reduce it down to seed or embryo level…and the tiniest of entities…make for a HUGE universe…within ourselves, within every creature and every garden.

Now think back to that tomato blossom, “budding” the tiniest fruit on that vine. The tomato, will go through growth spurts, in the presence of scattered showers and intermittent doses of sunlight. This transformation that takes place is nothing short of a miracle. The miracle of live is demonstrated through the lifespan…stages…and cycles of the lowly tomato. It remains green, quite firm and bitter, while it is growing. Only when the seeds are reaching maturity (and viability) will the tomato turn red, ripen and soften. It becomes desirable for the bird, the bug, the beetle. It also becomes desirable for the human consumption “phenomenon” that will take place. There is the “picking” of the ripened fruit, the containment (tomato baskets or wagons) and shipment for the processing. Processing can take many forms of course…the “end product” takes many forms. Crushed, Pureed, Diced, Stewed, paste, sauced…juiced…many inviting ways to enjoy. And then there is ketchup…a popular item wouldn’t you say?

Another miracle, is the fact that the tomato does not have to remain on the vine, for ripening. While the richest and sweetest fruit may be the one that remained on vine or tree…most fruit will continue to ripen, with the “humble” exposure of the sun. This conversion of energy…sun to sugar and anti-oxidants such as Lycopene or Vitamin C…or D….well can you capture the reflection of the “miracle of life”. The miracle is the conversion of seed to blossom, to fruit and onto grocery shelves or market or factory….on to the consumption by you and me. WE are healthier, the more we appreciate the “lowly tomato”. Its life cycle is connected to our life cycle…or to that of the bird. As the bird releases its waste back to earth…that lowly seed can spring as new life…miles from it “humble beginnings”.

So enjoy this reflection. Appreciate your humble beginnings. Appreciate your connection to the earth, the tomato…the bird and the bugs…life is miraculous, that is a given.

Humbly yours,

Dave

Truly the feel good movie that I hope all ages can appreciate. When the picture of ” the father’s” were revealed I had flash-backs. So to my kids and students…hope you could/would enjoy as much as I did.

May I be ready to share some exciting news, real soon.

suspense, intrigue, Drama…

the life I have wanted to live, is ever unfolding…

May you find hapiness, in what ever you do today,

Dave

We all basically are after the same things in life. There is “happiness” that can elude us in our “busy”ness lives. On personal levels there may be one or more to who it seems more like “warring” than in mutually creating and enjoying a peaceful place…a prosperous relationship…or powerful agents for change.

Peace comes at a price…(as will power or prosperity) …it rarely comes to those who sit back and simply expect it through some sort of “entitlement” mantra. Peace, as we have noted, is elluding the world stage.
This all can change, and there is a collective power that can make it so.

As “shifts” occur, beyond our appreciation of the usual paradigm…we can call this “collective consciousness”. Some will call it prayer, others reflection…still others…”finding their Zen”. Zen is all within the “power” that is manifested…and peace is just one aspect of Zen. I do not pretend to be an expert on Zen…or Zen Master, I am just another humble student…of west goes east…in ways of “BE-ing”.

Aspects of “human becoming” are shared elsewhere in the blogs and in “the book”…but I will briefly illuminate this shared truth (Universal Truth) so this post makes for “optimal application”.

WE are the “co-creators” of or own destiny. Whether we find inner peace, really is up to us. I will agree, that there is benefit in “mutual understandings” in all of our relationships, in other words, others are in agreement, peace is desired. There are roles we will play in this life…as spouse, parent, boss, or employee, in which ideas of “entitlement” will lead us toward selfish modes of communication and BE-ing. To BE our best, we do need to strive toward reconciliation, or growth and development…in terms of relationship or we digress…experience distress…and for some distrust.

If we were on this planet by ourselves…it would be a lonely place…but we would have less conflict (some may have conflict with self regardless how many other people they interact with. WE need to create peace from within, yes, while it must also be manifested “without”. The term collaboration works well, and I will provide an acronym I have used often, that helps when it becomes our mantra.  (mantra being and set of inclusive syllables that bring peace, could be simple words are phrases as much as for many they have adopted Om…which I pronounce as aum).

THE ACRONYM THAT CAN BE A GUIDE TO PEACE, PROSPERITY AND POWER

C.A.R.E.

Collaboration Always Rewards Everyone

Make this your mantra…your “way”…the essence of your “BE”-ing and you will go much further than flying solo in life. Whether business…or family relationships, you can be the author of a new script…a “promoter” of the new paradigm. Your truth can be part of Universal Truth. From Source…the “your truth and my truth” can be expansive universal consciousness that will change your world. Your inner world can be transformed. With the “transformative living community” which you join through this new evolution for yourself, and everyone around you…you will not wish to live any other way. Further, you will “live” the law of attraction, and get more of what you think about. This “new paradigm” of living, will help your business bottom line. It will also bring transformative love into your family unit or circle of friends.

Do stop now, what else you may move on to doing/searching…reflect and/or pray and express the gratitude of which your heart is now filled…

Namaste,

BE wise, BE well, BE the change,

Dave

What happens when you aid in the emancipation of your employee’s?

Creativity and innovation…is liberated…and their’s is “reconciliation” from thoughts and feelings of “”enslavement” or oppression from “the boss”…or “the job”.

This produces a happier and more productive employee.

They become one with the company. What the company represents, they are proud to represent…”the brand”. There is greater productivity, greater job satisfaction, decreased absenteeism…and best of all, they stay, they grow, they contribute to the “productivity culture”, that some companies wish they could cultivate.

Please send a comment or email…and you will receive a brief ad, as to what services can be provided, and my unique way of blending empowerment coaching and corporate wellness.

You will be pleasantly surprised…and most of all rewarded in the best of ways…and enhance your bottom-line.

1-519-854-2528

Dave Scratch is your coach, in the greenest and healthiest ways.

That will be the bottom line of what “wellness” is in the works. In the effort to bring more visual and “true to life stories” about life, I will be pulling much from the adventures I already have had, but would like to share more as well. If you look to the left column under pages, do find what I am going to call, the Canadian Camino. Immediately I put out the call and the challenge of joining me…In the flesh. That’s right, for you the reader to plan something big for next summer, and join me on at least part of my journey toward the completion of the Bruce Trail. I know that many have gone before me, but few have done it on one big trip. If any one knows of someone who has done any part, or all of the Bruce…then please direct them to this site and to the call for any and all to join in.

If there is a charity that is worthy of support…then please consider raising funds for them…or if agreed we could all pool our resources and funds collected and support one we believe in.

So, rather than many differing locales for destination rejuvenation, look for some offerings of week-ends…as before Niagara Falls and near Orangeville, perhaps Milton. These would be timely “training hikes” as much as they would be “wellness week-ends.

Do stay well, and stay tuned,

Dave

Yes back from conference and camping, Canada’s Wonderland and consciousness raising and connection to family. While it was just one of my children and partner this time around, there was great depth and breadth of discussion. My “awareness” of my Awareness, was quite an eye-opener. There are things I am still learning from my children. Stories of survival shared, as well as hopes for the future. It is always interesting and fun to share stories of “growing up”. There is no question that, what our future holds, is dependent upon our dealings with our past. I am very excited to see how my grandson “grows up”…in the presence of diverse perspective of child rearing. As I put my two cents in, there is nothing unhealthy about children growing up knowing there are different ways of living, if it is a loving and supportive environment. Spoiling a child with love, no doubt is optimal. I have long felt there as been a distortion of a “biblical
quote…”spare the rod, spoil the child”….I feel it was forces of power and oppression which is an undeniable context of the “history’ of the church (the past”…that suggested spanking was responsible. I believe it is meant to be interpreted “you should” spare the rod…and “you should” spoil the child… with love. It is not so much ‘things’ children want, they want to be loved, to be heard, and to be respected as their own unique person.  WE get confused with contexts of “my child”, “my wife”…or “My partner”…

We do not have ownership rights to any other person. Our children are under our guidance and care. They are the future…we need to get back to emphasizing value in family and family values. Do take time to hug a child in your life, whether 50 or 5 …we all value feeling loved.

BE well,

Dave

Without having any strong historical attachment to the word emancipation (emancipation proclamation), or within a context of the evolution of the women’s movement, I think I have been a member of a new audience of “enlightenment” dialogue. What I mean by that is what was ‘felt’ or interpreted by me as I shared a day with daughter and her partner. (I think we had an awesome day together). I have clearly found new inspiration for sharing more here, more regular and to have reconciled as to what the intent of the book to be.

The “source” of Universal Truth…is ever expansive…I nor any one else has a complete understanding of the Universal Truth, as we are still learning from one another. We are just now in the “shift” of “the need to know” the truth of other’s, inclusive of family members and who is inclusive of their “family circle”. As a “universal consciousness movement” the “greening ” of political  platforms, is very promising. The context in which Barack Obama and his “platform”, resembles a movement toward greater racial emancipation, than we have heard from a leader that happens to be black. All races, religions and cultural contexts needs to be “re-written” with such empowering evolution of enlightenment. We are getting somewhere on the “upper side” of the social spectrum…meanwhile I highlight the words of “upper side” as we need to “deconstruct” those power hierarchies of “class structure” as much as we do for  race, religion or culture.
This comes with a continued evaluation of new family structures, and the ever evolving context of blended families. Since this context can change….it is beyond “fluid” and “molecular”. Fluidity to be understood as the flexibility to take different form, but also “morph” into whatever is portrayed…and then understood by every participant in that reality.  The molecular, is what is the “seperate” context that each and every individual creates as “their truth”, often more closed and encapsulated that “mutual truth”. Compromise is always better than control over the other. The truth of the “other” is more than what is known, and that which is only known in the secret context of their own mind. Whether we portray that which resembles truth or we are even a bit “phony”, obviously is an obstruction of understanding, will always exist to a certain degree.
So, what would I like to be the results of sharing more truth than ever, inclusive of the “secrets” my children do not even know…beyond enlightenment…and onward to emancipation. Emancipation as being, getting beyond what we are “enlightened to”. So it is about sharing one’s truth…one with another…in the hope that there can be “reconciliation” of those things that have been barriers or obstructions of “mutual justice”. If there exist misconceptions of what happened in the past, or who we really are as a person…this reconciliation can be profound. This is not about getting things off of one’s chest. There can be subliminal healing, as well as direct “reconciliation healing”. It does require the wisdom of not sharing that which would be hurtful, but not helpful…and ultimately healthful to heart, mind and relationship.

Much of these feelings I share now after having some serious “heart to hearts” with my kids, and for their expressed wish to know more about what they thought was the truth, but were not sure. Since many of this “new points of sharing” are private and/or personal it will not be included here. So, yes to my children…a promise that you will help write and edit that which will be included. For the other readers…we collectively wish that their can be any possibility to help someone else with any of the many ways that we could find enlightenment or emancipation…perhaps an appreciation…we all face different challenges, and relationships can always be healed, and we can find peace within and with others.

Peace be to you, reader…till next time

Dave

I hope this does not lose any reader. I have share with students what critical discourse analysis (CDA) is and its important role in  their  “Critical  Thinking” portfolio.  What all my readers I trust will appreciate is, we all struggle to determine our own truth and understanding at times. Please note that I will be taking a couple of days…to clear out the closets of inner examinations of “truth” with the hope and intent, it will all be more clear and more positive.

I have often shared, that I avoid writing when I am challenged with my own happiness or direction in life. Things have become much clearer and more positive in recent months…and that should be evident by all the postings and that I am nearing the half-way finished point of the first book.

I had a very interesting and thought provoking walk this morning and the Universe treated me to the vision of a Blue Heron on the river as well as several goldfinch snacking on a Sunflower. It was over at the community garden, that so much more for the garden metaphor unfolded…and so I wanted to at least share that here, so as to act a promptor, for inclusion in the book.

I also witness kids enjoying swim lessons in the Thames Park pool as my footsteps were “squishey” due to yesterdays rain. The incredible amount of rain that had in early spring, turned Thames Park into a lake, was now helping the community garden flourish. I cannot recall, so many “flowers” per stem on this now massive sunflowers. I had also passed by a mother and child on there way to the pool…as I headed up the ramping of the trail out of the park. The child’s eyes clearly reddened from crying and the mother’s stern voice continuing to “rain down dissent” on this child.

What did I pull from this experience. The nature of Nurturance versus “grief” and unhappiness. If there is more than adequate rain…nature will demonstrate appreciation. If we “rain down” our unhappiness onto our children…there will be a flood of tears and torment on self-esteem. How much “counsel” and the “how and why” of it, really can cultivate unhappiness in young hearts and minds. I am hoping that once in the pool this child can let go of the grief brought upon her…there is growth potential if we can return to “love” that flows freely.

So…the river flows…the rains came and went…the river swell dissipates as it had come…but nature appreciates what the swell…and the rains did bring. I am thinking that Heron found a meal or two, with this flow. I can only trust mom’s swell of emotion will bring some thoughtfulness, compassion and esteem building messages for her daughter after her swim.

I have many lessons to pull from this as I will see my own children again soon…hopefully I draw more positive energy in and release the love freely. It is like breath work, I feel. Breath in the beauty of life and nature…breath out the love, forgiveness and appreciation.

May you have a blessed day…get out into the daylight,

Dave

Energy…hot topic right now, and the debates have only begun. One thing that cannot be debated is, amongst the world’s problems (which we know are many), one thing we can think about now, to change our destiny for tomorrow, is consumption. If we were all to cut back on purchases there would be a ripple effect that would ultimately impact many, many things. With knowledge that we are in an linear reality (there is not an endless supply) as far a fossil fuels is concerned, we may be forced to cut back on consumption in the long run. What would have positive consequences beyond what any one person understands is…saving on water, must be number one priority…with the obvious at stake. All humans need water, but so do all animals and all plants. Shortages of water is leading to drought, and the massive starvation and hunger that is a natural consequence.

With purchasing nearly everything comes the “plastic packaging” as much as how we have chosen to bring new items home. Plastic has more consequences than most people realize. Most chemicals that plastic is made from often end up in human bodies, as we know. The “petroleum” of which most plastics are derived from…has been part of the equation of the fossil fuel (carbon) crisis. To extract oil from the “tar sands” requires incredible amounts of water…and can you imagine the toxic state of the water that is returned.

The energy debate as I have mentioned is HUGE…reduction of consumption on all levels is an immediate priority. How do we drastically change from an apathetic society to one who will solve all of the problems of all of humanity. WE can produce a different kind of energy. When an inward journey results in “responsible  and responsive action”, I refer to this as Zenergy. This is not too different than “fusion” science. There is HUGE unharnessed potential in the human spirit and collective consciousness. This is the only “paradigm shift” that is going to work to save the planet…(and humanity along the way). Collective consciousness, Universal Truth (inclusive of we are killing the planet) and unconditional love that is the outpouring possible be a “right” spirit. While “zenergy” just sounds like a “cutsie” term…I do hope you do recognize the seriousness of the representative dialogue. It is my why of not letting this blog become too heavy…or too negative.
Think of it this way…there is an immovable force, say the water pouring by natural forces over Niagara falls. Looking for solutions for human need, brought in time, hydro-electric power, through the development of turbines. The potential was there…the power (energy) was always there. It was a higher consciousness (modern sciences and innovation…technology) that brought great potential for the human race. Harnessing the power that is “possible” in nuclear fusion of plutonium or uranium is yet another example of “conversion” of energy. The unlimited potential of collective consciousness, is not the remarkable power potential we have in changing…transforming the way that we live our lives…positive consequences include future generations being able to live. Quality of life, for us here and now is also possible if we enact right action and “convert our thoughts”.

This is not about adopting a new religion. This is about allowing an inward journey, to produce this new energy “reactor”…and as it suggests…we react positively to a positive group think dynamic, the collective energy begins to spread until everyone is on board with right action. This is not new or unique thinking, I will invite you to look at what is shared as the “eight fold path”.

This represent a new moral standard or “ethic”. The ethical equation includes concepts of love and protection of the other. As a registered nurse it has always been a “Code of Ethics” in which I based my practice. Medicine as you know have their Code of Ethics, as do all health care professionals. I consider these ethical principals to be “what I live by”. Similarly I consider the “eight fold path” standards in which to live by.

It can be through prayer or meditation (reflection/contemplation) that we can realize our full potential. The purpose and meaning of our lives, is not a mystery, but does often take that inner journey as a path to “engage” and “enact” ones energy. (thus this is the fusion…inward journey…leads to outward expression of positive energy= “zenergy”.

More on the “Zenergy conversion” when I get back to writing.

If we go fishin’, we can always, “throw it back”. WE should always throw the little one’s back. That is just the right thing to do. WE have been told, “not to sweat the small stuff…and it is all small stuff”.

It is not that I wish to argue, whether or not it is all small stuff…but It is all stuff, that much I get.

I had just posted what I had seen as I opened up my aol account, and it immediately struck a nerve. The posting previous to this was about a massage therapist you was suing over being “sued” or otherwise challenged by a Veterenarian Group…over “rights” and professional privelege to provide massage to horses.

So where is my emotional investment, if you get what I mean by “strike a nerve”. This I must include in my book, as well as the “lesson learned” or not learned as I bolted out on my bike for a “therapeutic ride” that was to release my angst. I had a flat tire about 3 miles out from home, which always means…”footin’ it a ways” and to spare bike shoes, I walked bare-foot most of the way.

So, yes…lots of regret…regret I did not have a spare. Regret I did not have my cell phone. Regret I had no money to flag down a cab to pay for a ride home. I could have tried the old “hitch a ride” method, I was very comfortable with as a teen. I regret I have such pride.

In any event, it is all small stuff….or stuff I can and will get over. The question, when I reflect of “regret” is can I live with the regret, that we do not band together as a society and say…enough is enough. I have had enough exercise for today…have I had enough venting and sharing of my issues (venting) to get past today. (No one knows how HUGE today was). There was the “ride” and walk and reflect and forgive session…lasting longer than anticipated or desired. But can I “reconcile” the basic underlying “ethical nonsense” (I usually thinks bulls*** as a response) It  is time…it is time for the power and  oppressive political “professional ” crap to end.  I  would like to call upon all of you to think of this. DO  YOU  want to be dictated to by professionals whether or not  you can massage yourself, or you cat, dog, ferret or horse.

This veterenarian society is just one group of professionals that are perpetuating turfism and territorialism over Greed, Power and control. Oppression of this kind is a good metaphor for professionals who want to dictate to other what they should do. The “ethical” and Professional issues are perverse, if they (some other profession controls what another profession should be doing.

later on this…I need a shower and a foot rub…what will that cost me?

Smilingly,

Dave