I decided on a whim to break out my copy of The Big Elfquest Gatherum tonight. It’s quite an enjoyable book for someone who enjoys the Elfquest stories as much as I. In one interview included in the tome, Wendy Pini said, “I believed in God, I very much believe in God, but he’s mine; he’s not a god that anybody is putting me into or setting rules down about or telling me how long his beard is or anything like that. I don’t even know if He’s a he or an it or what. But He’s definitely there.” The Elfquest stories are full of a natural kind of spirituality, because they live so much in tune with nature. It was very interesting to read the creators’ thoughts on this, as they have created a beautiful and simplistic mix of beliefs that their characters hold. The entire work is a wonderful expression of life and love.

I delved into the third chapter of The Tao of Inner Peace today. The themes touched upon were embracing mystery (not seeking to reduce everything to a rational formula), intuition, oneness, dynamic balance (the oppisited on yin and yang), cyclical growth (all our lives are collections of cycles large and small) and harmonious action (living with natual patterns in the world and in ourselves). What this book is causing me to be increasingly aware of are the simple aspects of my life, the things which could be changed with ease in order to greater facilitate my growth as a person. Thought on these things has led me to decide on some important, but not outwardly noticable, changes in the way I will approach life. I must create the proper environment to fulfill my creative goals. It will not happen over night, but I must make deliberate steps to ensure it will.

Affirmation
I now know my life is peaceful and harmonious.
I follow the Tao.
I am one with all there is.
I balance the forces of yin and yang.
I flow with the cycles in life.
I honor the energies within and around me.
I respect myself and the process.
I harmonize with nature and all others in my world.
I accept greater peace in my life now.
And so it is.

I also began to read Meditation & Dreamwork, a much thicker volume with a different, but complimentary, approach to personal growth. I stopped short of doing the first meditation in it, as I did not feel that it was a proper time to do so today. I do intend to continue to read further in both books each day, and to space them out to allow me to truly absorb what they are saying. I usually read stories, and I approach that very differently. Stories flow like films for me, and I am carried along with them in a much different way. While they may alter my life, they do so in subconscious and subtle ways, at least initially.

I just read this article, “It’s not just the weather that’s cooler in Canada“, and found it quite amusing. It’s true that Canada is the most free, just and peaceful nation in North America, and we have done many progressive things in recent years. I think we really should have pride in our nation, but to also show others, especially those in the united states, that they too can improve their lives and government. Canada has a long way to go in order to ensure true equality and freedom (we’re not a socialist nation yet!), so now is not the time to rest and recieve acolades. Now is the time to push forward and reenforce the good aspects of our nation, and rid ourselves of those hateful and greedy hold-outs who still plague our society. Not through violence, but through compassion and enlightenment, will we continue to evolve as a nation and as a world.

Delerium’s Chimera album has become an instant favourite of mine. The single “After All”, featuring Jael of Lunik, is one song I can’t help but play over and over. It’s very catchy and a simply enjoyable listen. The entire album is on par with the duo’s other work, though it’s lighter than both the Conjure One album and Delerium’s last effort, Poem. The mixture of female vocalists has a great sense of balance, as each brings their own personality and vision to the songs.

The bonus disc is a nice addition to the package. The unreleased track, “Stopwatch Hearts”, and the remix of “After All” make it an excellent, if short, listen.

I really recommend this disc. I have a feeling it will enchant most of you as it has me.

Album Cover:

I forgot to mention on Wednesday that I ran into some folks from S.C.H.S. while in Truro. At the D.T. Amanda Keen yelled out, “Hey, Jesus!” to the delight of all, and showed me that my parents are still puzzled over my divinity. Amanda Nelson spotted me in the Zellers and Nick waved to me while walking past in his sleeveless shirt. Amanda Keen had followed me from the D.T. and said hey again at the mall.

In a side note, apparantly my friend Bryce’s little brother looked around my site and signed the guestbook.

One week from today I will be back in my city-cave. I’m looking forward to that very much, and surprisingly to the challenges it will present. You will be hearing audio journal entries when I do go back to the city, as I have signed up for VoiceMonkey Plus, a great voice journalling service. While they have taken the toll-free number down, I do believe I wish to use the service. 20 minutes of airtime each month isn’t much to ask for the ablility to update this at any time, from anywhere I wish.

Today I’ve further prepared for the move back to Halifax. I’ve packed some more things, sorted clothes, packed some necessities, and readied the last items for their dismemberment. My stereo will, of course, be the last thing to be pack other than my computer.

Tao people aren’t haunted by ghosts of the past or phantoms of the future. They accept the gift of today and make the best use of it

I read the third chapter of The Tao of Inner Peace during several intervals during the day. It’s a book that must be read over a measured time, for the steps involved in the growth are not to be rushed. The 292 pages could be read in a day quite easily, but will prove more beneficial if meditated upon over many days.

Today’s reading touched on seeing clearly, self-acceptance, detachment (finding greater compassion through distancing from minor concerns and commotion), doing rather than trying, thinking independently, expanding self, faith, living in the here and now, and laughter. It was a longer chapter than the first, and certainly held much wisdom. What I have gained from it most is an energized sense of determination to do the things I wish to do in balance with my beliefs. While I long to help others, my own growth must become a focus and give me greater power to change the world as I change myself.

Affirmation

I now know my life is peaceful and harmonious.

I manifest greater Te in my life.

I live with joy and commitment.

I accept myself and others.

I express myself openly and honestly.

I reach out in loving service.

I do not try; I do.

I respect myself and the process.

I harmonize with nature and everyone in my world.

I accept greater peace in my life now.

And so it is.

1. What is the earliest crush you can remember having? Who was it? How old were you? And what did you do about it? The first I can remember having was actually a dual crush that I had on two best friends, Kira and Becky. It was in around 5th and 6th grade, I believe, so I was around 10 or 11. The next I can remember was again a dual crush on two friends, Alica and Jenna through all of junior high. That’s a rather interesting correlation.

2. What celebrity did you obsess over as a teenager? How did your tastes change, if at all, during your teenage years? I think I had a crush on Lisa Loeb for a while. During my teenage years my tastes changed some. I was usually attracted to people who were simply good people.

3. What kind of crushes (i.e., real people vs celebrities) do you have now? Are they fleeting or long-lasting? How? I can’t say that I have a crush now, for I am deeply in love with Ashley.

4. What would you do now if you were face to face with your #1 crush from childhood or teenage years? I would likely just talk to them and find out what their lives are like now, perhaps try to keep in touch, because they were all decent people from what I can remember.

5. Who is your #1 crush today? Why? Ashley, of course, because I’m fully in love with her, and she has helped to make my life far better.

#69 – #1 Crush

Ashley called me at 6 and we talked for an hour. It was extremely pleasant to hear her voice again and to talk about various things. I miss her greatly and I am looking forward to the prospect of her visiting me in October with excitement and anticipation.

I just finished reading the first chapter of The Tao of Inner Peace. It touched on numerous interesting points, including self-assessment, resolving conflict, avoiding false dilema and flexibility. While these themes may seem simple, meditating on them can prove very beneficial.

The breathing exercise in this chapter was especially relevent because of conversations I’ve had with Alisha about her personal experience with a breathing activity, which was quite profound for her. This particular exercise was a notably calming and clairifying experience. It focused on dealing with conflict and should prove valuable for me in the future when I am faced with it.

“Wise people seek solutions; the ignorant only cast blame” Tao Te Ching 79

Affirmation
I now know my life is peaceful and harmonious.
I see the larger patterns within and around me.
I open up to new insights.
I affirm the strength of bamboo. (refering to its flexibility)
I am an evolving soul.
I live in Peace.
I respect myself and the process.
I harmonize with nature and all others in the world.
I accept greater peace in my life now.
And it is so.

Work followed the usual script for the most part. The only unique part was that I had to accompany Elenore to the explosives magazine. I had never been to it and it was rather interesting to see how the blasting tools are stored in such a secluded and secretive place. For those of you who don’t know, I work for a drilling and blasting company, for at least a few more days.

Now I’ll be starting to read The Tao of Inner Peace and listening to Audioslave. From the book’s back cover: “A simple and comprehensive vision of personal and planetary peace… Dreher’s examples work as meditations as well as road maps.” – Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Why did the ancients cherish the Tao?
Because through it
We may find a world of peace
Leaving behind a world of cares,
And hold the greatest treasure under heaven”

Having just finished the introduction, I can tell already that this will be both a very practical and quite informative book on Tao Te Ching. Each of the five sections of the book are broken down into smaller parts and include meditative questions and ways to affirm the concepts for oneself, rather than beliving blindly and staticly.

I’m sure many of you do not know the meaning of the word Tao. It mean, in fact, “the way”, both a path and a principle of order. It has been translated as the single underlying principal of all things, nature, truth and creation, and is also the source of life. The Chinese character means to walk the path of wisdom.

“Nail in my hand, from my creator, you gave me life, now show me how to live”

“Show Me How To Live”, to be honest, is the song that prompted me to buy the Audioslave album. Each of the songs has well written lyrics, but there’s something about the song, be it the lyrics or the entire sound, that really captivates me. Perhaps it is the theme of rebirth, which has been a very strong one in my life lately.

I’m going forward with my summer evolution and not letting it end. Eternal and constant evolution and the growth of compassion must become my paths. Stagnation is no longer an option.

Those who sleep in the fire must live in the sea.

I’m absolutely loving the new CD’s I got today. They are all amazing albums. This was certainly one of the best batches of music I have ever aquired.

I’m much more impressed by Audioslave than I expected, somehow. I did enjoy RAtM and Sound Garden, but this new music is even more to my liking. Though it lacks the strong political message of RAtM, there is still a great strength to it.

The Trews album really captured a lot of their live energy, and all the songs I remembered from the many times I’ve seen them live translated extremely well. This is definitely going to break this band to the masses. Mark my words, this band will be huge in a few years.

The Delerium album is much in the same vein as their earlier albums and the Conjure One project. It has some songs with vocals that just pierce you instantly… I really must gather up copies of their previous works soon. This is beautiful and calming music that I feel I will be listening to quite often in the coming Fall.

I’ve spent much of my night talking with Ashley and Alisha. Alisha and I have been talking for hours about various things, especially our respective spirituality and pasts. She has suggested some activities that I will attempt soon. One includes a dialog between my “now self” and “then self” (I’m using those terms, because I think I will be holding conversations with MEs from different eras).

I’ll read the last pages of Year’s Best Fantasy and then sleep.

[Music: Audioslave - Like A Stone]

Today was my day to experience the metropolis of Truro, in all its monotone glory.

The first activity once we reached the town was for me to miss getting my license by one point. It’s no great loss, for once I’m in the city I will both be near a place where I can retake the test at my convenience, and in an area where a car is not at all needed (or even wanted, honestly).

Next we stopped at the mall. There I bought three CD’s and a book. Audioslave’s self-titled debut, The Trews’ House of Ill Fame and Delerium’s Chimera (with bonus disc featuring videos and songs) were the audio portions of my purchase, and Diane Dreher’s The Tao of Inner Peace was my words-and-paper piece.

After some hours around that area I went for a walk in the Truro Cemetery. There I phoned in an audio journal entry (which I may share with some or all of you).

Next I called up my wonderful pretty haired inspired disciple, Alisha. We talked for a while as I walked around the paths between the graves, attempting to keep cool and clear of the too-hot sun, in the shade of the trees. It was very nice to be able to talk with Alisha again.

While we were talking my father saught me out and told me the rest of my family was ready to depart. Thus, I had to cut short my talk with Alisha and return to the car.

My mother and sister went to the “hound of capitalism” while my father dropped me off at a used book store. I looked around a good while before finding the book I would eventually purchase. Meditation & Dreamwork was the title of said bound leaves, and the author Tara Ward.

I then went to the spot where my father said he would be meeting me. During the half hour between when he said he would arrive and when he actually did I paced around the block in the heat, drank some vanilla cola, bought some envelopes and concluded that it is a concrete fact that silver and grey are colours which have become used far too often for automobiles.

Once my father finally arrived we gathered up my sibling and other parent and we went to eat and buy food which we will eat in the coming days.

We returned home, and here am I.

Anyone who knows the inner workings of my sleep, and those are few, know that I have remembered only a very few dreams in my life. Why then would I purchase a book on meditation and dreams?

Dreams facinate me, perhaps because I have had less than most. I feel that perhaps I sould take a proactive step in reclaiming them for myself, and in doing so push forward toward enlightenment of not only myself, but others.

“Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream…”

[Music: Audioslave - Show Me How To Live]

Yes, it was another day of work. It did include the saving of a family of moles, cutting my finger on the straw end of a broom and having the garage door break due to the wood eating habbits of squirrels, but that’s not very exciting, or worthy of writing about when I’m very tired.

I have most of the programs that I can download now on my external hard drive. That will make it easier to put everything on here once I reinstall XP.

Tomorrow I’ll be working and then studying the driver’s handbook in preparation for my test on Wednesday. That will hopefully go well. Wish me luck.

Sleep.