Bear's Blog
Power and force have similar traditional definitions but are not the same. Force is partial, power is whole. It’s a basic law of physics that force will always succumb to power; force creates a counter-force so it's automatically limited. Force is a movement, going from here to there. Power is still, a standing field that doesn't move. Force moves against something, power doesn't need to move against anything! How can we use these principles to navigate the current (U.S.) political situation?
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Babies are the epitome of innocence, untainted by the world, pure - like the meme of the 3 wise monkeys would suggest. In the Buddhist tradition “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” is about avoiding evil thoughts and deeds. It’s also been interpreted as choosing to ignore indecent or dishonest behavior. Either way the ultimate meaning is about mature people taking responsibility for how they think and act. Today it can be hard to discern what is true, right or good in a given situation....
Understanding the Energy Signatures of the presidential candidates gives us an opportunity to reflect on how the dynamics of their energy types explain their behavior. There are “2 sides of the coin” to each energy type. The gifts and the challenges are at the far ends of a spectrum. The more you work through your challenges (cons), the more you will exhibit the “gifts” (pros) side of the equation. A defensive pattern – how you react when in conflict – is a challenge.
Donald Trump - Warrior-L...
Energy flows - more or less. So does water, and they move in similar ways. Contemplating our current state of affairs, iit's clear  money does too. When they flow freely, all are sustained; people are provided with a living wage, society thrives, and the earth is nourished in a reciprocal give and take. When the flow gets hindered or blocked problems arise. Systems become depleted when resources are not freely circulating. We can see the effects of this in all those areas.
Without enough food...
Symbols are powerful things. They are shorthand for what we believe in, and people have died for them - and what they symbolize - throughout history. National flags reflect those identities and values, and flags can also represent other self-defined groups. During Pride Month we see lots of flags in celebration of that community! Just recently the Democratic Party “reclaimed” the flag because it had become appropriated by Republicans as the symbol of their party - not the country as a whole.
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I was going to do a series of relaxing, feel-good blogs for the summer, but the political sturm and drang have been disquieting. I’d still like to offer a break from all the drama! I invite you to dive into a few entertaining movies that illustrate other volatile moments in our body politic. All are fictional movies of actual events, and they give me perspective and hope at this particular time in American history. Maybe you think it’s never been this crazy, but take a look and see that it's n...
There are two poles of human emotion - love and fear. Every other emotion is an iteration of those basic ones. Out of fear arises anger and its expression, violence; also greed, revenge, exploitation, and entitlement. Fear of survival is a basic instinct driving those impulses. We also have an instinct to love. To bond with another (as an infant does), to cooperate with others, to learn and grow and care. Those also contribute to our survival. We are hormonally hard-wired to seek connection.
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This week we celebrate the birth of the United States of America. At the Constitutional Convention, Ben Franklin said “when you assemble a number of men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble… all their prejudices, passions, errors of opinion, local interests and selfish views.” Afterwards when asked about the outcome, he said “It’s a republic, if you can keep it.” The United States is a democratic (majority rule) republic (a representative form of government.)
T...
When writing about current events, I avoid calling out particulars to focus on the bigger energetic dynamics in play. Not so in my last blog. I noted the similarities between the wave of anti-war student protests in the 60’s and now; I also emphasized the power of nonviolence, and that violence begets more violence. I’ve gotten many responses with a variety of positions on the Mideast war. In reply, I’d like to consider the ways we hold our own beliefs and relate to others with different views...
There is an explosion of campus protests across the country (and spreading around the world). Young people are standing up to advocate for the Palestinian people. Early on this support was ascribed to endorsing Hamas, but I haven’t seen indications of anyone promoting terrorism! Why am I writing about such a hot-button issue now? I am reminded of the Vietnam War protests of the late 60s and early 70’s. It’s an indication that “the times they are a-changing” - in more ways than we can imagine.
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“My life is my message.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Our greatest heroes are those who affected the rest of humanity through their example - without violence. Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. are a few. Now Alexei Navalny will forever stand among those who made great sacrifices for the cause of freedom. Freedom from oppression; freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. All deserve equal treatment, respect and consideration. These beliefs are the hallmark of an evolved soci...
Energy flows - more or less. So does water, and they move in similar ways. In contemplating our current state of affairs lately, I think money does too! When they flow freely, all are realizing their full potential; people are supported, society thrives and the earth is nourished in a reciprocal give and take.
When the flow gets hindered or blocked, problems arise. Systems become depleted when resources are not freely circulating. We can see the effects of this in all those areas.
Without enough food, water and energeti...
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