How Faith Forms

I received a useful comment on the Orb post from my friend Marlene Hielema.  She stated that the orb appearing in my last post was light refraction, which professional photographers try to avoid.  It occurs when you point the camera at the sun.  Well, I know about that of course, and rarely point the camera at the sun for those reasons, but this time I didn’t think about it because of the cover from trees.  However, her comment did make me look at the photograph more closely.  She hated to burst my bubble (she is my friend more than my photographer), because I had attributed such comforting meaning to the orb.

However, my reaction prompted me to reflect on how faith forms.  In the absence of scientific explanation, or rational analysis, one attributes the cause of experience to a supernatural force.  This type of magical thinking leads rise to many erroneous beliefs.  It’s particularly relevant if one is in an emotional crisis, because magical thinking can help one feel less alone.  You will hold onto anything, and if it’s not scientific you’ll disregard the science and opt for magical thinking because of the comfort it provides.  That thought excuses us from having to delve deeper into how the world works.  The experience is not as important as the meaning one attributes to it.  If the meaning has an emotional connection, the experience and meaning is remembered and becomes a building block of character.  As long as the meaning we attribute does not support us harming another living being or upsetting nature’s harmony, it’s fine.  However, if our meaning allows or tells us to hurt another living creature, then it’s not fine. 

To follow this line of reasoning, perhaps my interpretation of “you’re in the wrong place at the wong time” to insects in my home is simply rationalization which allows me to step on them.  I deal with my discomfort in killing insects in the house by saying “Evolve” to them.  That’s magical thinking of an after-life and future incarnations — totally unproven scientifically, despite centuries of commonly accepted faith.  It then justifies my actions in being the “great deliverer” or “murderer”.  It’s also about boundaries with insects and my comfort at having them share my space.  What are my priorities?

Did Marlene push my boundaries in challenging my intepretations?  Well, she took a risk in telling me her truth.  I replied to her email saying “It could be an intelligent being” and perhaps both are possible.  Because I was shooting toward the sun the orb could be just light reflection.  But why does sunlight act that way?  In Roger Joyeux’s book The Story of Light” he describes light as energy (orbs are focused energy) whether from the sun or elsewhere.  Since light is part of All That Is and so are we, why couldn’t the light appearing in photographs be light just acting as light?  Perhaps it is saying “Pay attention to me!  There’s more here than you are aware of. Look up!  Look around!  Expand your awareness.  I’m coming in whether you want me to or not.  I’m here too.”  Light is light.  It has its own power. 

 Check out Roger’s book for a deep explanation of how light works.  It sold particularly well to customers with a scientific bent at the recent BodySoulSpirit Expo.  Also read “The Orb Project” by Ledwith & Heinemann.

If Marlene rightly explained the science I can accept it and say thank you, and not argue with her or defend my earlier interpretation.  But to the orb in the photograph I can also say ‘Thank you” for being there and for giving me assurance at a time when I needed it.  My mind can interpret phenomena as I see fit.  It’s my choice.  Just “Do No Harm”.

An Orb at Karst Springs Trail

orb

This orb appeared in a photo taken along Karst Springs trail. 

 

      Karst Springs is my favourite of all hikes in Kananaskis Country (west of Calgary, AB) .  I met other members of  the West Winds Outdoor Club at 8:00 a.m. last Wednesday, and we drove 2 hours to arrive at the trailhead.  The  beautiful drive included a magnificent mountain highway, on which we saw a healthy young black bear lumber across in front of us.  This first bear sighting of the summer reminded us to stick together on the trail.  

      After we turned onto the gravel Smith-Dorien road, we spewed dust behind us, and slowed when we saw a couple on a tandem bike ahead.  They were definitely doing the climb the hard way!  A young moose lowered its head as we drove past,  then on the return home we saw six young mountain goats.  They scampered up a vertical cliff with sure feet and solid drive.

      Despite the beauty of the drive, the best part was the hiking.  After parking at the Trailhead, some distance past Engadine Lodge, we hiked for almost two hours on a wide forest trail.  The trail is used by cross-country skiers during the winter months, so we easily walked 2-3 abreast, getting to know each other and appreciating the beauty around us. 

 

When we reached Watridge Lake we had lunch, marvelling at the clear water in the lake.  

The trail to Karst Springs lay at the eastern end of the lake.  Two of us had hiked there before.  Desite the other hiker’s  reluctance at the steepness of the hike, I urged the rest on, for I knew what lay ahead.

We crossed the marsh on a boardwalk, then started to climb.  As we walked higher the stream beside us increased in sound and volume.  Moss-covered rocks sit in the stream, and many logs and tree trunks span it.  None were inviting enough to cross to the other side, however.  We took many pictures.  One fellow insisted his wife take his photo with him riskily balanced on a log.  I took a photo of his wife taking the photo, and there is an orb in this one too.  It’s not as clear as the first photo (top) , but if you look carefully, there it is.

The biggest surprise lies at the top of the trail.  The stream, which pulses and rushes to the marsh below, starts from a spring that pours from the side of the mountain.  The water is calm, so the well must be deep.  Then it spills onto the stream course and plunges down over rock and logs.  Here’s the sign that explains the geological formation:

 And here is the spring itself:

The first time I was here, about 20 years ago, I was in awe.  I felt I was touching the Source.  I stayed longer than my hiking mates thought appropriate.   I was deeply moved, then as now.

So what does it mean that two of my photos have orbs?  Well, having read the Orb Project, by Micael Ledwith and Klaus Heinemann, I am convinced, like them, that the orb indicates the presence of an intelligence that simply says “I’m here too.”  It is benign.  It blessed me, and my hiking buddies.  The orb tells me that I am part of a mystery, which is dynamic pulsing energy. 

No matter what happens in the coming weeks and months, the presence of the orb will sustain me, and all around me.  May you find peace and joy in the coming days, and live in the light and love of divine energy.

This may be my last entry for a time, so if you visit again, just re-read this.  I’ll be back in Calgary in November.

Sharon

 

 

Along the trail to Watridge Lake

 

Watridge Lake

Calgary Authors Make Waves at BodySoulSpirit Expo

For the second time at the BodySoulSpirit Expo a group of Calgary authors are making waves of a different order.  These self-published authors present their books on spiritual themes as a collective called Growing Past the Edge. Their sign reads ‘ For those who question what they’ve been taught, these books will challenge conventional thought.’  These authors collaborate on marketing, and since collaboration is one wave of the 21st century, they are on the leading edge. 

Themes of the beyond abound in their books, which are:

The Story of Light by Roger Joyeux

Awaken! by Helena Kalivoda

Life’s Song: a novel pased on the Law of Attraction by Jeane Watier

Transformation: Using the Law of Attraction to Transform Your Life by Brenda Mason

Sometimes I Fly: Poetry of the Heart and Soul by Fred Elford

Your Invisible Bodies: a reference for children and adults about human energy fields by Sharon Montgomery

Your Feeling Soul by Mark Omeara

The genres include fiction, non-fiction, prayers, poetry, and a children’s book, with at least two claiming to be channelled from angelic entities.   All have been divinely inspired.  This is another wave of the 21st century, for these authors have put their money where their beliefs ride.  Sometimes intensely personal and at other times abstract and theoretical, these books bare the authors’ souls and experiences to readers and sceptics alike.  Baring  souls is a part of society’s growing reach toward Spirit (or whatever IT is). 

The third wave of this century is being available and findable on-line.  To that end these authors set up www.calgaryauthors.com which links to their separate websites and previews their books.  Just as important, this weekend Calgarians and other visitors to the Calgary BodySoulSpirit Expo at Stampede Park have the opportunity to engage in conversations with the authors.  Come to the Growing Past the Edge booth September 18-20.  Look at the books and ask questions.  This is a chance to share the journey!

Raging Grannies Parade Marshalls for Pride Parade

Calgary Pride Parade Sept. 6, 2009

What a great day! Calgary Raging Grannies were delighted to be this year’s parade marshalls for the Calgary Pride Parade.  Perfect weather, disco music, three cars to carry us down 8th Avenue to Olympic Plaza, lots of colour, tons of pride… what more could you ask for?  After a few speeches at the Plaza we sang 3 songs: our Jazzy Intro, Treat Us the Same, and Going to the Chapel.  People were wonderful with their applause, and we had a blast!  We are honored to be part of the parade.  Here we are left to right: Lynn, Susan, Sandy, Randie, Linda, Penny, Sharon, Donna, Marina, OJ.  A few of us rode in the cars and four of us strutted behind the lead car, where Penny sat in the hatchback space.  Disco music played from the boom box of the lead car, so the beat helped us dance down the street.  Randie stood up through the sun roof of the second car.  Randie and Sandy twirled rainbow umbrellas, all of us waved our signs and twirled them so the slogans on both sides could be read.  We received lots of cheers and waves along the way.  A very happy day.  We’ve come a long way from the gay rights action of the 70s!

Getting a Professional Photo

      After many years of cropping and clipping my informal photos, I decided to have a professional one taken for the second printing of Your Invisible Bodies.  I chose my friend and colleague Marlene Hielema, for she was so helpful to me in setting up this blog/website that I trusted her totally.  Quite a process!  I had no idea she would take so many shots, and take such pains to ensure good quality.  Because I know her personally, I shared a few thoughts prior to the photo shoot, then discovered tears welling up, and overwhelming sadness.  I knew I was grieving for my friend Kate Beattie, who was killed in a car accident a few years ago.  I just hadn’t grieved for her properly before.  An encounter the previous day had triggered memories and thoughts, and I awoke with tears in my heart.  Not a good state to be in when you want a photograph taken!

   So I repaired my mascara as best I could, then we took pictures.  The results are pretty good, don’t you think? Even though most of the 40 poses were similar, Marlene captured little differences in my expressions that determined this choice.  I thought longingly about an almost identical look that said “Let’s Party!” then chose the one displayed.  For the purposes of selling myself as an author of children’s spiritual books, this one says it better.  However, I was  surprised at how one’s eyes can convey different messages only seconds apart.  Marlene captured those changes.  I’ll let you figure out what this photo says.

Need a professional photograph taken?  Go to Marlene’s website, www.imagemaven.com.

Photo by Marlene, the imagemaven.

Fierce Light: Where Spirit Meets Action – review

It’s been a month since I saw Velcrow Ripper’s documentary film ‘Fierce Light: Where Spirit Meets Action’.  Arusha here in Calgary sponsored a workshop following the film’s opening at the Plaza Theatre.  I attended the Sunday afternoon workshop with about 30 other activists.  I expected to meet a younger, more bizarre-looking man given the name, but Velcrow was middle-aged (do I dare say that?), bald and mellow.  Maybe he shaves his head; I wasn’t close enough to him to tell.  However, my 70-year-old skeptical outlook melted as he spoke, and I soon felt privileged to be in attendance.  It wasn’t just because of Velcrow, although his meditations were wonderful.  It was also because of the diverse people in attendance.  As well as discussion, Velcrow directed three exercises for 2 or 4 people. 

 The film itself is wonderful; if it comes to a theatre near you, GO.   Check out www.fiercelight.org to find out more about it.  The premise of the film is that effective activism springs from a spiritual source, which provides us with the strength to persevere even when the odds are formidable.  Without a spiritual base we suffer disillusionment and burnout, lacking the resources that could lead to success.  In the film are interviews with several spiritual leaders around the world, interspersed with interviews and progress about an inner city garden  threatened with demolition for the development of commercial buildings.  The people who tended the garden were inspiring; indeed, the whole film is  inspiring.

Our spirituality is the most intimate part of ourselves.  It is what keeps us going, what energizes us.  It is a never-ending  journey to  know one’s own spiritual centre.  What makes it easier  is a community of others  also discovering and living their own journey.  Everyone has their own purpose and their own fierce dream.  Interestingly, the spontaneous groupings demonstrated synchronicity  at work.  Our issues and dreams led us to find complementary listeners.  Thus, Spirit met Action within the workshop, easily and naturally.  Thank you, Velcrow.  May many blessings follow.

Gracious Birthday Party Host

Dillan's Sixth Birthday

 

At Dillan’s sixth birthday party, four  generations of friends and family gathered to help him celebrate.  We were outdoors, wearing summer clothes at last.  The 11 kids ranged in age from 3 to 10, and they amazed us by all playing cooperatively together.  Of course, they had a wide choice of activities:  a play castle, a rocking teeter-totter, a playground set with swings, monkey bars, and gliders, a small swimming pool filled with 8″ of water, water balloons that were to be aimed at a target on the fence, and lots of grass for rolling, running and jumping.  After they had worn themselves out with activity, they sat in a circle to give Dillan their presents.  We were awed to see them wait politely while he opened each present.  He held  up each gift, opened it (with a little help from younger brother Justin), smiled, and thanked the giver.  After, when the circled had dispersed, Dillan went to each friend, gave them a hug and thanked them again for the  present.   That was not coached by either parent, at least not at the time.  I knew that neither of my children ever showed the awareness to thank each friend a second time for gifts.  Where did Dillan get his confidence?  His manners?  Obviously, good training from his parents.  Thanks to them, here’s one little boy who is mature, loving and gracious beyond his years.

My Gazing Ball Inside Out

Many years ago, while in a garden shop back east, I bought a large purple gazing ball.  I was so enchanted by its scope, colour and reflection I could hardly wait to get it home to my back yard.  However, once back in Calgary I realized that our frequent hailstorms would shatter the glass ball.  Instead of displaying it under the small tree in the back yard I put it in my front porch.  There it stood at the window for years, inviting gazes and questions.  When I learned it was also referred to as a ‘Witches Ball’ I felt even better about owning it. It drew both attention and reflection.

 Last month I decided the Schubert Cherry tree was tall enough to protect the ball during thunderstorms. A younger stronger friend assisted me in moving the concrete base to which the ball was glued.  We placed it carefully under the tree.  Over the next few days I often looked at its reflection, particularly when I was doing Tai Chi. It felt so good to finally have it in its rightful place.  

The first time I cut the grass near the gazing ball, I passed behind it carefully, noting its position.  I pulled the mower back and swung it around to do the other side.  WHACK! The handle hit the ball. After twelve years of pristine reflection in my front porch, there lay half the ball shattered on the grass, leaving a jagged semi-sphere glued to the base.  I almost cried.  What could be done?  Nothing. 

I felt like crying, but that wouldn’t help.  So I shrugged, picked up the gleaming purple shards and discs of glass, and thought about how I could have prevented shattering it.  More care and attention of course.  Greater thought about how to move the mower and my body with greater awareness of space and time.  Pretty basic lesson for me.  The lack of present awareness of the here and now tends to be a frequent contributor to my errors. I tested the half sphere, finding it still securely held in place. 

 For the first time I could see the inside of the gazing ball.  A gold-tinged silver orb reflected the world to me.   Except the reflection was upside down.  My  little house hung from a green ceiling and clouds floated below it.  My grade school lessons of the eye receiving upside-down images came to mind.   The eye needs the optic nerve to send the image to the brain to turn it right side up.

The half sphere was still beautiful.  Light played inside, gleams and glints darting in all directions.  What else can I learn from this?

. that the inside can be as beautiful as the outside.

. that inner reflection needs to be checked with a mind that restores conventional reality

 So I’m keeping my broken gazing ball on display under the cherry tree.  It reminds me of truths to honor.

 

A Committed Dialogue

How marriages can last

They face each other, relaxed and interested. She is talking in response to his latest statement. He is listening, but he will respond when she has finished talking. They respect each other. They are present to each other. They ignore those around them and focus instead on the topic between them. They are comfortable with each other. They trust each other to listen. They trust each other to stay present, and know neither will get up and walk away. They will continue to the end of this topic. How will it end? Perhaps in agreement. Perhaps in laughter. Perhaps in acceptance of two different viewpoints, and it will be okay. They’ve done this before. They will do it again. What matters is neither topic nor outcome. What matters is the process of communicating: talking, listening, sharing, each telling his or her own story. This is what uncondititional love looks like. This is how marriages can last.

‘Your Invisible Bodies’ update – a 12-year-old’s insight

I have finally emailed the last revisions to the text of Your Invisible Bodies, in preparation for the second printing.  The good news is that my meeting with Lexus Bird today was fun and affirming for both of us. Lexus was in last year’s group that field tested the first run of the book, and she agreed to read the second version.  We finally found a Sunday that worked for both of us: no soccer or swimming for her, and I was in town and at church.  She said many good things, agreeing to a short endorsement that will be on the back cover of the new print run.  Part of her letter reads “I really liked p.4 because most kids my age are eating out of vending mahines and not taking care of hygiene so I will recommend it to my friends… I really liked that you had egsamples (sic) on/in the book it helped me a lot.”  In response to the page which has a colour photograph of my aura, Lexus said “REALLY GREAT!!!!! I loved the picture on this it is absolutely great!!!!”  and she ends with “Anyone who reads it will learn a lot” …. “Love, Lexy”. 

I am really grateful to her, and for the opportunity to hear her opinions.  She also was astute in telling me something I missed on p. 18, about the inner voice that tells us we’re stupid or not good enough.  She said to add : “You ARE special and don’t always listen to that voice because it can be wrong.”  So I did add that today.  She also pointed out that the Q&As in the FAQ section are confusing and need to be shown more clearly.  A formatting change should help that.  She liked that there were several examples.  I liked her enthusiasm.  I gave her a copy of Gwen, Carolyn Pogue’s new book, as a thankyou gift.  I enjoyed reading Gwen very much, and the audience was perfect for Lexus.  Life is very good.  I’m thrilled to have completed these revisions to my satisfaction now.  I’m taking my time on this printing.  The first run was okay, but this one will be much much better.  It is all in the hands of Lisa Arsenault, my graphic designer.  Well, it’s also in the hands of Spirit, or God, or whatever you call it.  It has been in those hands since its inception, two years ago.  Now I can relax and play more.