Author: Tunnel Vision 8

Refuge in the 3 Jewels (Buddhism)

/ Tunnel Vision 8

Gina at a Buddhist temple in Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand (Feb. 2023).

Refuge in the 3 Jewels:

  • Buddham Saranam Gacchami – I take refuge in the Buddha.
  • Dhammam Saranam Gacchami – I take refuge in the Dhamma.
  • Sangham Saranam Gacchami – I take refuge in the Sangha.

Quotes by Sharon Salzberg (from her book, “Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience”):

I TAKE REFUGE IN THE BUDDHA.

For devotional Buddhists, the Buddha is a refuge because they perceive him as a living energy, capable of providing loving shelter.

The word Buddha (Pali language) means one who has completely awakened from ignorance, one who has fulfilled his or her vast potential for wisdom and compassion.

A human being with human capacities. He asked the kind of questions any of us might ask about the nature of our existence: Born into a human body, vulnerable and helpless. To grow old, get sick and die. To have a human mind that can careen thru anger, joy, lust, pride in the space of a morning? Is there a quality of freedom and happiness that won’t disappear as the conditions of our lives change? It is taught that the Buddha discovered answers not through revelation from a supreme being, but through the power of awareness that is inherent in all of us. For some he is refuge by virtue of this inspiration.

I TAKE REFUGE IN THE DHAMMA.

Taking refuge in the dharma, we are taking refuge in a vision of life that extends beyond our usual, limited sense of who we are and what we are capable of.

The more clearly we see the dharma, the way things are, the more clearly we see the inevitability of impermanence.

I TAKE REFUGE IN THE SANGHA.

The community of those who, throughout history, have sought freedom from suffering and have come to a real and personal awareness of that freedom.

I began to understand that those who are committed to realizing the truth can animate potential within us that might otherwise lie dormant. Taking refuge in the sangha, I could feel the force of life itself.

The voice of the sangha was reminding me that I was not traveling alone.

(For more information on Buddhism: triplegem.org)

Tango with Technology (Poem)

/ Tunnel Vision 8 
Tango with Technology 
Swimming to God
Behind the Shaman's Curtain 
By Gina M. Gafford
Open Mic (Poetry Reading)
Chanhassen Farmer’s Market
City Center Park Plaza
7700 Market Blvd., Chanhassen, Minnesota
September 28, 2024, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.


Tango with Technology
You offered your hand with a gentleman’s grin.
Without hesitation, I put my hand into yours. 

The smell of sandalwood enveloped me.

You said, “Let’s dance.”
I stepped into the unknown to the known.
Temptation was at every turn.

As I twirled, the lights flashed into my eyes.
I was memorized.
I’m addicted to the rhythm of the music.
My brain is full of you.

You whispered, “Follow me.”
I danced until my head spun.
Until it was no longer fun. 

Finding my balance – I let go.
The delusions disappeared.
I no longer danced on glass.
I walked away - seeking a new a paradise.

Swimming to God
I am swimming to God. I see the bright sun in front of me. The rays make their way to my heart. I am swimming to God. My love for God is in my veins, the pathways out from my center. I am swimming to God. I feel light and cool, my body forming with the waves. “I am here, God,” I say in a whisper. "I make my way to you."

Behind the Shaman’s Curtain 
Close your magical eyes. 
Connect with dreamtime ties. 
Use your vast imagination. 
Stop life’s stagnation.

Go behind the Shaman’s curtain. 
Seeing the truth is certain. 
A new reality awaits. 
Do you have what it takes? 

Be strong and brave. 
Meet your guide in a cave. 
See the vision. 
Make it a mission. 

Go behind the Shaman’s curtain. 
Your life is not certain. 
Open your “I.” 
Because soon you’ll see why.


Entanglement

/ Tunnel Vision 8

We must heal our minds – Bhante Sathi (triplegem.org)

As I become more wise, I see the physical world wants my attention (and takes me away from working on my Self). It is so easy to become distracted and entangled in earthly matters. I must decide where to put my time and energy. Therefore, there are several questions I must ask myself:

  1. What will help me grow towards love and light?
  2. How can I use my energy and presence to help people?
  3. What is worthy of my time?
  4. What is the path of wisdom and self-knowledge?

As a yogi, I must focus on the chakras. Yoga is a noble path. Yoga and meditation keep me clear in my head and calm in my heart. It is the right path for me. I must stay on this path. I need to increase my practice, especially if I am struggling in any way.

The Internet and all computer devices are not the path to wisdom. They are entanglements to the human – something that distracts us from love and light. The dosage matters – small amounts of conscious, wise interaction are okay. Be aware of the addiction and algorithms that keep us enslaved to cell phones.

We are at a crossroads with technology. Some technology is beneficial, but the computer (mainly the cell phone) is damaging humans. Do we want to be entangled with technology?

I am sending a severe warning to all humans. Do not get entangled with a cell phone or any computer device. They are traps to the human mind.

I propose that we use cell phones minimally. Do not allow yourself to be entangled for hours on any device. The computer plays with the ego, and this is not healthy.

We need to bring ourselves back to silence and deep meditation (do not use a cell phone or any device for audio or video meditation). Meditation must be in a distraction-free environment.

As a yogi, I light a candle and burn some incense. I practice gratitude, mantras, yoga, and meditation every morning. In the evening, I recite mantras and meditate before I go to sleep. The mind must be clear (not filled with online garbage).

Become a clear vessel.

We each have a choice – we can set ourselves free or become entangled with technology. What is the path to wisdom and self-knowledge?

Namaste.

Reflections by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz – Part 2 (2/2)

/ Tunnel Vision 8

Heart-centered – Pen drawing by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz

Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz is my friend and mentor. I have known her for 30 years. She is a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, and she has devoted her life to teaching and providing spiritual counseling. Sister Lucy was born on November 16, 1936 and she died on March 28, 2022.

Here are some reflections by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz (from her journals):

Dreams (2003)
Hold fast and move toward your dream - help others to apply their wisdom to their lives. I believe
every human being has the potential to be their own leader, teacher, visionary, and healer.

Spiritual Spa (Aug. 2003)
Every moment realizing that the wonderment growing inside me is the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

The Dynamic Life (Aug. 2003)
Resource your body's vitality and learn to sustain it.
Learn to bring the benefits of meditation into your daily life.
Learn to listen in a whole new way to self and others.
Revisit your values and purpose.
Write a livable plan for your personal and professional goals.
Develop relationships with women who will support you.

O' Great Spirit - (Aug. 2003)
Gratitude (Aug. 16, 2003)
Good morning, everyone and every sentient being! What a great over-sized day it is - soft air, moist air, and needed rain. Mother Earth is thirsting for rainfall to seed her wounded places, crops, and ground.

Key Mission Purpose (Sept. 2003)
I received profound guidance from an inner source that I call "the God/dess within and from above." I think and feel the experience that my purpose on the planet, in this body, is to turn other's direction within to find their own sources of inner guidance. Helping people to be strong within themselves.

My Earth Walk (Oct. 15, 2003)
I felt I stood between
Heaven and Earth
I pondered the moon waning
above my head
I reflected the sun rising
behind my body
I saw balance around me
Oh! What a great feeling 
as if I was moving and 
yet standing still
Thank great Mother Earth for
your gift of great lights
that give energy to 
continue our journey

Samhain (Nov. 3, 2003)
I see and experience Mother Earth rends her bright garments in mourning for the Summer King and life retreats into the underworld. It is our fitting custom to mourn together all we have lost in the past year and to speak to our Beloved Dead when the veil between worlds is the thinnest. 

My Heart (Sept. 21, 2006)
Every  chamber is open with deep gratitude for the revelation of such great love pulsing throughout my body - this fragile and marvelous vessel. I beg that I will hold the Divine energy pulsing in me and to share it with those I meet. Keep me vigilant of your presence. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the graces you shower upon us.

Beauty, Balance, and Delight (Nov. 2006)
During these tenuous times, we need the power of creation more than ever - beyond simply resisting what we do not need, to be clearly focused on creating what we do want. As we bud and flower our own small, cellular communities that are rooted in balance, steeped in beauty, blossoming delight, we create a living force with these qualities as its cornerstones. That force has the power to infuse the planet, changing the course of the world. Together, we will dance, sing, create poetry, walk the labyrinth, aspect spirit, and raise ecstatic energy in sacred ritual space. 

The Rose (Feb. 10, 2008)
"Let this Rose say what words have failed."
Say to my Goddess
Perhaps one day, though, we'll be able to say, 
"My love burns for you with the passion of a thousand suns."
Without the need of any material gifts.
But, for now, let these flowers carry the message for you.

Pachamama: Our Mother Earth (Sept. 8, 2008)
We have come from you
We will return to you
We walk with you
Before and after
Yes, we live within your 
protective womb
Where there is water, fire, nature, minerals and the 
crust of the earth enfolding us
Each brings us clarity freely
Sister Lucy leading a women’s retreat.
(Steven’s Point, Wisconsin, 2003)

			

	


			
				


	

							
Reflections by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz – Part 1 (1/2)
						

			 / Tunnel Vision 8								

			


		

		








The Wind – Painting by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz





Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz is my friend and mentor. I have known her for 30 years. She is a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis and has devoted her life to teaching and providing spiritual counseling. Sister Lucy was born on November 16, 1936, and died on March 28, 2022.





Here are some reflections by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz (from her journals):





Paradigm Shift (2000)
Never forget that all things are connected to each other and to you. Nothing is isolated by distance as the winds blow in all directions. If we can deeply understand and act upon this concept - we will experience the harmony needed to sustain life on Earth.

Listen from the Heart (2000)
Be willing to discover something about yourself in someone else's story. Spiritual truths have not been expressed throughout time and in mathematical formulas but in art, music, dance, drama, poetry, stories, and artistic rituals.

Poem: Human Situation (2000)
Love
Every heart is first an apprentice
Self-acceptance
A sense of belonging

Revelation (May 2000)
To discover God's desires for union. He chases us. He wants us to chase after him. God desires his people.

Queen-dom: Saving Action of Love (May 12, 2000)
God/dess reigns over us, transforming grace. To be a shift-shape shifter, shaped by transformed hearts, be recreated by love - the starting point. We are created in love (free gift). What awakens the good news for ME? The gifts of God's love re-center our lives from self-centered to heart-centered.

The World of Nature (Aug. 31, 2000)
     I hear the call of the birds contributing their energy to bring harmony and balance. I hear the geese and ducks honking, and they move south, leaving their vibrations behind.
     I see the lone morning dove perched on the line, looking over the earth in stillness. I revel in the beauty of flowers giving way to a new season, gradually letting go of blossoms for new seeds to come forth. Thank you, Mother Earth and Father Sky, for all your beauty below and above.

Wonders (Oct. 15, 2002)
Wonder-ful in the duality that connects us to our nature - our center. I discovered deeply within myself that I arrive at the core of myself by opening up my senses - through awareness. What are WONDERS in my life?

Air Shower (Dec. 2002)
     As I look up into the sky, I see a flock of circling birds. They were unusual in many ways. My mind drifted to identifying these sky huggers. Most of them were white underneath and black colored backs. A few were all white feathered, spacing themselves in between the others. They all were connected within the mandala style pattern - circular most of the time. 
     I stood with curiosity as they came around many times. It seemed they flew down into the lower ledge and circled back - closer to me each time as they made their round. Oh, such grace and togetherness! They displayed enjoying the sunshine as I did. It almost seemed like they were caught in an air current of ease and fun, allowing themselves to be moved with the breath of Mother Earth. I wonder where they are resting from their flight tonight. Thank you for your beauty of flight of color and dance.

My Journey Inward (Dec. 11, 2002)
Gradually my attention gathered momentum as I allowed myself to go into deeper relaxation on the inside. Centering myself, my journey evolved into an experience of connection to the very core of myself to the marrow of my bones. My roots came from the herons joining me at my head and beyond. I came to a place of wilderness. The doe assisted my coming and stayed present for me during my coming and later grazed nearby. I also sensed another animal near my face area as if she wanted to lick my face. She was dark and sort of long snooted. She disappeared after a short time. 

O' Great Spirit of our World (Aug. 16, 2003)










Justice: She Knows All (Dec. 2003)
Justice, who are you?
Justice, what are you?
Justice, where are you?
Response:
I am the one who walks tall and is supported by all.
I look within to the very small, riveted within the heart.
I stand gazing, ready to give my all. 

Late Autumn (Dec. 2, 2003)
Dusting Snow
When did she fall?
Perhaps before my arrival
Propelled by the wind and cold
Dusted the earth here and there
Not just every where
But enough to be noticed 
In her stillness it is noticed
Even surprised
With faint, soft footprints
Does the flower garden like the peppered blanket embrace?
Lying there almost unseen
Each preparing only to go deeper
Rooting themselves in darkness






Sister Lucy in Cleveland, Ohio (November 16, 2019).







			

	


			
				


	

							
The Great Earth Debate (Flash Fiction)
						

			 / Tunnel Vision 8								

			


		

		








The Great Earth Debate
By Gina M. Gafford
Flash Fiction Reading (700 words or less)
Sponsored by the Literary Committee of the Arts Consortium of Carver County (ACCC)
Sower Gallery (Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church, Chaska, Minnesota)
August 6, 2024, 6:30 p.m.





The Great Earth Debate
     Why does the shape of the Earth matter so much? Do we need to know if the Earth is round or flat? This debate started a long time ago with two ancient Greek philosophers. Plato was a teacher, mentor, and sage. He was known throughout history to have a large book in the crook of his left arm and his right finger pointing toward the sky. Plato started a school called the Academy in 387 B.C.
     Plato’s student was Aristotle. Aristotle was an eager and contemplative soul. His brown curly hair wisped around his head as his thoughts ran with the wind. Opposite Plato’s finger pointing up, Aristotle had his right palm facing toward the ground. Aristotle admired Plato and tried to be obedient. 
     In the future, Plato and Aristotle would become famous philosophers and add to the knowledge about the world. What they taught and wrote would become the foundations of philosophy. The shape of the Earth matters because it reveals the true origins of humanity. 
     One morning, Plato was alone in his study, with shelves of thick books lining the walls. The sun was rising over the horizon to light the new day, but the heaviness of Plato’s mind anchored him at his wooden desk. Two large stone pillars with vertical lines reminded him of his duties – teaching and discovering. Large, white square tiles on the floor added coolness to the space. Every movement echoed in the spacious room. A morning fire from a nearby building drifted into Plato’s nose.
     Plato was a serious philosopher and astrologer. As he sat at his desk, his saffron robes draped onto the floor and lightly touched his brown sandals. Plato had a premonition. 
     He wrote in his journal: 
     A great wave of change is coming to the shore of knowledge. No one can stop it. I must try to change the course before it’s too late. But who will continue my legacy when I am gone? I am getting old.
     All of a sudden, Plato heard footsteps. He looked up to see his student, Aristotle. 
     “My dear teacher, may I talk to you?” Aristotle said with beady eyes. He stood before Plato’s desk with a small book, his heart beating fast.
     “Yes, what is so urgent? You rushed in like a spooked horse.”
     “I have a revelation, a new philosophy of the Earth.” Aristotle lifted his chest as he took a deep breath.
     “What is this philosophy? What news do you bring me?” Plato glared at Aristotle.
     “My teacher, I have new knowledge of the Earth. We were fooled, my teacher. The Earth’s shadow on the moon is curved which indicates a round Earth.”
     “The Earth is not round. You have gone mad! Do not believe in this new philosophy. The Earth is fixed under the firmament. The sun and moon rotate around the Earth. These are the truths!” 
     Aristotle stood his ground. His thoughts became dark, and his face red. He wanted to strike out with anger. Why couldn’t his teacher listen to him? He knew he was right. The old ways needed to go away.
     “Old man, I can’t be your student anymore.” Aristotle said.
     “You dare to mock your teacher? I have spent years training you. Arrogance is the seed you plant. I will be gone when it is ripe, but future generations will suffer.”
     “My teacher, we are a different generation, and I want to follow a different path.” 
     “You have discovered a lie. You think you have grand wisdom, but it is not.”
     “My teacher, I want to follow the new philosophy of the world. I am not sorry.” 
     Plato abruptly stood up, and the heavy chair slid behind him. He could not believe his eyes. Aristotle was leaving the Academy. However, Plato knew this new philosophy was a deep-seated disservice to humanity. He could foresee the loss of connection to truth and knowledge.
     “Wisdom rides the wind of the past. You are the fool. Get out!”
     Aristotle paused for a moment before leaving the room. He felt a tinge of sadness, but he was right. It was time for new knowledge, and he knew he would change the world. 

			

	


			
				


	

							
Swimming to God
						

			 / Tunnel Vision 8								

			


		

		








Photo by Gina M. Gafford





I am swimming to God. I see the bright sun in front of me. The rays make their way to my heart. I am swimming to God. My love for God is in my veins, the pathways out from my center. I am swimming to God. I feel light and cool, my body forming with the waves. “I am here, God,” I say in a whisper. "I make my way to you."

			

	


			
				


	

							
True Compass
						

			 / Tunnel Vision 8								

			


		

		










The point is that our spiritual awareness seems to be given to us in order to hone in on and not lose touch with that “point or spark of pure truth” at the core of our being, from which both the true compass track of our life and our existential conviction of belonging emanate. That is what the magnetic pull is all about. And as we learn gradually to trust it and let it draw us along, we discover that those core fears of the egoic level – that something terrible can happen to us, that we can fall out of God or suffer irreparable harm – do not compute in these deeper waters of our being. They can only affect us when we are at the surface of ourselves.  – Cynthia Bourgeault



			

	


			
				


	

							
The Earth Image
						

			 / Tunnel Vision 8								

			


		

		

The world is our chrysalis sealed with God's love. The path is self-realization and transformation, to open our wings and fly beyond limitations. - GG





Why does the shape of the Earth matter so much? Because it defines who we are as human beings. As citizens of the Earth, we deserve to know the truth. We don’t need to be afraid of anything. 





I am obsessed with the spiritual implications of the image of the Earth. There is much debate about whether our Earth is creator or cosmos-based. I am making connections.





The first diagram “SOL-OM-MON TEMPLE” (see below) shows the Earth as a disk, much like the human eye (pupil and iris). Also, according to this diagram, we live in an enclosed system like a terrarium.





At the top of the diagram, Polaris represents the North Star, which is directly above the inner opening. The fixed stars fill space on the firmament with the wandering planets (which are celestial, luminous bodies). The sun and the moon rotate around the disk, much like the yin and yang symbol:

















According to the diagram, the sun and moon are similar in size. The magnetic pull for the sun and the moon comes from the Black Sun (the central magnet) and the magnetic plasma. Also, the Black Sun eclipses the moon’s monthly cycle. The diagram is labeled SOL (Sun)—OM (Polaris)—MON (Moon).





Solomon has several definitions. However, I found the key of Solomon (which I need to learn more about):

















The land masses are on both sides of the disk. The firmament is a Crystallin/Kristallin Sphere and can be similar to the butterfly’s chrysalis. The sphere is round like an oblate spheroid. Also, the compass always points North. The edges of the Earth are South, and the East and West are the directions around the disk.





One of the most fascinating aspects of our unique Earth is the Black Sun, a celestial body that has the extraordinary ability to eclipse both the sun and the moon. While the Earth adheres to physical laws we are familiar with, the inner Earth presents a different set of physical laws, challenging our understanding of nature (SO ABOVE, SO BELOW).



















The Sign of the Cross





The second diagram is “The Sign of the Cross.” It can represent the Polaris (third eye), the sun (on the right), the moon (on the left), and the Black Sun (solar plexus). The Sign of the Cross is the Christalius or Christus (Christ Consciousness).





Jesus had the Christ Consciousness (higher consciousness), but this consciousness is available to everyone.





When someone makes the “Sign of the Cross,” they touch their forehead for the Father (third eye/OM/Father Sky), the stomach area for the Son (Black Sun/solar plexus), and each shoulder for the Holy Spirit (Sophia/sun & moon/yin & yang). In the center of the triangle is the Heart which represents the Earth (notice that Earth and Heart share the same letters – just move the “E” and the “H”).





I hope you found this fascinating! It is just the beginning of understanding our EARTH (the HEART).





Namaste.





Bonus: If you type “flat earth” backwards into a web browser, it will lead to nasa.gov.








			

	


			
				


	

							
Gaia & Noosphere
						

			 / Tunnel Vision 8								

			


		

		













After reading several ancient texts, the message is clear: We must return to nature. However, we must understand nature in a new way. The ancient masters tell us that we must see everything as energy. The trees, flowers, mountains, and animals are pure energy – just like us. Once we have a higher consciousness, we can “see” nature differently.





For this we need to evolve the intuitive level of the brain, to overcome our alienation from nature, and live in harmony with the Earth. – Joseph Chilton Pearce





The noosphere combines the mind and the biosphere. The combination creates creativity. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin writes about human evolution, but not biologically. He is referring to higher states of consciousness, spirituality, and energy. Unfortunately, modern technology (ancient technologies are okay) and AI are pulling us away from nature – so this is not the path to enlightenment.





The path to enlightenment is through Gaia. The Gayatri mantra is known as the “Mother of the Vedas.” The hidden knowledge is that the only way to enlightenment is through the physical world. So, now we understand how precious we are as human beings. Many distractions take us away from our spiritual growth on Earth. We must be aware of these distractions and put sincere effort into our spiritual practices.





The biosphere has energy called aether (or ether). It is considered the fifth element and has electrical energy (free energy). We can reach the aether atop a mountain. Again, this is nature – something we need to reconnect with. We can train our senses to become tuned to these higher frequencies. The ancients talked about using our senses – our gifts as human beings.





As Pierre Teilhard de Chardin writes, the new human is intuitive, connected to the senses, works with the chakras in the body, meditates, and is united with all life. Most ancient texts talk about oneness and reducing “selfishness.”





Meditation is a spiritual practice that can help us reach enlightenment in this lifetime. With meditation, we learn to live in the present moment, connect with our senses, and become mindful of the breath (the wind within us). We are the elements.





Our ancient ancestors connected with the moon, sun, and stars (astrology). Looking up is powerful and lifts us toward heaven. Just think about what we do when we look at our phone – we look down. The enlightened human looks up at the sky. We lift our heads to honor the cycles of life.





The moon and the sun are guiding forces in nature. They are the yin and yang of life. Many ancient texts talk about solar connections, like the solar plexus in the human body. Many Eastern spiritual practices, like Qigong, work with solar energy. Also, the moon connects with the subconscious mind – our dreams and deepest thoughts. The full moon invites us to go deeper.





We must return to nature with a new consciousness. Many think that the ancient ancestors were primitive and innocent. However, they had sophisticated mathematics and sacred geometry. Everything is cyclic. We are part of ancient wisdom.





Namaste.