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Pearls of Grace (Poem)

/ Tunnel Vision 8


I’ve gone through a lot lately. I fractured my ankle on February 7, and then my mom passed away two weeks later on February 25. My brothers and I moved our mom from her apartment to a long-term facility. She was becoming weaker and needed more help. And then, a month later, my mom contracted the Norovirus. She was very sick, but I thought she’d pull through. I saw her two days before she passed. She was eating and talking, and we watched a DVD movie together. But then I received the news that she had died. I still can’t believe she’s gone.

My beautiful mother, Judy Ann Karlen, was kind, loving, and always thought of other people. I hope to carry on her perseverance, gentleness, and courage.

I’ve learned a few things from my mom’s passing. The first lesson is that small acts of kindness are so appreciated. I hope to increase the beauty of my words. Why do I hold back so much? Words are so powerful! Simple words of comfort mean a lot to me, too. For example, “I’m sorry for your loss.”

The second lesson is that I can’t change people – only myself. After my mom died, I called the admissions director (at the long-term facility) to see if they had found my mom’s wheelchair. The lady did not acknowledge my mom’s death – no words, nothing. My feelings were hurt because the lady knew my mom. I also realized that I expected her to respond in a certain way.

The third lesson is the power of grounding. Grounding helps me connect with Mother Earth. I envision sending roots of energy down into the earth. Sometimes, I imagine my roots wrapping around a lodged tree root deep in the earth. Many times, my energy is spacey and floating without an anchor. I am like a tree with branches that reach up to the open sky and roots that find safety deep in the ground.

Grounding also helps to calm my emotions and keep me tethered to Mother Earth. I also need more mother energy right now.

Meditation also helps me calm my mind. I can experience a peaceful state and know that I am safe. I remember to breathe into my belly during meditation, nourishing the dantian and solar plexus. Meditation is magical—it helps me clear and clean my mind and bring me into the present moment.

A few days after my mom’s funeral (March 28), I felt a spirit lightly kiss my forehead during the night. It actually woke me up. At first, it startled me. Then I realized how loving the kiss felt.

I am still grieving – some days better than others. I miss my mom so much!


Pearls of Grace
By GG

The call arrived as the morning sun
filtered into my room

They said you were gone
with a casual voice like yesterday’s news

Confusion chased me in despair
A deep fog blurred my thoughts

It was supposed to be you and me against
the world,
a comfort only a mother can give

Beautiful, you are
my mother
My bridge to all things

The beads of time flash in memories
unseen to seen

With grief, I cross over to you
Your heavenly voice calling out to me

Touching the pearls of your grace
The invisible thread connects my forever love to you



Namaste.

Tree of Greatness – Arts Consortium of Carver County (ACCC) Gallery

/ Tunnel Vision 8


Tree of Greatness
By Gina Gafford
Member’s Show
Photo and Poem
Sponsored by the Literary Committee of the Arts Consortium of Carver County
ACCC Gallery at the Chaska Community Center (artsofcarvercounty.org)
November 11, 2024 – January 10, 2025

I took the photo of this ancient, impressive tree when I was in Ireland in September 2024. The beautiful tree is around 600 years old and resides at Blarney Castle & Gardens in Cork. The tree is called the “Witch’s Yew Tree.” The witch is a typical figure of fantastic legends in Ireland. In 2019, the Witch’s Yew Tree was voted Ireland’s Tree of the Year!

I decided to name the poem “Tree of Greatness” because I could see how the yew tree connected with the energies of the cosmos combined with what I thought defined greatness.

Tree of Greatness
By Gina Gafford

I was born
from a seed of hope

the sun within my leaves said
grow to greatness
and be a channel of
love

the stars within my many branches said
reach out with discovery

the ancestors within my trunk said
reach deep with introspection

the milky way within my roots said
make respectful connections

the moon within my sap said
dream of heaven on earth

nothing born will die


Chaska Community Center ACCC Gallery (11×14 photo)

Chaska Community Center ACCC Gallery

Chaska Community Center ACCC Gallery

Tanka Poems

/ Tunnel Vision 8

Right now, I am working on a collection of Tanka poems. The word “Tanka” means “short poem.” It’s a thirty-one-syllable poem and follows a syllable pattern of 5-7-5-7-7. This style of poem originates from Japan.

No. 1
walking on the beach
salty tears fall down my face
blue waves help me breathe
the vast ocean doesn't care
my heart is a broken shell

No. 2
the ancient tree stands
my roots hide fake history 
my sap burns with truth
my tough branches reach heaven
I grow green in oppression 

No. 3
tiny snowflakes fall 
kisses from heaven above
sacred crystals form
my cold beauty is wonder
until i melt into one

No. 4
my mind is the lake
turbulent thoughts come and go
wind blows memories 
secret concentric circles
block rock sits at the center

No. 5
bathe under the moon
lunar energy shines bright
the glow casts a spell
tonight all my dreams come true
my moon manifestation

No. 6
the eternal flame
opens a door in the mind
orange sun reflection
self awareness arises
wisdom warms the heart with love

Beautify the Mind

/ Tunnel Vision 8

There will be challenges as technology continues to merge with the human mind. The main challenge is energy. Everything is energy! Unfortunately, the energy from computers is mostly negative. Computers also emit UV light radiation (blue light), X-ray radiation, and EMF radiation.

Last night, I had a message come into my mind. The message said that our world has different energies – positive and negative. If someone is on the yogi path, aware, and has a higher consciousness, the negative energies may try to disrupt the path. I could feel these energies last night.

Therefore, we must increase everything – meditation, yoga, mantras, pranayama, prayers, and positive affirmations. We need to eat from the Earth (fruits, vegetables, and organic foods – if possible). No Bioengineered Food Ingredients! Also, do not be a corpse/carcass eater.

We need to limit our time on all screens. We must find ways to purify and beautify the mind (for example, spend more time in nature).

I also received the message that we must take the yogi path seriously. The opposing forces feel strong – and it’s because we are at a crossroads with the truth about humanity. The history books are not correct. The veil is thinning. We have a past – because we are the past.

We must shine our light bright and replace fear with LOVE. If we have negative thoughts, we will replace them with positive thoughts and affirmations.

Affirmation Examples:

  • I have a beautiful mind.
  • I feel love in my heart.
  • The people around me (say names) are beautiful.
  • I have a strong mind.
  • I have a strong heart.
  • I love myself.
  • I love my family and friends (say names).
  • I practice yoga and meditation every day.
  • I am brave.
  • I have the power to change my thoughts.
  • Thoughts are things – so I must have positive thoughts.
  • I stay in the present moment (here and now).
  • I am healthy.
  • I am creative.
  • I am an eternal being with loving light.
  • Only loving light may enter my body and mind.
  • I am thankful for my life.

The Path, by GG
through a candle
the light flickers
the past merges with the present
the path illuminated

I am sending you love! Namaste.

Spiritual War

/ Tunnel Vision 8

Wisdom can protect us.

The world is becoming a dangerous place. Not because of potential wars or world conflicts. It’s because computers/internet (mainly phones) are making people into narcissists. I have dealt with a narcissistic person. It’s a huge problem. The phone is tailored to the person, especially with algorithms. It’s only going to get worse with AI technology. 

We are at a crossroads with AI technology. There are so many fundamental questions and concerns. My main concern is how AI/computers will change our children’s brains. What kind of humans are developing?

It’s scary. I am limiting my time on my phone or any screen/computer. I may have to buy a flip phone if tracking and algorithms get bad.  

The sad thing is people are becoming brainwashed, and they don’t even know it. The new AI technology can hypnotize people. And their minds are becoming clouded with distraction, anxiety, and addiction.

It’s a strange time to be alive. I must protect my energy, mind, and sanity as a spiritual person. With AI, it will be challenging to determine what is real and what is not. It’s not a war outside of ourselves somewhere far away – it’s a spiritual war.

It’s time to wake up.

https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/05/30/what-excessive-screen-time-does-to-the-adult-brain/

What Excessive Screen Time Does to the Adult Brain

The Solo Journey

/ Tunnel Vision 8

October 2024 Full Moon – Photo by Brent Garens

My patient, Joan, who thought she was going to die during the full moon, died today. I felt a sense of relief. She was a kind and considerate woman. I think she had a conscious death. According to Buddhism, it’s beneficial to have a conscious death. Then you are “awake” to the transition and not in delusion.

After finding out Joan died, I thought about my life as I walked my dog around the fairgrounds. The warm breeze reminded me of the summer weather that is slowly fading. The stars blinked, and the sky was calm.

As I walked, I said, “I’m not ready to die. I have too much work to do.” Every day, I feel the importance of a spiritual life—my yogi life. I must continue meditating and practicing yoga, use my time wisely, and read spiritual books in my free time. I can create a life with awareness and higher consciousness.

I also understand that the journey is solo. No one told me this when I was younger! I was told to go to church—everything was about the church. But when I think about it, everything is solo. We are born solo, think solo, live solo, and die solo. Even Buddha asked, “One is one’s own refuge, who else could be the refuge?”

I wish human beings would take their lives more seriously. Just thinking about it makes my heart swell. We all need to wake up from our delusions and put away our phones. It’s a spiritual battle!

It’s time to wake up and understand we are golden – so precious. We cannot take our time for granted. We need to examine all earthly things that keep us trapped. We are so valuable that everything in the world wants our attention. Now, we need to decide what will help us grow spiritually.

Thank you for taking the time to read this! I’m sending you words of love, appreciation, and bright guiding light.

Spirit, by GG
spiritual message 
from beyond 
a signal 
to be
me

The Treads of My Being (Poem)

/ Tunnel Vision 8

“Frequency” By Leo Fortune (leofortuneart.com)

The Treads of My Being
By Gina M. Gafford
Magical, Mystical and Just Plain Cool
Ekphrastic Reading (writing something inspired by one of the art pieces)
Sponsored by the Literary Committee of the Arts Consortium of Carver County (ACCC)
Sower Gallery (Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church, Chaska, Minnesota)
October 13, 2024, 12:00-2:00 p.m.

The Threads of My Being
Where are the threads of my being?

I feel winter coolness.
My stiff limbs reach out with sharp edges of imperfection.

Am I in tune?

I feel barren and naked.
Alone and scared.

Slowly, I hear the distant drumbeat of spring.
The threads of my being flow with the colors of the rainbow.
The hidden pulse echoes around me.

I come back to my center.
The summer of my heart. 
I connect with the roots of my ancestors.
I feel the vibrations of wisdom and acceptance.

I must embrace change.
And heal my wounds.
Transformation from the inside out.

I burst with colors – yellow, orange, red, purple, and brown.
The musty earth begs for my offering.
I let go – once again.
Another chance to fall back into love.

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.