meditation

The Transient Life

/ Tunnel Vision 8

I am starting to understand the Buddhist terms of “impermanence” and “openness.” I recall telling my Buddhist teacher, during tea time, that I exist and I don’t exist, and that there is a lot of freedom because I don’t exist. My teacher said, “No, that’s not correct. You do exist.” I felt a little embarrassed being corrected in front of everyone in the group.

I went home telling myself, “I am right – I don’t exist.” I held onto my opinion firmly for many months. Now I realize that my teacher wanted me to go beyond dualist thinking. I know the correct answer to the riddle of this problem: I am open-minded. I am space.

According to the Tibetan Book of the Dead, upon physical death, the body dissolves from earth to water, water to fire, fire to air, and air to space. I believe one of the secrets to life is to cultivate an open and spacious mind while living in a physical body. How can my mind become like space? How would I live differently?

Another word in Buddhism is “impermanence.” We are transient beings. Many grasping and attachments develop when we fail to let go of our attachments. Fear also holds us back.

I recently read a book titled “In Love with the World” by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. In this book, he says that life is a dream and we live in dream worlds – the day and night dream. Mingyur even learns to realize he is dreaming during his nighttime dreams. He also said that when we sleep, it is similar to the dream state of physical death.

I had a realistic dream last night. I recall being in a house, but it wasn’t my childhood home, except for the presence of a piano and a piano bench. I was looking for my mother’s shoes, which I found on the floor and under the piano bench. Then, I remember being outside the house, where I saw my mom and dad standing together. However, in the dream, my dad was physically present, and my mom was more like a hologram. My mom did not talk. I gave my dad a big hug and said I missed mom with tears in my eyes. I started to cry as he held me.

My dad hugged me back and asked if everything was okay. I told him I was okay. My mom stood nearby like a witness. Somehow, I knew she wasn’t really there. Then I woke up. I cried a little again, because it was Mother’s Day and I missed my mom.

The dream gave me a lot of comfort because I know my parents are okay. My mom passed away just a few months ago, which could explain why she was present in a hologram. I am trying not to make judgments about the dream. However, there’s a lot to reflect upon.

The point of this blog post is that we can all develop a spacious mind. We can work on the transitional stages in our present lives, rather than waiting until physical death to achieve the spaciousness of our mind. Can we learn to hold onto nothing?

I know I can be in this world and be okay, despite the ups and downs of life. I see each person as a Buddha, just like Mingyur does. Each person has all the elements within them, just as I do. Each person has the ability to “wake up” in the dream.

My Buddhist teacher wanted to teach me a lesson. I needed to learn to let go of my opinions. Also, when I say, “I am right,” I limit myself. Making strong judgments creates a box around me, so where is the sky now?

Meditation and self-reflection create mental and spiritual space. We need to return to our self-development and alone time, free from distractions. By doing so, we can reclaim our spacious minds and cultivate a more profound sense of inner peace.

Namaste.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Everything’s Figureoutable

/ Tunnel Vision 8

About two months ago, my right ear started hurting. I thought I had an ear infection. So, I went to a minute clinic to check on my ear. At the clinic, I discovered my blood pressure was high, and I didn’t have an ear infection. The nurse practitioner said I should go to urgent care right away. But instead, I went to my regular clinic the following day.

My mom has high blood pressure – so it could be hereditary. Also, I am getting older too. I did not take the Covid-19 vaccines (unvaccinated), so I know it’s unrelated. The doctor did some labs, and everything looks great. So, I now need to take my blood pressure twice a week and then report it to my doctor after a few weeks.

I am a health-conscious person, so I get worried about my health. So, I’m trying to manage my blood pressure by taking herbs and CBD oil, practicing deep breathing, exercising, and doing more gentle yoga. I’m also trying to reduce stress in my life.

I know everything’s figureoutable. I noticed that I’m more present in my body and mind when facing challenges. I want to figure out how to solve my problems.

When we have health issues, it’s an opportunity to explore more about ourselves. We can grow and learn through our challenges. Some things can be scary – no doubt. It can turn your life upside down if you’re not feeling well.

But when we look at the bigger picture – it calls us to re-examine our lifestyle. Everything’s figureoutable. We can become closer to God (or our higher consciousness). I know when I’m sick, I pray more. It calls us to go inward and focus on our spirituality.

Thankfully, my ear no longer hurts. And I’m on the road to healing my heart and getting back to a healthy blood pressure.

Namaste.