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
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
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.
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 By Gina M. Gafford Magical, Mystical and Just Plain Cool Ekphratic 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.
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.
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.
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)
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
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.
Tunnel Vision 8 