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)
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 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.
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)
Tunnel Vision 8 