Cascades of Colour

(Musical Poetry that Paints in Color)

and at sunrise

and at sunset

but when night falls

but the music

and at sunrise

and at sunset

but when night falls

but the music

cascades of colour

slip right through your hands

your castle's in the clouds

turn back into sand

you'll find your swept away with no helping hand

the music is your beacon back to dry land

and at sunrise

and at sunset

but when night falls

but the music

cascades of colour

slip right through your hands

your castle's in the clouds

turn back into sand

you'll find your swept away with no helping hand

the music is your beacon back to dry land

oh the music

now this is why I sing

oh the music...

my sunrise...

(I do not own any of the rights to this song, video, or lyrics)

'Cascades of Colour' - Ananda Project (2000)

Music that I'm old enough to grove to, but young enough to still get up and dance to when the feeling hits me.  House music for the chill at heart, but still funky at mind.  Like most house music, it has a positive message and a driving beat to keep you in the element of life.  Enjoy your own vision.

I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun

(maximize your experience, listen to song /video at the bottom of the page while reading the lyrics)

I am the white side of the sun

Follow the beat across the light

Father of the one

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the the dark side of the sun

Shadows that light up the day

Darkness shadow all the way

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the light

I am the fire that brings around the sun

And set you free

So free (so free)

I am the black gold of the sun

To be who I wanna be

To go where I wanna go

To be

To feel

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the white side of the sun

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the black gold of

I am the black gold of

I am the black gold of

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the black gold of

I am the black gold of

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the black gold of the sun

I am the black gold of the sun

Original Song: Rotary Connection - "I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun (1971) 

I do not own the rights to this song, the music, nor the video.  It is an expression of my feelings and a I use it as a positive affirmation that reassures the positive image of who I am.

Knowing who I am confirms that fact that 'I Am'.

Smudge Out Negative Energy 

& Purify Your Environment

Smudging your sacred space, your home or office, or even your body with sage is like taking an energetic shower, or doing a deep metaphysical cleansing. The smoke from dried sage actually changes the ionic composition of the air, and can have a direct effect on reducing our stress response.

Energy Cleansing with Sage.

One of the best ways to cleanse energy is with regular smudging, a traditionally Native American practice of burning herbs and resins, which many healers use to offer blessings and purify people, places and objects. Although cedar, lavender and sweet grass are often used during smudging ceremonies for their ability to uplift, purify, and bring positivity into a space, the most common herb used is sage.

If you’re interested in cleansing your body, mind, aura or just your physical space, try these tips for honoring the sacred tradition of smudging:

Select Your Sage.
You can find bundled sage at just about any health food store for about $10, depending on the size. Although white sage is the most purifying, some bundles include a mix of sage, lavender or cedar, which can be uplifting and relaxing. You can also grow your own from seed to save money and create a deeper connection with the energy of the plant. We typically harvest sage from our garden in the summer and fall and after letting it dry completely (takes about one week), we bundle it for burning in one piece or burn loose leaves in a fire-safe bowl.

Procure A Smudge Bowl.
My first sage utensil was a bamboo shallow bowl. It was natural, beautiful to look at, and lasted a very long time. As such, smudging is be best done in fire-safe vessels, like clay pots which you can find at just about any crystal/new age shop. Many have small holes built-in, allowing more oxygen to reach the flames and sustain the burning process.

Be Intentional.
Before lighting the sage, be clear about what you’re looking to release or bring into your life or space. Clear your mind and allow yourself to enter a meditative state. Say a brief prayer of thanks, invoking God, the Universe or Spirit to guide your use of the sage and remove any unseen energies that no longer serve your highest and greatest good.

Open a Window.
Although many love the smell of sage, according to Native American tradition, life-sucking energies and people carrying unseen negative entities in their aura are repelled by it. Give bad vibes a space to flee by cracking open a window or door before you begin and a few minutes after to help clear the space. You may also want to avoid smudging right next to a fire detector, or you can temporarily disable it before smudging and reset it after the ceremony is complete.

Light the Sage.
Sage is slow to light, so it’s best to use a lighter or long wooden matches to allow time for dried leaves to ignite. Once the leaves catch fire, blow softly and slowly on the flame until it goes out. This will cause a soft gray smoke to billow from the sage, which you want to keep going by gently fanning the flames as needed, or moving the smudge stick around, as if you’re painting the air with it.

Smudge Spaces/Objects.
It is recommended to regularly sage your space and treasured or frequently used items (e.g., your computer, cell phone, etc.) to keep their energy positive and vibrations high. To do so, slowly wave the burning smudge throughout your space, drawing attention to corners where energy often gets stuck or any areas that feel heavy or dark. For objects, pass them through or above the sage smoke to clear them of any lingering negativity. Since most people can’t "see" negative energy, you’ll have to trust your instincts on when to stop, which comes with practice. Often, the sage will glow, crackle or even extinguish itself when you reach heavy areas, so continue to smudge until the energy feels light and clear.

Smudging People.
Sage can be passed through a person’s energy field, or aura, to clear negative energy. This is especially helpful after an argument, a night out on the town or to lighten a depressed mood. To smudge, have them stand in front of you with legs apart, arms open in a “T” position. Wave the smudge in soft, elliptical motions from the bottom of their feet to the top of their head, including legs, along each arm, under each armpit and entire torso. Have them stand on their tip toes or lift each foot so you can pass the smudge underneath for clearing. With the sage still lit, go around their back and smudge the head, neck, torso and arms using the same format. Unlike cigarette smoke which damages the lungs, sage smoke is not harmful to your health. You can also sage yourself in the same way.  Allow the power of the plant to guide you. Trust the medicine.

Safely Extinguish Flames.
To extinguish the sage, cover it with a flame snuffer or take it outside and cover it with soil. You can also run water over the burning embers, but remember you won’t be able to use it again until the leaves have dried completely and it sometimes changes the overall smell when re-burning. Once smudging is complete and the ashes cool, safely discard the remnants and clear all particles from the pot and your space with intention. This ensures you don't invite old energy into your next cleansing ceremony. You may also bury the ashes.

Store Your Sage. 
Sage should be stored in clean, dry space. Some Native Americans believe storing sage in a drawer above waist height honors the sacred energy of the plant, helping it maintain a purified, elevated vibration which makes its cleansing properties more powerful.

Regardless of how and where you sage, your purity of intent is the most important factor. With regular practice, smudging can be a powerful tool for spiritual grounding, healing and rejuvenation.

Smudge Responsibly...

I Am 100% Cancer Zodiac

Cancer Constellation Facts

• Cancer is visible in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
• In the Northern hemisphere the constellation can be seen from late autumn to spring.
• In the Southern hemisphere Cancer can be seen in the summer and autumn months, note that it will appear upside down.
• Most of the stars that make up Cancer are quite faint, as a result it is one of the dimmest constellations.
• The brightest star in the constellation is Altarf, which is over 500 times more luminous than the sun.
• In Latin cancer means crab.
• The Tropic of Cancer is named after the constellation.
• The Tropic of Cancer is a line of latitude which marks the most northerly point at which the sun can be viewed directly overhead.
• On this line the sun now falls within the constellation of Taurus at the summer solstice, but in ancient times it was in the constellation of Cancer.
• Cancer is based on a 3,000 year old Babylonian constellation which was named "The Crayfish".

What does the 69 sign for Cancer mean and where did it originate?
Long before the Zodiac signs were related to animals they were represented by numbers and explained through sutras—poetic phrase. The sign we call Cancer is sign number four.

This is an area which represents contentment and deeper rooting. The heart and emotional capacity as well as a sense of home and security are established here. It is where an individual begins to thrive through understanding and is given the opportunity to gain autonomy. The Lunar Goddess rules all of this and her phases lead us through monthly patterns associated with this ebb and flow of evolutionary progress.

The symbol of the sign number IV Cancer, is easily mistaken for numeral sixty nine, but it is not! Look more closely and you can see the two circles which represent the new and full moon and two crescents which represent the 1st quarter and the last quarter phases.

                

If You Are A Cancer, This Will Make Sense

Video Below: 12 Things Cancer People Value 

Water sign that flows with emotion and ever changing moods.

Moon sign that will always reflect the light of others.

-The Feeling of Nudity-

The feeling of nudity

is nothing new to me

it sets my spirit free

tall, dark Mahogany

I respect my liberty

My chance to actually

with hold my energy

and revisit my history

I'm no ones property

I say that literally

don't even belong to me

I'm only here physically

A part of my mystery

is I claim the victory

don't trust the trickery

I'm not in that industry

So here's to my family

the legend ancestry

My parents delivery

now my creativity

June 2017

From time to time, willy needs to be free... Free like Me

 Realness Illness

I suffer from an illness, 

called realness

So breathe deep. 

Relax, and you can feel this

I'll pour it out slow. 

Don't spill this.

Recall bullet points or make a checklist.

Understand, I am fearless, 

but hear this

I massage the epidermis, 

like a soul kiss

Got my hand in the air, 

pumpin' my fist

the black panther, 

I recall, likes to reminisce.

The snakes are all around, 

Hiss...hiss...hiss

An urge they can't resist, 

like when I take a piss

Had to learn this, 

it's on the syllabus

The curriculum requires 

me to study Chris.

I suffer from an illness, 

called realness

So bite down. 

Chew, and you can taste this

I served it up raw. 

Never resist.

Review bullet points and make a checklist.

'Realness Illness'

Christopher 10/2016

I felt an urge to write a poem that focused inward.  After realizing that my fear of showing my unique personality to others was part of my greatest strength.  I realize that what I called a 'fear' is actually an unwillingness to subject myself to unwanted scrutiny and judgement from others that lack empathy. It's also a major reason why I lean towards calling myself an introvert. 

  Knowing that being 'real' is far from an illness, I used that word to describe my attitude towards my short measure for Bull Shit, Lies, and Game Players.  It's treated like its an illness when I practice it because the ones that I get to address with realness (negative and/or shady folks) are the ones that disappear like I'm contagious. Well I am contagious...I also have allergies... allergic to 'Falseness'. Life is so much more simple and easy when things are confronted and addressed in a simplistic and basic manner. Need something from me, ASK.  Miss me, CALL or VISIT. Got something to say, SAY IT. Why complicate things?

  Being real with yourself and others is probably one of the best psychologically and emotionally detoxifying acts that you can easily practice to avoid stagnation and onset of many physical illnesses. There should never be a reason to add weight to your daily load simply because of self created obstacles that will eventually surface anyway, but usually with added problems.  

  

Self preservation is a multi-vitamin that keeps on giving.  Real talk.

Healthfully Yours, 

Christopher :) 

  

The Beauty of Om (ॐ) and Meditation

Meditation

What is the Om symbol and meaning?

Aum (or OM) is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters (ॐ), aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds.

I would love to know if this resonated with you. :)   LISTEN HERE

1. Pulsing Repetition 

Use a speed that is natural and comfortable: There are many rhythms in the body and mind, both gross and subtle. Imagine the sound of OM, rising and falling, at whatever speed is comfortable and natural to you. It may be very fast, several cycles per second. Or it may be slower, several seconds for each cycling of OM Mantra. Or it might become extremely slow, with the mmmmmm... sound continuing in the mind for much longer periods, but still pulsing at that slow rate.

Imagine it somewhat sounding like one of these vibrations:

OMmmOMmmOMmm...

OMmmmmOMmmmmOMmmmm...

OMmmmmmmmOMmmmmmmmOMmmmmmmm...

Meditation time and daily life: This kind of awareness of the OM mantra can be used both at meditation time and during daily life. The OM mantra is allowed to be somewhat of a constant companion. It brings a centering, balancing quality to daily life. This does not mean being in a dull, lethargic state. Rather, done well, it brings clarity of mind and a greater ability to be in the world, and selflessly serving others.

Breaking habit patterns: This is not intended as a blocking mechanism to prevent dealing with one's thought process or with the challenges of life. It is not a method of escapism. However, it definitely can have the effect of bringing focus to the mind, which can break a pattern of disturbing or distracting thoughts coming from the noisy or chattering mind. In this way, one has a greater openness to being aware of positive thoughts and spiritual realities that are always there.

2. With the Flow of Breath 

One method: Imagine the sound of OM Mantra internally, in the mind only, making no external sound. Non-vocal. Allow the mantra to flow with the breath. Repeat like this:

Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: "OMmmmmmmm..."

Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: "OMmmmmmmm..."

Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: "OMmmmmmmm..."

Another method: Alternatively, imagine the OM mantra only on exhalation, if that feels more comfortable:

Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: "(silence)"

Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: "(silence)"

Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: "(silence)"

Mind, breath, and mantra in unison: In this practice, you come to experience the mind, breath, and mantra flowing in unison. This synchronization has a beautiful effect on meditation. Simply allow the OM Mantra to come and go with each inhalation and exhalation. Allow there to be no gap, no space, no pause between inhalation and exhalation, or between exhalation and inhalation.

The speed naturally slows: As you gently allow the OM mantra to flow with the breath, the mind becomes calm. When the mind becomes calm, the body relaxes, and the breath becomes even soother and slower. That rate of speed at which the OM mantra is being repeated naturally slows down. It is not a matter of forcing the mantra to slow, but rather, this slowing comes quite naturally. Allow the mind to stay wide awake and alert, as the OM mantra and breath become naturally slower and slower. Meditation will deepen.

3. As the Object Called Universe 

Words have an object and meaning: Words usually have a corresponding object and meaning to go with that word. If you hear the word chair, then the concept of chair-ness arises in your mind. Some specific chair will probably come to mind. It may be a wooden chair or a metal chair, for example. It may be large, small, or this or that style, and it may be new or old. So, three things are there: 1) the word chair, 2) the concept of chair-ness, and 3) a specific chair.

The object that goes with OM is the universe: When the word OM is heard, what is the concept and object that comes to mind? What is that thing that goes along with that word, OM? The concept that goes with OM is the one-ness or entirety of the universe. The object that goes with the word OM is the entire universe, as a single unit, including the gross, subtle, causal planes of reality, both manifest and un-manifest. It means that whole, as if it was one, single object. It is that infinitely huge object, which is the object that goes with the word OM.

Awareness expands to contain the object: With attention turned inward, and reflecting on chair, the concept and image of chair arises. In the same way, do the same thing with the word OM, and allow your awareness to expand, as if it could contain the whole universe to go with that word.

Stretching the attention: There is a feeling of stretching, as if the attention had to get bigger and bigger, to contain the whole, the same way as the chair has a back, a seat, and legs, yet is collectively a chair. Continue to repeat OM, and continue to expand, so as to allow your attention to contain the whole of the object called OM.

4. Sound Vibration of the Universe

The subtle sound is always there: A vibration exists, underneath all of the grosser aspects of being, like a substratum. The subtle sound of OM Mantra is constantly there, and when heard in deep yoga meditation, sounds like a continuous vibration, ever sounding out mmmmmmm.... At a deeper level, it is extremely loud and serene.

Emerging from OM: The reality symbolized by OM Mantra is the ground vibration out of which all other vibrations, sounds and mantras emerge.

Receding into OM: That vibration represented by OM Mantra is the substratum into which all those vibrations, sounds, and mantras recede when followed back to their source.

Similar words: Some say that this everlasting, all pervasive vibration of OM Mantra is also the source and intent of Amen, Amin, and Shalom. Some say that this sound is the Word of God.

Silence from which OM emerges: Eventually, this leads to a deep stillness and silence, which paradoxically, is experienced as the silence from which the sound of OM itself emerged. In the sections below, the silence is described as being the fourth state, beyond the three sounds of A, U, and M, which are contained in OM Mantra. However, in this practice, as you internally repeat the sound of OM, imagine that underlying vibration of the universe, as if it were coming from all places, and through all things.

Listen to the vibration while remembering OM: There is a sound that can relatively easily be heard in your ears that is more surface level, coming from the brain. Some people experience this as a buzzing or ringing sound. By listening closely, the mmmmmmm... sound can be heard, like the end of the OM mantra (Or you might hear it as eeeeeeeee....) Listening to this vibration, with the awareness of OM is a good way to start with the vibration aspect of OM. Gradually, it will expand to deeper sound of the mantra. Listening in this way can be particularly enjoyable and insightful when recalling some of the other meanings of OM Mantra at the same time.

Allowing thoughts to come and go: While listening, it is best to gently allow other thought patterns to come into the field of attention, and then allow those thoughts to drift away. There is not really any intent of doing anything with these thoughts, either engaging them or pushing them away. In other words, the listening for OM is not used to suppress thoughts and emotions. Rather, attention is allowed to expand, but at the same time, non-attachment is learned by staying with the vibration, and letting go of the thought patterns. This is one way to gain access to the ability to be a neutral witness of the stream of thoughts in the mind, as is sometime described as being like watching leaves, sticks, and logs floating by in a river.

5. Gross, Subtle, and Causal Planes

Remembering four planes with OM: The OM mantra designates the whole of the universe, including the gross, subtle, and causal planes (realms, or levels) and the absolute reality of which they are a part. The explanation below can sound a bit technical, but this truly is a very practical use of the mantra, once you understand the meaning. It does require working with the mantra and the meaning, but then it becomes clearer and quite insightful.

Four parts of OM: The OM Mantra has four parts. First, is the sound like "Ah," then "Uuuu," then "Mmmm," and finally the silence beyond the mantra. Thus, the mantra is also written as AUM, as well as OM. The three sounds, and the silence have the following meanings:

The A sound refers to the gross world.

The U part refers to the subtle realm.

The M refers to the causal plane, out of which the gross and subtle emerge.

The Silence after these three, refers to the absolute reality that is the substratum for each of the other three realities.

Start slowly in remembering the parts: When using the mantra in this way, it is easiest to begin by remembering the mantra very slowly, allowing time to be aware of each of the levels. Be aware of the four parts of the mantra separately (though forming a continuous sound), something like this:

AaaaaaUuuuuuMmmmmm.....Silence.....

When the "A" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of the gross world, including the objects of the world, the people, and your own physical being. Actually allow your attention to scan these aspects of the world. Do not get caught up in these objects; just be aware of this level of reality, and then let go of it, so as to go beyond.

When the "U" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware, as best you can of the existence of the subtle or astral realm, including whatever objects you might intuit. As with the gross world, do not get caught up in these objects; just be aware of this level of reality, and then let go of it, so as to go beyond.

When the "M" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of the causal, the background stillness out of which the subtle and gross emerge, and into which they rest when not active. This can be difficult to imagine. It might help to think of it like being the canvas on which a picture is painted, or the screen on which a movie is projected.

When the Silence comes to the mind field, be aware of the absolute reality that permeates each of the other three layers. This fourth level of the mantra the absolute reality, is experienced in a shallow way at first, and only deepens with continued practice of contemplation and yoga meditation. (To better understand this, please refer to the paper on the Mahavakyas, the great contemplations. From that, you will see how the mantra and the contemplations go together.)

6. Waking, Dreaming, and Deep Sleep

Four states of consciousness: The four parts of AUM also refer to the levels of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, as well. The three sounds, and the silence have the following meanings:

The "A" sound refers to the waking state of consciousness.

The "U" part refers to the dreaming state of consciousness.

The "M" refers to the deep sleep state of consciousness.

The Silence after these three, refers to the witness consciousness that is observer of the other three states of consciousness.

The question can arise of why a spiritual seeker cares about the states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It is said that the states of deep sleep, samadhi, and death are very close together, that they function at the same levels. To understand this further, it would be good to read the paper on OM and the 7 levels of consciousness.

Begin by remembering slowly: As in the last practice, it is easiest to begin by remembering the mantra very slowly, allowing yourself time to be aware of each of the levels. With practice, it moves more quickly, as attention longs to rest in the silence.

When the "A" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of the waking state of consciousness. This does not mean thinking of the objects of the world, but rather, being mindful of your personal waking state, in relation to the world and your inner mental and emotional process. This simply means being aware of being awake.

When the "U" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of the dreaming state of consciousness. This does not necessarily mean that you are experiencing those dreams, but that you are mindful of the dream state that is beneath the waking state.

When the "M" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of the deep sleep state of consciousness. Be aware of how the mind is in complete stillness in that state, where there is no active thought process, no images, no pictures, and no words. All of these have come to rest in a dormant, formless form.

When the Silence comes to the mind field, be aware of the consciousness that permeates all of the other three states of consciousness. In other words, consciousness flows through the waking state, the dreaming state, and even the deep sleep state (although there is no active content in deep sleep). Imagine that you can somehow be witness to waking, dreaming, and deep sleep from a higher vantage point that is aware of all.

Focusing more inwardly: When using the OM mantra in this way, notice how very personal the practice is, in that you are consciously cultivating awareness of the levels of your own internal states. It has an 'in-here' focus. By contrast, the use of OM with the levels of gross, subtle, causal, and absolute reality (above) has more of a focus 'out-there'. Ultimately, they merge into one awareness.

7. Conscious, Unconscious, Subconscious Mind

Levels of consciousness: The four parts of AUM also refer to the levels of conscious, unconscious, and subconscious, as well as the consciousness that permeates these. (Note that some psychologies or systems use the words unconscious and subconscious in reverse, or use different terms. The meaning is what is important, not the particular choice of words). The three sounds, and the silence have the following meanings:

The "A" sound refers to the conscious level of mental functioning.

The "U" part refers to the unconscious level of mind.

The "M" refers to the subconscious level, the storage place of mind.

The Silence after these three, refers to the pure consciousness, which permeates the conscious, unconscious, and subconscious levels of awareness.

Begin slowly: Once again, it is easiest to begin by remembering the mantra very slowly. With practice, it moves more quickly, as attention longs to rest in the silence.

When the "A" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of the conscious level of mind. The easiest way to do this, is to contrast conscious to the unconscious. There is the conscious, that we are aware of here, in this external world, and there is the unconscious that is not seen in the deeper mind.

When the "U" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware, as best you can, that your mind is presently functioning at an unconscious level as well. There is a tremendous amount of thinking process normally going on, that is out of view. This is what psychologists call primary process. It is going on behind the scenes, much like the microprocessor in a computer that is invisibly doing its work.

When the "M" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of the latent part of the mind, where all of the countless memories of people, objects, and day to day information is stored. It is there, like the information stored on a hard disk of a computer. Until it is needed, it just sits there in a latent, dormant form (It is actually in a formless form, somewhat like the data on the hard disk that is stored only as raw data, with no images as such). Be aware of that stillness, that is the storage of your deep impressions and habit patterns.

When the Silence comes to the mind field, be aware of the consciousness that permeates all of the other three levels. In other words, consciousness flows through the unconscious functioning. Consciousness is there in the latent part of the mind, even though those objects are not awakened into action at the moment. Eventually, this Silence expands to being the awareness of the other three states. It is at this stage that one is called a Seer, in that all of the other levels of mind are witnessed from this vantage point.

Integration of the Practices

Three methods from same levels: Gradually, one comes to see that the last three methods of using AUM (above) are manifestations of the same levels of being. Notice how the "A" represents, Waking, Conscious, and Gross levels. The "U" represents Dreaming, Unconscious, and Subtle levels. The "M" represents Deep Sleep, Subconscious and Causal. The Silence represents the fourth state, which is above or higher than the other three.

Namaste'