The Spirit Factor

2011-11-22T14:15:00.000-08:00

Today I'm in awe of nature...for what vision it must have to place the perfection of every snowflake in their places on the branches of all the trees.

by Marie Kukula-Tyner

Thought For The Day...

2011-11-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Evil interrupts the flow of good.

Sunshine On My Shoulders Makes Me Happy

2011-10-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

My last post was about how much I love this time of year. Fall is magnificent here in the Pacific Northwest, and today had to be one of the most beautiful days I have ever experienced on this planet. I started the day with a morning walk through the forest before I had to go to work. It was a cool, foggy morning and the forest seemed exceptionally beautiful and welcoming. The bright yellow leaves of the underbrush and trees seemed to bring little bursts of sunshine throughout the forest, bringing light to an overcast day. The silence that the fog brought to the forest and the smells of the earth calmed my mind and brought me deep inside my being...something I haven't experienced in awhile. It felt good. I walked and I worshiped nature. I felt so embraced by it that when I returned home I told Michael that the forest gave me a hug. It made him smile.

For the rest of the day I felt in harmony with nature and enveloped by its energy. As I drove through the Loon Lake pass on my way to work, I marveled at the colors of the bright yellow trees against the backdrop of the dark green forest. It was stunning! The sun was just beginning to break through the fog and its first rays of light were choosing certain trees to shine on, making their yellow leaves even brighter. The energy of the trees was amazing--so alive and so present! It's as if the trees were yelling out, "Look at me!" Yet they were ambivalent to whether I did or not. It's their moment to shine, and they would do so whether I was admiring them or not.

I think the energy and beauty of the day could be felt by others, too. Everything seemed to flow in a natural and balanced rhythm. People seemed calm, open, and happy. I had several lovely, unrushed conversations with people, one with someone I'd never talked with before, yet it seemed like we had known each other forever.

On my way home from work I took a short detour through one of my favorite areas this time of year because it has a lot of aspen trees. I had the dogs with me so I rolled down the back windows in my car so each one had a window to hang their heads out, allowing them to sniff the air and let the wind blow through their fur. It was late afternoon, the sun was shinning, the light was magical, and the trees were at their peak of color. As I was enjoying the moment, the words to John Denver's song "Sunshine On My Shoulders" came to mind, particularly the verse: If I had a day that I could give you, I'd give to you a day just like today. I'm sure a day like today inspired him to write those words. As a writer and a poet, I admire the simplicity and power of that verse. If it were possible for us humans to do so, what greater gift could we give or receive than that of a perfect day? Fortunately, nature has the ability to give us a gift like today, and I am humbled and grateful for its generosity and its continued willingness to share its beauty.

As I'm sitting here typing this, warmed by our first fire of the season with our dog Amber curled up behind me, I'm a bit sad to see this perfect day end. I wish I could freeze this day in time and enjoy it a little longer, but nature moves on. What I can do is do my part to protect nature so that we, and future generations, can continue to experience days like today. We continue to disagree over whether there is global warming or climate change, but I think we all could agree that when we're kind to this beautiful and generous planet that we call home, none of us lose.

Take a moment to enjoy the words below to John Denver's song Sunshine On My Shoulders. Wishing you a perfect day!

"Sunshine On My Shoulders"

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a day that I could give you
I'd give to you a day just like today
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I'd sing a song to make you feel this way

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a tale that I could tell you
I'd tell a tale sure to make you smile
If I had a wish that I could wish for you
I'd make a wish for sunshine all the while

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high
Sunshine almost all the time makes me high
Sunshine almost always

Autumn Leaves

2011-10-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Leaves I gathered on my walk in the forest.

The autumn leaves remind us of the beauty of change...and the promise of a new beginning.
by Marie Kukula-Tyner

I LOVE fall! The changing colors of all the leaves, the warm light that the sun gives off, the smells of the earth changing and preparing to rest, and watching nature get ready for winter. There is a rhythm about fall that is different from any other season. While winter is a time of rest, spring a time of growth, and summer a time of activity, fall is a time of transition. When you are in rhythm with nature, you feel this. I feel the transition in nature, I feel transition in my life, and I feel transition in the world. I know the transition in nature is to the season of winter--nature always knows where it is going--but I don't know what we are transitioning to in the world. I don't think most of us know. And that is a little, okay very, scary.

I took a long hike in the mountains on Saturday and learned a lot from nature about times of transition--most importantly is how fragile we are during these times. Leaves are barely hanging on and all it takes is an early freeze or a gently breeze for them to lose their grip on the branches they hold on to. In spring and summer these same leaves can withstand heavy winds and rains and still hold on. Just as nature is more vulnerable in the fall, during this time of transition, the world is vulnerable now. The economy, jobs, wages, and people's spirits are barely hanging on. And because of this, right now, we are vulnerable to people who promise a transition to something better with no plan to back it up.

The fact is: It has taken us a long time to get to this place and it's going to take a long time to transition to a better place. One person cannot do this. If you've read some of my other blog posts you know that I believe any kind of major change or transition to something better will take all of us. So during this vulnerable time of global transition, protect yourself from the outside elements as best you can and begin to make changes that will help you and the world transition to a better place.

I thought I would include this since it ties in with the fall post above: Last year I started gathering leaves at different times of the year, pressing them, and then framing them. Our house is decorated with these pieces, which I call Earth Art. They are more beautiful than any artwork I have seen in the stores and they have brought a grounding energy from the earth into our home. The above piece is one I did a few weeks ago and I absolutely love! I call it "In Between" since it catches the leaves in between summer and fall. I had such a great time gathering these leaves on a walk through the forest one day. I had never really noticed the tree before, but the beautiful colors of the changing leaves caught my eye and I spent a good hour examining the leaves and choosing the ones that were the most interesting. I plan on doing a lot more pieces because I enjoy the process and the results so much. I will be posting the ones I will be selling so that you, too, can have the beauty and grounding energy of nature in your home.

Intelligent Television...Finally!

2011-10-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

Michael and I watched the three-part mini-series Brain Games on the National Geographic Channel last night and loved it! Finally something intelligent to watch on TV that is interesting, fun, and filled with valuable information. Be warned, this isn't the kind of show you can sit on the couch and be a vegetable watching. It engages your brain and takes some effort, but you can feel your brain working. It's really cool!

In the last year I have become fascinated with the brain and how it works, and I'm even including a chapter in the Spirit Factor about the brain/mind. I think it is one of the most important chapters in the book. Afterall, we can't do anything without our brain's consent. There is so much untapped potential locked up in our brains--I can't help but imagine the wonderful reality we could create if we all could learn to tap into that potential. I, for one, am going to work on doing this.

Kudos to the National Geographic Channel and everyone involved in the show! Great job! Check out the link to their website: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/brain-games/.

Mediocrity is self-inflicted. Genius is self-bestowed. Walter Russell

Feels Like Home

2011-09-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

The link below is to a performance of Feels Like Home by the Deltones on The Sing Off last night. I thought is was one of the most beautiful and honest performances I've seen in a long time. Brought tears to my eyes. The voices don't sound as good on this video as they did last night, but the spirit of the performance still comes through. Love the words! They make me think of my husband and two beautiful dogs. Thanks for giving me a home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3ID6uBooB4

When Did Bullying Become Entertainment?

2011-09-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga made a plea to President Obama (see link below) asking him to make bullying illegal in the United States after a 14-year old fan of hers, Jamey Rodemeyer, who was being bullied over his sexuality, took his own life. These types of tragic and heartbreaking stories are reported much too often in the news. The problem is, we temporarily get outraged, then go right back to our lives watching reality TV shows that are filled with bullies, the news and the political bullies it covers, and listening to popular TV personalities and politicians, some of which are basically high-paid, or elected, bullies.

If we really want bullying to stop we need to change what is considered "entertainment" in this country. If children live in a home where entertainment is watching a reality TV show that is filled with people bullying each other, and the bullies are making millions of dollars doing it, do they really understand that bullying someone in real life is hurtful to that person and that it's not entertainment? Who is setting an example of kindness, respect, acceptance, and honesty in this country? The politicians? Hmm, don't think so. Snookie? Yeah, no. A real housewife reality star? Nooeew! Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, or Bill O'Reiley? Let me stop laughing long enough to type, NO. The news? No, no, and no. If we make bullying illegal, there are going to be a lot of people going to jail, and a lot of job openings in politics and the entertainment industry. Now there's an idea to help with the unemployment problem!

We can point a collective finger at the children who bullied Jamey to death, pound our chests in anger, and listen to Dr. Phil do another episode on bullying. But, instead, maybe we should just turn off our TVs tonight, the next night, or all week in protest of the culture of bullying that the media has created. We so gladly, or maybe unconsciously, invite this into our homes on a daily basis, and we, including our children, are acting out what we are watching. While I am outraged and very saddened over the loss of such a young life, I believe the power to immediately begin to change the bullying culture in this country is in all of our hands. Laws take years to pass, and this one would be hard to enforce. And, while we're waiting, more lives will be lost. I'm not against doing it, but I'm against waiting for this law to fix the problem. The Spirit Factor is all about taking action--immediate, if possible, or planned, when necessary. We all, for sure, can take immediate action in this case.

My heart goes out to the Rodemeyer family who lost their son to bullying. I do not believe that everything happens for a reason. But I do believe that we can give meaning to things, even bad things, that happen. So let's.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/the-difference/fundraiser-lady-gaga-may-may-not-chatted-president-160352724.html

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2011/09/lady-gaga-attends-obama-fundraising-event/

The Logical Song

2011-09-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when all the world's asleep, the questions run too deep for such a simple man. These words from the Logical Song by Supertramp woke me up this morning so I thought I'd post the words from the entire song.

The Logical Song

When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful,
A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical.
And all the birds in the trees, well they’d be singing so happily,
Joyfully, playfully watching me.
But then they send me away to teach me how to be sensible,
Logical, responsible, practical.
And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable,
Clinical, intellectual, cynical.

There are times when all the world’s asleep,
The questions run too deep
For such a simple man.
Won’t you please, please tell me what we’ve learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am.

Now watch what you say or they’ll be calling you a radical,
Liberal, fanatical, criminal.
Won’t you sign up your name, we’d like to feel you’re
Acceptable, respectable, presentable, a vegetable!

At night, when all the world’s asleep,
The questions run so deep
For such a simple man.
Won’t you please, please tell me what we’ve learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am.

Supertramp

The Currency of Creativity

2011-09-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

As this country continues to face job losses, staggering unemployment and home foreclosures, rising health care costs, and dependence on oil, it surprises me that we are still looking to politicians and the government to help us out of the mess we're in. When was the last time a politician or the government created new long-term jobs other than those that are created by going to war? Politicians, lawyers, accountants, and doctors don't create jobs--creative people do.

Creative people are the visionaries who see new possibilities when others see what is. Creative people not only create jobs and products that improve our lives, they also create beauty. Where would we be without artists, writers, and poets? These creative people interpret ordinary moments into beauty and enrich our lives because of it: Paintings that make us stop and ponder, or words that transport us to other worlds or deeper into ourselves.

I believe the only way to begin any kind of recovery in this country and in the world is to start valuing the currency of creativity. How do we do this? We create an environment where creative people are supported; where they are free to experiment, create, make mistakes, and where they don't have to worry about everything they create being a commercial success. As the genius Albert Einstein said: Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom. The next great product, invention, or industry is out there waiting to be brought into reality. But if our creative people--inventors, scientists, and artists--are too busy just trying to survive, and are not given the freedom needed to explore new possibilities, we will never recover. Ideas will remain ideas, and the world and all of us will continue to struggle.

Something to think about: When you go through your day today, be aware of everything around you and think about the creativity that went into taking it from an idea to a reality; and maybe give a little silent thank you to the creative people who have sacrificed, taken risks, and continue to give us so much. Also, think about how you can support creative people in your community, whether it's going to a local art gallery, a poetry reading, or donating to an organization that supports creativity. Afterall, if it weren't for them, we all would still be sitting in caves somewhere.

Amber's Feather Treasure

2011-09-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

Amber with her treasure

Last week our little female dog, Amber, found a wild turkey feather on one of our walks through the forest. We often see turkey feathers on our walks, but for some reason this one was extra special to her. She gently picked it up in her mouth and carried it home, protecting it from her big brother, Al, who tried to steal it from her the entire time. For the next few days she kept a close eye on her new treasure --she slept next to it in the living room, and brought it to bed with her at night.

This lasted until Big Al got ahold of it--which took about three days--and chewed it in half. She didn't seem too upset. She quickly moved on to find another treasure, which was any rock you threw to her or a dirty sock. I'm not sure why this particular feather was such a treasure to Amber, and I'm not sure there is a moral to this story. Maybe it's that a treasure is simply something YOU place attention and value on at certain moment. It doesn't have to be expensive; you can find a treasure anywhere, even on the ground. I guess the other lesson is: Your treasure might just look like a chew toy to someone else, so don't get to attached to it.

The Power of Myth - Joseph Campbell

2011-09-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

A few quotes from Joseph Campbell's the Power of Myth that resonate with me at this moment:

"It is a terrifying experience to have your conscious transformed."

"One thing that comes out of myths, for example, is that at the bottom of the abyss comes the voice of salvation. The black moment is the moment when the real message of transformation is going to come. At the darkest moment comes the light."

"When you come to the end of a time and the beginning of a new one, it's a period of tremendous pain and turmoil."

"But if you will think of ourselves as coming out of the earth, rather than being thrown in here from somewhere else (like the Bible says), you see that we are the earth, we are the consciousness of the earth. These are the eyes of the earth. And this is the voice of the earth."

Conversation between Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers
Moyers: Why is a myth different than a dream?
Campbell: Oh, because a dream is a personal experience of that deep, dark ground that is the support of our conscious lives, and a myth is the society's dream. The myth is the public dream and the dream is the private myth. If your private myth, your dream, happens to coincide with that of the society, you are in good accord with your group. If it isnt', you've got an adventure in the dark forest ahead of you.
Moyers: So if my private dreams are in accord with the public mythology, I'm more likely to live healthily in that society. But if my private dreams are out of step with the public--
Campbell: --you'll be in trouble. If you're forced to live in that--you'll be neurotic.
Moyers: But aren't many visionaries and even leaders and heroes close to the edge of neuroticism?
Campbell: Yes, they are.
Moyers: How do you explain that?
Campbell: They've moved out of the society that would have protected them, and into the dark forest into the world of fire, of original experience. Original experience has not been interpreted for you, and so you've got to work out your life for yourself. Either you can take it or you can't. You don't have to go far off the interpreted path to find yourself in very difficult situations. The courage to face the trials and to bring a whole new body of possibilities into the field of interpreted experience for other people to experience-- that is the hero's deed.

Wikipedia - Joseph Campbell

Leonardo da Vinci - Artist, Inventor, Genius

2011-09-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

Michael and I finally made it to the Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, the MAC, in Spokane today, the last day of the exhibit. It was nice to see that we weren't the only ones who waited until the last minute-- there were a lot of other people who chose to spend a beautiful, sunny Labor Day inside learning about da Vinci, the genius, and looking at reproductions of his paintings and inventions.

I have to say, we were surprised by the many things that da Vinci invented in the 1400s and early 1500s that gave birth to many of the things we use today: He did designs that would inspire helicopters, automobiles, parachutes, and hang gliders. He invented different types of products to lift, pull and move heavy objects. Did you know that he invented the first ball bearings? I have only known him as an artist, not really as an inventor. I knew he painted the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper, but did not know he was one of the first Italian painters to use oil paints, and that he also created his own oil paints. I also didn't know he was a vegetarian, for humanitarian reasons, which was unusual for the era he lived in.

As I was walking through the exhibit and looking at da Vinci's many inventions, I tried to think of recent inventions that have had a big impact on humans. Of course there is the computer, the Internet, and cell phones. But da Vinci's inventions gave humans the ability to travel and to fly. There was something very tangible about his inventions; whereas today's inventions seem more "virtual." Our economy is based on these virtual things and the virtual value of things--like the stock market, or things to entertain us--like the iPod, YouTube, and Facebook, not solid products or inventions that serve mankind or evolve us, and this is why we are in the situation we are in in this country and in the world. We're more informed and connected through social networks than ever, yet where is it taking us? I can't help but wonder if da Vinci were alive today if he would have a Facebook page, a Twitter account, be on LinkedIn, or YouTube, or if he would be too busy inventing

As Michael and I were walking to the parking lot after viewing the exhibit, I remembered that I did hear of a new invention on the news yesterday that had just been introduced at a sporting event: It's a tray that holds nachos and cheese and fits on the top of a soda cup. It allows you to hold your drink and nachos and cheese in one hand--something that in the past has taken two hands to do. Genius? I'll let you decide.

Wikipedia - Leonardo da Vinci
Michael Gelb - Author of How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

A Store With Spirit

2011-08-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a unique gift that has spirit, check out Zero Point Crystals' website at www.zeropointcrystals.com. They offer different types of crystals and rocks, jewelry, drums, bowls, books, smudge fans, flower essences, and many other items. They are located in the beautiful town of Sandpoint, Idaho, on Lake Pend Orielle. Michael and I came across their store a few years ago, and stopped in it again yesterday on our Sunday drive. It really is a special place. If you are ever in Sandpoint, stop in and put your hands on the huge crystal they have in the store. It's quite the experience!

Alive!

2011-08-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

A poem I wrote on a hike in the mountains as spring was beginning this year. I had an amazing experience that inspired this poem and a chapter in the book I'm working on, the Spirit Factor.

“Alive!”

The mountains were alive today
There was an electricity in the air that was palpable
A kinetic rhythm that could be heard in the birds
The inner workings and intricacies of nature were visible to me
I could see how hard they were working in harmony with each other
Nature was working hard
The birds were speaking to each other: We have much to do and little time to do it in
I lost my person and became a part of this
The wind no longer moved around me; it moved through the particles that gave me form
I stopped to feel the power of the moment
In the presence of this holiness I felt the need to ask for forgiveness
But before I could ask, it was granted to me
Instantaneously and simultaneously were my request and its acceptance

Truth Be Told

2011-07-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

This is a post from last September. With what's going on in the media and the world right now, I thought it was appropriate to re-post it.

I don't hate many things, but there is one thing I do hate, liars. I wonder how they can look you, me, and us in the eyes, and say something that they know is not true, and expect us to believe them. It's even more perplexing to me how angry they become when someone has the nerve to question what they say. Their anger is a coward's way of trying to intimidate us so we won't dare question them again. These insecure bullies waste our time and money, cause damage, keep us at war with each other, and hold back the evolution of our species. Because of the craziness that's going on in the world and around me right now, liars and, most importantly, the truth, have been on my mind. I've been thinking about how the truth is always there, even when we ignore it, try to look around it, or pretend that it's not, and how lonely the truth must be. We can't change the truth, deny it, or claim that it is ours, so why do we try to?

With all this on my mind lately, it was no surprise that I woke up at 3:00 am Wednesday with words swirling around in my head. Liars and truth were on my mind the night before and I must have carried them into my dreams because when I woke up, I heard and saw the words 'Truth Be Told.' I knew it was the title of a poem I would be writing; I just didn't know I would be writing it at that moment. I tried to go back to sleep, but the words that were swirling around in my head started to form sentences. The first complete sentence was: Here I stand in front of you, waiting to be told. I knew I was hearing truth's voice, and it was giving me an important message that needed to be told. But, to be honest, I wanted to stay in bed. I was tired, it was cold in the house, and our bed was warm! I told myself to remember the words that were coming to me so I could write them down in the morning, but truth would have none of it. The words kept coming, and before I knew it, I was sitting at our dining room table with a notepad and pencil jotting down the words that were coming to me faster than I could write.

I felt as though truth had pulled me out of bed, put my feet on the floor, walked me to the table and said, "Write!" So I did. For the next hour I wrote. In addition to seeing and hearing words, I began to see images. One of the clearest images was of a person I did not recognize, bound and gagged. The image gave me these words: Held hostage, bound and gagged, waiting to hear my fate. Hoping you pay my ransom before it's much, much too late. It was one of those moments that we creative people live for; we get out of the way and spirit takes over. It no longer mattered that it was 3:00 am, that I was tired, or that the house was cold. I was in the creative flow and it felt great! For that hour I was buzzing with creativity, and then it slowly started to fade. Truth was done telling me what it wanted me to write. The energy changed, and I was ready to go back to bed. I looked at the poem on my notepad in front of me with a sense of amazement. The three words that had come to me at 3:00 am, less than an hour ago, had turned into a complete thought. And it was an important thought. Truth spoke, and I listened. Here is what it said:

"Truth Be Told"

Here I stand in front of you, waiting to be told
Longing for the moment that you look inside my soul
Lost between two sides and promises never meant to keep
Treated like an outcast, like a beggar in the street

Held hostage, bound and gagged, waiting to hear my fate
Hoping you pay my ransom before it's much, much too late
I'm lonely hear, alone, standing in what's right
Growing weary of the battle, I feel I might be losing this fight

You think I haven't noticed that you won't look me in the eyes
But when you lie to truth, I will never take your side
Even when denied, I will never go away
Here I stand in front of you, and that's where I plan to stay

So patiently I'll wait for you to fall in love with me again
For I am the one, the only one, that matters in the end

by Marie Kukula-Tyner
September 8, 2010

Finding Independence

2011-07-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

I wrote this poem last year. Wanted to post it again this year on the eve of the 4th of July. Enjoy.

"Finding Independence"

May we find independence from antiquated thoughts and ideas; from racism, hatred, and abuse; from greed, war, and ignorance; and from our self-inflicted differences

May we find independence from living unsustainable lifestyles, and from energy sources that require us to deplete and pollute the planet; from mediocrity, apathy, and inaction; from unhealthy thoughts and actions, and from our addictions

May we find independence from those who divide us and incite us, and offer nothing of substance; from self-serving and self-preserving governments, corporations, and religions

May we find independence from our fear of standing up, speaking out, and telling the truth
And may we not wait for this independence, may we start creating it... today

Then, we will truly have something to celebrate

What Courage Is

2011-06-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

I wrote this on Sunday, January 9, 2011, after visiting an aunt in a nursing home who was dying, and another aunt who was fighting cancer. It was a challenging day, but it taught me what courage is. I hope my words do the same for you.

“Courage”

Today I learned that courage is not something you have to have to climb a mountain, jump out of a plane with a parachute strapped to your back, or anything else we consider to be a risk.

It’s what you have when you hold a dying relatives hand in a nursing home, when you help someone that has no one else to help them, and when you just show up to do what you have to do even though it’s hard.

It’s staying by a loved one’s side and watching them grow old, knowing one day they’ll be gone and that your heart will be broken by their loss, and loving them with all of your heart anyway.

Basic Instinct(s)

2011-06-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

Amber, my hero!

I just returned home from a hike in the mountains with our dogs, Big Al and Amber. It’s an incredibly beautiful day here so I planned on taking a long hike, deep in to the mountains. But a couple miles into the hike, Amber stopped, looked up to the left of the trail we were on to the mountainside that was covered with thick spring growth, and froze. Big Al was next to me and wanted to continue on the path, but Amber would have none of it. Her face was serious as her eyes scanned the mountainside and her nose sniffed the air for more information. Her body was still, her back end was lowered, and her always-wagging tail was down and motionless. As I watched her, I knew her body language was warning me of danger; no words were needed for me to understand. I immediately felt the fight or flight instincts running through my body--my heart pounding fast as my mind raced trying to assess the situation. I felt like we were being watched and stalked by something in the thick underbrush. It was an overwhelming feeling.

The past few weeks I have seen evidence of a large animal in the area, possibly a large cat, but I wasn’t sure. If this is what was causing Amber the concern, we could be in big trouble! I had bear spray, a hiking stick, and a cell phone with me and thought about which I should use first if there was a problem. Okay, I'll spray it, then poke it, then call for help... if I don't pass out first. Within seconds, Amber had all the information she need, and it must not have been good. She remained still and stared straight at Al. This is something she does right before she’s about to chase him, but this stare wasn’t about that; I believe she was communicating with him about the danger. Al stood still, too, and stared straight back at her. He understood.

My brain, in an attempt to talk myself out of what was going on, got my mouth to say: Come on Amber! Let’s keep going. A bit of denial on my part, hoping that maybe what she was sensing wasn’t really that serious. But when Amber, my little happy-go-lucky, tough as nails dog who could hike for hours, turned around to head down the mountain, looking at me and then anxiously scanning the mountainside, I knew I needed to listen. Big Al and I quickly followed her, both of us now feeling an urgency to get back down the mountain to safety. I pulled out my cell phone to call Michael to let him know what was going on in case anything happened. He confirmed that I needed to listen to what Amber was telling me and get off the mountain. The rest of the walk, or should I say walk/run, down the mountain, Amber was about 30 feet ahead of Al and me, and continued to scan the mountainside and sniff the air; Al stayed close by my side, watching Amber and the mountainside. Neither one of them stopped to pee, sniff the trail, or examine pine cones on the way down. Amber kept up her quick pace, and her body language showed her concern, until we walked in the front gate of our property. All three of us breathed a sigh of relief.

This situation made me think about the amazing senses and instincts that animals have, and how these give them the ability to sense and react to danger. Their lives depend on this. If Amber had not been with me today I probably would not have known about the danger. This made me think about how we humans have almost completely lost our instincts and our ability to sense danger. Even if we do sense something, we can easily talk ourselves out of what we're feeling, be talked out of what we feel, or be persuaded to feel something different by someone who may or may not have our best interests in mind. Because of this we trust untrustworthy people, make decisions that are not in our best interests or put us in harms way, and talk ourselves into having a false sense of security; unlike animals who trust their instincts. Amber didn’t doubt her instincts for one second-- not even when an authority figure, me, tried to get her to continue on the walk. She couldn’t be talked out of what she was feeling; she trusted it and acted on it. And because she did, we are all safe.

What would happen if we humans began to listen to our instincts again? Would the people who have all the power now continue to have it? Would we listen to people who have nothing to say or would we listen to people who have ideas that will evolve us? Would we pay attention to the distractions that deplete us or would we give our energy to things that ensure our survival? Would we be so reckless with a planet that our existence depends on? Our instincts, just like those of animals, are there to help us survive. Ceser Millan, the famous dog trainer known as the Dog Whisperer, wrote in one of his books: Humans are the only species that will follow a weak pack leader. I believe that one of the most important things we can do as individuals, and as a society, is to start listening to our instincts, and stop listening to weak pack leaders. We have to bring our senses back to life. What will this take? We have to stop numbing ourselves with distractions, medications, food, alcohol and drugs, and busyness, and we have to stop turning off our brains and trusting others who are looking out for themselves, not us. Our survival depends on us doing this.

In closing, I’d like to thank my little Amber for teaching me a wonderful lesson today, and for keeping us safe. She’s my hero! Extra chicken and belly rubs for the little girl!

http://www.cesarsway.com/

The Earth Told Me Today...

2011-04-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

The earth told me today that all it needs from me is kindness.

And because I showed it the kindness it asked for, the cathedral of trees I was walking through worshiped me.

Meet Me on the Mountaintop

2011-04-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

View from the mountaintop

I went for a hike in the mountains the other day and was inspired to write a new poem. It's called Meet Me on the Mountaintop. As I sat on the mountaintop with our dogs that day and looked at the beauty that lived around me, I thought to myself-- I need to be the voice of nature. I need to speak for it. This is when the first line of the poem came to me: Meet me on the mountaintop so you can see what I can see. At that moment, I thought that if everyone could see what I was seeing they would have the same respect and reverence for nature that I have; and we all would take care of it, not destroy it.

I can't literally bring all of you up to the mountaintop with me. But I can take you up there with my words. Nature has so much to say. Will you listen with me? I'll see you on the mountaintop. The view is amazing!

“Meet Me on the Mountaintop”

Meet me on the mountaintop

so you can see what I can see

The earth and sky and clouds and sun,

in between them a sea of green

We can listen to the language

of the wind blowing through the trees

And even if it’s for this moment,

we can let our spirits be free

Meet me on the mountaintop

so we can see what we can see

We can rise above what lives below

to create our own destiny

If we look off in the distance,

we will see beyond what we believe can be

And a new way will begin to appear--

a new day, with a new possibility

If ever I am lost,

the mountaintop is where I'll find me

So meet me on the mountaintop

It’s where I’ll always be

by Marie Kukula-Tyner

Written April 5, 2011,

on a mountaintop in Loon Lake, Washington.

Awakening

2011-03-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

I wrote this poem yesterday after seeing some fields along the highway that were newly exposed from the winter's snow. Some had already been plowed in preparation to receive seeds that they will grow. When I looked at the fields of rich earth, they seemed sleepy--like they were slowly opening their eyes and squinting at spring's sunshine--not quite ready to wake up, but they had to because they knew they had a lot of work ahead of them. Here are the words that came to me.

"Awakening"

The light and warmth of the first days of spring blanket Mother Earth, gently awakening her from her long winter's rest
She is still sleepy, not yet ready to rise from this restful place
But she knows there is a lot to do
All living things depend on her for their survival
She must grow, blossom, produce and nourish all that is living,
and absorb and regenerate all that dies
No one else can do this
There is no delegating when you're Mother Earth

by Marie Kukula-Tyner
March 27, 2011

Spirit = Simplicity

2011-03-19T00:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you don't realize how much you miss something until you're reminded of how much you do. That happened this evening for Michael and me. We just finished watching a John Denver special on our local Public Television station. The show was filmed in Japan in 1981. Amazing that that was thirty years ago. We have always loved John Denver and his music, and every time we hear him sing, we're reminded why-- he sang his songs simply, and the songs were written simply, almost poetically, about things that mattered to him--the beauty of nature, love, and his struggles--and they resonated with us at the level of our collective spirit. To this day, every time I hear the lyric "I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly" from Rocky Mountain high, I cry. To feel rich from seeing an eagle fly is something that speaks to our soul; feeling rich from nice cars, big houses or having a title that we think impresses someone else evaporates as soon as those are gone or someone else has things that are bigger or better than ours.

When you watch John Denver perform, there is no ego. It's about the song, not the choreography, the lighting or camera angles. I know the music industry has changed over the past thirty years, and so has the audience. The world is moving faster and we are busier than ever trying to keep up with it, so most people's attention spans are very short. Performers now believe they have to have elaborate stages, lighting, choreography, make-up, wardrobes, dancers, and anything else to try and to keep the audience's attention. But, when it comes down to it, aren't we really there to hear them sing a song? When was the last time you really heard someone simply sing a song? No distractions, they just sang? And when was the last time you were really moved by a song?

For me, it's been a long time. So, tonight, as I listened to John Denver sing with every fiber of his being about the Rocky Mountains he loved, the eagle and the hawk, Jacques Cousteau, country roads, and the joy of being a country boy, I was moved to tears. I was reminded how much I miss hearing someone simply sing from a place of spirit. Simplicity is where spirit lives; complexity is where the distractions are. When a song is written and sang from a place of spirit none of the distractions are needed to entertain and make the audience feel something. Many of the entertainers today use the distractions to cover up the fact that they aren't that talented, and that they don't have anything of value to say. And we're too busy looking at their outfits, hair, makeup, and back-up singers to notice that they can't hold a tune.

This is just one example of how spirit has gotten lost in the complexities of the world, and because of this, we are distracted from the fact that our souls miss it. Isn't it time we make room for spirit in our lives and in the world? I promise you, if you remove the distractions and live from a place of simplicity, you will find that spirit is there, and always has been; and it will speak to you and move you in ways that will change your life and the world.

The lyrics from Rocky Mountain High by John Denver are below. Please take a minute to read them and enjoy their simplicity and meaning.

Rocky Mountain High

John Denver
Words by John Denver; Music by John Denver and Mike Taylor

He was born in the summer of his 27th year
Comin' home to a place he'd never been before
He left yesterday behind him, you might say he was born again
You might say he found a key for every door

When he first came to the mountains his life was far away
On the road and hangin' by a song
But the string's already broken and he doesn't really care
It keeps changin' fast and it don't last for long

But the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye
Rocky mountain high

He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below
He saw everything as far as you can see
And they say that he got crazy once and he tried to touch the sun
And he lost a friend but kept his memory

Now he walks in quiet solitude the forest and the streams
Seeking grace in every step he takes
His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand
The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake

And the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky mountain high

Now his life is full of wonder but his heart still knows some fear
Of a simple thing he cannot comprehend
Why they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more
More people, more scars upon the land

And the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly
Rocky mountain high

It's Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
Friends around the campfire and everybody's high
Rocky mountain high

A Healer in the House Seminar

2011-03-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late in posting this but feel it is important to do so. Michael and I did our first A Healer in the House seminar (see January 25 post) on Saturday, February 19 and it was amazing! Thanks to everyone who came out to support us--especially those who weren't sure what the seminar was about but were open to learning something new. The picture above is of our new Energy Essentials Kit that we debuted at the seminar. It includes a 4 oz. bottle of Smudge Spray, a 1 oz bottle of Flower Power flower essences, a LOVE Vial, a Smudge Stick and two Healer in the House protective wristbands. The Smudge Spray and Flower Power were made by Michael and are a special blend of flower essences and gem elixirs. Of course, the Smudge Spray includes some sage. The kits are $29.95. If you are interested in purchasing one, please email me at mariekukula@yahoo.com.

For Michael and I, February 19th was one of the best days we've ever had. It was one of those rare moments when you just know that you are in the right place, at the right time, with the right person, doing the right thing. When it comes down to it, isn't that what we're all striving for? We've been told, rather brainwashed, into believing that we're striving for things. And, then, once we have these things, we're told we need to upgrade these things or get the new and improved version of the things we already have. For example, it's not good enough that we saved up enough money to buy a house and have held on to it through these challenging times. Now every home improvement show tells us we have to have stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops in our kitchen, and that our bathrooms have to have double sinks because "that's what buyers want!" Sometimes I wonder how I ever grew up and am surviving today in a home without these "necessities."

The pursuit of things has distracted us from the fact that we're miserable. Many of us doing jobs we don't want to do, living with people that don't support our dreams, waiting for the right time to do something that matters. Our spirit has been beaten into submission by the choices, demands and requirements of our daily lives. But it's always there, speaking to us through the obstructions. We can't drink it, smoke it, sedate it or ignore it away. I know there is a reality to life: We have to make money to live. But we can start letting spirit's voice be heard and take steps towards something more than just acquiring and keeping things.

I wonder how many people have ever had a moment like Michael and I had the day of our first seminar. I know one thing: If you have one of these moments, you will be hungry to have more, and you will try to figure out a way to do that. I know we are. I hope you will, too. Spirit's waiting, and so is the world.

Poetry In Motion

2011-03-06T20:42:00.001-08:00

Today I did the Spokane Open Poetry show on a local radio station called KYRS Thin Air Community Radio. KYRS is a volunteer-powered, non-commercial, listener supported radio station. The show was taped and will air in Spokane on KYRS 92.3 FM on Sunday, May 1 at 5:30 pm and on their website http://www.kyrs.org/. A podcast will be available after the airing.

The half hour Open Poetry program has been hosted by Stephen Pitters for the past 7 years and gives poets the opportunity to read and talk about their poetry. I read an assortment of my poetry, some of which I have posted on this blog, that I have written over the pas 10 years. Michael was there with me and we also talked a little about The Spirit Factor book and A Healer in the House seminars. I have to tell you, it is wonderful to finally be out in the world talking about these two projects. It feels like it's a step in the new and very important direction we want to go in this year. Now we just have to keep stepping in that direction.

Gag Me With A (Sliver) Spoon!

2011-02-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

Got home a little early from work yesterday. Was tired so I plopped down on the couch, turned on the tv, and decided to see who Oprah had on her show. Happened to be Donald Trump and his family. Too tired to search to see what else was on, so I watched the interview until something was said that forced me muster up the energy to change the channel. The Donald's daughter, Ivanka, got married a year ago. When Oprah asked Donald if he gave Ivanka a budget for her wedding, he said, "I did. It was unlimited, and she exceeded it." Ivanka and Oprah laughed big wide-opened-mouthed laughs. The audience laughed, too. I couldn't help but think: Is that really funny in this day and age when so many people in this country and around the world are struggling just to survive? This kind of obscene spending isn't relevant today, and actually is a bit embarrassing for the people who think it is. It showed how out of touch Oprah and the Trumps are with how most people are living...or should I say, surviving.

So, here's my message to Oprah: You need to stop giving so much time to people who are already in the media enough. We know the Trumps are rich. We know that you love John Travolta and that he parks his 747 airplane in his front yard. We know Julia Roberts is one of your best friends. I don't frikin' care!! You have an unbelievable platform, so why waste it on this meaningless crap?! True, you have talked about some great causes, but it seems that you do it less and less these days. If you're out of ideas, I'll give you a few. There is a lady that lives in northeastern Washington who for the past 25-years has been fostering newborn babies, many times twins, that were born addicted to drugs. When her husband died recently, she continued to take in babies. Now, to me, that is someone who deserves the attention and praise you give to your celebrity guests/friends. How does this woman find the energy to keep doing this? How does she continue to see the good in people when she sees these innocent children suffering? What kind of help could she get by being featured on your show? Think about it! Or how about The Old Dog Haven. They are a group of volunteers that take in abandoned and abused old dogs. They adopt them out when possible, and provide the dogs that are too old and ill with a loving, comfortable place to live out their final days.

We are at a time in our history where we cannot waste time focusing on those that already have more than enough. We have to be conscious of how we use our time and efforts, and what we focus on. There are too many in need; and for many, time is running out or already has run out. The interview with the Trump family was big waste of time and provided nothing of value. It made me mad, and I don't want to be mad. I really expect more from you than this, Oprah.

A Moment of Spirit...On TV? Yes!

2011-02-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

I just witnessed a great moment of spirit...on TV. I know! I'm just as surprised as you are. I'm working at our store today and I have the TV on. I wasn't paying much attention to the show that was on, The View, until they brought out the 13-year old boy from Philadelphia, Nadin Khoury, who was caught on tape being brutally bullied by a group of his classmates, and his parents. What was he bullied for? For being smaller than others his age and because his mother is from Africa.

Barbara, Whoopi and Elisabeth interviewed Nadin and his family about the incident, and all the hosts commented on how brave he was for talking about what had happened to him. I was amazed how calm, grounded, and sweet this little boy was. How sad that he had to go through what he did. As the segment was ending, Barbara said that when they come back from the commercial break they had a surprise for Nadin. And, boy, did they! In the next segment, three players from his favorite football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, came out with a gift for him, and showered him with praise and love. All of them changed their plans so they could surprise the little boy. Please take a moment to watch this truly beautiful moment. It is a perfect example of what happens when people respond from a place of spirit. Magic and miracles happen.

I'm Back!

2011-01-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been almost 2 months since my last post. There have been a lot of things that I have wanted to write about, but haven't had the time. And, to be honest, I've been conserving my energy for the new direction Michael and I are moving in this year. In addition to finishing the Spirit Factor, we will be doing seminars, called A Healer in the House (see our cute, simple logo above), teaching Michael's healing work. We feel it's the right thing to do, and the right time to do it. There is so much sickness and suffering in the world that could be helped if people understood energy, and knew how to work with it to heal themselves and their families.

Michael's healing work has helped and healed many people, and has saved my life on more than one occasion (see August 24, 2010 post). Over the years I have used what I've learned from Michael to help me in many situations. I can't imagine going through life not knowing what I know about energy or not having a healer in the house. Our seminars will put the power to take control of your life and your health in your hands so you can be the healer in your house.

I will post our seminar schedule on this blog as soon as we have it firmed up. Please let us know if you would like more information on the seminars or would like to help us organize a seminar in your area. We look forward to seeing you soon!

A Divine Sign?

2010-11-30T19:23:00.000-08:00

We've all heard the stories of people seeing images of Jesus or the Virgin Mary in a grilled cheese sandwich, a toasted tortilla, a dirty window, or some other thing, but I never thought I would be one to see one of these divine signs. Okay, it wasn't Jesus or the Virgin Mary (thank God), but the other day when I looked down in my sink--which happened to be a little dirty (hey, don't judge... I've been busy!)-- I saw a very well-known face (pictured above) looking back at me. Now, I look in this sink every day and have never seen drops of water in that particular formation before. It was no parting of the Red Sea, but it seemed like a happy, little miracle at the moment.

Maybe the smiley face had always been there, and I just hadn't noticed it, like so many self-helpers say; or maybe it was a sign that I need to smile more...Lord knows I haven't done that a lot lately. My pea-brain started going off in many different directions when I saw the smiley face looking up at me from my dirty sink, looking for some divine reason this little face appeared. But sometimes you have to stop yourself from looking for deeper meaning in everything and enjoy things at face value (no pun intended). So I did. I took a few pictures, then turned on the water to wash my face as I watched smiley go down the drain. I think of the little guy often, and thank him for the smile he brought to my face in that moment.

If you're looking for a deeper meaning in this post, there isn't one. Sometimes you just have to write about something because it's fun and it makes you happy. I just did:) Hey, maybe that's what smiley was supposed to teach me! Live on, smiley, live on!

Julie Taymor, Genius!

2010-11-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

I just caught part of an interview on 60 Minutes with one of my favorite creative people, Julie Taymor, and had to post something she said. If you don't know her name, she is a director of theater and film, and is responsible for the Lion King musical, and one of my favorite films, Across the Universe. She is currently working on a $60-million Broadway production of Spider-Man scored by U2.

Leslie Stahl said to her: You said you love to go into something when you're not sure you can pull it off. Julie Taymor responded: I hate the comfort zone, let's put it that way. I don't think anything that's really creative can be done without danger and risk.

I really needed to hear this. I have been talking myself out of finishing some of my creative projects, and spending time looking for other options in the 'comfort zone.' Ugh! What's going on in the world and with the economy is enough to make anyone retreat from 'danger and risk.' But, when you think about it, the only way we are going to get out of this mess is if there are people willing to take risks--risks to create new ideas, new industries, and to dare to dream of things that don't yet exist. Thanks, Julie, for reminding me that creativity isn't the safest route, and that's okay.

Cotton Candy, Marshmallows & Hope

2010-11-19T14:53:00.000-08:00

You da man! No, you da man!

Sorry, that's what came to me when I saw this picture.

I happened to catch Pastor Joel Osteen (pictured above) promoting his new book, The Christmas Spirit, on The View this week. Most of you have seen Pastor Osteen; he is the always-smiling, Houston based Lakewood mega-church leader who has been preaching a message of hope and prosperity for the past decade. He has written numerous books and travels around the world with his wife, Victoria, doing mega-events pushing the before mentioned hope and prosperity. He is also the one who inspired a chapter in our book, The Spirit Factor, called Hope: A Four-Letter Word.

Anyway, back to The View. Pastor Osteen came on with his trademark ear-to-ear smile ready to give everyone a good dose of hope. But it seems I wasn't the only one who felt his message wasn't relevant, considering what's going on in the world right now--the hosts of The View didn't either. When asked about God wanting us to be prosperous (something he always preaches) and the fact that people don't have jobs and are losing their homes, he said, "Well, there are many kinds of prosperity--you can have a good family..." Barbara Walters cut him off and said, "You specifically talk about financial prosperity." He didn't quite know how to respond. When asked about his beliefs on homosexuality, he said: It's not God's best for your life, and that scripture in the Bible is very clear about it, but that his church welcomes everyone. Really? That's the best you can do when teenagers are killing themselves because they're being bullied just because they are gay? I was waiting for his answer, for him to show me what he believed in, and he didn't. I realized at that moment, I don't think HE knows what he believes in. Is this a leader?

The world-renowned dog behavior specialist Ceasar Milan wrote something in one of his books that has always stayed with me: Humans are the only species that will follow a weak pack leader. These weak leaders are not leading us in a direction that will sustain our species; they are not giving us anything of value, yet we continue to flock to them in hopes that they will. We have to stop allowing these so called "leaders" to serve us a plate of cotton candy, marshmallows and hope when we so desperately need something of substance for our survival. Sure, it might taste good at the moment (kinda like those scoops of raw dough you sneak while baking cookies), but we are left hungry and feeling worse than we did before--and, eventually, we will starve to death. This is not just about Joel Osteen, this is about all politicians, business, spiritual and religious leaders who continue to give us nothing, while we are losing everything.

We need to take some responsibility for this, too. We are the ones who vote for them, buy their products, books and CDs, flock to their services and seminars, watch their TV shows, and turn our power over to them. We do so many times because we are vulnerable and looking for some kind of help, but we have to realize that these people are not in the business of giving us help; they are in the business of keeping us in a perpetual state of needing help, and hungry for their next promise or product. The only way we are going to get help--for ourselves, for our species and the planet--is to give it to ourselves, each other and all living things. It's time we start believing in that, not in them!

Finding Eternalness

2010-11-16T12:31:00.000-08:00

Michael and I drove through the North Cascade Mountains in Washington this summer on our way to the San Juan Islands. As I was trying to take in their magnificence, these words came to me, and I silently spoke them to the mountains:

In your ancientness, I find my eternalness

by Marie Kukula-Tyner

Photo of me and the mountains.
July 2010

A Tree

2010-11-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

A tree doesn't try to be anything other than a tree,

so why do I try to be anything else but me?

by Marie Kukula-Tyner

Photo taken July 2010 on San Juan Island, Washington. Copyright Marie Kukula-Tyner

The Right to Bear Arms Against An Unarmed Bear

2010-11-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

Picture by Diane Ronayne from humanbearconflict.org website

We live on 10-acres of forested land that backs up to a mountain range in the Pacific Northwest. We do our best to co-exist with the animals that live in the area--which include deer, moose, wild turkey, skunk, coyotes, and an occasional bear or mountain lion. We have seen most of these animals on our property in the 5-years that we've lived here, but we had not seen a bear on our property until a few months ago. The big guy must have caught a whiff of the gluten-free brownies and an empty carton of coconut milk we had thrown in the trash, so he decided to pay us a midnight visit. He spent a couple hours rummaging through our trash cans, and eating the before mentioned brownies and licking the milk container. We lost some sleep and had some trash to clean up in the morning, but never thought that the bear deserved a death sentence because of it. Did I mention we live in the forest?

A couple weeks ago I was talking with a neighbor and happened to mention the bear that had come on our property. She said, "You don't have to worry about him anymore. He was shot." My heart sank as I listened to what happened: The bear had visited one of our neighbor's trash cans--which had been left on their back porch--a few times, and the neighbor wasn't happy about it. So, instead of moving his trash cans to a place where the bear couldn't get to them, as he was told to do by the Fish & Wildlife Department, he shot the bear. I was so sad to hear this. A beautiful, unarmed creature obliterated because he was an "inconvenience" to someone. Not a threat, an inconvenience. What a waste.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution gives us the right to bear arms. And, yes, that means the right to bear arms against an unarmed bear. But what about the responsibility that comes with this right? The arms that 'we have the right to bear' should be used as a last resort, after ALL other options have been exhausted, not just because we're inconvenienced or angry. What about the bear's right to live on this planet? He was only looking for food and trying to survive in an every-shrinking space and on a polluted planet, both of which he had nothing to do with. The arrogance of humans to think that this planet is exclusively theirs never ceases to disappoint me.

We have to stop obliterating each other and nature, and claiming that it is our "right" to do so. Whether it's with weapons or with words, the outcome is deadly and the results final. There are so many other possibilities out there, so many ways to peacefully co-exist, and it is our responsibility to figure out how to do so-- not tomorrow, some other day, or when it's convenient. We have to do it NOW!

Choosing Love Over Hate

2010-10-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

The Westboro Baptist church brought their message of hate to Spokane yesterday. They are the group that have received a lot of publicity lately for picketing at a soldier's funeral, and for various other hateful demonstrations around the country. Yesterday the group demonstrated near a high school, a synagogue, Gonzaga University and Whitworth College. I have to say, I am so proud of how Spokane handled the demonstrations! Hundreds of students and community members showed up and countered the Westboro churches' message of hate with peaceful demonstrations. The sign above is from one of them (from KXLY4 website).

I watched the news coverage of these events, and the difference between the images and words of the angry Westboro members and those of the peaceful, loving students and community members were amazing. As the Westboro members spewed hate, the counter-protesters spoke calmly of how they weren't going to engage the other side, but that they would stand across from them to represent love and peace. What surprised me most was to hear these words coming from the mouths of the students. They seemed too young to be so composed and so clear with their message in the face of such ignorance and hate. I don't know that I could have been. It was the first time in a long time that I felt truth just might stand a chance in the world. Maybe there are more of these calm, loving people out there than we're aware of, but they just don't get the airtime that the radical and outrageous do. I don't understand why this is. Would someone in the media like to explain?

So as the Westboro church moves their demonstrations to Idaho today, may the images of the peace and love they were confronted with in Spokane stay with them...and tweak their tiny, little melons:) And to Spokane, I'm so very proud of you! You, unexpectedly, reminded me of the possibilities that exist when we walk in peace and love.

Our Fingerprint In Time

2010-10-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

Today Michael and I celebrate our 7th Wedding Anniversary. The picture above is my favorite from our wedding day. It was taken by a friend at our reception on a disposable camera, and it came out better than any of the posed pictures the professional photographer took. We were having a great time and looked so happy. A natural, beautiful moment captured forever in a picture.

Last night I pulled my wedding dress out of the closet, surrounded myself with pictures of our wedding day, and relived that magical day: I could see all the faces of the loved ones that filled our backyard; I could see the look on Michael's face when he saw me for the first time in my wedding dress; and I could see his best man, our beloved dog Jesse, standing by his side, both of them waiting for me with love-filled eyes. What a perfect day!

At the wedding we gave out a book of poems that I had written for Michael. Here are a few of my favorites:

'Fingerprint in Time"

A fingerprint in time
A moment etched in our minds

A memory of a sacred place
A remembering of a familiar face

A time held gently in our hearts
A gift of love that embraced us from the start

A day to share this union of yours and mine
A day to make our fingerprint in time

"Forever Falling"

If I were granted just one wish
and I knew it would come true
I would ask for time to stand still
so I could spend this moment, forever,
falling in love with you

And one of the very first poems I wrote for Michael, and my all time favorite:

"Once Upon A Time"

Once upon a time two beautiful souls fell in love
It was a love so strong it could only have been created from above
No time or distance could possibly tear this union apart
It could only be separated by the dying of one's heart

But somehow they lost each other in another place and time
And, again, began the search that would take so long to find
Traveling over centuries looking for the peace they once knew
Longing for the power shared by the souls of the two

Heartache would find them and emptiness would settle in
Only when they surrendered did the true journey begin
The reunion of their souls was destined from the start
And only after the search would they know that they
never again would be apart

So together they made a promise to protect this love forever
And thanked the heavens for the sacred gift of life's greatest treasure
Once upon a time only happens to a chosen few
Once upon a time is the story of me and you

Michael and I have traveled a great distance since we said "I Do" seven years ago; I can't wait to see what we create in the coming years... the completion of the Spirit Factor book, seminars, changing the world. As I say in another one of my poems: When two souls walk together in love, there is no power greater--mountains can be moved, the world can be changed. When the heart of the human spirit beats with love, miracles happen. I'm looking forward to making more miracles."Forever Falling"

Something To Ponder

2010-10-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a few posts that are taking some time, but did want to make a quick post to ponder.

We need Mother Earth.
Mother Earth doesn't need us.

Reinvented. Remodeled. Reborn.

2010-09-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

Michael and I were in downtown Spokane for dinner and to do some window shopping Saturday night. Since downtown Spokane is almost an hour from where we live, we don't go there very often. But when we do, I love to go to my two favorite stores--Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware-- to get decorating ideas from the designer-styled spaces in the stores. I wasn't disappointed. Pottery Barn was beautifully decorated in the warm colors of fall, and it made me want to go home and paint our walls either a yummy chocolate brown or a golden color called autumn glow. I also wanted to buy pillows and throws and candles and flowers in the same colors. While we loved all of the accessories at Pottery Barn, we were blown away by the wood furniture at Restoration Hardware. We hadn't been in their store in over a year, and it had a totally different look and feel than before. We absolutely loved it!

Today I went to the Restoration Hardware website (http://www.restorationhardware.com/) to look at the furniture we fell in love with in their store, and I was met with the words: Behold Our Fall Collection. Wow! Behold...what a lovely way to be introduced to their products, and what a nice way to let me know that what I'm about to look at is special. Further down the page I read the company's new tagline: Reinvented. Remodeled. Reborn. When Michael and I were in their store on Saturday we talked about how we loved the new direction the company had gone in. The furniture was made of reclaimed wood, not particle board covered with a faux wood finish and slapped together in a factory. Each piece was unique, had texture, a history, energy, and life to it. I've been wanting to buy furniture for our home but have had a hard time finding anything I really love since I don't like the cheaply made, mass-produced, shiny finished, non-textured, spiritless furniture in most stores. The furniture at Restoration Hardware made you want to touch it, gather around it, and linger there. It felt special.

Back to the website. Just below the Reinvented. Remodeled. Reborn. Restoration Hardware was a box with the quote: Every act of creation is first an act of destruction...The Story of Our Collection. I clicked on this box and read the story told by the Chairman & CEO of the company, Gary Friedman. It was inspiring! The quote is from Pablo Picasso, who Gary describes as 'one of the world's preeminent artists and influences of the 20th century, who repeatedly broke down stylistic conventions and was undaunted by the art world's status quo. His irreverent spirit, captured in the quote above, was unfettered as he pursued his calling and followed his muse--great art that answered to no one, yet inspired everyone.'

Gary goes on to say: During the collapse of the global economy, we drew inspiration from Picasso's words and chose not to listen to the conventional wisdom encouraging us to follow the pack and lower quality to reduce prices. Instead, we saw an opportunity to be liberated, abandoning our past to embrace the future, one that has redefined the essence of who we are. No longer mere "retailers" of home furnishings, we are now "curators" of the best historical design the world has to offer. We've destroyed the previous iteration of ourselves, clearing the way to express our brand in a never-before-seen fashion. All I can say is, Gary, you rock! Congratulations on your new, never-before-seen fashion. It works, and it is inspiring. And thank you for giving us furniture with spirit.

I've got my eye on the Pedestal Salvaged Wood Round Dining Table. This is how the table is described on the website: Handsomely distressed, our table is crafted of substantial pine timbers and supported by a hand-turned pedestal leg; handcrafted of unfinished, solid reclaimed pine timbers from 100-year old buildings in Great Britain; each plank is hand selected; rough-hewn, solid planks of unfinished pine bear the patina of reclaimed wood; some nicks and imperfections to be expected (the more the better, as far as I'm concerned); each piece is one of a kind, and quantities are limited. If that's not enough to let you know that this is a special table, you can click on the Artisan button and learn about the person who designed this piece. Even though I'm going to have to save up for this table, and it's more than I'd like to spend, I know I will have a unique piece of furniture that I will keep forever, and I will be supporting a company with spirit. Another piece that I love is the 1920s French Drafting Table. Would love to have this to do my artwork on.

We are in a challenging time, and at a pivotal point, in our country and the world right now. But I think this time gives us the opportunity to make a choice between continuing on the same path we've been on (where we will continue to experience the same suffering, inequality, and imbalances) or liberate ourselves, abandoning our past to create and embrace a new future, redefining the essence of who we are--as Restoration Hardware has done. Yes, I know, they're dealing with furniture and we are dealing with big, real problems. But I believe that their Reinvented, Remodeled, Reborn philosophy is something that can be applied to just about anything. Our big problems are going to require creativity to solve; not politicians and lawyers arguing for their side and offering no solutions. This is not the essence of who we are. The essence of who we are is spirit. And spirit is creative, all encompassing, and always moving, evolving, and adapting. This is where the possibilities to create something new and beautiful exist.

Truth Be Told

2010-09-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

I don't hate many things, but there is one thing I do hate, liars. I wonder how they can look you, me, and us in the eyes, and say something that they know is not true and expect us to believe them. It's even more perplexing to me how angry they become when someone has the nerve to question what they say. Their anger is a coward's way of trying to intimidate us so we won't dare question them again. These insecure bullies waste our time and money, cause damage, keep us at war with each other, and hold back the evolution of our species. Because of the craziness that's going on in the world and around me right now, liars and, most importantly, the truth have been on my mind. I've been thinking about how the truth is always there, even when we ignore it, try to look around it or pretend that it's not, and how lonely the truth must be. We can't change the truth, deny it, or claim that it is ours, so why do we try to?

With all this on my mind lately, it was no surprise that I woke up at 3:00 am Wednesday with words swirling around in my head. Liars and truth were on my mind the night before, and I must have carried them into my dreams because when I woke up, I heard and saw the words 'Truth Be Told.' I knew it was the title of a poem I would be writing, I just didn't know I would be writing it at that moment. I tried to go back to sleep, but the words that were swirling around in my head started to form sentences. The first complete sentence was: Here I stand in front of you, waiting to be told. I knew I was hearing truth's voice, and it was giving me an important message that needed to be told. But, to be honest, I wanted to stay in bed. I was tired, it was cold in the house, and our bed was warm! I told myself to remember the words that were coming to me so I could write them down in the morning, but truth would have none of it. The words kept coming, and before I knew it, I was sitting at our dining room table with a notepad and pencil jotting down the words that were coming to me faster than I could write.

I felt as though truth had pulled me out of bed, put my feet on the floor, walked me to the table and said, "Write!" So I did. For the next hour I wrote. In addition to seeing and hearing words, I began to see images. One of the clearest images was of a person I did not recognize, bound and gagged. The image gave me these words: Held hostage, bound and gagged, waiting to hear my fate. Hoping you pay my ransom before it's much, much too late. It was one of those moments that we creative people live for; we get out of the way and spirit takes over. It no longer mattered that it was 3:00 am, that I was tired or that the house was cold. I was in the creative flow and it felt great! For that hour I was buzzing with creativity, and then it slowly started to fade. Truth was done telling me what it wanted me to write. The energy changed, and I was ready to go back to bed. I looked at the poem on my notepad in front of me with a sense of amazement. The three words that had come to me at 3:00 am, less than an hour ago, had turned into a complete thought. And it was an important thought. Truth spoke, and I listened. Here is what it said:

"Truth Be Told"

Here I stand in front of you, waiting to be told
Longing for the moment that you look inside my soul

Lost between two sides and promises never meant to keep
Treated like an outcast, like a beggar in the street

Held hostage, bound and gagged, waiting to hear my fate
Hoping you pay my ransom before it's much, much too late

I'm lonely hear, alone, standing in what's right
Growing weary of the battle, I feel I might be losing this fight

You think I haven't noticed that you won't look me in the eyes
But when you lie to truth, I will never take your side

Even when denied, I will never go away
Here I stand in front of you, and that's where I plan to stay

So patiently I'll wait for you to fall in love with me again
For I am the one, the only one, that matters in the end

by Marie Kukula-Tyner
September 8, 2010

When The Edges Of Two Seasons Meet

2010-09-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on our morning walk through the forest with the dogs, there was a spot on the trail where I could literally feel the edge of summer and the edge of fall meet. In a soft breeze I could feel the warmness of summer and the coolness of fall mixed together, and then the warmness was gone. The soft breeze became cool. I silently said to myself, "Summer is gone." I felt a bit sad because it went by so quickly, but also excited about the beautiful display of color that nature had in store for us. A few moments later Michael said how it felt like fall.

Today I took a long hike in the mountains with the dogs and had to wear sweatpants, a sweater, beanie cap, and gloves. Yes, summer is officially over. The leaves of the underbrush on the trail we had walked the day before confirmed this. They had been green 24 hours ago, but this morning their tips looked like they had been dipped in bright yellow paint. The first leaves that had fallen from some of the aspen trees were laying on the path I walked on. The further I walked up the mountain the more vibrant the fall colors where--reds, oranges, and yellows covered the mountainsides beneath the tall pine trees. I wished I had paints, a paint brush, a blank canvas and an easel so I could try to capture the beautiful colors that come and go so quickly. Photographs just don't do it justice. I had only planned to go on a short hike, but was so taken by the colors, the coolness, and the smells of fall that I just kept walking. The dogs didn't complain; they played and sniffed, their senses alive with all the wonderful smells of nature. It gave me great joy to see them so happy, leashless and free to just be dogs.

It seems like I was up in the mountains only a few weeks ago enjoying all the new growth that spring had brought. How quickly the seasons change, whether we're ready for them or not. Living in nature for the past five years I have learned to become less attached to holding on to what is and more open to change; accepting ends, and allowing new beginnings. This has been a challenging year for my family and friends, for this country, and for a lot of the world, but I can feel possibilities in the changing of the seasons; the possibilities that exist if we collectively let go of the old and start creating something new. By following nature's example, we can move to a new season in our existence--one that is kinder, gentler, fairer, healthier, and good for all of us. I can see it and I can feel it. Can you?

"The autumn leaves remind us of the beauty of change, and the promise of a new beginning."
Marie Kukula-Tyner

Puzzled?

2010-09-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

Have you been looking for an answer to a problem in your life with no success? Are you working diligently on a project but making little or no progress? Are you stuck in between what was and what could be? Me too! But this morning I was reminded of the importance of taking time to step a way from problems, projects, and even our current situations to gain perspective and clarity.

At the beginning of this week, Michael and I started working on a jigsaw puzzle (pictured above). We haven't worked on one in years, but we are dealing with a stressful situation right now and I figured it would be a good way to take our minds off of it. The puzzle is spread out on our dining room table so we have to move pieces and eat our meals around it. We stop and work on the puzzle throughout the day when we're home, and sometimes when we're eating. The easiest part of doing a jigsaw puzzle is finding the pieces that make up its border, so that's where we started.

On the first day, I completed two sides of the border that had easily identifiable pieces, while Michael worked on separating pieces that looked like they belonged together. Last night as I worked on putting the pieces together of the little cottages that graced the picturesque hillside village that overlooks the ocean, Michael was determined to finish the remaining border; not an easy task since most of it was the same color. Since he couldn't identify which pieces went where just by looking at them, he had to slowly try each piece in different places until he found the right ones. It took a while, but he completed the remaining border... except for one piece. He looked through all the remaining pieces of the puzzle--and there are a lot--but couldn't find it. He said, "I think it's missing!" I didn't think so, so I looked at every piece on the table, a couple of times, and couldn't find it. Since it was the only remaining piece that would have a flat edge, it shouldn't have been that hard to find, but it was. We looked around the table and under the chairs, and there was no sign of it. Frustrated, we decided to stop for the night and look for the missing piece with fresh eyes in the morning.

This morning we were going about our normal morning routine and had forgotten about the ever-elusive, missing piece of the puzzle, until we sat down at the table to eat breakfast. Michael said how frustrating it was not being able to find the missing piece of the border. Then, in the middle of a conversation we were having about something else, he happened to look down at the floor, and guess what he saw? Yep, the last piece of the border we had looked so hard for the night before. We were both shocked because we had looked all over the floor last night. It seemed impossible that we could have missed the piece, but we had. Michael happily put the piece in the puzzle, completing the border.

I had a similar situation with a puzzle years ago before I met Michael. I was ending a very toxic relationship, and had used a puzzle to distract me from the craziness that was going on during that time. I worked on the puzzle for two weeks straight, completing it, except for--you guessed it--one piece that seemed to be missing. I figured it had fallen on the floor at some point and had been vacuumed up or eaten by my dog, Jesse. I gave up looking for it, but for some reason left the nearly completed puzzle on my dining room table. On the evening that I was 'officially' saying goodbye to the toxic person who had been in my life for many years, I stuck my hands in the pockets of the bathrobe I was wearing, felt something in my right-hand pocket, pulled it out, and looked at it in disbelief. It was the missing piece of the puzzle. When the before-mentioned toxic being asked me what it was, I said, " It's the piece of the puzzle I've been looking for." At that moment, I knew, without a doubt, that ending the relationship was the right thing to do, and that I would be fine.

Both of these puzzling situations provided the same lesson: Sometimes when we're trying too hard or looking too closely, we miss something that's right in front of us. All we may need to do is take a break, step away from the situation for a moment, and allow the answers we've been looking for to appear. This does not mean that we give up, or wait indefinitely for the answers to come to us; it means we allow ourselves a moment to step away and get a fresh perspective on what we're dealing with. It may provide us with exactly the missing piece we've been looking for.

Is There A Healer In The House?

2010-08-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate enough to be married to a healer. From a very young age, Michael could see energy in people; and in his adult life, has studied many different healing modalities to learn how to work with energy to help people achieve health and healing. I have benefited greatly from his gifts and experience. He not only helped me through two major surgeries and other issues that have come up over the years, but he has helped many others too.

Because of the work Michael has done with me over the past 10 years, I have overcome a lot of the issues in my life, and I require less work these days. But last night I needed help. I was suffering with a bad headache, a neck ache and an upset stomach. I think they were brought on by several factors: eating out a couple times during the week and possibly getting food with gluten in it; and snacking on a big bag of tortilla chips for the past couple of days. My bad. Anyway, as the evening went on, I felt worse. I had already taken a Benadryl, in case the headache was from allergies, and an Excedrin with no relief, so I asked Michael if he could help. He had a feeling the culprits were the tortilla chips. Darn it! I love those salty, crunchy chips! But I also love feeling good, so no more chips. Through one of the techniques Michael knows, he harmonized my energy to the chips, which stopped my body from reacting to them. He then worked on my neck, found a knot, massaged it, and both of us could feel a release. I immediately started to feel better, and could enjoy the rest of the evening and get a good night's sleep.

This morning I was thinking about how Michael helped me last night and how he has helped me countless times over the years. It made me wonder how people without a healer in the house survive. I couldn't! I think that everyone needs to have some level of understanding of the body's energies and how to work with them so they can help themselves and their loved ones. As I said before, I am fortunate to have Michael, but I also want a deeper understanding of energy for myself, and to help Michael if he needs it. So I started reading. I'm half-way through Energy Medicine by Donna Eden (one of the people Michael studied with and, just to mention, this book is in our Amazon Favorites list to your right), and feel I have learned a great deal about the body's energies. Understanding the meridians, chakras, and how the energy that surrounds us affects us has already helped me in my daily life. It has helped me understand my body, why it struggles at times, and why I feel the way I do sometimes. It has also helped me be more gentle with myself. I look forward to learning more and having a deeper understanding of the energy that is all of us. I encourage you to do the same. It will not only benefit you, but all those you share your life with, when there is a healer in the house.

In Jesse's Name

2010-08-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Michael and I became members of the Best Friends Animal Society, located in Kanab, Utah, over a year ago when we purchased an Angel Sponsorship as a Christmas gift for our niece and nephew. You've probably heard of them; they have the show Dog Town on the National Geographic Channel. Yesterday I received a letter from the Society about a monthly ceremony that takes place in the Angels Rest area of the Sanctuary. This is how the Sanctuary describes the place: Angels Rest is the final resting place for some 6,000 animals. Many were once nameless, unwanted or abandon. But at this special resting place, each animal is remembered as an important individual. Each has his or her own memorial marker. Nearly every one of them has a pebble or a bit of glass to glitter in the sun, showing that someone mourns the animal buried there. When the breeze sweeps through, 900 wind chimes echo throughout the canyon, a melodic tribute to the animals at peace.

Every month they hold a ceremony at Angels Rest to say goodbye to animals who have touched their lives. They are now inviting friends and supporters to send the names of beloved pets they've lost to be included in the monthly ceremonies and blessings, along with a donation. I will be sending a donation in Jesse's name (pictured above with his last teddy bear--he loved it so much), our beloved dog we lost over six months ago and miss every day. I feel it's a great way to honor him and keep his memory alive, and to join with others to do the same for the animals they've loved and lost. Thank you Best Friends Animal Society for being a perfect example of spirit, and for taking care of all the critters that need help. To find out more about Best Friends Animal Society, or to send a donation, check out their website at http://www.bestfriends.org/.

Dear Deer Lake

2010-07-21T15:01:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a bike ride around Deer Lake, which is the lake we live a block away from. I took the above video, and was inspired to write the Thank You note below. Watch the video first, then read. And don't forget to breathe...

Dear Deer Lake,

Thank you for being my inspiration,

and my place of peace and solace

For being a friend who is always there,

ready to listen

Thank you for being a place for us to frolic and play,

swim and laugh, and make forever memories

For reminding us how to breathe in deeply,

and exhale slowly

Thank you for being a place of holiness

in an unholy world

For sharing your beauty, unselfishly, with those of us

who need to be reminded that beauty still exists in the world

Thank you for providing a place for the fish to swim, the ducks to paddle, and the deer, bears and raccoons to get drinks of cool water on these hot summer days

And thank you, most of all, for being a constant example of spirit

Forever Yours,
Marie

Property Lines

2010-07-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

In the past few weeks we have had disputes with two neighbors over property lines: one with a new neighbor; and one with a neighbor who has lived next to us since we moved here five years ago. Both cases involved an access road for the utility company that is on our property but borders both of the neighbor's property. People seem to think that because this property is open for the utility company, that they have the right to use it. We had blocked the road with a chain to keep people off of it, but someone kept taking the chain down. Turns out is was our neighbor. Out of the blue they decided the property belonged to them. When we tried to talk to them about it, they became very angry and said: If we tried to stop them from using the access road, 'things would get dirty.' They even said they had looked at a map and that it clearly showed that the property in question was theirs. We really hadn't had any problems with these neighbors before, so Michael and I were a bit shocked at this less-than-neighborly behavior from them.

Since we couldn't talk the situation out with them, Michael set out to find out where the exact property lines were. It turned out it really wasn't that difficult. A quick trip to the County offices and 20 bucks got him detailed maps and a legal description of our property-- which included exact measurements. Now all he had to do was find the surveyor stakes that were put in the ground over 50 years ago. Another 90 bucks for a metal detector, a couple hours of wandering the property line and he had found the stakes.. and 26 cents, too. As we suspected, and as we had been told by the title company when we bought this property, all of the access road belonged to us. Period! Even though we now have proof, our neighbor is choosing not to believe it; saying he will drive through the gate if we put it up.

This situation made me think about how something so simple, and so easy to prove, can quickly turn into an ugly fight. And also how some people will choose to ignore the truth, even when it's in black and white, if doing so benefits them. Take a look around, this is what's going on with the government and with corporations right now. Neither are interested in solving the problems that are continuing to create suffering in the world. Politicians will say things about the other party and what they are trying to do that are not true and can easily be proven so, hoping that if they say it with enough conviction, we will believe their lies. The sad thing is, many do. Corporations will say and do whatever they feel will benefit them and their bottom line. We've seen this clearly since the financial collapse in this country in 2008.

The issue with our property line made me think about something else, too-- the property lines of nature. We humans never take them into account. I see it all the time where we live. Someone buys a piece of property, comes in with tractors and bulldozers, cuts down trees and puts up fences without ever considering the wildlife that depend on that space to survive. I recently saw this with the other neighbor we had an issue with. The property they bought is where the wild turkeys nested, but the new owners cut down many of the tall pine trees that provided the turkeys a safe place to live. I just walked by the property this evening and saw three large, confused wild tom turkeys walking around the property. Their habitat had been obliterated. No eviction notice. No warning. No relocation provided. Sad.

Fortunately for us humans, when we have a dispute over our property lines we can pay our 20 bucks, get a map, and prove that we are the rightful owners of the property in question. But for the wildlife, it is a different story. They have no place to go to get proof that where they had been living belongs to them. They have no voice, and they have no way of fighting back as we encroach upon their ever shrinking territory. They just continue to quietly be pushed into a smaller and smaller space to live. It's not right! We have to start thinking about the creatures we share this planet with. They matter just as much as we do. They feel, love, and grieve just like we do. So why do we disregard them or think of them as irrelevant when we make decisions in our lives? When you understand spirit, you don't do this. Everyone and everything, matters. This is the only way we will ever change the course of our evolution.

So how do you and I begin to make decisions from a place of spirit today? We add us (you, me, others, animals, the planet) to the equation, instead of just thinking about our own needs. For example, the access road we are going to put a gate on is used by many animals, especially the deer, as a way to move around the area. The adult deer could easily jump any gate we put on the road, but the little fawns could not. Michael has spent the past two days looking for a gate that would keep vehicles off the road, but allow the fawns to pass easily through it. He hasn't been able to find one so he will probably have to build one. Even though it has taken more time and effort, he feels good about what he's doing because he knows he will be helping the wildlife that share this place with us.

One decision at a time, we can and will change the course of our evolution. It's that simple.

At Last!

2010-07-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

Finally! The oil gushing out of the well into the Gulf of Mexico has been stopped... too bad it's 86 days late. Now let's see if it holds. I'm not trying to be a downer-- I think it is great news that at this moment there is no oil coming out of the broken well that we have watched every day on the morning, afternoon, and evening news. But with the damage done from the 86 days, and millions of barrels of oil in the ocean, it's hard to look at anything about this disaster as 'good news.' The damage is done. Wildlife has suffered and died.

I've always believed that nature's forgiveness is immediate. As soon as we stop sinning against it, it immediately finds a way, in its infinite wisdom, to regenerate. We need to continue to do everything we can to clean up this mess; and then we need to get out of nature's way and allow it to heal.

Independence Day

2010-07-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

"Finding Independence"

May we find independence from antiquated thoughts and ideas;
from racism, hatred, and abuse;
from greed, war, and ignorance;
and from our self-inflicted differences

May we find independence from living unsustainable lifestyles,
and from energy sources that require us to deplete and pollute the planet;
from mediocrity, apathy, and inaction;
from unhealthy thoughts and actions,
and from our addictions

May we find independence from those who divide us and incite us,
and offer nothing of substance;
from self-serving and self-preserving governments, corporations, and religions

May we find independence from our fear of standing up, speaking out, and telling the truth

And may we not wait for this independence,
may we start creating it... today
Then, we will truly have something to celebrate

Marie Kukula-Tyner
July 4, 2010

A Perfect Day!

2010-06-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

Nature is magnificent today! The sun is shining, wildflowers are in bloom everywhere, the fields of hay are just about ready to be cut, the tips of the branches on all the pine trees have bright green, new growth on them, birds are flying about, and there is new life all around. Everything is moving in the perfect rhythm of spirit-- in harmony with each other-- and I am smack dab in the middle of it. It's perfection!

Message for the Day

2010-06-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

"The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them."
Maya Angelou

The Sound of Spirit

2010-06-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

I heard a song yesterday that took my breath away. It's called Prairie Runner and it's by Jeff Ball who plays the Native American flute. His website is http://www.jeffball.net/. You can buy his CDs there or from the Amazon box to your right. We are now an Amazon Associate and in this box you will find other products we recommend. I found a YouTube video of Jeff playing the song I fell in love with, and wanted to share it. This is what spirit sounds like. Enjoy listening, and let your spirit fly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQYts0QVVp0

Save The Whales... And Us

2010-06-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

If we think we can continue doing what we're doing to the planet, we're wrong. If we think that the loss of other species doesn't impact us, we're dead wrong. I just read an article on yahoo http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100624/ap_on_sc/whaling
about the toxins that are being found in whales, and what that means to their future and ours. Frightening to say the least. Please read it and commit to eliminating as many toxic products from your life as possible. It will not only save the whales, it will save us.

Nature Needs Us... To Walk A Little Softer

2010-06-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

Spring in the Pacific Northwest is one of my favorite times of the year because it is filled with new life, and last week we saw a lot of it. Something Michael and I look forward to is seeing our first fawn...and last week we did (pictured above). The fawn, probably only a few hours old, was trying to stand on its wobbly, little legs while mom nervously looked on. It was magnificent! What a gift to see nature so new, so fragile. The next day I saw mom and the fawn, who had mastered the art of walking in less than 24 hours, wandering through our backyard, and have also seen them in the forest where we take our daily walks. I'm always happy when I see them, especially the fragile little fawn (who we named June) because I know life in the forest is tough, and survival is not a given.

Seeing the newborn fawn was quite a gift, but nature gave us even more. On a bike ride around the lake we saw a bald eagle swoop down, pluck a fish out of the lake, and then fly up to its nest, on the top of a tall pine tree, where her hungry babies were crying out for food. We watched in awe. As we continued our ride, we saw two geese quietly sunbathing on an old wooden dock. Earlier in the week I had seen three families of geese, with a total of 16 babies, called goslings, swimming along the shore in the same area. Each one of these experiences with nature made something very clear to me: The difference between how nature quietly, and independently, lives and how noisy and obliviously humans live. When I saw the fawn, which was just off the side of the road that leads to our house, there were cars and trucks driving by oblivious to the fragile, young life only feet away from their big, noisy, and dangerous vehicles. When Michael and I saw the eagle and the geese, there were people racing their noisy boats around the lake, and others riding quads, that were altered to make them louder, on the road. I felt sorry for the young wildlife in its first days of existence on the planet trying not only to survive the challenges of nature, but of humans.

So, what can we do individually, and collectively, to help ease the burden on nature that we have created? We can walk softer, even if it means literally walking softer with every step we take. For those of us who live in nature, we can drive a little slower, especially this time of year when young life may wander across the roads. We don't have to have the biggest, fastest and loudest car, boat, or off-road vehicle. We can talk softer, or sometimes maybe not talk at all, and just listen to the silence. We don't have to fill every moment with noise. I see it all the time up here--people come to enjoy the great outdoors but the whispers of nature are lost in the noise they bring along with them.

We've spent a lot of time talking about the products we use and the waste they create, which is very important, but do we think about the noise we make? I think it's time that we do, and that we all start walking a little softer on this planet that we, and all living things, call home.

2010-06-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

It's official! I'm no longer a recovering self-help junkie; I'm recovered! Today I stopped in a Barnes & Noble and walked through the self-help section. As I looked at the countless books, with smiling faces on the covers, promising that their steps, keys, lessons, and secrets would lead me to what I am looking for, I did not have one single urge to pick up, let alone buy, any of these books. All I could think of is how irrelevant they seemed, what a nice day it was outside, and how I wanted to go and enjoy it. I also thought about how I used to spend a lot of time in bookstores looking for the book that would finally 'fix' me. When I found one or two that I thought would do the trick, I would buy them and leave the bookstore full of hope. It made me sad to think of my hopeful little self back then, and all of the time, money, and energy I spent on these products and the philosophies they preach. I now know that everything I need to know, I can learn from nature.

A Lion Called Christian

2010-06-12T21:37:00.000-07:00

While channel surfing this evening I ran across the documentary 'A Lion Called Christian' on Planet Green. Over 50 million of us have watched the video on YouTube of Christian, the lion, being reunited in Africa with the two men who raised him for the first year of his life in London. It's an incredibly moving moment of pure love between human and animal. I cry every time I watch it, and did so tonight. It moves me because it is such a powerful and clear example of how deeply animals love. We humans have excused terrible behavior towards animals because we believe they are different or less important than we are. But, when you see this video, there is no doubt that animals love the same as we do. And love is love.

'A Lion Called Christian' tells the amazing story that leads up to the reunion, and is definitely worth watching. It is a perfect example of the saying: If you love something, set it free. If it is meant to be, it will come back to you. I believe that the two men who set Christian free, performed the ultimate act of love, because they knew at some point he would not return.

What a wonderful, and inspiring, story of spirit and its ability to transcend our imagined differences.

A New Day, A New Way

2010-06-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

I took this picture of our pasture yesterday at sunrise. As I stood bathed in the early morning rays of light, I was reminded of the beauty of the new possibilities, and the clean slate, that each day brings. We can choose something different, something better, each day. And we can choose to create something of value, something of beauty, each day.

We create our future one day at a time, between sunrises and sunsets. This time is filled with hours, minutes and seconds that can be used to move us closer to living a life of Spirit, or further away from one. So tomorrow, as the first rays of sunlight wake up the earth, choose the direction you'd like to go in. And remember, all it will take to create a world of Spirit, is enough of us choosing to live a life of Spirit... one sunrise at a time.

Speechless, And Angry

2010-05-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

My last post on April 30th was posted shortly after the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico began. I think in some way I've been waiting for the oil gushing out of the ocean's floor to be stopped before I wrote another post, so I could report on the good news, but I'm not sure when that's going to happen. I was reminded just how long it's been since this disaster started when a Special Report interrupted normal programming today. The newscaster said that the President was about to address the oil spill in a press conference; his first press conference on the subject since the oil disaster began 38 days ago. Thirty-eight days!! For thirty-eight days as we've slept, ate, worked, watched TV, and went through our daily routines, an estimated 17 to 39 million gallons of oil have spilled into the ocean.

I'm speechless, and angry. How could there have been no emergency plan by the multi-billion dollar oil company for such a disaster and, with all the information we now know about how safety and regulations were ignored, how could they have been so reckless with the ocean, and everything that lives in it and depends on it? It's beyond comprehension.

Working on our book about Spirit for the past 2-years has changed the way I look at everything. Our interconnectedness, and dependence on each other and the Earth, seem so obvious to me, and I'm shocked when others do not see and understand this, too. People and companies that do understand this don't take risks that can cause irreversible damage to the planet we depend on for our collective survival. It's that simple.

So, where do we go from here? You and I have to start supporting companies that understand Spirit. When we have a choice, we choose the one that supports Spirit and, when our only choice is a product or company that doesn't support Spirit, we find ways to lesson our dependence on it or create an alternative to it. We can't wait for the government and corporations to change, it's up to us. Are you with me?

"The future started yesterday, and we're already late." From If You're Out There by John Legend

An Act of Man

2010-04-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

I can't express how sad I feel watching the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continue to grow out of control, knowing all the wildlife that will suffer, or die, because of this 'act of man.' I just read an article online at www.theglobeandmail.com that reports: This could be the nation's worst environmental disaster in decades, threatening to eclipse even the worst oil spill in U.S. history, the Exxon Valdez in Alaska in 1989.' It also said that the oil has reached Louisiana's ecologically rich wetlands, and that an animal rescue operation in Fort Jackson received its first patient-- a young bird covered in oil.

In my previous post, Little Reasons for Big Change , I talked about how living in nature has made me painfully aware of the impact our decisions have on nature, and the animals that depend on it to live. As I said, "These little beings live or die based on the decisions we humans make." Unfortunately, this is what's happening with the oil spill. The beautiful creatures you see above don't have the ability to pick up and move. They are helpless and at the mercy of the poor choices we humans continue to make. What will it take to make us realize that we can only make so many mistakes of this magnitude before not only the wildlife is gone, but we are gone? We know better, now we need to do better. I think even Spirit is sad today.

The Spirit of Spring

2010-04-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

I went for a hike in the mountains today and there were signs of Spring everywhere--yellow and purple wildflowers on the mountainsides, the beginnings of leaves on the brush and some trees, and the most magnificent of all, the new pine needles on the tamaracks. Tamaracks are a pine tree but they lose their needles in the fall, after they turn from green to a bright yellow. In the Spring they grow back. I walked up to a small tamarack just off the trail and examined the needles that were just starting to come out. They were almost a florescent green in the sunlight, and they were so full of life. I wrapped my hand gently around one of the branches to feel the Spirit of the life in the soft, new needles. They felt beautiful.

I walked along the trail and was moved to tears by how absolutely breathtaking the nature that surrounded me was. Everything I looked at was so alive, so full of Spirit, it made me feel the same. Although I love my hikes, experiencing the unobstructed Spirit in the mountains makes it painfully clear to me that this kind of Spirit is not present in the world below. It almost hurts to experience what I do in the mountains, and then walk through the world we live in. I know that Spirit is a possibility in our world because I see it in the mountains. What I don't understand is why we humans are resistant to it and why we keep choosing a path that is against our very nature. Maybe if more people were exposed to nature, as I am, they would understand that by allowing Spirit to flourish, it has the possibility to heal the world.

If you want to know what Spirit looks like, go to nature.
If you want to know what Spirit sounds like, go to nature.

Obscene Bling

2010-04-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

We watched the Idol Gives Back special last night and found it very moving-- a good reminder of how many people not only in our country but around the world need help. There was one thing we found disturbing-- the bling on some of the celebrities-- Victoria Beckham, with a huge diamond necklace, Carrie Underwood, with her engagement ring estimated to be worth $150,000 - 800,000 (my first house cost $150,000), and Mary J. Blige with her blinged-out earrings and microphone. I give these celebrities kudos for being a part of this event, but it was hard take them seriously when they're asking people, some who are losing their homes or have no medical insurance, to open up their wallets and give when they're wearing jewelry that could feed a country. It's not right!

The only celebrity that came from a place of Spirit was Annie Lennox. She stood there, blingless, and sang a beautiful song called "Universal Child" in a t-shirt, that said HIV Positive, and a pair of jeans. Whether it was by choice or because she was stranded due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland, it worked. It was genuine, simple, her talent was undeniable and, most importantly, I believed her. She understood the performance was not about her or how she looked, it was about bringing attention to the message of the show... and she did.

We all know what's going on in the world-- the suffering, the millions who are in need and many dying because of it-- so can you tell me why this kind of bling is relevant? I don't think that it is and, actually, I believe it's an obstruction to Spirit. As Simon says, 'Sorry' but it is the truth. It's a bit obscene to flaunt this kind of bling especially in between the haunting images of those who have little or nothing. It seemed so obvious, and so wrong. Maybe their conspicuous consumption has led them to the unconscious assumption that people are still impressed by this kind of excess. I, for one, am not. Are you?

A Company With Spirit

2010-04-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

I was at the new location of Urban Canine in north Spokane getting healthy food for our dogs, and fell in love with the greeting cards they had there. The cards, from Borealis Press' QuoteUnquote line (www.borealispress.net), all have to do with pets and are some of the best I've seen. I purchased the 'Love Beyond Words' card pictured above, and will be purchasing more when I go back for more food. The cards truly capture the special relationships we have with our beloved pets, and the depth of love we feel for them in life and loss. This company, and their products, have Spirit... so rare to find these days. So, support them if you can by buying their products. They really are fantastic!

Little Reasons for Big Change

2010-04-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

Two little reasons why I want to make the world a better place. We all have our reasons for trying to make a difference in the world, mine comes from animals, the two I live with and the many others that wander the forest we live in. In their faces I see the beauty and the possibilities of Spirit, but I also see its vulnerability and fragility, and it scares me. These little beings live or die based on the decisions we humans make. I don't know that many people realize this because if they did, would they be making some of the choices they're making? Maybe it's easier to make these choices when you're sitting behind a desk, a safe distance from those who will suffer the consequences. But, when you live in nature as Michael and I do, you are close enough to witness its beauty, and its suffering... and it changes you. I never realized the responsibility that would be placed in my hands when we decided to move from southern California to live closer to nature, but I am honored to help give a voice to those who don't have one. And I hope to help those who don't live close to nature understand that this is their responsibility, too.

Help me believe that I'm not alone in this by sharing your little reasons for wanting to make a big difference in the world. Thank you.

Spirit In The Sky

2010-04-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today I sat in our front yard and spent a good hour watching clouds. There was one in particular that fascinated me (pictured above). If you took a quick look at this cloud, you would not notice any movement. But sitting still, as I was, and watching it, I could see that there was nothing but movement in this cloud. It was continuously changing, and I could see different faces and animals in it as it did. I watched as small pieces of the cloud floated away and then back, to rejoin the cloud. It seemed close enough to touch. I lost myself in the effortless and tireless action of this cloud, knowing that I was witnessing Spirit.

Around me the birds, the bees, the butterflies and the ants were going about their business, also in constant motion. Our dogs, Big Al and Amber, were having a great time chasing the shadows of anything that flew over. Amber, unable to control her pure bliss, would express it occasionally with a happy bark. Everything was in motion, separately, but in unison with the rhythm of Spirit. And, even though I was sitting still, I was a part of this rhythm. It was magnificent! I thought about how I once believed that I was separate or different from other living things, and how I now know that that is an impossibility. But there are so many who believe that we are separate and that our survival does not depend on taking care of the whole... of life, of the planet. If we continue to separate and segregate ourselves, this will never change and our future will not be hard to predict... more of the suffering we see today. But, if we understand and honor our collective connection of Spirit-- that exists in everything that is alive-- we will begin to heal not only ourselves, but the whole. This is where the possibilities for something different, something better, exist.

Since Michael and I started working on 'The Spirit Factor' over two years ago, I have found that in every moment (even when you're just looking at clouds) there is an opportunity to learn something about Spirit... if you're willing. Please, be willing.

Where Answers Live

2010-04-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

"Where Answers Live"

When you live surrounded by the forest,
you feel its presence

An always present, strong, stable and eternal presence

The stillness and silence that the forest is,
has become my religion

As I pass through it, I walk softly as I
worship and honor its holiness

I am grateful each day to watch its beauty fade in to darkness,
and reappear in the morning light

And find comfort knowing that it stands bravely,
in stillness, as I sleep

I know that if I ask the forest for answers
it will respond in silence...
and in that silence, I find my answers

by Marie Kukula-Tyner

A Shared Planet

2010-04-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

I'm back from yet another hike in the mountains and saw a clear sign that spring is here-- fresh bear tracks. Any time I walk through the forest, I'm reminded that I share it with others by the imprints they leave behind on the earth. Whether it's deer, moose, wild turkey, coyotes, or human beings, I find comfort knowing that I share the path with fellow travelers.

Today was the first time that I've come across bear tracks. I was pretty far up in the mountains, the dogs caught the scent of something and headed up the side of the mountain. I wondered what they were after until I looked down and saw what looked like little human footprints. I wasn't sure what kind of tracks they were until I walked further up the trail and could see clearly a large set of prints and a small set of prints-- a mama bear and her cub. Cute! The path was wet from our spring weather, which today has included snow, hail, rain and sun, so the prints were clear in the soft dirt. Even though mama bear would run if she came across us, out of respect I decided to turn around and head back home. It was probably the first time mama and baby had come out since hibernating all winter long, and they had enough challenges without me getting in the way.

Even though I hike in the mountains a lot, it's nice to be reminded of who I not only share the mountains with, but the planet too. Seeing the paw prints of these beautiful creatures that are so self-sufficient, yet so vulnerable to the decisions we humans make, makes me want to walk softer on the planet... to yield to the creatures we share it with. This is a shared planet. It doesn't belong to any person, country or corporation, so let's start treating it with the honor and respect it not only deserves, but needs to survive.

It's Snowing In April!

2010-04-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

We heard there was a storm moving in that would bring snow to the mountains where we live, and it just arrived. I LOVE falling snow! I think it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful things on this earth, and a perfect example of Spirit. This winter we had very little snow so today is a treat. I'm home writing, have a fire in our woodburning stove, the dogs are sleeping, and I'm in awe of the snowflakes gently falling outside my window. Darn it if the batteries in my camera aren't dead so I'll just post some pictures I've taken in our front yard over the past few winters. Enjoy! I think I'll head out for a walk through the forest... heaven.

"Today I'm in awe of nature, for what vision it must have to place the perfection of every snowflake in their places on the branches of all the trees." by Marie Kukula Tyner

What Bliss Looks Like

2010-04-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

Bliss is... a one-week old Goldendoodle sleeping. Take a moment to enjoy looking at this blissful little puppy. We humans spend our lifetimes in search of bliss, while this little one has already found it. Everyone together now, "Awwwww!"

To Incite or To Unite? That Is the Question

2010-03-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

The political climate in this country right now is dangerous. There are lies being spoken as truth, and hate being spread by those who feel it is their 'right' to do so, in an effort to incite those who are misinformed or fearful of any kind of change. It's easy to incite people with lies and hate. It takes no intelligent thought or vision. It's what people do when they have nothing else to offer. It's a distraction from the truth, and it's based on the continued separation and segregation of 'we the people.' In order for this to continue to work, the people that are doing it have to keep us in fear of each other and of losing what we have.

On the other hand, it takes truth and ideas to unite people. It takes people who understand that when you help those in need, you help the whole of humanity. It takes people who understand our collective connection. It takes looking beyond our individual needs and taking care of each other. If 'we the people' actually sat down, looked each other in the eyes and talked, these fear mongers would begin to disappear because we would realize that what they are saying is not the truth. Only fear and ignorance believe that by helping a fellow human being, someone else loses.

So, when faced with the question to incite or to unite, I choose the latter. This is the purpose of our book, the Spirit Factor, to unite us through the common connection that exists in everything that is alive, Spirit. I believe our survival depends on understanding and honoring this connection. Now it's your turn to choose-- incite or unite? Choose wisely.

P.S. Something to think about: The Unite(d) States of America.

Everything Is As It Should Be

2010-03-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

I just returned from a hike in the mountains with our dogs. I usually just take them on a walk through the forest behind our house but we started going up to the top of the mountain again a little over a week ago (read previous post Rising Above the Noise and Confusion). I have always loved going to the mountaintop but today I realized why: It’s where I hear Spirit’s voice clearly. And, because of this, it’s where I wrote (in my head first, then on paper) What Is Spirit?, the first chapter of our book, the Spirit Factor.

Today we are covered by a blanket of clouds which makes it even quieter in the mountains, if that’s possible, so Spirit’s voice was even clearer. I listened and I walked. I stopped at one point, looked out over the the forest and heard the words, “Everything is as it should be.” The trees looked happy as they were free to be trees and grow without the help, or hindrance, of humans. Even though there were no signs of wildlife, other than some moose tracks on the path, I knew there were critters going about their lives in the forest around me. There were no manmade noises. I knew with every fiber of my being that in this silence and stillness Spirit was in action, and that I was a part of it. As I said, everything was as it should be… at least on the mountaintop. It was perfection.

As I write today I will remember the words ‘Everything is as it should be’ because I believe that that is a possibility, even beyond the mountaintop, with Spirit. If I didn’t, we wouldn’t be writing our book.

“The forest was magnificent today. It spoke to me through the wind and trees.”by Marie Kukula Tyner

What Spirit Looks Like

2010-03-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

In the Spirit of my last post, For the Love of Dog, I’d like to let you know about a great organization– The Old Dog Haven (www.olddoghaven.org). This is an amazing group of people that take in abandon senior dogs and either adopt them out to loving homes if they have a good life expectancy or provide them a final refuge home. Their goal is to make the last years of these abandon senior dogs’ lives as happy as possible and, when the time comes, to let them die safe and at peace knowing that they are loved. Now that’s what Spirit looks like. As hard as it has been to deal with the loss of our dog, Jesse, we take great comfort knowing that he never went a day without being loved, but there are many dogs that are not this fortunate.

We have been sponsoring Old Dog Haven dogs as birthday gifts for family members for the past few years and it makes everyone involved feel good, not to mention you help a little old dog in the process. Check out their website and help if you can.

For the Love of Dog

2010-02-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

Today would have been the 13th birthday of our beloved dog, Jesse, or as we loving called him, Jesse Bear. Jesse passed away almost six weeks ago, 15-1/2 weeks after he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor. Each day of those 15-1/2 weeks was precious because when he was first diagnosed, we thought he wouldn’t make it through the next few days. We worked to try to heal him, and some healing did take place. The quality of his life for the last few months was good, he was happy and his Spirit was strong. He followed me everywhere and loved his meals up until his last one.

I’ve been struggling with the loss of Jesse Bear. He was more than a dog, he was a family member. I’ve spent time looking through pictures and was surprised to see that in almost every picture over the past 13 years, Jesse was there. The quiet little Spirit by our side with a big smile on his face. The silent absence of this being now is something I am still trying to adjust to. I miss him so. We all miss him so. The other day I said out loud, “Jesse, I miss you so much.” And I silently heard him say, “Mom, I’m here. I am your very heartbeat.” It filled my heart. Whenever I start to miss him, I just remember this and my heart is filled with all the good memories of him and it knows that our Spirits will always be together.

Thank you, Jesse Bear, for continuing to teach me. I love you forever.

Being Brave... Together

2010-02-22T18:16:00.000-08:00

To all my friends and anyone else out there who is trying to rise above mediocrity and create a life of Spirit, be brave. You are a unique expression of Spirit and the world needs to hear your voice. I know it’s hard and scary but when you’re working with Spirit, anything is possible. So let’s all be brave together, do our part and see where Spirit takes us.

Rising Above the Noise and Confusion

2010-02-21T15:10:00.000-08:00

I just returned from a long hike in the mountains with our two dogs, Big Al and Amber. I had only planned on going to the top of the mountain and then returning home to do some chores but when I got to the top, I just kept walking. As I walked the dirt road that wound deep in to the mountains being watched by the half moon that hung in the crisp, clear blue sky, I felt as though I was in the heart of Spirit. There was no sight of any other humans or houses, and I had no thoughts of what I needed to do, no worries, no fears. My mind was clear and everything seemed possible. The only sound was the sound of my footsteps upon the earth. Occasionally I would stop walking just to hear the silence… such a rarity in the world today. It filled me. I lost track of time as I watched the dogs sniff and explore. They were joyful just being dogs. They were free, and so was I. They drank from frozen puddles that were beginning to thaw and chased each other up and down the mountainsides running full speed through the pine trees. It was magnificent to watch. I think even they felt the powerful presence of Spirit. The particles just seemed different up there.

Even though my mind was quiet there was one thing that kept running through it–- the words from the song “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas. Okay, I haven’t thought about this song in forever but there it was, playing in my head. The first verse kept repeating itself: “Once I rose above the noise and confusion, just to get a glimpse beyond the illusion.” I felt like that’s what I was doing-- literally rising above the noise and confusion and seeing things beyond the illusion. Seeing Spirit. I happily walked along and even started singing the words out loud, which confused the dogs a little bit.

As I began my journey back home I thought about how fortunate we are to live in nature where I can experience moments like this. I also thought about how I could carry this feeling with me when I’m not on the mountaintop, and how others who don’t live in nature could too. This is something I’ll be working on and it will be included in ‘The Spirit Factor.”

The Anniversary of the Spirit Factor

2010-02-20T18:04:00.000-08:00

Two years ago tonight, what started out as a simple conversation between Michael and I, turned into the birth of ‘The Spirit Factor.’ Our conversation started from a place of pain, deep pain, that neither one of us could explain or understand. Our life was pretty good so why were we feeling this pain? We had tried to just ‘feel good’ and to ‘think positive thoughts’ like so many of the self-help books talk about but this pain kept creeping back into our lives. This night it became clear why. Here’s an excerpt from the Introduction to ‘The Spirit Factor” explaining that moment.

“This night it became clear why we and so many others have been suffering. You see, this pain we were feeling was not in our heads, it was in our hearts and every fiber of our beings. Even though we had improved our lives we could still feel the pain and suffering of so many others on this planet, and the planet itself. This pain no longer lives beneath the surface where it can be denied, it has reached the point where it is in clear view for all to see and feel. It can be seen in our addictions, our illnesses and disorders, our broken homes, our neglected children, elderly and animals, our prejudices, lack of compassion and caring, our apathy, our pursuit of success at all costs, our greed, our separation and segregation, in our words and in our wars.”

That night Michael and I looked this pain straight in the eyes and when we did, it told us something very important. Since that night we have been working on not only giving this pain a voice but also giving a voice to the possibilities that exist beyond this pain. The possibilities that we seem to have forgotten. We believe that these possibilities exist with Spirit and are within our reach when we remove the obstructions to Spirit in our lives.

The journey of the past two years has been one of the most challenging of our lives but during this time our understanding of Spirit has evolved to a level we never expected. We look forward to sharing this with you very soon.

Sending Out An S.O.S.

2010-02-17T17:54:00.000-08:00

I’m not a fan of the reality shows that are all over television these days but on occasion I find myself watching one for a few minutes while channel surfing. That was the case last night. I became very aware of something as I watched a reality matchmaking show and also the commercials that ran for another reality show about real housewives during this show: Women are treating each other horribly! Michael and I both worked in Hollywood for many years and I know that a lot of this ‘reality’ stuff is scripted but come on women! Whether you’re treating each other this way for real or because you’re getting paid for it, you need to stop! Think about it, if we’re treating each other so poorly how can we expect others to treat us with respect? We also need to think about how we’re teaching the younger generation to treat each other. It’s time to start treating each other better… publicly and privately. We are all Sisters of Spirit (S.O.S.). This has nothing to do with belonging to any organization or believing a certain way– it's about knowing that just by being alive we are connected through Spirit. And, because of this, we need each other and depend on each other for our collective well-being and survival. So let's start treating each other like the Sisters of Spirit that we are. If you find that someone is not treating you this way, or that you cannot treat them this way, maybe it’s time to walk away from the relationship… for the moment or permanently.

The Spirit of Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

In case you didn’t know, today is Valentine’s Day. Michael and I are celebrating our 10th Valentine’s Day together. We’ve been very busy the past few weeks so we didn’t have time to make any big plans for the day, and I hadn’t even had time to stop and buy a card for him. When I told him this last night, he said it was okay as he had bought me a card a while ago but forgot where he put it. We both laughed. We ended up driving in to Spokane today to have lunch and run a few errands. The town was packed with people celebrating this day of love– having lunch together, buying jewelry, giving cards and flowers, and just spending time with each other. I was happy to have some time with Michael but the best Valentine’s gift I’ve ever received came quite unexpectedly when I asked Michael a question I had never thought of asking before: Why do you love me?

I asked this question because last week when I was having lunch with a friend she asked me “Have you ever asked Michael why he loves you?” She said this because I always talk about how much I love, admire and respect Michael and how fortunate I feel to share my life with him. Everyone I know knows why I love Michael but I’ve never asked him why he loves me. I hadn’t really thought about asking him this since my friend and I talked last week but tonight it popped into my head and I asked him, “Why do you love me?” And then I stood there and listened to him tell me why he does. He said it more eloquently than any greeting card writer could have written, and it was more meaningful than any expensive store-bought gift he could have given me. His eyes and his words were full of love and it filled my heart. When he was done he then asked me ‘why I love him’ and I told him why with just as much love. In that moment of standing face to face, honestly sharing why we love each other, we both experienced the true Spirit of Valentine’s Day… and it felt wonderful!

Today I was reminded of the power of words that are spoken from a place of Spirit. In a world where we are all so busy, I would like to remind you of this, too. I urge you to take the time to stand in front of those you love and honestly tell them why you love them, and maybe even ask them why they love you. I believe this moment will be a true gift of Spirit for both of you.

Make Every Word Count

2010-02-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

We watched the Grammys this past week and I have to say, most of the performances were lacking Spirit. I didn’t realize this until Andrea Bocelli took the stage and sang his first word. When I heard it I was moved to tears. As I listened to him sing I realized that he made every word in the song count. He wasn’t trying to prove anything to anyone. Maybe being blind frees him from trying to impress us with flashy clothes and makes it impossible for him to perform choreographed moves, so all that he has is his voice. Because of this he simply stood there and sang, and it was from a place of Spirit that we seldom experience anymore. Although there were many performers that night Andrea Bocelli was the one that I thought really made his performance count. It made me think about all the ways there are to communicate with one another these days– phones, email, texting, Facebook, My Space, Twitter, YouTube and blogs. We’re spending a lot of time typing, texting and talking about anything and everything, but how much of what we’re talking about really matters? Probably not much. The Spirit Factor is about communicating from a place of Spirit. It’s about making every word count. It’s about substance over volume. This doesn’t mean we have to give up our modern forms of communication, it just means that we need to start saying something that’s of value and let go of the rest of it because ‘the rest of it’ is a distraction.

The Beginning of the Revival

2010-01-29T23:00:00.001-08:00

I’m up late working on the first posting on our Spirit Factor blog. I feel an urgency to start talking about our book “The Spirit Factor.” This urgency comes from the lack of Spirit on our planet right now, and the suffering that is taking place because of this. We are all feeling it whether we understand it or not. We are lonely, frustrated and overwhelmed by the need in the world. We want to do something to not only save ourselves but others, too. We feel abandoned by our politicians and have lost faith in the organizations that continue to separate and segregate us. Who do we turn to? I believe we have to start turning to each other. We have to come together through Spirit. It’s our common connection and this cannot be changed or denied by anything that is manmade. It’s time. Are you ready?