India Spirit Of Change

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

“Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world; but to change ourselves.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

In many places we visited on our Southern India tour, I noticed a deep reverence for the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. At the city of Madurai’s Gandhi Memorial Museum, I particularly observed how he successfully united the diverse masses of India’s people to non- violently resist British colonial rule in India. Ultimately his humble leadership ideals to promote universal non- violence and self-sufficiency of human action positively impacted India’s road to independence as a country. If our government agencies do not adequately deal with our current concerns about the Corona Virus, how might we similarly use Gandhi’s example as exemplified in the following video to foster togetherness to do it ourselves?

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India’s Ritualistic Radiance

“Passionate grave thought, belief enhanced, ritual returned and magic.” (Hilda Doolittle)

As many blog readers know from my past writings, I express a great fondness for living in the present. So in this upcoming blog series, I’ve turned to my 1000+ photos/daily travel logs from our recent South Indian tour to reconstruct honestly some key moments of both “inner” struggle and nourishment along the way of this sixteen day journey. In my first entry below, you might notice that sometimes you might need to “shake up” your customary routines at home to gain the full benefits of International travel. Enter the world of the “Dancing Shiva.”

I’d been relatively at ease folding hands in Namaste greeting, accepting a red dot on my forehead, and eating with my hands, heavily spiced cuisine in the first few days of our South Indian tour. But a daylong tour of Thanjavur and nearby areas of south central Tamil Nadu clearly overloaded my cultural “comfort zone.” For those religious rituals that I observed then indeed proved shocking to my Western culture way of life. But to Hindu followers who we observed at our designated stops at Lord Brihadeeswarar Temple along the the Kaveri River, such seemingly odd behavior observed that day were considered perfectly normal expressions of Hindu spiritual beliefs. In fact, I found that many locals encouraged me to join in with their sacred rituals although I had little understanding about why I was actually doing them. I am curious then how you might react to such South Indian cultural practices as presented in the following photographs?

Consider the sacred cow who must be fed bananas and other fruits by Hindu followers to obtain God’s protection.

Ponder how Hindus use a flip of a cow’s tail to one’s forehead to offer hope of achieving reincarnation in one’s next life?

Visualize being blessed by a 50 year old elephant as he lowers his heavy trunk to meet the shoulders of those on our tour.

Imagine a celebration of eternal life for a past loved one involving a flower filled picnic and aromatic spices along a dirt filled, public path.

Picture an elderly man wading into the polluted river to scatter the cremated remains of a deceased family member as others enter the water nearby to swim, bathe, or wash clothes.

Notice how piles of Indian rupees are counted and shared for all in open gatherings on the floor of the temple.

Observe a homeless child innocently searching for a new home by himself amidst a crowded sea of strangers.

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My India Spiritual Evolution

“The search for wisdom is a great challenge; to act on wisdom is an even greater challenge.” (Siddhaswarupananda)

Ruth and I have completed an arduous yet exhilarating tour of Kerala and Tamil Nadu regions in South India. During the 20+ hour flights home to Miami, I read an article stating that it’s best for tourists these days to travel conservatively. Following such reasoning, one should be wary of traveling to new places on their own and also limit their visits to well established tourist sites home and abroad. In this era of virus pandemics,religious extremism, and nationalistic fervor, such an argument to minimize travel risk today certainly seems very enticing.

Yet we have no regrets for following our free wandering instincts in South India. For by embracing those “off the “beaten track” moments of unfamiliar culture, food, and religion during the past sixteen days in this strangely sublime country, ten spiritual essentials described below seem clearer to me now.

1. Try meditation for myself not to please others.

2. Embrace the temporary moment of everything that surrounds me. For all must pass.

3.Displaying greater compassion for others will inspire me to find authentic spiritual moments.

4. I cannot seek spirituality. It will find me!

5. Spirituality cannot be bought or sold with my money or physical possessions.

6. Say it, sing it, dance it, or be silent with a spiritual idea. It’s all good.

7. An iPhone or WiFi connection can be a serious impediment to my sustained inner reflection.

8. Divide or unite. I must make that spiritual choice.

9. Be kind to animals to enhance my own soul.

10.Be creative in setting up my own spiritual shrine. I don’t always need a church, mosque, or temple to feed my inner soul.

I want to give special thanks to our Gate 1 tour guide Raj, who encouraged us to be free and daring on our 16 day, South India tour. I invite you to check into more blogging snippets of our South India adventure in the coming days.

How might the following photographs from our South India tour inspire you spiritually?

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Blog Talk- USFMAN

Hi Readers:

You can now communicate with me by email in response to my blogs as I’ve added a contact button on my Word Press website for private conversations. You can find the location of this icon along the top right side of my home page when you open a blog. After you click on the word CONTACT, you just fill out the form as shown in the photo above. That would include your name, email address, and a brief message.

On another note, Snippets of the Traveling Mind will be on hiatus for approximately three weeks during our current adventure to India. I’ll get back to your posted comments in early March. I’m truly humbled by your continued support for my blog as Ruth and I continue our traveling ways. Namaste.

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Will The Marlin Soar?

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” (Rogers Hornsby)

Whenever I enter a Major League Baseball Stadium, my immediate attention usually focuses on the sheer thrill of winning baseball for the hometown team. Before each game begins, I so often “tune in” to the contagious enthusiasm of the crowd resonating throughout the ballpark waiting for the game to begin. At this year’s Miami Marlins “Fan Fest”, however, I got my baseball juices flowing” in a much different way. For while no game outcome would be decided on this bright sunny afternoon in mid February at Marlins Ball Park, a “behind the scenes” aura of winning Marlins Fever seemed to resonate strongly during my visit.

How liberating it seemed at this inaugural spring training event, that all fan attendees today were granted free roam of the playing field, dugout, seating areas, and team locker facilities for more than three hours. For me, such a personalized tour of Marlins Park stimulated a “deep-seated“ mind probe into the human matter of team culture to win for those who actually play this game so competitively. For how intensely does each hitter practice at batting cages to improve their swing before each game? How efficiently does a rookie sensation pitcher use his modest locker space to help him prepare positively to face competent, major league hitters? What strategies does a valuable bench player have to stay focused in the crowded dugout as he awaits the pressure induced call to pinch-hit later in the contest? To what extent do the established stars of the team selfishly prefer to promote themselves as popular celebrities rather than improve on fundamental baseball skills needed for winning team play?

With these performance issues in mind, I present the following slideshow from “Fan Fest” 2020. Can you spot any signs leading to the sweetness of victory as the Miami’s Marlins strive to soar this year to heights of winning baseball?

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Breathing Soul Into My World

“Your soul is your ultimate guidance system. You can think of your soul as the compass, map, and destination all in one.” (Aletheia Luna)

As I glanced at the latest “Gate One Travel” brochure advertising a tour called “Spiritual Southern India”, it immediately seemed obvious that a second visit to India seemed very compelling. Understand that Ruth and I had enjoyed a fast paced tour of Northern India a few years ago. Yet we both felt a strong need to obtain a greater connection to this country’s spiritual aura that existed seemingly everywhere on this prior visit. Although we knew very little about the southern part of India, the prospect of booking a small group, “Gate One” Company tour at a reasonable price (including airfare) attracted our India revisit interest as well. With our established yoga practice in full gear now, how exciting it would be to also experience for ourselves, the soulfully uplifting practice of yogic maneuvers, South Indian style.

So what exactly have I been doing to prepare for the unknown travel challenges of South India? Given my love of reading, our latest vacation certainly provides me with an ideal opportunity for “brushing up on my India knowledge through a variety of reading materials. For research reference, I am thus consulting the “Lonely Planet” Guide of South India to obtain a strictly factual perspective of this region. For firsthand opinion observations from actual South India travelers, I have turned to Sheldon Smith’s “ A River Of Life: Travels Through Modern India”and Murzban F. Schroff’s “Breathless in Bombay.” Anticipating sporadic Internet availability for the bulk of our trip, I’ve also downloaded the offline version of Southern India’s maps/tourist information on my I phone travel apps “Triposo” and “Maps.me.” The following map might provide my readers with a suitable overview of the cities/towns in the South India region.

The matter of maintaining physical wellness in South India has also preoccupied my attention during the months preceding our upcoming trip. By “upping” my yin-yoga practice to 4-5 days per week , I now feel primed for a more energizing meditative revival there. Adding probiotics to my daily vitamin regimen in the past month for stomach precautions has in addition better prepared me for the spicy Indian cuisine that I will likely encounter. Carrying a load of energy bars as well will come in handy on those rare dining occasions of extreme food intolerance. Desiring to sample a pre-taste of Indian foods prior to our departure, I have also indulged on a few occasions at Indian lunch buffets nearest my South Florida home in the last few weeks. To avoid any exposure to the feared Corona Virus and other respiratory spread ailments, I’ve resolved to pack a face mask and carry an ample supply of hand sanitizers as well.

With our suitcases/knapsacks compactly packed, our tourist visas in order, and our ground transportation to/from the airport successfully arranged, we are now ready to embark on our sixteen day tour of South India. Along the way, we look forward to experiencing authentic cultural encounters and sacred Hindu ways at stunning historic temples. We also look forward to meditating in the spirit of global unity and soul- filled “Shiva” with a living Indian yogi as well. Furthermore, how exciting it might be to slow down our busy minds as we float along tranquil rivers/ lagoons by houseboat or hike in protected wildlife sanctuaries in search of rare birdlife/animal species. The remarkable life of Mahatma Gandhi should also come vividly alive for us as we search for deeper meanings in the prevailing “caste system” that pervades the everyday life of this region’s bustling cities. In spite of our challenging daytime schedule, at night, we might even find time to nourish ourselves in a soothing massage or a refreshing swim at our accommodating hotels as needed.

So perhaps I can whet your spiritual interest in our latest adventure. What “inner” thoughts do you thus feel from each of the twelve photographs below taken during our previous tour of India in the spring of 2017? Namaste.

Additional References:        

https://breathedreamgo.com – “ Thirty Reasons To Love Indian Travel

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Maximizing The Writing Moment

“Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself you would have to die if you were forbidden to write.” (Rainer Maria Rilke)

What makes writing so important these days? Consider our regular habit of jotting down our routine obligations on a monthly calendar of what we need and want to do. Or in times of future worry, some of us complete a personal diary or journal  as a a daily meditative mantra to  offer us emotional support from the frustrations of difficult life challenges As our attention span from each moment to moment seriously shortens in today’s fast paced, urban world, we also rely on our device of digital communication to calm the incessant mental chatter these days.  

In this era of fake truth writings, so many of us find greater need to  pay closer attention to commercial advertisements and published articles as well. For by examining the written word more carefully, we learn to trust ourselves to avoid making hasty, negative prejudgments or illogical/biased conclusions in our own formal and informal writing endeavors.         

We must realize, however, that self serving egoism can never suffice as our sole invitation to write. For while we desire to be heard in a timely text, tweet, or email, we often do not take the time to understand what others have to say. So why make it difficult? Learn the art of two-way written communication. Consider the following blogs reposted below. How might you make practical use of the content of each posting to maximize writing moments in your life?                                                                                                        

NOTE: CLICK ON THE URL LINKS FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING TITLES 

Caressing Catharsis

How can we beat manage our feelings in confrontational situations?

https://onstageformyselfnow.blog/2019/12/26/caressing-catharsis/

Perplexing Paradox Connections

How can on deal effectively with “You’re Wrong I’m Right” thinking?

https://onstageformyselfnow.blog/2019/11/20/perplexing-paradox-connections/

Love Above Hate

What are the underlying motives of love vs. hate filled rhetoric?

https://onstageformyselfnow.blog/2019/10/30/love-above-hate/

Let’s Act Without Labels

How can we avoid assigning inappropriate  labels to people ?

https://onstageformyselfnow.blog/2018/11/05/lets-act-without-labels-2/

The Least I Can Do

What are the best ways to figure out the truth amidst a lie-ridden, political culture?

https://onstageformyselfnow.blog/2018/06/26/the-least-i-can-do/

Beware of Illogical Thinking Trap

How can we avoid the dangers of propaganda by thinking more “critically”  about key issues of concern

https://onstageformyselfnow.blog/2018/02/06/beware-of-illogical-thinking-trap/

A New Light For War On Words

How does one best obtain “peace of mind” in a politically turbulent world?

https://onstageformyselfnow.blog/2016/11/09/a-new-light-on-war-on-words/

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Super Bowl Fixation Unintended

“The Super Bowl is an occasion that’s really associated with abundance – lots of snacks, parties, spectacle – and so it would be great if there were also some kind of tradition of generosity attached to it as well.” (Josh Gondelman)

South Florida bustles now with excitement as Super Bowl LIV approaches Sunday at the newly modernized Hard Rock Stadium. Hordes of happy tourists now can celebrate the excitement of “big game” fever at lavish party or “open bar”settings scheduled around the greater Miami vicinity? You might even spot celebrities Jennifer Lopez or Shakira around bustling “South Beach” if you are lucky. Even if you don’t like football, you can bask along our sun-kissed beaches to work on your tan or simply “hang out” along the coastal boardwalks to simply be seen.

Yet the hedonistic excesses of Super Bowl week this year in Miami this year seems remarkably misplaced. For a sports fanatic such as myself who has managed to attend four, prior Super Bowls on a meager teacher salary, the inflated price of $8,000 and up for one ticket to the game this year seems grossly unfair. As I also crawl along in heavy tourist traffic or find long restaurant waits now, I long for a simple slowdown from such Super Bowl bedlam this week. I cannot ignore the fact as well that local residents like me will see significant tax increases to finance the celebratory excesses of this  Super Bowl in the future. Many tourists might not even realize that the stadium location of this worldwide football spectacle is located amidst the largely lower income residential area of Miami Gardens. Do the urgent needs of the struggling residents here matter as Super Bowl madness invades their blighted community?

Furthermore, as tragic events last week gain hold of my emotions now, the narcissistic hype of the Super Bowl seems oddly out of character. I think of the tragic helicopter death in Southern California of Lakers great Kobe Bryant who’s generous contributions to improving the lives of youth and families after his basketball retirement now ended in senseless tragedy. I also feel the pain of fearful Caribbean island residents who endured the destructive wrath of a major earthquake. last week. These devastated countries most certainly will need America’s help now. The prolonged saga of Donald Trump’s impeachment trial also distracts my attention from Super Bowl bliss this week as I envision this President who profits himself illegally at the expense of our country’s best interests. I thus feel little need to revel in the Super Bowl “buzz” now when a man of such questionable values will likely be acquitted in political partisan fashion of morally debasing the office of the Presidency.

As I attended a “Super Bowl Experience” gala at Miami Beach Convention Hall last weekend, I thus found myself observing ways of “giving back” to others before this year’s Super Bowl. Judge for yourself then. How could we transform the following photographic mementos of gridiron game glory of the National Football League (NFL) into a scenario of more humane intentions?

1.How might one redesign NFL player helmets, uniforms and shoes to better show the goodness of our country?

2.What lessons from the history of the National Football League would best uplift the values our country’s populace now?

3. What should Super Bowl rings really honor beside winning?

4. What can each NFL “ Man of the Year Award”recipient do to help stop the problems of homelessness, poverty, and racism in our communities ?

5. How do we make professional football affordable and more fun for all?

6. How will NFL role model efforts uplift our country’s values in the future?

7.How can we use visual arts to create a less violent image of the NFL in the future?

8. How can we allot Super Bowl game tickets in a more equitable fashion for rich, middle class and the poor?

9. How can the NFL assist fans to overcome the negative stigma of continued support for a perennially losing NFL team?

10.How can the Super Bowl help Americans unite as a country?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Resetting Our Moral Compass

“The three hardest tasks in the world are neither physical feats nor intellectual achievements, but moral acts: to return love for hate, to include the excluded, and to say, “I was wrong.” (Sydney J. Harris)

There seems to be a noticeable “buzz” these days around the country about a confusing malaise of values promoted by our current Presidential office. Why does POTUS continue to “spin” lies and conspiracy theories to attack many of his political adversaries in this country? What negative impact on our nation’s moral fiber results from his vicious Twitter attacks daily? Why does our U.S. Senate “cow down” to him in fear as he commits mafia-style extortion for self-serving, political gain against the country of Ukraine? How does our President’s denial of global warming and consequent decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Change agreement damage our longstanding alliance with friendly allies? What negative message does he send about U.S. National Security when he “goes after” his own “intelligence” experts ( ie. Christopher Wray) and patriotic military heroes (ie. John McCain) while praising heinous dictators ( ie. Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong – Un)?

In watching the current impeachment trial of Donald Trump, I’ve been engaged by prosecutor presentations outlining the powerful “Separations of Powers/“Checks and Balances ” provisions of the U.S. Constitution. Our President shall not be above the law. Congress can remove our chief executive from office whose moral behavior goes flagrantly astray. Court processes can interpret disputes fairly in cases of improper Presidential conduct prior to or during an election. Our democracy clearly can work when handled correctly.

Therefore, I welcome 2020 as the year that America stands up to this reality TV show of hateful tweets, “this for that” bribes, senseless lies, and revengeful “meltdowns”. For by doing so through either trial conviction or election rejection, we reset the standards of our nation’s moral compass in the right direction.

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“Above The Law” Evils

“Trust starts with truth and ends with truth.”( Santosh Kalwar)

As I watch the opening hours of the long awaited impeachment trial of Donald Trump begin today, I’ve been given the impression that the basic argument of his guilt or innocence resides in whether Americans can trust the extent of his power rendered. Do we have a President who in effect serves as an omnipotent king whose powers can never be questioned? Or does our President dutifully serve accordingly to the will of the people and their chosen public representatives? Sadly, the proposed Senate rules of the trial will noticeably limit or ignore document evidence and witness testimony highly relevant to the culpable actions of the defendant. Will this contentious search for the truth so vital to our country now spin into a petty sham? Can we trust our Congressional leaders to make the right call? As the 2020 Presidential election looms heavily in mind, I thus offer the following original poem for serious reflection about the current impeachment process ahead.

Why Do Charged Minds Meet In Tragedy’s Throes?

To Render A Fair Trial Toward Truth I Suppose

Senate Mockery Of Justice We Never Foresaw

In Knowing Our Country Seeks Fairness Through Law

When Partisan Thirst Can Cover Up Crime

Our Laws Soon Crumble In Despotic Time

Quiet Handshake, A Wink , Subtle Nod On Cue

Hides Public Awareness Of Loyalty’s Brew

Our President Boasts Of His Unlimited Power

Do We Follow Or Lead At Impeachment’s Hour?

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