Embracing Ambiguity

"I wanted the perfect ending.  Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity." ~ Gilda Radner 

When I started on this painting it was about not knowing...the naive girl in a handstand, moving forward without seeing anything else...the lioness (courage) laying asleep, not seeing the innocent about to trip into her...the iconic piano, falling from the sky amidst a background of storm and peace.  It wasn't until I added the two snails, carrying the weight of the past on their backs, that I thoroughly understood the meaning of the painting. 

For a long while I pondered how this piece related to relationships.  But in the end it is not relationship with another but oneself that the snails are observing. They are surprisingly symbolic of the yin and yang of us. They anchor what makes life full of anticipation, adventurous, rewarding, potentially awful, but full nonetheless...the electricity, the need to trust, to awaken courage. and take action.  There is an adventure that is taking shape... that risks the falling piano, weathers the storms, and assumes there is gold at the end of the rainbow.  What are the chances that the girl will fall off the cliff, the lioness will bite her, a piano might crush them both, or the golden rewards will not be found?  All these and more are possibilities which makes for the ambiguous nature of life.  But as noted above, it is delicious when we embrace it for all its worth.

Enjoy the day,
every day!
Pic;)

Redefining the Comfort Zone

Oftentimes my cartoons for the Whole Living Journal are based on the season, so drawing a summer camp cartoon made sense for this issue. But as with anything I do, my cartoons are usually plastered with symbolism that I love to scry through to find more and more meaning.

The symbols in this cartoon took me to a lot of places I had already traveled. Apparently I needed a few reminders. So I started with the obvious, that the comfort zone is just another name for what we think we know, which isn't always comfortable, accurate, or fun. It is pitched like a tent in the lessons of childhood.

"Okay, cute." I thought of the tent symbol, but I was certain there were more symbols in the cartoon, so I kept looking. Quickly the tent became the mind, and the two children inside represented the right and left thinking. I took a moment to add a little more to my drawing just to see it better. 

The result confused me: 

The drawing showed the reverse of what I expected.  I typically associate the right brain with imaginings outside the comfort zone, while I usually think of the left brain as the fortress of rules built to protect us from the unknown.  The right side was worrying and the left side was accepting.

When I allowed for different interpretations of "right" and "left", I could see that it often seems "right" to exercise caution, even doubt, in order to make sure I am being safe about what I do.  Then I could see what was "left":  No matter how well I plan and wait to take action until I'm sure, change from beyond the comfort zone is inevitable. Even so, comfort zones are fairly indestructible.

So instead of being about getting out of the comfort zone or trying to dismantle it, this cartoon seems to be all about flipping its negative bent and using its imaginative ability toward something more positive.  We can change the assumption that unforeseen circumstances can cause difficulties if we are not prepared, and practice using our comfort zones to invent rather than prevent.  When we imagine in this way the comfort zone takes on a whole new meaning. 

A final look at the cartoon symbols affirms that even in the dark of night, surrounded by the unknown, there is a light within which will help us see, and a reflection of the day to come.  It is not change we need to challenge, but the challenge of change that is ours to accept and fully appreciate each the moment.  Imagine that!

Nothing changes, 'cept us!
Be peace-full.
Pic;)

The Koan of Now You See It, Now You Don't

There's always more than one way to "see" things, but lately I have been "looking at" two extremes.  This "looking at" qualifier is important as it defines the position from which we can "see" things that is not as the typical "seer", "seeing" or "seen", but from the viewpoint of the unconditional which makes all variations possible.  The Conditional OS  invokes us to be one of the three without a "second thought".  By observing this automatic we can consciously enjoy life in the flow of the unconditional or Universal OS. Confused? You won't be in a moment, however it might be by way of being so confused that the Conditional OS simply fails to process.  

So, back to the two extremes.

Ever have so many things going on at once you can't see clearly what path to take and think things will never get better? Or, ever see a path before you and know in your heart all the good things that will happen if you take it?  Either way, it isn't true.  At least not for for "certain".  

Life is change and unconditional.  If we are looking for things to settle down, or be in order before we proceed, or of a "certain condition" as we proceed or when we arrive at our "destination", we will miss what can be.  Ready for the brain scrambler: Because like the "seer" the "seeing" and the "seen" "here" only exists by way of imagining someplace "else" and "now" only seems to be by holding thoughts of "then", if you get "there" you will find it has "now" become a "here". There is no "moment" to be "in" because there is no "past" or "future" to get "out" of or "reach", no "destination" other than the "journey" of transcending these paradoxes and fully enjoying the flow of life. 

It's that simple. Notice the automatic conditional qualifiers for what they are, limiting conditions that seem to hold back and resist. That being said, the journey of course includes seeing and not seeing all this.  Like turning blind corners, slowing down a little is often helpful. Now you see it, now you don't.  Feel your breath and smile knowing you are "all ways" in the flow of life no matter what conditions you think you see. 

Loving it,
Pic;) 

The Artiste

This year I am drawing and writing a deck of cards.  By doing so I look at the Fool's path and contemplate how the interpretations flow through the process of life.  By posting as I go, I invite you to also enjoy the process.
Peacefully, Pic

The Fool happened into town one day
and on a terrace along the way
she met an artiste with tools upon a table spread
he promised if she listened to him she could avoid a life of dread.
"You are the artist of the world you see
through thought, emotions, breath, and deeds,
but know before you attempt to control these
that using them is extremely messy."
He motioned to a clean canvas, behind him on the walk,
To demonstrate his methods he continued with his talk.
"Hold the brush dumb." he advised,
"What you think you know is a complex series of lies.
There is nothing to be kept safe from.
Nothing you can do that can't be undone.
Remember the options and choices are infinite and so
there's no reason to hold on and nothing to let go.
What doesn't work is just not finished - yet." His experience qualified,
Appreciate the messy process of life, and you will be satisfied."

Reclaiming Our Digital Devices

Which comes first, the pet or the ability to pet?  Sounds like a silly question, but I often find my pets staring down the other things on which I spend my digital time. They don't understand why I spend so much time petting my laptop, tablet, and smartphone. So I drew up this cartoon to remind myself of the value and importance of human touch over the touch screen.

We are deep into the digital era, and what that means is changing.  Instead of putting things at our fingertips, it could be about to replace the need for them. There is a new device coming to town, it is referred to as the first "family robot" named Jibo. 

This summer, close to 3000 people paid more than $500 apiece in advance orders through crowd-funding, to put themselves under the constant surveillance of these tabletop bots which promise to digitally perform life's little chores and pleasures for us.  

The Jibo fundraising video promises to take our place, play with, read to, educate, and tuck-in the kids, take our pictures, tell us what to do, when to do it, and decide what we will eat for dinner because....it will know us so well.

After I saw the promo I picked up my dog and hugged him, then reached over and petted my cat because life, real life, is not about what digital devices can do for us, but what our digital devices, our own two hands, can do for others.  

While I did draw the cartoon on a tablet, posted it and this blog by computer, and know the only way you can see the following links is via technology, I do so as a reminder that how and why we use these tools is still a matter of choice which, if not made, will be made for us. 

That we can still communicate by touch without a screen, is a gift we can and should demonstrate without assistance as often as possible to stay in-tune with what is truly wonderful about human life.  

So, pet your pets if you've go them, and hug someone close to you today instead of texting emoji hearts, and give yourself a pat on the back for being human as only you can be.

Interesting, expert views on AI and the state of technology:

Helping Computers to Understand Humans

Blurring the Boundary: The Future of Machine Perception

More from The Conference in Sweden

Drawing with Wire and Finding Hidden Dragons

Changing channels between artist and creative facilitator has its challenges. Oftentimes its tough to just find the time to get the word out.  So it is that I'm blogging at the last minute to let you know about two very different events both dealing with creative energy at the beginning of October.

Saturday, October 1, the Kennedy-Montgomery Building Art Studios will be open 6:30-8:30, 6566 Montgomery Road, in conjunction with CLICK! an exhibit of photography at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center (right next door).  I'll be in my studio pulling wire creating continuous-line drawings in mid-air while my paintings hang on the walls.  Ask about classes and commissions, or just hang out and have a cup of tea and conversation. One thing I might be talking about is a new group that will be meeting for the first time on the following Monday...

The Shamanic Arts Party is different from the classes that cross-reference life and art, in that we will be applying the media of creative energy to life alone as the canvas.  The first workshop is Crouching Jaguar, Hidden Dragon, Monday, October 3, 7-9pm.  In this workshop, the three Toltec masteries are blended with the metaphor of the Chinese Cheng Yu (idiom) to gain better understanding about how the jaguar could miss the dragon, and what the dragon really is.  We will use journeying, and reflective exercises (awareness) to positively identify, free and re-direct this energy in our lives (transformation) according to our will (intent).  Learn More about the Shamanic Arts Party or call 513-549-4607 to save a place (space is limited).

CC licensed Dragon photo by miheco and jaguar photo by magicmonkey at Flickr.com

Why Do You Fly

Listen, everybody! There's no limit to how high we can fly! 
We can dive for fish and never have to live on garbage again!

Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull

Recently I took this picture off of seagulls flying off the back of a ferry boat on Lake Erie.  In an instant the birds went from gliding so perfectly on the wind to folding their wings so they could dive into the churning waters below scrabbling against one another to get a pretzel someone tossed to them.  To see something as awesome as flight ditched to chase bits of refined-carbohydrates that couldn't possibly be healthy was at once entertaining and sad.  

The lady who was throwing the pretzels giggled and commented on how easily amused she was, and the crowd cheered when a gull managed to catch a pretzel in mid-air. It was quite a feat, but it reminded me so much of the hope Jonathan Livingston Seagull held out for his flock to fly just because they could, even as all but a few rejected his dream of freedom as a threat to their values that maintained the purpose of flight was only to gather food.

If I asked, Why do you fly?  What would you say?  Many say they can't fly, just as they tell me they are not creative when I talk about how I teach life through artistic practice.  They think being creative is difficult even as they fluidly and perfectly create that impression without a second thought.  They believe any attempt at art falls short until it accurately represents whatever one intended to create, and this is then their limited experience. They feel similarly about life and I wish they could see how beautifully they are flying.

Art is not what hangs on walls, it is the intent to create, holding space for creative energy to flow according to a process that continuously unfolds rather than getting done.  Life is the same way.  The best life is one that is constantly unfolding according to our intent. Art and life are all about getting messy, enjoying the thrills of chaos, getting it, being unattached to keeping it, and letting our creative nature soar unfettered.  Because they are so similar, art is an excellent place to explore life -- how we create it, judge it, and enjoy it.  In art we can make mistakes and laugh like children learning. 

A wise leader once said one must be like a little child to get into the kingdom of Heaven.  In Jonathan Livingston Seagull, the Elder Gull teaches Jonathan, “Heaven is not a place, and it is not a time. Heaven is being perfect. -And that isn't flying a thousand miles an hour, or a million, or flying at the speed of light. Because any number is a limit, and perfection doesn't have limits. Perfect speed, my son, is being there."  

Yes, I really did just quote an imaginary seagull alongside a spiritual master.  The point is this, if you would like to experience Heaven on Earth practice consciously "being" through some creative experience.  


Starting October 3 we will explore creating a masterpiece of life through discussions and practices directed at using our life energy as a creative media. Eastern and western philosophy and shamanic practices will be explored to help us free up our intuitions to soar through life effortlessly.  Make a reservation by email or call 513-549-4607. 

What's the Leap?!

  In the Toltec tradition, of which I am very fond, there are two lineages which may be followed.  One is the Jaguar and the other is the Eagle.  Among other things, the names describe the method of stalking that is unique to the animal representing that lineage.  Jaguars stalk with their feet on the ground, or close to it and their prey.  Eagles take to the skies and survey the land, looking for even the most minute movement, swooping in on it from up high.  In Toltec Tradition, the "prey" is what is untrue or illusion.  Stalking includes all erroneous conclusions and strategies to overcome them (aka agreements or beliefs).  At one level of personal development, "stalking" is about getting to know how we tick and later understanding that we are not or actually are much more than what ticks (like a little bomb in the back of our minds all the time).  

  Toltec wisdom as well as many other systems such as Advaita Vedanta suggest that humans are unaware of illusion and need to awaken to it's existence in order to transcend the suffering included therein. Many times on the path to awakening those who take up various practices come to believe they have awakened only to find themselves still suffering the same old habits and outcomes.  That is often the impetus to go seeking a new way to gain awareness and stop the cycle. As long as this is one's motivation, the same results will persist because there really is no cycle to stop.  

  When I drew this cartoon for the Whole Living Journal, I knew my character had nowhere to go, that whatever she thinks might be out there that might make a difference would be of little help.  The leap toward living her best life would be to stand where she is, and learn how to be comfortable not knowing (Don't take anything personally*), giving up expectations of how things should be (Don't make assumptions*), accepting and appreciating everything, even the most uncomfortable feelings as perfect manifestations of what they are (Be impeccable with your word*).  This is the Big  Leap that takes one from constantly stalking to learning how to enjoy the ride (Always do your best*).

Register for more information about What's the Leap?! a four-step workshop and discussion on living free of limiting conditions, Sunday, July 10 from 5-7pm, in Cincinnati.  For more information send your name and contact information.  

Peacefully, Pic;)

(*The Four Agreements from the book by don Miguel Ruiz)

Not That

When you take away everything, all the perceived problems, deficits, hardships, faults, slights, abuse, attachments, core issues, analysis, charity, loss, lack, limitation and abundance, love, hate, reasons for war, peace, anger, jealousy, avarice, devotion, desire, need, philanthropy, politics, religion, sunrise, sunset, the oceans, beaches, weather, trees, all animals, insects, fish, birds, humans of course; when you see these are but notions and as such unreal, and suspend the notion that they are necessary, inevitable, important, and most importantly part of the whole, then you will know the truth.

Facebook Friends

If you don't know the fun and laughs Facebook quizzes can offer you might want to give them a try. Most quizzes ask a few questions to ascertain one's beliefs about a particular subject and then assign a symbol or series of symbols which are explained as to how they represent the person who took the quiz. My Facebook profile is filled everyday with news from friends who took one quiz or another. I now know the favorite bottled beverages, leading men, most disliked foods, and 25 random things about several dozen Facebook friends. It seems Facebook was just made for seekers.

If self-inquiry isn't the organic alternative to Facebook, maybe Facebook is the digital alternative to self-inquiry. After all, it's filled with the lists, likes and dislikes, and daily thoughts for each person who shows up. Maybe the ancient gurus and masters who coined the phrase never dreamed of Facebook. If they did, they might have thought it would lead to bondage more than liberation and enlightenment. But maybe the kid in the cartoon has a point.

Where Facebook quizes might seem like fun, and self-inquiry might seem like serious business, maybe they're actually very similar. No matter which course of action you take, the more you know the less you believe you are the things you thought you were. You find you're not your thoughts, nor even what thinks, and yet you include these in your friends list. If you don't know the fun and laughs of self-inquiry then maybe you might want to give it a try. It's not as serious as you might think.

The Thin Line

One evening on my way home I was talking with Rob who observed that there was only one letter different between the words mastery and mystery. Rob’s observation came on the heels of acknowledging that there seems to be a thin line between the two. It's true, whether we're dealing with a relationship or enlightenment, mastery is often equated with demystifying things.

It might seem that the defining line however thin, would be knowledge, and that would be correct. But mastery does not land on the side with a lot of knowledge compared to mystery having none. The reverse is true in that while a master may have a great deal of knowledge, what is most useful is the awareness that knowledge -- attaining and maintaining it -- is what keeps us steeped in mystery.

With a little imagination we can see the “y” as a symbol of the questioning “why”. Asking “why” is grasping at knowledge which when unknown leads to the suffering of needing to attain it, and once known leads to attachment. On the other hand, mastery has an “a” which brings about the sound of “ahhhh”. Mastery is the relief of letting go and finally grasping that there is nothing to attain but giving up the effort of seeking to understand why.

Self Enquiry

What difference does it make if we believe we are all One or not?

All That Is has apparency in the Oneness of Consciousness. Nothing can be perceived that is not a part of the whole. It surrounds and permeates your entire Being, facilitates your every thought, emotion, physical sensation, action and reaction. All is of the same substance. Even if you believe it doesn't exist, is remote, a separate something for which you must perform some extraordinary feat to attain, it will, without condition sustain and facilitate your life accordingly.

When you live without this sense of wholeness, you feel like a fish without a pond. Closing your eyes to the completeness already available, you feel the sense of separation. Without seeing that you are doing this, you are limited to associating the source of your anxiety with "others" which you also see as separate. It is the sense of separation that drives you to seek fulfillment on the shores of illusion where you flop around helplessly like a fish out of water. This is why nothing you have ever thought you could do to secure your satisfaction has ever worked completely, because you separate yourself from your goal by believing you don't have it. Until you have awareness for That which is at the core of All, beginning with your Self, everything beyond basic functions, that is readily available to you without thought or effort remains inaccessible, and you continue to search in the other places just like a fish without a sense of direction, beaching itself.

True liberation comes with the enlightenment of acceptance and appreciation of what IS. This is often mistakenly translated as accepting life circumstances and making something good of hardships. Instead, allow yourself to freely experience yourself swimming in the waters of absolute consciousness, one creation, totally sustained by the indivisible life force that permeates all that is. Feel it. Sense the life energy move in, through, and all around you as you breathe in your everyday moments. Make this your highest aspiration and your closest limitation will be nothing "else".