A Time for Courage: theme for the week of Jan 6, 2013 - Occupy Cafe2024-03-29T01:16:19Zhttp://www.occupycafe.org/forum/topics/a-time-for-courage-theme-for-the-week-of-jan-6-2013?feed=yes&xn_auth=noHello Dyck,
In the context of…tag:www.occupycafe.org,2013-03-31:6451976:Comment:383242013-03-31T21:59:00.379ZJanos Abelhttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/JanosAbel
<p>Hello Dyck,</p>
<p>In the context of economics, employment, social security, wealth distribution, etc., the accuser---as any individual or group of individuals---can be quite real.</p>
<p>So can the accused---the group of policy makers---be real, since the economy does not provide enough jobs that pay a living income.</p>
<p>Don't you think so?</p>
<p>Thanks for responding in spite of my long absence from this forum.</p>
<p>Hello Dyck,</p>
<p>In the context of economics, employment, social security, wealth distribution, etc., the accuser---as any individual or group of individuals---can be quite real.</p>
<p>So can the accused---the group of policy makers---be real, since the economy does not provide enough jobs that pay a living income.</p>
<p>Don't you think so?</p>
<p>Thanks for responding in spite of my long absence from this forum.</p> Hi Janos,
For me courage is m…tag:www.occupycafe.org,2013-03-31:6451976:Comment:383222013-03-31T20:56:39.743ZDyck Dewidhttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/DyckDewid
<p>Hi Janos,</p>
<p>For me courage is manifested in outward action because that's where the danger is. It doesn't seem likely it can be found in the act of contemplation as that is so private and 'safe'... although you may find an example to the contrary.</p>
<p>In 'challenging' something like, "you have to earn the right to be here!" it would seem theoretical and empty because there is no real accuser, no law, nor is there an enforcer.</p>
<p>Hi Janos,</p>
<p>For me courage is manifested in outward action because that's where the danger is. It doesn't seem likely it can be found in the act of contemplation as that is so private and 'safe'... although you may find an example to the contrary.</p>
<p>In 'challenging' something like, "you have to earn the right to be here!" it would seem theoretical and empty because there is no real accuser, no law, nor is there an enforcer.</p> Courage can mean that we dare…tag:www.occupycafe.org,2013-03-31:6451976:Comment:381202013-03-31T19:07:57.863ZJanos Abelhttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/JanosAbel
<p>Courage can mean that we dare to contemplate doing what is <strong>necessary</strong> no only what seems possible or interesting.</p>
<p>My suggestion of what is necessary, by the principle of First Things First...</p>
<p>is to challenge the established system's unspoken rule for individuals in society: "<em>you have to <strong>earn</strong> the right to be here!</em>"<br></br><br></br><strong>Challenge that unspoken rule based on the following premise</strong> (if that is the correct…</p>
<p>Courage can mean that we dare to contemplate doing what is <strong>necessary</strong> no only what seems possible or interesting.</p>
<p>My suggestion of what is necessary, by the principle of First Things First...</p>
<p>is to challenge the established system's unspoken rule for individuals in society: "<em>you have to <strong>earn</strong> the right to be here!</em>"<br/><br/><strong>Challenge that unspoken rule based on the following premise</strong> (if that is the correct term):</p>
<p># In a post industrial society, a living income is necessary for supporting life; <br/> # The right to life is meaningless if the means needed to support life is denied; <br/> # The right to life has to be unconditional; <br/> # Conclusion: a civilized society has to provide adequate Basic Income <strong>unconditionally</strong> to its citizens. <br/> # Without this obligation being carried out we are still living in a society founded on a modern form of slavery.</p>
<p>Then press those in power for a dialogue, at least---with the "right to silence" clearly denied as an option.<br/>We can take courage from the fact that <strong>financing</strong> such a <em>step change in social evolution</em> <strong>is the least of the problems</strong> that need to be overcome.</p> Pia's not feeling so well and…tag:www.occupycafe.org,2013-01-11:6451976:Comment:365882013-01-11T02:06:47.746ZDyck Dewidhttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/DyckDewid
<p>Pia's not feeling so well and I'm sensing myself and maybe others are a little down 'with her'... connected... real health care.</p>
<p>The Heart Call tonight asked me to share this joyous letter #6 to friends during my chemo last year. </p>
<p> What is a boat for without water? <br></br> What am I for without my Lynda...<br></br> ... and without you and you and you? <br></br> <br></br>You may not notice her drinking-in, replenishing her kindness with raw…</p>
<p>Pia's not feeling so well and I'm sensing myself and maybe others are a little down 'with her'... connected... real health care.</p>
<p>The Heart Call tonight asked me to share this joyous letter #6 to friends during my chemo last year. </p>
<p> What is a boat for without water? <br/> What am I for without my Lynda...<br/> ... and without you and you and you? <br/> <br/>You may not notice her drinking-in, replenishing her kindness with raw exquisite beauty all around, invisible to other eyes. Nor is it obvious, her baby skin, scorched from others' misfortune and pain, or from their violence. It seems she must suffer her life in order to silently offer her gentle gift. Dementia doesn't diminish the gift, but does bring her pain of doubt... what a mysterious teacher. <br/> <br/>Learning what it is to be, choicelessly, the target of her glance; Watching workings of our maybe perfect symbiosis; Allowing her suffering for me, yet not without cause... perhaps so it is with my friends. So much to learn.<br/> <br/>To those who have offered and given help, words, prayers, energy, as well as those who've given even more... you are a sweet elixir. I accept this deeply, sacredly. Thank you! <br/> <br/>And in classroom 1A- <u>How <i>not</i> to be afraid of Love</u> (<b>love</b>, aka: care, help, nourish, connection, prayers, energy, DOBO (dance on behalf of), compassion, kindness, generosity, etc.. Or, it might be disguised as: worry, fear, stress, quietness, tentativeness, doubt, etc..). <br/> <br/>Teacher is saying, hands down Dyck, no more questions! She's saying that to know love I have to surrender to you-- to have no defense, no preconceived idea, no arms, no hidden stash, WAIT A MINUTE! ...no self-image, no protection, no pride, ONE QUESTION! ...no promise, no hold-back. BUT I DID MY HOMEWORK! ...No compromise or deals.<br/> <br/>If you feel like it, call me. Don't over-think it. It scared me at first to say this to a list of hundreds. But, if I'm not feeling well I'll let you know or return your call when I am. I'm getting around some, talk on the phone, email & tweet, doing a little kitchen and bath design for a couple small jobs. And, I lie on the bed and do nothing except be. <br/> <br/>After 4 treatments I begin to feel strained, more worn now. My lungs ache for a week or so after chemo. My bones belly ache about being forced (a shot) to produce white cells that are lost in Smoking Out my Pets. Eyes water & burn, I lose voice, a little trench mouth. But, I keep most of this at bay, managing in various ways. A hint of carbonation returns to my Blue Moon sex life. When I overdo my body sees to it that I take some Guantanamo days of recoup time.<br/> <br/>I went to a cancer support group last week. Hearing the stories I see my load is most insignificant compared to others' sufferings- mind and body. I'm aghast as I listen carefully, trying to feel and 'see' the others. My heart moves slowly through dark and thick jungle looking for my connection, and finding no way. I am in difficulty. What can I give? I tell my story, but not too much. I sense I'm alone with my not-so-believable or seemingly foreign, bright side of cancer. I guess my delicate job is to just be myself, shirt open while the river currents take me.<br/> <br/><u>People are asking me about my cancer prognosis.</u><br/> <br/>This question surprises me because I didn't think of it myself. Why haven't I asked my doctor about this? Because it is of no use at all. Should I engage in worry or hope... or maybe go back and forth? Seems like nonsense. But, pushed as the question does, I am content sharing what I know. <br/> <br/>1. My current address is: stage 4, non-Hodgkin's, large B cell Lymphoma, Cancer, USA 27587.<br/>2. I'll be dropping my body* (aka die) sometime beyond this moment. <br/><i>* 'I' am not my body. But it is a worthy vehicle that 'I' inhabit for now, as incarnate ancient soul.</i><br/>3. Either at the end of chemo my pet cancers will be gone... in which case I may live somewhat longer if I don't get hit by a falling piano or otherwise die.<br/>4. Or, at the end of chemo my pet cancers will not be gone.. in which case I may live shorter than otherwise, or unexpectedly longer, if I don't get hit by a falling piano or otherwise die.<br/>5. When death comes to my body it will either be expected or surprising, painful or pain free, horrific, pleasant or ecstatic or something else.<br/>6. I'll try to live fully as I can until I die... taking ample risks, living my truths, letting others know I love them, and telling those who need it to 'kiss off!" or punching em out. This will be briefly or forever or something else. <br/>7. Any of these possibilities could have a lie embedded in it (solely for effect & balance).<br/> <br/><u>My Ridiculously Simple Living Web: </u><br/>Earth sings her love to me! Food is like music, created or produced exclusively from the living. All in the living food web like me, must be nourished to live... or die becoming the music. What is this grace that calls me and all things to be the loving tune that sustains all life? When is my turn to make love to you?<br/>~ <br/> <br/>Loveback, Dyck</p> The beautiful song "Pig," by…tag:www.occupycafe.org,2013-01-11:6451976:Comment:367452013-01-11T00:08:08.807ZBen Robertshttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/BenRoberts
<p>The beautiful song "Pig," by the Dave Matthews Band, has been on my mind over the past two weeks or so. And our discussion about "concerns" on today's Occupy Heart call has brought it up again...</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0xhJHVlNGS8?wmode=opaque" width="420"></iframe>
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<p><span>Isn't it strange </span><br></br><span>How we move our lives for another day </span><br></br><span>Like skipping a beat </span><br></br><span>What if a great wave should…</span></p>
<p>The beautiful song "Pig," by the Dave Matthews Band, has been on my mind over the past two weeks or so. And our discussion about "concerns" on today's Occupy Heart call has brought it up again...</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0xhJHVlNGS8?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p><span>Isn't it strange </span><br/><span>How we move our lives for another day </span><br/><span>Like skipping a beat </span><br/><span>What if a great wave should wash us all away </span><br/><span>Just thinking out loud </span><br/><span>Don't mean to dwell on this dying thing </span><br/><span>But looking at blood </span><br/><span>It's alive right now </span><br/><span>Deep and sweet within </span><br/><span>Pouring through our veins </span><br/><span>Intoxicate moving wine to tears </span><br/><span>Drinking it deep </span><br/><span>Then an evening spent dancing </span><br/><span>It's you and me </span><br/><span>This love will open our world </span><br/><span>From the dark side we can see a glow of something bright </span><br/><span>There's much more than we see here </span><br/><span>Don't burn the day away </span><br/><span>Is this not enough </span><br/><span>This blessed sip of life </span><br/><span>Is it not enough </span><br/><span>Staring down at the ground </span><br/><span>Oh then complain and pray more from above </span><br/><span>Greedy little pig </span><br/><span>Stop just watch your world trickle away </span><br/><span>Oh it's your problem now </span><br/><span>It'll all be dead and gone in a few short years </span><br/><span>Just love will open our eyes </span><br/><span>Just love will put the hope in our minds </span><br/><span>Much more than we could ever know </span><br/><span>Don't burn the day away </span><br/><span>Come sister my brother </span><br/><span>Shake up your bones shake up your feet </span><br/><span>I'm saying open up </span><br/><span>And let the rain come pouring in </span><br/><span>Wash out this tired notion </span><br/><span>That the best is yet to come </span><br/><span>But while you're dancing on the ground </span><br/><span>Don't think of when you're gone </span><br/><span>Love love what more is there </span><br/><span>We need the light of love in here </span><br/><span>Don't beat your head </span><br/><span>Dry your eyes </span><br/><span>Let the love in there </span><br/><span>There are bad times </span><br/><span>But that's ok </span><br/><span>Just look for love in it </span><br/><span>Don't burn the day away </span><br/><span>Look </span><br/><span>Here are we </span><br/><span>On this starry night staring into space </span><br/><span>And I must say </span><br/><span>I feel as small as dust </span><br/><span>Lying down here </span><br/><span>What point could there be troubling </span><br/><span>Head down wondering what will become of me </span><br/><span>Why concern we cannot see </span><br/><span>But no reason to abandon it </span><br/><span>Time is short but that's all right </span><br/><span>Maybe I'll go in the middle of the night </span><br/><span>Take your hands from your eyes, my love </span><br/><span>Everything must end some time </span><br/><span>Don't burn the day away </span><br/><span>Come sister my brother </span><br/><span>Shake up your bones shake up your feet </span><br/><span>I'm saying open up </span><br/><span>And let the rain come flooding in </span><br/><span>Wash out this tired notion </span><br/><span>That the best is yet to come </span><br/><span>But while you're dancing on the ground </span><br/><span>Don't think of when you're gone </span><br/><span>Love love what more is there </span><br/><span>We need the light of love in here </span><br/><span>Don't beat your head </span><br/><span>Dry your eyes </span><br/><span>Let the love in there </span><br/><span>There are bad times </span><br/><span>But that's ok </span><br/><span>Just look for love in it</span></p> So, all this... percolating…tag:www.occupycafe.org,2013-01-08:6451976:Comment:368542013-01-08T18:31:25.940ZDyck Dewidhttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/DyckDewid
<p>So, all this... percolating</p>
<p>Cainan's story about his young brother's experiences with cancer, complications, and such an amazing and revealing resolve at death. Their relationship. The affects of that relationship over a lifetime. One part of a journey ending... another beginning, then continuing for a while. </p>
<p>Heather's horrendous early childhood experience that still shapes her life.</p>
<p>Two examples of what we think of as such undesirable experiences. Yet, they…</p>
<p>So, all this... percolating</p>
<p>Cainan's story about his young brother's experiences with cancer, complications, and such an amazing and revealing resolve at death. Their relationship. The affects of that relationship over a lifetime. One part of a journey ending... another beginning, then continuing for a while. </p>
<p>Heather's horrendous early childhood experience that still shapes her life.</p>
<p>Two examples of what we think of as such undesirable experiences. Yet, they continue to shape lives many years later... even spreading out affecting perhaps thousands of others how they are affecting me right now. Getting my attention. Reminding me how little I know and how much yet there is to learn. Teaching me about our connection and latent potential. Infinite is the word and vague feeling that comes in.</p>
<p>I contemplate the intricate majesty and mystery of humanity and the natural yet unseen world of intelligence. These are some of my synonyms for God. </p>
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<p></p> Here's a story of courageous…tag:www.occupycafe.org,2013-01-08:6451976:Comment:365852013-01-08T17:18:10.054ZBen Robertshttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/BenRoberts
<p>Here's <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/israel_and_iran_a_love_story.html" target="_blank">a story of courageous people in Israel and Iran</a> (h/t Gavin Preis). Watching this video brought tears of joy to my eyes!</p>
<p> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6Lp-NMaU0r8?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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<p>Here's <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/israel_and_iran_a_love_story.html" target="_blank">a story of courageous people in Israel and Iran</a> (h/t Gavin Preis). Watching this video brought tears of joy to my eyes!</p>
<p> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6Lp-NMaU0r8?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p> Daniel mentioned the fact tha…tag:www.occupycafe.org,2013-01-08:6451976:Comment:365822013-01-08T15:14:21.048ZBen Robertshttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/BenRoberts
<p>Daniel mentioned the fact that we (apparently) never had any Tea Partiers in our midst here in the Cafe. Just saw <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups/We-people-tea-party-occupy-4122540.S.200655731?view=&srchtype=discussedNews&gid=4122540&item=200655731&type=member&trk=eml-anet_dig-b_pd-ttl-cn&ut=24Dwur-mYKhlA1" target="_blank">this post to the Occupy Everywhere forum</a> on LinkedIn:</p>
<blockquote><h3 class="groups title">We the people of the tea party and…</h3>
</blockquote>
<p>Daniel mentioned the fact that we (apparently) never had any Tea Partiers in our midst here in the Cafe. Just saw <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups/We-people-tea-party-occupy-4122540.S.200655731?view=&srchtype=discussedNews&gid=4122540&item=200655731&type=member&trk=eml-anet_dig-b_pd-ttl-cn&ut=24Dwur-mYKhlA1" target="_blank">this post to the Occupy Everywhere forum</a> on LinkedIn:</p>
<blockquote><h3 class="groups title">We the people of the tea party and occupy movement need to unite in a solidarity movement committed to bringing about systemic change through a non-violent, legal velvet revolution whose time has come</h3>
<p class="summary">Please visit the Center for Economic and Social Justice at <a target="blank" href="http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecesj%2Eorg&urlhash=pV-c&_t=tracking_anet" rel="nofollow">http://www.cesj.org</a> and open your mind to new ideas. We do not have to accept things the way they are. There is a better and just third way.</p>
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<p class="summary">It takes some courage to choose to engage with folks from the "opposite side" of the political spectrum. Although I also see some overlap in the beliefs of many Occupiers and many Tea Partiers, around such things as the Fed, NDAA, getting money out of politics, etc.</p>
<p></p> Jerry: do you want to say som…tag:www.occupycafe.org,2013-01-08:6451976:Comment:366682013-01-08T13:57:39.898ZBen Robertshttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/BenRoberts
<p>Jerry: do you want to say something about how you see this relating to our theme of a time for courage? I could take a stab at it, but since you posted it here, I thought I'd invite your own words first!</p>
<p>Jerry: do you want to say something about how you see this relating to our theme of a time for courage? I could take a stab at it, but since you posted it here, I thought I'd invite your own words first!</p> Part 2 of final Harvest 1/07/…tag:www.occupycafe.org,2013-01-07:6451976:Comment:368362013-01-07T18:06:40.909ZDyck Dewidhttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/DyckDewid
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Part 2 of final Harvest 1/07/13</span></strong> (please exercise forgiveness... then correct and embellish with 'reply')</p>
<p>Sam: Searching for a higher quality of courage, to share with each other... courage comes from community, like from OCafe. I think its coming.</p>
<p>Heather: Authenticity & courage... first must show up and be visible. Common coping strategy is to be invisible to be safe. Adults needed to be seen so…</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Part 2 of final Harvest 1/07/13</span></strong> (please exercise forgiveness... then correct and embellish with 'reply')</p>
<p>Sam: Searching for a higher quality of courage, to share with each other... courage comes from community, like from OCafe. I think its coming.</p>
<p>Heather: Authenticity & courage... first must show up and be visible. Common coping strategy is to be invisible to be safe. Adults needed to be seen so children could be safe (i.e. teachers in Sandy Hook who saved kids by sacrificing themselves). I don't know how I've been able to show up and be authentic ... but I do, this and OCafe has helped me so much to do this! </p>
<p>Ben: Heather, "...you are such a vital part of the Cafe... you have been the heart and soul of the Cafe."</p>
<p>Jerry: When my wife & I fight, we don't fight over things that are real. It's like shadow boxing. Never hurting anyone, never. Diverting attention... OCafe is a place of healing, while we delve into deep troubles while never getting hurt.</p>
<p>Ben: Read the lyrics of Anthem, by Lenard Cohen, "Ring the Bells that still can ring/Forget your perfect offering/There's a crack in everything/That's how the light gets in" (see above).</p>
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