Thursday, March 29, 2007

Undestined


Apeldoorn, NL 1960


“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”

Lao Tzu

Starting tomorrow, I will retreat to the place where the unknown seedlings of my social work, rooted, sprouted and began.

It is strange to be returning to what you imagine to be familiar and known, while at the same time knowing that time will have changed so much.

I remember running from this place, after 6 years of living there, and hoping to never look back...it had lost it's adventure and novelty to me. Now, 16 years later, I yearn to return as a new explorer.

My curiosity and sense of adventure is ready...a getaway to the unknown and known. A chance to be a gypsy, again.



Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Chakras


photo by grassrootsmsw

“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

Thank you my chosen and dear brother, D. The beach walk reshifted all the chakras and colors. May we both continue to have appreciation for the rainbow of chakra colors that keep us awake, and continue to teach new lessons.

The other D.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Social Worker's Day


photo by grassrootsmsw

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”

Thornton Wilder

My dear team mates...thank you for making today special...
I am filled with
gratitude,
laughter,
appreciation,
and abundance.
I am fuller
and more alive
than ever...
more so,
because of each of you.

And, yes, the tx doll will be used with utmost responsibility and clear intent!


Sunday, March 25, 2007

In the Fray


photo by grassrootsmsw

“Every Warrior of the Light has felt afraid of going into battle.

Every Warrior of the Light has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.

Every Warrior of the Light has trodden a path that was not his.

Every Warrior of the Light has suffered for the most trivial of reasons. Every Warrior of the Light has, at least once, believed he was not a Warrior of the Light.

Every Warrior of the Light has failed in his spiritual duties.

Every Warrior of the Light has said 'yes' when he wanted to say 'no.'

Every Warrior of the Light has hurt someone he loved.

That is why he is a Warrior of the Light, because he has been through all this and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is.”

Paulo Coelho

"Warriors of the Light."

Battles within and without...
testing integrity
and internal moral codes.

Trying to bend the "rules" and
change the mold of the system;
believing in the need
to bring humanity and compassion,
where it has been lost and forgotten.

Making positive and creative changes
for the needy and vulnerable;
Easing suffering...
Attempting to slowly erode
the sterile and rigid system.

The consequences of which,
threaten the long standing personnel
of the system.

"The Warrior of Light,"
in their pioneering efforts
has accentuated
the gaps and voids of the system.

The Warrior's honorable skills
shakes, rattles, and challenges
the long termers of the system.

Instead of aiming for the same heights of truth as the Warrior,
the long termers' worn down capacity
kicks against the unfamiliar...
finding any means possible
to make the need for change and progress
invisible.

The Warrior wears and carries
the scars of controversy and resistance...
still owning their mission and purpose.

Regardless of the final outcome,
the Warrior has effected CHANGE...
If only,
for waking up,
and bringing light
to that which was asleep and anesthetized.

-grassrootsmsw

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Blossom


photo by grassrootsmsw

“There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

Anais Nin

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Trust in what lies beyond


photo by J.A.S.
1969

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.”

Marie Curie

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Flashes


photo by grassrootsmsw
Amsterdam, NL


"In the gloom and darkness of the night, when there is a sudden flash of light, a person will recognize objects; in the same way, the one with a flash of insight sees according to reality--"This is how sorrow works; this is how it arises; this is how it can come to an end; this is the path leading to that end."

Anguttara Nikaya

Friday, March 09, 2007

Riptides


L.F./1950

"Woman must come of age by herself. She must find her true center alone."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh