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February 2007 Volume 43Welcome to this bi-monthly edition of our newsletter! You will find these columns contained in our February/March issue:
Metaphors for Life
Carla Woody, Founder Metaphors for Life
GrowthWorks Refrigerator Poetry by Carla Woody Several years ago I took a jaunt over to the L.A. area to participate in a group experience. A friend of mine flew down from Denver to accompany me. We would be staying with friends who had recently bought the old Dodge mansion in an area somewhat undergoing gentrification. It was an incredible old place, three stories’ worth, with a conservatory and even a library. The new owners envisioned it as gathering place for the arts community, avant-garde thinkers and adventurers, in addition to being their home, and were intent on bringing it back to condition. While I went to the event, my traveling companion, who is a horticulturist by profession, had volunteered to design a garden, even bringing a computer to assist him. When I returned a day later I discovered, not to my surprise, that things hadn’t progressed as planned, my friend not consistently living in the space-time most others do, and there would be some hours added to our original departure point. There wasn’t much room for me in the design process. Everyone was crowded around the computer screen in the breakfast room and I was more interested in enjoying the ambience of the house. Hanging out in the huge kitchen, next to all the design activity, with its big island in the middle and a formal butler’s pantry just through the next door, my eye caught the jumble on the refrigerator door. Hundreds of words on little magnets, some arranged by members of the household into witty sayings, others silly or downright gross. That was the first time I’d seen what’s now marketed as magnetic poetry – and I was intrigued. The longer I stood there looking at the possibilities, some of the words became sentence fragments then merged to form a thread and after an hour of fun and flow on my part, this is what presented itself. We must be mad soaring playfully like a thousand storms under the Winter moon. Will you think me crazy for smearing my skin with a diamond symphony? Ache deliriously, run frantically when I shine - drunk on beauty. Today I have my own magnetic words gracing the refrigerator door in my home. Some are finished pieces, others are fragments remaining there to patiently remind me they can be worked more on paper when I’m in the mood. I threaten that one day I’ll publish them all in a little tome called Refrigerator Poetry. And I’m more than thankful to my friend, who only dips in on space-time periodically. He instigated that pause, allowing the gift of my own creative impulse to slip through in a brand new way. ********** Note: If you’re interested in nurturing and manifesting your own creative ideas in a useful way, take a look at The Prosperity Lab coming this March. Details in the Current Calendar. © 2007 Carla Woody. All rights reserved. Carla Woody is the author of the book Standing Stark: The Willingness to Engage and Calling Our Spirits Home: Gateways to Full Consciousness and founder of Kenosis, an organization supporting personal transformation. Carla has long been leading people toward mind/body/spirit wholeness using integrative healing methods blended with world spiritual traditions. She may be reached by e-mail at info@kenosis.net or by telephone (928) 778-1058.Special Events
Review More often than not, the publications or music you will find reviewed here will not be new or “bestsellers.” Websites or organizations may not be well known. But all are spotlighted by virtue of their impact and value.
The Last Lords of Palenque:
In a few days I will be returning to Chiapas and have been rereading The Last Lords of Palenque to set the tone once again. From the very first, when I saw the Lacandones at sacred rain forest ruins, I was somehow drawn. Quite different in appearance and culture, they stand apart from other Maya. In my earlier travels, hearing the stories of German anthropologist Christian Rätsch who lived with them for a while in the 1970s clinched it for me. While there is some controversy about the exact origins of the Lacandon, it’s generally accepted that they are the descendants of those who built the great complex Palenque or Yaxchilán, temples shrouded in the mystery of deep jungle, poised on the Usumacinta River dividing Mexico and Guatemala. The Last Lords of Palenque is an intimate portrayal of the Lacandones who live in the village of Najá by two people who are not only interested in documenting their traditions, but are also profoundly connected to the people, Robert Bruce having had an ongoing relationship since the 1950s. This is especially a portrayal of Chan K’in Viejo, the last t’o’ohil, or Great One, guardian of the ancient traditions, in a time when the modern world is encroaching in the worst ways. How Chan K’in remained grounded in the face of loggers decimating his forest home, shady dealings of the government, a steady stream of evangelists; watching his sons and entire community being pushed and pulled by Western influences of materialism and alcohol, is as inspirational as it is heart-wrenching. It’s a modern-day story of the steady extinction of a way of life. But if it was only a story of decline I wouldn’t recommend it to you. There’s something else there, too. It’s also a story about humanity, blatantly honest, not at all romantic, about the humor, hope, personal struggles and love involved in a rain forest community and two gringos who care for them deeply. Since the book was written in the early 1980s, a number of the people have passed. Old Chan K’in, Trudi Blom , the champion and photographer of the Lacandones, and Robert Bruce transitioned in close range in the late 1990s – Chan K’in reported to have been around 116 years old. I’m thrilled to report that when we’re in Najá shortly, Don Antonio will be holding ritual with us. At the time the book was written Don Antonio was considered the elder third in line of importance. Now he’s about the last Spirit Holder maintaining the ancient traditions. Perhaps you can understand the honor of being with him in circle. Last night I was talking to my good friend Will who has wandered the Palenque region with me several times. A number of us who have spent time there or live in the vicinity agree on something. When we’re not there we feel like we’re missing out somehow. When we are there we don’t want to leave. So, in a few days, I’m returning “home” once again. - Carla Woody | ||||||||||||||||||
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