National Wildlife Refuge Week

/

National Wildlife Refuge Week

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) invites YOU to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with a visit to a national wildlife refuge.

Check the website, the dates vary each calendar year, but it’s always in the month of October.

There is at least one National Wildlife Refuge in every state. You can find your nearest wildlife refuge using the interactive site at the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Take a look at the map of the United States, and click on your state to locate a refuge near you. Or you can submit your zip code and it will give you the distance in miles to the nearest refuge.

What Is The National Wildlife Refuge System?

The National Wildlife Refuge System is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a federal agency within the Department of the Interior. We are sometimes confused with the National Park Service, a sister federal agency within the Interior Department, and with state fish and wildlife agencies who are our counterparts at the state level. However, the Refuge System is its own entity with a unique role as steward of conservation lands with national significance.

National Wildlife Refuges Have An Important Role

In Washington state alone, the impact of the wildlife refuges is significant. Take a look at the by-the-number statistics listed in this article in The Olympian as well as the figures quoted below.

There are 23 national wildlife refuges in Washington state. They protect habitat for hundreds of species of birds, mammals and fish, and provide recreational opportunities from the scablands of Eastern Washington to the protected waters of Willapa Bay.

The national system, which is 111 years old, includes more than 150 million acres in 562 refuges and 38 wetland management districts. More than 47 million people visited a refuge last year.

The benefits of the refuge system are not just for our animals, fish and flora. Traveling this planet together, our health and survival depend on all of us thriving.

The Radiance Technique® And Nature

For students of The Radiance Technique® (TRT®) - interconnecting with nature and wildlife is easy.  Use of TRT® hands-on helps us to expand our joy and connection with nature, at any time really, and especially when we visit a refuge.

Becoming more aware of the life force that connects all living beings is an integral part of the journey. Use of TRT® gives us a way to consciously deepen that connection.

Varied Locales

The USFWS has wide-sweeping areas of interest. A refuge can be found in forests and marshlands or in waterways and beaches. Activities for education abound. There is much to learn about our world of nature.

Numerous volunteer opportunities exist which also serve as a chance for education. The wildlife refuges are always in need of a helping hand.

National Wildlife Refuge Adventures

Operation Migration does its best to make sure these Whooping Cranes are able to get from Wisconsin to Florida for the winter. Speaking of adventure, taking off in this flying machine does not appear to be for the faint-of-heart.

It's part of an effort to restore a migrating population of endangered birds in the eastern United States. Be sure to read the details of their heart-warming story that took place on 10 October 2014.

Follow the National Wildlife Refuge System on Facebook if you’d like to stay in touch with updates regarding various refuge events from around the country. Talented photographers share their photos that educate and inspire us.

 

Diamonds Of Your Heart

/

From Pebbles To Diamonds

A rock or a diamond?

We all know that diamonds are simply a type of rock to which we have assigned great monetary value. And, we think they’re pretty.

Industrial Diamonds

Diamonds have also been adapted for many uses because of the material's exceptional physical characteristics, so they are utilitarian for industrial applications.

“Diamond is the hardest known natural material on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, where hardness is defined as resistance to scratching and is graded between 1 (softest) and 10 (hardest).
Diamond has a hardness of 10 (hardest) on this scale and is four times harder than corundum, 9 Mohs.
Diamond’s hardness has been known since antiquity.”

Diamonds are extremely effective at polishing, cutting, and drilling.

“Many industries – including automotive, mining, and military – use diamond saws and drills. Small diamond particles are added to drill bits and saw edges to make them more powerful for cutting tough materials.”

So, we agree a diamond is a pretty rock and it even serves a useful function, but does it really have any romantic value?

Diamonds As A Declaration Of Love

The question as to the intrinsic value of diamonds in romance is a matter for debate. Viewing diamonds as a worthy romantic statement is examined in this article that claims we’ve all been brainwashed.

Like Pavlov’s dogs, we’ve been conditioned to believe that diamonds are a declaration of love. All part of a wildly successful marketing scheme by De Beers and Madison Avenue.

It started around 1938 when a study, paid for by De Beers, revealed that men were the ones buying diamonds for engagement rings. However, sales were low after The Depression. Another problem was that many prosperous women didn’t want them while others wanted to put their money in a better investment. Lower income groups simply couldn’t afford them.

Marketing Diamonds

The big question loomed. How to increase sales for something that people did not want and could not afford?

“Since “young men buy over 90% of all engagement rings” it would be crucial to inculcate in them the idea that diamonds were a gift of love: the larger and finer the diamond, the greater the expression of love. Similarly, young women had to be encouraged to view diamonds as an integral part of any romantic courtship.”

In 1947, N.W. Ayer, the advertising agency hired by De Beers, invented the slogan “A Diamond is Forever.” Having that diamond engagement ring became a sign of never-ending love.

“The De Beers marketing machine... circulated marketing materials suggesting, apropos of nothing, that a man should spend one month’s salary on a diamond ring. It worked so well that De Beers arbitrarily decided to increase the suggestion to two months salary.
That’s why you think that you need to spend two month’s salary on a ring — because the suppliers of the product said so.”

The diamond ring became a symbol of personal family success. Like a waving flag to show-off one’s socio-economic achievement, the big diamond on a wife’s finger reflected a man’s success in life.

For many years, a simple wedding band sufficed as a declaration of commitment and marriage. Further in the past, clothing used to indicate marital status. Perhaps it’s time to let go of the notion that the size of a diamond on a ring indicates your self-worth or the value of your love. Are you ready yet to forego the diamond?

Diamond Songs

One of the iconic diamond songs is Diamonds Are Forever from the 1971 James Bond movie of the same title. It plays with the marketing theme of diamonds being forever, but tosses the love and keeps the diamonds.

Spiral Diamond Necklace

As we run off in search of riches and jewels, we are reminded:

“You wander from room to room
Hunting for the diamond necklace
That is already around your neck! ”
— Rumi

Students of The Radiance Technique® (TRT®) have a wonderful technique to support them to find these treasures hidden in their hearts.

The use of TRT® hands-on, Radiant Touch®, supports our journey to greater awareness and lights up our path along the way, making it easier to find the real diamonds of the heart.

And, if you own some diamonds, you can hold them in your hands and direct radiant energy to them to get in touch with their journey from pebble to diamond, enhancing the light within them.

 

Delightfully Bonding With Nature

/

Animals, Critters, And Plants – That's Nature

We live on a planet filled with nature in its myriad forms – animals, plants and creatures of all shapes and sizes. As human beings, we are expanded not only in our thinking, but in our hearts, when we connect more deeply with them.

Many worlds thrive and evolve just beyond our human awareness; everything from the microscopic and macro-photographic levels to the far cosmic reaches of our galaxies. Fortunately, others are willing to share their photos and knowledge with us.

Benefits To Connecting With Nature

Connecting more deeply with the wholeness of the planet, and thus, with your own wholeness, has many benefits. It isn't just about "hugging a tree," although there is nothing wrong with that either!

Becoming more connected to nature helps you to slow down to a more natural rhythm as you listen to the "heartbeat" of the earth.

Connecting With Nature With The Radiance Technique®

For students of The Radiance Technique® (TRT®), you can expand and deepen your bond with the living energies of the planet that include animals, plants and cycles of life. As we learn more about nature, we also increase our awareness of what is natural from within... and that knowledge expands with the use of TRT®.

TRT® is great to use out in nature, for example, swinging in a hammock, walking on a hike, sitting on a blanket in a nearby park, or relaxing in your own backyard.

Wherever you are, TRT® is there with you. With your Radiant hands-on, you breathe with the rhythm of nature and you begin to sense, from within, what is real and what is not.

 
 

Beginning with The First Degree of The Radiance Technique® you are able to use your TRT® hands-on with your pets whenever you touch them, caring for them and loving them.

As we become more aware of nature, we are able to deepen our connections – with nature and with each other.

 

Talk Like A Pirate Day

/

It's Talk Like A Pirate Day

Every year on this day, 19 September, you'll hear a cacophony of "Arrgggh!" being growled as people celebrate International Talk Like A Pirate Day.

What in the world?

Yes, as recently as 2002, International Talk Like A Pirate Day is an "official" celebration.

Humble Beginnings Of Talk Like A Pirate Day

It all started when two guys were playing racquetball, (of all things, they weren't even sailing) in 1995. They found that they hit a better game when they used "pirate terms and slang." Thus, was born an official Talk Like A Pirate Day.

Initially, it just remained a fun game among friends. However, once a syndicated columnist got ahold of the story, the rest was, as they always say, history.

I won't try to paraphrase the whole adventure, you can check it out in their own words here.

Celebrating The Radiance Technique® – Whatever You Do

There actually is a point to this unlikely topic about talking like pirates, here in a blog where we're Celebrating The Radiance Technique®.

An important part of this celebration is bringing radiant energy to all that you do.

Getting Involved In Pirate Talk

Ready for Talk Like A Pirate Day!

I was vaguely aware of Talk Like A Pirate Day, but had not given it much thought. That is, until I went to work in a hospital where the commander embraced Talk Like A Pirate Day as a way to have fun and lift morale. You could hear him calling out an "Arrggh" on occasion with a broad smile on his face as he moved about the hospital on rounds.

I was tipped over the top into the adventure when Talk Like a Pirate Day was approaching and the Hospital Commander invited hospital personnel to dress up and talk like pirates for the day (G-rated, of course).

Well, who could say no? A pirate oufit at work and a chance to practice saying "arrrgh" and "avast"? The actress in me couldn't resist.

Off I went to hunt up a pirate outfit and had wonderful fun finding doubloons and swords and tri-corner hats. Pirates have a full and rich history from those sailing days.

How delightful to learn "pirate terms" and ways of speaking from the 1700s.

As a pirate, you'll need to note that you just can't say, "It's a nice ship."

You have to say, "She be a mighty, fine, grand ship." All hyperbole is welcomed. And always speak in the present, everything is "be" – I be, you be and we be!

If in doubt, you can always refer to a pirate dictionary such as The Pirate Primer. Mastering the Language of Swashbucklers and Rogues, by George Choundas.

Hospital Lightens Up With Talk Like A Pirate Day

While I thought our Pirate Day at the hospital would be pleasant, I was not prepared for the lift in the mood of everyone who was there that day. It ended up that it wasn't just a mood-lifter for hospital personnel. All the patients had a lot more smiles too.

My heart was touched by the wonder and rapt attention from the children when they saw a full costume. They couldn't tear their eyes away and always reached out to say hi, or wave, even from across the room. They loved it.

Be Ye Ready Fer A Mighty Fine Pirate Day?

Now me matey, I had to take this mighty Talk Like A Pirate Day even further in light and devised my own up-the-spiral idea of a Meditating Pirate in search of the Booty of Awakening and the Shores of Enlightenment.

Here is my Captain's Call for the great sea voyage:

Ahoy, me hearties!

Aye, I be the swashbucklin' Cap'n Leslie

of this here great, grand ship and she be the finest that e'er sailed these mighty, wild seas.

Me an' me maties, we be searchin' fer the Booty of Awakening an' our compass be set fer the Shores of Enlightenment.

I not be lyin' to yer strong heart, 'tis a long an' dangerous sailing. Arrrgh, Davy Jones Locker be near, but me crew be the finest, bravest buccaneers ye e'er seen! Yo ho!

Savvy, matey? 'Tis a mighty, sharp saber I be carryin' fer to slice through illusions and a quick, ready pistol fer to slay any demons on the harrowin' voyage to the ends of the earth.

Yaarrrrr, ye scurvy scallywag, be ye ready to weigh anchor and hoist the colours with me?

The sun be a-rising me worthies!

Avast ! Set a new course !

 

Talk Like A Pirate Day Song

Lots of people have loads of fun with this day dressing up or even just saying "Arrgggh" in their office at work. This song is a great description of the harmless escape into a Pirate Day while at work.

As the song says...

So hoist up the mainsils and shut down your brain cells,
they only would get in the way.  
Avast there, me hearty, we're havin' a party, it's Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Bring Light To Your Activities

Students of The Radiance Technique® (TRT®) can bring more light to their outer activities, whatever they may be, through use of the TRT® hands-on. Use of TRT® can be on the spot, even while dressed in a pirate costume.

We can all get into the light-hearted spirit of Talk Like A Pirate Day.

Pirates Of The Caribbean – The Movies

Disney is certainly in the pirate game with the series, Pirates of the Caribbean. It's a wild cast of characters, not the least of which is Captain Jack Sparrow. Many an inspiration for pirate costumes comes from this movie series. 

There are also activities at Disney World where you can explore the themes of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Practice Your Arrgggh!

In the meantime, go forth, and growl yerself a mighty Arrgggh!

And... Remember, me matey: just like Captain Jack Sparrow in this photo, even a pirate can meditate.

The Way To Do Is To Be

/

The Way To Do Is To Be

“Always we hope someone else has the answer, some other place will be better, some other time it will turn out.

This is it. No one else has the answer, no other place will be better, and it has already turned out.

At the center of your being, you have the answer: you know who you are and you know what you want. There is no need to run outside for better seeing, nor to peer from a window.

Rather abide at the center of your being: for the more you leave it, the less you learn. Search your heart and see the way to do is to be.”
— Lao Tzu
 

Presented in this poem by Lao Tzu is a koan for us to ponder between "to do" and "to be" – as they are both movement and stillness, each in their own way.

 

Doing And Being

Do you ever find yourself running after a better place as mentioned in this poem?

Do you find yourself searching for something else out there, not even sure what it is?

It's tricky, because we want to plan and prepare for things, such as going to school, working on a project, planning a trip. These are all with a future event in mind – school graduation, project completion, a place experienced. These are good and lofty goals.

Yet, our planning and projects co-exist with our challenge of being present while we're doing all of that.

In this very moment.

So easily said, and not so easily done.

Inner Heart Guidance

He writes: "At the center of your being, you have the answer."

Perhaps this center is our Inner Heart. When we are guided by our Inner Heart, our steps of doing are taken from an interior reference point. But how do we "hear" the guidance of our Inner Heart?

Students of The Radiance Technique® (TRT®) have a simple way to support themselves to access their intuition. Use of the TRT® hands-on connects us consciously to universal, supportive energy that allows us to better "hear" our inner heart.

When we are guided from within, and not from outside of ourselves, our doing reflects our being; the two are in alignment.

 

Micro-Cosmos, Up Close And Personal

/

Welcome To The Micro-Cosmos

In our last post, we looked at the Macro-Cosmos in terms of galaxies and the Constellation of Leo.

Now let's explore nature in the other direction, into the Micro-Cosmos.

We could choose many levels of the micro-world, going in as far as neutrons and protons. However, we'll stop at the level of insects and snails.

The World Of Tiny Creatures

In the first photo, a spider guards her eggs. Captured in macro-photography, we are drawn to these magical orbs. Photographer is Ondrej Pakan.

Pakan has over 2,000 photos on 500px that represent hours of patience and getting up early with the dew and the dawn to capture, up-close, the insect world. It's a world we don't normally see from our vantage point.

Here, we have morning dewdrops on a fly.

Pakan writes:

 
“It’s always a big surprise for me to find out how many species, forms and colors exist in this kingdom.
I see the things around me a bit differently after each visit in this micro-world.
I try to look at them in their own way.”
 

Feathers On Mosquito Antennae

Lush feather-like hairs on the antennae of this mosquito capture the slightest movement of air. Many humans would like to have lashes this lovely. 

The breath of life breathes upon all tiny animals and they spring into existence. They pirouette in the dance of life in their miniature worlds. Their secret lives spin around us and we stand beside them in the same experience of birth and death. 

Who can say their lives are of "less" importance?

Perhaps we don't need a designation of greater or lesser.

Curious Snails

Take a look at the photography of Vyacheslav Mischenko. His work focuses on the wonders in the land of snails. 

In this link is a collection of many of his snail photos. You'll come away with a new appreciation of this under-valued creature.

Mischenko's photos capture the evident curiosity of these snails. 

They may move at a much slower pace in comparison to us, yet snails are not any less vibrant with life and wonder.

Liiving With A Heart Wide Open

When we run through the days of our lives, we tend to scurry past everything and miss the details around us.

We can pause, even just for a moment, and open our hearts to all the quiet secrets the world has to share with us

Explore Our Micro-Cosmos

Students of The Radiance Technique® (TRT®) can use their TRT® hands-on in their heart center to bring them more in touch with listening to and becoming aware of the little ones on our planet.

In our meditation, we start from where we began, as star stuff with the Macro-Cosmos and then travel to the Micro-Cosmos where we share this planet with all of God's creatures. 

From stars in the sky to a spider web at our feet:

 
“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star stuff.”
— Carl Sagan
 
 

Macro-Cosmos, Journey Into The Galaxies

/

Macro-Cosmos – Heading Out Into The Universe

Out, out we fly... we're heading into space to explore the macro-cosmos of our galaxies. 

With a big hat-tip to the traveling Hubble Space Telescope and the generosity of NASA for sharing its photos, we zoom into space.

This galaxy near the Constellation of Leo reminds us we are in the astrological sign of Leo (23 July to 22 August).

 

NGC 3190 – A Spiral Galaxy

NGC 3190 is a spiral galaxy with tightly wound arms and it spans about 75,000 light years across. Finely textured dust lanes surround the brightly glowing center of this picturesque spiral. It is visible with a small telescope pointed toward the Constellation of Leo.

NGC 3190 was discovered by William Herschel in 1784. Located 80 million light years away, it is a part of the Hickson 44 galaxy group (in case you need directions on how to get there).

The upper photo of NGC 3190 has a universal shade of blue added to it and it has been turned on its side from the photo below that NASA shared in 2010.

How would we designate up or down or sideways in the universe. Would that exist in deep space?

How Do We See Our Cosmos?

Our concept of colors in the universe is also based on our oh-so-human eyes. A friend pointed this out to me years ago. If you lived near the bright-light center of a spiral galaxy, you could not have these human eyes. Not only these eyes, but also this skin. You'd never survive such a bright, burning light.

How would we appear if we lived closer towards the center of a galaxy?

What kind of physical form would we have? Would it even be a physical form? 

Our minds and imagination stretch beyond the edge of the known world. 

Messier 96 - NGC 3368, a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Leo.

Bring The Macro-Cosmos To Your Meditations

Students of The Radiance Technique® can use an image of a galaxy or particular stars in their meditations with their TRT® hands-on.

Constellation Of Leo

The constellation of "Leo the Lion" is mapped out in the stars. The stars are numbered below with a description:

 
“You can use the Sickle of Leo the Lion to gauge your sky.

Starting with 1st magnitude Regulus we skip a star and come to 2nd magnitude (gamma) Leonis, then as we go up, the back of Leo’s head and his nose are both 3rd magnitude stars, and his topknot is 4th magnitude.

His eye, half-way between the nose and topknot, is 5th magnitude and if you can see it, indicates you have an excellent sky.

His ear is an itty-bitty 6th magnitude star which, if you can see it, tells you that your sky is the best you’re going to get.”
— Randy Culp
 

Leo The Lion

Circling back to Planet Earth, we embrace our own Leo, the majestic lion of Africa.

In ancient Egypt:

 
“The lion represented the ferocious heat of the sun and was seen in the likeness of Sekhmet who is the Egyptian goddess known as the Eye of Ra. She is the power that protects the good and annihilates the wicked.”
 

Now that we've traveled out to the Constellation of Leo and visited our earthly lion, you may be wishing that you were born under the sign of Leo.

Not to worry, there's a little bit of Leo the Lion in all of us.

Magic Magnifying Glass Pics