Thursday, October 13, 2011

Connecting Spirituality By Using Technology

One of my close friends asked me this question: How can we connect spirituality if and when we're using technology? Allow me to digress first....

Many people are beyond frustrated with their "tech" parallel lives because they are way too plugged in. I will be the first to say that there are times when I look forward to the day that I no longer have to live on the grid; be in the grind, etc. If someone calls my home phone and I do not answer, their next step usually is to try the cell, then I receive a text, a facebook, or an email! SHEESH! I cannot blame them, because they have figured out how to locate me at all time, in all places. I do say, that as these interesting times present themselves, I try my best to groom the "caller" by letting them know as the initial message stated, "I am busy, unable to talk in length at this time, but I will return their call when MY TIME permits!"  Our society seems to have forgotten that the voice mail has a purpose, as well as Caller ID. As much as I hate to Andy Rooney you, I have to say, I'm so over being plugged into life!
Now that I've gotten this off my chest, and have given the technological universe a piece of my mind, I can answer the question. Thanks for the indulgence!
How CAN this planet connect on a spiritual plane using the medium of technology? Very carefully that's how. There have been more times than I can remember when I have had to press and hold the delete button so that I could refer and filter my thoughts through a thesaurus. Even if my words become quite impassioned, at least every person reading it will know precisely what I mean, feel or think, with very little miscommunication. As a result, only a handful of times have I had to repeat "what I meant was" conversations. Emotions cannot be read in text form. Especially when using 168 characters of messaging. How in the world can anyone truly let another human being know just how definitively unique  and especially appreciated they are to my life when I'm writing ILYTTYLSYL?
(I Love You, Talk To You Later, or See You Later)
Words, when laced with the specifics of ones heart, are extremely powerful. Our sacred texts are written, because the documentation of those words surpasses time. There is validity in writing a message to people. The carefulness of documentation is where I believe we have disregarded  individual onus. Books on the internet, music, facebook, twitter messages, email,  and texting are easily maneuvered. In the same manner, the etiquette of use must be learned. I believe that using technology to connect spiritually is possible, when the intent is clear. We can use every medium provided to "connect" to each other. As well we should use every medium possible. What we should also keep in the forefront of our hearts, is what to do once we connect. There is no spirit in words, there is spirit in the intentions of those words. I am saying "words" because the technology that we use is primarily scripted. Society has used videos for at least 3 decades, and many a soul has been "won to Jesus" through Televangelists from the Bakers to Jakes! Now YouTube, web-cams, inter-vids, and dat form videos have given everyone the opportunity to communicate how they feel. In my personal relationship with the Christian faith, the passage, "Iron sharpens iron" Proverbs 27:17; has only applied to the "leaders of the ministry". This Big I and little you concept does not lend itself to the remainder of that passage, "So does one man sharpen another". Technology gives the inalienable right to pursue spiritual happiness in cyber-settings. Hallelujah! The mere globalization of technology allows every man the opportunity to overwhelm himself with spiritual settings, and back away into meditation at will. It sometimes must take the place of a man-to-man interaction; as there will always be times when someone cannot or should not attend Mass, Service, Feast, Temple, etc. As in all things, what we must remember to do is take responsibility for how we manifest ourselves in the setting; because it will be memorialized through the receiver forever....and ever...AMEN.
As always, thanks for reading. See you next time.....
Kim



 

Monday, September 26, 2011

Stepping Up Stone Mountain in Georgia

I have two biological nieces. My sister lives in Lithonia Georgia, where my youngest favorite-don't-tell-your-sister niece was celebrating her last "Homecoming" Week as a High School Student at Miller Grove High School. GO WOLVERINES!!! My eldest favorite-don't-tell-your-sister niece began a tradition in 2004; Auntie comes to town, dotes on her, dresses her like the doll baby she really is, and leaves in a blaze of glory for all the work we've accomplished in 3 days. Flash forward to 2011, my youngest favorite-don't-tell-your-sister niece is wearing a pink one shoulder bubble dress to the dance. Each of the girls in her group want to "rock leopard somewhere" on their person for the dance. I guess they are like The Cheetah Girls.... My niece will be wearing a leopard print lace-up 3-inch wedge shoe as her leopard accessory. As an added bonus, Auntie being a real Drag Queen, creates the same leopard print on her eyelids! Lashes and all! If you want photo proof, let me know...
Anywho, my sister notices that my husband has lost an extreme amount of weight in the past 90 days. He has been jogging quite a bit, to our enjoyment. The meditation and clarity that working out provides does not go unnoticed. She declares to us, "Get some rest in the morning because we are climbing Stone Mountain!" Now the events of the weekend are such: The Homecoming game-which we lost thanks to the wide passes of our quarterback (he'll get better). Sidebar, the smoked turkey necks with bread at the game, I'm still licking my fingers...I digress.
Saturday night is the dance....Friday night is my sister's announcement.
Saturday morning, my favorite oldest son calls to let me know that he locked his keys in his car, and tried to call 911. He was slightly miffed at the way they address his need as a non-emergency issue. "Unless there is a baby in the car, we no longer open car doors sir." I was waiting for him to ask us to bring his brother home, and lock him in the car so that 911 would come. Somedays go like that you, you have NO idea! Instead we call our car insurance NATIONWIDE really is ON YOUR SIDE. Problem solved in 30 minutes. My sister hears that we are awake, and once again, she begins her song and dance about our climbing Stone Mountain. My husband and I get dressed, he in regular shorts because, "there are
no mountains in Georgia worth wasting his jogging clothes for". My oldest favorite-don't-tell-your sister niece borrows my sweats and grabs my youngest favorite-don't-tell-your-sister niece and we load my sister's car, and we are off to what my husband calls the mound.
The Stone Mountain park area is so very populated. Unexpectedly populated in fact. At least that is my initial thought. We grab our water bottles, take a few photos for posterity sake and head toward the mass of Georgians who obviously have it in for themselves. My husband and sister taunt each other the first 55 meters into the grove of granite. She teases him about not taking the work of the mountain seriously, he for her "frog shoes" that the "salesman sold her because he saw a sucker coming". I stayed silent because I'm noticing that there are people carrying their children, strollers, walkers, hikers, joggers, all going up, and coming down. As we began our trek through the first brush of trees, there was a group of people from Guatemala (I guessed correctly) who had a large amount of children with them walking with us. I told myself, "Self! Get away from these children, they will surely slow you down! You'll have to keep stopping to help one of them when they fall, and then you won't enjoy your time walking up this beautiful mountain, although its nothing like the mountains of British Columbia." We travel to the left of the "crowd" and the beads of sweat began drop. Well! I had a hand towel, so I dab at the sweat and forge ahead. Forge ahead, as in each step is undetermined, to the degree that you have to focus on each step you take. Large boulders of Granite, mixed with small pebbles, and stones, mixed with the broken cracked past of those who have climbed before, each step showing the wear of the step before.
First lesson learned: There is nothing wrong with keeping your head down, when you are determined that the end result allows you to choose whether it stays down.
On to the next few steps. We paused to allow each of us to take time to process what we were experiencing. My oldest favorite-don't-tell-your-sister niece was just tired, I was feeling the tedium of strain on my quads, my son was running forward, marching back to find out what was taking us so long. My husband was determined not to concede to my sister; while my sister was determined to prove that her "frog shoes" were the best hiking shoes on the planet! My youngest favorite-don't- tell- your-sister niece, announced that we were out of shape. And she was right. Still, stopping there offered another lesson.
Second lesson learned: Just because others are on the journey with you, it doesn't mean they are experiencing the same journey as you.
As we move up, my breathing begins to heavy, and the children who were together at the bottom, were coming through is like water over a ROCK! Honestly, all of a sudden, their laughter overwhelmed the sound of my breathing. The joy they got from skipping, jumping and springing up the peak was shocking. Couldn't they feel how difficult this was? Surely they do this more often than we know. My husband stopped to ask, and don'tcha know? They climb like this all the time! There was no need to waste time talking with them any longer. In my mind, they will beat me to the top anyway, so why not get a headstart on losing?
Third lesson: While on my journey, I cannot view everyone as competition or companion. I have to compete with my personal defect; and accompany my will in order to succeed.
My sister warned me about this next part. She said there would come a time when no one speaks, because you're simply trying to "get there". INTERESTING! All around us, the frequency of sound shifted from human voices, to the sole inner pant, the heartbeat of life, and the song of nature becoming natural again. It was a very nice waltz I should say. My pattern of breathing became more rhythmic, and I found myself gathered in the thought of how much longer? We arrived at what is considered the half way mark, sat under the small picnic area for nearly five whole minutes and I paused. I could not yet see above the tallest tree, I could see that I had traveled far enough to distinguish the distance below me. As I sat, I declared to my 'self' that I should take everything in. Look all around, and create the landscape that cannot be replaced with the camera. I'm happy that I did, because the picture that I remember so vividly is not the one of trees, and people passing by, and water breaks. The picture I remember is scented with life, and sweat and dryer cloths (my towel). It was filtered through the borrowed lens of my sister's sun glasses, and the sounds of our family being at peace with the knowledge that we have come half way to the top. I thought of the elephant in the room, can we just stop and turn back? What came to me is this, yes you can, but will you? As we rose from the benches:
Fourth Lesson Learned: There is just as much time spent turning back from success as there is left in making it all the way.
Am I hot? Yes. Tired? Yes. Frustrated that I'm ruining the hair-doo? OF COURSE! Will I turn back? No.  We leave the small reprieve that the shelter offers and head upward. There are openings in the trees that offer a fractured window of the sky. It is more blue and more clear than I can recall, and the air has become even and bright. For 11 am, it is becoming interestingly cool here. The hawks are circling above, and small pockets of water have made puddles and pools below. Here and there, I see the markings and carvings of people who were patient enough to reward themselves with a memorial certain to last forever in the bluff of granite we are ascending.
Fifth Lesson Learned: Life Goes On! While you're in the middle of what seems like a endlessly tiresome journey, normalcy is still available to you.
 Our scale upward comes to a steep crawl and what looks like worn stairs with a parallel rail, is the very next design of this trek. Along the mount, there are several worn out soldiers who are blocking my way by virtue of the fact that I need this rail, and you're hugging it for dear life! "Come on, Move it or I'll be forced to smack you on the butt!" The sole soldier left in my way, began the forty-some-odd steps to the top. I told her that every footstep she took, I'd follow, and if she tired and fell, she'd fall on me. Obviously, my sixth lesson learned- Help others. Remember she was already ahead, it only helped me to encourage her success if I wanted to also get to the top.
What happened next is truly what prompted me to blog this in total. My husband (who is rarely still long enough to be deep in thought) made this statement. "Look at how many people are coming down!" At that moment, time stopped and I grabbed my towel, pretending to wipe the sweat. I was so glad no one could see my tears.  All of the remaining lessons flooded me at once. So shall I give them to you:
Seventh Lesson Learned: There are many who have made this journey that you are on. Each one finding their way to the top using the tools they have been given. Although there are many who have done what you are doing, few have done what you're going to do when you get to the top, which is why you have been chosen to do it. Continue to the top.
Continue I will! There is a flat range of mountain that looks like the top. We really could stop there, but I see more people ahead, so at this point, let us just see what lies ahead. Just over the hill, is the final scale of granite to test my will to see the view from 758 feet above my genesis. My sister says, "Kim, turn around and walk backward, it'll help your calves." It did, but it also helped me to see that there were people sprinting, walking, sojourning, and happily dancing for the same goal as I. I looked at the view from up there, above helicopters, and birds, I could see the tops of the trees now. The sky reached down to hug us, and the sound of victory en masse hurled itself toward my soul.
We walked around the "welcome to Stone Mountain" center for about 20 minutes; took pictures all of which my sister has gloriously posted on facebook; and began the journey downward.
Eighth Lesson Learned: If you choose to come down, you should choose carefully. I am certain I did not choose the same steps going down that I did coming up. I could feel my "cheerleader" knees begin to buckle, and my ankles gave way to the depth of uncertain landings. We stopped on the way down only to encourage those who were going up, or to take pictures in jest. When I saw the Confederate flags waving in ensemble to the wind, I knew I had indeed come down, and the work should begin again.
Until next time,
Kim

Monday, September 19, 2011

What's for Dinner

My son's begin the day with this question each and every day. It may seem to get old, but I have to admit, I appreciate the universe trusting me to provide what they need to survive. What I am learning is that this is the same approach I will need to have for my art. High Art I consider it. Feed the world well with the provisions that are given to me. They rely heavily on it at the end of the day. Each meal should have a balance of items; something that everyone likes, and something that challenges the palate a little. I am growing more comfortable knowing my obligation to "dinner". I should plan, prep, and serve with pride. It's the only meal they're going to have after the long and winding road of their individual days come to a close. It is the only meal you as my audience will collectively share.
Every meal will be like American Thanksgiving, because that is what I am; thankful.

Until next time,
Kim

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Good Morning!

Today is a day to consider the business of life sometimes must outweigh the busyness of life. I have to submit w-9's, mail autographed cd's to a publication, review footage for a DVD, grit my teeth and re-do a photo shoot, and care for my son who will be having a minor procedure this morning. It is nearing 6am, and I can feel the night moving into night as I consider my day. I think this is when auto-pilot turns on.
I dont like to be on auto-pilot often; I don't allow myself to adjust to the changes to the day with a smile, or frown. I just adjust. Sometimes it bears well to at least notice things so that you can receive the witness of the lesson that you are to learn. I think I will do the photo shoot tomorrow, and take a good nap today. I may even use melatonin and chamomile tea to soothe the mind and rest my head near my son as he snoozes to his classical music. My daytime slumber generally offers very little universal nudging; I hardly dream to remember, yet my mind does shut off. I hope to present to you later in the week......
Until then, stay well......
Kim

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Update

Hello all!!!

Our entire summer has passed (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere that is...)
I have gone to BC, returned, traveled to Charleston SC, and done The Brooklyn Arts Center. To give you the update that you have requested, yes it was fabulous!
Some of the songs that we chose were quite literal, some were nostalgic and reminiscent of all that we have experienced as a universal family. Others, were just plain fun!
Cara couldn't join us because she was engaged in a workshop in Flint Michigan. Sadly we proceeded through our week wondering if there would be a way for the universe to open up a hole and swallow that engagement for just 2 days. It never happened. What DID happen, is Christopher Hyatt called. He called to say that he was going to come with Richard to Wilmington. In my excitement, I gave him songs to sing, and he added the tenor, scat and missing "DIVA" to our night!
Backstage you missed our pineapple agenda, beige hoes, spaghetti mishap, dress discoveries and then some. Should you want to know more about what you missed, ask! I will be more than happy to share; but not until them ok?
Deal!

As always, I love you individually and appreciate you corporately!
Here we grow again,
Kim
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Saturday, June 25, 2011

Better times ahead!

its 9:49am EST.
I'm waiting for my connection to Vancouver. I'm sitting in the airport in Toronto, listening to a wonderful mixture of English and French over the PA. Admittedly, the French language is just glorious to the ear; as far as I know they could be telling everyone that they all look like they have mad cow disease, and it would sound fabulous to me.
Still I promised to keep you abreast of the journey as it goes..... Yesterday Richard came to RDU to leave his rental vehicle, so I considered it wise to take BIG ORANGE to see how much weight I'd have to drop. Turns out, she was 21.5 lbs over the limit, so I took her home and got rid of about 7 lbs. I was just plum tired when I called Air Canada to verify the checked bag allowance, so when they told me that there would be a 30 minute wait until someone would be on the line, I HUNG UP!
When I arrived at the airport on the 24th, I was told that I cold have brought 2 bag to check.....but I'd only carried a small tote that I was going to give to hubbie to take the overage home with. I used that to check the overage, snapping a plastic zip tie between to zippers and sending it through the conveyor. The lines were abnormally long, and once again hubbie is waiting at the head of security check in so that he can carry anything they deem (unable to board).
Once that is over....not without a small blip....my mic cord comes up on the scanner, so TSA must "look inside your bag ma'am. We complete that leg, and move downstairs where we wait to board our first flight to Toronto. As soon as the plane hits the air, I realize I have made a grave error. I did take my phenergren! I usually take it the night before so that it's in my system during the day of travel, but I am able to remain alert, but this time, I felt like I was so tired, I could just go to sleep and the motion wouldn't be noticed. It was noticed, with prominent sour jaw! I asked to go to the rear of the plane where I could grab a pill, then I walked to the front of the plant to get a drink of water, another horrible choice.  I really should have asked for ginger ale or coke. Either way, I sat in my seat, ignored the seatbelt light, and began to meditate my nausea out of my mind because I just couldn't do this to Richard again. I could not vomit my guts out in front of him...we are PROFESSIONALS for goodness sake!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Good Times ahead

Today, I feel....well that's it. I feel. I feel like I'm behind the 8-ball, because I am. I am packing for another trip to British Columbia. I am particularly excited about this trip because several things have happened within these past few months to let me know that a shift is occurring. I am anxious to see what it on the other side of this shift.
I need to pack, make-up, shoes, accessories, toiletries, music. A jacket, video camera, cellphone, laptop, passport. I need to pack snacks for the plane, hair products, and a host of other items that I am surely forgetting at the present.
What I must remember to carry with, is the love and appreciation that I have for the people who will be around me, and I must remember to take full responsibility for the energy that I bring to each space I find myself in.
So I'm definitely going to pack, love, joy, mercy, grace, humility, kindness, loyalty, peace, and a sense of universal righteousness. I cannot wait to facebook, "tweet" and blog the world as I will be seeing it. I will try my best to journey with you daily. See you in the morning.....Lord willin'!

Here we grow!