Its a snowy day today here in the hills. Been thinking a lot about spirituality this past week or so. Why do people resonate with different faiths? Is it cultural or by chance? For me it was part chance part intentional. When I was really little my mother would take me to Catholic church every now and then. The nuns scared the hell out of me. At about 9 or so I started going to different churches around our small town. Mostly Christian. I did this type of searching for several years. Somehow there was always something missing for me.
As an adult I tried a born again group. I like the social aspect but they lost me when they told me unless you accepted Jesus Christ as your savior and the bible as the only true word you would burn in hell. I asked what about people who had their own faith, or couldn't read, other religions. They told me they would all burn in hell.
I gave up for a long time after that. When I was in my early 30's I discovered Wicca and paganism. It was like a light went off. Nature was church. Everything in nature was god, goddess. Everything is sacred. This was something I could relate to. Being of mostly Northern European descent this was what my ancestors believed in. Living in North America I had always had great respect for Native American beliefs but never felt it was something I could authentically get involved with. It felt like going to a party your not invited to.This was different. I could tap into my ancestors knowledge. From this point I read every goddess book, went to so many goddess festivals I can't even keep track. I also started studying herbs about the same time.
Still, going to rituals and public pagan gatherings, it felt like something was missing. I'm not sure when exactly I started studying about Buddhism. Someone gave me a book about by Thich Nhat Hahn, it was called Peace with every step. I read it and connected right away. So now when people ask I tell them I am a Budhan, Buddhist Pagan. I love the earth and all her creatures, except for maybe flies........ I practice kindness and compassion. Its a good combo for me. In the end I believe that all the faiths in their true form are the same. Its whats in your heart that truly matters.
“All human beings are descendants of tribal people who were spiritually alive, intimately in love with the natural world, children of Mother Earth. When we were tribal people, we knew who we were, we knew where we were, and we knew our purpose. This sacred perception of reality remains alive and well in our genetic memory. We carry it inside of us, usually in a dusty box in the mind’s attic, but it is accessible.”
-John Trudell
This past week Thich Nhat Hahn crossed over. He was 95 years old. I was very sad to hear of his passing but know that he is at peace. Thank you for all you have taught me.
Through my love for you, I want to express my love for the whole cosmos, the whole of humanity, and all beings. By living with you, I want to learn to love everyone and all species. If I succeed in loving you, I will be able to love everyone and all species on Earth... This is the real message of love. ~ Thich Nhat Hahn
So besides all this spiritual contemplation I have been creating like a mad woman. Summer is just around the corner! I love having the luxury of experimenting and creating.
Lots of good stuff coming! I just listed several new items on the website shop, so please check it out at www.ginnywolfstudio.com.
On to the music portion of this presentation! Just discovered this woman. Absolutely beautiful. Ayla Schafer ~ Grandmother
One more. For all you old farts out there! Me included. This is an awesome video!
Have a great week my beauties!