White Light of Peace

Swami Dayamrita visits Cleveland

2011-11-10T12:15:00.004-05:00

Sunday, November 13, 1 to 4 PM at the West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church.
Click image to enlarge for more details.

2011-01-01T01:01:00.027-05:00

................"Cedars & Sunlight" ........... Oil painting by Kristen Boyesen
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Imagination Arts help foster Inner Peace
Begin World Peace: It is Up to Us
Peace Prayers from twelve religions
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Oberlin's multi-nation class promotes world peace

2010-08-05T11:47:00.001-04:00

OBERLIN, Ohio -- As the new course in American democracy ended to applause last week, professors Carol Lasser and Gary Kornblith walked their matching bikes across the Oberlin College campus -- nearly walking on air.
After more than 30 years teaching history, the husband-wife team had tried to make some. They brought two of the world's most divided peoples -- Israelis and Palestinians -- to Oberlin's serene campus to discuss how multicultural America works.

Read more at the title link.

Let Go for More Control

2010-03-25T15:53:00.001-04:00

By Kristen Boyesen
Life Learning and Creativity Coach
Published in The Bedford Standard, March 25, 2010

I added a lot to my life learning this past week. One small problem with my laptop computer grew into a major catastrophe, and I lost several folders of files from my laptop. My desktop computer, used for scanning, photo retouching and printing, will no longer turn on: a long boring story not to be repeated here. The first life learning, is, of course, “Do regular backups of your computer!”

The most useful learning of this experience is how one handles such difficulties in life. Yes, there were some tears, a few muffled screams and a late night email to a friend lamenting my loss. Yet, I came to accept it, regain my inner peace, and still have a smile.

This was the process: Knowing that prolonged upset lowers immunity and causes health problems; Knowing that poor health is worse than losing a documents folder; Knowing that I did not like being in this helpless state of recurring unpleasant thoughts; Knowing that meditation has been shown in study after study to help alleviate depression, anxiety and rumination; Knowing that meditation enhances wisdom, compassion, awareness and pleasure in life; And, knowing that the only way out of my misery was through action, I choose to take action.

This had happened close to midnight. Sleep was what was needed, but I was too distraught to sleep. “Meditation will calm me down,” I thought, “then I can sleep.

I took three or four meditative breaths, … and went right back to thinking about all the work I had lost.

I tried again. And again. Nope. A shower perhaps? Yes, a shower, then try again.

• First a deep breath with eyes closed.
• Make the intention to take control.
• Take control by letting go.
• Take control by consciously relaxing all the muscles of your body.
• Focus awareness within.
• Feel the breath flow into your body.
• Allow your abdomen to expand as you breathe in, contract as you release breath.
• Look deeply into the darkness that is behind your eyes.
• Become aware of different parts of your body.
• Feel the tingle of life from your toes to your fingertips.
• Feel every breath as it expands your abdomen.
• Feel the blanket of warmth that surrounds your body.
• Appreciate the calm.
• Feel the peace.
• Imagine you are hovering over yourself, giving yourself a hug.
• Appreciate your ability to return to breath focus each time your mind wanders.

Next thing I knew it was morning, and I could take steps to try to solve the problem of the missing folders. Two days later, the results are in. The documents folder is indeed gone, but the folder containing hundreds of slides of photos, drawings, and other colorful imagery prompts for my presentations and workshops were retrieved, and that is much more than a small pleasure.

Training yourself to focus in this way becomes easier the more you do it. Start before you have a major meltdown, and it is easier still. Meditation builds the brain’s ability to focus, relax, and to be aware. Awareness helps you to always put your keys in the same place every time you enter the house. Awareness snaps you out of your head and into the song of a bird, the flutter of a butterfly, or the smile of a child.

Take a break from the incessant whirl of thoughts that go on most of the time in your head. Several small meditation breaks a day will make a big difference in your health and well-being. The practice listed above was what I personally did when I needed to return to peace from chaos, but it is not the only form: Some use sound, some use words, some involve movement, others use image-making. There are many excellent books on the art of meditation and there is much information on the web. Find a meditation practice that is right for you. Peace!

Kristen Boyesen, a resident of Bedford, offers art and meditation-based classes and workshops for core creativity training and empowerment for change. She belongs to the American Holistic Medical Association Speakers Bureau, the Bedford Senior Network, and Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio. She gives rehabilitation workshops at the Brecksville VA Medical Center and is a graduate student in Art Therapy and Counseling at Ursuline College. Contact her at Kboyesen(at)thebedfordstandard.com.
Visit www.Art-Experiences.blogspot.com to see accompanying photos.

Driving Yourself to Tranquility

2010-03-11T15:50:00.001-05:00

By Kristen Boyesen
Life Learning & Creativity Coach
Published in The Bedford Standard, March 11, 2010

In May of 2005 I began two years as executor of the estate of Persis Boyesen, Historian for the City of Ogdensburg, the Village of Heuvelton, and the Township of Oswegatchie. She was also a genealogist, a gardener, cook, seamstress, English teacher, historical preservationist, keeper of three or four generations of family heirlooms, and my mom. By law, all things related to her official capacities as historian had to be sorted and turned over to the proper municipality. Every part of the 12-room farmhouse had things to identify, sort, and make decisions upon. I was living in Bedford at the time. Ogdensburg is in Northern New York State. For two years my life was split between these two places. I would return from a seven-day trip to a pile of mail six inches high, classes to teach, and major catch-up tasks to do.

The drive from Bedford to Ogdensburg could be done in as little as six and one-half hours, and I did my best to drive the distance in that amount of time. “Why waste time driving?” The day after the trip was spent in recovery mode: not much was accomplished at either location. Stress was my middle name. I was a frequently in “fight or flight” mode with all of its adverse health effects.

One day, a year into this process, I was ready to embark on yet another trip. The car was packed with clothes, food, and everything I would need to camp out in a vacant house. I opened the car door, sat in the driver’s seat, and breathed a big sign of relief and pleasure.

Pleasure?

Yes, pleasure: pleasure that my only responsibility for day was driving! I did not have to pay bills, do laundry, make flyers, deliver artworks, teach classes, mow lawn, wash dishes, vacuum, weed the garden, clean the bathroom, answer email, sort papers, decide where my mom’s research and books should go, or which things to sell, and which things to keep.

The stress I had been experiencing for a year was close to being a stress crisis requiring medical intervention. Instead, I found a new way of dealing with the situation. I relaxed and enjoyed the trip!

I looked at the scenery, had warm thoughts for the other drivers on their way to visit families or on business trips, was polite in letting people in front of me, made sure I did not cut people off, watched my speed to be sure it was safe and in keeping with the general traffic flow, sat comfortably with good posture, did small body movements to relieve pressure points, and made each stop a time to take a short walk. In Canandaigua I meandered through a bookstore located just off I-90. I did not listen to the radio or to books on tape. I was in a state of appreciation for nine hours instead of the “go!-go!-go!-mode.”

The result? I arrived refreshed and energized! The next day I was able to immediately start work with no recovery time.

Various clinicians have used different terms for personal growth that can happen by learning from and dealing with life’s challenges: “crises of renewal,” “positive disintegration,” “creative illness,“ and “spiritual emergencies.” It was a wonderful turning point for me.

I drove back and forth on this nearly 500-mile trip for another year using the opportunity as a chance to relax and be appreciative. In 2010, three and one-half years later, I still relax as I get into the car to drive.

You have heard of “road rage”?

How about “road tranquility”?

Both are infectious.

If you drive in a fighting mood, you will get a fight. If you drive in a relaxed state feeling that everyone on the road is in your group of best friends and it is part of your job to see that they arrive safely at their destinations by polite driving, you will spread this sense of peace to others on the road. As a great side benefit, you will arrive at your own destination in a good mood with an immunity boost!

Driving as a practice in relaxation, appreciation and giving becomes one of life’s small pleasures.

Kristen Boyesen, a resident of Bedford, offers art and meditation-based classes and workshops for core creativity training and empowerment for change. She belongs to the American Holistic Medical Association Speakers Bureau, the Bedford Senior Network, and Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio. She gives rehabilitation workshops at the Brecksville VA Medical Center and is a graduate student in Art Therapy and Counseling at Ursuline College. Contact her at Kboyesen(at)thebedfordstandard.com.
Visit www.Art-Experiences.blogspot.com to see accompanying photos.

Forcing Spring

2010-02-18T15:47:00.001-05:00

By Kristen Boyesen, Life Learning & Creativity Coach
Published in The Bedford Standard, Feb. 18. 2010.

One can force bulbs into winter blooming. Can you force Spring?

The days are still short, and Spring still seems ages away. Flickers of moodiness and seasonal depression are problems for everyone from time to time.

How do you start your day?

There is a time of no time, a place of no place, where we exist before the waking world makes itself known. Awareness slowly opens, and we remember who we are and where we are. The day has begun.

In winter, this slow process of waking to consciousness is stopped on several counts. It is dark! One wants to sleep when it is dark! We resort to alarm clocks to startle us awake to a pitch-black world. The dark adds temporary confusion to the shock of the sound of the alarm.

In summer, the light of dawn arrives before most of us wake for the day and the appearance of light while we are sleeping begins a gentle waking. We open our eyes to a visually visible day.

Fifteen years ago I was as a leaf blowing in the wind, subject to mood swings caused by the weather and the short days of winter. When I heard about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and learned that light was the solution, I took immediate steps to be in charge of dark-induced mood swings. Sitting for hours in front of an expensive light box was not what I wanted to do.

My solution was to use light in the dark corners of my home, even in the daytime. Clusters of plants were happy to have a timed light pop on at 6 AM. (It turned off whenever the sun was able to take over.) Islands of greenery bathed in pools of light now greet my entry to the kitchen and living areas of the house on cold and dark winter days. What a pleasure!

The most important light, however, is in the bedroom, timed to come on at 5:30 AM. It is not a bright light, nor is it anywhere near the bed. Its purpose is to mimic the dawn, so is located next to the East-facing window. The gentle waking that happens in the long days of summer happens year ‘round with a simple timed light in the bedroom. Gentle waking to the day allows time for appreciation before beginning the day’s tasks, and appreciation is a great immune booster. (See more on the effects of appreciation on the body in the Jan 7 issue of The Bedford Standard online.)

Being startled awake to an alarm starts the day with a shot of fight-or-flight adrenaline.
Fight-or-flight is triggered when your life or safety is in danger. The classic example is “the tiger at the cave door”. The tiger leaves us no choice, and is a good reason for a healthy shot of adrenaline.

Your thoughts determine how the body responds to a situation. Your thoughts alone can trigger a fight-or-flight adrenaline rush. Perception alone can cause stress. If you think it is essential that every speck of dust be removed before company arrives for you to be valued as a human being, if you think you must have that contract completed by an arbitrary deadline or else … then you are creating modern-day versions of the tiger at the cave door.

These kinds of daily stressors can become chronic. A side effect of fight-or-flight is cortisol, an immune-busting hormone that makes you susceptible to illness. Constant stress lowers health and wellness. In my own experience, I once believed that the “go get ‘em” attitude was the only way to live, and I mentally created daily adrenaline to be constantly active. The side effects were lower back pain, chronic pain, mood swings and digestive problems. Once I realized what I was doing, I stopped my daily dose of adrenaline, and the physical problems all but disappeared.

We have choices. We can be as that leaf blowing in the wind, feeling helpless to determine the outcomes of our lives … or we can take action for change. A simple and inexpensive solution to ward off winter blues is to install a timed light in the bedroom. Allowing your body to wake naturally to the light of dawn is an easy way to help you start the day in a positive mood. Your smiles throughout the day will be your reward for bringing early morning light into your home. You can indeed Force Spring!

Kristen Boyesen, a resident of Bedford, offers art and meditation-based classes and workshops for core creativity training and empowerment for change. She belongs to the American Holistic Medical Association Speakers Bureau, the Bedford Senior Network, and Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio. She gives rehabilitation workshops at the Brecksville VA Medical Center and is a graduate student in Art Therapy and Counseling at Ursuline College. Contact her at Kboyesen(at)thebedfordstandard.com.
Visit www.Art-Experiences.blogspot.com to see accompanying photos.

Walking in the Path of the Deer

2010-02-04T15:29:00.005-05:00

Life’s Small Pleasures by Kristen Boyesen
Published in The Bedford Standard, Feb. 4,2010.

“Four degrees, feels like minus 5,” said weather.com for Bedford at 9 AM. The sun was shining off thin lines of snow atop each branch of every tree and shrub. By 10:00, I was booted up with camera in hand ready to enter brisk morning air.

What a gorgeous day! I headed for Ellenwood Park and was glad to see that my off-path trail had not been filled in with additional snowfall. I could clearly see my footstep indentations from two days before.

There are three small parks that connect to Ellenwood Park: Automile Park (off Broadway), The Bedford Municipal Pool (off Lamson) and the Bioswale (behind City Hall.) This collection of planted trees, shrubbery, nature-grown trees and brush, a small feeder stream to Tinker’s Creek, bioswale holding ponds, rolling hills, mowed lawn and wild places is home to a herd of at least six deer. Today I walked in their path, and saw that they had walked in mine. By following their fresh tracks from this morning, I discovered the herd’s nighttime resting place for last night. *

Ted Andrews, in his book Animal Speak, says that deer are a symbol of “gentle luring to new adventure,” a “return to wilderness,” and an indicator that it is time for “new perceptions and degrees of perceptions to grow and expand.” The gentleness of the deer encourages this new growth through gentleness, rather than by force. Interestingly enough, on my way to Ellenwood, I encountered a flock of six robins on this cold January day. The extensive red breast of the robin signifies “new growth in all areas of life.”

These are wonderful thoughts with which to start the New Year. Resolutions are typically forced and hardly ever kept except by constant force, which is tiring, stressful, and may create emotional or physical dis-ease (a lack of ease or actual illness) as we criticize ourselves too harshly for not keeping to the “new leaf” that we turned over.

The key to new growth and to understanding ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us is gentleness. Another way of expressing it is “effortless effort” or “not forcing it”, key concepts of the Wu Wei of Taoism.

I have lived in this house for five years. For four of those years I did everything I could to keep the deer out of my back yard: hair, soap, rotten eggs, fencing. My shrubs were broken by the males in the Fall, rubbing itchy antlers against rough bark. Beans, lettuce, and tomatoes were eaten off just prior to harvest. Flowers disappeared while displaying bountiful color. I would run into the yard yelling and clapping my hands in an attempt to make them leave for good. I went so far as to ask politely for them to live somewhere else. None of it worked.

One day last spring I pushed aside some weeds under the elderberry patch to retrieve some bricks I had stored there and nearly stepped on a newborn fawn.

That was the beginning of my acceptance of their place in my world and the start of effortless effort with regard to my gardens. Instead of attempting to enclose the entire yard, I enclosed patches of plantings with garden fencing. My space/your space. We shall live here together. The fawn turned out to be the male of a boy/girl set of twins. They spent much of the summer visiting my yard, sleeping under the shrubs, the spruce trees or next to the fencing. There are plants inside the fenced areas that need to come out, and plants outside the fencing need to go inside. (Why protect plants they do not eat?) Effortless effort will be employed for these plants to exchange places.

How does effortless effort work when one is sweating with a shovel? By enjoying the process. By gentleness with yourself and the task. The amazing thing is, just as much will get done, as the body does not tire as fast with mindful gardening. When need to stop to go on the other things, you will be amazed at how much was accomplished and how good you feel.

Give yourself a Valentine. Life’s Small Pleasures create big changes in your life.

Kristen Boyesen is a resident of Bedford offering art and meditation-based classes and workshops for core creativity training and empowerment for change. She belongs to the American Holistic Medical Association Speakers Bureau, the Bedford Senior Network, and Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio. She gives rehabilitation workshops at the Brecksville VA Medical Center and is a graduate student in Art Therapy and Counseling at Ursuline College. Contact her at Kboyesen(at)thebedfordstandard.com Quotes from: “Animal Speak” © 1993 Ted Andrews.

* Photos from this morning’s walk in the path of the deer may be seen at www.Art-Experiences.blogspot.com.

Northeast Ohio Coyotes

2010-01-24T09:01:00.000-05:00

Last spring I heard the wonderful sound of a coyote family of pups learning to use their voices. Quite exciting! The article at the title link has photos from the Cleveland/Cuyahoga Valley area and an insert that shows the difference between a dog footprint and a coyote footprint.

Creating New from Old

2010-01-21T15:38:00.003-05:00

Life’s Small Pleasures by Kristen Boyesen
Published in The Bedford Standard Jan 21, 2010

On January 1st I had not put wood into the woodstove for 23 hours. When I went to start the first fire for the New Year, I was surprised to find a few live embers. Some ancient memory instilled me with wanting to start a new fire in 2010 with coals from 2009. It took awhile, as there were only three pea-sized embers, but I managed, and soon I had a warm fire that carried over to the New Year.

This morning was January 5th. I had kept that first fire going for four days! It was now time to clear out the ashes, however so I decided to let the few remaining embers go. I scattered the glowing dots about so they could burn out.

When I returned later to clear the ashes and start a fire with matches, I discovered that one small area of the ash bed still had the tiny orange dots of glowing embers.

I carefully emptied the darkened ashes while avoiding the live embers. A few glowing dots that managed to get into the hod were placed back into the woodstove.

On January 1st, I had started with newspaper strips upon the embers, but discovered that newspaper restricts airflow and has a smothering effect. This time, I used splintery slivers of wood, toothpick size to pencil size, that were pulled from dry split firewood. These were carefully placed on the tiny embers. The pile started to glow! In my excitement, I too quickly placed a splinter on the small pile, disturbing the struggling flame trying to arise. The glow subsided. I blew on it a couple of times, but then decided to rely on the embers themselves.

I kept harvesting splinters from large hunks of firewood. The small pile over the glowing embers grew. Soon, smoke started to emerge from its midst. ("Where there is smoke, there is fire.") Larger 2 to 3-inch diameter pieces of firewood were arranged around the small smoking pile, being careful to keep the heavy wood away from the delicate cocoon of tinder I had created.

It looked impossible. How could “toothpicks and pencils” ignite the 3-inch diameter hunks of wood that were looming over the tiny not-yet-burning pile? The smoke was really spewing forth now, but still there was no flame. I added more large pieces at the edges, and closed the door.

I watched through the glass as smoke billowed out of the center, all but obliterating the small ember-glow within. I waited, smiling a small smile and feeling the fullness of impending success. Patience.

Then, whoooomph! A bright yellow flash burst forth, and the entire pile of toothpick and pencil-sized splinters was alight, licking at the larger wood chunks that arched overhead.

As I finish this writing, the large pieces of firewood have collapsed onto themselves, and are glowing red. Soon, they too, will be the embers to start a new fire.

Our lives are rich with such opportunities for discovery, invention, creativity and contemplation. One does not have to own a woodstove to discover creative interludes. Replacing worry-time, waiting-time or anxious-time with joyful contemplation helps bring your inner world into balance with your outer world.

You will smile your way through your daily hassles.

Kristen Boyesen is a resident of Bedford offering art and meditation-based classes and workshops for core creativity training and empowerment for change. She belongs to the American Holistic Medical Association Speakers Bureau, the Bedford Senior Network, and Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio. She gives rehabilitation workshops at the Brecksville VA Medical Center and is a graduate student in Art Therapy and Counseling at Ursuline College. Contact her at Kboyesen(at)thebedfordstandard.com

Life's Small Pleasures

2010-01-07T15:26:00.005-05:00

By Kristen Boyesen, Life Learning and Creativity Coach
Published in The Bedford Standard, Jan. 7 ,2010

Winter has arrived in Bedford. As I began my morning walk this morning, I marveled at the mildness of the temperature even though the world was bathed in white. Small nuggets of snow graced the brown stalks of September’s blooms, now gone to seed and providing food for neighborhood birds singing and chirping in the trees and bushes near City Hall. It is the enjoyment of such small pleasures that creates connections to the inner goodness that is in us all, connections to friends and family, the community, and beyond. Appreciation for the small things grows like a vital seed sown into warm spring earth.

How does this relate to you as you plan your day knowing you will run out of time or energy before accomplishing everything on your list? How does it relate to everyone around you going through the same must-do way of life? You protest, “I do not have time for a walk in the snow!”

Do you have time for a free immune boost? Do you have time for creating new brain cells? Do you have time to awaken your creativity and energize your excitement for life?

Yes!

In your busy day there are plenty of opportunities for all this and more. Every time you are in a waiting situation (stop light, grocery line, on “hold”) is an opportunity for: 1) bringing feelings of appreciation into your heart for things in your life that are special, 2) immersing into the colors, shapes, and sounds of your environment … wherever you are, and 3) feeling empathy for someone in need, known to you or in the news.

Stress is a reaction to being over-booked with “good” or “bad” emotions or obligations. The physical manifestations to chronic stress are a lowered immune system and illness. Taking time to appreciate the small things every chance you get helps release the stress and boost immunity. Research by the Institute of HeartMath finds that, “Five minutes of sincerely feeling care or compassion” boosts immunity for six hours. Utilizing four five-minute breaks throughout the day to delve into appreciation (combined with the recommended hand-washing techniques, good nutrition and plenty of sleep) will be of great protective benefit during this flu season.

A new brain cell is created each time you engage in a new activity. According to Daniel Goleman in Social Intelligence, 10,000 connections to that newly formed neuron are added over the course of a month with the continuation of that new activity. Meditative practices such as the 5-minute appreciation exercise actually change how your brain is wired. You have the power to choose how you interact with the world. Stress or inner peace? Plant the seed you want to grow. Stress causes reaction. Inner peace allows for choice of action.

Once you begin to re-train your mind-body organism towards action rather than reaction, creative thought blossoms. A stressed mind/body is focused only on survival. Creativity is blocked because the brain is used up with coping strategies. Just as a slow computer is restored to fast functioning with a “clear and reinstall”, so do meditative practices help to clear the brain for improved functioning and access to global thinking and creativity.

Two months after one of my Imagination Arts workshops at a VA Medical Center a veteran ran up to me saying, “It works! It really works!” What worked,” I asked? “The Imagination Arts exercises! I used them to lose weight!” That was a creative use on her part for the meditative exercises that I offer people for emotional and behavioral change. I had never said that one could use them to lose weight!

The human body is an amazing collection of neurological connections. By focusing on the more powerful neurological energy of the heart and connecting it to the brain, one is truly able to re-direct one’s life. A daily meditative practice to clear brain-cobwebs opens the life experience to the wonder of the small things that are all around us at all times. The side effect? Boosted immunity!

Congratulations to Doug Smith and the City of Bedford for our new community newspaper, “The Bedford Standard”. It is indeed one of Life’s Small Pleasures. When all the small pleasures of life are experienced to the fullest, one feels true contentment.

Kristen Boyesen is a resident of Bedford offering art and meditation-based classes and workshops for core creativity training and empowerment for change. She belongs to the American Holistic Medical Association Speakers Bureau, the Bedford Senior Network, and Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio. She gives rehabilitation workshops at the Brecksville VA Medical Center and is a graduate student in Art Therapy and Counseling at Ursuline College. Contact her at Kboyesen(at)thebedfordstandard.com
Visit her at www.Art-Experiences.blogspot.com. HeartMath quote: “From Chaos to Coherence (the power to change performance)” by Doc Childre and Bruce Cryer, ©2008.

Do you dream of your newborn to grow up to be a top-notch gambler?

2009-10-25T09:26:00.001-04:00

57 percent are in favor of the casino issue? Great! That can be the rallying cry to get people out of their houses on November 3 to vote against it. I was not against slots in the casinos, which would have provided a boost for the sport of horse racing. But casinos? No way. In its totality casinos are not a boon for the public good. The public good, as a whole, needs to be considered in all our decisions. It is not about right-now-short-term needs. Look at the entire picture. Is gambling a productive community based endeavor? As you look at your newborn babe in the cradle do you dream that someday he or she will grow up to be a top-notch gambler? Vote NO on Issue 3, for the common good. Vote NO for YOUR good. Vote NO because there are better ways out there to take care of our Ohio community, our Ohio family. Vote NO.

Exploring Meditation

2009-10-23T11:42:00.002-04:00

These are stressful times. Meditation can help you regroup, refocus, relax.

There is still space available in the workshop "Exploring Meditation." Below is the verbal presentation. Sign up for the experience, held two Wednesdays at the Chagrin Falls Middle School from 6:30 to 8:30 beginning Oct 28. Call 440-247-5375 to register and for more information.

If you miss this class there will be an ongoing Saturday morning meditation at (the soon to open) Your Holistic Health Team, a resource center for healthy living, Brecksville.

Exploring Meditation (verbal presentation)

Meditation seems to be everywhere in the news for wellness, recovery, stress relief, and improved quality of life. But where does one find the time?

Everywhere.

All the time that is spent doing stressful things like growling at a stop light, cursing when something is spilled, and feeling annoyance at menial tasks can be spent in meditative practices.

Personality Psychology (Larsen and Buss 2008) describes many ways that people are different, how they behave, and how that is expressed in body function. A most interesting discussion in the chapter on physiological approaches to personality tells of a study done with workers in high-stress jobs in the biotechnology industry. After eight weeks of practicing mindfulness techniques, their brains measured less chronic stress. From the participants themselves came reports of “feeling more energized, more engaged in their work, and less anxiety.” Researchers were surprised to find the meditation training also seemed to increase workers’ immune systems.

How does one meditate everywhere? The word “mindfulness” is the clue. Here are a few ways:

1. A stop light is an opportunity for getting in touch with the extremities of your body by tensing/relaxing different body parts.

2. Being on the phone “on hold” is an opportunity to take a tour with your eyes, of all the shapes that are within your visual field. Depth of field is unimportant. Separating the different objects is unimportant. Do a flow-meditation with your eyes as if you were traveling a maze. Feel your body relax. Try to keep the relaxed feeling even after the “help desk” (finally) breaks into your state of peace.

3. When a box of paper clips spills and scatters all over the carpet, the angry actions of cursing plus slamming each paper clip back into the box to vent your rage at them for making such a mess blasts a large dose of adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol into your bloodstream. A high level of cortisol in the resting state is an indicator of chronic stress and a predictor for the appearance of stress-related illnesses. What to do instead of venting at the paper clips? Be present. Sometimes being present and aware can help one to see that the box of paper clips was too close to the edge of the table. That avoids the spill all together. Accidents happen all the time, however. Dealing with them can increase the initial stress or be an opportunity for reflection and meditation. With practice in being present, being in the moment, the spilled paper clips evoke a mild “oops” and the physical/emotional act of just letting go … Letting go of whatever you were doing to deal with this new situation, and total immersion in the process of collecting them to return them to their state of tidiness. The letting go and immersion is … meditation. An awareness of “letting go” of the events around us that happen of their own accord (being “cut off” on the freeway) brings a sense of peace all on its own.

A daily meditation practice of at least ten minutes will begin to train your body and mind to this new way of being in the world. This is time set aside for you. It has no intent other than being for you, your time, because you appreciate yourself and have love of life. Doing meditation with "intent" separates you from the process of meditation. Let go and let it happen. Immerse. Know that the benefits will come of their own accord. There is great fun in discovering them.

Creating a Culture of Peace

2009-10-16T14:02:00.003-04:00

Creating A Culture of Peace

November 14 Noon to 6 PM
November 15 Noon to 6 PM
November 16 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Cleveland Location for this International program:
Calvary Presbyterian Church
2020 E. 79th Street (at Euclid Ave), Cleveland OH 44103
Well-lit, secure, accessible parking.
Meals are included.

Cost: $200
Registration is required by no later than October 30.
Please contact Doug Horner as indicated in the poster.
(Click to enlarge image for reading.)
A limited number of partial scholarships are available.

“CCP is a nationwide program for community peacemaking. Its innovative design provides a holistic and practical foundation in active nonviolence. Participants come to recognize their own power for making personal and social changes that will create a world without violence.” For more information about CCP:

www.creatingacultureofpeace.org

Class offered by Rev Susanna Goulder, Bedford OH

2009-04-18T14:19:00.004-04:00

'Practicing The Presence' Class Begins April 22nd

"You've been walking in circles,

searching.

Don't drink by the waters edge.

Throw yourself in. Become the water.

Only then will your thirst end."

--Jeanette Berson

'Practicing The Presence:

Being A Conduit For Wisdom, Grace & Love'

Facilitated by

Reverend Susanna Margaret Goulder

Rev. Susanna will lead this experiential workshop for 6 consecutive

Wednesday evenings where together all will approach the font of peace

within that is called God.

Classes commence Wednesday, April 22nd.

Details below. Click the image to enlarge.

Applied Spirituality: The Sufi Perspective

2009-04-12T22:55:00.006-04:00

On Sunday, April 19, Sufi Iman Kim Corrick
Will present an afternoon workshop:
‘Applied Spirituality from the Sufi Perspective’
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
At the Star Institute (Emery Plaza)
2501 Emery Rd, Suite 100
Warrensville Hts OH 44128

Click on the image to enlarge for reading.

What is the Meaning of Life and Progress?

2009-04-11T16:32:00.000-04:00

*** Question the Meaning of Life ***
What is my purpose? Why am I here? Explore these questions at "We the People" Dialogue Series with lay leaders and others on April 26 from 3 – 5:30 pm at the Cleveland Buddhist Temple (1573 East 214th St. Cleveland, OH) Sensei Dean Williams, an ordained Zen Buddhist priest will outline the basics of Buddhist belief with and panelists Imam Ramez Islambouli, Rabbi Susan Stone, and Rev. Laury Larson will add their particular religious perspective before the conversation is turned over to the audience for group discussion. The dialogue will ask about Human Destiny, the destiny of followers of other faiths, and whether human destiny is separable from that of the planet Earth. All are invited and welcomed to join. Suggested donation $5.

Climate Solutions

2009-02-15T09:57:00.002-05:00

A friend sent the title link with this message:

If we all just pass on the good news as we come across it, we’ll encourage each other and the world will look different.

Three Day Silent Meditation Retreat, Cleveland area

2009-02-11T12:29:00.004-05:00

The Fourth Annual Silent Meditation Retreat will again be held at the Templed Hills Retreat Center, Bellville, OH.

Reservations must be made by February 14. $90 for two nights and five meals (three in formal Zen Oryoki, instruction time included).

Contact Sensei Dean Williams at (four four zero) 537-7104 for information and to register.

“We The People” Dialogue Series, InterAct Cleveland

2009-02-11T12:10:00.004-05:00

Press Release from InterAct Cleveland

“We The People” Dialogue Series Examines Religion within Civic Scope

“America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents.” - President Obama

Cleveland: February 3, 2009.

In her book, A New Religious America: How a “Christian Country” Has Become the World’s Most Religiously Diverse Nation, Dr. Diana Eck, director of The Pluralism Project at Harvard University asks “Who do we mean when we invoke the first words of our Constitution, ‘We the people of the United States of America’? Who do we mean when we say ‘we’?” InterAct Cleveland and the interreligious community will respond to this and other clarifying questions in a series of dialogues in 2009 addressing religious diversity in America.

The first dialogue, We the People: “What difference does difference make?” is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, from 3 to 5:30 pm at Trinity Commons (2230 Euclid Ave. with parking lot entrance on Prospect Ave.). Sudarshan Sathe of the Shiva Vishnu Temple will lead the dialogue as the primary presenter answering the dialogue’s main question, “What are the traditional teachings, and range of other beliefs, within your faith tradition concerning the proper relationship with those who differ in race or gender, in culture, politics or faith?” Panelists representing the Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith traditions are the following respectively: Sensei Dean Williams from the Jijuyu-ji Zen Sangha of Cleveland, Dr. George Matejka of Ursuline College, Rabbi Alan Lettofsky of Beth Israel- The West Temple, and Sister Suna Aziz of the Islamic Center of Cleveland.

There will be two additional dialogues will be presented in the spring and summer this year:
April, 2009--We the People: “What is the meaning of life and progress?” with Sensei Dean Williams
Late June, 2009--We the People: “What is the place of religion in civil/civic arena/society?” with Dr. Ramez Islambouli

The series will include a presentation on a specific question posed by a member of one of the growing minority traditions in our community. Each presentation will be followed by a brief response from representatives of three or four other religious traditions, followed by small group discussions before returning to the larger audience for a question and answer session.

All dialogues are free and open to the public. Registration is not required. For more information please contact InterAct Cleveland at (216) 241-0230 or partners@interactcleveland.org. Suggested donation $5.

InterReligious Partners in Action of Greater Cleveland (InterAct Cleveland) promotes mutual understanding and appreciation of diverse religious beliefs and practices, as well as discovery of the values and beliefs shared by many religious traditions. InterAct Cleveland members actively engage with one another to help shape positive responses to the challenges and opportunities facing Greater Cleveland, including religious diversity itself. InterAct Cleveland: Showing how the love, growing out of religious belief, can change the world.

Monthly Peace Meditation

2009-02-11T11:00:00.001-05:00

This month’s Meditation for Peace will be: Tuesday, Feb. 17th, 7:00 pm
St. Paul's Community Church
4427 Franklin Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44113

Bring an up to 2-minute reading on spirituality and peace to share with the group after our period of meditation/silent prayer. Following will be news of an NSPA event dedicated to peace for Sunday, Mar. 22nd, 7:00 pm at First Unitarian Church on Shaker Blvd. Those who volunteered for the Homeless Stand Down are invited to share their experiences.

Past locations for this newly formed ongoing multi-denominational event:
Jan 20, Euclid Ave. Congregational Church, Cleveland;
Dec. 17, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, Tremont;
November 18, Noble Road Presbyterian Church, Cleveland Heights;
October 15, St. Paul’s Community Church, Ohio City.

Sponsored by the Network of Spiritual Peace Activists
The event is free. For more information contact Sensei Dean Williams
Jijuyu-ji Zen Group of Cleveland (four four zero) 537-7104

Soto Zen Buddhism Meditation Cleveland OH

2009-01-12T08:26:00.008-05:00

The Cleveland Zen Meditation Group with local priest Sensei Dean Williams meets on Thursdays at 7:00 pm at the Cleveland Buddhist Temple, located at the corner of E 214th Street and Euclid Avenue, Euclid OH. Free. For more information visit www.zencentercleveland.org at the title link.

Free program for Veterans

2009-01-07T18:24:00.000-05:00

This month's Imagination Arts program for veterans will be at the Recovery Resource Center at the VA Medical Center, Brecksville OH.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009
1:00 to 2:30,

Building 5 Rm 23 B

Limited to 20 participants.

Call 440-526-3030

ext 6399 or ext 6760

Monthly Peace Meditation, Cleveland OH

2009-01-07T17:54:00.006-05:00

The Network of Spiritual Peace Activists is again sponsoring an evening of meditation for peace in the Cleveland area.

This month the group will gather on

Tuesday, January 20th

at the Euclid Ave. Congregational Church at 7:00 pm.

This is a wonderful way to observe Inauguration Day. Everyone is welcome to join in for an hour or so of quiet contemplation and sharing of readings. The church is located at 9606 Euclid Ave on the Cleveland Clinic campus and has its own parking lot directly adjacent to the church. The meeting will be in the parlor.

Discussion on the current situation in the Middle East will follow the 30 minutes of meditation/silent prayer, as this is something that weighs heavily on our hearts.

InterAct Cleveland is in the process of looking into what role it can play here locally in working with the various religious traditions to try as best it can to dampen hostilities that are being heightened by the violence taking place in Israel and the Gaza Strip. Sensei Dean Williams will report on projects being undertaken by InterAct and looks forward to hearing the perceptions and ideas of those in attendance.

You are invited to bring a short reading on spirituality and peace to share with the group. Information to share on social/political issues and events or currently pending legislation pertaining to peacefully existing in the world is also very welcome.

Past locations for this newly formed ongoing multi-denominational event: December 17, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ. November 18, Noble Road Presbyterian Church, Cleveland Heights. October 15, St. Paul’s Community Church, Ohio City.

The event is free. For more information contact
Sensei Dean Williams, Jijuyu-ji Zen Group of Cleveland

This program is one of many sponsored through InterAct Cleveland. The Homeless Stand Down is in need of volunteers for the 2009 program. Read comments for more, or go to the links provided.

Free program for Veterans

2009-01-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

This month's Imagination Arts program for veterans will be at the Recovery Resource Center at the VA Medical Center, Brecksville OH.

Tuesday, January 13, 1:00 to 2:30,

Building 5 Rm 23 B

Limited to 20 participants.

Call 440-526-3030

ext 6399 or ext 6760

Inner Peace Brings World Peace

2009-01-05T17:52:00.001-05:00

It is hard to believe that more than a year has passed since I last posted. So much has happened! With peace in all our hearts, peace will grow and spread.

During the past year, some of the websites at the other end of the link list to the right have changed or disappeared. Let me know if you find one that needs to be deleted.

The Shift

2007-09-10T11:28:00.000-04:00

From the website for the movie, "The Shift".

A massive worldwide phenomenon is in progress, offering seeds of great hope for the future.

Millions of individuals, organizations and corporations around the world are waking up and embracing a new outlook with an emphasis on their responsibility to contribute positively to our collective future.

We are in the middle of the biggest social transformation in human history, The SHIFT.

At this critical point, it is imperative we make the masses aware of this global movement quickly. This evolutionary phenomenon is broader and deeper than the most visible SHIFT, the environmental movement. It involves our very understanding of who we are as human beings, and our responsibility to the world and to life itself.

THE SHIFT movie raises awareness to the story of our roles in an evolutionary shift in our collective consciousness.

As it chronicles the faces, the stories and leaders assisting in this social transformation, the film reveals its emergence & meaning.

Make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the completion of the film.

See a trailer for the movie at the title link and HERE.

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Regina Brett

2007-07-06T14:00:00.000-04:00

Two for two. Today's Plain Dealer has great columns today under the theme, "Do unto others ..."

Peace begins at home. Peace begins with our neighbors. Peace begins on the local basketball courts.

Read her article at the title link.

Connie Schultz

2007-07-06T13:57:00.000-04:00

Peace comes in many forms, as today's column shows. As Schultz says, "Everybody has a name."

Read the article at the title link.

Poppy with Iris

2007-07-06T13:45:00.000-04:00

Turn American Industry Green

2007-06-07T10:03:00.000-04:00

A long article in Today's Plain Dealer interviews Jerome Ringo about Apollo Alliance's goal to make the US energy independent in 10 years. The title link contains a summery.

The name "Apollo Alliance" stems from the Apollo Mission to put a man on the moon in 10 years. With that kind of dedication of purpose, the ten-year energy independence goal can be achieved.

Emerging Ferns

2007-06-07T09:45:00.000-04:00

I took this photo on May 3 on a hike near Peninsula, OH.

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

We need "Energy Policies" not "Energy Politics"

2007-06-05T18:32:00.000-04:00

Still Here

2007-05-09T15:32:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all who have kept on visiting for the last month. Sorry there was nothing new for you to see or read. Starting a new business is more than a full-time job! I have piles of articles and loads of photos to share if I ever get several hours free to accomplish this task.

Meanwhile, remember ...

Inner Peace Brings World Peace

Peace in your heart spreads to those around you, even complete strangers.

I'll be back soon!

Flowers in the Snow

2007-04-06T15:19:00.000-04:00

Waiting ...

2007-04-04T18:48:00.000-04:00

Public Utilities Commission, OH, takes positive step forward.

2007-04-04T17:49:00.000-04:00

"Connecting home and business solar panels, wind generators and other alternative energy sources to utility distribution networks will soon be easier." Full article at title link.

Circle of Life

2007-04-04T17:00:00.000-04:00

Loving Yourself

2007-04-04T16:48:00.000-04:00

Connie Shultz has done it again. Her columns always tell us something important about the world. I just found the time to read yesterday's, and it fits perfectly with the post I submitted earlier.

See the article at the title link. What do you think?

I think it very refreshing to see people be real and honest about themselves.

Love Your Neighbor. We are all One.

2007-04-04T05:23:00.000-04:00

Spring is a time of renewal, a time to let go of the old and begin the new.

A friend recently used the word heresy in a sentence, causing me to ponder the word. I have concluded that it is a word in direct opposition to the peaceful way of living suggested in the words, "Love your neighbor as yourself".

The word "heresy" is used by one religion to condemn the doctrine of a other religion.

"Love your neighbor" crosses religious boundaries.

"Love yourself" comes first. One who accepts and appreciates the talents they have while appreciating (not envying) the talents of others is "loving onesself".

It is time to let go of the learned beliefs that create hostility, fear, and condemnation.

Love yourself.
Love your neighbor.
Love the land that feeds us.
Love the water that is our lifeblood.
Love the earthly home of our current existence.

We are all One.

Photos copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Solar, Wind Energy for Cleveland

2007-04-02T17:17:00.000-04:00

"Cleveland is about to become the greenest major city in Ohio," said William Spratley, head of Green Energy Ohio. "

Full story at title link.

Hiking Photos, Bedford Reservation Cleveland Metroparks

2007-03-31T14:31:00.000-04:00

I tucked this hike in between two meetings on Thursday.

Photos copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

First of Many

2007-03-31T13:48:00.000-04:00

I have taken loads of photos lately with thoughts of adding them here for all to enjoy, but have not had the time. Starting a new business is labor-intensive!

Here is my favorite of the new photos from my garden.

Beetle Bailey Wisdom

2007-03-28T13:54:00.000-04:00

I found this recently. It is from Oct 6, 2006. Click to enlarge for reading.

Abusive Relationships

2007-03-26T09:50:00.000-04:00

The Link above is for the main article. This guide was next to the article in today's Plain Dealer, but not included online. Please click to enlarge for reading.

To the Garden!

2007-03-25T20:58:00.000-04:00

I spent three hours in the front yard clearing away those few brown stalks I had left for the birds and for visual variety. I forgot I have a new camera and I could have taken a photo. It was not too exciting, though, so I will wait until the daffodils and hyacinths bloom for an outdoor photo. Meanwhile, I have two plants blooming indoors.

Clivia

Orchid
Gardening gives me much peace and contentment.

Balanced Living Magazine

2007-03-14T18:23:00.000-04:00

No time to do much posting! I have totally filled my schedule. There is an event tomorrow morning I would like to attend, but enough is enough! The speaker is the editor of Balanced Living LLC, "Your Guide to Wholeness and Well Being." It is right up my alley, as they say, but I have to devote as much time as I have left to getting ready for Imagination Arts for Veterans which starts next week. Today I created a display for Charter One Bank in Bedford. Here is the poster I designed.

Well, I will try again later. I've tried 5 times and it won't upload.

But it did upload over at Art Experiences using Firefox. Click the link to see the poster!

I have never had trouble with Safari before. In fact it was faster than Firefox!

Making Choices. Progress. Earthquake!

2007-03-12T23:12:00.000-04:00

I woke this morning with a frown on my face and surrounded by a feeling of oppression.

"Oops", I thought. "I do not want to go through the day with this attitude surrounding me."

And with that, I closed my eyes and reached my mind up beyond myself to the clear air and sunlight above as I took in a long and deep breath. The deep breath brought the clear air and sunlight of my imagination into myself, replacing the heaviness and gloom.

As I breathed out, some of the gloom returned, but I was not to be overtaken. Five or six more times I reached above myself to the clear air and sunlight above me, outside of me in my imagination, and breathed it in. Each time the gloom was weaker, and when it was gone I was ready to start the day with a fresh outlook and light spirit.

I created a poster for Imagination Arts for Veterans, and a brief press release to go with it, searched out email addresses to send the press release, and printed out hard copies to send to other print and broadcast media. I collected addresses for the mailed press releases, and headed off to teach the Draw and Paint class at Sylvia's with a 30-minute stop at Sirna's on Broadway for cheesy tortilla soup. They make the best homemade soups there: Fresh ingredients and not too salty.

There was a bit of excitement during art class. We had an earthquake! I have been through several while in NY and OH, but usually I miss them because they are pretty mild here. One I remember in Northern NY sounded (and felt) like a train passing by very close (but there was no train.) The sound even came from a distance, got louder, then faded, along with the shaking. This one today sounded more like a sonic boom, or perhaps someone dropping a rail car from a crane onto the ground. There was a loud sound and the house shook, but it was over in about two seconds.

All for now. Tomorrow I will be back at getting out the word for the veterans' program.

Veteran's Beat by Ron Seman, Record Publishing Co.

2007-03-08T17:08:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are new to this blog, this is the first published article about my new Imagination Arts for Veterans program.

Click on Image to enlarge for reading.

"Venezula, Part II"

2007-03-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

Ashley Cecil has posted another great essay and painting from her recent trip to Venezula.

It is Time for All of Us to "Attract Peace"

2007-03-06T10:08:00.000-05:00

My most current writing has been posted at The Peace Tree.

Explore the secret to a better life

2007-03-04T09:27:00.000-05:00

Sunday, March 04, 2007, Regina Brett, Plain Dealer Columnist.

"What if I saw the universe as friendly? I've been practicing that for two weeks. It's like seeing the world through new glasses.
Think fear, you attract anxiety. Think abundance, you attract wealth." ...complete Regina Brett column

One hundred quotes from the movie referenced in the column.

The Colors of Winter

2007-03-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

A photo of the rocks along the banks of Big Creek, part of the system of Revervations of Cleveland Metroparks.

We are consumers of our planet

2007-03-03T08:54:00.000-05:00

Kevin O"Brien was at it again on Wednesday, denying that humans have anything to do with global warming. (He finally did admit that there is an increase in the heat.)

I sent off a letter to the Plain Dealer, and it was published in today's paper. The title link goes to an online version that mixes together my letter plus one by Randy Cunningham. (Corrected soon, I hope.) Our two letters are headlined: "Why deny the abusive way we're treating our planet?"

My letter, as it appears in today's paper:

I see there is no swaying Kevin O'Brien. He has his opinions that global warming is a scare scam, and nothing is about to change his mind.

I ask him, though, what about global abuse? Can he possibly say that humans are not abusing the planet with their use-it-up philosophy? How did the word "consumer" ever get to be said with pride, meaning a person with rights to products and services?

I agree that a person who purchases things has rights, but using "consumer" instead of "customer" as a descriptive term gives credence to the notion that it is OK to use things up without a care for how they will be replaced.

A house is "consumed" by fire, and is but dust.

Our planet is being "consumed" by humans. If global warming is the wake-up call to create awareness that our actions have consequences, then the more press the better.

An artist's view from Venezuela.

2007-03-02T18:13:00.000-05:00

Copyright 2007 Ashley Cecil
One of the first art blogs I added to White Light of Peace was Ashley Cecil. I happened upon it by chance, and was really impressed with her ability as an artist and her passion for peace and helping people.

She recently visited Venezuela with Witness for Peace, and has come "back to Kentucky in a dumb-founded state of culture shock. ... If there is one thing I am certain of as a result of my visit, it’s to scrupulously question what you read in privately-owned, mainstream media."

She will be posting more of her experiences and her paintings journaling of the experience (many will be for sale) at her website.

I have added Witness for Peace to my blogroll for easy access in the future.

Top of the Food Chain

2007-03-02T11:06:00.000-05:00

I'm Back

2007-03-01T07:24:00.000-05:00

I was not too far away, just not feeling well. It is amazing how a session of stomach flu can turn things upside down. I, who usually love to write at the computer, could not tolerate it. I, who am bored by TV, watched three documentaries and two movies. I have to say, however, they were on dvd. I was not so far gone that I could tolerate the noise, confusion, disruption, inanity and blatant greed of commercial TV. (I used to watch it, and enjoy it, too. I did not realize until after quitting how much more pleasant and fun life is without it!)

Now I have to play catch-up, with everything that just sat around while I was too weak to function. I think yesterday's mail is still in the mailbox!

Here is an iris in my favorite color to cheer us all up.

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Regrow Body Parts

2007-02-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

From Insights Blog.

Honesty is the Best Policy

2007-02-25T13:05:00.000-05:00

Why cheating is dangerous
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Regina Brett
Plain Dealer Columnist

Quote from column at title link: Who cares if women cheat and get implants, if athletes use steroids? Anyone with a daughter or son should.

Iraq, war, nightmares

2007-02-25T12:52:00.000-05:00

Click image to enlarge.

See Let's Give Iraqis Homes, Tools, Villages

Snow Shapes, Big Creek Reservation

2007-02-25T12:50:00.000-05:00

Climate Stability

2007-02-25T12:40:00.000-05:00

Sunday, February 18, 2007
Elizabeth Sullivan
Plain Dealer Columnist

Quote from title link: ...the vast majority of the world's experts on the physics and chemistry of climate change, on what ancient climates looked like and on what caused temperatures to shift, glaciers to melt, sea levels to rise and ocean currents to stop in their tracks are telling us: "Wake up!"

Let's Stop Global Destruction

2007-02-24T12:11:00.000-05:00

Everyone is responsible for helping to slow down the assalt on the planet.

Water is precious. Conserve it.

Organic matter is needed to replenish soil. Compost rather than throw vegetable waste in the trash headed for an encapsulated landfill. Return organics to the Earth.

Re-use, rather than discard. Check out FreeCycle and Pass it on and Sandy Mitchell's article on Cleveland recycling.

Invest in energy-efficient appliances and vehicles. Carpool. Walk. Bicycle. Turn off your TV.

Free program for returning veterans in Northeast Ohio

2007-02-23T17:28:00.000-05:00

The City of Bedford has graciously offered space at Ellenwood Center for four sessions of Imagination Arts once a month. Bedford businesses are offering discounts and gifts as a thank you to veterans and their families participating in the program. Benefits include stress relief, bonding, right-brain exercise, fun and relaxation. Schedule and details at Imagination Arts.

Let's give Iraqis homes, tools, villages and hope.

2007-02-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

This essay by guest columnist Mike Marcellino appeared in the Feb. 15 issue of the Bedford Sun Banner. Mike served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. The article is not yet online, but here are three quotes, followed by a scanned copy of the newspaper column.

(It is...)
"Time to find an end.
Time to stop killing to save them."

"We should just pull out of the sectarian battles in Baghdad and other big cities (and) go to the villages and towns where some people still like us. Give (them) tools, materials, advice (and) jobs to rebuild (their) towns and a better life."

"Let the Iraqi war lords solve their own problems."

Click images to enlarge.

Squirrels on parade

2007-02-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

Photos copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

A hike in the Big Creek Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks provided some welcome exercise and fresh air last weekend.

Be sure to check out Photographing Squirrels. The button to see the slide show is way at the bottom. (See squirrels as photographers!)

Recycle your barn and other resources.

2007-02-21T12:54:00.000-05:00

Recycled barn parts are the raw material for "Splart", or slate switchplate art, created by Andres Esparza, Kent Ohio. ... the ultimate goal of splart is to encourage sustainability and make people think twice before they discard valuable resources.

See full article from the Cleveland Plain Dealer at title link.

From the Splart website:

The concepts leading to the birth of "switch plate art" or "SPLART"have been a cumulation of my observances regarding life on this planet.

Be unique
Make people happy
Not harm the environment
Make your environment work for you

This is my dedicated effort to transcend the concept of "recycling" into "fine craft". The chips and dust left over from my creation process, I have flaked out into a mulch that is beautiful, and unique. As little waste as possible.

Energy Efficient light bulbs required

2007-02-21T12:23:00.000-05:00

THE inefficient standard light bulb could be phased out within three years to save up to 800,000 tonness of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia.

Last month legislators in California proposed a "How Many Legislators Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb Act" that would phase out incandescent light bulbs by 2012 in favour of compact fluorescent bulbs.

Quotes from the title link, where the full story can be read from the Sidney Morning Herald. Help bring peace to the planet by using energy efficient light bulbs wherever possible.

Secret Angel lends a helping hand and heart

2007-02-21T12:17:00.000-05:00

Honoring Judy Kilpeck, an Eastlake school secretary who watches over pupils and is their not-so-secret angel. The students know they can count on her. Read the full story at title link.

New England Asters

2007-02-21T12:01:00.000-05:00

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

These asters were blooming in my front yard and in my back yard. I had so many the Cleveland Museum of Natural History came last summer to do a "wildflower rescue". Look for them in their wildflower garden next summer!

The Highly Sensitive Person

2007-02-20T15:09:00.000-05:00

My journey of growth and discovery these last five years or so were due to a great many books that I read and found to be immediately pertinent to my life. One of the most pivotal was, "The Highly Sensitive Person" by Elaine Aron. I have recommend this book over and over to people I meet who seem to be in the same state of confusion that I was, or who have the same sensitivities that make it sometimes hard to 'fit in' with the way the world works.

Elaine Aron has a website and a newsletter. The current newsletter has three articles that are well worth reading.

Latest Research:  What HSPs See: Our Brain Is Not  as Easily Confused by Culture and Context

What HSPs Can Give and Get from Animals and Babies

Book Review: Unto Others: The Evolution and  Psychology of Unselfish Behavior  by Elliott Sober and David Sloan Wilson, Harvard University Press, 1998

I am adding a link to The Unlimited Love Institute to go along with this last book and article. Stephen G. Post, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, is doing research and writing on the same topic. He and co-author Jill Neimark will soon be releasing a new book, "Why it's Good to be Good". There are other books at the Institute link with similiar topics.

To order a signed copy of The Highly Sensitive Person through the author's website, click here.

To order from Amazon through White Light of Peace, go to Books and Music for Peace.

Communication is Essential for Peace.

2007-02-20T12:44:00.000-05:00

Click to enlarge image.

Race Doesn't Matter

2007-02-20T12:22:00.000-05:00

I have started several topics at the Discuss Race Forum.
Please join in. Communication and understanding are the keys to peace.

The Moral Choice

2007-02-20T12:15:00.000-05:00

Click to enlarge image.

The US needs a Secretary of Peace.

2007-02-20T12:04:00.000-05:00

Dick Feagler is one of my favorite columnists at the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He once was a registered Republican, but switched when things got out of hand. He speaks from the heart and sheds insights on the news that are fresh and honest. Here is his latest column on Dennis Kucinich.

Eric Bibb - Blues with a Sunny Disposition

2007-02-18T18:22:00.001-05:00

My signed CD cover.

I saw Eric Bibb in concert at Happy Days Visitor Center in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Friday (02-16-07). I was overwhelmed with peace and joy as I listened to his music and heard his message, "We are all Connected".

There are links from Amazon to purchase music by this gifted artist, and descriptions of the albums at Books and Music for Peace. Most have clips for previewing cuts from the albums. (Sidenote: An album is a collection of things. The term dates me as it is now used with reference to music. Let's bring it back to mean a collection of things ... stamps, photos, MUSIC!)

Feel Love, Spread Love. We Are All One.

2007-02-15T13:17:00.000-05:00

The title link goes to a new article at The Peace Tree.

The following are my comments at The Peace Tree to this contribution by author Christopher Wilcox. Please go to the original post at Peace Tree to tell of your experiences with prejudice, your opinions on how this country will handle Barack Obama's bid for the presidency, or to suggest ways to spread peace and tolerance.

All we can do is to keep spreading love, peace, and tolerance with all that we are and do, and we have to do it actively and with passion.

The negative side has it's passion to fuel the hate. Peace must also be spread with passion, not in anti-war rallies, but in passionate circles of peace.

Here are some interesting links to add to this discussion. I apologize for one being at my own blog, but I posted today's Bizarro cartoon to promote peace through understanding and tolerance.

Another place to explore this topic is at the Discuss Race Forum, started by Dave Meyers. From his website:

Despite being clearly interracial, Dave was told by his mother that he had a Skin Disease to hide the African part of his being...

Also check out this excellent essay by Frank DeMarco, posted at Insights Blog. An excerpt from: The Secret - and Politics

Reframe everything we worry about. Replace every negative with its implied positive. Moving out of the villains-and-victims mind set, look again for the underlying causes of the world’s problems.

After reading this essay, I went to my blog and replaced all of the titles with positive messages, even if the article referenced was pointing out something negative. My reason for posting the negative in the first place was to create positive action, so the first step is to state right out what a positive step would be. If each of us in this peace movement would do that, I believe we will make a difference at a much faster rate than by just voicing the negative.

Here are 100 quotes from the movie, "The Secret" posted at Insights Blog.

Attain Peace Through Understanding;Respecting Others

2007-02-15T11:59:00.000-05:00

I post this not as a urge for universal vegetarianism, but as an allegory for all of us to respect other ways of living, other beliefs, and other body types than our own.

We are all one.

Stop Global Warming: Insulate Your House

2007-02-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

FULL HOUSE

Whole world feels your home's drafts

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Susan Condon Love

Plain Dealer Columnist

Some excerpts from today's column in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, with active links for easy research. Full article at title link.

Drafts, cold basements and poor insulation, while part and parcel of older homes, really aren't laughing matters. They are something, if you want to think beyond your living room, that affects all of humanity - as in global warming and the depletion of the ozone.

Rozanne Weissman, director of communications and marketing for the nonprofit Washington-based Alliance to Save Energy (and a former Plain Dealer employee), is on a crusade to get her energy-saving message out there.
The point is, said Weissman in a recent telephone conversation, that "everyone can make a difference."

... Weissman and the others at the Alliance to Save Energy have created a campaign called (with apologies to Kevin Bacon, I would think) the "6 Degrees of Energy Efficiency Challenge."

... Environmental experts say that "we have a maximum of 10 years to start turning [global warming] around," said Weissman. "The problem is serious, and we need to be paying attention," which is why the alliance created the challenge and why the group has recently started publicizing its suggestions on how to save money and energy.

..."The choices we make affect us and our family, the nation and even the world," said Weissman. Air pollution from Asia, for example, affects the air quality in the United States.

We are, she added, really one big family.

Closer to home, you can expect lower utility bills and maybe even a certain satisfaction that you aren't contributing as much to an environmental crisis.

More at title link.

Eat Whole, Natural foods for a Trim, Healthy Body

2007-02-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Clean up your plate
'Eat clean' advocates say dump the junk for health food

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Evelyn Theiss

Plain Dealer Reporter

Excerpts from the title link article are in bold italic:

... 80 percent of what you look like has to do with what you eat. (The other 20 percent is divided evenly between genetics and your workout routine.)

That's right: 80 percent of it is about the food. So if you work out like a fiend, and you don't understand why you're still overweight and flabby, it's time to look at what you're putting in your mouth -- specifically, whether you are "eating clean."

Chances are, you're not. Most Americans, in this land of processed, refined, prepared and takeout food are right there with you. They're eating food that's so processed and broken down, with so much sugar added, it can't fill them up or satisfy their nutritional needs. Yet such a diet gives them too many calories, as well as unhealthy cravings for more of the same.

There are many tips in the article for "eating clean". For more information on the books discussed as well as some favorites from my cookbook library, go to Books and Music for Peace.

A healthy diet creates peace within the body.

Earth, Be My Valentine

2007-02-14T15:17:00.000-05:00

Do yourself a favor and check out the title link. It is very beautiful!

A Sonic Valentine for Peace and Love

2007-02-14T08:31:00.000-05:00

World Sound Healing Day
February 14, 2007

Sound healers, meditators, peace activists and lovers of all humanity and sentient consciousness: Send a Sonic Valentine to the Earth with the heart sound "AH" filled with the intention of Peace and Love.

Join Jonathan Goldman, the Sound Healers Association and thousands of people throughout the planet as they tone an "AH" together for five minutes today, projecting the energy of Light & Love throughout the Planet. You will actually experience generating a field of transformational energy as this occurs. We have found that creating a Global Sacred Sound any time within a 24-hour period on the planet will create a coherent waveform that will affect the entire Earth. Therefore, any time you feel guided to sound for Planetary Peace on February 14th is a good time!

In addition, local toning groups will be occurring throughout the Earth at various times during that day with the intention of assisting planetary consciousness through sound. There will also be several global toning events occurring via the Internet during that day, including at noon Eastern Time on www.healthylife.net and at 9 PM ET on www.allonenow.org.

More information is at the title link. Thanks to Frank DeMarco for passing on the information.

Grand River Shore, Ohio

2007-02-14T07:44:00.000-05:00

Energy Education Conference

2007-02-13T15:25:00.000-05:00

GEO Partnership Event:

 The Energy Education Conference:
 The Alternative Alternative: Sustainable Value is Here

 Friday, March 2, 2007 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
 Sheraton Cleveland Airport Hotel, Cleveland

 Join GEO at this upcoming conference focused on sustainable energy solutions that can positively impact your bottom-line. Learn enhanced techniques and improved sustainability models that can significantly cut energy costs. Attend "The Alternative Alternative" and spend the day in an environment that provides practical application of the techniques that you have been reading about.

Early registrants will gain access to a behind the scenes tour of the NASA Glenn Research Center on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 4pm. The registration fee is $129 per person and includes conference materials and lunch. GEO members receive a discount at $109. For more information and to register, visit www.clevelandmeetings.com/energy.

Geese on the Grand River, Ohio

2007-02-13T15:22:00.000-05:00

Sustainability Energy Festival

2007-02-13T15:20:00.000-05:00

Sustainability Energy Festival at

 The Wilderness Center in Stark County
 Saturday, March 3, 2007 9:00am - 5:00 pm
 9877 Alabama Ave SW, Wilmot, Ohio (near Canton)

Co-hosted by Green Energy Ohio and The Wilderness Center

Overview:  This daylong festival is an opportunity for the public to interact with dozens of exhibitors with hands-on demonstrations, and learn how to put renewable energy to work by learning from expert speakers on topics of wind power, solar PV, solar thermal, biomass, green building, and energy efficiency. Come and learn about the technologies, costs, challenges and benefits of clean energy living.

Keynote speaker, Bill Spratley will present on how "Sustainable Energy Puts America to Work!" during a luncheon address. Exhibitor opportunities are available. For more information, contact Christina Panoska at Green Energy Ohio by email at Christina@greenenergyohio.org, or Gordon Maupin at The Wilderness Center by email at Gordon@wildernesscenter.org. More information on The Wilderness Center is available at: www.wildernesscenter.org.

Thanks to the support from the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Energy Efficiency and the Office of Ohio Consumers' Counsel.

We each have a purpose in life

2007-02-13T11:16:00.000-05:00

A story to warm your hearts and ponder the mysteries of life in today's column by Pulitzer Prize winner Connie Schultz.

Ten-year-old Izzy is "wise beyond her years". Here is a quote from Connie's column:

"Do you ever feel older than most 10-year-olds you meet?" I asked.

She sighed. "I'm often more serious than the kids around me."

"You look a little sad about that."

She nodded slowly. "I feel like I'm an 85-year-old surrounded by children."

I have a feeling she wasn't just talking about school.

Read more at the link above to discover the wisdom of this youngster, then send her blessings from your hearts. She is on this earth for a purpose yet to be revealed, but it promises to be of great benefit to the world.

Each of us has a purpose in life. We need only to seek within to find the answers.

On the Grand River, Ohio

2007-02-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Photo taken August 26, 2004, while canoeing with my friend Patt.

More Companies are "Going Green"

2007-02-13T09:11:00.000-05:00

Another article of note in today's news is about Fairmount Minerals, a company returning habitat to mined areas.

It received the 2005 Environmental Business of the Year award from the Audobon Society of Michigan and the 2006 Corporate Stewardship Award from the US Chamber of Commerce.

Some excerpts from the title link article:

While Fairmount Minerals has committed to saving birds at its mines in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin, its devotion to socially conscious business practices doesn't end there. The company, for instance, offers its employees $2,000 toward the purchase of a hybrid vehicle.

... In April, the company will begin reporting on a variety of its efforts to the U.N. Global Compact, a collection of businesses devoted to a cleaner environment, respect for workers and ethical practices.

Fairmount Minerals recently gave Case (Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland) $2 million to endow a chair in social entrepreneurship at the Weatherhead School of Management. The company gave the school $400,000 more as seed money for the Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit.

There is much more at the title link. Kodos to Fairmount Minerals, Chardon OH.

If people see good, they'll be good

2007-02-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

I did it. This post is with the "New Blogger". I welcome myself to the "New World".

Today's first article of note in the news is about Ervin Peretz and his cafe Terra Bite.

"If people see good, they'll be good," he says.

All payments at his cafe are voluntary. Read the news story at the title link.

Cool View

2007-02-12T20:53:00.000-05:00

This is actually three photos taped together, scanned into Photoshop, transformed into a square shape then repaired at the seams. (One of these days I will have to break down and purchase a digital! I just keep waiting for the one that was taken to be returned to me.)

Anyway, I took the photos last week on a hike with a friend in the Rocky River Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks. It was all of 18 degrees at the time, with a stiff wind from time to time if we emerged from the shelter of the trees and rocks.

Here is what the three photos looked like before I "Photoshopped" them.

Photos copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Emotional Abuse, Verbal Abuse, Racial Prejudice

2007-02-12T08:10:00.000-05:00

I had a dream early this morning in which I had a sizable piece of shiny Plexiglas that I had to store, and the only place was tight against a rough concrete wall.

I do not know how I solved this dream-problem, but somehow my thoughts turned to emotional abuse. Perhaps our spirits are like the clear Plexiglas, and the world around us is full of rough threatening walls.

Emotional abuse can be very subtle. We all know about screaming parents telling their children they are worthless. This is blatant and obvious emotional/verbal abuse. Less obvious is prejudice. (People think they have a right to their prejudices so do not think they are perpetuators of emotional abuse.) The most subtle form of emotional abuse is hidden in love ... not all love, just certain forms of love-relationships.

Anyone wishing to learn about emotional and verbal abuse will find a lot of information at Dr Irene.com.

To learn more about prejudice and race relations, visit Dave Meyer's website Discuss Race.

At the end of Hanging Rock Trail

2007-02-12T00:14:00.000-05:00

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Check out the title link to see another view of this rock.

Cleaning Services, Cleveland area

2007-02-11T23:57:00.000-05:00

I have been meeting a lot of people lately through networking meetings for Art Experiences.

One of the most interesting is Rhonda. I met her at a COSE networking event. Her business is No Time Cleaning Services, serving Northfield Center, Sagamore Hills, Hudson, Aurora, Macedonia, Bedford Heights, Solon, Twinsburg, Hinckley, Medina, Broadview Heights and more.

"I go where there is dirt," she says. She services both residential and commercial customers.

Here is her story.

When asked for her favorite childhood memory, or happening that helped direct where is now in life, she replied,

"I always was fond of organizing things in my room and maintaining items neat in my dresser".

As for her age, "I will tell you this when I get to know you better!" She loves rhythm and blues, the color purple, roast beef, and her favorite vacation is anywhere in Europe. If she had it to do all over again, she would have chosen a profession in medicine.

Rhonda received a B.A. in business administration from Ohio University, also completing Army ROTC and commissioned as Second Lieutenant in 1985. During her 13 years of service Rhonda was stationed at Ft Bragg, North Carolina and in Germany, Korea, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, she commanded a Light Equipment Maintenance Company during Desert Storm/Shield in Doha, Kuwait.

Not only did Rhonda serve in a combat and hostile environment; she also performed under dangerous conditions, jumping out of "perfectly good airplanes" while in flight. "This was training," she responds. "I was assigned to an Airborne unit and that was our mission." Rhonda ended her military service with the rank of captain.

Rhonda's experiences serve her well in her home-grown cleaning business.

"You have no time to clean," she says with a wide grin, "I take care of that for you with the same detail-oriented white glove touch required by the Army. I left the military for the corporate arena, and found it was not the life I wanted. Having my own business and being responsible for satisfying my clients is rewarding and fun."

"Before I started my business I did car detailing. I would detail everyone's car in my family for free because it relaxed me. I would see how shiny I could get the car, how clean I could get the carpet, how many different fragrances of air fresheners I could mix together."

She still does car detailing when weather permits,
Rhonda keeps herself in shape with Tae Kwon Duo - a martial art that emphasizes discipline, perseverance, focus, and physical activity. She has lived in Northfield for a year and a half.

"I love it there. It is so quiet, and the people are very friendly."

She has a beagle puppy named Shannon. Her favorite time of year is spring, when she can again ride her motorcycle.

Relaxing near the top of Hanging Rock Trail

2007-02-11T23:50:00.000-05:00

Snow in Parish, NY

2007-02-11T13:15:00.000-05:00

I can get to Parish from Cleveland on one tank of gas. I am not about to try that this weekend! See photos at title link. More here

Regionalism Fosters Responsibility for Communities and the Environment

2007-02-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

New York Times
OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR
GAR ALPEROVITZ
Published: February 10, 2007

California Split

excerpts ...

SOMETHING interesting is happening in California. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger seems to have grasped the essential truth that no nation - not even the United States - can be managed successfully from the center once it reaches a certain scale. ...

... A recent study by the economists Alberto Alesina of Harvard and Enrico Spolaore of Tufts demonstrates that the bigger the nation, the harder it becomes for the government to meet the needs of its dispersed population. Regions that don't feel well served by the government's distribution of goods and services then have an incentive to take independent action, the economists note.

...writing to Jefferson at a time when the population of the United States was a mere four million, Madison expressed concern that if the nation grew too big, elites at the center would divide and conquer a widely dispersed population, producing "tyranny."

...These days, many nations - including Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, France, Italy and Spain, just to name a few - are devolving power to regions in various ways.

Gar Alperovitz, a professor of political economy at the University of Maryland, College Park, is the author of "America Beyond Capitalism."

Read entire article from title link.

Wind Swept Tree

2007-02-10T21:49:00.000-05:00

Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina.

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Ethanol from Corn IS NOT THE ANSWER

2007-02-10T20:00:00.000-05:00

Ethanol fuels corn cultivation

Farmers drop other crops hoping to cash in on demand

Wednesday, January 24, 2007
John Seewer
Associated Press

Growing cotton is a family tradition on Webb Bozeman's farm in central Mississippi. But not this year.
Inspired by soaring demand for corn to feed the growing ethanol industry, Bozeman is joining a large number of farmers across the country who will plant corn instead of soybeans, wheat and cotton.

Some in the Midwest are ending their longtime practice of rotating plantings of soybeans one year and corn the next, opting to grow corn in consecutive years.

Livestock farmers are turning pastures into cornfields....

... Some farmers are contemplating planting continuous years of corn, but doing that can lead to pest problems and increased costs for fertilizer and seed, said Bruce Erickson, a Purdue University agricultural economist.

Corn prices are so high, though, that it will cost chicken and pork producers more to feed their animals, and that could end up raising prices at grocery stores.

These are excerpts. The complete article is at the title link.

Why is it that no one seems to be writing about the inadvisability of this trend? There is not enough land on earth to feed the hungry vehicles, let alone the people.

Farmland needs to feed people. Pasture land is for animals. Fallow land is to protect fragile ecosystems and to capture carbon dioxide. Ethanol from corn IS NOT THE ANSWER for our dwindling world supply of energy.

First and foremost is energy efficiency and conservation.

Hanging Rock View

2007-02-10T19:58:00.000-05:00

Swamp Thistle

2007-02-10T10:04:00.000-05:00

I took these photos of a Swamp Thistle last summer.

In hunting around for interesting links to go with the photos, I found the identity of the butterfly!

It is a Spicebush Swallowtail.