Sacred Sight - "Get Busy Living"

Where am I?  Who am I?

As a visual artist and screenwriter, I struggled with the point of my skills...I wondered if it was valuable?  Did I have anything to say?  Does it matter?

Matter -- a fascinating concept....

For a long time I was passionate about camera equipment, then the identity/notoriety of being "in film" and finally, leaving a legacy.

One day however, I realized that whether or not I "made it" felt empty.  As far as film is concerned, I've made no-thing.  I was somewhat paralyzed by wanting my opus.  Too much time was spent thinking of what others thought of me...not what I thought of me.

I use my skills every day, but never how I'd expected. 

Life, on purpose...

I think the best summation regarding purpose I've heard, comes from a Wayne Dyer interview, on some of the best advice he's received;

 "Don't die with your music inside of you."

Aquarian Starstone Chart - Rebecca Christenson - 2005

(Created as a storytelling tool after researching leylines)

What uplifts me?  What music do I actually make?  So far it's pretty pictures and random graphic design, laced with the odd poem and reams of data downloads.  As time progresses, I am able to see patterns and make sense of my journey.  I think?

Mind-prisons are interesting and necessary, until they aren't...

This leads me to contemplate the character Red (played by Morgan Freeman), in The Shawshank Redemption.   The monologue from Red's third parole hearing is a great screen moment...

Now that my cage doors are opened and I have freedom, what do I do?  What about world peace?  What about walking in the sunshine and diving in the tropics? 

Do I go forward, or freak out and do something that will send me right back into personal lock-down?

Me in Trunk Bay - One of the biggest surprises of my life - 2006

Red walked in an uncertain daze for awhile.  He was unable take a leak without his Manager's permission.  Programming takes time to undo...

Who are "They"?

What fills my time now "they" are gone?  There is no one telling me who I am, what I should like, how to be, who to love, determining my personal value?  Transitions are not easy.  At times I look around at a world I don't feel part of, and know what it requires to rejoin...but stop myself.

I don't want that world.  I wait in the space in between for some indication of life-path...and assemble random creations, all part of a bigger picture.

"First Telling" Sample Book Cover - Aquarian Creations 2008

Artwork by Jennifer Christenson - Layout Rebecca Christenson)

"Get busy living"

Red began to follow a treasure hunt set up by a friend who loved him...

I'm doing that as well.  Personally, there are vast treasures awaiting discovery within.

AND, in a tradional-epic sense, the global grid of sacred sites awaits reactivation... When we re-member how...They'll lay dorment, as long as it takes.  Much like Red's out-of-place obsidian, beneath a conspicuous oak tree.  

Am I courageous enough to want my version of Zihuatenajo?  It is "not too much to ask".

"3 Friends on the way to Molokini" - Rebecca Christenson - 1998

"I hope I can make it across the border.

I hope to see my friend and shake his hand.

I hope the pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams.

(beat)

I hope."

Screenplay by Frank Darabont 
(based on the Steven King Novella - 
Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption)

Hope implies a better future... 

I know it isn't very Zen or Now-ish, but I am an eternal optimist.  I accept and love what is, while making daily improvements to my world.

Time is an illusion unto itself, besides hope springs eternal!  

Sacred Sight - Feelings on "The Shift"

"Freedom means you are unobstructed in living your life as you choose. Anything less is a form of slavery."

Wayne Dyer

I want to thank all of life's teachers throughout time -- those who left behind work for us to study.  We are re-membering who we are.

Our access to information is unlike anything in recent millennia, including the ability to travel and study ancient architecture and technology.

"Stonehenge in Spring" - Jennifer Christenson - Oil on Canvas - 2008 

(www.aquarian-creations.ca/Sirens_swords_gallery/#gallery)

One of first concepts taught in communications/marketing was that of propaganda.  Manipulation is easy when people are broke and stupid.

Furthermore, If you exploit said depletion, many products can be marketed to fill the void.  The science of lack is a conscious effort, but lead to great things.

A by-product of industrial capitalism is increasing equality.  Oops?  Nah, divine perfection.  So...what are Have-More's doing with freedom and time?

Waking up...

As we step back from crazy-making cycles, the bigger picture shows itself.  Chasing tail is recognized.  It includes; vexing over consumer debt, insatiable greed, fear, controlling behaviours...blah, blah...

Distraction occurs at the microcosmic level of the family, right on up...It is likely most of us have experienced both sides of these agreements - Oppressor and Oppressed.  Both have a dramatic payoff and yet, both leave us wanting...


I have awakened...NOW what?

Be joyful and bring joy to the world!  Your way, without imposing on other folk's journeys.

But how?  When we stop out doing each other with the next big, shiny toy...it all seems as silly as the Easter Bunny (see previous blog entry).

Especially when we have work to do.

Third Eye Mandala - Jennifer Christenson - Acrylic on Canvas - 2007

Silly is as silly does...

It is healthy to have a humble chuckle over previous caught-up-ness and to honour teachers who helped with a break-through.

Teachers can be a bit like a totem I don't want (ie. moths - also a previous blog entry).  I learn from difficult ones, almost more than those easy to love...time included.

"The Eyes of Time" - Rebecca Christenson - 2007 - Big Ben, London

Life as we knew it is over.
The signs are everywhere and they are beautiful!

Crop Circle, Stettler, AB - Rebecca Christenson - 2009

Namaste

Mermaid LemonAid - Outing the Easter Bunny

"And you can break yourself free from your hereditary patterns, cultural codes, social beliefs; and prove once and for all that the power within you is greater than the power that's in the world."

Michael Beckwith

Last night I had to face my part in the "great cover up".  I can no longer lie to my children about various magical (fake) creatures, for the purposes of...what is the purpose again???

As bedtime approached last Saturday, my youngest worked herself into a terror about a giant rabbit in our house.  It didn't matter that it came bearing sweet treats...or that it might be tiny...or cute...

I tried to settle the kids numerous times.  Every time I shifted weight (while sitting on the floor between beds), they gripped my hands "Don't Leave!"

Hmmm...how could I calm them?  I tried various reassurances, even saying I would not let the critter in, instead it could leave things outside the door...then I'd hide the eggs for him...  Then realized -- this is stupid!

Why should I make it okay that a "something" was allowed into our home, to bring them treats???

Soooo -- I outed the bunny -- My oldest was very mad at me for lying (rightly so).  The younger was relieved I would have treats ready in the morning.

Then I was asked "Why did you lie?"  "Why to parents lie?"

Why indeed?  I don't want to condition kids not to trust themselves.  I don't want to condition them to be manipulated by their parents.  Hmmm...

Good questions -- hard questions to answer in an age appropriate way...I kept talking until they stopped probing.

I continued to wonder (after they were sleeping...).   Is it because of the hierarchical structure and higher ups lying to us?  Is it because parents need to play make-believe and can't get there on their own accord?  

"When you know better, you do better..."(I heard that on Oprah - not sure who to credit).

Ending a lie is easy, but you need courage to face angry fallout (by those lied to).  I took the anger.  It was deserved and soon we were giggling.  I got the new title "Easter Mommy" and was asked to hop out of the room.

I obliged.

I spoke to my girls about miracles (their life for starters...), which make a rabbit doling out junkfood seem --- well --- silly.  It's still fun to make treasure hunts for kids, so why not just do that openly?

New life and rebirth celebrations are relevant and important, but one look around these days and it's apparent when and how people take it  too far.  No matter -- it's the pendulum.  Our family will find its midpoint one day at a time.

Wishing you a Bright and Joyous Spring in Your Steps!