Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Only Kindness Matters - Jewel
“Only Kindness Matters” Jewel
(article written for Wholife Journal "Angels In Action" feature March/April issue 2010 )
A neatly bearded, gentle, soft-spoken, humble, yet undeniably powerful, James Folster, our featured Angel In Action, is a true example of the nature of humanitarians, or a Mystic without a Monestary as author Caroline Myss would say, that are quietly and faithfully bringing positive change and love to our world.
Growing up on a farm in central Saskatchewan, James describes his personality as a child, as painfully shy, timid, anxious and very withdrawn. His father was (still is) a musician and from the time he can remember, everyone around him drank and partied. His circle was deeply entrenched in this lifestyle – siblings, neighbours, cousins, friends, except for his Mother who didn’t drink at all.
By his early teens this was James path as well. Drugs and alcohol became an everyday habit. Loss of precious relationships, broken homes, friends and family members in jail, suicide, fatal injuries, law breaking, all ingredients in the mix.
Life for James for the next 20 or so years was one big soul-defeating, relationship destroying, body poisoning, mind numbing, life-force crushing party.
By now he was married and had two young daughters. One day, upon returning home to his family after a 3-day binge, something inside cried out for James to stop. And he stopped cold turkey.
Shortly after making the decision to give up the alcohol and drugs, James explains that he found a path to God, the Supreme Creator, and describes his spirituality as trusting his own sense of God, like a surrendering, where he asks for strength, and continues to seek answers by listening quietly, turning things over in prayer, and following this guidance.
In 2002, while sharing a meal with his dear friend Marilyn in a local diner a few days before Christmas, they observed an older gentlemen who regularly ate alone. Marilyn commented “somebody should do something for people like that at Christmas”, and then exclaimed, “hey wait a minute, we’re somebody!”
Upon that sudden inspiration, they decided to organize a Christmas dinner at the local senior citizens hall for people alone at Christmas. A church donated food, volunteers showed up, musicians came to play, and for the next 4 years it was a popular seasonal event with 15 or more people sharing Christmas dinner together, who would otherwise be alone.
A few years ago James was diagnosed with a chronic illness, Essential Tremors, which threw him into a tail spin. Unable to work, he spent the next 6 months in a deep depression, anxious and unsure of what the future held, until he choose to accept the situation and make the best of it.
The “best of it” is an understatement. This was the catalyst for a new direction on James’ path. A path now filled with inspiration, compassion and kindness. Knowing intimately what it is like to be alone, hungry and cold, he holds no judgment of where people are in life. He say’s “if you need help, you need help”. “Blaming people for their choices and situation does nothing to help them, so just help them!”
Living with a disability gave James a new perspective on life. It has opened many doors for him that he could never have imagined. He accepted an opportunity to be trained as a facilitator for a Living Well with Chronic Illness support group, a task that previously, due to low self-esteem, anxiety and shyness, would have terrified him.
Following his divine guidance, he was inspired to create a place where people living on their own, new to the area, or wanting to engage in new friendships, he organized a monthly gathering called the Adult Friendship Group in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. He is clear that this is not a dating or singles club. The Adult Friendship Group will celebrate its second year in February with a core group “regulars” from all walks of life, enjoying these casual gatherings with potluck meals, card games, movies and companionship.
A year ago, while watching a documentary on television, he learned of a woman in Nova Scotia who started dances for people with disabilities. Inspiration of the heart took hold once again and James shared this idea with a local not for profit organization. The program coordinator enthusiastically embraced his ideas, and with her support, along with the help of volunteers, local businesses, and a DJ, themed dances are now held monthly with attendance now topping 80 people per dance.
More recently, a dedicated group of community members and organizations have formed, in response to James newest calling and mission of service, a Collective Kitchen planning team. His idea is driven by his desire to see that “everyone” has access to a warm meal, in the companionship of others, and an opportunity to learn how to prepare, with assistance if required, their own nutritious meals.
A lover of animals, James shares a small acreage with 7 beloved miniature goats and 20 chickens. Caring for them ensures that he gets out of bed each day with a purpose. His generous nature is once again evident by the dozens of eggs he gives to family and friends, and the local food bank. He says if the Collective Kitchen project gets underway, he’ll raise chickens to contribute too!
On January 20, 2010, during the Humboldt & Area Community Inclusion Support Centre monthly dance, James was awarded the Partners for Rural Family Support Peace Award for 2010. The Peace Award, sponsored by SaskEnergy, is given to an individual who has shown exceptional dedication to helping the community.
Asked what brings him peace of mind, he leans back in his chair, puts his hand over his heart, and shares that when he sees people at the dances or the Friendship Group laughing, dancing, connecting and enjoying the company of others, he breathes a deep sigh of satisfaction and his heart fills with joy. “It does the heart good.”
Carol Marriott is a Certified Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) Specialist and the “Lead Mare” at Ravenheart Farms near Humboldt, SK. For more information, workshop dates, and/or private or group sessions call (306) 682-4641, email: ravenheart@yourlink.ca, or visit: www.ravenheartfarms.com and see the colour display in Wholife Journal: www.wholife.com
(article written for Wholife Journal "Angels In Action" feature March/April issue 2010 )
A neatly bearded, gentle, soft-spoken, humble, yet undeniably powerful, James Folster, our featured Angel In Action, is a true example of the nature of humanitarians, or a Mystic without a Monestary as author Caroline Myss would say, that are quietly and faithfully bringing positive change and love to our world.
Growing up on a farm in central Saskatchewan, James describes his personality as a child, as painfully shy, timid, anxious and very withdrawn. His father was (still is) a musician and from the time he can remember, everyone around him drank and partied. His circle was deeply entrenched in this lifestyle – siblings, neighbours, cousins, friends, except for his Mother who didn’t drink at all.
By his early teens this was James path as well. Drugs and alcohol became an everyday habit. Loss of precious relationships, broken homes, friends and family members in jail, suicide, fatal injuries, law breaking, all ingredients in the mix.
Life for James for the next 20 or so years was one big soul-defeating, relationship destroying, body poisoning, mind numbing, life-force crushing party.
By now he was married and had two young daughters. One day, upon returning home to his family after a 3-day binge, something inside cried out for James to stop. And he stopped cold turkey.
Shortly after making the decision to give up the alcohol and drugs, James explains that he found a path to God, the Supreme Creator, and describes his spirituality as trusting his own sense of God, like a surrendering, where he asks for strength, and continues to seek answers by listening quietly, turning things over in prayer, and following this guidance.
In 2002, while sharing a meal with his dear friend Marilyn in a local diner a few days before Christmas, they observed an older gentlemen who regularly ate alone. Marilyn commented “somebody should do something for people like that at Christmas”, and then exclaimed, “hey wait a minute, we’re somebody!”
Upon that sudden inspiration, they decided to organize a Christmas dinner at the local senior citizens hall for people alone at Christmas. A church donated food, volunteers showed up, musicians came to play, and for the next 4 years it was a popular seasonal event with 15 or more people sharing Christmas dinner together, who would otherwise be alone.
A few years ago James was diagnosed with a chronic illness, Essential Tremors, which threw him into a tail spin. Unable to work, he spent the next 6 months in a deep depression, anxious and unsure of what the future held, until he choose to accept the situation and make the best of it.
The “best of it” is an understatement. This was the catalyst for a new direction on James’ path. A path now filled with inspiration, compassion and kindness. Knowing intimately what it is like to be alone, hungry and cold, he holds no judgment of where people are in life. He say’s “if you need help, you need help”. “Blaming people for their choices and situation does nothing to help them, so just help them!”
Living with a disability gave James a new perspective on life. It has opened many doors for him that he could never have imagined. He accepted an opportunity to be trained as a facilitator for a Living Well with Chronic Illness support group, a task that previously, due to low self-esteem, anxiety and shyness, would have terrified him.
Following his divine guidance, he was inspired to create a place where people living on their own, new to the area, or wanting to engage in new friendships, he organized a monthly gathering called the Adult Friendship Group in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. He is clear that this is not a dating or singles club. The Adult Friendship Group will celebrate its second year in February with a core group “regulars” from all walks of life, enjoying these casual gatherings with potluck meals, card games, movies and companionship.
A year ago, while watching a documentary on television, he learned of a woman in Nova Scotia who started dances for people with disabilities. Inspiration of the heart took hold once again and James shared this idea with a local not for profit organization. The program coordinator enthusiastically embraced his ideas, and with her support, along with the help of volunteers, local businesses, and a DJ, themed dances are now held monthly with attendance now topping 80 people per dance.
More recently, a dedicated group of community members and organizations have formed, in response to James newest calling and mission of service, a Collective Kitchen planning team. His idea is driven by his desire to see that “everyone” has access to a warm meal, in the companionship of others, and an opportunity to learn how to prepare, with assistance if required, their own nutritious meals.
A lover of animals, James shares a small acreage with 7 beloved miniature goats and 20 chickens. Caring for them ensures that he gets out of bed each day with a purpose. His generous nature is once again evident by the dozens of eggs he gives to family and friends, and the local food bank. He says if the Collective Kitchen project gets underway, he’ll raise chickens to contribute too!
On January 20, 2010, during the Humboldt & Area Community Inclusion Support Centre monthly dance, James was awarded the Partners for Rural Family Support Peace Award for 2010. The Peace Award, sponsored by SaskEnergy, is given to an individual who has shown exceptional dedication to helping the community.
Asked what brings him peace of mind, he leans back in his chair, puts his hand over his heart, and shares that when he sees people at the dances or the Friendship Group laughing, dancing, connecting and enjoying the company of others, he breathes a deep sigh of satisfaction and his heart fills with joy. “It does the heart good.”
Carol Marriott is a Certified Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) Specialist and the “Lead Mare” at Ravenheart Farms near Humboldt, SK. For more information, workshop dates, and/or private or group sessions call (306) 682-4641, email: ravenheart@yourlink.ca, or visit: www.ravenheartfarms.com and see the colour display in Wholife Journal: www.wholife.com
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Calling all "handypersons"!
If you love the quiet, country life, wide open spaces, big sky, gentle horses, friendly dogs, playful barn cats and endless creative project opportunties, like renovating an old barn, creating a writers or artists cabin in the woods, building a new home for the pigeons/horse shelter/feeding troughs, gardening, composting, scooping poop, clearing trails, and many other creative opportunities, then come to Ravenheart! If you are mature, fun, adaptable, energetic, easy-going, self-sufficient, a great cook, love people and animals, and enjoy quiet, reflective down-time too, can fix, repair, create, maintain, and are looking for time away from your everyday life, time to contemplate, explore, meditate, write, paint, create, heal, grieve, dance, sing, read, relax - then we can provide that opportunity too. Room and board provided in exchange for 30 hours/week. This is a building year at Ravenheart...and as they say "if you build it, they will come". Well I say, "come and build it, and you'll have fun!" You never know what awaits you here. So if you, or someone you know, would benefit from a change and an adventure, pass this on!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
If I should die today...
This is what I'd say. Thank you dear God for this journey. Thank you for Your whispers to my soul, and for Your shouts as well.
Thank you for the lessons and the gifts. Thank you for filling my heart to the brim with a love for all creatures, and the sweet appreciation of a prairie sunrise.
If I should die today, I would leave this physical body deeply fulfilled and grateful. As I write I feel a richness fill me up, thick and sweet like caramel and chocolate, flowing up and out of my heart like those chocolate fountains you see at fine buffets.
Greeted this morning by 6 gentle equines eager for their morning hay, I watched with contentment as Rosie, the newest sweet mare in the herd (and heart horse for Susan), ate side by side with Raven and Sugar and I reflected on the nature of horses to sort their "order" out quickly and return to grazing. As they all munched quietly in the soft morning air, I moved around the paddocks removing their "deposits" from the day prior. The sound of gunshots in the distance broke my reverie for a moment, as I silently said a little blessing for the winged-ones who won't make the journey south.
The act of "scooping" provides much time for reflection. A perfect meditation and exercise combined. I listen carefully to my thoughts. My mind is open and relaxed this morning and the insights come quickly and gently, unlike the defeating thoughts of the evening before.
Now, this present moment, right here, on a farm, surrounded by horses and dogs, cats and the wild creatures, grass and trees and open skies, an abundance of fresh and healthy food, exquisite coffee, organic cream, and an abundance of creature comforts...I am filled with deep gratitude. And...I hear myself say...if I should die today...that is ok.
And yet...there is so much more to say...so until the day that I am called...I'll just say...I love you...all of you...who walk this path on mother earth...my beloveds...I extend this Peace to you.
"May you be at Peace. May your Hearts remain open. May you discover the spirit of your true nature. May you be healed. May you be a source of healing for all beings".
Namaste
Thank you for the lessons and the gifts. Thank you for filling my heart to the brim with a love for all creatures, and the sweet appreciation of a prairie sunrise.
If I should die today, I would leave this physical body deeply fulfilled and grateful. As I write I feel a richness fill me up, thick and sweet like caramel and chocolate, flowing up and out of my heart like those chocolate fountains you see at fine buffets.
Greeted this morning by 6 gentle equines eager for their morning hay, I watched with contentment as Rosie, the newest sweet mare in the herd (and heart horse for Susan), ate side by side with Raven and Sugar and I reflected on the nature of horses to sort their "order" out quickly and return to grazing. As they all munched quietly in the soft morning air, I moved around the paddocks removing their "deposits" from the day prior. The sound of gunshots in the distance broke my reverie for a moment, as I silently said a little blessing for the winged-ones who won't make the journey south.
The act of "scooping" provides much time for reflection. A perfect meditation and exercise combined. I listen carefully to my thoughts. My mind is open and relaxed this morning and the insights come quickly and gently, unlike the defeating thoughts of the evening before.
Now, this present moment, right here, on a farm, surrounded by horses and dogs, cats and the wild creatures, grass and trees and open skies, an abundance of fresh and healthy food, exquisite coffee, organic cream, and an abundance of creature comforts...I am filled with deep gratitude. And...I hear myself say...if I should die today...that is ok.
And yet...there is so much more to say...so until the day that I am called...I'll just say...I love you...all of you...who walk this path on mother earth...my beloveds...I extend this Peace to you.
"May you be at Peace. May your Hearts remain open. May you discover the spirit of your true nature. May you be healed. May you be a source of healing for all beings".
Namaste
Monday, May 4, 2009
Living Consciously - by Rev. Carol Carnes
Living Consciously May 1, 2009
Dear friends,
In Hawaii they call it the coconut wireless. In small towns it is barber shop news. For most of us it is the internet or CNN. Called by any name, the spread of a story is fast, and like rumors of all kinds, takes on enormous proportions. Group Think is my new name for it. It is the phenomenon of sharing a belief with many others, whether or not it is actually true. Soon there is panic or a mob or simply a wave of fear that distracts us from the real issues we need to be creatively solving.
Personally, we can live our whole lives believing something that is not true. The problem is, we act on our beliefs, which are inner promptings that cause behaviours. We also tend to want to enrol as many other people as possible in them! We want buy in and agreement and we will go to great lengths to get it. Defending beliefs is the great pastime of humanity.
Some of our erroneous beliefs are simply unexamined impressions we brought with us from childhood. It is like a juicy piece of gossip that becomes our ticket to center stage as we tell it again and again. We develop a story about ourselves and unintentionally, we live it out and prove it to be so. A good exercise is to identify those limiting beliefs we have carried with us for years; such as I am unworthy of love, or I am damaged or There is not enough of anything for everybody. Then ask ourself, Is that true? Our first response might be YES but after some honest reflection we will have to admit it is nothing but gossip and childish thinking.
Today start a new rumor about yourself. Say I am happy, healthy, wealthy and wise. It is a good start to a new belief that happens to be true. Let it spread throughout your body and mind. Soon you will be telling a new story.
Peace and Blessings,
Rev Carol Carnes www.positiveliving.org
Dear friends,
In Hawaii they call it the coconut wireless. In small towns it is barber shop news. For most of us it is the internet or CNN. Called by any name, the spread of a story is fast, and like rumors of all kinds, takes on enormous proportions. Group Think is my new name for it. It is the phenomenon of sharing a belief with many others, whether or not it is actually true. Soon there is panic or a mob or simply a wave of fear that distracts us from the real issues we need to be creatively solving.
Personally, we can live our whole lives believing something that is not true. The problem is, we act on our beliefs, which are inner promptings that cause behaviours. We also tend to want to enrol as many other people as possible in them! We want buy in and agreement and we will go to great lengths to get it. Defending beliefs is the great pastime of humanity.
Some of our erroneous beliefs are simply unexamined impressions we brought with us from childhood. It is like a juicy piece of gossip that becomes our ticket to center stage as we tell it again and again. We develop a story about ourselves and unintentionally, we live it out and prove it to be so. A good exercise is to identify those limiting beliefs we have carried with us for years; such as I am unworthy of love, or I am damaged or There is not enough of anything for everybody. Then ask ourself, Is that true? Our first response might be YES but after some honest reflection we will have to admit it is nothing but gossip and childish thinking.
Today start a new rumor about yourself. Say I am happy, healthy, wealthy and wise. It is a good start to a new belief that happens to be true. Let it spread throughout your body and mind. Soon you will be telling a new story.
Peace and Blessings,
Rev Carol Carnes www.positiveliving.org
For the love of Saskatchewan...
To My Knees
I step out into the October night
leaving the sweet, sensual fragrance
of a rural Saskatchewan coffee house,
I breathe in the crisp fall air
fresh, still and clean
My heart thankful for poets,
kindred spirits,
Bearing their souls on tender tongues
Feeling, as I might,
the desire to capture the essence
of this "Heavenly" land.
Like a diamond in the rough,
the beauty lies deep,
uncovered only by eyes
willing to look deeper,
beyond perceptions
of prairie nakedness,
beholding the beauty
of crimson skies.
Lost in the reverie
as I navigate the winding road,
I am called abruptly to awareness,
hearing the rattle of cd’s
sliding to the floor,
as I brake suddenly,
in split second timing,
allowing the graceful deer,
to bound across in safety.
The warm lights
of a country farm home,
guide me along,
and up a dark and lengthy driveway.
My arrival is greeted
with furry exuberance,
canines and felines,
and
the soft, welcoming nicker
of equines,
red, white, black and gold,
nuzzling, their sweet breath on my cheek,
anticipating their evening hay.
Looking up,
I spot the Harvest moon,
Softly encircled by downy clouds,
shimmering in the moonlight,
a sight,
that takes me to my knees
in gratitude.
- Carol Marriott -
I step out into the October night
leaving the sweet, sensual fragrance
of a rural Saskatchewan coffee house,
I breathe in the crisp fall air
fresh, still and clean
My heart thankful for poets,
kindred spirits,
Bearing their souls on tender tongues
Feeling, as I might,
the desire to capture the essence
of this "Heavenly" land.
Like a diamond in the rough,
the beauty lies deep,
uncovered only by eyes
willing to look deeper,
beyond perceptions
of prairie nakedness,
beholding the beauty
of crimson skies.
Lost in the reverie
as I navigate the winding road,
I am called abruptly to awareness,
hearing the rattle of cd’s
sliding to the floor,
as I brake suddenly,
in split second timing,
allowing the graceful deer,
to bound across in safety.
The warm lights
of a country farm home,
guide me along,
and up a dark and lengthy driveway.
My arrival is greeted
with furry exuberance,
canines and felines,
and
the soft, welcoming nicker
of equines,
red, white, black and gold,
nuzzling, their sweet breath on my cheek,
anticipating their evening hay.
Looking up,
I spot the Harvest moon,
Softly encircled by downy clouds,
shimmering in the moonlight,
a sight,
that takes me to my knees
in gratitude.
- Carol Marriott -
Spring and love and all good things...
Love’s Magnificent Flower
Love, like a seed that lies snugly beneath the earth,
healthy, whole, sustained and independent
waiting
content and peacefully held in this rich
and nurturing place,
surrounded by earthly nutrients,
an inner knowing of the
magnificence that its soft shell gently covers.
As season’s change…
the long winter chill gradually retreats,
the warm spring sun begins to softly caress
the earth,
a recognition stirs deep within,
a remembering of past seasons in the sun.
Awakened and sprouting beneath the earth, its sturdy stem slowly rising,
moving steadily upwards towards the warmth and light gently calling it forth,
concurrently sprouting and planting strong and healthy roots
beneath it,
spreading and stretching,
grounding and anchoring
held securely in the fertile “Mother Earth” soil,
resembling the friends and family that support our dreams,
offering their love, care and encouragement,
recognizing in us what we may not be able to see for ourselves,
and nurturing us as we bloom and grow,
celebrating as we find our place in the beauty of life’s splendid garden…
this garden of divine and magnificent love.
- Carol Marriott -
Love, like a seed that lies snugly beneath the earth,
healthy, whole, sustained and independent
waiting
content and peacefully held in this rich
and nurturing place,
surrounded by earthly nutrients,
an inner knowing of the
magnificence that its soft shell gently covers.
As season’s change…
the long winter chill gradually retreats,
the warm spring sun begins to softly caress
the earth,
a recognition stirs deep within,
a remembering of past seasons in the sun.
Awakened and sprouting beneath the earth, its sturdy stem slowly rising,
moving steadily upwards towards the warmth and light gently calling it forth,
concurrently sprouting and planting strong and healthy roots
beneath it,
spreading and stretching,
grounding and anchoring
held securely in the fertile “Mother Earth” soil,
resembling the friends and family that support our dreams,
offering their love, care and encouragement,
recognizing in us what we may not be able to see for ourselves,
and nurturing us as we bloom and grow,
celebrating as we find our place in the beauty of life’s splendid garden…
this garden of divine and magnificent love.
- Carol Marriott -
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