Four Signs You Are a Warrior of the Love Revolution!

Feeling sadness about the state of our world? Don't despair. It just may mean you are a warrior of the Love Revolution! We all have unique and important roles to play in these extraordinary times.of shifting consciousness. Are you being called to rise up and make the contribution that only you can make? Subscribe to this blog, visit WakingPlanet.com and join the Waking Planet group on Facebook! Let's support each other in these transformative times!

"Hate Cannot Drive Out Hate; Only Love Can Do That"

This has always been one of my favorite quotes of Dr King, but the expanded quote makes it even better and never has it been as apropos as it is today.

“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, 

begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy.
Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it.
Through violence you may murder the liar,
but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth.
Through violence you may murder the hater,
but you do not murder hate.
In fact, violence merely increases hate.
So it goes.
Returning violence for violence multiplies violence,
adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness:
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

New Paltz Women in Black is in its 15th year of standing for peace and justice every Saturday (on Main St in front of the Elting Library- 12:45-1:30 PM, New Paltz, NY). If you are in the area, all peace-loving people are welcome to join us!

"Imagine" Photo by April Hubbard, hand painted by Barbara Upton

Pond Friends in Stone and Rock!

Pond Friends                                                                                                                                                   B Upton

I began this little stone project in August quite spontaneously. I was lifting sod off rocks my husband laid down years ago. After all that tugging and pulling I had just a little space cleared and thought -now I'll reward myself by creating a little spiral, and it all flowed from there! It took forever to create and it may have some resemblance to Tibetan sand art, as I didn't prepare the ground as I should have. The whole thing may eventually wash into the pond. A lesson in non-attachment!

It was a pleasurable and grounding experience during a challenging time in my life. I lost my best friend a few months ago, both of my sons were facing difficulties, I had surgery in May (a new hip- I recommend it!) and I did this project while waiting for results from another medical issue that came up. Thankfully, those results came in OK. Just sitting and digging into the earth and arranging rocks and stones felt very healing. 

I was also surprised to have a regular visitor while I worked. In the beginning, he just watched me for long periods, then he ventured very close and at one point even hopped into my lap! I didn't get that shot, but you can just make him out below, between my legs. Froggy also hung out with his cousin Lizard (below). I wanted to create a frog in stone (they are so ubiquitous in this pond) but instead, the minnow, lizard, turtle, snake and dragonfly showed up. This little fellow seemed to say it was OK - the frogs approved.

There was also a dragonfly that often landed on the stone dragonfly! Here it is - ready for take-off. I've interspersed photos of the rock project with wild flowers growing near the pond. I hope you enjoy!

Dragon or Damselfly?

Clover

Queen Anne's Lace Ready to Bloom

The Turtle

Blooming Wild Flower

The Overseer

Vertical Shot- the pond is to the right

Butterfly on White Butterfly Bush (not planted- a volunteer)

The Lizard
                                   

The Minnow

Lastly, here is the frog hanging out with me and a little fun I had with shadows. May the blessings of our divine, natural world also soothe and strengthen you on your life journey! 

  

Pluto's Message

                                                                                                                                                                               B Upton

"God's Wife" and Other Truths Revealed in Art Show, "Truth Out"

God's Wife

"God's Wife"                                                                                  Acrylic by Barbara Upton

On Saturday, October 18 from 4 to 7 PM there will be an art show double header at the Unframed Artists Gallery, 173 Huguenot Street in New Paltz, NY. In the Big Room Gallery, there will be a special, end of show party for the provocative art exhibit, "Truth Out". Artists have explored and exposed what has been hidden, ranging from the personal; with subjects such as domestic violence and over-prescription use, to the political; exposing fracking, nuclear dangers, wars and assassinations. It really is a must see show. 

It is also the opening of a new show "Exuberance" in the Main Gallery. Unframed Artists Gallery on Facebook said this about "Exuberance" 

"To soften the night, walk the twinkling path to the Main Gallery and enjoy the lush colors and dynamic compositions in 

fabric, paint on canvas, drawings, sculpture and and glazed ceramics as 24 artists of the Hudson Valley share feelings of 

excitement, awe and joy. Light refreshments will be served. 


For "Truth Out" I chose to depict a woman who is usually cropped out of Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam"on the Sistine Chapel. Most of us are familiar with this:

and this:

But did you ever notice God’s left arm is wrapped around a bare-breasted, young beauty?

Scholars think she may be representing the Shekinah, also known as Sophia, God’s beloved from the Kabbalah which Michelangelo would have been exposed to at the Platonic Academy. The Gnostic gospels discovered in 1946, show that the triad of these early Christians was The Father, The Mother and The Son. In Aramaic, the language of Jesus, the word for God was Abwoon, which translates as Father/Mother God. So the idea that God had a wife and she was also divine was a given in those times.

But it didn’t take the church fathers (not a mother among them) long to erase any mention of the sacred feminine from church doctrine. Instead, women and female sexuality have been demonized for the past 5,000 years! We are now paying the price for this severe imbalance that alienates humans from the earth, each other and from their deepest selves.

To me, this woman represents the rebirth of the Divine Feminine – the healing balm our world so desperately needs at this time.

She has been hidden for thousands of years, but now is her time and women and men who choose compassion over competition, peace over war and love over fear are the vehicles for her expression.

When the masculine and feminine are in equal balance, a new era will commence - a world that works for everyone!

Intriguing "Truth Out" Art Show

"Issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, war, hegemony 

and environmental degradation are at once revealed, yet addressed 

with concise sensitivity." New Paltz Times 9/18

Unfortunately, my caption function is not working today. The artists from top to bottom, after the group shot, are: Jean Tansey, Catherine Randall (curator) Laura Bolles, Ila Ahulja (2),  Mernie Baker, Laura Lanchanten, Linda Mockler, Paul Sandiford, Ruth Pine, Michele Riddell, and Holly K Jackson. I am sorry to say I don't know who did "Criminalize Fracking" - but could it be Michele Riddell?  Many other intriguing works are not shown here. Thank you to ALL the exhibitors who made this show so successful and memorable.

See you there Saturday, Oct 18 from 4 to 7 PM! Don't forget, it is also the opening of the show "Exuberance" in the Main Gallery.

Clear Stream Media: Justice for Michael Brown, Justice for All

Clear Stream Media: Justice for Michael Brown, Justice for All: New York City Thursday Night                                                         anonymous@youranonlive- PopularResistance.org Thou...

Back to My First Love

                                                                                                                                                                             Photo: B Upton

So after over a year, I'm happy to be posting on this blog again. I realize I have been out of balance this past year, devoting much of my time to activism - joining the millions rising up around the world to protect the earth and to co-create a world that works for everyone. But that means much of my energy has been against. I would much rather devote my time to sharing positive visions of the new world we are creating! 

But when threats are imminent to such things as our air, water, food and democracy, I think one has to face those challenges squarely, share information and participate in nonviolent, group action to right current wrongs. There is plenty to work on, including opposing:
 

New Yorkers against Fracking            photo: Jodiah Jacobs

• the attempted corporate global coup- aka the TPP (Transpacific Parntership) and its Atlantic counterpart 
• fracking in New York 
• the genetic modification of our food supply 
• the growing inequality chasm between the elite 1% and the rest of us, corruption, racism and more.

Waking Planet was my first blog - where I wanted to share the good news of our awakening world. It is the one closest to my heart. So although I will provide links to Clear Stream Media and Hudson Valley for No GMOs, I will simply share words and images here that I hope remind you of the sacredness and unity of all life; including the love you are at your core! 

The first image I am sharing after this long hiatus, is of a flower I photographed that revealed a little earth angel (no photoshop needed) who had a message to share! I hope it doesn't sound too contradictory to talk about facing problems, yet worry less, but I think once we do accept reality as it is and do our best to right wrongs, then we can let go and remember to enjoy the moment. We can replace thoughts of constant worry with love and appreciation for what we have.

I dedicate this image to my dear, dear friend Monika- who is a shining star of inspiration to me and to many others. She shares her compassion, wit and wisdom in this video I did of an art auction we recently held for her.

So let's accept Monika's invitation to "be at ease as much as possible each day and to enjoy life". I hope Waking Planet contributes to your peace and enjoyment.

No GMOs!

Sorry I have not been posting here in awhile- I've been pretty busy (as you can see from this video!).
Will be posting some neat stuff very soon.

If GMOs in our food supply is troubling to you (it should be) I hope you will check out our other new blog- Hudson Valley for No GMOs and join us on FB GMO? OMG! Hudson Valley for No GMOs.

The tide is turning. People are waking up to the dangers of GMOs and insisting that our food be labeled like it is in most industrialized nations! If this is new to you, hope you will do some research. What is more important than what we feed ourselves and our families? We have the power and it is time to use it.

Hope this finds you well and happy.

Clear Stream Media: Terrorism, Heroism and the Long Suffering of War

Clear Stream Media: Terrorism, Heroism and the Long Suffering of War: From the Occupy Wall St Light Brigade and the Illuminator Collective The rest of that quote from Martin Luther King is:  "Hate c...

International Women's Day 2013 - SUNY New Paltz, NY

"When women's rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!"

Women are rising up all over the world to demand an end to violence against women and for equal work, equal pay, equal choice and equal rights!  

At this commemoration of the 102nd anniversary of International Women's Day, 225 braved a freak snowstorm in New Paltz, NY to hear informative and inspirational speakers, hear great music and poetry and share in the good energy of people; female and male, young and old, black and white, and from all backgrounds, coming together to take a stand for women's rights!

The event was part of a nationwide action initiated by W.O.R.D.- Women Organized to Resist and Defend. Visit this new "grassroots, feminist organization dedicated to building the struggle for women's rights and equality for all" at http://defendwomensrights.org/.

Read more about the event, including summaries of some great speeches and a list of our 55(!) sponsors- http://activistnewsletter.blogspot.com/2013/03/03-14-13-activist-newsletter.html They included New Paltz Women in Black, a group I am a proud member of, the NY Civil Liberties Union, Hudson Valley Labor Federation, Amnesty International (mid-Hudson), Progressive Academic Network (SUNY), Ulster County Democratic Women and many. many more. Such widespread support is an acknowledgment of the fact that although we have come far in advancing women's rights, we still have far to go. It is also a response to the current reactionary forces that would take away our basic rights and our collective determination to not let that happen.

Thanks to the Mid-Hudson Activist Newsletter, especially to Donna Goodman, for organizing, to all who took part and to all who braved a snowstorm to attend! Hope you enjoy the video.

The Angels Are among Us

The Angels are among us.  They are all around you if you but open your eyes to See them.  They are the people around you with their Light on and with Love flowing from their Hearts.  They are the tears you cry when you weep with Compassion at what may be happening in your own Life or the Lives of others.  They are the ones who show you kindness when the kindness has left your own Heart.  They are the Atlas that holds the weight of the World on their shoulders and they are the Atlas that is the Roadmap to Salvation.  They have their hand out for you to grab hold of when you lose your way.  They are the children in our schools who are bullied for being different but stay strong anyway.  They are your children who you tuck into bed every night hoping that the world will be a better place for them when they grow up.  They are the Soldiers and the Firefighters and the Peacekeepers and the Teachers.  They are the sliver of Light you See in your darkest hour.  They are the people who See the Beauty in Life and have learned to look at things with the Good Eye.  They are the Healers and the “psychics” and the Witches and the Goddess of the Moon.  They are the people who inspire you every day on every level.  They are the people who know that to Truly Forgive you must Forgive YOURself first.  They know we are ALL  Clean in God’s eyes and hold no grudges for we know not what we do without Him.  They are the writers who speak to your Heart and Soul.  They are the drama kings and queens who aren’t afraid to show emotion.  They are the artists who show us all of the brilliant colors and see the wondrous Gifts our Mother has provided us.  They are the farmers who grow the food we eat because they care.  They are the people who take time out of their day to give you a smile when you forgot how.  They are the marital artists and yogis who have mastered the Mind/Body connection.  They are the bloggers who gently nudge you from your deep slumber.  They are the people who place Value on the status of Life instead of value on the status of money.  They are the people who bond with Mother Earth whether it’s on the ski slope or in the garden.  They are the Tribal Elders and the Shamans.  They are the ones you go to for advice and the people who always listen when you need an ear.  They are the Lightworkers who Light the path and the channelers who bring you the “news”.  They are the addicts and alcoholics whose Hearts are wounded from the harshness of this World because they don’t know how Worthy they are of Love.  They are those who have Loved and lost and Lived to Love again.  They are the musicians who play beautiful music that speaks to each of us in a different way.  They are the people who are trying to make a difference in the World and wouldn’t have it any other way.  They are the sentimental people whose Hearts break when they don’t See Kindness or Compassion.  They are the Creators of their Universe and Live by the Universal Laws.  They are the people who never fail to say “Thank You” for everything that comes their way – good or bad.  They are the miracles that happen in your day no matter how big or small.  They are all around you and they are waiting to be of service in your hour of need.  They are the ones who suffer so we will See including the ones who are dying so that we may Live.  They are above you just waiting for you to ask for their assistance so they may fly to your side.  They are watching you and standing by.  They are the wayshowers who can show you how.   The veils have thinned and are getting thinner and they will arrive in force as they are awakened to their calling.  They are everywhere and they will be taking over, slowly at first but ever faster.  They are there if you need them, you have but to ask.    Do you know one?  Do you See them?  Could you be one?  YES…

Copyright © The Moon Hippie Mystic.  All rights reserved.  You may copy and distribute this material as long as you do not alter it in any way, the content remains complete and you include this copyright notice.

Birth of the New Earth!

I started to write a post on Friday about 12/12/12, 12/21/12 and what these dates may signify in these times of transformation. Then I heard about the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School and all focus went on those 26 angels; the 20 little ones and the six adults, the survivors and the families. The nation and indeed much of the world is united in sending healing, peace and love to them all.

Maybe now, through our tears, it might be a good time to talk about the new reality that is emerging that has the power to soothe our troubled hearts and give us the strength to move forward.

Something is happening on our planet that is unprecedented. Together we are wiping the sleep from our eyes and seeing ourselves, others and the earth with new eyes of reverence, awe and love. We are remembering the sacredness and unity of all life and are awakening to our power and responsibility to create a world that works for every one. Because the peril and the promise before us are so great, many believe we are receiving assistance from the spiritual world.  Some believe a portal to this dimension opened on 12/12/12, others are saying it will happen today, 12/21/12. These dates may be markers, but the evolutionary change upon us is much greater than any one day.

The important thing is that we are reclaiming our ability to create a New Earth where compassion, peace, justice, joy and love reign supreme. It has begun.

I think it is important that we share stories that symbolize this new way of being in the world- that we acknowledge the little miracles, the acts of  kindness, the connections, the healing and the new found love. Here are two I heard recently that I think exemplify the new paradigm we are creating on earth.

I heard the stories in the Global Peace Ambassador training I am taking with about 100 peace-loving souls from around the world. It is being led by James O'Dea, author of "Cultivating Peace", which Jean Houston called "one of the most important and profound books of our time." and Philip Hellmich, author of "God and Conflict" a true story of his time in Sierra Leone during their brutal civil war and his quest for peace within and in that terrible situation. I am honored and thrilled to be learning from them and other stellar teachers in the training and to be a part of this conscious and compassionate community!

Here is the first story in the words of Margaret, a participant in the training,

"I had departed the subway train and had planned to walk the rest of the way to my destination; about 5 blocks. At the transfer bus stop, where I had not planned to take the bus, I came upon a man and woman wearing a famous coffee shop’s work uniforms, who were in a very heated argument about something to do with work. Instead of walking on, my inner voice said I should take the bus.

 I did not listen to the details of their disagreement, but just started sending light, love, peace and healing to whatever was causing their divide. The arguing and cursing went on for about 10 minutes then all of the sudden they stopped, then they looked at each other and burst out laughing, at which point they both agreed it was pointless to argue about something that really didn’t matter on such a beautiful day. They ended up swinging their arms around each others shoulders and all was well… but that is not the end of the story.

We got on the bus, me still not having said a word, only offering a smile. As the woman took her seat she began to express her gratitude to God for the beautiful day and how blessed she was. The man, sitting in another seat, agreed saying he was grateful for all of his blessings too. I was not in the same seat with either of them, but when I got up to leave at my stop, this woman got up and asked me if I would hug her. To the dismay of the other riders, I joyfully hugged her deeply and said “God Bless You” as she was saying it to me. I turned away to depart and as she was sitting back down I heard her say to everyone, “Everybody needs a hug now and then,” which is a favorite mantra of mine! I think we both needed that hug. I think that busload of people felt that universal hug that day. I believe we do mirror each other, and the peace mirror is by far the strongest because it draws from the “big self” and not the little “ego” self."

The second story I heard during our weekly, global conference call. James read a letter he had received from Michaela, a graduate of this training, who is requesting prayers for her continued healing. She has been living in South Africa, working with a NGO on an AIDs project. One night she was assaulted and raped at knife point by four men. This is what she said about it.

"Throughout the experience, I saw them as sacred beings, knowing in my being that I'm strong and clear and praying as this continued. I left my body some of the time, but was very aware of trying to create a field of peace."

Eventually, there was only one man left. She told him she had come from England to help the people of South Africa. Upon hearing this he expressed his sorrow, saying he had done a very bad thing and she would never, never forgive him.

She answered, "It is indeed very bad what you have done. Now you must go and do goodness. I forgive you now."

She concluded by saying she was deeply receiving love and light all were sending her and added, "I am a very blessed person."

That Michaela was able to find forgiveness during this violent assault is remarkable. Some people who have suffered abuse never forgive, some take decades and apparently some take moments. Please hold this amazing woman in your heart and ask for healing light and love to surround her. And Margaret's story reminds us that we are all always broadcasting energy- when you consciously choose to radiate peace, you raise the vibration around you and create the space for little miracles to unfold.

These two stories and so many more are clear signs that we are indeed evolving as humans who not only know (Homo Sapiens) but who also feel (Homo Sapiens Sensus). We are reconnecting to our hearts, to ourselves and to one another.

Now I meant to post this a few days ago- and here it is already 12/21/12 (life happened)! I think most realize this day marks a new beginning not the end of the world (the Mayans themselves had other calendars that go well into the 3000s, so no worries there). But I do believe it marks the beginning of an ending- the ending of separation, anxiety, distrust and fear and the birth of greater connection, peace, understanding and love.

It is also the Winter Solstice - the shortest day of the year, but more importantly the day that marks a turning point- the return of the light, or as the Romans so poetically put it- The Birthday of the Unconquered Sun! It is a perfect day to remember, every moment can be a turning point- a time when you reconnect to the light within and choose love over fear.

Lastly, I personally think the portal to the divine love of the universe has been opened. We are being bathed in it. There has never been a better time to do healing work, within yourself and in the world.

I'll be next sharing a little meditation to help you connect to these loving energies. They are here to help us make the next evolutionary leap! Hold on to your hats it's going to be quite a ride, but our destination is assured. Or perhaps I should say, the never ending journey toward higher consciousness, peace and love is assured- it's our destiny!

All Beautiful Blessings of Love to You! Keep faith!
Barbara