We are Much More Similar than Dis–

January 24, 2017January 24, 2017Leave a comment

As human beings, everyone of us has basic similarities. We must breathe air and eat food to stay alive — that’s number 1. Next, some of us crave to propagate, or not. I’m a non-breeder, for the record, but I had fun being a full-time stepparent, calling myself Angel Mom to two very needy children, for whom without my guidance life surely would have been more challenging.

who am I, really? What’s my … role here?

We each have various number 2 traits, after our survival is assured. For me, as an self-acknowledged spiritual soul experiencing this particular human “suit” I wear — my next most important core-value is to experience the heights of what’s possible here on Earth, right here, right now. My life goal has always been to be as HIGH, as happy, as fulfilled, as expanded as I can get. Okay, call me a glutton, a junkie. I admit it. The spiritual connection I’ve discovered within myself, and with all in existence is what flips my Bic, floats my boat — puts me in bliss personified.

Obviously, I don’t “do” politics. Spiritual politics is an oxymoron, let’s be clear. Yes, I vote, but … that’s private, just like sex with my sexy consort Carter, is. I’m into outrageous and all-in, all-stops-barred spirituality, not peripherally. Just like an extreme wilderness skier is with their passion, or a transgender is with their raison d’etre — I am a radical revolutionary who will fight to the death, that’s right! — to spread the value of living in an awakened, aware, all-is-One state of being. This consciousness is All-inclusive, and has no judgment or diss-ing in its agenda. Believe me, I’ve worked hard to get here. And I ain’t about to let go of this outtasite ecstasy that’s the reward, the end result of the journey I’ve been on. It’s a daily workout, this being spiritual, folks! A workout that gives peace, understanding, and acceptance as its guaranteed abs of steel.

let’s work our spiritual-psychic muscles!

Lately lots of my friends are dis— about a lot of things. Dis-gusted. Dis-concerted. Dis-combobulated. And … now, with the political cry of mass dissenters, whose gatherings I herald as our democracy’s treasured right of free speech — they are dismissing the fact that Divine Order might, just might, be more behind what’s happening in society than the current fight in our country between the Reds and Blues, hardcore conservatives and unbending liberals. (We all need to be a little more of what the other guy’s about … and more about that on a later post.)

The way I see it, during these tumultuous times, this is the crisis some of us have needed in order to realize that nothing — absolutely NOTHING — on the outside is ever going to fix a disastrous assessment of what’s happening in the world. So — What Will?

Turning within. Tuning into our universal connection with not only each other — soul-to-soul, heart-to-heart, person-to-person — but also our universal connection with the energy of consciousness that vibrates at a much higher level than when we diss something.

Some call this consciousness of acceptance — the Sacred, others the Divine — still others call it Presence or … simply … Being at Peace with what is.

being at peace with … what is

At this time when so many people feel unease, I invite you to take more seriously your connection to the inner experience of life. Go within. Roam the Divine within your Big Heart. Spend time assessing how similar you are to every single person, even the newly elected President of the US. If you continue focusing on how dis-connected you feel with what is, how dis-avowed you are from what the political leader of a country does, dis-claiming his position as a respectably and legitimately elected official — you are in for a very unpleasant time for the next period of time. I’d say, about four years at least, or more, while he’s in office.

The time of political arguments is over. The presidential election within the States is over. Now is the time to go deep within your own incredible Inner World. That’s where true peace resides. Only there will you find the ability to accept. Going within your heart and letting your soul-Self be in charge, that’s how you can reap the greatest rewards of your humanness. If you cherish the small amount of time you’re allowed here, in your human Being-ness, you just might have a good time if you decide to re-focus from negatives. Unite your own lower with the Higher Self within, forget about so-called social divisiveness. What’s done is done. Put your placards away until next election time. For now, dive into the ever-expanding world that has no boundaries, no differentiation of any kind. This inner world, the Light of positivity, abounds within your own Self. When you choose to dwell on the infinite similarities between all humankind you discover peace within — no matter what happens on the outside.

Let go of your small-minded dis-similarities. Division is only an illusion, it’s not real. The real connection between all humans is our spirit, our expanded consciousness, found in our Big Heart within.

To me, each person I meet is a manifestation of the Divine. That’s right! Even the bad guys & gals, even the crass, the rude, the unholy, even those whom people call despicable or deplorable. Every person has been created by the Divine Force of the Universe. They have as much a role here as do those who people deem wonderful, eloquent, civil, smart, or spiritually evolved. Every single cell in our body has a purpose, too, making our different systems (nervous, respiratory, digestive, etc) work as a cohesive whole, letting our entire body live as an interdependent, healthy unit. All our cells create a Oneness within our own bodies. Why can’t we humans try to see every other person, for better or worse, as another cell in the fabric of our united human society, and allow them to serve their role like you regard (and respect) your own liver cells, your lung cells, your toenail cells?

the ripple effect creates the tipping point

each of us is a cell within the ONE

Even if someone’s role is to irritate the shit out of you — they’re forcing you to become more spiritual or — you feel like you’ll bust! Maybe, ahhhh, maybe that’s their role. To irritate you into — changing! Better to change than to listen to Madonna’s (I’m a fan, but hated her #womensmarch rhetoric) confession of wanting to bomb the White House, or tweet or post on Instagram or Facebook more nauseating nonsense of dis dis dis. Use your limited energies to … Go Within. It’s better to kill your lower neanderthal self than want to someone else, don’t you think? Cultivate your higher Self and rise above the ever-lowering vibration of out-of-season implacable politics. Wean yourself from talking-head TV pundits, your addiction to News, and any other negatives that mess with or destroy your well-earned peace of mind.

I was there once. I wanted to do harm to those who offended me — it was during the Vietnam days. That’s when I left America and traveled the islands of the Caribbean Sea, sailing on boats and climbing volcanic mountains and — after a decade away as a happy ex-pat (and months in a Third World prison as a falsely-accused political prisoner) — I learned how blessed, how very blessed I am, to live in a country that constitutionally allows all people the same rights as the next guy.

A granddaughter of immigrants from Lithuania on my mother’s side, a descendant of Pilgrims on my father’s, as an American I welcome this controversial time now. So what’s after the shock of Trump’s presidency? The dis-cordance abounding now I see as a Great Opportunity. The current dis-sent is sprinkling fertilizer on the garden of enlightenment all Americans, and people globally as well, are being challenged to sow and cultivate, in order to move forward and embrace our race’s evolutionary possibilities. Within each person’s own awakened hearts first, plant a garden of Love and Acceptance. And then … the insights of this higher perception of Oneness permeates all of society. This, then, will be the “political” benefits from our inner realizations — ammo to be used for the next election.

Consciousness is the weapon of mass illumination.

People of our beloved planet Earth! — Now is the time to Wake UP! This life here is not about who wins, who loses, or who’s in control. This time we have here is how connected YOU, yes, I mean YOU! are to the majestic, unlimited power within each and everyone of us, an inner state that’s as real as apple pie. This power resides within your own Being-ness, as consciousness. It’s higher understanding than dissing what you happen to not like.

The exploration of our inner realms is what keeps me inspired and excited, as a person, an artist, and a writer.

Sometimes we need a crash, a SHAKE UP!, a SHOCK! in order to regroup, reframe, refresh our lives.

I hope everyone who reads this is inspired to dive deeply within their own inner selves, and starts to explore their spiritual side. Expand. Embrace the fact that, as a spiritual soul wearing a human “suit” you can have a really astounding experience when you choose to be en-lightened instead of dis-illusioned . You haven’t got forever, y’know. Better get started!

Check back often or see previous posts here on Lord Flea if you want some hints about how to go about spiritualizing your life. Also, read Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of NOW” and “The New Earth.” And if you wish you can order my meditative artbook “We Are ONE” using the Amazon button here on my blog, on the left sidebar.

Be well my friends! I love each and every one of you! LordFlea aka teZa Lord

The Many Levels of Our House

October 14, 2013October 15, 20132 Comments

The Many Levels of our House

Hello Friends,

I’ve decided to talk today about Lord Flea’s take on current matters affecting so many others. Why not? It’s a balmy fertile-feeling day here where I live in water-surrounded Florida. My heart is clear and open and I have nothing to sell, no platform to stand on, nothing I wish to convince others about. This is just a heart-to-heart sharing … from me to you, my Dear Reader.

A lot of us are wondering what the h*** is going on these days, with the ongoing US Government shut down adding salt to our already stinging, wounded hearts.

There’s a lot of negative energy around these day for us to absorb, isn’t there? Does it feel more than usual? If you stop to think about it, the fear-factor has been jolted into the forefront once again in recent weeks. Most crucially by the shutdown of so many helping-services that people rely upon provided by the US Gov’t, including the paychecks for many folk’s livelihoods. Federal Parks are closed, and now, in the second week of the shutdown, other subsidiary services and businesses are being affected with people getting laid off left and right and more services shutting.

Adding these tough circumstances to the world threats of war make ours a nerve-grinding reality, not to mention the heart-crushing neglect of the planet’s welfare by our over-industrialized modern culture. Here in America, the lack of caring and basic human respect is more noticeable among our youth than in other years, thanks to internet and social media. Current choices of heart-clubbing entertainment, non-inspiring music, rampant internet addiction, and other forms of dis-connections from the Big Heart of Humanity makes it hard for us to remember that we are all ONE, spiritually. Thank goodness artists, dancers, theater-makers, fashionistas still honor the human need to create or I’d have sworn some of already had become androids by the lack of compassion I see in some sets of eyes.

But am I worried?

Naw!

Am I happy?

Nope!

I’m just watching what’s happening, my friend. Watching and sending out positive vibes that we are all growing up, a little at a time, in our joint experience as a family of humankind sharing this spinning blue ball floating in space: our home.

Am I sad that others are worried, frustrated, angry, or reacting with other forms of negative emotions to this state of being we are experiencing en mass?

Yes, and so that is why I’ve decided to share my thoughts about how I feel.

I’m going out on a limb here, because a lot of people think if you express yourself about how you feel about things you’re somehow making a political stand. But I honestly have no political agenda, no ax to grind one way or the other with either sides of the current battle going on between conservatives and liberals in my own country. I want you to know right now before you read any further that I declare myself to be a “Spiritual Warrior” and my only concern is the spiritual well being of the entire world. And that, of course, starts with me being responsible for the state of my own mind and life’s energies. And you too, being responsible for yours.

I believe that spiritual growth is the human condition. That is why we are here. This feeling, whether from my “gut” or from my own life experiences, has been with me throughout my many years on the planet. I’ve had enough experiences with all different sorts of situations and people to realize that the only thing that matters, really, is the ongoing better-ment of our interconnectedness, our human family. And for me that starts with each person being responsible for their own spiritual growth, one lesson at a time. That means each one of us has had to endure one painful experience at a time, one insight learned, one piece of wisdom acquired at a time. But hopefully each of us has learned our lesson(S) well and we are in a better place today than we were, oh, yesterday, or the day before, or the decade before.

The same goes for the story of our humanness. We’re just crazy teenagers, we human beings, acting badly the way crazy teens are expected to do!

Nothing more and nothing less interests me in this crazy world we share, than to share with others that we are all One, and what one feels, we all feel. As Chief Joseph, the Native American told the early pioneers when they started messing with the balance of the Indians’ sacred land, “We are all part of the Web. What is done to one of us affects us all. What is done to a part of the earth affects us all.”

So if you think my stance of “accepting the negative as an opportunity for positive growth” a political one … that’s your own political perception mirroring back to you what you want to believe. It is not my experience.

Now, what about this stand-off between the two opposing factions of today’s dilemma, surrounding budget questions and what is considered over-spending by the US Government? How does that relate to the spiritual growth each of us must go through?

Because each of us, each man, each woman, each child, too, is a part of the whole entire picture. And more than being a part of, we actually are microcosms of what is happening to us here on Earth, as a whole. And that includes what is happening here in America, as a collective experience. What each of us holds in our minds, and chooses to do with our many challenges, affects the “entire Web-of-Life.” Each of our lives is fraught with choices we must make everyday. Each of us must make a stand against what we perceive to be wrong, or we feel oppressed. Each of us must insist on freedom, not allowing others to control our lives. Sometimes people die in order to ensure these basic human rights.

Have you ever asked yourself the question: Would you be willing to risk death in order to continue living free?

There’s lots of people in this world who have had to ask themselves that, and there are many who have answered “Yes!” And of course, there are those who have answered “No” also.

The beauty of being alive is that we have choices. Up to the moment we stop breathing, we have choices.

I believe the spiritual challenge that we’re going through today, as a family of humankind, whether with the painful government show-down or realizing our Earth’s atmosphere is in serious jeopardy — I believe the personal decisions each and every one of us makes every day about our own “little” problems affects the way the bigger picture will get resolved. The resolution may not happen over night. It may take a while. But a positive resolution will happen if we hold that truth in our energy-power-centers … our minds.

How can this not be true? Each person is responsible for their own life: to discover their own truth, or not to give a hoot about that sort of thing. Some of just want to try and have as good a time while we can. Nothing fancy. Just “a good life.”

The spiritual choice of weighing that each situation’s outcome counts, is a vantage point that comes with heightened, above-ordinary awareness. A lot of people have not chosen to be consciously awake … not yet at least! But a HUGE number of people have made the choice to be as awake and as aware as possible, and by that I mean to clearly understand each situation the best we can, and not be swayed by propaganda that comes gushing out of the press, or to allow ourselves to be swayed by a group of people we want to be accepted by.

I believe that the USA is the greatest country I’ve ever been to, and I’ve traveled a bit. I would not want to live any where else but here, the longest and most successful democracy in the world. Yes, democracy means opposing factions get to have their say. Yes, democracy means even that the House of Representatives has the right (by the US Constitution) to shut down government if they do not approve of the way money is being spent by the controlling party. the House has the right to not fund a bill, even, ain’t that something! It is the right of the House to take action when they believe exorbitant spending is going to shift the balance of our country’s economy. Exercising this right of dissent is a First Amendment Right, whether a member of the House or any other citizen concerned with the current government’s operations, is what makes this country of ours so great. There is a great spiritual wisdom to having this checks-and-balances in place, set forth by the makers of the US Constitution. Therefore, I believe the current political show-down is a spiritually correct exercise.

But many do not believe this to be true. What is going on now in America is a spiritual show down, folks, more than a political one.

There are those who are busy calling their opposing party members names instead of praising the fact that democracy is being tested here. How great it is that no matter what, we follow the letter of the “law” that was set down by the constitution and not just public opinion pundits, news mongers, or party reps that are trying to elbow their own agendas in place.

I have no idea how this show down will resolve itself. I only know it is happening for a reason. We are growing up, and it’s painful. Teenagers are always filled with angst and that’s the state of affairs of not only America but the entire world. We are growing up, we in the family of humankind.

For me the reason I accept this government stand-off is that it affords another opportunity for we citizens to prove that once again, that the spiritual choices we make, each and every choice, all add up. Choices count!

How I choose to live my life today, in this little town I live in, interacting with the few people I do each day, counts.

Each and every action you make, no matter where you are, what you do or how few or how many others you influence, also counts.

Every single thought we hold in our minds counts.

If you really want to help change the world for the better, try holding the peaceful resolution and forward thinking of our politically elected officials in your minds instead of allowing knee-jerk reactions like anger, blame or resentment.

You may want to call this “energy-sent” power you have of exercising your spiritual choice a form of prayer (sending intention out to the world) … but I call this spiritual right each of us has simply “Planting Positive Thought Seeds.”

I hope you enjoy to choose these few moments we’ve shared, and keep positive in your thoughts. Each of us can help resolve this crisis by sending positive healing energy to our elected representatives in Washington, or wherever you happen to live. And if you don’t have the privilege of living in a democracy — I am sending you my blessings via my mental energy Thought-Seeds.

With great love from your pal,

Lord Flea aka teZa Lord

As Above So Below

February 7, 2011February 7, 2011Leave a comment

Hi Friends,

This morning I awoke with the words “As Above So Below” clearly spoken, calmly reminding me, gently gushing from my mind. Naturally I pondered them, because whenever I “hear” a message I take it to heart, and contemplate what it could possibly mean. It wasn’t obvious, at first. But then my thoughts turned to what’s happening over in the Middle East, and in particular, the current populist revolution in Egypt, and how what’s going on there reflects what’s going on within me, at this very moment. My breath took a punch when I realized it was true — what happens to the world is like a mirror being held up for me to see that what happens to others, happens to each and every one of us, as individuals.

the universal (as in Universe, not "worldly") sign of Peace

Spock, one of my heroes, has the ability to methodically analyze each situation that arises more than we humans do, because he’s Vulcan, an alien race that doesn’t experience emotions. We humans, on the other hand, often get our feelings mixed in with the pure-and-simple truth right before us. Let me try to explain:

People are seriously angry over the military-run dictatorship of Mubarak in Egypt, a regime that has purported to be democratic to the outside world yet, in actuality, is far from it. There is no other political party in Egypt besides Mubarak’s, so when there’s ever been an “election” his is the only name people can vote for. This is dictatorship and after 30 years of oppression, economic hardship and other ways of expressing their disgruntledness, people are finally, and violently, voicing that NOW is time for change. Because they’ve gathered in such insistent numbers, a change has indeed already occurred with Mubarak announcing he’ll step down in September, although that’s not as soon as demonstrators would like. Perhaps people will continue their civil disruption on the streets of Cairo until their demands of the dictator’s immediate departure is announced? That remains to be seen. But the important thing here, and that I relate to on a personal basis, and perhaps you will, or do already, is that when it’s time for a change … we need to pay attention to “signs” and then immediately, and courageously take action — before it becomes too late for “gradual change.” Because change will happen. It’s only a matter of whether it’s “sane” and gradual, or “insane” and regrettably violent. The same results will be met either way: change always happens. Of course the optimum method for change is gradual and steady. Even if it’s overnight and shocking (like the Berlin Wall coming down in ’89!) change surely occurs, whether with intelligent foresight and planning, or with violence and sudden force. After the Berlin Wall came down, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany reminds us during this Egyptian crisis, an entire year was spent to create the democratic merging of East and West Berlin after the Communist wall crumbled by force, by a populist upheaval. And so we hope the Egyptians will take care and pay attention to their transition government also. But, no matter how it’s done, one thing is true in this earthly existence:

the only constant in life is change.

surrounded by choices, dancing with change

Okay, I’ll go first. I’ll share the change I now realize I need to make in my own life. And then you might want to take a moment out of your busy day, after reading this post, to contemplate what change you can identify you need to make in your own life. Because we all need fine-tuning; improvement, betterment, evolving, learning, lightening-up and enlightening. Each and every one of us. It’s part and parcel of the journey of being a spiritual being living a human existence: each and every one of us has lessons to learn. First as individuals, and then, as a united family of humankind. As Above So Below. What happens to the individual happens to the collective citizens of each of our towns, states, provinces, countries. And, most importantly, in this day of increased global climate-change awareness — what happens to ALL of us as the united and concerned citizens of planet Earth is the ultimate change we’re all involved with. We are all inhabitants of a planet that badly needs its dwellers to change, for the sake of the future of our world “home.”

we are ONE: what affects one of us, affects us ALL

In my lifelong pursuit as artist and writer, my goal has always been to “help” uplift the human situation, by contributing whatever I could to the collective consciousness, in the form of art, stories and being as compassionate a person as I possibly can. Some of you who have been following Lord Flea Sings know that I’ve recently finished a book, and have been involved in the challenging task of finding an agent or, even better, an editor of a publishing house that can help bring my literary work to the public. The book, a nonfiction narrative entitled Heart Island: tales of an unnatural naturalist is a true story of a spiritual warrior who adventures in the Darkness before finally surrendering to the Light. Like the 3 novels I’ve written before this nonfiction current work, along with numerous stories, essays, and other writings, I’ve been reaching out (querying, it’s called) to the publishing industry to get my contributions into print for a good many years now. I won’t go into numbers here because that’s depressing. Let’s just say I’ve given mainstream publishing my all. I’ve made a good effort, in other words, with Heart Island and the many other projects I’ve assiduously tried to get published. NOW it’s time to change. NOW it’s time to fully grasp that my destiny lies elsewhere besides the “legitimately published” one I’ve always thought was mine. The idea, in other words, of who and what I thought I was meant to be (a legitimately published author not a self-published one, for example) just doesn’t measure up to what I actually am, here and now.

True, I am author and artist of Lordflea, a spiritual blog I’m proud of and receive many stunning compliments about from others. But that’s not what I thought my contribution to humankind’s evolutionary process would only be. I thought: through books and images and spiritually provocative art, that my life’s work could help inspire others’ hearts into taking action, even if that action was simply to go inward. It is my ardent wish to encourage others to contemplate the spiritual aspects of the interconnectedness we share on this glorious planet spinning in space, which we happen to cohabitate.

: swimming in the Sea of Change

There I was, awakening this morning, wondering what the words, “As Above So Below” meant to me at that precise moment (not their original Biblical meaning, which is a whole ‘nother story, un huh). Next, came my thinking of the rioting, the violence, the anger, the dismay, the unpleasantness of Egyptians taking to the streets — and how the result of their revolutionary mass actions is that CHANGE is happening, BIG TIME in Egyptian governance!!! Other methods the common man has tried just never worked over there. Now, after feeling compelled to throw rocks, shout, scream, demand, and staying put in front of soldiers’ threats and rifles, change is beginning to be granted their dire and dismal social situation.

I look at my own life (and you, too, I heartily encourage, can look at yours in the same manner) and realize that we can all make changes, either gradually or revolutionary — but change each and everyone of us must! There is something in each of our lives we need to correct. No one is perfect. Hardly any of us are saints, such as Mother Theresa and those of our brethren who have been designated to have achieved that noble status. Even my own spiritual teacher (see www.siddhayoga.org) speaks of how she’s had to change, and continues to fine-tune, with contemplation-the-action, and how she reflects on each new improvement that enables her to maintain her hard-earned but durably enlightened state.

My need to CHANGE is to “get real” and accept that a publisher just ain’t gonna print my book, period. Or at least I’m no longer going to hold my breath that will happen. Instead, I am exercising my birth right! I have a choice! I can take action! I can figuratively take to the streets, the golden streets of my own heart, and shake my fists at my own little self that hasn’t explored all my other options!

So right here, right now, I announce to the world that I recognize that my Higher Self is calling me to take the next right step. And that is to bring my work — my book(s) and my art — to the world through my own efforts. Self-publication is now on this new agenda. There are other ways, also, in which I can actualize getting my work to the public: by mySelf (I use capital “S” to designate the doer of these new inspired actions, because my little “s” self, my un-evolved, un-spiritual little ego-self, is a real coward, a shivering lily-livered wimp, a can’t-do-anything-unless-forced-to-do-so person! ha ha! can you relate?).

This is my plan: Chapter-by-chapter my book will be available on the new blog I’ve created: Heart Island. My art work and other creative projects will soon be available for viewing, copying, with originals for sale on a new website I’m in the process of designing: inspiring-transformation-story. Okay, sure, I’ll continue contacting the publishing industry, but with a much more detached attitude. I’ll give the “real” publishing world another few months before I pursue self-publishing Heart Island.

With this post I’m declaring a new regime, a freer atmosphere replacing the oppression of my former disillusioned and unhappy mental state. No longer am I waiting to “be discovered.” No longer am I hoping that some “one” will come along and out me by getting my work to the public through normal literary means. I’m no longer waiting for those who have the “power” to bridge my wants of helping the world, taking my desire-to-be over to the other side of actually being heard, being seen, and being a much more active participant in the ongoing spiritually-expanding revolution currently happening to humanity. No longer am I in a holding pattern. From this day forth I declare that I, Lordflea, my own Self, will do whatever it takes to be my own bridge. I even drew a picture about this very subject many years ago….but at that time i wasn’t ready to take this power into my own hands — yet. But today … I Am That!

: “I Am The Bridge” connecting my wishes with my real life

I hope each of you who reads this takes a moment to follow my lead. Close your eyes. Tune into the in-and-out sound of your breath for a few rounds (this process, done even for a few breaths, instantly puts one’s mind into Alpha waves, the meditative state the brain’s activity naturally attunes to in relaxation … trust me, it works!). When you feel calm and centered, and your breath is your only “thought” … then you can ask yourSelf this question: “What do I need to change in my own life? What can I do today to make my life, and the entire world’s existence, a more positive experience?”

Join me, won’t you, dear friends… in the meditation revolution that is quietly, but assuredly, taking place right here, right now! We are all proof of this movement’s existence. You wouldn’t be here at Lordflea Sings, if you didn’t believe That.

: when you uplift your own Self you uplift the entire world!

with great Respect, with great Love,

lordflea, your pal

Sometimes you just have to make a STAND

January 21, 2011January 21, 20111 Comment

After the events last week in Tucson, Arizona, I simply have to say something. Usually I try not to bring politics into what i share here, on Lordflea Sings. Usually, I put the focus on us leading spiritual lives, not political ones. But enough is enough! I simply must say something, because when the sentiments of a country get so fomented, to take no position is simply that of a wimp. And I’m no wimp.

I am Civitas, a modern deva of civilization

I guess it was meant to be that I was asked to pose for this statue, which now stands at an industrial crossroads in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Named “Civitas” by its artist, Audrey Flack, there are certain responsibilities that come with the sense of having an effect on others, and that is one of the main purposes of a deity, whether it be of a fairytale-nature or from one’s artistic viewpoint, like this statue is. As “Civitas,” my alter-ego, I wish to speak frankly about the dangers of making politics one’s religion.

I know people who judge life by not just their politics, but others’ as well. I know people who have judged me (incorrectly) thinking they know me because they might know a certain fact about my political sentiments. But, in truth, no one can know another, not the real person that the other is, by looking at one’s politics. Life is complicated, and there are so many aspects to one’s relationship to living, that labels and thinking associated with political branding simply is a superficial manner in which to view others. And the only result of this type of divisive-thinking is what’s happening here in America: political craziness. People getting pissed off. People taking up arms. people shooting other people. We must STOP! this tendency. So here and now I am finally stating my political manifesto:

There is a much deeper meaning to life than what appears on the surface. Poltics is superficial. Economics is superficial. Everything about the material life is transitory and in the end, insignificant. I have personally felt (and now foster through prayer and meditation) the depths of life’s meaning and therefore I know this to be true: Politics is the means to the end (peaceful and humanitarian governance), NOT the end itself.

getting closer to the truth

For years I ran from any public conversation that had to do with politics. Or sex, or God, for that matter. These three things–sex, God, and politics–I still refuse to discuss with any but my closest friends. I daren’t go there even with my family. And to tell the truth, with some of my friends, I’ve come to realize I have to skirt everywhere but dead-on when it comes to discussing politics. Why? Because some people can’t stand to associate with others who hold opinions other than theirs. It’s that plain. I prefer to mingle with folks who don’t hold any solid opinions or judgments in their minds when they speak, or act, especially directly with me. Yet hold true to the one thing no one can deny—the Mystery of life. Native Americans call this Mystery, “Great Spirit.” So do I. My friends tend to be open-minded, forgiving, and see life creatively, rather than from an implacable, black-and-white point of view.

When Bush was in power I cringed to hear the Bush-bashers. I guess everyone thought I’d just love to join them, that I was an uber-liberal, because wherever I went, two years ago and the previous 8 before that, people would delight in putting down the President of the US and think I would, too, thinking nothing of calling him every insulting name. And now, guess what? The same is happening for our present leader, President Obama. Right wingers and conservatives everywhere I go assume I’m one of them and admonish the administration right in front of me as if they knew, and never even suspected otherwise, that I would love to join in their Obama-bashing.

Where do people get off thinking that everyone has hatred in their hearts?

I’m reading the current story in this week’s New Yorker magazine about Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma, one of my heroes, who in December was finally released after two decades of political imprisonment. What did she do to keep from going insane all those years of the military regime’s unjustness toward her and her democracy-prone allies? She meditated. She didn’t sit in a bath of heart-acid thinking how evil so-and-so was, thinking of those bastards she was going to get as soon as she could. NO! Because if she had, she probably would have already died of heart disease, cancer, or some such physical wrath that negativity takes upon the physical body. Her battle was and IS one of the spirit, and yes, she uses politics, as I do, as a weapon of spiritual transformation. that’s my political affiliation: the “In Spirit” party. As more and more of us are living our lives are also deciding to become members of this enlightened nonpartisan political party. The spiritual battle is the only battle worth fighting, the only battle worth losing one’s life over. And that is what I am: a spiritual warrior.

the birth of a spiritual warrior, ready to take up the arms of inner peace

This is the first time I’ve come right out and announced to the world, here on my blog, where for two years I’ve been anonymously trying to make a difference and help people relate to the world on a spiritual plane, rather than just seeing what’s going on through the physical, mental, political, economic, and human lens. A somewhat limited perspective, if you ask me.

let's ex-----pand our thinking

So now the gig is up! Now I’m not anonymous anymore. You can see for yourself who and what I am. I’m proud to fight the battle for Universal Peace in the name of Spirit. I’m proud to be a warrior defending The Mystery, a spiritual warrior who wears the cap of lieutenant in the Army of Love! Won’t you join me?

Lieutenant Lord Flea of the Army of Love

So now that the secret is out — will it change things for me, as a person, as an artist and writer, as a spiritual blogger? I doubt it. Will it incite people to tune into what’s going on, on a spiritual level rather than rant and rave about partisanship being the worse it’s ever been, and one side blaming the other, and feel impotent listening to people saying how crazy things are in America these days? Will it change any of that? I doubt it. So why bother coming out of the closet?

it's time to change, and help make a difference

These times they are a-changing.

More and more of us believe that the spiritualization of humankind is our only salvation.

I am here to proclaim that fact loud and clear, from the highest mountain, from the widest megaphone I can get my hands on. Many are already aligned with this thinking: that this is a spiritual life we humans are leading, NOT a political or a solely material one. When 2012 comes around there has been predicted (by many ancient sources, not me!) that 112,000 “Awakened Sundancers” … that is, open-minded, open-hearted individuals … will be already aware and have already embraced this thinking. THAT’s what 2012 is really about. And what happens next? The rest of humankind will become spiritualized by the sheer number of us radicalizing (in a spiritual manner, that is) all aspects of society: the arts, social sciences, religious beliefs, and yes, even a few enlightened politicians (you go big-O!).

won’t you join us? Open your minds. Open your hearts. Let love and Light enter the cave of your heart, replacing fear and uncertainty. You will have a much better time of life when you do. Start praying and meditating about thinking about world peace. Your thoughts are seeds. The beginning of change is how we think. Please start changing your thinking to more positive ways, and our reality will follow our thoughts. Stop promoting divisiveness by talking about it. Just talk about how we are changing everything to the better, one thought at a time, one person at a time. And everything—-will change! Believe me. It’s that simple.

Break the ice away from your frozen hearts. Dive into the waters of Peace, of fulfillment.

Thank you!