Should Abortion Be Legal? Let's Ask A Different Question: Why Is Life No Longer Sacred?

After noticing a Facebook link to the Red Envelope Event (a Facebook even designed to encourage everyone on FB to send a red envelope to President Obama on March 31, 2009 to protest his support of the Freedom of Choice Act), I am curious: Why are we debating whether abortion should be legal? The deeper question is: Why are humans OK with killing one another in the first place? This issue goes far deeper than: Should women have the right to choose? The real issue is: Why do we not see all of life as sacred?

This begins many thousands of years ago when mankind began to crave power and dominion. It started with raping the forest and enslaving animals for profit. It spilled out into mass bloodshed as greedy leaders attacked other tribes to take food, slaves, animals, and other supplies to bring the 'easy life' to their people. We began to accept war and killing as a part of self-preservation and gaining empire (wealth) instead of a perversion of the way Life is intended to be lived. It was only a small step further to begin to kill the unborn to preserve the 'easy life'...after all, we wouldn't want a baby that was born as a result of our negligence to get in the way of our dreams and plans. How dare it? We no longer consider the miracle of conception or the womb of a woman to be holy, sacred, something to be in awe of...it is where all Life begins.

Now, before you get all in a huff and decide to never read my blog again, please know that I am not a right-wing (or left-wing) maniac seeking to judge and condemn those who have had abortions or believe in pro-choice (side note: if the left and right wing can't work together toward a common goal, how can this bird fly?). I am not judging or condeming anyone (I don't have a right to do either). I am simply raising a valid question. Why is life not sacred? Why is it OK to take ANY life? Not just human babies? We kill animals by the thousands every day, then eat their flesh...have we even stopped to think that accepting this act of violence as common, everyday, normal behavior might begin to dull our senses and our reverence for Life? And our support of or oversight of war? And the unecessary violence we are force fed through the media, telivision, film, and gaming industry. Seriously, when did it become OK to entertain ourselves with games based on killing other humans?

There is a more conscious option than abortion, but many who choose abortion aren't aware of the option. There are thousands of families who would happily take in an unwanted child...maybe we should consider adoption before conceiving a child of our own (after all, over population is a growing-no pun intended-problem that is leading to the possibility of a world-wide famine in the not-so-distant future). If more people adopted, there may be less women inclined to abort, each faced with the choice knowing that she would be able to find a loving family to place the child into. Could we develop more programs to support single mothers? Could we be more compassionate and break the stigma of the unwed teen mother? (And no, I am not suggesting we encourage teen pregnancy, but it always has and most likely will continue to happen, so we may as well try to save these lives by supporting the teen mothers rather than condemning them and pushing them toward abortion or suicide!)

Any gardener can tell you that you must get to the root of an unwanted weed to stop it's growth. Focusing on pulling at the stem or leaves will do no good, it will just keep coming back. Fighting the legalization of abortion will do nothing but cut back on abortion's accessibility. Has any law cut back on the use of illegal drugs? I mean, really? Let's be honest. Laws are not what govern our world. Human choice is what governs our world. Whether abortion is legal or illegal, women will continue to kill their unborn babies. That is, until we restore a global reverence for life...this is the root of the problem. Until we get up off our lazy, conditioned asses and help alleviate global starvation and disease. Until we realize that killing is killing, whether human or animal (and don't post comments about how you misinterpreted this sentence to mean that I stated animals are equal to humans...there IS NO equal or better than...LIFE is LIFE, and until ALL of Life us precious to you, NONE of Life will be precious to you). How can we say we care about who lives and who dies if we aren't sending aid to those starving in Africa, Ethiopia, and on the streets of our own home towns (yes, you walk by the bums every day and ignore their cry for help out of fear you are going to support their alcoholism...don't even try to deny it).

Think about it. Start asking the REAL question. Why is Life no longer sacred?

Namaste,

Marty

p.s. if you post an inappropriate or asinine comment, it will be deleted.

Fuel Costs and the Rise of Collective Insanity

As crazy as it may seem, I make my monthly pilgrimage to Green Bay to shop for organic groceries that aren't available in our area (note: I live 1.25 hours from GB). On one such drive to Green Bay, I noticed I would need to refuel on the return trip and noted a gas station along the way that was offering the lowest fuel rate along the highway at $3.84 per gallon. I was thrilled to see this price and made a mental note to stop and refuel at this station on the drive home.

On the way home, I stated aloud to my travel companions that I would be stopping at the very gas station at which I had noted the low price of $3.84 per gallon. No sooner did those words leave my mouth when a voice (read: Inner Muse) in my head said "Are you kidding me? Did you hear what you just said? You just stated that you believe that $3.84 per gallon is a good deal for gas! You have bought in to the collective insanity!" I immediately recognized the truth of this statement. If I though that $3.84 per gallon was the best price, then I had bought in to the collective insanity that it is ok to charge these outrageous rates for gasoline, and not only that, that it was ok to continue to burn gas at the rate I had before gas prices began to skyrocket. After paying nearly $80 for a tank of gasoline, I felt the weight of truth on my shoulders...I can't keep paying this much for gasoline! Something has to change.

It is that need for change that makes a part of me grateful that fuel costs are on the rise. Years ago, Europe taxed gasoline and forced citizens to drive less and own smaller cars, cutting down on fuel consumption, traffic, road wear, and smog. We are finally coming to the recognition that we have to cut back on fuel usage as a nation, and really, the only way to cut back is to make gas unaffordable. We have been encouraged for years to make changes in our transportation choices, but without immediate consequences, we've ignored those warnings. As Americans, we really don't listen unless someone is talking to our wallets. As a result of soaring gas prices, we will all soon drive less, purchase smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles, develop public transportation systems, carpool, and hopefully make more conscious choices about shopping locally where products are available.

I am joining this campaign for change by selling my fuel-guzzling SUV (why do I have such a big car with just me in it?) and trading it up for a much smaller, much more efficient car. I am happy about this change, actually, more like giddy...it is freeing to let go in this way. With my current vehicle I feel a deep guilt each time I start the engine, thinking of all the wastefulness it entails; using more fuel than necessary, more space that necessary, more emissions than necessary...IT JUST ISN'T NECESSARY! My partner is looking into making bio-diesel, which will not only save us money, but also save the planet. How cool is that? Cooking up fuel in your backyard. We aren't the first, thousands are already making their own fuel.

My hope for the future is that, even in our small farming community, we can develop a carpooling system and public transportation that will further cut our dependency upon our cars. Most of us drive over 30 miles per day round trip to work. With public transportation, not only would we save fuel and emissions, but we would also be able to return to that sense of community that we have lost over the years. Have you ever noticed how separate you feel when you are driving your car? It is like driving a sterile capsule down the highway that keeps you from having to say hello to or come in contact with other humans. We barely even speak to our cashier at the checkout let alone passersby on the street. This sense of separation is leaving us all feeling lonely, depressed and isolated, when at the core of our being, we crave connection with others. Not just our families and neighbors, but strangers we don't yet have to courage to walk up to and greet.

May the fuel frenzy contribute more to our way of life than frustration and "pain at the pump" (I hate that phrase!). May it bring good, like breaking down barriers in our hearts, reaching out to our community, learning to live more simply and sharing what we have. 'Cause really, what's the point in having if you can't find the courage to share what you have?

Namaste,

Marty

Finding Your Inner Philanthropist

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." ~Mahatma Gandhi

Philanthro-WHAT? No, it's not an body part you've never heard of or a funky new trend. Well, actually, it IS becoming a new trend! Philanthropy is the voluntary promotion of human health, happiness and well-being. I think my inner philanthropist has been trying to break free for many years. I remember being very young, maybe 7 or 8, watching people in need--like when beggars would approach my parents for change or the kids down the street who didn't get gifts for their birthdays or around the holidays--and wishing there was something more I could do than feel sad or powerless about the situation. It just didn't seem fair that I had all my basic needs provided for (and then some!) and they were struggling so deeply. How was it that this World was so cruel, giving to some while withholding from others?

Then I came to realize, it isn't the World or Universe that is withholding from those in need--IT'S YOU AND ME! We are the ones with the power to make a difference, to "be the change we wish to see in the world" around us.

When we come across the opportunity to give to another--whether it be helping an elderly person with their heavy groceries, giving to the charity selling candy outside the local supermarket or donating a gently used coat to the Coats for Kids program--in that moment we make a choice. The inner dialog starts with a challenge from the voice of the inner philanthropist and we tend to argue back that we don't have enough courage, time or means to promote abundance in others. In fact, we look at giving from the viewpoint of lack. It is as if in a flash of inner dialog we say "what excuse of lack can I come up with to avoid this opportunity for giving? Let's see, I don't have enough money, time, energy, or patience to give to this person or charity. And for that matter, who's helping me out? I don't see anyone rushing to my side to support me. Let someone else donate, I just don't have anything to give."

What is needed is a change in our viewpoint, in the way we look at giving. First, to look at the abundance in our lives and realize we are blessed with more than we really need. We have friends and family who love us, our basic physical needs provided, and most of us have more toys and gadgets than we can possibly fine truly useful. Secondly, realizing that when we promote abundance in others, abundance flows back to us. It is the universal law of Karma, or Sowing and Reaping--what we put out there comes back to us tenfold. The energy of giving with an attitude of gratitude for the ability to give, without expecting a return, is invigorating and enlivening. And even though the expectation of receiving something in return is not there, the law of Karma will bring abundance upon us. What a concept! We always have the power to choice whether or not to allow our inner philanthropist flow. And when we allow the energy of giving to flow, good things come to us--it is that simple!

This process of letting my inner philanthropist flow has been evolving over the past few years. It began with fund raising for Trees for the Future (http://www.treesftf.org/) via quarterly yoga fundraising events. After watching several episodes of Oprah's show on philanthropy, The Big Give, I felt inspired and I consciously set the intention to allow my inner philanthropist to blossom even more. And blossom it has! I feel an urge to be a part of something bigger than the radius of my own small life. I have begun to teach yoga and Reiki on a pay-what-you-can basis, so that anyone, regardless of income, can attend. In turn, I have learned to trust the universe to take care of my financial needs...and it has!

Your turn! How can you allow your inner philanthropist to blossom, even a little, TODAY?

Namaste,
Marty

Blog Launch: Let the Blogging Begin!

What is it that calls us to look for deeper meaning in our lives--the voice or urge within that invites us to go within and discover the raw potentiality that is Life itself? Or even the seemingly simple guidance like that nagging feeling that's been with me for three months telling me to start this blog!? Some say this voice is Consciousness Itself, the Divine, God, the Infinite, the Source of All That Is. There are many names for this basic life-energy that pulses within us and many paths to finding or connecting with it. It has many aspects and qualities and expresses itself through each and every one of us, whether or not we are aware of the interplay. For the purpose of this blog, I am, keeping in mind the inadequacy of labels, referring to the creative aspect of this "force" as The Inner Muse. Once the aspect of the Inner Muse has begun to awaken within us, there is no mistaking (or ignoring!) its presence and guidance. It's creative energy takes on many art forms, writing being one of them.

Blogging serves as an outlet for my Inner Muse, a place to write about the many of the experience and challenges along the way of my personal Journey back to this Source. Posts for this blog will likely include the questions that have arisen within me, the personal truths I have discovered along the way, encouragement to live a life of service to humanity, and, well, whatever else I am guided to post.

May my scrawling contribute to your personal Journey.

Namaste,

Marty