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A MESSAGE FROM DEIRDRE
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 hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate.... Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
TESTIMONY TO THE AMERICAN SPIRIT During the beginning of the second Iraqi conflict, I was very interested to see U.S. President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair standing side by side, struggling together to make sense of the impending war and in full support of one another. It wasn't always like that between the two countries, which shows how things can change in a comparatively short time. The adage, "The more things change, the more things stay the same" resonates with me. As a naturalized American Citizen, born in England, you can imagine what mixed feelings I have about July 4th. Is it truly appropriate to celebrate one country's winning a war over another and losing precious lives in the process? I think not. But, I do believe what is worth celebrating is the resultant freedom that came from that conflict - America's Independence.
Love and compassion and a desire for peace in the world encompasses all of us - no matter where we live. And so I am confident that my beloved English family and friends, understand the meaning behind this message because they know my intentions and love me so well. July 4th commemorates the birthday of the United States and freedom for its people from a stifling monarchy and the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Although it is celebrated as the beginning of the American Revolution, July 4, 1776 marked the culmination of numerous events over many years beforehand and continued even after that date. The conflict with Britain began in 1764 and ended in 1783, but the casualties really began with skirmishes in 1770, followed by the beginning of heavy combat in April 1775. As the King's troops advanced on Concord, Massachusetts that year, the battle that ensued was to mark the unofficial beginning of the Colonies' war for independence and lasted a full eight years. The original 13 America Colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to form the First Continental Congress. For almost a year, they worked to sort out their differences with England. But, by June 1776, their efforts had become hopeless and a committee was formed, headed by Thomas Jefferson, to compose a formal declaration of independence. Through various changes, a vote was finally taken on July 4th. To make it official, John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that he signed his name with "a great flourish" so that King George could read it without his spectacles! The American Spirit was alive and well and the first Independence Day celebration took place on July 4, 1777.
Reading about some of the ways in which citizens reacted to England's taxation laws, made me chuckle. To think that people were so angry with King George that they threw a cargo of tea into Boston Harbor in 1773 is hilarious to me, and it conjures up all sorts of funny scenarios in my mind.
However, when I analyze it seriously, one of the most symbolic of events, it describes best what the "American Spirit" really is to me. In other words, "We know you like tea, you survive by drinking tea, the bloody plant is all you think about, and we're sick of it! Here! Get it yourself. We've had enough of your stinking tea!" America was born and all exports to England were stopped. Alas, it eventually escalated and the Revolutionary War began after independence was declared in 1776. If only it could have stopped there. Aggression does not necessarily need to be synonymous with violence. Although Boston Harbor was transformed into one big teapot, at least the ceremony didn't take any lives. And that was a good thing. America was right. England could not then and still cannot manage without its tea. But most importantly, King George was acting like a dictator and that was wrong.
Looking at it from the perspective of an English native who would not survive without her tea, I can understand the outrage at such "hooliganism." However....I do agree that if you refuse me representation in the political arena and yet continue to tax me for that non-representation - well - I would want to throw away something valuable to you as well. That is the passive way. It actually doesn't hurt anyone - only in the resultant sacrifice! Do I hear the tea kettle whistling? You see, that's what it's all about. Americans really do have free will. They possess the rights borne of a true Democracy. And I know of few Americans who will not fight for the right to speak their minds and to live their lives as they see fit. Hopefully, they take responsibility for their beliefs in that process. I only pray that, someday, we can all disagree passively, without losing precious lives in the process. It's an ideal, but oh! what an ideal! That's what I see as the true American Spirit.
And so my prayer on this American day of celebration is that every country in the world develop such a spirit and may those who already possess that spirit be allowed to keep it always. May those who don't, however, strive to be passive in their aggression and find a way to fight for their freedom without bloodshed.
Finally, may the inhabitants of this beautiful world believe in themselves with the knowledge that what makes them feel at peace, is most likely the same for others. For it most certainly follows that what we all need to survive is the knowledge that universally our needs are the same - to be free to possess a sense of self and pride and belief in who we are and the ability to celebrate and honor each other - whatever our differences.
With light and love,
Deirdre
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FEATURE ARTICLE
"Two Heroes Named Alex" by Martha Ainsworth How much can a young girl with cancer have in common with a champion racehorse? A lot more than you might think. This is a story about a girl and a horse - two remarkable individuals who share the same name and a mystical connection that has inspired millions of people. Two days before her first birthday, Alexandra ("Alex") Scott was diagnosed with an aggressive form of childhood cancer. Enduring chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, the little girl displayed courage and a positive outlook, captivating everyone around her. That alone would be an inspiring story. But that was not all that happened. In 2000, when she was just four years old, Alex told her parents she wanted to raise money for cancer research. She chose a time-honored kid's project - a front-yard lemonade stand - but unlike most lemonade stands, she raised $2,000 in a single day. Soon, Alex's friends joined in to help, opening lemonade stands in her name. Word spread about Alex's dream of raising $1 million for pediatric cancer research. On June 12, 2004, she raised nearly $40,000 in three hours at her lemonade stand, while supporters nationwide raised $220,000 in one day at hundreds of Alex's Lemonade Stands nationwide. With additional donations from corporate sponsors, Alex was more than halfway to her goal of $1 million. Just a few weeks later, on July 29, 2004, Alex's family gathered at her Philadelphia-area home to say goodbye. The eight-year-old girl had finally lost her heroic battle with cancer. But even that was not the end of the story. Alex Scott was gone, but her lemonade stand and her dream lived on. Friends continued to work to achieve Alex's goal. And even as she was dying, another story was beginning, which will forever be linked to hers. The same day, a young Thoroughbred horse won his first major race, the Sanford Stakes in Saratoga Springs, New York. His name was Alex, too: Afleet Alex. It was clear from his impressive victory that Afleet Alex was no ordinary racehorse, but a potential champion. Gifted with unusual stamina, intelligence, and athletic grace, the plucky little horse won races, a growing number of fans, and media attention. Afleet Alex knew what it was like to fight for life. At birth, he was given little chance of survival when his mother was unable to produce milk, depriving him of critical colostrum needed to fight infection. For two weeks he was bottle-fed by breeder John Silvertand's 9-year-old daughter Lauren. Against the odds, Afleet Alex survived and grew strong. Overlooked by racing's elite, he was purchased for a bargain price by a group of five Philadelphia friends buying their very first racehorse. When Afleet Alex's career took off, no one was more excited than Silvertand. Diagnosed with colon cancer, and given only two months to live, Silvertand elected to discontinue chemotherapy and leave it "in God's hands" so that he could fully enjoy Afleet Alex's triumphs. "The horse keeps me going," Silvertand told the Associated Press. "I truly believe he's helping me in my battle." Silvertand has now survived nearly three years since his diagnosis. That in itself would be an inspiring story. But the story did not end there. When the owners of Afleet Alex heard about Alex Scott and her lemonade stand, they thought of their friend John Silvertand and his fight against cancer, and knew right away that they wanted to use the star colt's media power to benefit the cause of cancer research. Chuck Zacney, the managing partner, announced that every time Afleet Alex did well in a race, they would donate a portion of his earnings to Alex's Lemonade Stand. They also donated profits from the sale of Afleet Alex gear, and used the colt's popular website and media interviews to promote Alex's Lemonade Stand. They even convinced the racetracks where Afleet Alex was appearing to sponsor Alex's Lemonade Stands. The Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes all featured Alex's Lemonade Stands, spotlighted by NBC and ESPN. On Belmont Stakes Day, 30 racetracks throughout the U.S. held stands in her name, raising tens of thousands of dollars. Helped by Afleet Alex, Alex's Lemonade Stand for Pediatric Care Research has raised more than $2 million and has funded dozens of research grants. But even that is not the end of the story. In his racing career, Afleet Alex faced many obstacles. Two heart-breakingly narrow losses and a lung infection raised doubts about his future. But his team did not give up. Afleet Alex trained even harder, running more than twice as far every day as other racehorses. After he fought back to a stunning eight-length victory in the Arkansas Derby, Liz Scott, Alex Scott's mother, compared him to her daughter. "Alex was a fighter and determined," she said, "and watching this horse run definitely reminds me of her, with the same competitive, always-do-your-best attitude." The public seemed to agree. Afleet Alex was the favorite for the historic Preakness Stakes. The race seemed to unfold perfectly. Jockey Jeremy Rose and Afleet Alex waited patiently toward the back of the pack. Then with just a nudge from Rose, the colt unleashed a furious burst of speed at the top of the stretch. But just as Afleet Alex was sailing into the lead, another horse suddenly, unexpectedly shied. His legs tangled with Afleet Alex, who tripped and went to his knees. The colt's nose was in the dirt, and Rose seemed about to pitch forward to the ground. I was there, gasping in horror with millions of others. I had seen it happen before: with the speeding horses behind him unable to swerve in time, Rose would surely be trampled; other equine and human bodies would be flying as they collided with the wreck, injuries and death almost certain. Oh no, no, no, I thought. Not Afleet Alex! The potentially horrific scene seemed to play out in slow motion. Incredibly, Afleet Alex did not fall. In a remarkable feat of athleticism, he quickly pulled his half-ton frame upright. Then, to everyone's amazement, he recovered his stride and kept running. The astonished crowd roared as Afleet Alex, unhurt but clearly incensed, surged ahead and won the race by nearly five lengths. That moment will go down as one of the most remarkable in horse racing's history. How did Afleet Alex get up? Liz Scott thought again of her daughter, Alex. "The way he stumbled and caught himself, that was her," she told USA Today. "That was the way she walked. How many times we thought she was going to fall and she popped up and kept going." How did Jeremy Rose not fall off? He said that an "angel" kept him safe. "There was someone up there who helped us," he said. "Little Alex (Scott) kept me on." Three weeks later at the Belmont Stakes, along with tens of thousands of racing fans across the nation, I made a donation and enjoyed a glass of lemonade at Alex's Lemonade Stand. I could hardly wait to see what Afleet Alex would do next. He did not disappoint. I got goosebumps as Afleet Alex powered to the lead with a dramatic rush. As the courageous little horse sped past me on the way to a seven-length victory, I shouted, "Fly, Alex, fly!" I'm not sure which Alex I meant. I cannot say whether Afleet Alex and Jeremy Rose are guided by the spirit of little Alex Scott. But I would have to say that I witnessed a miracle. That a four-year-old child dying of cancer started a charity that has now raised over $2 million, one cup of lemonade at a time, is a miracle. Afleet Alex is a miracle. "He has kept his dying breeder alive," wrote turf columnist Steve Haskin. "He has kept the mission and memory of a courageous young girl alive. He has kept the hopes of hundreds of seriously ill children alive. He has kept the great American dream of his workaday owners alive. And he kept himself and his jockey alive with one of the most remarkable feats of agility ever seen in any sport." Alex Scott was loved by people everywhere who were inspired by her courage and her will to live. Afleet Alex, too, is loved by people everywhere, who are inspired by his courage and his will to win. "I've received letters from people who say when they watch this horse run it literally brings tears to their eyes," says Ritchey. As the story continues, as Afleet Alex races on, with every glass of lemonade I drink this summer, I know that I am participating in a miracle. Martha Ainsworth is webmaster for the Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute. She is Community Producer for the award winning multifaith web publication Beliefnet, was 2002 President of the International Society for Mental Health Online, and is a professional musician with graduate degrees in conducting and sacred music. Martha's Web Site: http://www.metanoia.org/martha/
Source: http://www.beliefnet.com/frame_offsite.asp?pageLoc=http://www.afleetalex.com
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Inspirational Thoughts
Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a foreign language. Do not search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live with them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer. --- Rainer Maria Rilke
Recently, I came across the above quotation and decided to research the author. What I found was a site that provided access to ten letters that Rainer Maria Rilke had written. Translated by Stephen Mitchell the letters are entitled, "Letters To A Young Poet." I found them thought provoking, extremely current despite their longevity (over one hundred years old) and well worth discovering.
I offer this to you as the source for our "Inspirational Thoughts" section. Good reading!
Rainer Maria Rilke - http://www.sfgoth.com/~immanis/rilke/letter7.html
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HUMOR OF THE DAY
Laughter is a holy thing. It is as sacred as music and silence and solemnity, maybe more sacred. Laughter is like a prayer, like a bridge over which creatures tiptoe to meet each other. Laughter is like mercy; it heals. When you can laugh at yourself, you are free. - Ted Loder
WHY AMERICANS SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED OUT ALONE: Horror stories from Travel Agents **I had someone ask for an aisle seat on the plane so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window.
** A client called in inquiring about a package to Hawaii. After going over all the cost info, she asked, "Would it be cheaper to fly to California and then take the train to Hawaii?" **I got a call from a woman who wanted to go to Capetown. I started to explain the length of the flight and the passport information when she interrupted me with "I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Capetown is in Massachusetts." Without trying to make HER look like the stupid one, I calmly explained, "Capecod is in Massachusetts, Capetown is in Africa." Her response: ...click. **A man called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando. He said he was expecting an ocean-view room. I tried to explain that is not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, "Don't lie to me. I looked on the map and Florida is a very thin state." **I got a call from a man who asked, "Is it possible to see England from Canada?" I said, "No." He said, "But they look so close on the map." **Another man called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas. When I pulled up the reservation, I noticed he had a 1-hour lay-over in Dallas. When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, "I heard Dallas was a big airport, and I need a car to drive between the gates to save time." **A nice lady just called. She needed to know how it was possible that her flight from Detroit left at 8:20 am and got into Chicago at 8:33 am. I tried to explain that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois, but she could not understand the concept of time zones. Finally I told her the plane went very fast, and she bought that! **A woman called and asked, "Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to who?" I said,"No, why do you ask?" She replied, "Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said FAT, and I'm overweight, is there any connection?" After putting her on hold for a minute while I "looked into it" ( I was actually laughing) I came back and explained the city code for Fresno is FAT, and that the airline was just putting a destination tag on her luggage. **I just got off the phone with a man who asked, "How do I know which plane to get on?" I asked him what exactly he meant, to which he replied, "I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these darn planes have numbers on them. **A woman called and said, "I need to fly to Pepsi-cola on one of those computer planes." I asked if she meant to fly to Pensacola on a commuter plane. She said, "Yeah, whatever." **A man called and had a question about the documents he needed in order to fly to China. After a lengthy discussion about passports, I reminded him he needed a visa. "Oh no I don't, I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those." I double checked and sure enough, his stay definitely required a visa. When I told him this he said, "Look, I've been to China four times and every time they have accepted my American Express." **A woman called to make reservations, "I want to go from Chicago to Hippopotamus, New York"
The agent was at a loss for words. Finally, the agent asked: "Are you sure that's the name of the town?"
"Yes, what flights do you have?" replied the customer.
After some searching, the agent came back with, "I'm sorry, ma'am, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a Hippopotamus anywhere."
The customer retorted, "Oh don't be silly. Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!"
The agent scoured a map of the state of New York and finally offered, "You don't mean Buffalo, do you?" "That's it! I knew it was a big animal!"
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How to be a good student
Feelings like disappointment, embarrassment, irritation, resentment, anger, jealousy, and fear, instead of being bad news, are actually very clear moments that teach us where it is that we're holding back. They teach us to perk up and lean in when we feel we'd rather collapse and back away. They're like messengers that show us, with terrifying clarity, exactly where we're stuck. This very moment is the perfect teacher, and, lucky for us, it's with us wherever we are. -- Pema Chodron (When Things Fall Apart)
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Last but not least!
You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist. - Indira Gandhi
Have a Safe and Happy July 4th! and see you soon!
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| SUBSCRIBERS' SITES
Many of our subscribers have fascinating web sites. Please let us know about yours so that we might mention it in this section. Write to: deirdre@spiritlighthome.com
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| NEW PAGES
High Flight -- http://www.spiritlighthome.com/HighFlight.html
This is our new page dedicated to healing and a place where people may also go to remember loved ones who have passed.
May I encourage all our readers to submit their friends and loved ones to our new Healing Circle and In Memoriam page. The beautiful part of this process is that anyone who is submitted will be prayed for and sent Reiki. Every time someone else submits a name, everyone who is already on the page, receives prayers and Reiki over and over again. Deirdre's Favorite Quotes -- http://www.spiritlighthome.com/Quotes.htmlHere you will find some of my favorite quotes -- some you might have seen before and may be not! Submit your favorite ones and we will add it so long as it is compatible with the theme of our site.
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| Love It The Way It Is
Love it the way it is. The way you see the world depends entirely on our own vibration level. When your vibration changes, the whole world will look different. It's like those days when everyone seems to be smiling at you because you feel happy. The way to raise your vibration level is to feel more love. Start by loving your negative feelings, your own boredom, dullness and despair. It's hard to believe, but changing the *content* of your mind does nothing to change your vibration level. For the purpose of raising your awareness, it is useless to change your ideas, your faith, your behavior, your place of residence, or your companions. It is not arbitrary or an accident that you are where you are, so you might as well get your attitude straight before you make a change. Otherwise you might find yourself chasing all over creation looking for the right place, and not even the Sea of Infinite Bliss will feel right to you. You take yourself with you wherever you go. As they say in Zen: If you can't find it where you are standing, where do you expect to wander in search of it? - Thaddeus Golas in "The Lazy Man's Guide to Enlightenment"
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