The Tale of Two Wolves

I recently heard this story and I love it.  There was once a great warrior and he had a long and rich life.  When he was a grandfather, he once told his grandson the Story of Two Wolves. One wolf lives inside us and is full of anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.  The other wolf inside us is full of joy, peace, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, faith, happiness and love.  Life then is a constant battle between the two wolves...The young grandson sat with amazement and asked, "Which one will win?" The warrior replied,  "That depends...that depends on which wolf you feed." 

The attached picture is from my friend, Nsimbikakusa Buthelezi, who died recently.  This post is in memory of him...he fed his latter wolf.  

Prayer and Meditation

I have found it indespensible to start my morning with a prayer the moment I wake up and to end the day with prayer.  I so often forget to pray during the day, like I would rather stress or worry about something than pray about it.  I was told that if I can worry, I can meditate...so I try to meditate by thinking of nothing for 10 minutes, longer if possible. 

Meditation consists of two processes: One is insight - paying attention to what is arising. The other is surrender - letting go of the attachment to the thoughts that arise.  In other words, as I sit trying to empty my mind, I notice what comes to mind and then let it go...

Peace and Freedom in South Sudan.

On January 9, 2011, the people of South Sudan will vote in a Referendum for Independence from Sudan and this will create a new country in Africa. The outcome looks good, but it is only a first step. It is like coming out of prison; I am free, but now what? It is like getting sober; I am clean, but now what? This is only the beginning of another great adventure. As a people of diverse tribes, South Sudan must move forward as a nation. I, too, as a free man must move forward as a clean, sober man of courage and integrity. www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1ZEJWVSiEI

21 Days to Prosper

Today is the 3rd Day of a Program I am doing on Prosperity. I am taking a 21 Day Fast from Spending - only food and absolute essentials. I am learning how little I need to spend to get by on a daily basis.

The Well Being of God

When I remember to summon the well-being of God and know that I am always connected to the Source, it is then that I am connected to the good of the Universe. Each one of us represents God or Spirit revealing itself in our presence.

My 12 Rules of Living

Many people have a code or a set of rules for living. In Judiasm and Christianity, there are theTen Commandments. In Buddhism, the Five Basic Precepts set forth rules for living. Recovery programs have 12 Steps. I believe all these have value and many more as well. In 2010, I created my own 12 Rules for My Own Life, not for anyone else but for me to live.

They are the following:

1. Always place love first.

2. Always do what I say I am going to do.

3. Walk through fear; run through great fear and run toward the Lions' Roar.

4. Remember to ask for HELP = His Ever Loving Presence.

5. Always have a Mentor.

6. Never give up just before the miracle happens.

7. Always tell the truth.

8. Always treasure the paradox; we surrender to win. We keep our gifts by giving them away. We are loved when we give love.

9. Welcome adversity as well as prosperity because we are so much better for going through adveristy than we are in our prosperity.

10. Live one day at a time.

11. Remember that HOPE never abandons us; we abondon hope. Just TRUST.

12. Sober Life is an Adventure; cherish it always.

Another Beginning 2011

Today is January 1, 2011, truly the first day of the rest of my life and Emmanuel Jal's birthday. It is also the beginning of many new starts - I started this day with my best friend, Brenda Thompson and then I ran a 5K Race in Clearwater, Under Pressure, time 28:28. 28 minutes; 28 seconds. I don't know what it means, but it means something. Every year of my sobriety has been named something - 2005 was Absolute Adventure. 2006 was Absolute Surrender. 2007 was Absolute Acceptance. 2008 was Absolute Freedom. 2009 was Absolute Hope. 2010 was Absolutely Amazing. I decided to name 2011 "Absolute Peace" for my desire for Peace in South Sudan, Peace in Darfur, Peace in Mexico, Peace is Congo, Peace in Ivory Coast, Peace in Iraq, Peace in Afghanistan, Peace in Pakistan, Peace in the world. Peace. January 9, 2011 is the Referendum for Freedom in South Sudan. The Kharoum government will want to hold power. Kill. War. More Hate. More Death.

So, now, I am fighting for peace in Sudan.

Prayer for Peace

Praying for peace in South Sudan.

Praying for freedom for e'ry child, women and man.

I heard about Darfur and cared with my head.

And while I cared, more found dead.

Then I heard the song of Emmanuel Jal,

My heart opened wide and I heard the call.

I can't stop the screams and the cries of pain.

I can't close my eyes and pretend again.

Now, I can't turn away and deny what's going on.

The children and the faces show what's wrong.

Who am I? A convicted felon, gay, recoverying alcoholic and an activist.

Who am I? Lawyer, adventurer, interventionist and economist.

Who am I? A guy with integrity to fight against racists.

I am strong in spirit, body and mind.

I am a lover of life and all mankind.

I have enough love and tears for all who need them.

I will fight for the weak, the poor and the children.

I will run for GUA until my feet wear out.

I will not be silent, going to scream and shout.

We want peace for South Sudan.

We want peace in Africa throughout the land.

Enough blood; enough war.

Shout for peace for South Sudan and for Darfur.

We got to stop the killing and stop the greed.

We got to find the answer and meet the need.

Enough is enough of all this hate.

No time to discuss; no time to debate.

Let's tell our governments and demand our Presidents.

Peace for Sudan; let's stop the precedents.

Human beings and tribes must live and thrive together.

Before we destroy our land, our nations, our water and weather.

God protect us from war and disease.

Give us hope and give us peace.