T h e
EDEN MAGAZINE
December 2012 Volume 2 Issue 12
spreading compassion to all sentient beings and Living in healing and peaceful world Editor
Maryam Morrison
Front Cover Jacky Newcomb by Photographer – Charles Francis, Artist - Alan Clough
Eden Magazine is an independent monthly online magazine. Our aim is to create a better environment where we live among other living being in peace and harmony. We support artists that their work match our criteria. If you would like to submit your artwork, article or/and your Photography For our future issues please contact Maryam Morrison at; edenmagazine@hotmail.com or www.theedenmagazine.com 2 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Angels in my life
4 Voice of Love
By Katerina Kostaki
8 The Human Aura
Luckman By;Sol Elliot Eli Jackson
12 Will the world end... By Elsa be Smit
16 Mayan 2012
By Ellen Heller
20
C O N T E N T S
A Tour in the Garden
By: Dr. Emma Rmili, Tunisia
24 The Imeccable
By Peace Mother Geeta Sacred Song
30 The big Flip
By Dorothy West
34 Karma & Soul By: V. Ravi
38 The Cattery
By: Debra J. White
42
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Angels in my Life By Jacky Newcomb
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The earliest angel experience I recall was as a 5 years old. On a family holiday on the Isle of Wight, I found myself being pulled out to sea by the giant waves...my parents were blissfully unaware further up the beach. Unable to swim it occurred to me that I might well die but as the thought entered my mind I suddenly felt an extreme sense of peace and calm followed by a voice which offered me the choice of living or dying. No sooner had I thought to live than I found myself being pulled back in the direction of the sand. I never knew what had helped me that day but with a picnic lunch awaiting me, when I ran back up the beach I simply forgot about the experience for about 35 years! One day I was watching a television programme about guardian angels on TV and the rest, as they say, is history! Fascinated I began to study the phenomenon and several years later I really began to grasp the subject. My interest has never waned! In no time at all I had become an ‘accidental expert!’ What is a guardian angel? I quickly learnt that guardian angels are different things to different people. For some they are the typical biblical angels, beings of light sent from God our creator. Others (most of us) imagine them to be like the tall winged figures we see in paintings and churches. But more recently, people have considered their deceased relatives might be angels watching over them. Angels indeed are many things and for
the purposes of my many books I share stories of all different types of angelic beings...letting the reader decide for themselves. Angels are as popular now as they were during the renaissance times. People everywhere are turning to their guardian angels during times of trouble. My books are full of hundreds of real life case studies of encounters with guardian angels. They comfort us, heal us and protect us. One thing’s for sure, after all these years of studying the phenomenon I’ve never been more sure that angels are real!
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books and although we still have a lot to learn, the information about these other realms is there is you know where to look. How can we connect with our Guardian Angels? • One of the most important things is to invite them to work with you. Angels are already helping us in subtle ways but long to work more closely with their human charges. We have to give angels My work has taken me on a roller coast- permission to intervene in our lives. er ride; one minute I’m sat at my desk writing alone and the next I’m stood on • Although you can follow a fancy ritual a stage in front of hundreds of people or if you wish (and they are fun); you don’t appearing on television with some of the need to. Just giving them permission UK’s biggest names (Peter Andre, Phil- to intervene when things get tough, is ip Schofield, Lorraine Kelly and more). usually enough. Miracles happen when people yell, ‘Help!’ I made it my role to create the biggest angel website on the internet. People • Try and talk to your angels every day. don’t always have the money to buy books It’s ok to ask for help for yourself and but I wanted to ensure that the informa- others but you can also chat to them tion was still available. My biggest thanks about your problems too; then follow the is the hundreds of letters I receive from angel’s signs as suggestions for resoluall over the world; fans who tell me their tions present themselves. Thank your lives have been changed as a result of angels after their help! Those little reading my books. Most important is co-incidences are your guardian angels the help it brings the grieving; reading letting you know they are around. books full of true life stories of deceased loved ones appearing in dreams and • Then there is the classic feather sign. visions to reassure their living loved ones People the world over now know that that they made it safely to heaven. when your angel is bringing comfort or a sign, they leave you a little white Over time this phenomenon has just feather as their calling card. grown and grown. It’s amazing how much you can learn just by reading thousands My belief in angels and the afterlife has of case histories of real experiences. I’ve changed my own life for the better. I no put this knowledge to good use in my longer fear death after having hundreds 6 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
of experiences of my own. After my own father passed away my sister Madeline Richardson and I wrote a book about the many contacts our whole family had from Dad...in the afterlife.
Jacky Newcomb is a multi-award winning, Sunday Times and Amazon best selling author. She has published hundreds of articles; and is regularly featured in the national press and radio shows around the world.
He brought comfort and so much more, even showing us things that were to happen in the future! The title ‘Call Me When You Get to Heaven’ was given to me in a dream. I sometimes wonder how much of these books I write myself and how much I am helped from the other side! It doesn’t really matter either way though. Jacky is a regular guest expert on shows such as Lorraine Kelly, Knowing I have helped even one person ITV’s This Morning and to carry on after the loss of a loved one is Channel 5 Live. all the thanks I need. For more information: www.JackyNewcomb.com
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Artwork By Maryam Morrison 8 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Voices of Love “Com’ n Guides …come and guide me!” By Katerina Kostaki
She was sitting in her living room next to her Christmas tree, decorated and full of bright tree that reminded her of her childhood when she was waiting for someone or something new to invade her boring, unsatisfying life.
trust and faith in.
They were apparently joining her dreams and she could feel their appearance as a huge energetic field engulfing her when she was upset or sensing the obscure approaching of a dark cloud; “…I am sure that are all somewhere dark forces in motion, as they were trying around, looking at me , listening to my hopelessly to exhibit their hard, gloomy whispers, concentrating on my mourns work.. ,laughing with my noble thoughts or deeds”. “They need to accomplish the work they are appointed to” she smiles to herself, She was feeling totally desperate and “thus to regress every particle of this abandoned by everybody, especially her reality that is not compromising to its harsh guides and angels, whom she had ever demands”. 9 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Eventually she could find herself in the very good position of being totally devoted in a Higher’s Good plan, a Divine Plan, remaining but unknown to her, with a glimpse of her own duty to cooperate with Divine Forces in gratification to a pre-born competence to a warrior’s life while incarnating in this world.
Messages were escorted to subconscious, so that being able to retrieve them while being calm and relaxed from worries.
Once she asked for more relief in this despising sort of life she was drifted in, the answer was the kind of “it’s a reinforcement for you living in a place of difficulty that strengthens your body and mind”. The answer given was always the same to her quests: “You have everything you asked for in your life, so fell content and grateful for what you have”.
What if she had already transformed to a beautiful butterfly she dreamed of? What if she was not aware of this transformation had already taken place?
Everything looked like an inspiration stuff. “Com’ n and give me a hand in my thinking process; I am not quite sure, if you pay attention to my deepest thoughts, however truthful are…”she was overBeing a working housewife didn’t seem whelmed by a full of bitterness thought. to be a real warrior’s life anyway, but she had to admit that life itself is a con- It was not her depth that they do not stant conflict, and by raising two kids, correspond with her, but the fact that working under non-ethics conditions she had no acceptance in her only one and walking in unsafe streets of the big attempt to spring up from her cocoon and city for a living transformed her into an become the butterfly she imagined she invisible- to human eyes -warrior. was.
Not for sure, but the voices replied in their sweet mode; and she could hear them clearly . They suggested her more than once to write down what she could hear, so that notes will assist her in her story telling process. “Teaching and learning are similar options of the coin. Avoid negative thoughts; follow truthful thoughts, while proceeding in knowledge that is hidden within you”, they stated.
In her dreams many entities were approaching with healing energy and encouragement; sometimes dreams were so subtle and funny, as if their invasions were due to spread her relief, and very often she had this deep feeling that they had something useful and wise to message her. “You are, but the only one who knows the Truth, for Truth resides within you, Messaging or not , in the early morning in the dim, but so precious Divine she had to press herself to remember Sparkle. anything . 10 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Search for Truth for none will confess it to you. This way you’ll find it pure and honest in your True Self”.‘They were clear and right”, she had to admit. “Avoid dishonest thoughts and mean attitudes. They are means to a misleading path .Truth is you, when inspiring truths and spread Love in human hearts”. “Neglect all negative thinking that lurks in this moment you lose faith. Whenever you lose your faith , a dark opening allows negativity operate in your mind. Escort it all out of your mind and you feel calm ”. “What if love and remembering hurts?”, she wondered. “Be aware that cleansing yourself from toxins is a painful procedure, as well as remembering “who you really are. Remembering assists you and reinforces you as you move to an upper state of consciousness”. “Maybe we are all in a process of global healing .This releases a huge amount of pain. What should I tell people to think of”, she was finally aware of her duty.
Katerina Kostaki is a visionary artist, spiritual author, poetess, freelance article writer ,mentor and video creator. She was born in 1966 in Athens , Greece. She was awarded as Mentor for participating to the European Union Program entitled “Implement” (MayOctober 2006) in contribution with two International Universities: Institut Technik Undbildung and Deis-Cork Institute of Technology. She attended lessons on Counselling on 2007. She took a distant learning course on “ALCHEMY OF TRANSFORMATION ” by Classic Insight Org. (former Online Humanities Org.) on 2010. Her work related to spirituality, spiritual coaching/ counselling, mythology, esoteric research, self esteem, relationships, self improvement, historical reviews, Nature protection, New Age, mystery and metaphysics has appeared in several publications (trade –union, local and cultural) both in print and online. She writes and translates her books/articles /poems/newsletters from Greek to English language herself.
“Do not let negative thoughts overwhelm you. Remember that you should not think by mind. Think by heart. See beyond matters and harsh situations.See beyond 3D walls manifested to hide a wonderful reality that resides within you, in your precious feelings. Your heart is your means to express your brilliant feelings”. www.academyofinnerlight.net “…and do not forget to spread the word…”
http://www.facebook.com/authorkaterinakostaki Twitter:@katerinakostaki e-mail: katerina.kostaki@gmail.com
11 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Monthly Message from Source
The Human
Aura
“Freedom of Choice is the Greatest Gift of All.” By Elliott Eli Jackson
WE always give to you information that will assist you in understanding who you are and who WE are as you approach the pivotal year of 2013. Enlightenment about your aura WE give to you. 2013 is what you would consider to be a moving year in regard to the shifting of the spiritual portion of man and womankind to the forefront in the beings of thousands of you. Therefore, please review the following section on OUR book to you – The Sapiential Discourses Universal Wisdom. The following is an excerpt from the chapter, “The Self Revealed.” The Sapiential Discourses Universal Wisdom, Elliott Eli Jackson, Light Technology Publishing, 2012. 12 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
“WE speak to you now about the human aura. It is not a mystery, it is real. All of you generate frequencies of light and sound around your physical being constantly and consistently. This light and sound can be measured and seen. This energy flows through you and all around each of you. The human eye, at your current mental frequency, is able to, if trained, catch an egg or oblong picture, WE shall say, of this energy. However, this energy field is vast and covers about the size of a football field, as you understand the term. This means that each of your auras overlap the auras of others if you are closer than, let US say, full yard measurements of a football field. The aura is luminous, as you understand the term, if and when it is viewed by one of you. Many are born, as you understand the term, with the ability to see auras; many acquire the ability to see them during the course of what you understand to be a lifetime. Yet all of you are able to see them if you but try. How? Work at it.
lower vibrational portions of the universe, or portions that should not be in or around you in any other measure than the trace amounts set by the laws of the universe, become able, and, might WE add, quite willing to come in or penetrate your being. This allows what you understand as sickness or dis-ease to take hold. It is like this for all of you. WE speak now not in medical terms but in spiritual terms. Fore, remember, all is actually spirit that is either encased or covered by what you understand to be as physical manifestational portions of the universe. The four basic names given to the initial layers protruding or surrounding your being, by those whom pioneered this important field of study, come from US and are correct, as you understand the term. They are the Etheric, Astral, Mental, and Causal or Intuitive. However, there are more, which include but are not limited to the following: Ancestral, Cosmic, and Polymorphic. These are the ones WE wish for you to become familiar with for now. WE will further ask each of you to do some personal homework (Smile) on your own into each of the aforementioned. This way you will obtain the knowledge first hand. Remember, “Give a man or woman a fish and they will eat today. Teach them how to fish and they will eat forever.””
The mental portion of your being, in most instances, tells the viewer (you) that the aura looks like smoke, fire, or lights in layers. In fact, the aura is a smorgasbord or combination of light and gas mixed in an oxygenated process. Therefore, what is seen by the human eye is a byproduct of such in the atmospheric covering of the person or persons. Each of you does have an atmospheric covering. It is the Remember, all the about information is universe’s, , shall WE say, force field and for your use in becoming the spiritual protective covering for you and your kind. master that you already are, yet some of you just do not REMEMBER at this time. Now if any part of the field is lowered or Always investigate for yourself. not at optimal performance, then more 13 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Elliott Eli Jackson is an inspirational speaker, Reiki Master, and author of The Sapiential Discourses which is to be released this year. He has also authored the best-selling nonfiction book From God to You: Absolute Truth, and Cacophony, a collection of poetry about life, love, and spirit. Elliott channels All there is, was, and ever shall be. Elliott and his wife Diane tour America presenting workshops in which Source speaks through Elliott to the audience, answering questions as well as giving spiritual guidance.
To Meet Elliott Eli Jackson he will be in Wisconsin and Illinois in December 2012 Wisconsin Friday, December, 7th 7-9PM: The Crossroads Botanica & Wellness Center 2227 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Milwaukee, WI. Registration Call 414-744-3121 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_sVisit: http://www.thecrossroadsbotanica.com/
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Illinois Saturday, December 15th 4:30-7:00PM: Cleo’s Aroma-pothecary 1416 N. Main St. Rockford, IL. Registration Call 815-966-1240 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting www.elliottelijackson.com
Omar & Will
www.omarandwill.com
With www.pixpirations.com Omar & Will, the creators of PixPirations.com, have always known the importance of what an uplifting message could do for someones day. After growing up and learning many lessons in life one thing became apparent, behind all of their achievements, a source of inspiration was close by. That’s why they created PixPirations, to continue to share motivational and inspirational “Images that Inspire” with people from all over the world.
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Will The World End On 21St December 2012? Artwork By Maryam Morrison 16 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Will the world end on 21st December 2012? If not, what will happen?
By Elsa be Smit
My intuition has always told me that date is the end of time, but not the end of the world. I did not have much more knowledge, but then read a very informative book called Maya Prophecy by Ronald L Bonewitz. This book explains that the Maya prophecy is actually not a prophecy as we know it, but rather a calendar. So what is so particular about this calendar and the date of 21st December 2012? Let me give some background. The Maya believed that time binds the various dimensions of the Universe together. They believed that time can be measured, that time does not stand still, and that time flows away from the past into the future. The Maya also believed that time is circular and cyclical, and that events are repeated in different cycles. The Maya used three different calendars. The first is the Long Count Calendar. This calendar was used to record past events and predict future events. It starts again more or less every 5 000 years. The second calendar is known as the Sacred Calendar or Ritual Almanac. This calendar consisted of 260 days, and is used mainly for religious purposes and divination. The Sacred calendar consists of two separate calendars, one compris-
ing 20 days, and the second comprising 13 numbers. These two calendars ran concurrently, for example where both calendars started on the same day, both day 1 and day 14 of the 20-day calendar would be day 1 of the 13-day calendar. Day 20 and day 13 coincided every 260 days. The third calendar is known as the Solar Calendar. This calendar consists of 360 days, followed by another five-day period. The start of the Solar Calendar and the Ritual Almanac only coincides every 52 years. This period is called the Calendar Round. This is regarded as a highly sacred period of time and is celebrated with various activities that celebrate the dying of the old and the re-birth of the new. If the Maya Long Count Calendar is correlated with the Gregorian calendar, then it can be calculated that the world started on 13th August 3114 BC. The Maya Long Count Calendar ends on 21st December 2012. Is that the day on which the world will end? I have heard 21st December 2012 being described as “the end of time” that is the end of the Maya Long Count calendar as translated to the Gregorian calendar. However, there is another significant event that will happen on that day. On 21st December 2012, the December solstice sun will cross the Milky Way in precisely the location of the dark-rift in the Milky Way, also known as “the road to the underworld”. The sun will be at the exact centre of the Galaxy.
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According to the Maya the center of the Galaxy is the cosmic womb, the place of dead, transformation, regeneration and rebirth. This moment shows the end of the current Maya Long Count Calendar. It appears that the Milky Way has a 25 800 year cycle, and on four previous occasions the galactic centre aligned with the sunrise of a solstice or equinox. The last time was about 6 450 years ago (or around 3114 BC?) and the next time will be 21st December 2012. Back to the Maya - or rather to the Aztec, another ancient people. The Aztec Calendar Stone indicates five different eras or Suns. The First Sun began in the year 15 213 BC and ended with the last Ice Age. The Second Sun began in the year 11 205 BC and ended with the demise of Atlantis. The Third Sun began in the year 8000 BC and ended with the Mesopotamian floods. The Fourth Sun began in the year 3114 BC (the start of the Maya Long Count Calendar) and is predicted to end on 21st December 2012. According to the Maya, the Fifth Sun will then start, and the ancient Aztec records say: “there will be a movement of the earth and from this we shall all perish.” What will happen on 21st December 2012? Who knows? I was going to make some flippant remark about the press blowing things out of proportion again and doomsday prophets cashing in on people’s gullibility, but then I read The Mystery of The Crystal Skulls by Chris Morton and Ceri Louise Thomas.This book describes the journey of the authors while inves-
tigating the existence and meaning of crystal skulls. I am not going to say much more here, except that this book is on my (very short) list of ultimate mustreads for anyone that is interested in spirituality and our roots. The information in the book is too explosive to repeat here, and I would not do justice to their message by quoting sections from the book. What I can tell you is that 21st December 2012 is not about earthquakes or about the end of the world. I can say that most of the book will resonate with my readers because we have always known that there is more to life than the dress sense of some minor celebrity or some irrelevant political shenanigans. At the risk of sounding like a preacher, I now understand that life is about making choices that are based on Love and nothing else. No, I am not going to start my own church or anything like that. I am simply going to continue with my own search for more and more details of the truth. I know that I am on the right path, and I know that the truth is being exposed to me by means of meditations, visions and dreams. My role is to receive and communicate this information to those people that are ready to listen. Everyone knows by now that I do not just swallow what is offered to me. I am constantly looking for explanations and proof, and that will not change. There has been talk of changes in the earth’s magnetic field, even as drastic as the north and south poles changing positions. This last happened about 780,000 years ago.
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The predictions indicate that the earth is heading for a change that is as drastic as that. Is this a signal for us to start stocking up on tinned food and warm clothes? I think not.
aware of for a long time, and that have been speeding up recently. If a massive earthquake destroys the earth, a stock of tinned food would not really help much and I will just have to go with the flow. If nothing as drastic as that happens, I would We have had solar and lunar eclipses in probably still be working on bringing spirithe past. They are always spectacular and tual enlightenment to this earth, because make good photographs, but they do not we are visitors here anyway. necessarily mean catastrophe. We had a near miss on 23rd March 1989 when a 300 meter diameter asteroid missed Elsabe Smit is the the earth by 700 000 kilometres, passing author of the soulthrough the exact position where the earth touching collection was only 6 hours before. And there is an- of short other one coming our way: on 16th March stories, 2880 an asteroid with a diameter of about A Tapestry a kilometre will probably hit the earth. I will of Life and be watching the show from my ring seat of the blog http:// in the galaxy. As far as I am concerned, www.mypurpleblog.com , Spiritual inter21st December 2012 will be the culmina- pretations of everyday life. tion of the changes that we have all been
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Artwork By Maryam Morrison 20 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Mayan
2012 By Ellen Heller
F
or many of us, this is a time of reflection; for others, a time of stress, and for still others, an enthusiastic and very hopeful anticipation. What is this all about? I am referring to the Mayan Calendar, which ends this December 21, 2012. It is very easy to find information on this subject, the only problem is that 99% (approximate estimate) is negative! Doom and gloom theories, articles, and prophecies are the ‘norm’ if one searches the web. We live in a society that thrives
on ‘dirty laundry,’ so to speak. And yet, we are truly ALL LOVE; that is OUR NATURAL STATE. Therefore, with that thought in mind, view this article with hope, peace, and Love. The Mayans were speaking of an end of days, but not what we may think; not an ‘end of days’ in disaster, but an END TO FEAR. This is truly a BEGINNING! This starts the New Age that THE CHRIST mentioned....the THOUSAND YEARS OF PEACE is beginning; the planet uplifting into a new dimension; a dimension of LOVE.
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The time is now for peace. The time is now for an end to the fear consciousness, and the time is now for LOVE. WE ARE THAT, and all that is necessary is to KNOW THAT. You cannot experience something until you know it. (yes, I realize that we have been told the opposite, but truth is truth, and since we are creative Beings, we cannot experience anything until we know it, because our thoughts create and that creative power means that we must first conceptualize something in order to experience it). We are EVERYTHING...the up and the down; the high and the low; the cold and the hot; the ‘good’ and the ‘bad.’ This KNOWING produces experiences and now is the time for the experience of LOVE, rather than fear. THAT is the TRUE MAYAN MESSAGE! And, THAT is all the MAYANS meant when they stopped their calendar. The Maya prophesied that we, together with the precession of the equinoxes would come full circle. The dominant message emerging from the Mayan prophecies for 2012 is that we are the prophecy, and that whatever happens in the future is dependent on the choices we make.* Would LOVE have it really any other way? Blessings! *taken in part from the book, ‘The Mayan Prophecies for 2012,’ by Gerald Benedict
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Ellen Heller received a B.A. in Education in 1978; four major fields of study: English, Art, Social Studies, and Psychology. Received her M.S. in Clinical Psychology in 1997. Has treated patients in a locked psych ward, held a two office private practice, and currently is starting a private practice in Arizona. Taught Psychology classes at a University in the Chicago area, and has just completed a children’s book. She is currently writing another book for young adults and the general public. Her company was honored in Entrepreneur Magazine, March, 2003, for her business, Mother Earth Coffee Company, Inc., for cause related Marketing. 10% net profit was pledged to a different charity each month to give back to our community/Planet. She currently resides in Arizona, and is in the process of placing Mother Earth Coffee Company locations in the state of Arizona. She presently writes a successful blog called “Spirit-Minded; from the Inside---Out.” You can find her blog website located at: www.spirit-minded.com You can also contact her through her email: spiritmindedblog@gmail.com
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A tour in the Garden of Azure Poetry, Munir Mezyed By Dr. Emna Rmili, Tunisia
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It would be very difficult for the critic to write a preview or preface for complete poetry works for a great poet such as the poet Munir Mezyed in spite of his/ her ability to analyze the text proficiently without falling into abbreviation or selection which means unfair to some books or even to a poem since this complete poetry works includes lot of poetry books and so many intertwined contexts with all kinds of poetry mingled together. Nevertheless we will try to give Munir Mezyed’s complete poetry works “The Garden of the Azure Poetry” a panoramic view, looking at it from above or comprehensively foreseeing some of the artistic characteristics which distinguish the experience of this poet that makes him to be a unique poet not like the others. It also makes his poem have what a poem must possess, which others poems do not have, and what makes it different from them alluding to nothing but the self of its creator just like all the great artistic experiences in the history of poetry and poets. We can sum up the distinguished features of “Mezyedistic poem” in some artistic signs related to the shape of the poetic text and to the envisaged plan of the poetic discourse in order to create an effect on the reader that impresses, and traps him in the snare of words and possesses him in an aesthetic way. We will mainly deal with the common points between all the poems; and we will stop at the possible common points between this huge numbers of texts. We will also try to look at those illuminated spaces that glow with accumulated intermingled colors in which they intertwine a group of symbols which are frequently repeated
from one poem to the other, at the same time they are present in one poetry collection or another, spaces which encompass lots of distinctive signs upon which the whole aesthetic project in the experience of Munir Mezyed is based. The first sign: My beloved (Habibti), the revealing appeal. The poet often initiates his poem with this appeal “Habibti”. He repeats it like an icon and draws it before the reader’s eyes on the white page verbally and vocally by creating a kind of visual as well as audio familiarity between the text and the receiver (the reader) in order to achieve a kind of confidential pledge between them through which the poet tries to deliver to the reader his aesthetic and expressive plan and the reader on the other hand realizes that he is in the presence of a text loaded with subjective signs distinguishing it from other texts. With this multifaceted appeal “Habibti”, the poet opens his poems where he announces the beginning of two acts: the act of writing and the act of reading. In the act of writing the phrase of appeal “Habibti” is laden with a part of the uttering self’s desires, obsessions and emotions. In the act of reading, the reader shares a dose of those obsessions, wishes and sentiments as they are his as well as the transmitter’s. The poet’s vigilance to this interactive space seems to be strong and deep as he covers his urgent appeal “Habibti, Habibti, Habibti..” with sorts of meaningful dresses in a way that the appealed self, that is furnishing the poem, is “a woman” for who aims at flirting, “a homeland” for who aims at politics,
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“a symbol” for who is after universality and asserts that it is a matter of symbolism and an icon for who longs for a poetic voyage aesthetics more than that of linguistics to the worlds of fantasy and unknown. through which the uttering self considered that “butterfly – rose – poem” as its key This overall vision of the audience/receiv- to the act of imagination and its meanings er and this structural intelligence make to be engaged in furnishing the space of Munir Mezyed’s poems to be able to the poem and its different rhythmic and travel across the world and attain their moral components. universality and to enjoy a wide welcome by a large audience in the Arab world as O my charming butterfly well as in the western one. Let us fly together to the gardens of dream...! The second sign: The butterfly – the rose The flower of fantasy- the ode- is waiting – the poem. for us..... Within this large universal interpretation of the concept of the “reader” for Munir Mezyed, we can introduce the second textual sign which we consider as one of the distinctive linguistic signs that combine the poet’s vision of his poetic universe and the linguistic intermediary which leads the self through worlds of poetic imagination. This sign is not a unilateral one like that of the phrase of appeal “Habibti”. It is however a complex three- dimensional symbolic sign. The three dimensions are those of the butterfly, the rose and the poem. This symbolic triad with its frequency in Mezyed’s poems and its different indicative radiations and its permanent spinning in the language of self, is amounted to be a distinctive linguistic sign in the Mezyedisim poem and a key among the keys of imagination for the poet.
It is possible that this choice is due to the psychological, mental and linguistic situation of the poetic self during the moment of the poem’s birth. It seems that moment is rich with the fertility of the movement, colors and all kinds of contemplation and imagination which may be similar to the fluttering of a butterfly or the color of a rose or the effect of a poem. It is a sort of a linguistic ritual that Munir Mezyed evokes once he starts the poetic act whether consciously or unconsciously. It is probable that this is a part of his inner world or related to some distant marks of his experience with “playing” and discovering the world around him while discovering at the same time the different ways of expressing that world. Isn’t it that the creative text is something else than a linguistic ‘game’ through which we try, whether consciously or unconsciously, to uncover the cosmos around and some of The poetic discourse in an important part the ways we may need to express it? of Mezyed’s poems is knotted in this triad” butterfly – rose – poem”. Even one of his The poetic world in the poems of Munir collections is entitled “The fantasies of the Mezyed sparkles with symbols, myths, butterfly of meditation”. Hence the poet 26 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
and icons which are expressed by a language that we stand amazed in front of its huge unlimited capacity of expression. The poetic image is based upon the pure agitations of the self and liberation of the unconscious from the chains of the first meaning to allow the language to penetrate new spaces where words are resurrected and garnished with amazing virgin signs announcing that the words moved from their ordinary existence to their artistic ones, and from their reporting function to their poignant emotional one.
etry entitled” my beloved and the dream” that was celebrating his homeland’s issue where there is no poetry except that devoted to Palestine and no dream except the one to return to Palestine and no praying only in the sanctuary of the sacred land, the land of prophets, Palestine:
Habibti In my memory is a wounded tree Bleeding the blood of your soil Its shadow is my voice Its leaves are pearl beads of my words.... Every time your breaths blow the leaves The symbols, myths and icons and the They fall in my chalice poems…! ways that the poet style to invest them and spread their significance declare The third sign: Meditation that the poetic project of Munir Mezyed Poetry has always been linked to contemis universal vision towards poetry. The plation and philosophy strongly related to poem hence becomes a universal hu- it since the ancient Greek civilization. Poman being, inside him the manners etry was the Arabs’ incentive of thinking and customs of people from different and their stimulus of mental activity exemcivilizations, religions and times meet. plified especially in the poetry of wisdom. Similarly was the case with the poets of Perhaps, because of Munir Mezyed prac- Enlightenment. Then the modernists after ticing the art of translation and his mas- them and the postmodernists so far. Mutery knowledge of many international lan- nir Mezyed was keenly aware that he is guages help his poem to be open to many taking his poems to a philosophical mediuniversal poetic experiences in America, tative horizon overflowed with the act of Europe and Asia. This doesn’t mean, mind approximating between the moment however, that Munir Mezyed is suggesting of poetry and that of philosophy to the exto us a poem where his specific histori- tent of being one thing. The poet’s base cal self disintegrates from its root. Munir in this was a huge philosophical knowlMezyed has remained a Palestinian poet edge supported by his intellectual critical who carries the cause of his homeland in books, those published or those waiting his words and spirit in the majority of his to be published. Following the footsteps poems, if not all, spreading the wings of of Sophocles, Abou Tammam, Al Maarry, dream to the freedom of the land and the Baudelaire, Elliot, Mallarmé, Jubran and human being, defending that he belongs others. Munir Mezyed meditated about the to a civilized space. The poet works un- issues of unknown, death, human being, tiringly to stress that art and beauty are love, happiness and art and other new or his mission. It was his collection of po- old philosophical topics using poetry. 27 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
This may be displayed by the poetic philosophy or philosophical poetry in the majority of Mezyed’s poems. The poem is thus marked by some ambiguity necessary for the poetic language which creates some infinite depth for the poem and makes of it like a spring from which we drink and from which its depths flow non-stop.
the following one and with which we conclude: Addicted to love Sipping the heroin of the breast I Squeeze the fruit of the spirit Ambrosia Over the lips of rain
The fourth sign: the poetry passion or dancing with Eros It may be the greatest mark in the poetry of Munir Mezyed and the feature which marks his creative experience and implants it in the memory of time now and tomorrow. The poetry of Munir Mezyed melts in a state of passion and makes the reader melt in breathtaking erotic worlds reminding us of the start of the universe and regaining the ritual of the first birth. Munir Mezyed is aware that love is the immortal language of the universe and that it is the common point of the human existence and the best and simplest possibility to rebuild the universe and even organize the world. This is how the Muslim, Buddhist, Baha’i and Christian mystic scholars and poets see it and this is how the great spirits dreamt since time immemorial of a world where love is its habit and limit. Within this passionate mystic vision Munir Mezyed wrote his last published poetry collection: “Carnival of Passion and Desire” where he invited the whole world to a big moment of melting in poetry and by poetry. The poet suggested to the public a collection of poems written in more than one language as the book was published in ten living languages (August 2012) from which we take 28 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Eden Magazine Pledge to donate 10% of proceeds to Various Organizations Together we can make a Difference Find us in facebook: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150642099915197&id=703825196#!/TheEdenmagazine 29 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
CHOOSE WISELY…YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS
Artwork By Maryam Morrison 30 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Excerpts from
“THE IMPECCABLE WARRIOR OF LIGHT”
By Peace Mother Geeta Sacred Song
““It is up to each of us to hold a reality in place that stems from conscious positive choices…choices that show we are ringing true with our soul’s Highest Destiny.”
If you lived in a big city, you wouldn’t leave the doors to your home wide open. If you did, you could end up with good visitors, but you could also end up with some disruptive guests. It is the same with our energetic field. Just as we lock our home to protect our environment and our valuables, it is important to close the door to negative energies, letting them know we are off limits to them. This also includes closing the door to those voices in your head that goad you into being angry, jealous, insecure, fear-full, depressed, mean, or violent. Your good actions feed the Positive Forces, which sustain the Universal Energies of Kindness, Beauty, Love, Harmony, Sweetness, Honor, Compassion and all other sacred Virtues. Your negative choices feed all negative energies, which then have more power to in turn strengthen the
Universal Force of Evil. This is why it is so important to vote wisely at every moment, with every thought, with every breath, as to what you wish to support in this Universe. It is not just up to the Medicine People, Lamas, Saints and Shamans to live a pure life…it is your sacred duty as well. It is our sacred duty to CHOOSE to be protected and by doing so CHOOSE to transform and uplift the negative energies, by electing to see the Good in everything! It is OUR duty to HAVE FAITH IN OUR DIVINITY and remain focused on the Positive. It is OUR duty to transcend… to rise above all tough circumstances…to not let any negative perspective glum unto us, so we can SOAR in Life. You can’t fly if you have bags of sand, rocks, baggage or heavy garbage attached to you!
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The truth is that if we choose to feed the Radiant Energies, the instant we move to do so, we have already succeeded spiritually; we have rung true in that testing moment. Soul Triumph is what it is REALLY all about, ALL-WAYS. Hence, choose to leave behind feelings of victim hood—banish and replace all beliefs that things do not work out for you. When you find yourself thinking those kinds of thoughts, or ANY negative thoughts, recognize it as the voice of vicious forces that are trying to possess you bit by bit. Keep your Temple clean by ordering them out and disintegrating them the minute you recognize their presence. DAILY AWARENESS When you cleanse yourself and your home each day…and you connect with your Angels and Protectors through your prayers and offerings, then it is easier to have a strong aura, mind, body and spirit. All of which will supports you in driving out the present ominous energies and blocking future wicked forces. If you care about yourself, you nourish your body with healthy food each day, so the positive elements can protect you against dis-ease and the hardship that occurs due to illness. In the same way, you must keep up your spiritual strength and vitality by cleansing the energetic field around your mind, body and spirit of all debris the vile forces have deposited upon you. To be an Impeccable Warrior of Light, you must NEVER allow nega32 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
tive forces to rob you of Enthusiasm and Appreciation for the adversities of Life. For through your own custom-designed hardships you will cultivate Nobility, Confidence, Endurance, Humility and Compassion for others. Each battle you survive purifies your soul, gifting you Knowledge and a sense of spiritual accomplishment. Once you vow to develop an invincible Self-Love, Self-Respect, Faith and Wisdom, then even during challenging times you feel Great-full…because you UNDERSTAND what is really happening… you know the rules of the game that you chose to play here on Mother Earth and fully comprehend what is truly at stake at all moments: YOUR SOUL! CALL ON GRACE MORE Humans have access to The Great Remedy known as GRACE. Divine Grace can conquer and dissolve any evil, no matter how great it may seem. We simply need to pray for that Grace to manifest…when we invoke it with the greatest ardor through our spiritual practices, it will be delivered unto us. If we have this amazing Grace available to us, why don’t we call on it more often? The answer is, because we easily get side tracked by TOO MANY things. The negative forces create an illusion in our mind and we become convinced it is the true reality.
The real problems in our lives are not the job, money, relationship or health issues. All of these surface obstacles are just serving as flashing lights to alert us that we need to acknowledge the presence of negative spirits, entities and energies in our Life and the lives of others. By becoming thoroughly familiar with the many ways these insidious vibrations can leak into our existence, by being disciplined in casting them out, we free up our energy to call on Grace with more fervor. It’s a cyclical process…the more we call on Grace, the more we protect ourselves from destructive forces and the more protected we are, the more we remember that abundant Grace is available to us all-ways and the more we invoke it with immense ardor. The language of Grace is mysterious at times. We need to pay great attention to how the Universe is communicating with us. We need to recognize the signs, symbols and the many ways in which our Angels and other Spiritual Protectors are sending us messages and inspiration in our daily lives. It is up to us to become familiar with this part of the spiritual path and master the Language of Grace. Upon doing so, you will discover that the Universe is always listening and likewise always responding to you. Then you will have the conviction that Divine inspiration is available in abundance, to help you soar like an Eagle.
Spiritual practices unleash a flood of Self-Esteem, filling us with Love for others. Through steadily aligning with the Light, miraculous improvements in our attitude take place. When we are able to appreciate Life as the wondrous adventure it is, we are able to value the sacred opportunities it brings us. Our Light Attitude fills us with Faith that Spirit’s Creation is indeed a perfect one. It reawakens us to the Wisdom of changing the way the world appears, by changing ourselves. Do not allow the trials encountered on your path to crush your spirit…You are a Sacred Being on a Sacred Journey and your Holy Quest is defined by the attitude with which you face up to your stream of trials. The language of Grace will give you the Wings of Light to soar above all your troubles and the Love of your Protectors will shine forth a beacon of Light to guide you safely along The Way. My Love is with you, every step of the way…VICTORY TO YOUR LIGHT! VICTORY TO GRACE! JAI JAI MAAAAAAAAAAA!
Artwork by Maryam Morrison Background by deviantART
33 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Reorienting Relationships for 2012 AND BEYOND
Artwork By Maryam Morrison 34 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
The Big Flip By Dorothy West
During the last decade we have really accelerated the pace of becoming aware and conscious, expanding by leaps and bounds in just the last year! It’s common to hear phrases such as “being present” and “higher self”. Even those who aren’t yet actively participating are familiar, on some level, with the shift in focus.
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Relationships, too, are ready for awareness. By shifting orientation to the purpose and meaning of our relationships, we can enjoy the rapid development and conscious purpose that our “self” has experienced. To start, let’s take a look at intimate relationships, though this view works on all relationships from the postman to your true love to your mother.
communicate more effectively, resolve issues, and get our partners to stop the very thing they have dedicated themselves to doing! After the BIG FLIP, we look for the information or experience that we are yearning for, and thank our partner for the devotion it took for us to get whatever it was. It can sound like “WOW, dude, you really had to work hard for me to get that one! Thanks, I love you!” The BIG FLIP virtually eliminates conflict, because we understand that we are working together on something much bigger than “being in love”. We are creating scenarios just to get to those brilliant insights! We are partnering for expansion, awareness and the complete integration of our BEING!
When I work with young couples in my coaching practice, I ask them “Why are you together?” What do you think is the most common response? “Because we love each other!” “Great!”, I say, “You’re going to need that! What are you going to do with that love energy? What is it for?” The BIG FLIP recognizes relationships I get some funny looks. A purpose? To as People Growing Machines, and relationship? enables us to utilize their inherent brilliance. My partner does something that What if there’s more to it than being triggers me? Yes! There’s new inforharnessed to someone to fulfill a cultural mation for me- expansion and awareprescription for how adulthood or fam- ness knocking on the door! It can start ily or life is supposed to look? What if with “Whoa, I don’t like how this feels.” there’s a purpose to our relationships? But the next step is the biggie-instead What if relationships are how we grow of wanting my partner to stop and fix ourselves, our societies and expand the whatever just created that feeling in cosmos? me, I get to look at my response/ feeling and discover the new information Consider this: we are aligned with the that caused it to bubble up! Cool, huh? Greater Being of our partners, and will And yes, sometimes the information do whatever it takes for our partners that bubbles up is clarity about what to have the information and expan- you want in a partner and the realization sion they desire. We will poke and prod that this particular partner isn’t it. More and irritate in order to honor that com- likely, though, the new information and mitment to their expansion, clarity and awareness gives the relationship more authenticity. They do the same for us. juice, and both partners benefit from the Before the BIG FLIP, we are always expansion. looking for ways to eliminate conflict, 36 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Want to give this a try? Here are a few ties are endless! steps to set up your relationship for a graceful FLIP: 5. Thank your partner and discuss what you found and how the information en1. Accept that your partner is right, and is riches your relationship. Don’t be shy working on your behalf whether they are about asking your partner to create inaware of it or not. Sit with that for a few creasing levels of grace and ease as you minutes. both begin to utilize the advantages of the BIG FLIP. 2. Consider that you have partnered with this person to assist him/her in integrat- Vvwwaa-Lah! Nothing to settle, no ing his/her Being, and enabling access blaming. Jump right to the celebration to constant expansion. and the new agreement together based on this new information. SOOO much 3. Take a look around you- your com- more fun than going round and round plete physical world is set up for your discussing who did what to whom! expansion! All your life’s scenarios are opportunities to access greater and We’re in this together, folks. The design grander versions of yourself, and experi- is genius, we just missed the instructions! ence them as you access them. You and Look for more on The BIG FLIP at your partner are supporting each other www.TheHappinessCompany.us with it all. coachdorothye@comcast.net 4. Consider something that your partner has done or said that felt uncomfortable: Expand to the highest frequency you can reach and look for the precious information in the response you had to the trigger. Something that grows you, informs you, energizes you. An A-HA!! It could be that you realize you had more expertise than you knew, or that you’ve wanted to express yourself more clearly and this event gives you that opportunity. It could be that you really wanted a push to try something new or to raise the level of integrity in your relationship with yourself. Maybe you recently learned something new and wanted an opportunity to try it out experientially for yourself. The possibili37 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Karma and Soul V.RAVI
Part Four
Birth of a living being is determined by karmic account of th The form is decided by the Law of Karma which is also know according to the Law of Karma. This is the reason for ca in any actions of the living beings. 38 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
he soul. The soul cannot decide the form it wishes to take. wn as the Law of the Lord. In Creation, everything unfolds alling the Brahman as a witness, who does not partake
39 39 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM •• November December 2012
Actions are the result of karmic account. Soul, after undergoing experience in the heaven or hell (please refer to part 4 of this series) transmigrates to the earth. Markendaya Purana (MP) (14) “Human impregnation is a seed sown immediately after its discharge from Naraka (hell) or Svarga (heaven). Dominated thereby the two seeds attain firmness”. The embryo thus formed distinctly remembers its past lives. “The merit amassed in seven lives is dissipated …” (MP.14). Ancient scriptures are of the opinion that at the time of copulation, a soul enters a spermatozoon that is passed on to a woman. Woman receives this spermatozoon and nourishes it by her blood. There could be many spermatozoa, but a soul enters only one among them thereby causing the formation of an embryo. Linga Purana says (87.49) “the fetus becomes a bubble” which refers to the growth of embryo. The usage of the word ‘bubble’ is not without reasoning. When a spermatozoon is placed near the womb, it is drawn by air into the womb. Formation of an embryo is not possible without a spermatozoon and an egg (which is also known as blood). In other words, formation of an embryo is not possible without air element, which is the cause for pulling the spermatozoon towards the egg in the womb. This air is known as prana. Prana is the first to enter the embryo and the last to leave the body at the time of death. Hence prana is also known as vital force or life force. Without this prana life is just not possible. Garuda purana says ‘in the union of a man and a woman with all the reminders of his karmas, he is born. The fetus is a mere bubble at first then blood is formed.’ The bub40 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
ble is always caused by air, so is the case here as well. Now five sheaths are formed around this bubble and shape and form are sculptured during the ten lunar month period, the gestation period of the embryo. Now the embryo has soul in it with its entire karmic bundle. This bundle is unfolded immediately after the child inhales the external air. The first cry of the baby is the exact time of birth and the baby cries immediately after inhaling its first breath. The soul has got into another body as per Law of karmas to undergo pleasure and pain. The freewill of the body in conjunction with embedded karmas decides the destiny of the new born. The process of death is painful for the body and not for the soul. In the previous posting the process of prana or air entering an embryo was discussed. Air is the first and the last element to be associated with a gross body. At the time of death the four elements merge into air element before all the five elements leave the body in the form of air or prana. Beating of heart and cessation breath alone is not symptoms of death. In rare cases, the heart beats again after a brief stoppage. In the case of yogis, they can stop their breath at their will. The first symptom of death is the cadaveric rigidity followed by evidences of decay. Indian scriptures say that a body should not be burnt or buried immediately after pronouncing the body as corpse. They specify time frame before or after which corpse should not be burnt or buried. Once the gross body turns into a corpse, the soul leaves the body along with prana. Soul does not leave in the same condition as it entered
the body. What makes the difference in a soul is the karmic account at the time of birth and at the time of death. The karmic account generally swells with the results of actions in this life. Every action with “I” attached to it causes karma. The only way to get over the clutches of karma is to surrender the results of all our actions to God. In other words, actions should be performed, but without ego attached to it. This stage can be reached only by spiritually advanced persons. Karmic account is not only affected by actions by senses but also by the mind. Thinking of evil to others surely causes karmic afflictions. As long as thoughts and actions do not cause any miseries and pains to a living being, such thoughts and actions do not afflict karmic account. Karmic account is nothing but the distance between a soul and the Brahman. If the distance is too long, the soul has to make many entries and exits and if the distance is too short, probably the liberation is not far off. The connecting link between the soul and the body is internal tool which is known as anthakkaranam. This consists of mind, intellect, consciousness and ego. The effects karmas unfold through anthakkaranam, which in turn act through senses. Meditation is the only solution that can effectively purify the internal tool. Souls originate from God and have to ultimately merge with Him. At the time of the first manifestation of a soul, it is very pure and at the time of liberation also, it becomes totally pure. An impure soul cannot be liberated. In the interven-
ing period, the soul is bound by the karmic influence. Soul takes a short sojourn between two incarnations and the place of sojourn depends upon its karmic account. There are theories which say that a soul remembers its previous incarnations and some are of the opinion that there are facial resemblances between two incarnations. But these theories do not appear to be reasonable as all the incarnations need not be human births. Depending upon the karmic influence, a man after his death for instance can be reborn as a dog or vice versa. Soul is nothing but a miniscule replica of the Brahman. Like the Brahman, it also remains as a witness. It is not influenced either by freewill or by dependence. It cannot be influenced at all and its only assignment is to witness the actions unfolded by one’s karmas. It is not the soul that is responsible for our actions whereas it is only our own karmas that are responsible for experiencing pleasure and pain. When there is no karmic embedment in the soul, it means liberation for the soul but without karma soul cannot manifest and without soul karmas also cannot accrue. This is a typical case of interdependence. The entire creation and sustenance happens only on the basis of interdependence. Souls are not differentiated on the basis of castes and religions and it is only due to ignorance and lower level of consciousness classification of humanity is made. Karmas originate from three important sources mind, speech and body. Mind is the chief among the three. Speech and bodily actions originate from the mind.
41 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
The cattery By Debra J. White
Photography By Maryam Morrison
V
olunteering among homeless cats is inspirational, sometimes tiring, always entertaining and makes my day.
I arrive early, around 7:00 a.m. when shelter operations are in full swing. Volunteers already walk dogs, especially in the sizzling summers when heat limits outdoor activity. Workers are busy hosing down kennels and dogs or cats lay on the operating table for the spay/neuter surgery in the clinic. Maintenance workers mend broken doors or cages so our budget stretches just a little longer. There’s always something to do. As a volunteer I devote my time to cats and the wash. For some odd reason tackling the mammoth load of laundry soothes me.
can be cozy as they await homes. Sometimes I take dog beds but cats don’t mind. Once I unload the pile of clean linens I greet staff and other volunteers. I pick a room to clean then pile my walker with disinfectant, litter scooper, and rags. If the room doesn’t already have an ample supply of linens I grab them too. Next, I greet the cats. That’s important. They expect a warm welcome. Otherwise they’re insulted. I can’t work around cats if they feel snubbed.
I always check the adoption board to celebrate adoptions. Honestly I don’t remember lots of cat names. My short term memory took a whacking from a pedestrian car accident in 1994 but I rejoice when our feline friends leave for Cats love their comfort. I load my scooter forever homes, even if I can’t remember with a stash of cuddly beds so that cats who they are. 42 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Then I look at the alumni board. Letters and photos about cats in new homes tickle my heart. I’m happy that our cats are happy. That’s what volunteering is all about.
dog cage in the cattery and then sat to massage my throbbing big toe. It hurt so much tears crawled down my cheek. I cried even more when about ten cats scooted through the cat door and swarmed around me for comfort. Cats I I then turn into the high priestess among didn’t even really know shared my pain cats for about two hours when a gaggle and showed me they cared. That special of homeless and sometimes tattered moment will last forever. cats own me. I usually clean the same room but I’m flexible. If staff needs me Fussy cats like a clean environment. to clean another, I’ll do what’s needed. It’s our duty to live up to proper feline Some cats linger in the cattery longer standards. I give them clean bedding, than others and we develop a relation- scoop their litter and give clean water. ship. I get to learn their likes and dislikes. If need be, I fill up their food bowls with I also learn which cats may be depressed fresh kibble. I scoop poop and freshen and need a little more TLC than others. communal litter boxes. Yes, sometimes Some cats don’t adjust to congregate it’s stinky but poop is part of animal living. Others do just fine as long as they shelter life. Bits of litter of course get have access to food, water and a cozy on the floor. So do hairballs, cat fur and place to sleep. For the lonely cat, I tell her cat food. A clean shelter is not only she’s special. I might hold her on my lap mandatory for the animals but it inspires and brush her. She needs reassurance people to adopt. I love when cats, that we’ll protect her and do our best to especially older or disabled cats, leave send her into a safe loving home. That’s for good homes. Before leaving I hand our promise to all our dogs and cats. out snacks and fresh toys. I say goodbye cats. I hope you all find good homes. I sing or talk to the cats as I clean. Sometimes I break up hissy fights. Maybe The car accident of 1/6/94 took away they don’t like our litter brand or they’re my working career because of disabling frustrated because they’re not used to brain and spinal injuries. Volunteering sharing space with so many cats. I plead allows me to be whole, to be part of the for calm and understanding. Our shel- community that often rejects people ter I say isn’t your permanent home but with disabilities. Cats don’t care I’m not it’s one heck of a second choice. Please perfect. They love me anyway just as try and understand. Sometimes I think I love them. Volunteering with homethey do. less animals fills me with purpose and rewards me in ways I never thought Here’s an example. I had just entered possible. Thank you cats. a porch area and stumbled over a dog cage. I cursed the person who left a 43 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • December 2012
Vafa Shelter
Needs your help, many beautiful animals waiting for a loving home.
For adoption please contact: http://www.cal.ir/ ~ http://cal.ir/main/fa/contact ~ http://cal.ir/main/en/contact