January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Emerging from the forest, down for a few moments from the vast vistas and leafy glades of his Horse Rock mountain haunt 

C.G. Walters will share blessings with us as Gaia Networking Group’s Featured Member for January 2009. 

Most of us are familiar with him as our famous “local” Gaia Community “author” (more about that later) of the “metaphysical love story” Sacred Vow 

This month we’ll explore that, and also reveal many other delightful facets of this amazing North Carolina, USA, native! We’ll be wandering through dreams and life, fiction and nature, the mystical and the beautiful, good news about the world, the process of creativity - and more!

His official website is under reconstruction . We’ll give you that link later on.

See more of his works (as well as that of many other visionary  artists and writers) in the Gaia Community at the Marvelous Free Art Group.

Hear CG’s Interview with Gaian Bryan Carlton Flournoy  [a former Featured Member here in Gaia Networking, by the way] on Making It All Click.  

You can catch a Serialization of Sacred Vow, installment #21 of 22.  

And here are a couple of questions

C.G. answered about the Gaia Community in his life.

How has being on Gaia changed your off-line life? 

 

Changed my life? I would more precisely say that the change is that I am aware of that part of myself which I knew, but was without awareness of name or location, that has been located within Gaia-the dear spirits (of which so many are) located here. Ubuntu, which a dear Gaian, Martha, gave a name to for me-“an African concept that says “a person is a person through other persons,” and emphasizes the social nature of the creation of identity and personality.”

How does your life offline impact your presence on Gaia ? 

I need to be writing my books about 80 hours a week-then there is the additional hours of making the work known to the world. I have to work my day job 40 hrs a week to support my addiction of writing.

My relationship with my wife, Kathy, is vitally important to me, so I need/want much time to spend with her. There is the time for attending to health-especially as I am 8+ years into side-stepping heart surgery (via going up the mountain, etc)-

Welcome, C.G. !! I can’t wait for all the fascinating “stuff” ahead for this month !

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for the honor, and for your kindness, OM!
Blessed New Year to you and all you hold dear!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I am a huge fan and will be reading this thread this month.  Congratulations on launching 2009, C.G.  It is an honor to get an author’s viewpoint and be able to ask any questions.

After I watched Nelson Mandela briefly define Ubuntu my first reaction was to tell the world to embrace this philosophy as it is so simple.  I can see how Nelson’s interview gives altitude over any fear monger.   For awhile it seemed that the news anchors make these grisly predictions they call “recession” that all was bad, and its just not all true.

It’s because (get ready for this) we can do something about it. And we usually do. People are amazing. We do things. We make things better. And it is precisely when things do look bad that decent people like you and me look around and say “How do we fix this?.”  And then go ahead and do so.  I highly recommend reading your book Sacred Vow…so we can talk about it and how your work influences our own spiritual awareness, or reading your blogs too.

We look forward to sharing with you C.G. as we venture into our Happy New Year, already in progress.  Warmly, ~kes

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, ~Kes.

I fully agree about Mandela's presentation of Ubuntu. Considering what this man has achieved (contrary to the challenges brought against him) and the majestic dignity by which he always gave of himself, one has to contemplate the power of a philosophy that was obviously so much a part of his perspective.

You make a very good point, ~Kes, about who has the power to 'fix' whatever ails we believe we see before us. If we hold onto our belief, and  spread that hope, we will find that we (collectively) have an abundance of resource.

Scarcity of hope, not severity of fate, is the much mourned ‘human condition’.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hi C.G.   !  So wonderful to see that you're January's Featured Member here on Gaia Networking.  Maybe more people will learn about your wonderful book Sacred Vow.  As you know, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it….it was a treasure to sink into….and to learn and think about the many parallel realities which surround us in every moment.

You are another very special person indeed and I am so happy to see you here….so that more people will get to know you & your beautiful essence.

Love, Kathy

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Centria/Kathy!
What I hope for is a coming together of many of the energetic co-creators of Sacred Vow, so that we can hold open a sacred space–a psychic 'drumming' circle–to allow our collective wisdom to bring forward something wonderous.

Happy New Year–of much joy and magic!!
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Dear C.G    …C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s  ! ! ! 

I look forward to more during the month.
… and to you too, Kathy …

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

This is a wonderful way to start the year, with a CG feature! I have been visiting CG's precious blogs almost daily since joining Gaia - certainly is a wisdom space!
much love to you and Kathy, CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for being here, dear Anna!
Many blessings to you and Gien, and all you hold dear this 2009!
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Eli….and a blessed New Year to you!
I look forward to sharing this journey with you……
….nice webwork in your message!
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Congratulations C.G.!  A very well deserved recognition for a man of great inner peace and conviction to share your heart with the world.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for your support and your presence, Dave!

We are as those that surround us–no one is 'standalone' identity/entity. I have the great fortune of being surrounded by a large number of magnificent spirits/hearts.

may many blessings and wonders unfold before you and all you hold dear this bright new year!
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

While I most emphatically share all the recognition of C.G.'s accomplishments and great heart and “deservingness” of being on the stage, I'd like to just reiterate that  mods of this pod don't choose Featured Members by asking “Who's really deserving, who could we honor and recognize as especially worthy or especially accomplished?”

Nope, we ask such questions as “Who do we feel like spending Featured Member time with? Who might be interesting to us? Who does our intuition suggest? Who does our whim or fancy suggest? Who might be beneficial to our group and community to get to know better?”  So ya never know, we could pick someone brand new to the Community who never wrote anything or did anything famous or of note. Being a Featured Member doesn't require being “deserving” of fame, accolades, recognition, more than anyone else deserves these.

And yet we the mods do recognize that a lot of our Featured Members are folks who have already made substantial contributions to the world, who are already the kind of folks we all naturally admire and applaud and appreciate and honor. For darn sure !!

It's just that that's not WHY we chose them to be Featured Member, and there will be some Featured Members who aren't famous or accomplished. I hope this really clarifies things for people, about our Featured Members.

Now, on with the totally deserved and appropriate kudos for C.G.'s courage and accomplishments and contributions !!!

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

…..hmm, I never assume any 'deserving' in either good or bad fortune; things pass through us as clouds over the lake.

I once saw a quote to the effect that a teacher pointed out that people should not assume they are the sole originator of 'their' thoughts (therefore 'good' or 'bad' fortune) any more that they are sole originator of the clouds. Clouds will pass without our effort, only we will determine if we take notice and how we will respond to them.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Glad you could see there was nothing personal in what I said.

I recall Centria/Kathy has the same perspective, back when there was a discussion about – was it copyrights, or plagiarism of web content? Kathy, which of your blogs was that??  [Edited in later by OM: It was a discussion here in Gaia Networking, not a blog!]

Another version of the same approach might be “There is only one Mind, and we are it.” One of my favorite sayings!

And yet, perhaps it's not either-or. Because some pay attention, as you say, and some don't, and some have the courage to go with the thought, and some don't. We can recognize and admire that.

On the other other hand, though, even paying attention and carrying through, it might be just, on the Spirit level, my turn or my job for one thought, and yours for another……

But it's fun to admire and honor and recognize. Maybe we just do it because it feels good to admire, honor, and recognize, LOL !!!!!

I know you have a perspective about Spirit books as collaborations:

You said:  “Such fiction, a Spirit Story, is a collaborative work between reader, writer and Spirit, before, during, and after the physical creation of the book.”

A part of this collaboration has been on the Dreams of Artists pod, here in our community. Our Gaia Networking mod ~KES has been so enthusiastic about the book that she has found many ways to support and promote it in the world, including the linked thread. There are photos, reviews, endorsements, and fabulous news about promotion and how the book is reaching wider attention and perhaps major publication!

On your profile you describe how a Spirit story is a collaboration:

” From the moment Sacred Vow came into my life it has shown itself to be a spirit story…a living tale in progression that arises not merely from the author, but is a collective, interactive work of everyone that will become involved with it—past, present and future.

In such a story, cause and effect is anything but linear. The readers of the future are even now interacting with me in the past, to develop the avenue that allows Sacred Vow to come forth to the help heal the rift in the Collective Consciousness. As is the nature of spirit stories, it will say what we have the heart to hear…and that will change from time to time.”

I LOVE that perspective. Never heard any author articulate that before. It is really fun to wrap my brain around that perspective. It is so cool !!! I am looking forward to exploring that perspective more with you here.

Blessings, OM

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Oh, C.G.! Great, this will be a fascinating month,

Love,

Nicole

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

C.G.  Your profile page mentions the …  swan dream ”Dream is fever to the conscious mind, inducing illusion. Illusion? Or, enlightenment? They are one, except by perspective.” ~c.g.walters        

It’s going to be a good year!!!

Thanks for bringing imagination.  I loved reading this story and am so happy you are featured here.  I have gained so much from listening to you and look forward to what unfolds too. ~kes

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for being here, Kathy!
Your work and our conversation inspires my imagination. You–as do so many of my friends–bring forth from me and my work concepts and insights that I am sure I alone never possessed before the moment of our co-creation.

blessings to you and your dear ones,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Nicole…..I, myself, look forward to the many things that my friends will teach me this month.
Blessings and joy to you this new year….
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I apologize for my delayed response, but it was a long bout with the day job—construction—and some offline business.  All my fiction revolves around the idea that the motivators/initiators/instigators for our experiences/responses in this time and place are not confined within this time and place. My (and others, I am sure) conscious mind is a filtering device that most often blocks out the awareness of the multi-dimensional perceptions of our whole identity. When I opened up to Sacred Vow, I started with a storyline (a speculation) and then allowed myself to experience some extent of how that story took place on many dimensions simultaneously/eternally.

Writing sometimes 10-12 hrs/day—dozing off in the chair from exhaustion now and again—I took down notes of my experience/sensations/memories as quickly as I could. Of course, when I presented the original manuscript to my wife, Kathy, and my editor, Diana, they pointed out to me that I had left too many details in my head. So, I went back to the writing room and recalled section by section—something like Active Dreaming, I suppose—which invariably caused me to re-experience the original event. This time I put more details on paper.

A lingering effect of that experience is the sense of continuing fluidity of the present expression (not really creation, as it has existed forever) of Sacred Vow—or any such Spirit Story. Rather than some sense of having ‘created’ this story, I had/have the sensation—to the core of my being—of something like Shiva’s Dance of infinite creators—co-creators—simultaneously bringing forth and receiving a story that is not fully confined within the pages of the book. Readers teach me—bring to me—many things contained within Sacred Vow that I, alone, could never find. These readers are the key to, the writer of, these aspects of the story.

—-this does not fully explain why I am certain of (actually experience as truth) the interactive, continuing creation of this (and all) Spirit Stories….but I will return to this if anyone wishes.

Relating to Spirit Stories or living ideas and the nature of ‘deserving’: I have come to believe the remarkable concepts or works do not always come through the most talented, achieved, or obvious choice. Sometimes the creation merely comes through the most receptive or willing recipient of the moment. By my notion, the works of great teachers or social changers may have ‘made’ the individual, not vice versa. Even great religious concepts may not come to the most religious or ‘holy,’ but rather to the one most receptive to the base work that the process of change may require.

blessings and joy,

CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

C.G. this is such a timeless start to this new year. Just connecting to your work takes me into that timeless zone that anyone familiar with your work would sense.

What you say about writing and where words come from, is so liberating. You are showing both, how you own the work you  have written [which is my take on the work that is so uniquely yours], and how that “you” is so expanded that it includes your readers and the space whence those words flow into you.

I guess that Gaia provides a space in which this sharing can be easier. I wonder if you have found it so? A place where you interact with your readers?

I can really relate to the way you first wrote the book; that [wife]Kathy and [ed] Diana had to ask you to actually write down the words in your head!
Is it something like what Beethoven would have experienced, when he had to write the score to his symphonies that would be downloaded in a moment on his head? Or is it like something that just keeps flowing as you write? Do you know what you are writing before you write; or does it come as you pen the words?

You wrote:
—-this does not fully explain why I am certain of (actually experience as truth) the interactive, continuing creation of this (and all) Spirit Stories….but I will return to this if anyone wishes

I wish you would share this!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

For practical purposes in this world, Meenakshi, I accept my ‘ownership’ of the works that I end up being the representative of (one who pens) the concept/story, but when it comes to a truer, more expanded view of the reality, I know full well that I am no more the origin than the fingers are the origin of these words (–actually, I do acknowledge intelligence in all cells, and therefore must consider some degree of authorship by/via the fingers and their makeup….). 

Also, in this world of form, in accepting ‘ownership’ I honor my muses —the most immediate and consistent connections I have to the flow of the stories—for their wisdom and purpose of choice. It’s more like a guardianship, but I accept that these stories are entrusted to (and through) me as there is some significance to my manner of perception and 'raising' that serves the intentions of the work.

It may seem like excessive semantics, but I find that even minute variances in course make major changes in long journeys. Being aware of these subtle truths makes me comfortable that I realize the nature of my reality/my experience/my nature.

Gaia is a very conducive place for the expression of my work. Every gathering (be it in a social network or around a book) is a living entity with a unique identity—a subset expression of the Collective Consciousness (as I/we are each much smaller subsets of that consciousness). The personality of Gaia is as an old, trusted friend, found again.

My stories flow as I write—sometimes as memories reawakened, sometimes as ‘conversation’/instruction, sometimes as life unfolding.

When I get in the proper state of mind for my writing—that which has proven most productive—I pose a question, concept, or scenario to my mind and then I follow the results. It’s like a very deep meditation, definitely an altered state of mind. Many times the truths that come forward are things that I never imagined before they showed up on the story—but then seem quite obvious. My writing, following a story, is one way (I have long known) that I am taught. It seems if I cannot grasp something otherwise, my guides give it to me in story form.

On the last item—continuing creation—I will take this up the mountain with me and look for the best way to convey this experience that I have.

Thank you for being part of this story, Meenakshi…

CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

C.G.:  “My writing, following a story, is one way (I have long known) that I am taught. It seems if I cannot grasp something otherwise, my guides give it to me in story form.”

I have a feeling that is how it works for most of us but we may be unaware of it. Only when we actually speak or write, do we realize which of the multitudes of thought flowing through our consciousness we have chosen to express, in our own unique way. It can sometimes surprise us to read what we have written; and sometimes this happens to me when someone has told me about what I wrote! 

Perhaps the process of penning down our communication that we do in online forums as well, is a way for us to be not just mindful as we are writing; but also a way to revisit what we wrote, so that we can see into our own choices and our inner world?

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

Very good point, Meenakshi….I definitely agree “.  Only when we actually speak or write, do we realize which of the multitudes of thought flowing through our consciousness we have chosen to express, in our own unique way”

….another thing from the manuscript I spoke of earlier (Strike a Chord of Silence)–

You must listen to learn. And when you speak, also listen.

If you are willing, you may be surprised what you will learn.

Even after Sacred Vow was printed, I would read it and truly wonder just where did that information come from.

This reminds me about the experience of co-creation of a work (and the value of blogging and online writing)…..When I was managing to respond to the daily Questions and Answers, I was always staring at things on the screen–that I had just written–that I could definitely did not feel came from me.

The place I write is a sacred space. I open up the sacred space and something comes into being. The space of QAR has its own identity, essence, vibrational consciousness, so when I wrote there–as part of the communal conversation (even before reading anyone else's writing) would have a 'signature' and perspective that exceeded what would/could arise from me in any other space.

In that, whatever I wrote was a collective effort (co-created) because it's manifestation was dependent on all the minds who had chosen to focus on that question in that space–again, this was even before reading anyone elses work (at which time one's response becomes something leaning toward a dialogue).

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

Looking forward to sharing into the mist of Sacred Vows… ~kes

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

Thank you, Kathy.
…as  you expand my reality.
Joining hands with others gives me sight I cannot perceive alone….
blessings, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I was just coming back to say it wasn't a blog….the conversation was a good one in Gaia Networking.  Looks like you discovered that already, OM! 

Blessings, Kathy

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

C.G.  I believe in you, and I believe in your destiny.
2009 is going to be a fabulous year…..enjoy the ride! ;-)

Namasté,  Ralph

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for being here, Ralph–in this conversation, continuing Spirit Story, and in this world!.
endless blessings and joys to you, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hi C.G. Sincere blessings to you!

I am so pleased to see you and your work being highlighted this month. I feel a great commitment in your work and life and am looking forward to learn some more from you.

The mods here are so great, you're going to have a lovely, relaxing time relaxing with you and sharing.

Thank you for being so open and giving of your gift of writing to the world also. Your passion is really inspiring.

Happy new month, new year, new Age ;)

Love, Sherri

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Bless you, Sherri!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Aha, serendipity/synchronicity strikes again !! Just in time to fit with the flow of our discussion here, I just stumbled onto this post in the Marvelous Free Art Group in which you talk more at length about your idea of a Spirit Story and how it works, how you view it.

Recommended reading !!

Has your view evolved since then, C.G.? And do you know of other writers who have a similar outlook on their work?

Blessings, OM

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

OM….I noticed that the text of the article runs over into an ad–making it hard to read (on my machine, anyway).  Here is another link…

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

CG,

Oh my, oh my, my special friend - we now share yet another adventure.  I am traveling all month with the most limited computer time imaginable but I'll try to check in.

Gals, this is a good choice, that I would have recommended myself had you asked …

Wishing you always, only the best.  Congratulations ! ! !

Deb

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

…I love our adventures together, Deb!–both the ones we are aware of, and those yet to be consciously realized!

Have safe and joyous travels!

In a bit, I am headed up the mountian, partially an old trail, partially bushwacking…..I will enjoy the company of your spirit as I travel.

love and continued blessings, dear friend,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

CG,  I have enjoyed reading your thread and look forward to continuing to track throughout the month.  I found your book on the Harper Collins website under authonomy  and thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your reviews.  I look forward to reading your book.  Thank you for writing….Lee

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for your support and for visiting me here, Lee.

..and thank you for gardening organically, and teaching others how they can be successful doing the same (even in very limited spaces)!

We, you and I, are like the birds. We sing because we must…it is what we are.

blessings and joy,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Congrats dear C.G. on the well deserved title of first “Featured Member” of 2009.

I wish you and all the other members a happy, healthy, peaceful and productive New Year. May you always create and share your wonderful gifts with the world.

Love,
Yael

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hello Yael!!! 

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for your kindness, my friend and brother!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters-writing

Yesterday I took a short (4 hr–it decided to rain) walk up the mountain, checking in on a couple of trails that I had neglected for almost 2 years. I went up posing a question about something that Meenakshi asked–continuing/interactive and co-creation of a Spirit Story. I barely got started on the walk and information started flowing. If I can read the chicken-scratch that I wrote while walking–I don’t let myself stop while climbing upward–I will try to share it.


It was hard not to turn around and come back to the computer, but I knew to go on, because there were greater gifts ahead (see pics). I have learned that  just because I am gifted with gold at the base of the mountain that does not mean that that is the treasure.  

I will start with the idea of a story being alive (a Spirit Story) and therefore something that is never ‘complete,’ always evolving. It was easiest (for me) to come to some understanding about continuing creation, because there have been examples in my personal experience and in literature.

I mentioned earlier about truth coming before the peace to live it….the co-creation and continuing creation aspects of a story are truths (that I could tell were truth to me because of the sense of compatible resonance with them) that came well before I had any idea what they meant. It was like being told something in a language I did not know. I could recite the ‘truth,’ but could make no sense of what the implications were exactly.
 
I am sure/imagine that you have returned to a favorite reading to find a new pearl of wisdom that you were amazed you did not see before. It’s not so mysterious because you (as you are at that moment) had never read this passage.

You cannot step twice into the same river, for other waters [and your identity/self] are continually flowing on.—Heraclitus

We see things not as they are, but as we are—attributed to many, Anais Nin, Kant, John Milton, etc

The Tao Te Ching starts off with something in the manner of “the way of the word is not The Way.”

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters-writing

C.G., as I flow with you in this space, I find that words and communication that I had wanted to have, begin to flow even more clearly. That is a gift that you have given through your trek and your search for that tree on the stone.

I feel we are all searching, through interaction, for that perfectly growing tree on that stone; and that is what a community of this sort gives us. As I savor each word you have shared here, I would like to request you to a conversation started on this group; so that we can have your perspective on it. Can you flow with me?

As I re-read your words –true, new pearls blossom into awareness, and I see that your quotes blend beautifully with the view presented there.

We not only begin to understand a book, a word, a post; but ourselves, as we give each, the joyful respect of mindful presence.

I will have to come back to this post again….Thank you.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters-writing

Thank you for the invitation, Meenakshi…I will visit the link and flow with you all…..
blessings….

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

“I have learned that just because I am gifted with gold at the base of the mountain that does not mean that that is the treasure.”  C.G.

Hello C.G. and thank you for spending your time with us this month! I started reading thru this thread and wondered how in the world I’d been missing out on your blogs everyone has been raving about… turns out we’ve not officially ‘friended up’! I’m off to fix that issue and get a subscription going to your blogs! Yay!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

…and yet we are 'friend', Amber.
I look forward to walking the mountains of Oregon in due time….very beautiful.

blessings and joys to you my friend,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hi C.G.,  I went through some of the reviews and posted them here:

Reply by Joani: I am reading Sacred Vow and I am enjoying it immensely. I seem to have very little time for reading lately; among other things, I am editing and proofreading a friend’s book; but in one way that’s good: it’s forcing me to take my time with Sacred Vow and really savor it, like a fine chocolate truffle. Otherwise I probably would have sped through it in a couple of sittings because it is very compelling, and then been sad when it was over too quickly. Thanks for the wonderful experience, CG. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fiction, and especially to anyone who enjoys fiction with a spiritual bent. It is extraordinary. Sorry I didn’t join in the conversation sooner, either. I also seem not to have time to play on ning.com lately. I miss my “real” life! Namaste. Joani 

Reply by Ricky Ok….after spending most of my day today reading Sacred Vow, I’ve realized that I’m hooked. I’m having to make myself go to bed now, at 1:30 in the morning….dang it’s so hard to put down. I haven’t wanted to read any of the recent post on here, because I didn’t want to read anything about others perspectives on the book without defining mine first. So soon I will be getting on here to discuss the book.  As for now all I want to say is WOW….CG you can list this book as fiction all you want, but man this book is hitting so strongly on my reality of life. It’s actually been giving me some insites on some of perceptions over the past year, and it’s even filling my head with a few more questions…which is awesome to me, it’s been a little while since I have felt like there was something I needed to know more about this reality. Now it’s time to make myself go to bed…hehe…..more of Sacred Vow to come tomorrow….and discussions to come….wooohoooo!!!    later ~~~

C.G. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I have just finished reading Sacred Vow, and I wish that you could feel the gratitude and love that I feel for you in this moment for sharing with me this book. I have never, in my memories of this moment, held such a STRONG emotional connection to a book before, as I have with Sacred Vow. This book has shared with me such a divine amount of loves true presence! I felt such a connection with Ian and Katerina, a connection of such truth. I felt their love so strongly, as if I was experiencing it first hand. I can so relate to their feeling of seperation, almost all of my life I have felt alone, but within the past year I have realized that I never really felt alone, that was just the only way I could understand my feelings in that perpective.  I have always been such a loving person, I love so deaply and completely give myself to those I love. Though I have not come across anyone in this life that has been able to fully accept the love that I will give, and give that love back equally. Use to in my early years I always thought that I needed someone to love me, but that wasn’t really the case, I just wanted someone that I could share the amount of love that flows through me. I have no doubt that in my hear future I will be able to connect with that person, but that never made it easy in the past to have the will to love, and to not have the one that could truely accept it. 

All my life I never understood why my two fiances told me that I was just to good for them when they were breaking up with me just months before our weddings. But having the ability to look back on my life, and see the times where I didn’t allow myself to accept the love around me, I now understand that it take a special person to connect with and make the flow of love a complete circle.  Through my meditations and experiences in life, I have been able to feel what true love and compassion truely feel like, and because of this I will not settle for anything but that. This is what I saw and felt like I experienced with reading the Sacred Vow. I felt like I was in meditation once again, and feeling that true connection of divine love.  Thank you once again C.G…..for allowing my spirit to join with yours in the creation/experience of Sacred Vow…I feel so alive in this moment.  Ricky

Reply by Aley:   Tea ceremony!  Lovely! I have a difficulty seeing visions, I am not certain if it is because I am not a “seer” but an intuit. I do intuit things…and “feel” more than see..however, I have noticed the times disconnected are when there is no trying…or expectation…  I loved the movie: Somewhere in Time….and although SV is more about alternate realities, when there is a disconnect, ie: phone, etc one gets drawn back…as in Somewhere when Richard looks at a penny with a more modern date on it…CG: This would make a fabulous movie! Why don’t you try and contact Spiritual Circle Cinema?   I am not that far into this, but can see it in a movie format already! The idea of others ways to show intimacy and connection besides physical words is something I find true in my own experience. I am usually not a slow reader, but two reasons lately I have slowed down..ne is my schedule, but the other is to savor things a bit more….it is important…  Blessings and enjoyment, Aley    Reply by Sheila:  Hi C.G. and the rest of the gang: I just wanted to say that I am now about 2/3 of the way through the book, and at times I am now having difficulty putting it down at the end of my reading time available. I find the writing really brings the characters in the book alive to me - I can “hear” Ian’s voice in my head, and I have a very strong sense of “seeing” the other characters in play as well. I don’t want to give away anything of plot for those who are not as far along, so I will refrain from discussing the “plot” of the book presently - only to say that I now understand even more some of the restrictions on information we sometimes get while channeling - because of just how sensitive timelines and inter-reality play seems to be.  Thank you C.G., for allowing yourself to be the channel for this book. Big {{{{HUGS}}}}!!! a deeply provocative and healing book!

Reply by Chrissy K.McVay:  ‘Sacred Vow’ is the first novel I’ve read with a metaphysical theme. I’d never thought very deeply about possible parallel universes or the ability to view other lives through dreams, channeling, etc. so this book was unique for this reader. Can soul mates perhaps find each other though they live worlds apart? Is love strong enough to help them re-connect?  When Ian realizes that a kindred spirit and his true love is reaching out to him from another world, he goes to great lengths to reach back. Even though he risks his own health at one point and perhaps his life, Ian searches to find a way to be with his beloved Katerina.  This book was a wonderful new experience and a completely different type of novel for me.  It was also a pleasure meeting C.G. Walters in person at a local book signing.  Chrissy  

Reply by Gracewithfire: “Sacred Vow” achieves what the author sets out to do in his fiction: momentarily bring the reader’s conscious “defenses” down to gently expand the reader’s concepts of self, reality, the world, the universe, Love. It also achieves what few metaphysical books immediately achieve: explain to the reader (even someone new to metaphysical concepts) in an engaging, entertaining yet thought-provoking way certain metaphysical concepts like parallel lives and realities, without making the reader feel like being lectured to, and in a way that makes the concepts easy to grasp at first read. This is also the best romance book I’ve ever read so far (if you also include it under the romance genre): Love without the sex (!) but with a more intimate and intense lovemaking still, passion developed and grown to fulfillment in ways not many people have considered, with the real work and struggle of true loving as the real romance of it all. I cried as I read the book, and wept quietly when I finished it, but the tears were healing and transformative. Abundant blessings, Jeanette

Reply by susieparker: Hi CG,  I just read the first three chapters of your book, Sacred Vow. Your writing flows and your voice is even and perfect for the genre. It will be interesting to find out how and in what world the relationship between Katarina and Ian began. I will put this on my watchlist.   Susie Parker, author of “Foul Player.”

Reply by Jak:  Wow!!!! what an extraordinary and accomplished piece of writing- I’ve just finished your third chapter and have enjoyed every word. What I admire most is the coherence of your creation- everything is plausible if you first accept the notion of parallel worlds.( I call them tangential in mine - just to tease people about the difference) There is a balance and measure to the writing which is like watching an ancient stately dance- and it is wonderfully unembellished with redundant gimmickry- just beautiful, honest well-crafted writing. A couple of phrases have stuck in my mind ’ undeniable serenity radiated from his face’ and ‘seduced into idling’ are both so good I’d love to steal them - except I couldn’t write anything beautiful enough to contain them properly. Great stuff.  Shelving this.  How have I not seen this before. Looks really interesting. Watchlisting.   Jak 

Reply by AnniaL: Dear CG, I have read the Prologue and 1st chapter and I believe you write very well. You have a way of carrying the reader to places that could only be experienced by highly trained individuals, places that a mind can get lost in. What an book! I mean, it gets you questioning things beyond the book….is this the real Katerina we’re seeing? Maybe one of her other parallel lives is more dominant, is the real life? Do we all live parallel lives? Can we access them? etc, etc, etc…..you see? It’s got me asking a million questions and I love it.  Your writing flows, is magical and I will be back to read more, to see what the Union is and how Katerina will reach it, because I’m sure she will after challenges to both her physical and mental selves.  Lovely writing. Deep and evocative. This is going on my bookshelf.  I came across your pitch accidentally (is there such a thing??) and was drawn to it straightaway. I have added your book to my watchlist and hope to get to it sometime very soon. I’m very much looking forward to reading it.  Take care, Annia ;-)

Reply by Primrose Hill: This is very accomplished writing and your descriptions are evocative, but I am afraid the meaning, though not exac ly lost on me, is expressed in too abstract a way for my poor brain to understand. Sorry, but I did try. It’s a similar problem to the one I have with fantasy. Richard   P-S:  Dear CG, thanks for your comment and thanks for bookshelving BB. I will try to give Sacred Vow the once over in the next week. Thanks again. R

Reply by Sigyn:  I found this to be a very interesting tale in a world expertly woven. The idea of multiple lives layering themselves with a connection to the people closest to us is one I find intriguing and very close to my own beliefs. I’ll be putting this on my watchlist.

Reply by J.Patindol: “Sacred Vow” achieves what the author sets out to do in his fiction: momentarily bring the reader’s conscious “defenses” down to gently expand the reader’s concepts of self, reality, the world, the universe, Love.  It also achieves what few metaphysical books immediately achieve: explain to the reader (even someone new to metaphysical concepts) in an engaging, entertaining yet thought-provoking way certain metaphysical concepts like parallel lives and realities, without making the reader feel like being lectured, and in a way that makes the concepts easy to grasp at first read.  This is also the best romance book I’ve ever read so far: Love without the sex (!) but with a more intimate and intense lovemaking still, passion developed and grown to fulfillment in ways not many people have considered, with the real work and struggle of true loving as the real romance of it all. I cried as I read the book, and wept quietly when I finished it, but the tears were healing and transformative.

Reply by Deb:  I’ve been reading CG’s book Sacred Vow for the last week or so. I find the premise of the book very intriguing. In it, he imagines how one might find oneself visiting an alternate reality. This is a concept I have found interesting for some time and wondered how it might occur. CG’s concept of how this might occur seems plausible. His idea of whole selves, the male and female complements, manifesting in a variety of situations, places, times, etc and of how they might interact in different ways. He explores the purity of love, how they might be what has been called soul mates. Reading CG’s book has openned my mind to possibilities, expanded ideas in my mind. It has touched my life and I doubt I will look at life and death and all the world’s of those experiences in quite the same way ever again….”This would make a great movie” had come to me as well. There you go CG, I am predicting you need not worry about recovering the money invested, the love you put into this will return abundance to you many times over - have patience - it is coming. I feel it. I will be able to say - I’m acquainted with that guy, I knew him when . .   

I embrace the mountain trip hikes bringing us pearls of wisdom in a pod sharing stories that allow us to be inspired and discover our own truth and reaction to beauty we now experience in North Carolina for CG; and the fine art showing the mountain of Oregon Amber gets to climb :-) Thanks for sharing your adventures. ~kes

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

You live in a beautiful place. Your words are always kind and thoughtful.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

cg… Your latest scribbing …
…”allowed to blend with the mind and spirit of the individual,
time and place” - profoundly infinite.
is a new read and quite expanding for each to experience their own truth in the moment.  Something about nature that just brings out our very best.  I perceive you in these pictures and the command over your environment brings us there with you.  Continued success to all of you in this new year,  :-) Lee

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Lee….and may it be a year of joy and wonder to you as well.

You and I are in agreement on the benefit of time in nature, Lee. In Nature, the natural, we effortlessly return to our own nature–perfection. The blessed spirits of plant, rock, water, air, and animal resonate in unadulterated communion with the source.
  –well, it works for me, anyway…much to my blessings.
peace and wonder, my friend,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Jen, for being here and giving of yourself.
I am the company I keep……all around me here (in Gaia) are kind and thoughtful souls. It's hard not to take on some of those characteristics.

love and blessings to you and all you hold dear,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I am very happy to have the spirit of such dear ones with me as I hike, Kathy. Thank you for your support and for 'going along' on my climb into the mountain.
blessings,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Greetings C.G., congratulations on being member of the month.
I'd like to ask a very down to earth practical question. In the intro you mention you have to have a day job to support your writing 'addiction'.

I'd like to purchase Sacred Vow.  I know nothing about royalties or commissions.  From your perspective which would be the most beneficial way for me to buy your book?

I wouldn't  be surprised if others would like to support you in the most practical way also so would you mind providing a link to your preferred source please.

An eccentric Aussie

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for the encouraging comment.  Anyone can order copies via the publisher  & request the autographed copy.  The journey CG takes us all on is a good read. Best, ~kes 

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Greetings Andrew,
Thanks for your generous support.

As ~Kes said the  publishing website allows buying autographed/personalized copies directly from me–I fill the order here at home–and more of the money comes to me.The price is $13.95 plus shipping (calculated online).

Unfortunately, my website at present is rather naive in the ways of international shipping and can only handle orders here in the US. However, if you send me information of your mailing address and how you want the book shipped (just how quickly you want it to arrive), I will check in with the Post Office and let you know what the cost including shipping will be.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Congrats, C.G.  It's so great to see you featured here.  Thanks for allowing me a glimpse into your journey as a novelist.     I just know the universe will reward you in one successful way or another for all the hard work, tremendous effort and time spent on this project.  You're almost there!!!

Good luck and I'll always try to be here and there to cheer you along.

Big hugs.
Amy :-)

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

…and it has been a joy to me to share this journey with you, Amy. You have given me much kindness and happiness with your friendship.

Your best gift and support will always be in being yourself, my friend. In your doing so, I receive much joy along the way.

Many blessings and love, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I asked C.G. about the origins of Sacred Vow. His wife, Kathy, mentioned in his answer, is herself a Gaian, wonderfully.
 C.G., I find it fascinating in life how huge things flow, result, and manifest starting in seemingly tiny ordinary moments we don’t realize the significance of at the time. We never suspect all that will follow from some moment that seems like every other moment. I adore seeing the moment of origin of big things.

Tell us how the creation of Sacred Vow was like this, and also something about your creative process during it.

C.G. Walters
A dear friend of Kathy’s gave her an old espresso machine. On a couple of occasions when Kathy was making espresso, she felt herself in another life, a flashback to some earlier life in Italy. Not of using the machine, but evoked while using the machine.

One morning, as Kathy was getting dressed, she shared her experiences and we got into a discussion about just what might be going on, how it could happen, what significance it might have in her life here. After a bit, I suggested she write the experience as fiction. She said she would not, so I asked if I could follow the story. I was writing short stories to warm up for return to a novel that I needed to finish. She told me to write it.

I went to my writing room, posed the question/scenario to my brain, and followed the story. Time after time the short story refused to be short…..and eventually became Sacred Vow.

When the Sacred Vow short-story kept growing, I kept cutting it down and starting later in the story. Several times the story grew beyond my goal of 5000 words; several time I cut it down—like some memory unfolding, or something with a life of its own.

Soon it was evident that this story would be a novel, and I spoke to ‘whomever’ was driving it and jokingly said, “Ok, I will put all the pieces back and follow this as a novel.

However, there is just one problem.  When I write a novel, I need long, focused periods of time, to actually live what comes through. My work (computer support at the time) will not allow the kind of time I need for writing a novel.”  Two weeks later, I got downsized!

Once I started writing, it only took about two months to finish the rough draft. Of that time, for about 3 weeks I was writing 7 days per week, 10-12 hours per day (minus the occaisional dozing offf while sitting in the writing chair, from psychological/psychic exhaustion.)  It was like a very long, intense meditation. When I came into the house, Kathy said I seemed to be surrounded by a glow of energy.
 OM: Thank you for sharing that.  An amazing seed that sprouted and is still growing !!

I’d love to know more about Celebrazine. Another of your great projects, another ongoing co-creation with readers. You describe those blogs this way:
 C.G.: CelebraZine (eZine to Celebrate What’s Right in the World), a ‘running blog carnival’ (of posts both found and shared with me) that uplift and inspire….an inspiration of sayings, video, audio (music and speech), images, poetry–anything and everything that feeds the positive in heart, spirit, and mind.     

Our focus dictates what we see, which reinforces our focus, further confining the possibility of what we will see.

May you be blessed by these offerings reminding us of the beauty, wonder, and sacredness in the world around us and within us.

Celebrate yourself!

Be a part of the expression of celebration. Submit your submission  (containing text, image, video, and audio, poetry, quotes, etc.) anytime for the daily installments of CelebraZine, a ‘running blog carnival’ of What’s Right in the World.

Note:  Even if you are not the blogger of the work you’d like to suggest, but have noticed someone’s work that you think should be included in a Celebration of What’s Right in the World,   –empowering people and spirit–please point out the work to us.
 OM: I would love to know how did THAT seed get into your life? It’s such a cool idea, to celebrate the great things of life. I do that as part of each of my Sunday Church Services, and on Gaia we have the Great News Show Group. I love positive magazines like Ode and Yes!, and I have a link to Good News Network’s online publication.

Why do you (or anyone here) think this is important for our world?

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Pleased to “meet you” SacredVow -or do you prefer C.G ?

It is an honour indeed to have you as our featured member this
month and I look forward to the January posts very much.

Peace and welcome!
Sandy

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

My pleasure and joy, Sandy.
I am CG….my book (and therefore, I) am Sacred Vow–one of many incarnations.

CG is a good name…..easier (and closer to my birthname in this life)….but then, our names are only symbolic, are they not?

sorry….just playing this morning. I was just visiting Meenakshi's Can you flow with me?

joy and wonder,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Dear CG:

Congratulations on your Featured Member Status here and I also want to express my delight in your book “Sacred Vow” and its message.

Working on a construction site for hours each day and then being able to tune into your spiritual side is a grand gift. You are ineffect balancing the spiritual and the physical and even though your creative gift is more like “plerk”, you are also able to bring creations into manifestation in your physical reality as well.

It has been a wonderful pleasure to be your friend for these two years here on Gaia, and I look forward to many more connections with you my dear  soul brother.

There have been many times when my discouragement has limited my vision of better days, and in your words and support I have found great solace. There are many such souls here on Gaia who offer us all the most wonderful sense of community, and I love that here in this space, many are honored for their commitment to their creative impulses, and their joy of living, and serve as mentors and examples to the rest of us.

Again, a well deserved accomplishment CG…

Always remember how much your community loves you and the inspiration you provide for so many.

Namaste!
Aley

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

It has been a great joy to me, Aley, to visit (online) with you and Keith, to commune with your kind and gentle spirits, and just to play together! You have both been a blessing to me that I am very grateful for.
Much love to you, cherished friend, and I hold you and your dear ones in the light, wishing you a most blessed year in 2009!

CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Quote from a recent CelebraZine:
A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. – Maya Angelou

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hi CG and I am hoping you're having a great season here on GAIA!

I too have a sense of the need for refining, consolidating, what you may, in my offerings. It does bring more quality to my audience, who I consider divine and ought to receive the best quality all the time.

Yes, those who are going to sit down and actually digest the material are not a 'mass market' crowd; they desire enrichment, they want to learn and grow from it, they seek inspiration.

I truly hope to share one day in your Celebrate series. There really is a lot to be excited about in this world.

Thank you for being you, friend.

Sherrilene

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for being here, and being the spirit that you are, Sherrilene.

I agree, this audience is divine. Their time and attention is precious, so they should always receive the most sincere effort one has to offer.

Yes, there is much to celebrate in the world, wonderful works that you and so many people are doing. I am thankful for your focus on the quality of life for all—a very valuable gift in our world.

And I look forward to you sharing in CelebraZine.
blessings and continued inspiration, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I just read your recent Celebrazine blog, C.G. I like the way you ask for suggestions:  

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I'd love to see your suggestions, Meenakshi. Submissions are a great help.

the biggest problem I have in doing CelebraZine is that there is not enough time or space to give recognition to all the significantly uplifting things being done by so many……which is a glorious problem to have (so much positive)!!!!!!

joy and inspiration,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

c.g. i have been learning the lesson that all is exactly as it seems and the exact opposite in the same moment, yet, our viewpoint, being in flesh or out of it, in this physical world or the spiritual…makes the difference on how much you see and your point of view:)

is it possible to be polite and rude at the same time. yes. i am doing this now, i have been longing to come over and read before today, but that following spiritual guidance can be intriguing:) so now i am here and have been in a channeling that lasted over 7 hours (see my blog)…i am fine, my eyes however have asked me to rest them:) so forgive me to all the glorious friends who have written and especially to you as i admit having to return to read - but i couldn't sign on to gaia.com and off again without stopping by to say thank you for being who you are. for not following your fears, but instead you spirit and your heart. for your unselfish gifts of knowledge and empowerment.

thank you also to your wife kathy as i am certain that the great love you share contributes to the wonderful person you are, even as you surely contribute to the glorious person she is.

surely i once said, i always read all the entries in a thread before joining in…alas…spirit has helped me make sure i eat those words and humble myself in this instance so that i might walk in the shoes of someone who walked in those:)

may you continue to follow spiritual guidance, for it seems that when you follow your guide, it manages to benefit us all.

you are my love and i am yours, we are all the love & light of this world.
aki

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Aki, for your presence and your spirit.
I hope you have had rest now, and are feeling the benefits of your experience earlier today.

Your support and for joining into the conversation here.

continued blessings and guidance to you as well, dear spirit,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

thank you…yes i have rested and awoke saying have i become a portal? this did not surprise my daughter at all…she merely looked at me and said duh?…

lol…sometimes the simplest things elude.  if we only knew all that we already are…imagine how magnificently we would treat one another and live life.  

for you my friend and the mountain.

there is a mountain top

that calls to me

gives me strength

to reach her peak.

along the way up

 she fills me with love

shares with me a peace

that always is and always was

every step taken

is one of discovery

when i reach the end

it all begins for me.

looking out from her

is a vision that is the gift,

a silence of knowledge,

a taste of bliss,

the beauty of it all

is simply this

she allows me

to be

one

with.

may you walk upon the earth and know that she feels your every footprint. 

may you receive the continuous blessings she fills your feet with.   aki

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

CG …

How GRAND this is!!  It thrills me to see you and your work getting a deserved spotlight.

All my best to my dear friend.

~K

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

What is grand, dear Keith, is that I am surrounded by blessed souls who care. thank you!

At some event that I attended out of love for a friend, another of their friends said something that stays with me, “sometimes the most valuable gift is just showing up.”

I know that was a message for me, one of those that is still maturing with its full message within me. I feel its pull, and know that it will guide me for some time to come.

I hold you and your dear ones in the light, with wishes of endless blessings, my friend,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Beautiful, Aki. Thank you for this message.

Many blessings and continued communion to you, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

C.G., if you belong to any groups that are mentioned on Groups / Pods we Love on Gaia, then please do give your thoughts on the thread for the groups. And if you have a group you cultivate/ moderate that isn't on that board, please let us know about it. Suggestions for information that can be given are here:  Featuring / updating your Pod on the Groups board

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters-groups

I am happy that I am able to receieve a steady flow of email notifictions (keeping me aware of the wonderful conversations) in these Pods. I drop in now and again, but the volume of valuable information in Gaia is so immense that it is impossible to be everywhere one would like to be as often as I would like Dreams Of Artists™
Intenders Circle - Group 1  Daodejing and Zhuangzi Revealed Global Peace Pod
Gaia Lounge
God Pod or Life, the Universe and Everything
The Dream Garden
Gaia Networking - Enhance Your Community Experience
The Power of Light
Living Metaphysics
MFA: Marvelous FREE Art!
Gaia Booklovers & Learners
Great News Show
Cultural Collectanea
People Potential Pod
Peace,Politics and Philosophy in our Patch’s.
Self-Published Authors Association
Altered States-Realities
DIVINATIONS
Collective Wisdom: The Library of Community Threads
The Smiley Facts of Life
Joy SOULutions™ Enjoy, Share & Inspire
Sacred Walk
Co-Creating Reality ~ What Else is Possible? What the Bleep
How Good Can it Get?
Journey through time
Remembering
The Global Daoism Pod on Gaia Community
Archetypes and Spiritual Development

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters-groups

We share quite a few groups, I see; and others that I haven't even heard of! The diversity of groups on Gaia is quite amazing, and perhaps whenever you think about it, you'll let the cultivators/mods of your groups know about a place where they can showcase their group, C.G.

Groups / Pods we Love on Gaia

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Yeah, great idea, Meenakshi, and I am looking forward to your input about pods, C.G.

That's fabulous that you have more material for Celebrazine than time or space permits to include. My little networking/entrepreneurial mind spins into action on that one !! How to get the info out, to a world that as you say, needs it, needs every little bit of it !!!!!!

Clone yourself?  How?? A creative spark might emerge about that!! :))

How about networking with other sources of positive news, like some of the ones I mentioned earlier? Forming like a pool of potential items, that anyone can draw from, so the info gets out? And all of you cross-linking to one another??

That's a crude simple idea; I bet someone else could imagine more complex versions possible that could synergize even more profoundly.
 
Will ponder this !!! Hope others do too !!

I believe it is more important than anyone realizes, to keep ourselves immersed in GOOD news these days. Most of the spiritual teachers are saying that is the most important thing for us to do in the coming days and months: stay focused on what we DO want, on the new wonderful world that is emerging.

Watch what's sprouting, not what's dying…..

That's why I am thinking more and more about the issue of bringing news about good things, news about new ways of living in every area of life, to more and more people. It seems to me an urgent and profound service, an “activism” that would bring unimaginable benefits to the whole world. I think it's time to amp up all the existing resources for distributing news like this.

But I am not the doer, merely the urger and the cheerleader ! I seek to catalyze the doers.

Blessings, OM

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I will think on your suggestions, OM….thank you!!

I have just joined some of the positive sites that have been suggested here, and am looking forward to enjoying their message, and learning from them

Even if there is not some direct coordination, everyone delivering a empowering message is infact in communication/communion…..and their effort is collective, even if not obvious.

Not saying that I think joint works (in 'this world') are a bad idea–or that I won't be thinking on your suggestion (it is a good one)….but I tend to think that one must always consider the subtle implications. In that, I think what is most important is that each person bring their message that is their nature–not with an idea that it might 'save' the world– for no other reason because it is their song to sing….

Returning to:
A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. – Maya Angelou

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

For CG, the words of a wonderful poet to early taken:

On the day

when the weight

deadens on your shoulders

and you stumble,

may the clay dance

to balance you.

And when your eyes freeze

behind the grey window

and the ghost of loss

gets in to you,

may a flock of colours,

indigo, red, green,

and azure blue

come to awaken in you

a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays

in the currach of thought

and a stain of ocean

blackens beneath you,

may there come across the waters

a path of yellow moonlight

to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,

may the clarity of light be yours,

may the fluency of the ocean be yours,

may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow

wind work these words

of love around you,

an invisible cloak

to mind your life.  -John O’Donahue

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

thank you very much, Silent Temple, for coming to visit me, bring such a gift of blessing and a beautiful poem!

Many blessings and continued wonder to you and your dear ones,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I am back to this again, Silent Temple…..to take the magic of this poem/blessing and the kindness of your spirit with me into my working day…..may their presence be felt by all I come in contact with today.

thank you again.
Have a blessed Friday,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

My dearest CG,

Over these many beautiful years together (and sometimes those times where a friend of mine refers to them as ”That’s why they call it marital bliss” times—yes, even those times), I’ve watched how you move through our world and know you “see” in a manner that is seeing beyond the veil.  I am fortunate to be in your presence many times and especially at times like the ones I mention below.

So, my dear, I have a question for you that I have not asked before this.  Not because of any reason other than I observe you and learn so much from that.  Never the less, it is a question that continues to come up for me.  You know I believe all things happen in perfect order.  This is also perfect order to feel the guidance and move forward with it to ask you this at Gaia, during your Featured Month.  Your answer might entertain others as well.  I also think it is the core of your spirit and co-pilots your way through our world, which others might benefit from hearing about.  But, you say if that rings true to you.  I am thankful for this part of you and see it in your conversations here on Gaia.

Remember when my sister first heard I was seeing/dating you.  Her response was “Oh, I really like CG.”  She worked with you a few years prior and said, “I remember when I would see CG bring the computer printouts into our work area, I lit up.  He had a genuine interest in my life and offered such insight to all my stories.  He would look into my eyes as if he was taking my words to heart.  He was interested in the beauty of my life so much that I never thought to ask him about his until he had left the room.”  She smiled then, and said, “I was sorry I didn’t ask more about him before he left for another location.  I knew when I heard he was gone that I missed out on something important.  I hope we get to see a lot of CG.  I enjoy his presence and want to get to know more about how he views things that come up in our lives.”

It was much later, during our sister-to-sister conversations that she found out a little about how difficult your life was at the time.  She put the timing together and realized that although you were going through hard times in many areas, you sincerely encouraged the exchange with her with heart felt interest to learn about all she was enjoying in her life.

Drum roll…Now to bear your soul to your dear friends at Gaia, my question is this.  How do you DO THAT????–put yourself aside without even a thought about it.  There is no ego at these times, and it is as if you are one with the person you are taking in fully!  I love this about you.  I’ve watched you do this over and over in our years together—you seem to disappear and yet be completely one with the person and/or people you are talking with at the time.  I imagine you don’t even know you are doing it because you dance as one EVERY single time I see this in amazement.  It opens my heart fully.

The Gaia community is fortunate to have you with them, as you are to have the Gaia community.

With much love and many blessings,
Kathy

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

                                               C.G. & Kathy 

                                               by Mary Vogel

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

….ok. that's my Sweetie, folks.

How could I have other than a blessed life living in the sanctuary of such love for me,eh? Now you know where I get my super-powers.

Hmmm….I guess there are two pillars to that little odd behavior of mine….

First, no matter if I am without something that I want dearly,  I am not inspired to envy another's achieving a similar possession, for my intuition tells me that what they have–no matter how it may appear in the world of forms as similar to what I desire–it can never be mine–for nothing possessed is ever separate from the possessor, their energies are interdependent for existence.

Additionally, someone else acquiring (say a car if I wanted such) does not diminish my chances of acquiring a car…Source is infinite, and only my eternal identity (not so much my identity in this continuum) will determine my ability to acquire my desire.

Besides, I get a good bit of pleasure in the joy of a person honestly and simply enjoying their life or some aspect of it….I can feel that joy radiating out into the world. Their sharing is a gift to me, not a threat or a reminder of something that I might not have.

The other big reason for my perception is that I am not envious no matter the disparity between my desire and the achievement of another, because I am sufficiently trusting in “the nature of things” as to believe that no matter the odds to the contrary, I will achieve 'mine'.

Now that does not mean that I will be certain to get the desire as I know/imagine it at that moment, but the acquisition may well be a change in my desire. Either way I achieve contentment. Was that not the real hunger from the beginning? The specific pinpoint of desire was merely distraction.

love and blessings, dear ones,
CG

ArSound like plain old confidence, do you say

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Oh, C.G…. What a joy to see you as a featured member! Now more people will become aware of your beautiful book.

My favorite part of your Sacred Vow is that you help the reader to gently expand “reality” so that “the four walls” don't have to be just “the four walls.” Since I was a young child I have wondered what other things were happening around me that I just wasn't sensing. Your book so wonderfully touches on that concept and through the profound emotion of love.

Many blessings, dear friend. I am thrilled that others will come to know of you and your writing.

In infinite peace and love,
Katrina
The Wholarian Vision

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

It's a blessing to have you visit me here, dear Katrina.

That wondering child was also creating, co-creating Sacred Vow in another time and space. Thank you.

PS folks, check out the good work that Katrina is doing in The Wholarian Vision….a very good vision in deed.

Blessing to you, my friend…..

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hi Katrina,  It’s nice to meet a Wholarian. part of a Whole and that my part makes a difference.   I do hope everyone stops by to see your pages, and share with you too.  Thanks for posting.  I have gained by reading.  Come back any time and leave more heart prints!!! ~kes

“I choose my words, my thoughts and my actions knowing that they have an impact on the world and the people around me. And for this reason I choose carefully and with great consideration. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” And for me that change comes with everyday activities. So, I choose to do things with love, joy and peace in my heart. I choose to be a Wholarian.”  Katrina

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I just know I had written a long post here, and now cannot find it! oh dear…

anyway…I am pleased to see you being highlighted here CG and as always am a fan of your work, and your friendship! You are one of the wise ones we look to in our lives for your humble guidance and love. There is always your presence here to soothe and comfort, and I send much love and happy congratulations on all the things you do for us all here all the time.

You are a blessing and a wonderful soul friend.

love, Aley

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Your friendship gives joy to my soul, dear Aley.
Thank you for coming to visit me again, & for being a cherished friend all the while I have been in Gaia.
love you, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

CG,

Thank you. Your response was heartfelt and eloquent, as usual—and sometimes over my head. I love when you wrote “…but the acquisition may well be a change in my desire. Either way I achieve contentment. Was that not the real hunger from the beginning? The specific pinpoint of desire was merely distraction…” How true that sometimes while meandering one finds a ‘change in desire’, which was the purpose behind the meandering to begin with. This may happen without one noticing due to being too focused on the distraction. In fact, I think this has happened to me from time-to-time. I will have a deeper sense of openness to and listen more naturally to spirit from this exchange. My prayer is to hear spirit and have a ‘knowing’ of what is mine to do.

Thank you again and I’ll leave the questions/comments to your Gaia community now. . I gain from seeing your writings in response to the statements/questions from your friends at Gaia. There is a difference (both being beautiful) in a verbal conversation and a written one. This thread has been a delight for me to be a part of.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I'm enjoying the exchange between you and C.G., Kathy; because it shows me another reason why I enjoy having this feature on Gaia Networking. We often have unasked questions of our friends; and when one is featured, it is a good time to ask questions that others in the community can benefit from…

So please, if you have another, feel free from our point of view, to ask!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Meenakshi,

Thank you for your kind response.  I will be sure to ask more questions, as they come up.  This has been a gift for me. 

All good wishes and many blessings,
Kathy

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

It's heart warming to experience you, CG, and Sacred Vow, Kathy, and all of us in this pod of deep connection. I've read all the posts (took quite sometime) and right now feeling so enriched and inspired by it, and yearning for more. Am one of the slow readers of your book due to my 'full' life and also since I consider it the kind of book one gets absorbed in and then relate what is read with one's own life. I love that as I go through the pages, things are unfolding for me, too!  I will continue trekking through your book and I know that at the right time I would reach the last page, hopefully before the sequel appears - LOL!

2009 is a year of promise so it's timely to have you as featured member at the start of this year!

Blessings,
Mila

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for visiting me here, Mila. I am blessed by having you join in the conversation. I very much appreciated the time and sincere communion you have had with us.

I am sure you are living the Sacred Vow. You will finish it 'right on time.' Yes, I hope for a sequel in the near future.With any luck I shall find time to complete a thematic sequel, as well as a non-fiction book in 2009.

love and blessings dear friend,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I'm really resonating with so much that you and others are saying in this thread, C.G. !!!!  I love all the perspectives you are sharing !!

We have been dancing with some themes, and I would like to evoke more from you, whatever else you would like to say about the following inter-related matters:

The multidimensional nature of our loves and our lives—the focus of your fiction writing. I'd love to hear more about this !!!!!

Are there yet other reasons you share your stories in fiction?

What is a Spirit Story? — what you consider your fiction focus to be. Is there anything more you would like to say about that?

Blessings and gratitude,
OM

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

oh, OM…..this is going to take a little time to answer. I am running late for Monday, so will have to get back to this….but I will!

Just a start on why I use fiction instead of non-fiction–as my fiction contains my truths:

I personally prefer fiction for expressing truths, like myth and stories have historically been used to portray the essence of the ineffable. This seems correct for me, because I do not see fiction as non-truth, but rather as something flexible, subjective, that can be more like an extended mantra…it;s an excellent means to comfortably invite the reader (or writer) into opening up and allowing their personal truth within to present itself from through the story.

With a flexible, subjective method, the presentation can offer a living, ever-progressing truth, perfectly fitted to the need of the reader at any given time—as opposed to merely a presentation of my truth, which may or may not be relevant..

….I'll be back after work and collecting firewood this evening…
a blessed Monday, all…..
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

….sorry for the delay, I got tied up with preparing for cold weather…and got sick, so am moving a little slowly.

Ok, continuing on using fiction as a tool for presenting I perceive as truth…
Well, as I see it, when speaking of the ineffable, the more exact the attempt to represent, the more inaccurate we are.

The way of the word is not the Way….Tao Te Ching

Words are only symbolic representation. In fact, Truth (defined) is only representation/symbol.

Truth is but a resting place until the next revelation—Strike a Chord of Silence

So, you add the tradition of myth and mystical story-telling as a manner of “pointing at the moon” and fiction seems the perfect tool (if one must write, and in writing do so in prose).

Then, my goal is to be aware of the vibrations of my mystical when experiencing the story–it comes like a memory or an opening of another dimension—and capture that in rhythm on the page. If  I do so, then the work will be as a prose drumming. It will not be the what I say that is so relevant, but the individual's response to the rhyhtm of the story, the characters, the words.  With any luck, the story will entice the reader to stay and relax, to 'consider', and the rhythm will massage the readers own truth forward to their awareness.

Is this intentional with me? It is just how I write, without conscious intention—in fact I am sure if I 'try' I would make a real mess of it.
My muses present it this way to me, to teach me, so I am blessed with it.

Now, I have to run off to work again, so I cannot finish all the answer this AM, but as for Spirit Story, if one is invoking Spirit to reside in story….one cannot be surprised that the result will have a life of its own, intentions of its own—but then, many writers know that is always the case for a story. Maybe it is only that this particular kind of story-mystical–has an audience that would be more aware of such things……

blessings all….
…….no chores after work today (that I know now)….so I hope to finish answering your questions then, OM.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

“The multidimensional nature of our loves and our lives—the focus of your fiction writing. I'd love to hear more about this !!!!!”

Much of what I hold as 'my reality' are things that have come to me in some intuitive or (seemingly) serendipetous manner. Many times they  float like mists into my consciousness while the veil of identity ('this is me, this is not) is faltering–after some form of meditation, in reverie….on walks).

Somewhere along the way, I started to get this sense that my relationship, my romance with my wife Kathy was not completely contained within this time/space continuum, that I could not merely look to my experiences here to explain what I was feeling, or what was happening in our relationship.

So, as a writer must write what they are, I must write mystical tales with a romantic nature, not contained in any one aspect or dimension of reality. In attempting this, I generally pick an aspect to focus on.

In Sacred Vow, I speculated on every item in this world emanating a harmonic frequency, with all items within a given area creating a collective frequency, impacting the 'reality' that one would perceive in that space. One of characters, Ian, stumbled onto a collective resonance that allowed him to slip between worlds to many lives he shared with his Spirit/Soul mate.

blessings….
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

C.G., on another note, I've been wondering  if you could give your take on Should I or shouldn't I? Declining friends' invites  or How do you nurture your friendships?

You could do that on this thread, or if you would, leave your footsteps on those threads.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

That's a conundrum for me, Meenakshi. At some point, I slowed way down in formally inviting friends—though love to accept invitation (gladly and sincerely!). I started to feel “I can never have the time to give all these great folks the attention they deserve.” However, I continued to develop relationships with people–talking back an forth–assuming I must have formally invited this person as a friend (since I regard them as a friend), and one or the other of us is at some point surprised to realize that we  have not formally 'friended' each other.

I think the formal process of adding friends is something more definitive of the software/structure of a social network than it is to the experience of friendship. One might never go through the process of friending, yet you have given of yourself, and made it known to that person that you enjoy them, appreciate them, and mean the best for them. Even without their avatar in my friends box, we will have had a great time together.

I nuture a friendship as I would nuture a relationship with myself, kindness and consideration, hold them in the light, even if I haven't time to stop for a conversation.

I have always 'slipped off into the woods' to contemplate for long periods. I have a terrible sense of time, and am sometimes surprised to realize that a year has passed since I visited someone (offline), or did something. However, my friends (offline) and I have the experience as if it was just the day before when we last laughed and played–when we do get together. We give completely and sincerely, and time has nothing to do with that.

blessings, dear ones,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

You have good friends off line, C.G.! Not to mind if you haven't spoken for a year. I know what you mean though, about actually feeling as if it's been yesterday even if it's been longer.

Which reminds me–as I've just met a Gaian last week; have you met anyone from Gaia face to face?

And–have you always lived in the mountains?

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Indeed I have very special friends, on line and off, Meenakshi. This is a cherished gift given to me.

Mind you, in that same year, those friends have also not contacted me…they are equally busy and involved in things away from me.
    Yet, during that year, we both know that we walk togther–in spirit–no matter how long it has been that were were together in body (face to face). We also know that we are available anytime there is a need–even if only to say 'hello.'

The Gaians I have met face to face are not very active online and live close by.

I have not always lived in the mountains, Meenakshi. When I first told Kathy that I wanted to move here, she thought I was nuts. I had been to the mountains very few times and had no tolerance for heights or curvy roads. She thought I was nuts! But then (expanded explanation) Into the Mist: Some Things You Just Know

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

That is such a gem, C.G. I posted a longer comment there; but have to say that your sharing your experience satisfies my own longing for the mountains and the mist!

Another advantage of this online experience!

Have you seen the cloud forest mountains of South America?

I do notice that you have other blogs apart from the one on Gaia. Do you usually cross-post; or does each have its own place in your writing?

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I have never seen the cloud forest mountains–except in images and video–, Meenakshi. Thank  you for sharing. This is a beautiful image. Is it a special place you have been?

I am mostly attracted to the colder climates for some reason.

Yes, and advantage of technology., to experience vicarious through image as well as imagery of text.
 
Blogs are cross-posted, Meenakshi–openers for invitation (invitation into my 'house”). As I said before, each site is an entity of a unique personality, so sometimes the same start to a conversation will move in different directions. With the exception of Gaia, I expect that I will soon shift most of my attention to a single personal site that is under development.

My more personal conversation are direct (email or responding to other's blogs) or through my books….

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

[Hmm..the linking didn’t work somehow and the picture disappeared] but C.G. no–I have not been there except in feeling. I’ve driven up to the Muir Woods outside San Francisco, driving through mists; and also through the foothills of the Himalayas in India; but always as a tourist. Not to stay or live.

And when I encountered these pictures on the web a few years ago, they just spoke to me; as I often find myself [like an ingrate!] bewailing “flat florida”. I  am so drawn to mountains!  [Ah–now I’ve corrected the link]

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I can understand the connection, Meenakshi. I am most drawn to walk up the mountain when I see a heavy white cloud sitting atop the mountain and drifting down the slop–with a clear blue sky about the cloud covered mountain.

By the time I have had a hard walk up the mountain, my head feels 'in a mist'–just about the time my body enters into that cloud that is sitting on the moutain. At that time, my internal and external experience so reflect each other that there is something very mystical about it. One almost cannot tell the difference between mind and body.

I just walk in the cloud…often unable to see more than 20 feet, in the mysterious shapes of the cloud covered forest–a place of magic and wonder.

On clouds in the mountains around SF….and a simple romantic movie….ever see “A Walk in the Clouds”?

blessings and joy,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Yes! I had to refresh my memory and realized I had seen the movie a few times, actually. Beautiful scenes; and the one in the end where they fight is quite something. I think I also saw a remake of it in Hindi…

I am reminded of my childhood, living for a while in Dehradun, and Mussoorie the “hill station” where people would go to escape the summer heat below.

Talking with you has brought these to mind; and I will remember them wheenver I’m minding the heat [physically or figuratively!] As they say, when Mohammed can’t go to the mountains, the mountains must come to Mohammed….even if virtually or in imagination.

Do you feel more a part of community or less; since you live in a mountain, C.G.? Is there a sense of remoteness from ordinary human cares, after you were settled in? I wonder if that has contributed to the feel of peacefulness, and yogi-like detachment that emanates from you…

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

….the Buddha, in a little company of yogis, [said], ” At one time I starved my body to such a degree that when I touched my stomach, I could grab my backbone. The thought occurred to me that this is not the way to achieve enlightenment. There is not enough strength in the body to absorb the experience or even achieve it. So it was then that I ate my first meal.” – Joseph Campbell, quoted in “Reflections in the Art of Living”

I have more of a sense of community, Meenakshi, though I am a bit of a hermit in form. Because I feed my spirit, I have enough strength to 'absorb the experience' and give fully from my heart and spirit.

I have the good fortune of heart issues and an odd form of migranes. Both–along with my personal nature–make me quite sick if I do not maintain a strong connection with my center. I tend to believe that many are equally impacted, but do not have the good fortune of so evident a physical manifestation as to bring it to their attention.

If I did not  periodically 'retreat into the mountain', I would quickly have nothing to give, to me or anyone else. But in recharging my health and spirit, I know that I can give and can live according to my intuition.

Ordinary human cares? I have plenty, and I stumble into the periodic railing against them–in the privacy of my own home (Kathy, my wife, knows well)–Or I walk them out on the mountain. I just try not to bring them here. How would I benefit anyone with them? —-that's not to say that I think there is anything wrong in bringing them. It's kind of like 'ask for help when you need it, but not before.' When I feel I cannot resist, I will not.

I do not even try to get rid of my stumbling…
Retain your right to stumble, for living without it is like walking in chains–Strike a Chord of Silence

….I am very impressed with the one who has such a reserve of peace that they can live for extended periods of time in the worst of environments (eg Gaza) and continue to emanate peace and hope to all they come in contact with, while continuing through the most mundane of tasks.

I will do what I can, give what I can, in my frail attempts to contribute.
peace and wonder,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I am not surprised by what you've written, C.G., and hoped that you would put into words what your presence here gives out.

I think it is so important for us to experience the special quality of community experience that you bring. There is a sense of peace emanating; and yet, not a person who is trying to be separate from others ; but actually very much one who is connecting at a deep level. It is as if you can see the light within others; even if they–as different from you, as you have your own inner resources–sometimes share their rants!

What I like when I encounter you is just this: that you share your life openly, and yet, in each writing, you bring your highest self to Gaia. And so, provide your gift of what this community is all about.

Thank you so much for responding so thoughtfully to what might have seemed an impertinent question. With you, I knew it would be understood in the sense it was written.


Source

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Meenakshi…..oh, I had not thought of anything but sincerity. I have never known any reason for imagining otherwise from you. Then, that is a luxury of what Kathy (Egan) calls 'history,' –because of what has come before,  the words in a conversation can become fewer while conveying so much more.

…but whenever without history with another and I am not sure of their intention, I hold onto a bit of info given me:

Action defines only the initiator.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

C.G., I’m loving your explanations about your stories and how you work !!!! Thank you for sharing so much in depth about your process. We are all being expanded !!

And I really know what you mean about picking up where one left off, with a friend. For me once it was a 5-year gap of being extremely out of communication, and there was not more than a couple of minutes of re-entry mode !! Of course, it WAS my ex-husband, so we had a fair amount of practice in relating, hahaha!!

This might be a time to share some of your kind and interesting answers to our questions asked of every Featured Member.

 1Vector3  What do you think has been your main contribution to the Gaia Community? 
  
  C.G. Walters
“…. I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet…”   -William Butler Yeats

 OM:  What’s the biggest benefit you have received from the Gaia Community?

   C.G.:  In this one place I have access to a wealth of loving, inspiring, brilliant spirits! Keeping such company can only benefit me!
 
 OM:  What do you believe the community could contribute more, toward your ideal world?

   C.G.:  I go along with the idea of “the collective Buddha” — we are becoming more aware of our “collective mind.” In that, creating any work or environment that inspires and uplifts anyone, or elicits their own wisdom, uplifts us all. In that, if Gaia keep a sacred, safe place for people to unveil their greater self, then Gaia is giving the best contribution it can to the world.

 OM: I certainly resonate with those answers! I bet many others here do too!!
Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters-collective mind

C.G., re what you said:  ”I go along with the idea of “the collective Buddha” — we are becoming more aware of our “collective mind.” In that, creating any work or environment that inspires and uplifts anyone, or elicits their own wisdom, uplifts us all. In that, if Gaia keep a sacred, safe place for people to unveil their greater self, then Gaia is giving the best contribution it can to the world.”

I think that point is well taken. What happens is, that Gaia is for each of us, that next post that we read, the comment that has just been made –or not–on our blog; or the person who is friending or spamming us. Sometimes we’ve to ask ourselves: who or what is the Gaia community?

We’ve had several discussions in this group, trying to find out that! Any furrther thoughts?  [Discussions I’ve referred to:
When in doubt of another’s intentions, what do you do? 
Exchanging gifts: blogging, commenting
Is anyone reading my blog? Can I improve readership?
TIPS: a chance to define the “highest me”
Treat others as they would like to be treated]

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

And of course I too would love to hear re Meenakshi’s questions about your experiences meeting Gaians face to face, and whether you have always lived in the mountains. Blessings, OM

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Excellent Service CG… Sacred Vow arrived in Melbourne Australia today!!!

May I recommend to anyone anywhere in the world to follow CG's instructions to obtain a copy of Sacred Vow.

“Go to www.cgwalters.com and there is a “donation” button on the right hand side of the page (about midway down). You can then pay for your copy of Sacred Vow, and I will ship it (sign, etc) per your email instructions.”

10 days later I have my autographed copy of CG's precious book Sacred Vow in my hot little hand.

Way to go.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for letting me know, Andrew—and for the kind words.

May Sacred Vow bring you many gifts.

I look forward to your comments and reactions.
blessings to you and all you hold dear,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hi C. G., and {{{{HUGS}}}} to you in recognition of your beautiful spirit and your dedicated and focused work.  I have so much respect for you!  As usual, I'm a little late checking in.  Up at the top of this discussion, I was amazed to encounter ubuntu!  Gee, I've gone so many directions since then, but this was the wonderfully perfect time to bring that full circle and encounter the idea again, and again realize how much that concept can serve as an anchor for! 

And, yes, I know that I need to be reading your book, and you have my promise that I will.  I'm just a little “draggy” about time.  All in the fullness of time.  That should not be an excuse to leave my friends unsupported, but rather an affirmation that some cycles are, well, longer - than others.

Rock on, C.G.! 

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

thank you for comng by, Martha….and for being you!

I very much appreciate your introducing to me the phrase Ubuntu and active concept of something that I knew only intuitively. I had other words for it, but you showed me the expression of it in other cultures. “Bless you!

Under no circumstance have you left me unsupported. You have given me support, and I know you are there–even if you are elsewhere. During that time, I am content that you are caring for yourself–and I would have it no other way. Always the paths of kindred spirits remain connected–and periodically cross.

love and joy, my friend,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

In any attempt to ‘introduce’ myself, I have to include the enthusiasm for the mystical, the romantic, and the poetic. This ‘introduction’ about “Loving Couples” goes all those places….

They do not love that do not show their love.

The course of true love never did run smooth.

Love is a familiar. Love is a devil.

There is no evil angel but Love. 

—William Shakespeare  I find this quote from Joseph Campbell’s ”Hero with a Thousand Faces“ to be a wonderful description/instruction for a successful marriage of yin and yang, or lover and beloved. Keep in mind we are talking mythology, metaphorical embodiment of higher concepts.

If the wording presents a problem, replace the word ‘woman’ with the the concept of the feminine, the yin, and replace masculine phrases with yang.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

C.G., eloquently spoken as always my beautiful friend.

Amoung the bunches of amazing Gaians, I am so happy to see you as a Featured member.

You definently deserve it.  

I finished your book a while back and was blown away by it. I love love loved it.

I suggest, as an avid reader, that everyone sit down with a cup of tea and be wisked away in to this timeless love.

:) -hugs a million- blessings your way,
Ashley

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Many hugs to your, dear Ashley. I am glad Sacred Vow is honored with your friendship. May it  bring you gifts long after your reading.

Yes, this 'featured' thing could go day by to a new Gaian, and we would  always be amazed by the community that we are in. I guess that the daily Questions and Answers does that to some degree–and it is always full of wonders.

blessings and joy, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Wow, Meenakshi, I copied that mountains photo, and the others in this thread too. Being able to see long distances, and most especially for some odd reason, the ocean horizon line, really expand my sense of self. Inspires me, uplifts me, exhilarates me, makes me feel both powerful and humble at the same time. Feeds my soul !!!!

I grew up in Florida, and never saw a real mountain til I was about 7, and never saw a REAL mountain til I was in college. Now I couldn't live in “flat Florida,” or, as I did for awhile, in flat Iowa (except for the NE corner of it.) I see that as a preference or a need, not a complaint, though, Meenakshi, LOL!.

I appreciate hearing your views about the relationship of body and soul, C.G. I too am among those who don't think we get to high spiritual awarenesses by denying our physical bodies or lives. That's why I am into the Tantric approach to spirituality: everything we do and experience is part of our “path.” Or can be, if deliberately used that way.

That's an interesting take on masculine and feminine. I might crosspost that in the Integral Pod where we are having a conversation that is “pushing the envelope” around these concepts.
 
And I'm glad to hear you too are accepting of all your feelings, while realizing that full public disclosure is not always in the best interest of all concerned !!

Great conversation!!

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Here is the Buddha firmly placing the center of all our relationships:

In this fathom long body, I declare is the world, the origin of the world, the cessation of the world and the path leading to the cessation of the world.

Om….I know that if I (or any other) truly need to share my stories, it is what I should do. There is a delicate balance we need to be aware of, for we seem to need to share to escape our bonds of the past, yet at some point, if we keep telling those stories they hold us in the past.

When I know that I have crossed my line of true need to present the story, I try only to bring it out if to show that 'yes, I am face down in the mud more than my share—have been, am still on occasion, and know that I will be again.' —or maybe I have just heard my rants and my stories until I am sick of them…….There have definitely been kind souls who have heard more than their share.

Meenaksh and OM….perhaps it is my short-sightedness, but the landscape of the mountain appeals to me as a much more 3D painting than the flatlands where I grew up (central NC, US). The coasts that I like best are rocky coasts. The mountain coming down into the sea (particularly cool climates) seem just perfect to me!

—wonderful explanation of your experience of the ocean horizon, OM!! Thank you.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

C.G.  Thanks for just being and setting a great example. This short song so reminds me of you and everyone here that has been sharing this dream.  Warning, bring kleenex to watch… may bring one tear.  It has nothing to do at all with religion… I feel it would be spreading the good for democracy and the voice of the people shining through

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, ~KES!

  One clarification (for me—-given the 'current history,' most common use of the term)–that phrase, “born again American”,  does not refer to the experience within any one religion (which would be exclusive, and therefore not “American”), but meaning one who has become inspired to reconnect to, reclaim, and rejoin the ideals of this country's beginnings, and the mechanisms that was created to serve those ideals–but has been hijacked by the self-serving and self-righteous.

Come Jan. 20th, the symbolic rebirth of America will take place. In that, I am a “born again American”, inspired to reconnect to, reclaim, and rejoin the ideals of this country's beginnings, and the mechanisms that was created to serve those ideals!!!!!!

Blessings and love, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Greetings C.G and fellow members.
I have finally had time to read through the posts here,
for this month and thoroughly enjoyed them!

I love the Mountains too,
though not as high as you do,C.G !

Here in the City -I only have a little hill, but I still call it
my mountain -guess we all have to have one, somewhere!
When I want to get away from it all, I climb my little
“mountain” -it is still big enough for me to be in another ” land”.
A place where I can see the trees ruffle and watch the wind
and the clouds -and NOT here or see the sounds of the City!

All the best to the re-birthing of America, on the 20th -
we here in Australia also hope it will be the re-birthing
of relationships around the World.
Here's to love and hope and most importantly -peace!

Blessed Be
Sandy

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Sandy, for being here. I know you have many good works going with the GLOBAL PEACE POD Thank  you for that work!

It's not the size that makes a mountain, but the regal generosity shared with those who come to visit. Have you ever seen The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain ? Wonderful little movie based on a true story from Wales.

Thank you for the good wishes for the US, dear one. We all hope for our reconnection with the rest of the world.

peace and joy….
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

loads of nectar at this party!

love to all

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

…and it just got better!
Thank you for joining us, Anna.
blessings and love,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hi C.G.   I just started your book.  Much love to all, Lori

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Beautiful poem (on your blog), Lori!
….and thank you for your kind words about Sacred Vow.
many blessings in the silence and the love,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Congratulations Ceeeeeeeej!!!

('scuse me, I'm still melting over that photo of you and your wifey :-D Awwwwww…sho shweet)

You deserve all the accolade! :-D I love and admire you, respect you highly…and basically just think you're adorable-at-heart LOL

The ones who hold the highest esteem within my mind and heart are the writers, the poets, the artists, the musicians…those who bring the unseen and unheard into our consciousness…making it visible and audible.

You are an incredible Blessing, and I smile knowing that you are Blessing others (yes you are!)…with your words, your thoughts, your presence and love.

I am delighted to Honour you this month, it has been my deep pleasure to be counted among your friends, and for you to Be A Ripple with me.

YOU are What's Right In This World! And I Celebrate YOU!~~~<3

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

You, dear, Ariela, are one of those 'writers' (in mutlimedia) that “bring the unseen and unheard into our consciousness”!!! You constantly give me joy and inspiration!

I am what I am by the nature of the people around me (Ubuntu)…Thank you for your presence, dear one!

love and continued blessings,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

This is such a historical moment today.  Thank you for all of the wonderful moments on this thread sharing this circle of new spirit with all around the world. I am so happy we have you this month to share sacred moments experiencing the Inauguration of Obama.   Embracing all that is… We Are One!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

It's rather a wonderful day, isn't it ~KES? What a difference a day makes!!!
blessings and continued good fortune to us all!
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I'm a bit late in celebrating you on this lovely thread dear C.G, but today seems a good day to make up for that! I've always had a warm feeling when I saw your face or read your posts, and it's been a delight learning more about you here.

Love, and congratulations to all (today was the first inauguration of a U.S. president  I have ever watched!)

Sandra

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Well, Sandra, this was the only inauguration is a very long time that was worth the effort…IMO

Thank you for your kindness, Sandra. It is a honor to have you here, joining in this conversation. Your generous words about my writing are much valued.

Your  work at DIVING DEEPER: A Writing Workshop pod and your own writing is very impressive to me, Sandra! Many blessings for all you give so many writers and continued inspiration!

love and wonder,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

C.G., what has been the greatest challenge you found as a member of the Gaia community? How did you handle it?

And–if you haven’t found a challenge; here’s one for you:

What advice would you give to new members? Could you post on

Advice from Featured Members ?