Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

How expanded can Gaia be, for you to be comfortable?
How expanded can you be, as Gaia expands?
How inclusive does Gaia need to be, for you to feel included?
How inclusive can you be, to feel happy?

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Gaia has the purpose — to inspire and empower you to be the change you want to see in the world. 

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

I have always enjoyed change, but I don't think I've ever found it comfortable.  If Gaia can continue to expand without losing each individuals identity, in recognition that we are all equally different, equally unique, of equal importance and demonstrate more than equal respect towards each other, it could equally encompass the cosmos and still be a generator of good will and influence the world peace process while still maintaining an equally active concern for each individual member.

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Andrew, you eccentric aussie you…

You pretty much summed it up … well done! 

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

How expanded can Gaia be, for you to be comfortable?
As expanded as possible to include every member of our world with access to a keyboard and the Internet… Knowing all humanity could connect with Gaia would make me the most comfortable.

How expanded can you be, as Gaia expands?
At times, I feel so stretched beyond what I can possibly manage as Gaia expands. Buried under notifications. Missing my friend's blogs. Then I allow myself to stop feeling stretched and let myself dissolve into the essence of who I am, touching here and there in the Gaiasphere, stopping to smell a wildflower (blog) in the middle of a vast field of possible scents. It is not possible to smell every flower yet it is possible to take in the breathtaking view a field full of  flowers creates. (friend list)

How inclusive does Gaia need to be, for you to feel included?
Gaia is as inclusive as we allow it to be for each of us. Gaia has no control over how we feel. We have control over how we feel. I chose to feel included, to participate in the ways I enjoy participating, to engage in life here in the spirit of Gaia and in my interactions with my flesh and blood life. No matter how inclusive Gaia strives to become there will always be a choice for each individual to feel slighted or feel included. Which do option do you chose?

How inclusive can you be, to feel happy?
I feel happy whenever I'm on Gaia so I must be as inclusive as I need to be while I'm here! I didn't understand this question as well as I would have liked so this is my answer from what I could understand…

Smiles!
amber

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Amber!

I wondered where you had gone! 

Could it be that Gaia has reached a critical point in its growth where I can no longer find my best friends?  mmmm..

Could it be that my email provider has requested I filter my Gaia notifications, in an effort to keep my mailbox down and my unopened files to a minimum?

Could it be that you no longer drop by to say hello perched upon those heels… because you are in such demand by other admirers?  Perhaps it is a good thing Gaia has become so large, that I do not know who they are?

You know, there are many community experts… Jane Jacobs, Henry David Thorough… who have told us for hundreds of years that communities can become less personal when they get too big, and that the human heart and our spirits find comfort not in the breadth of expansion, but in the depths of inclusion.

I agree with this… but that does not mean I am at all concerned that Gaia continues to grow in its memberships….

The key is that Gaia continue to offer more depth than breadth…

I've often wondered how Gaia could subsume more of my online experience… I pay others for my email… why not pay Gaia instead?

I buy and publish books online… and read the news… why not Gaia?

Gaia doesn't have to compete in those spaces, but partner instead… so that we can experience more of our online lives here at Gaia… in a more integrated life fashion.

The biggest question is…. how does Gaia, my spiritual respite… become my comfortable place to conduct my online life… and how do Gaia members feel proud in contributing to Gaia's success financially, rather than feeling as if Gaia is only sacred if it has nothing to do with money?

That is the biggee to me… we cannot avoid how much commerce plays a part in our lives… so the extent to which Gaia is expanded or inclusive… we as Gaia members must be open to… to create for ourselves… a place of wholeness… where our spirits can influence the way we conduct our lives… including finances… instead of being viewed as a place to run away and hide from the harsh realities of everyday life.

The world's economy is in a shambles… and here we are… a community who wants to change the world… and very seldom do we discuss the sad state of the world, and what we can do about it…

Hey… let's talk!!!!

Dave

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

You bring up an important point Dave, how can Gaia.com continue to thrive without increased income.

I doubt there are many here that work for nothing.  We can't if we've got bills to pay, food to buy, rent or mortgages over our heads.

There has to be a reality check somewhere.  The team have the same committments as everybody else and as full time employees deserve to be rewarded for their efforts.

How often do you see comments like 'Gee that was sorted out quickly', or thank you's extended for a job well done.  Matthew doesn't seem to sleep, he pops up anytime of the day or night and Siona, where she found time to have a family defies any sort of logic.

There is the option of subscribing for about $3 per month which, considering the positive influence Gaia.com is compared to the idiot box (TV), it's a bargain.

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

My icon never left Dave but my IRL ”reached a critical point in its growth” and I went along for the ride, making sure not to catch a heel in a rain gutter as I ran to keep up with it! Know the feeling anyone? ~grin~

I checked my notifications and Dave myworldpeace blog's are set to be delivered to my inbox notifications but What?! No blogs lately or do I have a blog eating mailbox? How will I know when you're out changing the world if I'm not getting your blogs and your status hasn't changed since…?

Start a blog, Dave, or a new thread here at Gaia Networking Network One sort of like your color crayon blog where we all get to put in a thought, color, or idea about how to bring about myworldpeace! If you start the conversation at Gaia Networking we could all have fun with it and brainstorm some ways to keep Gaia growing and at the same time keep it's small community feel.

Smiles!
amber

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Amber, I would be lost with out my UCT Universal Chat Translator :-)

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Good to have a UCT IRL, eh?! Hugz Lars!

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?-Our role

The Team definitely deserves our thanks and support as we can give in each role that we play–

• a member who reads the Team Blog and encourages the team for their continuing work and updates
• who comes back to the Support Pod and updates a support issue after it has been handled
• a pod cultivator who keeps their pod vibrant and within the TOU
• an ambassador who is service-oriented
  
• and any other way we can individually think of thanking them—as they would want to be thanked [which we have to intuit as they're not saying or complaining!]

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?-thanking the team

So there's a thank you to the team on the Lounge. Join in there!

There's also a grapevine message going around if you want to pass it on to a friend who hasn't yet received it [or 5]

TEAM THANK YOU WEEKS– Let's THANK the Gaia Team in November by adding to THANK YOU, GAIA TEAM!!! at http://pods.gaia.com/gaia_lounge/discussions/view/364631–Pl. Pass the word!

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?- discussing problems?

Dave said: “The world's economy is in a shambles… and here we are… a community who wants to change the world… and very seldom do we discuss the sad state of the world, and what we can do about it…

Hey… let's talk!!!!”

Dave–go for it! Let's talk on the Lounge! Start a thread! And then let us know so we can chime in.

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?- discussing problems?

I would love a post from you Dave.  I consider you a marketing expert.

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?- discussing problems?

I love this idea Kathy, as I have many ideas , for my site , my business, yet I still need someone to help me put something together, and help market it.
I have a great vision, and compassion for us all here.
I just need some friends to help guide me, and help me out.
I will work my buns off , and am a hard worker, yet I need a team , a Gaia team to help make this swing in action.

I am just bursting with ideas , and thoughts ready to hatch.
Here are some , and my profile sums some of my visions too.

http://pods.gaia.com/mfa_on_zaadz/discussions/view/364659

Love light, wonder,
Kathy , I would put three dollars in your ideas anyday.
Lori

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?- discussing problems?

Another idea about the games, each month a game , that the audiance would have to play they would be given a golden key.
Together they all would solve mysteries, and each of them would have to work at this to unsolve the clues.
At the end of the month they will have a new episode , a new key to unlock, and it would be as though they are the master of the game. there is no right or wrong answer as together they are all winners, at working together as one.
It would be like a youtube, and then the audiance would beable to blog to each other how they will unlock the mystery, and get behind the golden door.
LOve ,Light, and wonder,
Lori

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?- discussing problems?

Thanks Kath, Meenakshi and Amber,

I am working on a discussion, starting at the Lounge.  We can see where is goes from there.

What I want to avoid, and that is what is taking the mental time to create it, is the discussion deteriorating into a debate on the de-merits of advertising on Gaia. 

I'll let ya'all know when it is posted.

D

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Backing up just a minute…it made sense to me that $3 per month is a very reasonable donation to balance the joy I get from Gaia.  I've looked for a way to switch to the $3/mo option, but couldn't find it.  Does anyone know the secret to signing up for the pay per month option?

With appreciation for the suggestion,
Helen

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Hi Helen, I paid my 12 month sub up front.

The simplest most direct way would be to message Siona and ask her.

That is her area of responsibility I believe.

An eccentric Aussie

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Oh! I can help!

If you look in the footer, under the 'Subscribe' column on the right hand side, you'll see 'Gaia Plus.' Signing up there will get you the ad-free community, access to the 'resonance engine,' and your own @gaia.com email address…. as well as a deep bow of appreciation and gratitude from me and our Team for your sweet support. :)

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Ok, Siona ,
I am confused, I signed up again , and new I paid , yet I do not have a member plus.
I had an issue , and stopped my account , and missed Gaia so much.
The issue was not with Gaia.
It was with someone on Gaia.
When I go to check it says I have been a member for 7 months.
My old account was wellness4you.

Not sure what you can do ,I was going to ask before , yet life gets busy.
Email too if you need to , I always like to chat with you.
Sending love, and much thanksfor al that you do here.
Love,
Lori

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Okay, I get the pay for it idea and I understand, but….What about people like me that struggle, i mean really struggle financially??  Gaia has been huge in maintaining my sanity as of late.  I was heading for a really dark place without even realizing it and I stumbled across Gaia…I have no Credit cards or bank account at present…if there had been a fee, i would have been SOL.  I know $3 a month is not much, but, for me, at the time, it might as well have been $300.  If Gaia would not have been there, I might not be here.

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Missy, you don't have to pay to be on Gaia; and certainly no one would ask that you do so, if that is not what you'd like. Gaia Plus is if you'd like to pay for an ad-free experience, with the benefits that Siona mentioned below.

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Missy, I mentioned the paying option because I don't think many people are aware of the fact they CAN contribute.

There is absolutely NO compulsion on anyone to do so.  If EVERYONE was a subscriber then Gaia.com would not be able to sell advertising space, because noone would see it.

Just being here is contributing to Gaia.coms viability

You are supporting Gaia.com just being here…

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Andrew, what a good point : “If EVERYONE was a subscriber then Gaia.com would not be able to sell advertising space, because noone would see it.”

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Great discussion everyone.
I have done both , and I feel that Gaia has been here for me no matter what.
If I did not pay it was here for me , if I payedit was still here.
Let's just say it is all good:)
All my love to everyone,and we are one.
Lori

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

I only wish that when I go to other places or sometimes here too comments would be more helpful in terms of assisting people of expanding or narrowing or specify or answering some questions about people's ideas without fear.  I guess people are still in fear of rejections or constructive comments.  Of course Gaia is better, but there are always room for opening up a good dialog.
I need to be comfortable with myself to be anywhere, therefore Gaia only needs to be there for the people and thats it. Some think Gaia is more for the self esteem building and assemble together.

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

I think a lot of us here have felt as this as a secound home or an oasis, as for me I have opened my heart , and expressed a lot.

Yes, maybe some may reject ,give me constructive comments, yet I have had only that happen on the outside , when people are looking in , and see what I have written.

Here , with what I have expressed , people have been kind , and very thoughtful , and we all have our own views , and some times yes it gets hot , yet in the end we are one.

My take on how I believe I feel , and if you want to talk with anyone see any of the Team, Ambassadors, or go to Gaia Support for direction.

I am sure others will have ideas too.

Oh yes when in doubt, just ask, and if someone doesn't know we will all help to get you where you are going.

Love ,

Lori

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Hey there rugged_gurl1!

Sometimes the best way to get some one to help is to ask someone on your friend list (or me!) not that I'd know everything but I would feel honored to help you find your answers if I can thru a personal email…

These threads are read randomly and alot of people like to read them but may not respond to them. Comments are simply that, a comment but maybe not an in depth answer. A personal email can get to the nitty gritty of a question.

As a human species I feel that 98% of us are still at some level governed by fear. I know I am worried about how I may come across each and ever time I post, what other's may think of my level of knowledge or intellegence about a variety of topics, if I'm even helpful at all, etc.. etc. The only way for me to overcome my fear is to put myself out there no matter what people may think. As long as I'm as respectful as I know how to be when I state my opinions or ideas then I can be resonably reassured that at least here at Gaia I will be answered, debated, or disagreed with respectfully.

Gaia is for self esteem building! Yay, for being able to come to a place where people will point out your good qualities for a change! Gaia is also a place where people can come together and communicate without the hype of the media fanning the flames of 'this position is right and this other position is wrong'! We need to have differing opinions and to learn to recognize that my or another's way is not the only way to get things done.

I assemble where ever there is a positive vibe and clear out whenever a discussion degenerates into name calling, I'm right you're wrong, conversation. I would assemble where ever you are anyday!

Hugz!
amber

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

I agree Amber, 

Let's come together as a team and do it my way… :-)

Without diversity of opinion and expression, what would we find to talk about.

It is also really important to realise that though someone comes across as being confrontational, as I'm often told I do and am trying to soften in my approach, they may not intend being understood in that way at all.

May I share a definition of understanding, compiled by quite a charming, handsome, witty, intelligent, humble gentleman…

“Understanding is the philosophy of generalities based on vague assumptions and debatable experiences taken from inconclusive observations recorded with only probable accuracy and analysed by persons of doubtful reliability and questionable intelligence and insight.”

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

I'm sure 'your way' is probably the very best possible way to build an outdoor toilet, Andrew! ROTFL I'm not going to tell you how to build the most comfortable seat outside the house as I've not had the joy of building one myself! ~grin~ Have at it my friend!

So, it just goes to show that most of us should step back when there are people in the house who are skilled in a particular area when we are not! We can also learn by being quiet and observing, giving encouragement to those who are doing the work at hand, and realizing that we will get our turn to contribute to the whole.

This is the way I vote too, by the way. If I'm not sure about a candidate or measure and I can't figure out where I stand by considering all my resources then I DO NOT VOTE on the measure or for the candidate. There are other voters who do know, are passionate about their positions, and I'm not going to spoil it for them by casting an uninformed vote!

I step back… but not before Andrew has the cover over the newly built outhouse!

Smiles!

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

From eccentric Aussie to village idiot to outhouse attendant.

Am I getting a lesson in humility or what?

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

You, Sir, are the Outhouse Architect… not the attendant! I'm the one holding the toilet paper and bowl cleaner! {{{giggle}}} Village Idiot to Outhouse Architect! A step up in the world!

Smiles!
amber

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Depends on your point of view.

But I always was a sucker for a pretty face.

So I'll take your word for it.

An ecc… errr vill… errr outho…. errr whatever

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

I believe that nowadays people are not very patient to read between the lines.  Thinking is becoming rather a rare gift.  People like bullet points in your interactions.  Convenience seems to be a virtue.  I am a very complex person.  I am not against self esteem building.  I am afraid it becomes what I see is you are great and lack of some constructive discussions of different viewpoints.  I may be a skeptic, but I am an overall a positive person.  I feel there is a lack of understanding of different people's styles of writing or creativeness and I am not being critical here.  I am being observant.  I may be idealistic on how the community should be, but I am not a journaller that likes to spoon-feed(that is the best word I can come up with)my reading audiences. 

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

What would you like to see happen rugged_gurl1?

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

The qar is there already, Andrew.  I'm for now tapped out til I regenerate:)

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Wonderfully stated rugged gurl…

I would argue slightly though, that it is not thinking that is becoming a rare gift… it is authentic listening… we all love to think what we think… and don't have time to allow what someone has to say to really impact what we think…

Your bullet points is a perfect metaphor… it is like… “speak quickly to me, for I am smart, and can figure out what you mean.”

What that really means is this… “I don't have to listen to what you are sharing with me, so I just need to hear what I need to validate you.”

Reading between the lines… as you so perfectly put it… is taking the time to honor what one truly has to say…

The media today is terrible for sound bites… that ping off our minds, and actually say nothing… many celebrities and politicians are examples of people who have lost the ability to listen, because they are too busy trying to determine 'whose words validate me and who is my enemy?”

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

I think I agree with most of what you've said Dave.

The bullet points thing I'm not sure of though.

I try to be as concise as I can because typing is not a pleasant experience for me.  My left hand cramps up and most words I have to type twice sometimes 3 times because a finger will be sitting on a key.  There is not a lot of mobility there unfortunately.

And bullet points can be a clear way of expressing something without having the reader strain there eyes to work out which line they are trying to read.

Personally I dislike long paragraphs to read and unless it is really rivetting, I'll skip long paragraphs speed reading them instead, or ignoring them completely.

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

You couldn't have said anything more true…

“Thinking is becoming rather a rare gift.  People like bullet points in your interactions.  Convenience seems to be a virtue.”

and here…

“I feel there is a lack of understanding of different people's styles of writing or creativeness and I am not being critical here.”

I agree and it's the reason I am a member of the Gaia Networking pod. The board we're on Community: Pain or Pleasure has a topic called Warriors, guerilla soldiers, tennis players, monks, and who else?  where we discussed different styles of communicating. I won't be able to know where a person who is new to me is coming from if I have never been exposed to their way of thinking. So I believe we learn by continuing to interact or realize that not everyone is going to 'get' us nor are we all going to 'love' each other's styles but we can continue to love each other as fellow human beings.

Guilty of not understanding many different people's styles but really, truly wanting to learn and be respectful…

amber

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Meenakshi asked some interesting questions. I read them and walked out. I do this lots, actually a lot to be honest on here. Why? I am not that invested here but with my upcoming remarks I know what this signifies for me, I am investing so therefore trying to find a way to get my two nostrils working on here. So really, this rant is a compliment to Gaia…trust me! Same thing… I promise! 

I have given here so far my most vulnerable truth and one that I kept for over two years as I have also reached out to the most quiet in need on here late in the night. Give and take. At times, I find myself in these deep conversations with people on here that I don’t know. I have exposed myself to “strangers” that my most intimate do not know of me. I appreciate it but honestly find it strange on my behalf but I tell myself don’t worry because it is working! I have to keep reminding myself this, almost everyday as I choose to click in or not. Yet I have not given myself up in conversation like this either, only hidden in my blogs layered in multiple meanings where it is safe.

I have also had my mind blown open by some words coming from more “strangers.” I have sat here with my mouth open stunned at how the truth of what someone says, even if they believe it themselves or not…knock my socks off or pissed me off because it hurt that honestly. Make me think…for days. I don’t resonate and everyone here resonates…I get my mind blown open, wind knocked out of me,  #$%# my mind…this is more my language…! Same thing…I promise!

Please don’t ask me to resonate…just twist my mind. Same thing…I promise!

So I don’t resonate and I don’t love and hugs or kisses or smooches or pats on the back or kinder or …this is not my language…but I promise you when I say you’re a wonderful bastard or a goofball and punch you lightly in the arm…it is my highest compliment…this is who I really am…and when someone can connect with this understanding…wow…than I breath with two nostrils in action. Same thing…I promise!

JUST because I don’t talk like this does NOT mean I don’t feel it or that I am disconnected or full of ego or full of shit or full whatever or lacking this or lacking that. YES, I have exposed my “lackings” and “full ofs”…I get it and working it out! I am not here to debate, argue or fight either…I don’t even have any concrete views or advice to sell or beliefs in actually, I don’t even haven a book or another blog space…WHY? Because I don’t have a clue…that is why I am here in the first place!

I recently said to someone on here who was being “bashed” around… or not… just my opinion…that it is important to understand that art is subjective. I don’t care for still flowers in a pot. I don’t care who painted it either, boring! I hang pictures of “homeless,” people I know in my home, some in even 11x17 formats, you know in your face approach. People that come into my home…get it or don’t.

Someone called my art ugly…well I think there is beauty in the ugly…is this not what we should seek?

I would like to go through this exercise honestly with two nostrils in action, breathing. This is what we are asking of each other, right? I know we are…I can see it. Therefore, if I am actually going to hang around here and I would like to, I need to step up on this. Blow out of my two nostrils.

I agree completely with the line that Andrew is delicately attempting to approach. I don’t think him as an idiot or eccentric…sorry Andrew…I think this a well-posed attempt to say something you think that is against the norm. It made me stretch, I am here blabbing now!

I tick another way but it is so the same way, you have no idea. It is passion, love and heart that comes through…it just sounds not “flowery.” The best dialogues in my life happen this way…deep, hard, long, drawn out, emotional, messy and wonderful, loving, inspiring and most of all stretching… 

Stretch me…pull me…break me… 

I have witnessed people drastically draw it out and end it with a kiss, sincerely. I find beauty in that. I have also witnessed people drastically disagree and humbly walk away from it. I find beauty in that as well.

Is Gaia inclusive or not or expanding or extracting or shrinking…I don’t know…!

When in Rome do like the Romans do…so this is what I did. I caught on quickly, just turn the other cheek or click off, google something else. I get this and need to take this in. Perhaps it is I, what if I do lack tact or am _______ or ________? But what if it is not? 

I can keep this breathing up out of one nostril for awhile as long as I can see the exit…I am not looking for an exit here, one day I will I am sure but not now…so while I am choosing to be here in Rome…I just do like the Romans do…but I tell you I am not able to breath. 

I think a healthy debate or discussion in underrated…perhaps. 

Don’t ask me how you look in that shirt…I am more than likely going to tell you how fat your arse looks…truth …but not when in Rome! 

I am going to rewash my dinner dishes now… 

There…see much better…now…breathing with two nostrils! 

Love you…see you all tomorrow! 

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

Hi Denim

Do you ever sit under a cloudless sky at night and try to fathom the depths of space?  Looked up long enough to forget your surroundings so that you feel like your the only one in creation falling, forever falling into a black starlit abyss?

You can resonate with anyone you choose, there is no limit in this incarnation that we don't impose.

Vanity, vanity all is vanity sayeth the Preacher.

There is nothing new under the sun.

The fullness of God bodily dwells in you, in me, in everybody.  It is to that that each of us resonates. You talk to someone thinking they are a person  They aren't a person, they are God appearing as that person if you let them be.  It is your choice, your choice alone.

For what purpose do you think we are here?  Entertainment?  For who?

I don't think so.  If it is not a voyage of self discovery then we've all been ripped off, and above all creation, to be most pitied.  Every rock, every tree, every plant, fish, animal has it's perfect place in the overall evolution of creation.  But where are we?

Mankind, created in the image and likeness of God according to one set of scriptures.  We appear to be more like a cancer on the face of the earth, using more and more natural resources, preserving less and less, consuming ourselves into extinction.  For what?

For ignorance.  “My people perish for lack of knowledge.”

For this Gaia exists, to share the Truth with the cosmos, the people who are in ignorance of the consequences of their actions.

That Truth can and must be expressed in a multitude of ways if everyone has a hope of coming to understand it.

For anyone that has any perception of the Truth the future is unimportant.  So we don't abuse the resources we have in order to build our self esteem via wealth, because it means nothing.  We know we are what we are to be.

But the ignorant, live in constant fear, fear of loss, fear of gain, fear of love, fear of fear.  They are the ones we need to reach out to, to comfort, guide, love, teach, direct to that place that they can come to there own awareness.

You know your place Denim.  You aren't living when you are in a sweat lodge, you're experiencing.  You're living when you are sharing and giving life to those that inhabit the night, those to whom only you can relate.

Your friend

Andrew

Re: Gaia- How Inclusive? How expanded?

The moon must be full… Denim and Andrew, you both lost me! ~grin~ Are you saying you feel included or comfortable or are you expanded beyond the comfort zone?

Denim you said,

“I don’t resonate and everyone here resonates…I get my mind blown open, wind knocked out of me,  #$%# my mind…this is more my language…! Same thing…I promise!”

Believe me… Everyone DOES NOT, as you state, resonate here! We all get our minds blown open and the wind knocked out of us! We all have our unique way of communicating so your words, some of which are quoted above, have surely knocked the wind out of some Gaians reading them. Some can handle the @$%$ others cannot. Some can read another's pain or frustration and still love, others cannot. Sometimes people chose, like you, to 'read the words and walk out' [paraphrasing]… at other times they engage. There is beauty in the dance…

Andrew you stated,

The fullness of God bodily dwells in you, in me, in everybody.  It is to that that each of us resonates. You talk to someone thinking they are a person  They aren't a person, they are God appearing as that person if you let them be.  It is your choice, your choice alone.

Are you sure? >wink< and what about this?

You aren't living when you are in a sweat lodge, you're experiencing.  You're living when you are sharing and giving life to those that inhabit the night, those to whom only you can relate.

I believe that if Denim and I were in a sweat lodge we'd be living! And we would probably be experiencing too. Living a new experience, how 'bout that?! And Denim would be using alot of @@$% because it would be too hot and I'd be worrying about something unimportant like, “How'd I end up in a sweat lodge and what does this have to do with Meenakshi's questions above! ROT (sweat lodge) FLOL

Forgive me, I have a head cold…

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I'm sorry Amber,

I read Denims post and couldn't resist the temptation to respond in kind. It made sense at the time……

Perhaps a move to the God pod or oblivion might be the go?

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

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You're just right posting here, Andrew! I was teasing about the off topic stuff but not teasing about how it went right over my head! You'll have to find someone farther along their spiritual path then I… the Metaphysics stuff makes my brain cells cramp up!

Just so long as you and Denim know you're loved by me whether understood or not is all I care about! ~grin~

amber

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Amber… I'm surprised… Were you trying to make sense of that???

You're not supposed to understand it silly!!!

You're supposed to look and say things like 'profound', 'deep', 'metaphysically sound', 'very spiritual',  never say it went over your head.

If you do that then I have to try and explain it, which means I've got to figure out what on earth I was talking about.

We all have our cross to bare I suppose ….

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

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LOLOLOL… Andrew, you really are an idiot!

For a few months now, I have been keeping an eye on a Gaia friend who has been having some challenges in her life.  Even though I was always there to lend an unconditional hand of support, it was not until she had a crisis that she noticed my hand was there.   

She asked me if I was an angel, sent from above… and my answer was… no… just a friend who has always been here… waiting for you to notice.

You my eccentric friend… know exactly what I am talking about… for whether people love or hate your words… both types of people pay attention to them… and their responses to what you say is simply a reflection of their own life…. and not that of who you are… but the mirror of an idiot.

The aussie idiot understands this… and finds great inner joy in just being the idiot that you are…

Love ya my friend…

D

(it's ok.. while some might think I spilled the beans on you… to them, you are still the idiot, but maybe a bit more mystical and wiser than they once thought.. hee hee…)

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I have to confess Dave it is a lot more fun being an idiot that trying to be 'spiritual' all the time.

One of my favourite songs of all time is 'Crazy', by Seal.

I don't know about blowing the whistle on me.  I hide nothing because I have nothing to hide.  I had intended going with the title WYSIWYG, but discovered that someone else was using it. 

Idiot feels somehow appropriate.  Every village should have one.

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You might be anal-retentive if…

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I can honestly claim not guilty Your Honour to all of them!!!!

I know, still doesn't prove I'm not anal retentive.

That's the problem with the law, it will only prove you guilty, or not guilty, it won't prove you innocent.

An eccentric anal retentive Aussie (or village idiot)

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Andrew it's all about Double Entendre, I'm laughing with you, not at you :-) I fought the law and the law won..
I've got Resolve….

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I think I'm guilty of all but the ones requiring a kitchen…

1. Example; you have to have all boxes in the kitchen facing the same way and in order by size. If I had a kitchen I would love it if I had little lined up boxes like soldiers!

2.you require no less than 200 threads per inch on your sheets… and they are tucked so tightly that you really could bounce a quarter on them. I only recently learned that thread count matters and in what way and I am only somewhat diligent about making my bed everyday so the quarter only bounces on Wednesdays!

Smiles!
Amber

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Andrew, your comment on the village idiot and that every village needs one is very insightful to me. I agree completely and applaud that you are here. 

I don’t think you are stating you are an actual idiot per say but more applying the underpinning characteristics of the clown, or perhaps the trickster and maybe even a Contrary, one who does all things backwards on purpose. 

There are many examples within the Native cultures that demonstrate for us methods of how they achieve balance. The Hopi people have a beautiful ceremony with the kachinas and koshari’s, the sacred clown. The kachina does everything proper or “right” and the koshari do everything backwards on purpose and make us laugh. The Navajo and the Lakota people as well, in fact all of our Nations do. All of our ceremonies and traditions are systems designed for balance. 

Balance is integral to our being or so I think. One can be too good or too bad, a sign of out of balance, both sides must exist. When you are out of balance, you are controlled. 

In all the lodges, I have sat in and we had a Contrary join us, we were honored with their presence. 

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That is amazing Denim,

I wasn't aware of that aspect of Native American culture.  I have a friend who is a Medicine Man, I'll chew his ear about that next time I see him.

What I do I do in an attempt to make people feel relaxed about not taking themselves too seriously.  I'm also trying to encourage the more timid among us to speak up and talk about how they feel.

I figure if they see I can play the fool and still maintain a form of respect then they should feel less worried about speaking up.  That is also why I started the Misunderstood? pod

I've been totally blessed by the messages of encouragement I've received.

If you read my profile you'll see where the idea for the idiot came from.

It's a lot more fun playing the fool than trying to be “spiritual”.

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

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More Interesting. 

Yes Andrew, I did review your profile. I laughed and I thank you for that. 

Laughter is a powerful medicine and teacher. Some of our Nations hold First Laughing Ceremonies and honor this Spirit. We have wonderful legends of tricksters and laughter and the insight we can gain from It. 

Humility is a wonderful teacher that we come to understand through the gift of laughter. If you ever join us in ceremony, I would sincerely recommend you come with a great sense of humor and a load of it AND whatever you do don’t take yourself too seriously…we will laugh you out…LOL… 

I also reviewed your pod, very interesting Andrew. I would be honored to join the ranks. 

Your Pod is a wonderful example how we can bring balance and inclusiveness into the Gaia community. Your role and perhaps even mine as I claim myself as “misunderstood” are necessary and equally integral to any community and society. 

Yes, there is wonderful flowing love in this community but perhaps you the “Village Idiot” and I the “Nonconformist” and “Cusser” with colorful language can lovingly offer balance to this community we share! 

PS…some of our most holiest and spiritual people in our nations…are Contrary and Clowns…balance…!

There is beauty in patience and wisdom in the misunderstood, we all benefit.

All my relations,

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Andrew, try not to be surprised by me! I take everything literally! So if you say it, I've got to go figure it out… because there might be a quiz on it later!

What you expounded on never went over my head… it was metaphysically sound and very spiritual!

Howz that for a cover up?!

~grin~

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You're a fast learner….. thankfully….

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You humor is a great gift that you carry Amber, you use it well! 

I agree it is a messy thought, it is in there somewhere. I got totally inspired by what I read. AND I never press send, I did on it on dare with no spell check! 

“The world's economy is in a shambles… and here we are… a community who wants to change the world… and very seldom do we discuss the sad state of the world, and what we can do about it…” 

I completely fed off this line from Dave because this is a shared view I hold. This is how it started. 

Than I totally ran away with Andrews’s line “It is also really important to realise that though someone comes across as being confrontational, as I'm often told I do and am trying to soften in my approach, they may not intend being understood in that way at all.” 

Than I fell off my chair reading rugged_gurl1’s line, “I believe that nowadays people are not very patient to read between the lines.” 

Than I passed out reading the rest of her thoughts…I should have just added, “me too”. 

So as you can by the time I got around to an attempt at breathing in the open here, I was feeding, running, falling and passing out hence the confusion. 

Gaia can’t make me feel included or comfortable, I need to do so. Yet there is still a give and take required, reciprocal reception, communication and understanding. 

For the record, I have never cussed in the lodge, did lots of things but never cuss. I would likely have my ear yanked if I ever did, I know because %$^#@ slipped out in the moment…!

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{{{giggle}}} We'd have the grandest time in that ol' sweaty lodge wouldn't we Denim?! I'm only funny when I'm under the influence of cough and cold meds… a sweat lodge would be a great living/experience for me right now if we could put eucalyptus and menthol on the fire! Are there lights in a sweat lodge? I might pull your leg on accident instead of your ear! Hugz and Smiles!

I'm going to have to start a thread, it seems, about the economy and what we're going to get off our butts and do about our individual situations… Let me go find the proper place to do so! Dave, Andrew, Keith, Denim … anyone else wanna chatabout the economy and what we're doing individually and collectively to ride it out?

Hitting the invisible HUG BUTTON on my laptop!

amber