Good bye 45

My Birthday

Another 365.2425 days have ticked by and I completed my 46th journey around the sun. We are all space travelers on the space ship called earth. 

True to the number 9 this was a significant year. The first full year with Saturn in my sun sign Libra. I stepped from my own business into a permanent job, with low risk and stable income huge responsibility. My professional focus shifted from enterprise architecture developments to full throttle information management.  I adapted well to my new more routine schedule.

I started with my PhD in Industrial engineering. In terms of public speaking I managed for the first time in nine years of being a member of Toastmasters International to reach the division's humorous competition. I overcame my blunder of last year's area humorous competition when I went blank.  I completed my term as club president of the Chuckle n Chirp Toastmasters club and for the first time in years are without portfolio, just a normal member of this great organisation.

I started with alchemy or spagyrics, making herbal tinctures and enjoying the path. Stav posture exercises has been cemented as a practice and started last month with Tai Chi. I stepped through the spiritual threshold this year into a whole new level of understanding.

I had that gorgeous road trip through my the country alone by car, sleeping over in the little town of Rouxville. Nice memories, beautiful beginnings....all making the world a worthwhile journey.

Financially it was a tough year, with prices of electricity, food and petrol continuing to rise rapidly. One just have to continually fasten the belt and look at the value gained through every cent you spend. I entered into the BlackBerry world...with my first BlackBerry smart phone which opened up new ways of blogging and interfacing with the internet.  

Politically I played a key role in the elections of a representative leadership group for the independent Afrikaner community. In terms of South Africa I participated in the National Planning Council's jam where we discussed a vision for South Africa in 2030. These are my highlights...a single paragraph to highlight my achievements over the last 365.2425 days.

Greetings to journey number 47. Greetings to new possibilities. May the seeds planted in year 46 grow and bear fruit. Tomorrow is never guaranteed...but the moment is now and in this moment I can make a difference. In the now I live with a full appreciation for life.

ALEPH by Paulo Coelho

Book review

I read Paulo Coelho's book titles 'Aleph'. I was drawn to the book since I called my first business AlephZeph Consulting. Wow! What a powerful story..simplistic in design but one that touched my inner core. Indeed the book takes us deep into the meaning of Aleph, beyond its meaning as a letter of the Summarian alphabet. It was an easy read...starting Friday night I had no problem completing the 300-page book in less than two days. But the book had a deep impact on me...maybe because it is such a vivid picture of a spiritual journey. I was still for some time after reading the book contemplating its message. The book reminded me that  I am also on a spiritual journey of my own.

Paulo travels across Russia's seven time zones. Each time zone corresponds masterly with a step in the alchemy process - although Paulo only mentions alchemy only once. The story portray Paulo with his weaknesses displaying both his doubt,lust and arrogance. In a twist he positions himself both as sympathizer towards and opponent against a cause.

He shares the simple ring exercise for traveling to a previous life. However the story is a reminder that traveling back in time can open up doors of pain in the present.  Once opened the door can not be closed.

But Paulo is not alone on this journey. An interplay of personalities, journey with him. They all learn from each other while they are caught up in the small space of a train. We are not alone in our journey through life, is the message refraining again and again through the pages. People join us, we learn from each other and our ways depart again. Paulo masterfully spin into the message a visit to a shaman and a love story of unanswered love...but answerered forgiveness. In the process a sacred fire is lit for all travelers in search of deeper meaning.

Such is life, filled with mystery and surprises. We are on a journey of discovering who we truly are and more important who we should become. The answer is not written but is to be revealed in the measure with which we seek.

When experience is not enough

Rugby World Cup 2011

Today is a sad day for South Africa. The SA #rugby team (Defending world champions) was knocked out of the Rugby World cup tournament by Australia. What is sad is that the SA team dominated all aspects of the game with 75% of ball possession. The 9-11 score in favor of Australia tells the story of an epic game. Australia's defense was impeccable, never allowing the #Springboks to cross the try line. Australia had one break and scored a try.
It is difficult to contemplate that the team lost after so much dedication, commitment and effort. By my opinion this was the best South African team that ever played in a World cup. Certainly they were the most experienced team ever fielded by South Africa in a World Cup. There ball handling was absolutely superb there composure unmatched. But for some reason experienced did not deliver the results. There loss is a reminder that what count is what you do on the day.

This shows that even when one plays the perfect game...it does not guarantee a win. Excuses does not change the score. A single gap in concentration can cost the game. The game mirror a flaw within my own life. I often do things right and with great affect. However then there are those times when one mess up and all the good work done is nullified.

Such events reminds us that we are fallible. Perfection only an ideal yet a remaining dream that pushes us forward. Even, after the loss, the team can stand proud at the way they played. Similar in life we might miss a goal but more important is that we must always be able to say that we played our role to the best of our ability.

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See my entry when of 21 October 2011 when South Africa won the World Cup 2007: Rugby World Champions!!

Dream journal

Dream notes

19/09/2011 - I am helping the president of the USA on an election campaign

20/09/2011 - I am concerned about my health and am healing myself.

21/09/2011 - I dream about the VVK (Afrikaner) elections.

22/09/2011 - I am learning sign language

23/09/2011 - I dream about the VVK (Afrikaner) elections. ( I helped with the elections which took place on 24/09/2011

24/09/2011 - I am flying with a hang glider over an open field then suddenly found myself flying in an artificial wind tunnel caused by huge fans.

25/09/2011 - Dreaming of white cockroaches. 

26/09/2011 - I dream again about elections and am trying to arrange some additional voting stations.

27/09/2011 - I am dreaming again about elections

28/09/2011 - I am backing a white birthday cake

29/09/2011 - I am working on my online profile

30/09/2011 - I am washing clothes and iron them as part of some sport training.

01/10/2011 - No dream collection

02/10/2011 - Dreaming of a friend involved with human resources. I am trying to figure out how to compare four aspects of human resource management by magnifying each element.

03/10/2011 - No dream collection

04/10/2011 - Dreaming about the collapse of education. I am training a choir to sing motivational songs to support business transformation

05/10/2011 - I am caught under snow after an avalanche. Before the avalanche I was busy to monitor fishing ships under the ice cap with a science team.

06/10/2011 - I am distributing a leaflet of some sort on the streets. 

Previous entry: From my dream journal

Achillea Millefolium

#Spagyrics

Today on 7/10/2011 at 21:45 I started to my a Yarrow tincture. The scientific name is Achillea Millefolium.

The #herb, #Yarrow,  is connected with the planet #Venus and consequently with #copper as metal. Having read about Yarrow it seems to be a herb worthwhile experimenting with. A major plus is that it has antihistamine properties which might help me specifically with my allergies and hey fever. Up until now I only experimented with Lady's mantle as a herb corresponding with Venus. I would be looking forward to seeing how the two herbs differs. Since Libra is also ruled by Venus  and the son is in Libra it is time to have worked with herbs associated with #Libra...and even more it is Friday which is the day connected with Venus. The moon is 84% full which makes it absolutely the right timing in terms of alchemical theory. 

I am now following my herbal program of tinctures for four months. What I can say is that different herbs really have different effects. One of the herbs that really impressed me was Eyebright. This herb really has the effect of improved confidence and clarity of mind. You really perceive more depth in color. The Lady's Mantle I spoke about earlier did not really had a major effect on my...although the effect should be more for woman since it is said to help a lot with female menstruation. Yarrow does the same but it seem that is has a broader range of effects....I will have to wait 14 days before I can experiment with the Yarrow. 

Lucas Berkano, Laguz, Fehu alu

Moving in the shadows

I know how to move in the shadow
in a cloud almost invisible,
yet every action with intent.
Quickly forgotten a faceless stranger
A finger guards the mouth
Sshhhhhhhh....

A fly on the wall, insignificant
ears all listening at nuance
eyes aware of how people prance
a map with a hidden cross
a symbol with meaning long ago lost.
Ssshhhhhhh....

The secret is safe
the master sees where others are blind
Truths never to be yield, are known
To know enough, to be present sufficient
don't be afraid, I am undetectable
Ssshhhhhhh....

I choose when to reveal myself
the veil lifted when I decide
Nature is the cloak underneath which I hide
My stealth unmatched
lurking in the shadow, still
Sssshhhhhh....

When conventional wisdom fails.

Pondering.

Do not always rely on conventional wisdom. Test your assumptions on what people are really saying. The messages given and the message you perceive might not be the same. Be sure to confirm your understanding. Godel proofed that logic alone can not be consistent and complete at the same time. Paradoxical logic is sometimes needed to gain a deeper understanding into the world around us.

Keep to the facts, deny the lie its attraction and allure. Be clear on all your options for often when you choose the obvious it will fail you...the better decision is often hidden behind the obvious.

You do not have to over reach yourself but rather be realistic about what can be done within your own capability. The illusion might fool many people but do not allow yourself to be drawn into group think. True values are not always seen in the obvious...take time to observe the people and question whether a smile is being polite or genuine joy. Groups are attracted to pleasure and enjoyment....seldom to what is needed to really have a victory. Self-realisation often will require from you that you trust in yourself, in your own gut feel. To be yourself you must often be willing to move against the stream of collective thought.

Dare to be different when you know what is right. Do not build doubt into your mind because other people think differently. Be cautious but walk with confidence.

Completion

Short contemplation

You have set your intent. You have done the hard work. You planted the seed and waited patiently for the crop to grow. When the harvest is ready the conditions are good you have confirmation that you are on the right direction. The last phase of realizing intent is #completion.

The harvest is not the end.....you should still harvest: Collect the harvest, process it and store it for usage. That is the process of completion. This point of completion can only be reached through diligence, perseverance and discipline. Completion is not a call to relax, but an active call for work. You can not wait. If you procrastinate when the harvest is ready then you will loose the harvest. Remember the harvest means work...you can not just stand and stare at the harvest. Brining in the harvest requires right timing and often is the hardest work to do. However it is a joyful work because every step means success.

Focus on the work and not on the need of the people. Give credit to those who helped you to harvest...motivate them and focus their minds on the celebration to follow. The need of people might be at a high point during the harvest but the focus should remain on the work. Even if the need it genuine then you must still focus on the harvest...else your help might only have short term value and long term despair. You can later extend a hand of help...first help yourself by ensuring the harvest comes in. Too much concern with the needs of others will limit the harvest and distract your attention from what really matter.

Do not boast but be fair in giving credit. Share the spoils with those who helped you in the past and persisted to be there in support of your cause. The day of celebration will come when the harvest is in. The day will come where you can enjoy the luxury of achievement.

Opponere draconem est prehendere vitam

Alchemy

"To face the dragon is to comprehend life. " Although this statement is usually made in the light of the black phase of alchemy, this statement was for some time a point of contemplation for me. We understand life when we face our challenges. In the face of opposition do we feel the surge of our life force the strongest. When the momentum is going, you just have to concentrate on riding the wave but when you want to create new momentum, it often takes time. The dragon in our day have many faces, and we face the dragon of hurt, sorrow, sickness every day. The dragon often is the force that prevent you from reaching your goals. You work towards something and never seem to achieve that illusive target you have set for yourself. When we struggle against the dragon we have to become stonger, we have to learn the cunning needed to slip past the dragon.

For a long time St George's myth of slaying the dragon has captured my imagination. The dragon is not by default bad, nor always out to destroy us, but the dragon is something we must always be prepared to face. By its nature the dragon is a force outside of our control and often a force that brings disaster. How do we prepare for the fight with the dragon? I suppose everybody has different means of dealing with the dragons in their life's. For me I best face my the dragon when I have acquired habits of discipline. Discipline should be applied to our body, heart and mind. The body is disciplined when we aquire good sleeping patterns, exercise and eat with moderation. The mind is disciplined when we meditate, contemplate and learn. The heart is disciplined when we stop expressing negative emotions.

Bottom line of this type of discipline is that we will never acquire this type of discipline if we have not learned to observe and remember outselves. The observer that is aware of what we think, feel and act...is the source of self discipline. Discipline gives us the flexibility and tenacity to face the dragon. What we acquired through discipline is skills that comes by itself when it is needed without us having to think about it. When I think about it then one of the dragon's in my life is to finish things I have started. I have written a lot about building momentum and intent because I am good with those things. However discipline is that which empower me to complete things for they do not come naturally for me. The energy to have a vision, be creative and passionate is meaningless if it is not supported by the drive to follow through to the end.

 Achievement requires completion....and completion often require that we engage the dragon that prevents us from our end goal.

The alchemical mystic

Poem

The fire is ignited

Courage is what is needed
the journey to begin
the fire burning away excess
listen to the master of time
and the call for discipline

Fire's spreading flames focused

Flexibility to be different
honesty to truly see impurity
within the target must be set
timing and accuracy, not compromised
but focus on what must be

The water is flowing

The baptism marks a new journey
giving the new birth a blessing
Let dreams expand the promise
allow boundaries to dissolve
in the lure of potential

Water channeled to need

Change is inevitable in times of war
within the battle if fought
to separate the course from the fine
The red dwarf digs deep into the mountain
extracting the seed of essence

Earth solidify in stasis

Lovers to be united
alone feeling the desire of isolation
in loneliness facing the dark night of the soul 
Opening up the possibility
embracing a moment of desperation and doubt 

Blackness descends like a cloak
in darkness grows the spark of light

Earth structured anew 

The transformation starts with vision
the shell is ready, to be reborn
fluid is the messenger, fast his pace
The lovers embrace has a sweet face
love is an unbreakable cord that binds

Fire melts together

The final sacrifice is the release of self
 leadership through service emerge
a channel to release the might of change
the messengers feet has flight
his mouth dripping with honey 

Earth refreshes itself

The reflection of hope shines through
striving for balanced perfection
innocence recovered from the deep
rising to the surface 
the mystery unfolding within insight

Air stirs lightly 

Balance of all elements
purified in perfect measure all persist
transition uncommon , mastery is shown
the reward eternally will flow
multiplying the shining light for the benefit of all

The white light is bright
soon the rainbow's splendor will be seen  

Air rises rapidly

Two opposite faces emerges combined 
paradox unites in lovers' embrace
separation now discontinued
mystical union
one

Air is still

One is two, two is three, three collapse into one
The source of energy abundant
in discipline, joy is unrestrained
freedom to be 
to become

Water penetrates all  

In deep compassion 
the end goal attained 
Unity turning in eternity's light
the final dance in mystical advance
projecting the divine light, might and love