Wakeup Calling - Poetry

Wakeup Calling 

humanity rages

destruction in stages

of everything under the sun

the birds and the bees

the rivers and trees

it seems like the end has begun

a population of people

turned into sheeple

conditioned to crave more and more

life based on greed

want, desire and need

leads to nothing but war

the planet is dying

the animals crying

the forests all being cut down

the climate is hot

except when it’s not 

and some say we’re all going to drown

living in fear

something is near

now we are all scared to death

chaos and change

can often feel strange

please just take a deep breath

we eat poison foods

take meds for our moods

we’re so ill we cannot take action

to keep us asleep

the tendrils run deep

with all manner of lies and distraction

we cut the tops off the hills

down below oil spills

for us to progress, it is said

it’s hard not to believe

if we do not grieve

soon we all will be dead

so what can we do

just me and you

to turn this whole thing around?

one way to recall

our connection to all

is to put our bare feet on the ground

now feel the Earth

remember its worth

let the energy run through your soul

look deep in your heart

that’s where you start

to connect yourself to the whole

this cannot be solved
if you don’t get involved
start now, there’s no time to wait

change how you’re living
stop taking, start giving
please, before it’s too late

and so there you are

if you’ve made it this far

three last things I will say if I may

begin with a bow

stay here in the now

and remember to breathe every day

Aaron Hoopes

April 2014

Self-Healing on the Vernal Equinox

March 20 is the Vernal Equinox. 

In many traditions the Vernal Equinox is the beginning of the Awakening Time. It is a time of emergence from the long dark hibernation of winter when everything comes back to life and awakens. The Vernal Equinox marks the beginning of spring, a balance point of time when energy starts to rise just as the sap begins to flow upwards into the branches of the tree. 

In the cycle of the seasons, spring is a wonderful experience of rebirth and expression. It is important to take a moment and immerse yourself in this process. The natural world has so much healing energy, yet we almost seem to avoid it these days... This is a very powerful time of year, a time of exhilaration.

In Chinese 5 Element philosophy, springtime is associated with the element of Wood. Wood represents growth. It is the element of expansion. Wood is the lifeforce that exists within all things. In the body, the sacred point of Wood is the lower dan tien, a point approximately three finger widths below the navel. By practicing deep breathing into this point we can access the energy of the Wood and connect with the inexhaustible source within our being. 

The color of Wood energy is green. Wood energy provides confidence and the ability to persevere in times of difficulty. It enhances physical strength and stamina. Balanced Wood energy is rooted and decisive. Unbalanced Wood energy brings anger and confusion. 

The increasing power of Wood provides us with the ability to recognize our higher purpose in life. Connecting to Wood energy brings us into alignment with nature. 

The Wood energy flow is facilitated through the Liver. The liver is the yin organ which stores blood and facilitates the flow of blood and energy through the body. The liver is responsible for the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons. The gallbladder is the yang organ that balances the liver and is responsible for storing and excreting bile. Cultivating Wood energy can help with subduing anger and irritability as well as banishing indecisiveness. It also helps with blood flow problems.

After a cold winter it is always beneficial to take care of your liver. 

Care for your Liver:

1 - Drink water 1st thing in the morning - this supports the liver's natural detoxification process

2 - Eat green vegetables - green is associated with the liver and veggies provide chlorophyll, which is the energy of the sun.

3 - avoid refined sugar

4 - eat more sour tasting foods to enhance bile flow, or drink Apple Cider Vinegar.

5 - reduce alcohol, nicotine and caffeine consumption to ease the pressure on the liver.

6 - schedule time for self-care. Get a massage, take a hot bath, meditate!

7 - Breathe, move and relax daily.

8 - Practice Zen Yoga! - http://www.artofzenyoga.com 

Wishing you much peace.

March Snowstorm Poem - Still Winter

Still Winter

I snowshoed up the mountain

Yesterday afternoon

Two feet of snow

I couldn’t see the moon

The wind blew cold as I stood there

And soon the snow grew deep

Apparently, from what I heard

The trees still want to sleep

- Aaron Hoopes 2014

Snowy Owl

I saw a Snowy Owl while out snowshoeing the other day. 

Snowy Owls are beautiful creatures that symbolize true strength. They conserve their energy and are continually observant. They only go into action when opportunity presents itself.

When the Snowy Owl moves into a  new area, it does not proclaim its presence. It enters quietly and goes about its own business.

The Snowy Owl acts non-threatening in spite of its power and ability. It accomplishes its tasks with timing and skill, not intimidation.

The Snowy Owl teaches us that … True Strength is Gentle.