Booty, Beauty, Butterflies and Ugly Betty!

Yes, my alliteration is out of control this week. And I'm blissin' out on joy, which is not as easy as it sounds since I'm having a difficult week. Stomach and health issues, plus my dad just went into the hospital and may have cancer, and I can't seem to switch off the "monkey mind," as the Buddhists call it.

So last night I finally got around to watching the series finale of "Ugly Betty," and it was great. I will definitely miss this gem of a show. As the last scene faded, a song played that I had never heard before--and I instantly recognized the voice as that of Macy Gray. But the lyrics--at once funny and inspiring--stuck in my head. The song is "Beauty in the World," and it was the perfect ending for "Ugly Betty," and it's the perfect song for me to hear right now.

In the song, Macy sings about seeing the beauty of the world in spite of all the bad news, about noticing things like butterflies, for example. How fitting that the promos for the last season of "Ugly Betty" included butterflies, a symbol of transformation!

Just some excerpts of the lyrics:

All they talk about is
What is going down?
What’s been messed up, for us?
When I look around,
I see blue skies,
I see butterflies,
for us.

Listen to the sound and lose it,
Its sweet music,
and dance with me.
There is beauty in the world,
So much beauty in the world,
Always beauty in the world.

And you gotta love a song that contains this line:

Shake your booty, boys and girls,
for the beauty in the world!

Booty, Beauty, Butterflies and Ugly Betty!

Yes, my alliteration is out of control this week. And I'm blissin' out on joy, which is not as easy as it sounds since I'm having a difficult week. Stomach and health issues, plus my dad just went into the hospital and may have cancer, and I can't seem to switch off the "monkey mind," as the Buddhists call it.

So last night I finally got around to watching the series finale of "Ugly Betty," and it was great. I will definitely miss this gem of a show. As the last scene faded, a song played that I had never heard before--and I instantly recognized the voice as that of Macy Gray. But the lyrics--at once funny and inspiring--stuck in my head. The song is "Beauty in the World," and it was the perfect ending for "Ugly Betty," and it's the perfect song for me to hear right now.

In the song, Macy sings about seeing the beauty of the world in spite of all the bad news, about noticing things like butterflies, for example. How fitting that the promos for the last season of "Ugly Betty" included butterflies, a symbol of transformation!

Just some excerpts of the lyrics:

All they talk about is
What is going down?
What’s been messed up, for us?
When I look around,
I see blue skies,
I see butterflies,
for us.

Listen to the sound and lose it,
Its sweet music,
and dance with me.
There is beauty in the world,
So much beauty in the world,
Always beauty in the world.

And you gotta love a song that contains this line:

Shake your booty, boys and girls,
for the beauty in the world!

Birds and Buddha Bring Message of Joy

Ok, I get it! There needs to be more joy in more life--or, at least, I need to recognize the joy I already have and celebrate it. So how did this message arrive?

Buddha of joy
I was cleaning out my office and came across a Buddhist meditation/prayer that I don't think I have seen in about 2 years. It's called the brahmavihara or the "Four Immeasurables" (so yes, it has 4 parts). The first time I heard this prayer, its message was so clear, simple and encompassing that it stuck with me. But lately, I haven't been so good about following these 4 mantras: love, joy, sympathetic joy and equanimity. So during last week's meditation, I focused on the first one that stood out: sympathetic joy.

Sympathetic joy arises when we join in the happiness of others and wish them well-being and success. Practicing sympathetic joy takes your mind off of yourself and keeps hatred and jealousy at bay. Basically, if someone you know is excited, be excited for them. And even if it seems trivial or something that you don't feel joy over, be excited for them anyway. Joy is important and comes around way too seldom, so we should "rejoice" any time it appears, big, small or somewhere in between. Sometimes we also put off joy in order not to offend or make others feel bad. I'm learning that does no one any good.

Feathers of joy
The other message about joy arrived last night while at a friend's house. There were several people there, and we participated in a special ceremony in which my friend gave us all heron feathers. In some traditions (the specifics escape me), herons represent the ability to quickly change direction--which can be good if we realize we need to make a change.

My friend hands each of us a heron feather, each wrapped in a different color of deerskin. She had meditated earlier with each feather and with each of us in mind in order to receive a message. As she presented the feather, she delivered the message--and mine was one of healing and joy, she said, because she felt that these things are what I needed most right now in my life.

And I think my friend and Buddha are right. I could go on about the many reasons why, but suffice to say that I am going to practice more sympathetic joy; I am going to do more things that bring me joy; and I am going to focus on healing at various levels.

Do you have enough joy in your own life?

Birds and Buddha Bring Message of Joy

Ok, I get it! There needs to be more joy in more life--or, at least, I need to recognize the joy I already have and celebrate it. So how did this message arrive?

Buddha of joy
I was cleaning out my office and came across a Buddhist meditation/prayer that I don't think I have seen in about 2 years. It's called the brahmavihara or the "Four Immeasurables" (so yes, it has 4 parts). The first time I heard this prayer, its message was so clear, simple and encompassing that it stuck with me. But lately, I haven't been so good about following these 4 mantras: love, joy, sympathetic joy and equanimity. So during last week's meditation, I focused on the first one that stood out: sympathetic joy.

Sympathetic joy arises when we join in the happiness of others and wish them well-being and success. Practicing sympathetic joy takes your mind off of yourself and keeps hatred and jealousy at bay. Basically, if someone you know is excited, be excited for them. And even if it seems trivial or something that you don't feel joy over, be excited for them anyway. Joy is important and comes around way too seldom, so we should "rejoice" any time it appears, big, small or somewhere in between. Sometimes we also put off joy in order not to offend or make others feel bad. I'm learning that does no one any good.

Feathers of joy
The other message about joy arrived last night while at a friend's house. There were several people there, and we participated in a special ceremony in which my friend gave us all heron feathers. In some traditions (the specifics escape me), herons represent the ability to quickly change direction--which can be good if we realize we need to make a change.

My friend hands each of us a heron feather, each wrapped in a different color of deerskin. She had meditated earlier with each feather and with each of us in mind in order to receive a message. As she presented the feather, she delivered the message--and mine was one of healing and joy, she said, because she felt that these things are what I needed most right now in my life.

And I think my friend and Buddha are right. I could go on about the many reasons why, but suffice to say that I am going to practice more sympathetic joy; I am going to do more things that bring me joy; and I am going to focus on healing at various levels.

Do you have enough joy in your own life?

My Various Worlds Are Colliding

This pic says it all, which is one reason I haven't posted much lately. When I started blogging just less than 3 years ago, this space gave me freedom to speak and do some things that I felt I couldn't do in real life, when I'm not Riverwolf. But now, surprisingly, that's changed. As my shamanic practice has deepened and since my ordination last summer, the "real" me is becoming more of that person that I once only felt comfortable being here on this blog.

But those worlds are colliding, merging--which is probably a great thing. Right? For example, there's another blog I write for professionally, and I find I'm starting to repeat myself; what I write about over there is also finding its way here. And I really do want to keep this one private. I've revealed too much here, a lot of things that I'd be embarrassed about or that might even hurt others were someone to connect all the dots. Not that anyone's digging around, but the Web can easily turn on you and bit you in the ass. Add in other social  networking, and it all gets way too difficult to juggle. I'm sure I'm not alone because I know people who have several blogs, a Twitter account and so on.

This integration that I feel taking place is a good thing, but it needs to settle in. I guess you could say that many of those things that have been germinating are finally beginning to flower. But I need to figure out what I'm doing here on this blog, specifically. This blog has become a wonderfully private and inspiring place, a source of strength and a great way to act out or relax. And it's worth protecting.

My Various Worlds Are Colliding

This pic says it all, which is one reason I haven't posted much lately. When I started blogging just less than 3 years ago, this space gave me freedom to speak and do some things that I felt I couldn't do in real life, when I'm not Riverwolf. But now, surprisingly, that's changed. As my shamanic practice has deepened and since my ordination last summer, the "real" me is becoming more of that person that I once only felt comfortable being here on this blog.

But those worlds are colliding, merging--which is probably a great thing. Right? For example, there's another blog I write for professionally, and I find I'm starting to repeat myself; what I write about over there is also finding its way here. And I really do want to keep this one private. I've revealed too much here, a lot of things that I'd be embarrassed about or that might even hurt others were someone to connect all the dots. Not that anyone's digging around, but the Web can easily turn on you and bit you in the ass. Add in other social  networking, and it all gets way too difficult to juggle. I'm sure I'm not alone because I know people who have several blogs, a Twitter account and so on.

This integration that I feel taking place is a good thing, but it needs to settle in. I guess you could say that many of those things that have been germinating are finally beginning to flower. But I need to figure out what I'm doing here on this blog, specifically. This blog has become a wonderfully private and inspiring place, a source of strength and a great way to act out or relax. And it's worth protecting.

Ke$ha's "Your Love Is My Drug" is a Shamanic Head Trip

This is what I get for turning to YouTube to help myself wake up on a dreary Tuesday. It's been said that poplet Ke$ha is the poor man's Lady Gaga because she keeps reaching in the same direction but never quite gets there. I would agree, but Ke$ha's songs are catchy and full of humor, so she can't be all bad.

But girl goes all shamanic in her latest video for "Your Love Is My Drug." (Couldn't post it so you'll have to follow the link.) It's obviously inspired by the 70s, too. For most of it, she jumps around in the desert (California, I'm assuming), but then there's a real elephant plus some chick with a tiger mask (animal totem?), so it could be anywhere (Africa, Asia?). She's with some guy who looks like Jesus, and they're both dressed hippie-like (no body glitter this time). More animal shape-shifting, and then Ke$ha turns into a mermaid before dancing around in some hippie net shawl thingy.

Watch carefully for Native American symbolism, and I think I caught Australian Aboriginal symbols, too. For a second, Ke$ha's even wearing bird feathers. Her shamanic "money shot," so to speak, comes when the lights go out and she's wearing glow-in-the-dark body paint with markings reminiscent of tribal peoples (Africa, maybe?). Then she dances around with a giant snake, a la Britney.

Yeah, it's a great big mish-mash and the song itself is mindless pop. Of course, I'm sure it was cooked up in a marketing meeting about "trends." Still, I like to see this kind of symbolism pop up, and I think it lodges in people's psyches and helps open them up to things that are ultimately more meaningful.

Ke$ha's "Your Love Is My Drug" is a Shamanic Head Trip

This is what I get for turning to YouTube to help myself wake up on a dreary Tuesday. It's been said that poplet Ke$ha is the poor man's Lady Gaga because she keeps reaching in the same direction but never quite gets there. I would agree, but Ke$ha's songs are catchy and full of humor, so she can't be all bad.

But girl goes all shamanic in her latest video for "Your Love Is My Drug." (Couldn't post it so you'll have to follow the link.) It's obviously inspired by the 70s, too. For most of it, she jumps around in the desert (California, I'm assuming), but then there's a real elephant plus some chick with a tiger mask (animal totem?), so it could be anywhere (Africa, Asia?). She's with some guy who looks like Jesus, and they're both dressed hippie-like (no body glitter this time). More animal shape-shifting, and then Ke$ha turns into a mermaid before dancing around in some hippie net shawl thingy.

Watch carefully for Native American symbolism, and I think I caught Australian Aboriginal symbols, too. For a second, Ke$ha's even wearing bird feathers. Her shamanic "money shot," so to speak, comes when the lights go out and she's wearing glow-in-the-dark body paint with markings reminiscent of tribal peoples (Africa, maybe?). Then she dances around with a giant snake, a la Britney.

Yeah, it's a great big mish-mash and the song itself is mindless pop. Of course, I'm sure it was cooked up in a marketing meeting about "trends." Still, I like to see this kind of symbolism pop up, and I think it lodges in people's psyches and helps open them up to things that are ultimately more meaningful.

Henrietta Lacks Movie--and, Oh Yeah, I'm Still Alive!

If you've missed me (or maybe you haven't), I've been busy with some writing and editing projects, which is great, plus painting and cleaning up the old house in order to get it ready to sell. My partner and I have also been spending more time together. I know I haven't posted much on that lately. It's still touch-and-go, but I really want it to work out if at all possible. I'm seeing him in a brand-new way, and he's simply a great and gentle person. We still have issues to work out, and I still have my own apartment so that I can have space when needed. Once we get through a few more house chores, I think I'll have a better idea of what our future holds as a couple. Stay tuned.

A few months ago, I posted on the novel about Henrietta Lacks (pictured) and her (unwitting) contributions to modern public health. Well, Oprah is now making an HBO feature about Henrietta's life, and she's working with one of my Hollywood favorites, Alan Ball (writer for "American Beauty"). I saw the book the other day in Target and almost bought it, so maybe this merits a return trip. Unfortunately, I don't have HBO but there's always the DVD. Anyway, fascinating story about science with a personal touch.

This weekend brings more stuff to clean out and pack--and I hope my partner and I get to take that bike ride in the park that we discussed. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to be back soon for more regular blogging!

Henrietta Lacks Movie--and, Oh Yeah, I'm Still Alive!

If you've missed me (or maybe you haven't), I've been busy with some writing and editing projects, which is great, plus painting and cleaning up the old house in order to get it ready to sell. My partner and I have also been spending more time together. I know I haven't posted much on that lately. It's still touch-and-go, but I really want it to work out if at all possible. I'm seeing him in a brand-new way, and he's simply a great and gentle person. We still have issues to work out, and I still have my own apartment so that I can have space when needed. Once we get through a few more house chores, I think I'll have a better idea of what our future holds as a couple. Stay tuned.

A few months ago, I posted on the novel about Henrietta Lacks (pictured) and her (unwitting) contributions to modern public health. Well, Oprah is now making an HBO feature about Henrietta's life, and she's working with one of my Hollywood favorites, Alan Ball (writer for "American Beauty"). I saw the book the other day in Target and almost bought it, so maybe this merits a return trip. Unfortunately, I don't have HBO but there's always the DVD. Anyway, fascinating story about science with a personal touch.

This weekend brings more stuff to clean out and pack--and I hope my partner and I get to take that bike ride in the park that we discussed. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to be back soon for more regular blogging!

He Took the Words Right Outta My Mouth

I've been having some rather frustrating "discussions" with old friends lately (that was probably my first mistake). It's clear we inhabit different worlds now. My frustration lies both in my inability to adequately express my worldview as well as in their refusal--or fear--to open their minds.

But here's a quote I found that wonderfully expresses what I feel and believe. Maybe I'll just start repeating this from now on:

"A living planet is a much more complex metaphor for deity than just a bigger father with a bigger fist. If an omniscient, all-powerful Dad ignores your prayers, it's taken personally. Hear only silence long enough, and you start wondering about his power. His fairness.  His very existence. 

But if a world mother doesn't reply, Her excuse is simple. She never claimed conceited omnipotence. She has countless others clinging to her apron strings, including myriad species unable to speak for themselves. To Her elder offspring She says: 'Go raid the fridge. Go play outside. Go get a job. Or, better yet, lend me a hand. I have no time for idle whining.'" 
--author David Brin

 Yay, Mama Earth!

He Took the Words Right Outta My Mouth

I've been having some rather frustrating "discussions" with old friends lately (that was probably my first mistake). It's clear we inhabit different worlds now. My frustration lies both in my inability to adequately express my worldview as well as in their refusal--or fear--to open their minds.

But here's a quote I found that wonderfully expresses what I feel and believe. Maybe I'll just start repeating this from now on:

"A living planet is a much more complex metaphor for deity than just a bigger father with a bigger fist. If an omniscient, all-powerful Dad ignores your prayers, it's taken personally. Hear only silence long enough, and you start wondering about his power. His fairness.  His very existence. 

But if a world mother doesn't reply, Her excuse is simple. She never claimed conceited omnipotence. She has countless others clinging to her apron strings, including myriad species unable to speak for themselves. To Her elder offspring She says: 'Go raid the fridge. Go play outside. Go get a job. Or, better yet, lend me a hand. I have no time for idle whining.'" 
--author David Brin

 Yay, Mama Earth!

A Journey Through the Akashic Records, the Book of Life and My Ego

This past Friday I attended a meditation at a friend's home, and the idea was to journey (or meditate) to the Akashic Records, a theoretical place where you can "access" information about all our lives, past, present and future. I had heard about the Akashic Records but didn't know much. The idea grew out of the Theosophical Movement and was popularized by psychic Edgar Cayce. I was looking forward to a group meditation since I had mostly been journeying alone, the subject matter was interesting and I wanted to meet the meditation leader, who owns a esoteric healing school where some friends are employed. End result? Not impressed, but I think it had more to do with me than anything else.

I've heard of Cayce but don't really know much. Anway, I was curious to "visit" this place where he claimed you could find all the records of all our lives (assuming reincarnation is real, of course). The idea is you go to gain insight; any problems you're having now are linked to past-life decisions/actions. Sort of like a super computer.

Scary Christian Crap
But the more I read about the Akashic Records ("akasha" is a Sanskrit word meaning "big, blue sky"), the more apprehensive I became. A lot of people, even the meditation leader, likened it to the Biblical Book of Life. Maybe that comparison helps people understand, but it just turned me off. Do you know how many times I agonized as a Christian about whether or not my name was truly written in that damn book?! For whatever reason, I feared that I would die and reach Heaven only to have Jesus shake his head sadly and send me to Hell. Yeah, good times!

Obviously, I have issues there--but, seriously, why use an outdated, fear-based comparison? Can't we move past that? But I was still curious to see what I would experience. Hey, I'm an optimist. While I didn't have any very specific info I was seeking, I thought, well, I'm curious to know about my future with my partner. These kind of meditations can trigger all sorts of things in the subconscious.

Jealous? Who--me?
It started out rough. I had never been to my friend's house before (we went through the shamanic mystery school together)--and immediately Envy reared its green head. She has a beautiful home, just the kind I'd love to have. Lush, green yard full of flowers and plants, and a lovely home with art, very comfortable and well-appointed. I know, I know--none of that matters--except when you have these aspirations and wonder why you've failed to achieve them.

So I was focused on that as we started the first of two meditations. I also didn't like that the meditation leader basically just jumped right in--no special breathing, so ringing of a bell, just "close your eyes and go!" The first meditation, however, came together. It wasn't to the Akasha but one designed to help us tap into life purpose and soul messages. But it was too damn short! This one was very vivid and felt like it was going somewhere--and then it ended. So maybe I'll have to revisit this one again on my own.

Over Before It Began
After a break, we headed to the Akashic Records. Before we began, the leader showed us a picture created to show what Cayce experienced on his own journey. Again, very reminiscent of ascending through the levels of Hell up to Heaven--at least, that's what I saw. First, I don't believe in any demons or evil creatures anyway, so this was just another barrier. What is the point really? All I knew is I was uncomfortable with the setting, and so I knew I needed to protect myself. Maybe that's why it didn't go so well.

So we head "up" to the Library. I did see an actual book, which when opened contained more futuristic-looking cartridges. I was handed one by some nondescript entity--but then it was time to go back! It seemed like most of the journey was us getting there, and then it was time to return. Oddly, I did sense that my partner was there with me, which was nice. But that was it--no messages, no other imagery, nothing.

Once the leader brought us back to regular consciousness, we all discussed what we had experienced. Several others mentioned all kinds of things they saw and felt. I began to wonder maybe I had done something wrong. Why hadn't I experienced all this?? Whatever--I was ready to leave. So I quickly gathered my things, said my goodbyes and was the first out the door (it was late anyway, I told myself).

Not a Complete Bust
I was disappointed. I had looked forward to this for several weeks only to get creeped out and leave feeling, "What was the big deal?" Everyone else kept saying how wonderful it was and blah, blah, blah. But now that I've had time to think it over, I do feel better. And I've had some realizations:

1. I simply don't care for these meditations where people seem to need validation ("you are loved," "God loves you," etc). To me, it's irrelevant. I don't believe in a god whose love I need in order to feel special. Also, I don't have a need to constantly heal past "trauma." Sure, my life has had its share of bad stuff, but somehow I get through it relatively well, whereas some people never can get past what their mother didn't do right or what happened to them in the past.
2. My ego was in the way. Obviously, I have issues about material, worldly success, and that clouded my attitude and energy from the start. If I hadn't been comparing myself to my friend, I might have had a different experience. Then afterward, I was comparing my meditation experience to that of everyone else. Despite my frustration, I'm sure I could gain some insights from what I DID experience rather than trying to meet some obscure expectations.

So, in the end, maybe I learned something after all, in spite of myself. And that's what I dig about shamanism.

A Journey Through the Akashic Records, the Book of Life and My Ego

This past Friday I attended a meditation at a friend's home, and the idea was to journey (or meditate) to the Akashic Records, a theoretical place where you can "access" information about all our lives, past, present and future. I had heard about the Akashic Records but didn't know much. The idea grew out of the Theosophical Movement and was popularized by psychic Edgar Cayce. I was looking forward to a group meditation since I had mostly been journeying alone, the subject matter was interesting and I wanted to meet the meditation leader, who owns a esoteric healing school where some friends are employed. End result? Not impressed, but I think it had more to do with me than anything else.

I've heard of Cayce but don't really know much. Anway, I was curious to "visit" this place where he claimed you could find all the records of all our lives (assuming reincarnation is real, of course). The idea is you go to gain insight; any problems you're having now are linked to past-life decisions/actions. Sort of like a super computer.

Scary Christian Crap
But the more I read about the Akashic Records ("akasha" is a Sanskrit word meaning "big, blue sky"), the more apprehensive I became. A lot of people, even the meditation leader, likened it to the Biblical Book of Life. Maybe that comparison helps people understand, but it just turned me off. Do you know how many times I agonized as a Christian about whether or not my name was truly written in that damn book?! For whatever reason, I feared that I would die and reach Heaven only to have Jesus shake his head sadly and send me to Hell. Yeah, good times!

Obviously, I have issues there--but, seriously, why use an outdated, fear-based comparison? Can't we move past that? But I was still curious to see what I would experience. Hey, I'm an optimist. While I didn't have any very specific info I was seeking, I thought, well, I'm curious to know about my future with my partner. These kind of meditations can trigger all sorts of things in the subconscious.

Jealous? Who--me?
It started out rough. I had never been to my friend's house before (we went through the shamanic mystery school together)--and immediately Envy reared its green head. She has a beautiful home, just the kind I'd love to have. Lush, green yard full of flowers and plants, and a lovely home with art, very comfortable and well-appointed. I know, I know--none of that matters--except when you have these aspirations and wonder why you've failed to achieve them.

So I was focused on that as we started the first of two meditations. I also didn't like that the meditation leader basically just jumped right in--no special breathing, so ringing of a bell, just "close your eyes and go!" The first meditation, however, came together. It wasn't to the Akasha but one designed to help us tap into life purpose and soul messages. But it was too damn short! This one was very vivid and felt like it was going somewhere--and then it ended. So maybe I'll have to revisit this one again on my own.

Over Before It Began
After a break, we headed to the Akashic Records. Before we began, the leader showed us a picture created to show what Cayce experienced on his own journey. Again, very reminiscent of ascending through the levels of Hell up to Heaven--at least, that's what I saw. First, I don't believe in any demons or evil creatures anyway, so this was just another barrier. What is the point really? All I knew is I was uncomfortable with the setting, and so I knew I needed to protect myself. Maybe that's why it didn't go so well.

So we head "up" to the Library. I did see an actual book, which when opened contained more futuristic-looking cartridges. I was handed one by some nondescript entity--but then it was time to go back! It seemed like most of the journey was us getting there, and then it was time to return. Oddly, I did sense that my partner was there with me, which was nice. But that was it--no messages, no other imagery, nothing.

Once the leader brought us back to regular consciousness, we all discussed what we had experienced. Several others mentioned all kinds of things they saw and felt. I began to wonder maybe I had done something wrong. Why hadn't I experienced all this?? Whatever--I was ready to leave. So I quickly gathered my things, said my goodbyes and was the first out the door (it was late anyway, I told myself).

Not a Complete Bust
I was disappointed. I had looked forward to this for several weeks only to get creeped out and leave feeling, "What was the big deal?" Everyone else kept saying how wonderful it was and blah, blah, blah. But now that I've had time to think it over, I do feel better. And I've had some realizations:

1. I simply don't care for these meditations where people seem to need validation ("you are loved," "God loves you," etc). To me, it's irrelevant. I don't believe in a god whose love I need in order to feel special. Also, I don't have a need to constantly heal past "trauma." Sure, my life has had its share of bad stuff, but somehow I get through it relatively well, whereas some people never can get past what their mother didn't do right or what happened to them in the past.
2. My ego was in the way. Obviously, I have issues about material, worldly success, and that clouded my attitude and energy from the start. If I hadn't been comparing myself to my friend, I might have had a different experience. Then afterward, I was comparing my meditation experience to that of everyone else. Despite my frustration, I'm sure I could gain some insights from what I DID experience rather than trying to meet some obscure expectations.

So, in the end, maybe I learned something after all, in spite of myself. And that's what I dig about shamanism.

What I'm Listening to Right Now: My Chemical Romance

Their music may be a bit frenetic (and "young," I hate to say it) for my tastes, but I do like this song, "Welcome to the Black Parade," from My Chemical Romance.

Groovy video: very Mexican-Day-of-the-Dead. Yep, I love the band's look. I need to start dressing like this every day...

What I'm Listening to Right Now: My Chemical Romance

Their music may be a bit frenetic (and "young," I hate to say it) for my tastes, but I do like this song, "Welcome to the Black Parade," from My Chemical Romance.

Groovy video: very Mexican-Day-of-the-Dead. Yep, I love the band's look. I need to start dressing like this every day...