Should I Pour It Down the Drain?

I haven't yet had time to do the research--but should I pour my old cough medicine down the drain? Since my name is Riverwolf, I do have to think about these things. Well, not "have" to, but I simply do. I've read or heard cautions against tossing old medications down the drain or toilet, where they end up in our water supply as well as in fish, turtles, bird and other aquatic life. These critters are much smaller than we so some of this medicine can pack a whallop!

What do you think? Anyone know the answer? It's "only" a prescription cough suppressant, but I have no idea how toxic something like this is to the water supply. I didn't finish all the medicine because I my cough went away. Yes, some medicines you're supposed to take all the doc gives you, but not in this case. And if I keep it until my next cough comes around, well, that could be a while, and the effectiveness could wear off.

Anyone else had concerns with this?

Should I Pour It Down the Drain?

I haven't yet had time to do the research--but should I pour my old cough medicine down the drain? Since my name is Riverwolf, I do have to think about these things. Well, not "have" to, but I simply do. I've read or heard cautions against tossing old medications down the drain or toilet, where they end up in our water supply as well as in fish, turtles, bird and other aquatic life. These critters are much smaller than we so some of this medicine can pack a whallop!

What do you think? Anyone know the answer? It's "only" a prescription cough suppressant, but I have no idea how toxic something like this is to the water supply. I didn't finish all the medicine because I my cough went away. Yes, some medicines you're supposed to take all the doc gives you, but not in this case. And if I keep it until my next cough comes around, well, that could be a while, and the effectiveness could wear off.

Anyone else had concerns with this?

A River Runs Through My Life

 

The creek in Latham Grove, photographed in summer 2009

Funny how we overlook themes or connections--streams, if you will--in our lives. Then they sneak up on us and say, "Duh--hello!" That happened to me this morning on my walk. A large creek runs through Latham Grove, where I live, flowing north through the city until it empties into a larger river outside of town. The creek is one reason why I moved here, but it wasn't until about 30 minutes ago that I remembered an older connection I have to this creek.

It shouldn't be surprising, since I've always been drawn to water. Lakes in my childhood, an ocean and a major river while in college in Florida, the creek in Brandtlund Grove and now here.

My little revelation just hit me out of the blue, as these things do. The creek is part of 2 city parks, and my first connection emerged not quite 20 years ago when I got my first real job here. I had an hour commute since I was living elsewhere, and since I had little money, I would pack my lunch and leave the office to get some air. Just a few blocks away was this park and creek, what I now call Latham Grove. I could park my car and see the creek and lots of green space. I would eat, read and think. Now that I think back, it was a difficult time in my life since I was just coming to terms with being gay. This park--this creek--provided safety and rest along my spiritual journey.

I probably visited the park only for a year, maybe two. Now here I am again. I can walk from my apartment all the way to where I once parked my car to eat, read and think. I can look out my front upstairs window and see this same creek as it makes it way north. Once again it's a place of safety, rest and healing. So I stood by the creek this morning, taking this all in and feeling grateful, so grateful.

A river runs through my life.

With that in mind, here's "River of Love" by Sam Phillips, a favorite from my college days.

A River Runs Through My Life

 

The creek in Latham Grove, photographed in summer 2009

Funny how we overlook themes or connections--streams, if you will--in our lives. Then they sneak up on us and say, "Duh--hello!" That happened to me this morning on my walk. A large creek runs through Latham Grove, where I live, flowing north through the city until it empties into a larger river outside of town. The creek is one reason why I moved here, but it wasn't until about 30 minutes ago that I remembered an older connection I have to this creek.

It shouldn't be surprising, since I've always been drawn to water. Lakes in my childhood, an ocean and a major river while in college in Florida, the creek in Brandtlund Grove and now here.

My little revelation just hit me out of the blue, as these things do. The creek is part of 2 city parks, and my first connection emerged not quite 20 years ago when I got my first real job here. I had an hour commute since I was living elsewhere, and since I had little money, I would pack my lunch and leave the office to get some air. Just a few blocks away was this park and creek, what I now call Latham Grove. I could park my car and see the creek and lots of green space. I would eat, read and think. Now that I think back, it was a difficult time in my life since I was just coming to terms with being gay. This park--this creek--provided safety and rest along my spiritual journey.

I probably visited the park only for a year, maybe two. Now here I am again. I can walk from my apartment all the way to where I once parked my car to eat, read and think. I can look out my front upstairs window and see this same creek as it makes it way north. Once again it's a place of safety, rest and healing. So I stood by the creek this morning, taking this all in and feeling grateful, so grateful.

A river runs through my life.

With that in mind, here's "River of Love" by Sam Phillips, a favorite from my college days.

Artist Ahmad Nadalian

 This Iranian artist works in ways that resonate with me: carving images of fish and other creatures into rocks and leaving them as "gifts" to the waters or to be discovered by passersby. He also carves stone cylinders with similar images (above) and uses them like a printing press in the sand, leaving behind on a beach, for example, an image of a crab that will soon be washed away by the surf.

Nadalian adds that fish and snakes are often seen as symbols of fertility and treasure in parts of Iran. He says that his art gives him a way to help "heal the spirit of neglected streams and coastlines" around the world.

Find more artists that work with the Earth at greenmuseum.org.

Artist Ahmad Nadalian

 This Iranian artist works in ways that resonate with me: carving images of fish and other creatures into rocks and leaving them as "gifts" to the waters or to be discovered by passersby. He also carves stone cylinders with similar images (above) and uses them like a printing press in the sand, leaving behind on a beach, for example, an image of a crab that will soon be washed away by the surf.

Nadalian adds that fish and snakes are often seen as symbols of fertility and treasure in parts of Iran. He says that his art gives him a way to help "heal the spirit of neglected streams and coastlines" around the world.

Find more artists that work with the Earth at greenmuseum.org.

Saying Goodbye to Brandtlund Grove

The water level in the lake is down more than ever. Still no pics--and you don't want to see them anyway. It's rather shocking. And I can't help but use it as a metaphor for my relationship to my partner. As the lifegiving water has drained away or evaporated from the lake, so has the life drained out of our relationship and left me very little left to give.

I awoke before dawn today, and my mind eventually wandered to my morning walk. I realized that this weekend may be the last one in which I would have uninterrupted time to wander about the Grove. Although I'm not moving out tomorrow, I need to begin making the move to the new apartment, and so I'll have less and less time here.

As a way to thank the Grove for the transformation it has brought into my life, I decided to visit a few of my favorite spots and make a small offering of thanks. I walked to the clearing where I often see deer, the Stone Circle, Mother Tree, the pond and more special places. Of course, all space is sacred, but it seems these particular spots drew me in, welcomed me, calmed me when I needed it, and inspired me. At each one, I left an offering of tobacco and said "thank you" in Cherokee: "wah-doh."

When I was led to the Grove a few years ago, I had no idea of the spiritual transformations that would take place. I am not the same man, and I am so grateful. It was here that my wolf spirit guide came to me in a dream and I was given the name Riverwolf. In some ways, this place feels so magical, it's as if some mystical portal opened for just a short time and is now about to close. I know it's silly, but part of me wonders that if I return after some time passes--will it even be here? And maybe it was just my emotions, but even the light appeared different today; it was harsher, not as soft. And something in my vision seemed to be shifting, changing--like a digital TV signal that is weakening.

But just as I was led to Brandtlund Grove, so I am being led elsewhere. My new apartment is in a wonderful location with a large park to explore and a creek. Just as the Grove offered so many lessons, so will this new place. Perhaps my next task is to learn how to be an urban shaman or urban druid.

And I'll still be connected to Brandtlund, perhaps even physically. The lake here is actually a reservoir for the city in which I'll now be living. Whereas I currently use a well for my water, I'll now have city water--and perhaps some of it will originate from Brandtlund Grove, still nourishing me, still providing that life-giving water.

Saying Goodbye to Brandtlund Grove

The water level in the lake is down more than ever. Still no pics--and you don't want to see them anyway. It's rather shocking. And I can't help but use it as a metaphor for my relationship to my partner. As the lifegiving water has drained away or evaporated from the lake, so has the life drained out of our relationship and left me very little left to give.

I awoke before dawn today, and my mind eventually wandered to my morning walk. I realized that this weekend may be the last one in which I would have uninterrupted time to wander about the Grove. Although I'm not moving out tomorrow, I need to begin making the move to the new apartment, and so I'll have less and less time here.

As a way to thank the Grove for the transformation it has brought into my life, I decided to visit a few of my favorite spots and make a small offering of thanks. I walked to the clearing where I often see deer, the Stone Circle, Mother Tree, the pond and more special places. Of course, all space is sacred, but it seems these particular spots drew me in, welcomed me, calmed me when I needed it, and inspired me. At each one, I left an offering of tobacco and said "thank you" in Cherokee: "wah-doh."

When I was led to the Grove a few years ago, I had no idea of the spiritual transformations that would take place. I am not the same man, and I am so grateful. It was here that my wolf spirit guide came to me in a dream and I was given the name Riverwolf. In some ways, this place feels so magical, it's as if some mystical portal opened for just a short time and is now about to close. I know it's silly, but part of me wonders that if I return after some time passes--will it even be here? And maybe it was just my emotions, but even the light appeared different today; it was harsher, not as soft. And something in my vision seemed to be shifting, changing--like a digital TV signal that is weakening.

But just as I was led to Brandtlund Grove, so I am being led elsewhere. My new apartment is in a wonderful location with a large park to explore and a creek. Just as the Grove offered so many lessons, so will this new place. Perhaps my next task is to learn how to be an urban shaman or urban druid.

And I'll still be connected to Brandtlund, perhaps even physically. The lake here is actually a reservoir for the city in which I'll now be living. Whereas I currently use a well for my water, I'll now have city water--and perhaps some of it will originate from Brandtlund Grove, still nourishing me, still providing that life-giving water.

Something's In the Creek--and It's ALIVE!

This morning I was on my walk and stopped on the foot bridge that crosses over the main creek that feeds the lake. I'm standing there, enjoying the morning, and gazing down at the creek. I like to do this, to feel the water's energy, or if nothing else acknowledge its presence, its importance in all our lives. Besides, I can't take a swim in 30-degree weather!

When I start to walk away, something in the creek moves--something big! All I see is a splash and rippling water. Ok, it was probably just a large fish thrashing about, but I don't think I've ever seen any fish there before. Then another splash! Again, I couldn't see anything, no fins, nothing. Something was under the water for sure and splashing about. I've seen turtles, snakes, ducks and other water fowl, but nothing that behaved in this way.

Was it the Creature From the Black Lagoon?

A frisky water nymph?

Or Fluke Man from the "X-Files?!" (Thanks to Witches & Scientists for that reminder.)

Something's In the Creek--and It's ALIVE!

This morning I was on my walk and stopped on the foot bridge that crosses over the main creek that feeds the lake. I'm standing there, enjoying the morning, and gazing down at the creek. I like to do this, to feel the water's energy, or if nothing else acknowledge its presence, its importance in all our lives. Besides, I can't take a swim in 30-degree weather!

When I start to walk away, something in the creek moves--something big! All I see is a splash and rippling water. Ok, it was probably just a large fish thrashing about, but I don't think I've ever seen any fish there before. Then another splash! Again, I couldn't see anything, no fins, nothing. Something was under the water for sure and splashing about. I've seen turtles, snakes, ducks and other water fowl, but nothing that behaved in this way.

Was it the Creature From the Black Lagoon?

A frisky water nymph?

Or Fluke Man from the "X-Files?!" (Thanks to Witches & Scientists for that reminder.)

Latest Shamanic Weekend: Am I a Spiritual Warrior From Atlantis?

So my latest shamanic workshop was this past weekend. It was centered around the solar plexus chakra and focused on spiritual power or our tasks as spiritual warriors. We explored energy fields, qi gong and tai chi, as well as basic "warrior" skills, including self-defense, some martial arts and plan old body language. What I love about these workshops is the merging on ordinary, mundane things, like body language, and its application on a spiritual level. For example, instead of reading someone's body language to get ahead in the corporate world, as I was always taught, how about reading the signs to better understand someone and connect with them spiritually? Sounds good to me.

Oh yeah, and I totally broke a pine board with my foot! I've never had any martial arts training at all, and it was a piece of cake. Essentially, you focus your energy beyond the board--sort of like in "The Matrix" when Neo is told "there is no spoon." Couldn't break the concrete paver, however, but a few other folks did. I'll break it next time!

So I'm still skeptical about a lot of this stuff, but I will say this, after these workshops, I feel so much more centered, calm and authentically me than on any other day. Except maybe when I'm writing.

So What's This About Atlantis?
Oh yeah, I mentioned Atlantis. Here's where it gets really freaky. I promise I'm not on drugs! On the second day we sat outside in a semi-circle for our "journey to the sun" (the sun being associated with warrior energy as well as fire and the solar plexus chakra). Beyond that, I'm not really sure why we were going to the sun, but what the hell, sounds like fun.

The facilitator drums and leads us into the journey. I'll skip the details, but we basically travel into the center of the sun where there is located a transportation hub of sorts, something like an airport terminal. We were told there were portals to other worlds and dimensions here, and to select one to enter and travel. Now, let me say I've never attempted this type of journey before, and we weren't told to expect any specific kind of experience whatsoever. Yet what I did experience was quite surprising and emotional.

With my eyes closed and imagining myself in this terminal, I see one portal that stand out (nothing special about it visually, however). So I approach and enter, and suddenly find myself sucked into some sort of water tube, as if a giant Hawaiian wave has crashed over me and pulled me under, churning the surf all around. I come up in a great, blue ocean as far as the eye can see. Two beings like the "Creature from the Black Lagoon" appear carrying tridents, and I assume they were some sort of sentry for the portal. They don't speak but I somehow understand this.

Next, schools of dolphins and colorful fish swim up to me, as if they're a welcoming party. Without any hesitation, I dive under the water and begin to swim with them as if this were the most natural thing in the world. And I can breathe underwater!

Then come the very real emotions, which I was not prepared for. I felt like I was some place very familiar, a place I knew but hadn't seen in a long, long time. It all felt to right, so comforting--the swimming, the creatures, the water. I knew how to do it all and I "knew" I belonged there.

Before I describe more of what I saw, let me add a little backstory that makes this freakier.

• As a kid, swimming was one thing I loved the most, and I've never been afraid of water or the ocean.
• Breathing underwater was always the one "super power" I wanted.
• Aquaman, Sub Mariner were my favorite super heroes.
  
• I was obsessed with dolphins as a kid. I loved shows like "Flipper" and "The Man From Atlantis."
  
• I went to a college hundreds of miles away from my home where I knew no one--the campus was 15 minutes from the beach, located next to a river, and our mascot was a dolphin.
• I once dreamed of being a marine biologist and even wrote a fictional story about one. Also once considered being in the Coast Guard.
  
• A recurring dream from my childhood had me under water in some sort of vessel and surrounded by fantastic sea creatures.
  

Back to the journey. I'm swimming with the fishes, and then we pass over this reef. A giant underwater city appears and we approach. I'm amazed at how elegant all the structures are and how colorful everything is. We enter this corridor and then I'm led by 2 mermen through a building. I keep asking where we are but no one answers. When I finally ask, "Is this Atlantis?" they say, "It goes by many names."

I have no idea where they're taking me, but we soon enter this giant indoor stadium or great hall, ringed with people in seats. There's such a commotion, and I wonder what it's all about. One tall being approaches, dressed in elegant robes and carrying a sceptre. I can't tell if it's a man or a woman, very androgynous. Without speaking, I ask (telepathically?) what this celebration is all about. Without much explanation, the being smiles and says "welcome home."

A garland of sea grass or some other green underwater plant is placed around my neck and I'm given an object that appears silver or metal. It's carved or sculpted, but I don't recognize the design. It's small, just fits in my hand.

Then I realize it's time for me to return to Earth. I'm mostly surprised and perplexed by all this, still feeling the very real emotions of returning to a familiar place. I'm told I can return again any time, but it seems I have things to do on Earth right now. So I'm escorted back out of the hall by the mermen and then make my way back to the portal.

Seriously, as I experienced this, I almost broke out in tears. The facilitator didn't interpret our experiences, but others said it could be this place was my true homeworld or dimension. And yes, it could have been Atlantis. But come on--none of that is real! So why was I about to blubber over some imaginary dolphins? And why did I envision an underwater world as opposed to, say, a medieval kingdom on Earth? Why the ocean theme?

I can't explain any of it. If anyone reading this has had similar experiences or even heard about something like this, let me know. Maybe I just accessed some subconscious emotions or needs, and this is how they manifested. I promise you, no alcohol, drugs, not even caffeine, were involved in this experience! In the end, I'm not quite sure what to do with all this info. I probably need to email the workshop facilitator and get his input, and do some reading and online research. I'll keep you posted on any interesting findings!

Latest Shamanic Weekend: Am I a Spiritual Warrior From Atlantis?

So my latest shamanic workshop was this past weekend. It was centered around the solar plexus chakra and focused on spiritual power or our tasks as spiritual warriors. We explored energy fields, qi gong and tai chi, as well as basic "warrior" skills, including self-defense, some martial arts and plan old body language. What I love about these workshops is the merging on ordinary, mundane things, like body language, and its application on a spiritual level. For example, instead of reading someone's body language to get ahead in the corporate world, as I was always taught, how about reading the signs to better understand someone and connect with them spiritually? Sounds good to me.

Oh yeah, and I totally broke a pine board with my foot! I've never had any martial arts training at all, and it was a piece of cake. Essentially, you focus your energy beyond the board--sort of like in "The Matrix" when Neo is told "there is no spoon." Couldn't break the concrete paver, however, but a few other folks did. I'll break it next time!

So I'm still skeptical about a lot of this stuff, but I will say this, after these workshops, I feel so much more centered, calm and authentically me than on any other day. Except maybe when I'm writing.

So What's This About Atlantis?
Oh yeah, I mentioned Atlantis. Here's where it gets really freaky. I promise I'm not on drugs! On the second day we sat outside in a semi-circle for our "journey to the sun" (the sun being associated with warrior energy as well as fire and the solar plexus chakra). Beyond that, I'm not really sure why we were going to the sun, but what the hell, sounds like fun.

The facilitator drums and leads us into the journey. I'll skip the details, but we basically travel into the center of the sun where there is located a transportation hub of sorts, something like an airport terminal. We were told there were portals to other worlds and dimensions here, and to select one to enter and travel. Now, let me say I've never attempted this type of journey before, and we weren't told to expect any specific kind of experience whatsoever. Yet what I did experience was quite surprising and emotional.

With my eyes closed and imagining myself in this terminal, I see one portal that stand out (nothing special about it visually, however). So I approach and enter, and suddenly find myself sucked into some sort of water tube, as if a giant Hawaiian wave has crashed over me and pulled me under, churning the surf all around. I come up in a great, blue ocean as far as the eye can see. Two beings like the "Creature from the Black Lagoon" appear carrying tridents, and I assume they were some sort of sentry for the portal. They don't speak but I somehow understand this.

Next, schools of dolphins and colorful fish swim up to me, as if they're a welcoming party. Without any hesitation, I dive under the water and begin to swim with them as if this were the most natural thing in the world. And I can breathe underwater!

Then come the very real emotions, which I was not prepared for. I felt like I was some place very familiar, a place I knew but hadn't seen in a long, long time. It all felt to right, so comforting--the swimming, the creatures, the water. I knew how to do it all and I "knew" I belonged there.

Before I describe more of what I saw, let me add a little backstory that makes this freakier.

• As a kid, swimming was one thing I loved the most, and I've never been afraid of water or the ocean.
• Breathing underwater was always the one "super power" I wanted.
• Aquaman, Sub Mariner were my favorite super heroes.
  
• I was obsessed with dolphins as a kid. I loved shows like "Flipper" and "The Man From Atlantis."
  
• I went to a college hundreds of miles away from my home where I knew no one--the campus was 15 minutes from the beach, located next to a river, and our mascot was a dolphin.
• I once dreamed of being a marine biologist and even wrote a fictional story about one. Also once considered being in the Coast Guard.
  
• A recurring dream from my childhood had me under water in some sort of vessel and surrounded by fantastic sea creatures.
  

Back to the journey. I'm swimming with the fishes, and then we pass over this reef. A giant underwater city appears and we approach. I'm amazed at how elegant all the structures are and how colorful everything is. We enter this corridor and then I'm led by 2 mermen through a building. I keep asking where we are but no one answers. When I finally ask, "Is this Atlantis?" they say, "It goes by many names."

I have no idea where they're taking me, but we soon enter this giant indoor stadium or great hall, ringed with people in seats. There's such a commotion, and I wonder what it's all about. One tall being approaches, dressed in elegant robes and carrying a sceptre. I can't tell if it's a man or a woman, very androgynous. Without speaking, I ask (telepathically?) what this celebration is all about. Without much explanation, the being smiles and says "welcome home."

A garland of sea grass or some other green underwater plant is placed around my neck and I'm given an object that appears silver or metal. It's carved or sculpted, but I don't recognize the design. It's small, just fits in my hand.

Then I realize it's time for me to return to Earth. I'm mostly surprised and perplexed by all this, still feeling the very real emotions of returning to a familiar place. I'm told I can return again any time, but it seems I have things to do on Earth right now. So I'm escorted back out of the hall by the mermen and then make my way back to the portal.

Seriously, as I experienced this, I almost broke out in tears. The facilitator didn't interpret our experiences, but others said it could be this place was my true homeworld or dimension. And yes, it could have been Atlantis. But come on--none of that is real! So why was I about to blubber over some imaginary dolphins? And why did I envision an underwater world as opposed to, say, a medieval kingdom on Earth? Why the ocean theme?

I can't explain any of it. If anyone reading this has had similar experiences or even heard about something like this, let me know. Maybe I just accessed some subconscious emotions or needs, and this is how they manifested. I promise you, no alcohol, drugs, not even caffeine, were involved in this experience! In the end, I'm not quite sure what to do with all this info. I probably need to email the workshop facilitator and get his input, and do some reading and online research. I'll keep you posted on any interesting findings!