Doctrine of Beauty

Because there is so much news of cruelty and violence in our world and because the spirit of us all can be diminished by hearing and reading about this, I have decided to document beauty wherever I find it.

You may not agree with my point of view and that is fine. To read this and even argue with it, is at least a crack in the wall of darkness that dominates social and corporate funded media, and our public conversations are influenced by that.

Below are values I cling to as I ponder how to bring conversations back to the community and family level. Beauty, in my opinion, is whatever has not been corrupted by greed or hate.  It  inspires and feeds my spirit.

1. Self Esteem.  What is self esteem and where does it come from? Is it winning races, contests, being top of the class or is it a recognition that you are capable, lovable and you belong here.

2. Reverence for Life. Is it gratitude for nature's diversity? Is it putting the well being of our community before our own self-interest or that your self-interest is bound by a reverence for life?

3. Wealth.  What is wealth? I think it is a collection of things which allow me the comfort and security to live without fear for myself and my loved ones. A home, access to water, a bathroom, a bed, a kitchen to prepare my own meals, a pension plan, medical coverage, access to medication, a basic income, respect from my employer, hope for the future, and time in nature.

4. Mental Health.  Confidence in getting through the day, coping with challenges, admitting I'm wrong when I've made a mistake, crying when I need to cry, and laughing when I need to laugh.  Being able to focus on a task, not allowing negative messaging to undermine my contributions, having reasonable expectations and compassion for myself and others.

5. Social Health. When I feel safe to be myself and know we will not be publicly humiliated, a place that values creativity not cruelty.

6. Doctrine of Beauty.  So this is not about the manufactured beauty shown in magazines and advertising, this is the beauty of moments, of a lived life breathing within and around us. To notice what is unique and what is familiar. It is the legacy of a planet that is cherished. We are responsible for maintaining its health and to heal what is broken and sick.  This is about the power of nurture rather than control.

Sacred Masculine

Even though gender is a construct beyond 

the reproductive organs - I need to respect 

the hero, the sacred masculine

as it has been witnessed here.

The real man who goes out to the garden

to build a wooden box for tomato stakes

come summer.

The man who takes an afternoon nap

before he prepares supper

who knows when I am sick before I do

who keeps the TV volume down

when I take a nap.

Who held, fed and changed our first born 

while I went to the theatre,

who survived the highway-to-office battles

for fifty years, the endless sales calls, 

unmentionable skirmish in the belly, 

who had the insight to admit he couldn’t stay 

in the manager’s chair without slipping 

into that alcoholic night. Who realized

he never wanted to be a stranger to his children.

The sacred masculine holds the ability

to fix the gate or vacuum cleaner

look for the best hotel, weed the garden

coach kids how to kick a soccer ball into the net

listen to the troubles and achievements of friends,

buy birthday cards, potatoes or eggs

and allow the ‘other’ a seat on the subway

without spreading.

The sacred masculine adapts to the world 

as it is, his level gaze informing

the warrior of the weapons required

who will never win fame because

he didn't take a gun and kill something.

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