Over the years I have identified myself at different times as a Reaganite, Evangelical, Christian Anarchist, Baby Boomer, Country bumpkin from Bakersfield, mystic, Pomoxian, Obamamaniac, and modern day hobbit. Personally, I don’t like labeling others, but I don’t mind labeling myself as this or that if it stimulates conversation. I also enjoy the shock value but I also don't mind making fun of myself either.

Recently I have been reading a book called, “The Translucent Revolution”, by Arjuna Ardagh. While I can’t relate to some of the Eastern leaning philosophy I do identify with a number of the characteristics of a Translucent Revolutionary. So what is a Translucent Revolution and what are the primary characteristics of someone who fits the definition of a Translucent Revolutionary? …Rather than try to explain the answers to these questions I will include a series of quotes from the book that define the questions at hand…


Some definitions:

“Webster’s dictionary defines translucent as “letting light pass through, but not transparent” A transparent object, like a clean sheet of glass, is almost invisible. You see everything through a transparent object as if it were not there at all. An opaque, on the other hand, blocks light completely. A translucent object allows light to pass through, but diffusely, while maintaining its form and texture. Objects on the other side cannot be distinguished. A crystal is translucent. So is a sculpture of frosted glass”….A translucent person is an individual who has undergone a spiritual awakening deeply enough that is has permanently transformed their relationship to themselves and to reality, while allowing them to remain involved in ordinary life in a process which is evolutionary and endless.

Characteristics of today’s Translucents

“Today’s translucents live for the most part outside the context of organized religion and hierarchy. They no longer need to have one teacher or teaching, but rather have many teachers or experiences of life as a teacher. Ram Dass speaks of no longer being a Buddhist but being a generalist. Richard Holloway, a retired bishop of Edinburgh, has reevaluated his relationship to the Christian church since recognizing God to be everywhere, both behind the eyes and in front…Cynthia, who has attended events with the Dali Lama, Wayne Dyer, and Thomas Moore, says, I think I’m as much a Buddhist as a Christian, or maybe I’m just all of it and none of it” Right now I’ve got Eckardt Tolle, The Tao Te Ching, Cosmopolitan, and a thriller on my bedside table. They seem to be getting along just fine”

“Today’s translucents have fallen in love with the present moment and the possibilities of living right now as a gift of love, as a work of are. They’ve lost interest in potential future states. Translucents have seen past the dangling carrot of future enlightenment. They live for now, and now, and now”

Translucents speak of life as a rivering, a process without end. Like a fountain that is always pouring forth, it is an endless and spontaneous enlightening, not a fixed state. Unlike the goal- oriented self improvement industry that has dominated our culture for so long, this process is an endless unfolding of discovery and delight. There is no attempt to fix a problem or to achieve a final higher state. Translucence is more a direction than a destination. Like heading East, the process doesn’t imply a specific point of arrival. It is a way of living life with art and humor, returning continuously to here, and here, and here, always steeped in the vastness of the view and blessing each moment with a gift of creative presence.

Translucents are always evolving, but they also display an extraordinary and often humorous acceptance of themselves just as they are… Translucents have canceled their subscription to the self-improvement industry; They no longer pin their sense of well-being, their connectedness and peace, on the process of fixing themselves. Yet they fully recognize the dysfunctional habits that hurt people and create separation, and they take a tremendous amount of energy from the simplicity of this moment, from being able to live fully and acknowledge the gift of life.

Translucents delight in color, sex, children, blood, dance, and music as the very expression and demonstration of divinity in flesh. Art, music, images, and sensations are just as sacred as words.

The Season of Hope

Today was a beautiful day so I went out in the neighborhood and took some pictures of flowers. It has been spring like for the past month but it has only been the last week or so that the flowers and other plants have reached full bloom. The neighborhood is currently bursting in reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, and purple and it is the most beautiful time of the year. It’s hard to imagine that in two months we Bakersfieldians are going to be sweltering in the heat and the beautiful flowers and other plants are going to be hanging on for dear life and at the mercy of local homeowners who decide when and how much to water.

Spring is important because it reminds us that winter is over and that which was dormant or at deaths doorstep now has new life… As I ponder my own life there are some areas in my life which are currently dormant or feel dead…so…the flowers remind me that life has it’s cycles and that which currently appears dead or dormant will in time come back to life. Flowers represent hope and without hope life is unbearable. If you want to see more photographs of flowers go to Bilbo’s Picture World and you can see
a large collection of photographs I have take of flowers on my various trips on the west coast.

World Wide Suicide

Sometimes one listens to a song and hears the music...and...at other times one hears a song and "feels" the music. Tonight while I was at the gym listening to Pearl Jam's song World Wide Suicide I found myself "feeling" the emotional force behind this song...then...later I found my mind pondering why I sometimes feel like we are at the brink of a World Wide Suicide...and... Here are 15 reasons why I sometimes feel the existential angst behind this particular song.

When I am reminded of the war in Iraq and the loss of American and Iraqi lives.

When I continue to hear one bad story after another regarding the economic situation in America and the potential implications for the rest of the world.

When I am reminded of the story of a woman I know who was raped by her father who was a deacon in the church and a leader in the community.

When I see people I know who have been legitimately victimized and can't break themselves from the shackles and bondage of the victim mentality.

When I see politicians willing to do "almost" anything to win an election.

When I see so much money spent on the nomination process.

When I am channel surfing and come across one of those ridiculous reality shows. I don't mean to offend anyone, but I "hate" all these shows...for the record.

Whenever I hear one more story about the Reverend Wright and the guilt by association implications that come from some quarters.

When I see people I know who are caught in the destructive web of workaholism.

When I visited my mom's vacant house and discovered gang bangers had tagged the entire inside with graffiti. I almost threw up.

When I drive around town and see house after house after house either for sale, rent, or in the process of being foreclosed.

When I am overwhelmed with such powerful emotions like fear to the point where I feel like I am having an out of body experience.

When I hear idiots who have not stepped into a classroom in twenty or thirty years assert they know and understand the terrible plight of public education in this country.

Anytime I allow myself to listen to talk radio...and...remember that millions of people listen to this "shit"...pardon my French...

And finally, whenever I hear a anyone assert that Barack Obama has no substance and anyone who follows or supports him is simply caught up in a "cult of personality"

Soulful Relationships

Over the past 10 years I have spent a significant amount of time reading, thinking, and pondering about relationships. Divorce has a way of getting one's attention on the subject. Anyway, I want to introduce a new blog I have created on the subject of relationships. The blog is called Soulful Relationships and the site is devoted to the topic of the nature of relationships. The blog which will be updated from time to time will contain many quotes from my favorite authors on the subject and some of my own personal ponderings and commentary. The site is neither a personal record of any of my relationships nor is it a self help guide to relationship bliss...but...rather a collection of thoughts by myself and my favorite authors which will hopefully stimulate and inspire your own imagination regarding one of the most important aspects of our lives. So, if you are either curious or seriously interested in the "dance of relationships" than check out my new blog from time to time...

I've noticed I haven't updated my blog for a couple of weeks now. No particular reason...I have been busy with other things including practicing with my new camera, working on a new blog which I hope to launch very soon, and following closely the Presidential campaign. Speaking of the campaign...Did you happen to catch Obama's speech on race yesterday?...Just amazing, both in terms of content and ability to deliver a nuanced message which simultaneously addresses the legitimate concerns of both white and black Americans and empathizes and humanizes controversial figures like Pastor Wright...and...in my lifetime, I have not witnessed a politician or any other nationally know public figure who has been able to pull off what Obama has been able to do regarding such an explosive issue. Obama appears to be the real deal and is a fresh of breathe air to the political landscape which imo has been on the decline for most of my adult life....other news...went up to see my mom who is currently in a rest home. She is now 93 years old and is still hanging in there. Each time I see her I wonder if it will be for the last time but both myself and other relatives have written her off many times before and she just keeps making a comeback...She is no longer able to walk and is confined to a bed, probably for the rest of her life and it is my hope and prayer that she die a quiet peaceful death in her sleep when the Good Lord decides to take her home. In the meantime, I try to see her whenever I can and remember all the sacrifices she has made for me...On the sports front...There is currently a lull in the action for me until the basketball play-offs start. I am a huge Laker fan and I am excited that the Lakers are back near the top of heap but have no assurances how far that Lakers will go this year considering the Western Conference from top to bottom is the strongest in history...in fact...I don't remember, ever, in any sport where you literally have the top eight teams that are pretty much on equal footing...which...I hope translates to an exciting play-off run...March Madness starts on Thursday which will give me something to watch. I don't have a favorite college Basketball team so I will probably root for the west coast teams. I have always really enjoyed the College Basketball tournament because it provides one of the rare opportunities in sports where the little guy and the unknown are allowed to play on the big stage with the big guys...and...every year there are some big surprises....Well, that' it for now, I need to get out and get some exercise and get some work done....

Obamamania

I've got the fever. Obamania has finally reached the Shire. It took awhile but I now have all the classic symptoms of Obamania. You know the signs...Checking the internet at least three times a day to see the latest poll numbers on what is happening in Texas and Ohio. Watching at least two news programs when I get home just in case I missed something on the internet...checking out the other Obamania bloggers off an on all day…and…the final act…volunteering to work for Obama’s run to the White House…. I didn’t jump on the Obama bandwagon until about a month ago after listening to a speech by Barack Obama at his home church but now that I am on the bandwagon I intend to stay there until Obama reaches the White House, Lord willing. While it was the speech that got my juices going it was the two recent debates that sealed the deal for me. Let’s just say I was impressed, particularly by his attitude…. Today is a big day and according to most pundits, if Obama can win Texas than he will probably get the nomination…but…it is also an important day for me because, if Obama wins Texas today then I will make a trip to the local Democratic headquarters and sign up as a foot soldier and join the growing legion of Obamaniacs who are ready to do our part to help Obama reach the White House later this year. I know it may be a bit premature to count Hilary out if she does win Ohio and Rhode Island but I really don't see "how" she has a chance if she loses Texas tonight. She can fight until the end, and she may, but losing Texas tonight will, imho, send her into a wormhole that she will never find her way out of....

Superman?

Ten straight victories, eleven if you count the out of the country voters. A blow-out in Wisconsin last night...and...now some political pundits suggest Hilary Clinton may have to win as much as 65 percent of the votes in the remaining primaries to get enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination. It certainly looks like Obama now has the upper hand. I won't declare victory at this time but it sure looks like Hilary Clinton's only chance is to complete a couple of "Hail Mary" passes...I haven't said much about the primaries up to this point but I have been following the this particular election year for some time now and decided to support Barack Obama about three weeks ago. I do find this particular election year the most interesting in my lifetime but am cautious because I have become increasingly cynical about politics as I have gotten older. So, why have I decided to jump on the Obama bandwagon? Probably, for some of the similar reasons a lot of other folks have stated. For me, the bottom line is that I think he has the "best chance" of bringing about some long needed changes on the political front. I think he has the best chance because Obama does represent a new "attitude" towards the political process. I am not talking about his message of hope but rather the general demeanor he has modeled during the campaign and the debates. Obama "genuinely", imo, repeatedly appears to acknowledge common ground with his opponents...and...I don't think it is a calculated political ploy on his part but I believe it is just the nature of his personality and worldview....Another bottom line...While Hilary and McCain obviously have a lot more experience than Obama I don't think their experience will be able to handle the gridlock in Washington as well as Obama's ability to work with others...and...I think Obama's oratory prowess will put pressure on congress to make some long needed changes...At this point I do believe Obama has all the momentum and I expect him to be the next president of the United States but whether he is able to bring about the kind of change he talks about will have to wait for the next chapter in the book. And,as much as I like Obama and find his message inspiring and his demeanor refreshing he is just a man and the power of the President is limited by the power of Congress and the will of the people...and...that is why our Presidents don't wear Superman capes or jump over tall buildings now matter how much we want or hope they can....

U-2/HD/3-D

I just got back from L.A. I drove down today to see the new U-2/HD/3-D concert. It was electrifying and inspiring. Nothing like seeing Bono and the rest of the band up close. I have never attended a live U-2 concert but I can't imagine I could get any closer to the action than I did tonight. At one point Bono and my hand touched, well kind of...Got to love those 3-D glasses. Old fashioned virtual reality...While the concert was the shortest U-2 concert I have seen to date, every song was a winner. No fluff, just pure energy from beginning to end. U-2 has again set the bar so high that all any other band can do at this time is look up and shake their head...in awe... and U-2 has again solidified their stranglehold on being the best live band on the planet. I just wish I could have shared this moment with someone. I couldn't get anyone to go so I went solo. Everything about the performance and the production was great. U-2 is at the top of their game right now and I don't know if they can get any higher...so...I recommend you checking this concert out because this kind of performance is so rare you might not see this kind of band again in your lifetime...I went down at noon to catch the early showing but it was already sold out so I had to occupy myself until the six o'clock showing...so...it was a long day...but a Beautiful Day...Thanks U-2...You never disappoint.

Blogging is in my blood

While I have been quiet lately in regards to posting anything on this particular blog my life has been anything but quiet. I won't bore you with the personal stuff but while I have not posted much here, lately, I have been working on two other blogs I intend to introduce in the weeks or months to come. I guess you could say that blogging is now in my blood. The new blogs will revolve around the "nature of relationships" and some of the influential books I have read...I haven't launched either blog yet because I am going to try a new strategy. I am writing and saving a number of blog entries before I launch the blogs, that way, I won't feel pressured to always write new material. I enjoy blogging but I don't like to feel like I "have" to keep up with blog entries and since I will have four blogs going at the same time I suspect it will be a challenge. I generally try to blog when I have the time and I "feel" like it, but that sometimes leads to no blog entries for weeks at a time which I don't like either...so...I'll see what happens with this new approach...

I have also been spending a significant amount of time experimenting with my new SLR camera. I am reading books, taking a class, and going out to take pictures. At the present time I don't have any pictures to share but when I do I'll probably post them over at my blog, Bilbo's World in Pictures

Regarding politics...I have been following the primaries, particularly the race between Obama and Clinton. I have decided to support Obama but I won't be crushed if he doesn't get the nomination because whoever is the next president is going to inherit some serious problems and I won't be surprised if the next president is booted out after only one term. My biggest fear is that the democrats will win and get blamed for the mess created by the last administration and the Republicans will come back with a vengeance in 2012. I admit this is a pessimistic approach to politics but I do feel strongly that the numerous problems we face as a nation are as serious as any time in recent history since the 1960's...I hope I am wrong by the way...Monday I am headed to L.A. with my two sons to see the new U-2 HD/3-D concert at the IMAX theater. I can't wait...In the meantime, I am heading out to take some pictures and I'll probably post something about the concert when I get back....