The Divine Child

Today is Christmas, and as the western world celebrates --in some form or another-- the birth of the Christ Child, and the triumph of light over darkness, I am inspired to write about the Divine Child archetype. (BTW: Lots of videos in this post. Take your time; they're really sweet.) This archetype can seem a little inaccessible, but I'd like to point to some present-day examples that are a little easier to connect with.

NATIVITY by Patrick Q

I've always been drawn to Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell's work with archetypes. And I guess it was five years ago now that I obtained the Carolyn Myss book, Sacred Contracts, in which she rather blends an astrological chart system with a person's chosen 12 primary archetypes to learn about personality, life challenges, etc. Though I suspect she and ole C.J. might say that the archetypes choose the person. That's the "contracts" part: That you come into this life having previously made a contract of sorts for the kinds of things you're suited to do.
Five years ago, I took myself and this book off to Breitenbush Hot Springs during the Autumnal Equinox -- which also happens to be a women-only time and also happens to be a silent retreat time -- to spend the weekend working through the exercises in the book to discover my 12 archetypes. All there was to do there is eat, soak, rest, and read and write about archetypes. Rinse, repeat. There was blessedly none of the chit-chat at meals or anywhere else: "Where are you from? What workshop are you doing? I'm a social worker from Portland... wocka wocka wocka..." In the span of the weekend, I was able to stay focused, and "find" all 12 of my archetypes, which I may share about later.

Carolyn Myss theorizes that everybody has four main archetypes in the mix of the 12: Child, Victim, Saboteur, and Prostitute. And before that starts sounding questionable, it's important to think of archetypes as essentially neutral and capable of both positive and negative expression. Light and Shadow. Like electricity: It can light up a room or kill someone.

Wild Christmas Tree Star by nebarnix

The child is the most readily understandable of the four. Sacred Contracts identifies several variations in the child archetype, the Divine Child being just one of them. We were all children once, and depending upon how it went, Myss suggests we might identify with the following:

• Orphan
• Wounded
• Magical / Innocent
• Nature
• Divine
• Eternal Boy or Girl

She devotes an entire chapter to the child archetype, and provides descriptions of each type in an appendix, with information about myth, religion, movies and literature in which each archetype has been featured. She says that everyone has expressions of each of these aspects of the Child Archetype, though one is usually dominant for each person.

She says that the Divine Child is closely related to the Magical / Innocent Child (think The Little Prince or Shirley Temple), "but is distinguished from them both by its redemptive mission...The Divine Child is associated with innocence, purity, and redemption; godlike qualities that suggest that the Child enjoys a speical union with the Divine itself."

Infant of Prague by hollyziggy

There is, of course, the Christ child. Some have found parallels to the Egyptian god Horus, divine son of Isis and Osiris and Christ. In Buddhism, it is said that Siddhartha Gautama was born proclaiming the the cycle of birth and death was about to end. And not to leave out Jizo Bodhisattva, guardian of children, often pictured as a child-monk, and characterized by fearlessness and an undefended heart.

A person who has truly realized the principle of nonviolence has the God given strength for his weapon, and the world has not yet known anything that can match it.
~Gandhi

This is a powerful archetype to reveal itself in so many major religions -- such that it can be difficult to identify with. Myss proposes another example of an expression of the Divine Child archetype; someone currently living: The 14th Dalai Lama.

The movie Kundun portrays the Dalai Lama being found by the Tibetan Lamas, as a very young child he was drawn to them, and knew that certain personal items of the previous incarnation (even when placed among other very similar items) were "mine!"



The Dalai Lama has maintained his loving, open-hearted, childlike nature. Here he is talking about how interconnected we all are in the world, and how -- knowing this reality -- in the 21st Century, war is "outdated."

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."
-Carl Rogers

I appreciate this current-era example of the embodiment of the Divine Child archetype. One I would also add from the Christian tradition is none other than Mister Rogers.

Though he is no longer with us, the work of Mr. Fred Rogers embodies the Divine Child archetype. He was a Presbyterian minister, but once he saw television, he became very concerned with how it might be negatively impacting children, and said, "I went into television because I hated it so, and I thought there was some way of using this fabulous instrument to be of nurture to those who would watch and listen."

Here he is, single-handedly (single-heartedly?) winning back 10 million dollars for public television that was about to be cut by the Nixon administration in 1969:

I love it when he says, "Feelings are mentionable and manageable."

Here he is receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Emmys in 1997.

Taking ten seconds to invite everyone to think about those "who loved us into being," Mr. Rogers opens the hearts of an entire auditorium.

And if you haven't already, seriously, grab some kleenex before you watch this, his good-bye message upon his retirement.

Jung wrote about the humble origins that often characterize the Divine Child. Also its paradoxical vulnerability alongside its uncommon strength and power. Entering through the lowly mess and chaos of a baby, the clear message of selfless devotion, love and peace. Fred Rogers, armed only with the Truth of his loving heart, wins 10 million dollars for public television. And keeps telling us over and over that we're wonderful just the way we are. The Dalai Lama, continues to view the Chinese as special friends, or important teachers, and harbors no ill-will towards the Chinese, whose occupation has perhaps inadvertently caused a worldwide interest in Buddhism.

From Little Acorns Do Mighty Oak Trees Grow by HatHome

An acorn is another good symbol for the Divine Child. Within its seemingly tiny confines, it embodies all of the majesty of the oak tree. A miracle, if ever there was one.

Arctic Blast 2008!!! Okay, for reals this time...

This just might be a second week away from work -- except this week would be due to an actual weather event!
We got snow, then we got a quarter inch of ice, then another few inches of snow -- I am estimating about six inches of snow out there in my area, and Portland is just so ill-equipped for this! The place is just locked up, and I am hoping that those folks that are on the roads are really really needing to be there.
I had walked to the grocery store when the snow was about 2" deep, and we are still pretty well-stocked. I shoveled out sidewalks and some of the backyard so that Cody the geriatric wonder dog can get out and go potty.
Shoveling is great exercise. I can see why people have heart attacks doing it. It's hard to stop once you get started! Also, we are one of the few homes in the Portland metro-area that actually own a snow shovel. The only reason we do, is that it was a gift from our former neighbor across the street who had a hoarding problem. She moved, found that she had four of them, and was able to let one go.
But the most wonderful thing, aside from the obvious nearly 2-week break from work, is these boots:
They were purchased at Fred Meyer in the first round of stocking up. I had been coveting them for some time, and when I saw that they had my size, I tried them on, and it was like Cinderella. Seriously.

My neighbor measured 11" of snow in his front yard today. Next time I go out, I'll bring the tape measure.

Arctic Blast 2008!!!

Gosh it has been a while since I have posted.

Things have been busy with caregiving of Patrick and his post-surgeried foot with big, thumping cast. He has terrible balance to start with, so hopping around is not really a safe option. Hence two crutches at all times if he is to get around anywhere. So he's pretty much out of commission, and now I am realizing just how equitable our division of labor had been! Patrick says he has had a hard time accepting the generosity that his injury has required, but my experience is that he has been quite gracious.
THEN we are having what the Portland area news calls the "Arctic Blast." It has been mostly a lot of TV news bombast and drama-mongering, predicting a mix of snow, rain, and freezing rain, freezing on the roads in the mornings or the afternoon drive times. They've been saying this for the past four days. Now if it had actually happened, it would have been quite an event. It did happen one time four years ago, catching all the weather people completely off guard and shut Portland down in a solid sheet of ice for three full days. But it really hasn't happened this time. Just some gentle snow that gets a little melty in the afternoon.

The breathless predictions did result in my agency's E.D.'s decision to cancel THE ENTIRE WEEK of work. Yes, the entire week. I am giddy with this sudden powerball jackpot of at-home vacation time. Somebody said it was crazy for him to cancel so much in advance. To which I replied, "If by crazy, you mean COMPLETELY AWESOME, then yes!"


I was able to get out and do a big grocery shop, and even got my hair cut. I have been able to get to so many projects that have been languishing. I have done so many things of the rearranging-the-spice-rack caliber. And I've been making a nice breakfast lunch and dinner for us every day, keeping the house clean, and really enjoying the caregiving because I'm not worn out coming home from a full day of providing care elsewhere. I have also obtained and decorated the holiday tree, did the holiday cards (which turned out smashingly well I might add), and many other items of fabulousness.
So I like to say I am personally having an Arctic Blast. My friend Kayci says it's been anti-climatic. This will surely go down in agency lore -- Luxury Week 2008 -- or something like that. I have been enjoying it so much that I was starting to feel guilty about it. I had to talk that out. So now it's right back to awesome.

So here's a taste of Arctic Blast 2008!!! from my backyard. Enjoy:

The Paramitas and gratitude

In Autumn, our Sangha (the Buddhist word for "congregation") arranges to intensify our practice for a time known as "Ango."
Here is a wonderful description of what we are doing, cribbed totally from our "Head of Ango," who also happens to be my sweetie, Patrick. He wrote this for our Sangha's Facebook group:

We are about to enter our Autumn Practice Period, or "Ango". Ango begins Thursday November 6 and runs until December 18. It is an invitation to bring more practice into our life.

Ango, literally "peaceful dwelling," goes back to the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. During the rainy season, the wandering monks would come together for a time of increased meditation and discussion of the dharma. They must have felt a renewed connection to their Sangha as they all sat together with increased diligence.

So what does Ango mean for us? Typically, we make an increased practice commitment. It could be increased sitting at the Dharma Center, sitting zazen every day, mindfulness practices, chanting, mantra practice, or mindful eating. We will have a handouts for you to get ideas for things you might choose for Ango. Feel free to talk to one of the teachers or others for ideas.

The theme for Ango is the Six Paramitas, or "Perfections":

1. Generosity,
2. Ethical Living or Precepts,
3. Patience,
4. Diligence or Perseverence,
5. Concentration, and
6. Wisdom.
   

Dharma talks, readings and discussions will involve exploring the Paramitas and realizing them in our life.

So, please begin to ponder in the weeks ahead, "how will I invite more spiritual practice in my life?" "What commitment or practice vow will I make?" "What kind of support will I need?" Just as many of us can sit for longer periods or more still when we are together in the zendo, increasing our practice together can provide great support.

My own Ango commitment has included, as well as an increased home practice, a creative expression of each Paramita. This could manifest as a SoulCollage card, a blog entry, a photograph... anything.
We've been taking the Paramitas one per week, and have covered Generosity and Ethical Living. Here are the SoulCollage cards that have come from these:
Generosity. This card is inspired by something I read one time. I can't find it at all now. It wasn't The Giving Tree. It was some spiritual writing about generosity and giving, and how we sometimes can feel constricted, and often want to judge those to whom we give as "worthy" or "unworthy." We want to pick and choose to whom we are generous. Yet the pear tree, weighed down with fruit offers itself wholeheartedly and without any such condition. The pear tree gives freely. This was a vision that stuck with me, and I knew I had to have a pear tree in my generosity card.

Right Speech. I had initially gathered a bunch of images from the first Five Precepts, and thought I'd be putting them all in one card:

• Not to kill, but to cherish all life.
• Not to steal, but to respect the things of others.
• Not to lie, but to speak the truth.
• Not to misuse sexual energy, but to be honest and respectful.
• Not to misuse drugs and alcohol, but to keep the mind clear.

But it's kinda hard to get all that into one. So I looked and noticed that a few of the other Precepts deal with Right Speech too:

• Not to gossip about others, but to be understanding and sympathetic.
• Not to praise myself by criticizing others, but to work on my own shortcomings.
• Not to denigrate the Three Treasures, Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, but to cherish and uphold them.

I certainly know that this is an area I can always use some attention and focus on. I try to remind myself with a Gatha -- a verse to recite that returns us to mindfulness-- by Thich Nhat Hanh. This is taped to my bathroom mirror:

Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth,
I vow to speak purely and lovingly.
When my mouth is fragrant with right speech,
a flower blooms in the garden of my heart.

I am certainly practicing this, like everything else, imperfectly.

We are currently on Patience. Thich Nhat Hanh also has a book that outlines the paramitas as beautifully as anything. It's called the Heart of the Buddha's Teaching. He expands the definition of this paramita beyond this idea of patience, that can seem like so much foot-tapping, waiting, and just managing to tolerate a problem. He goes beyond patience and calls it inclusiveness. Inclusive like the Ocean is inclusive. Like the Earth is inclusive. Like Fire and Air are also inclusive, and completely non-judgmental, all having an infinite capacity to receive, embrace, and transform.

More on this later. I am brewing a card for this somehow. And it also wants to be connected to a concept I have the pleasure of teaching at work from DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) called Radical Acceptance.

But until then, something I stumbled on in our earlier focus on generosity was the connection to gratitude.

In order to prime the pump for generosity, we can focus on our gratitude, and pay attention to all that we have; appreciating this life. This can be dome in every moment by simply reflecting: "This is what is being given to me right now." For some, it helps to say, "This is what God is giving me right now." This is a way to have constant contact with one's Higher Power. Always there is the breath. Life. Always there are the senses. What amazing gifts they are, and how wonderful to be reminded to appreciate them. This opens the heart, and helps with that feeling (andsometimes posture) of constriction. And it can also be used in difficult times. Looking back, I can see how the most difficult times were actually powerful gifts. It is nice to step back and see everything as a gift.

My sweetie just had an injury to his Achilles tendon, requiring surgery, which he just had yesterday. I am so grateful that he is and will be OK, that his surgeon is so wise and skillful, and that I can take the time to take care of him. We are so outrageously blessed with a community of friends and loved ones, and were cushioned by so many well-wishes of love and light. And just walking around in this Thanksgiving air; it seems like I can feel the gratitude practices all around me. Even the TV news has been showing all these heart-warming stories of generosity and kindness. Why the hell don't they do that all the time??? I might actually watch it if they did!

So that's the main thing. Grateful for the good fortune and comfort we enjoy. Grateful for a new presidential administration that may just allow more Americans to enjoy the same kind of comfort that comes from having health coverage. Grateful for my spiritual practice. Grateful for my home and my elderly dog, and old-lady kitty. A gratitude list can go on infinitely. I can be grateful for my tennis shoes and these cute arm-warmers my friend Dawn-- aka bamboolioness --made for me (and matching hat!). Check out her etsy shop. A sweet and gentle artist who is creating these lovelies from the last-chance content in the bins of the Goodwill.

And HOLY CRAP I actually won the drawing that my friend Tay was holding this month! I can't believe I won a piece of her stunning and wonderful jewelry! It's funny because even though I totally forgot about having entered the drawing, this morning I decided to wear a pair of earrings made by her (they are teeny little hammered metal bells with teeny little freshwater pearls that make them ring gently and non-annoyingly right in my ears). You MUST peruse her website at Honey & Milk. Also her etsy shop here. She is also an amazing artist and an awake and traveled soul.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Body as Body

I've picked up attention to the body again. It seems I'd put that away for a time, after a few years of participation on a highly competitive dragon boat team.


The time demands for that and for deepening Zen practice was leaving little room for niggling details like work and going to the bathroom.
But as I've started to become alarmingly dependent upon my elastic-waisted yoga pants for daily wear, and noticing a very bad attitude towards work creeping in, it is clear that there is a major element of self-care missing from my repertoire. Exercise.

I do not mean the kind that you picture a person at the gym in some cute outfit sweating profusely. I just don't push myself that hard (well, unless I'm on a team), and I have learned that is not even necessary or realistic when I am exercising alone. I am talking about gentle, steady, regular, loving body movement.

Children and dogs respond so beautifully to structure and routine, and the fact is, us grown-up people are no different. So I am mothering myself with a gentle structure for adding in some exercise on a very slow and steady incline.
I started by checking out one of the *free* yoga classes at my gym, which is on my way home from work at a perfect time. I have committed to one night a week for that. Even though it is not the awesome and spiritual experience from my very favorite yoga instructor at the fancy studio a mile and a half away, my body actually does not care one whit! My body was seriously grateful.

And... given that Monday is Camp Laura Day, there is no reason for me not to go to open practice on the dragon boats every Monday morning at 9am. Open practice is aptly named. It's open to anybody who wants to just show up and paddle for an hour on the Willamette. It's hosted by the Golden Dragons, the team made up of seniors 50 and older, whose median age is something like 70 (They have an 82-year-old who may be throwing off the curve).
This fabulous arrangement does not require membership on a team, commitment to go to any races, or even the expectation to work very hard. Competitive team practices used to include a break about halfway through, in which we'd hear various announcements about technique, practice, working harder, race logistics, proper diet and hydration.

These open practices also stop halfway through for announcements. The two or even three (!) boats full of seniors will stop paddling, grab hold of each others' boats, then a call goes up for any announcements. Moments later, someone will stand, get everyone's attention, and then tell an old-people joke. Usually the punchline gets repeated a couple times down the boat for those hard of hearing.

The two women sitting behind me absolutely never stopped chatting for the entire hour of practice. They were undeterred by drills, closed-eye exercises, race pieces, or even the announcements!

So that's Monday mornings.

And that's it so far. That's enough. Yoga once a week, gentle paddling with the elders once a week, and anything else is just bonus. I am not a person who can get away with not exercising. They've done studies pitting very gentle -- like 20 minutes of walking 3x per week -- exercise against prozac, and exercise won.

Duh.

There's no way for me to have any clarity of mind and heart without moving this body. It's actually amazing for me to consider almost no difference between moving the body and loving the body. I have come such a long way!

Cody at the Beach

Just a new video of our dear geriatric Cody. I think he has to open his eyes wide to try to see around the cataracts. He is doing remarkably well, and I believe he will be 16 in about February, if we all can survive his deadly and nearly constant gas.We spent some post-election R&R at Rockaway Beach. We dearly love the little Silver Sands motel for its cozy basics, kitchenettes, pet-friendly ways, and of course, the sound of the Ocean all day and night.

Yes We Can!

Today I am so... relieved, surprised, proud, happy, hopeful.



I am so happy for us as a nation. So happy for -- and with -- African Americans today. We as a nation really were dancing in the streets last night. We really were!

"Metta Cranes Assembly" by Roy Goodwin

On a more serious note, I want to join my own practice of metta -- wishing all beings to be safe, at peace, happy, and free from suffering -- with the fervent prayers of all the Sunday-hatted Black ladies across this nation to protect our president-elect, Barack Obama. The prayers and well-wishes of all of us will surely be the virtual Pope-mobile I have been offering to contribute to since Barack first spoke to the Democratic National Convention in 2004.

Additionally, to our new First Lady, Michelle Obama. What a strong woman. I am so excited to see how she will use this world stage to advance causes of healing and connection. One thing is for sure -- she will bring grace and intelligence to her role.

I am so glad we now have a President we no longer have to apologize to the world for. Remember?

What a contrast. This video made me cry. Finally. I realized I have been holding my breath, and holding back a large amount of hope. I am so grateful to all those who worked their asses off for this, and who simply voted.



It IS a beautiful day today.