By Dove
Your culture is defined as a comprehensive system of shared, learned behaviors, beliefs, values, customs and artifacts that characterize a particular group of people, encompassing everything from language, art and food to social habits, laws and ideas, which are passed down through generations and provide a framework for understanding the world. Wow, that is a mouthful. When America was first conceived, it was based on the freedom to worship, to speak as you so desired with a common language being the dominant way of communication. Everyone who came to America worked to learn the language and become part of the whole; it was a matter of pride. So much has changed and the cohesiveness that it brought is no longer a standard. So, I asked, how do we become strong as a country without that bond? How do we create similar values of honesty, respect and self-responsibility when those values are not present in many of our leaders? This past Christmas I met a most interesting seven-year-old boy who explained to me that his family used to live in Southern California and their whole neighborhood gathered for the celebration of Christmas by doing a progressive dinner. Last year at this time, two of the houses in the neighborhood were robbed while they were all gathering at another house. This family now lives in central Oregon. The cities are becoming unsafe and that is not what America was founded on. I pray that we can rise above all the corruption that exists and those that want something for nothing can realize that their self-worth only suffers when they don’t earn their own keep. I pray that greed becomes an energy of the past and truth with justice exists as the way of being with yourself and all beings. I know this is a long stretch to go from where we are now to a place of balance in all things. But, if we don’t start being aware of the truth and continue to listen to false information rather than the truth within us, we will never feel safe. I want abundance, health, joy, laughter, truth and peace for all as we begin this new year. A seven-year-old should not have to be afraid of their home being robbed while they are gathering with friends. We have to stand for the environment we want. It will not be given to us by the powers that rule. Do your part. Now is the time. Many blessings now and always for your well-being. Dove
