Clary Sage EO

Clary Sage is extracted by steam distillation from the buds and leaves of the Salvia Sclarea plant. It is believed to be native to Europe and has been highly praised as a medicinal plant throughout history, owing particularly to its numerous benefits for eye health and vision.
A close relative of garden sage, sometimes called “Muscatel Oil”, due to its use for this traditional flavouring.

The chief components are Sclareol, Alpha Terpineol, Geraniol, Linalyl Acetate, Linalool, Caryophyllene, Neryl Acetate and Germacrene-D. Clary means clear, Sage wisdom.
The oil was and still is primarily used as an eye cleanser. However it has many other medicinal applications

Antidepressant: can boost self esteem, confidence, hope and mental strength, thereby efficiently fighting depression, whether due to failures in career or personal life, insecurity, loneliness, stagnation, death of a friend or loved and many other reasons. Relieves anxiety, it can be systematically administered to depression sufferers undergoing rehabilitation.

Anti convulsive: calms, sedates tense nerves, brings peace of mind and reduces convulsions, whether their epileptic or from another nervous or mental condition or disorder.

Antispasmodic: It relaxes nerve impulses and doesn’t allow uncontrollable spasms to occur so is an effective treatment for spasms, muscle, including respiratory system cramps, spasmodic coughs, stomach aches, headaches and spasmodic cholera.

Antibacterial: kills bacteria and fungi, curbs growth and spread of bacterial infections and protects against new infection. Particularly beneficial in curing bacterial infections in the colon, intestines, urinary tract and excretory system. Equally effective in inhibiting harmful bacteria entering our body through water or food.

Antiseptic: Applied topically prevents wounds becoming septic or infected with tetanus. It can protect the body during surgical recovery in all varieties of wounds.

Aphrodisiac: Boosts libido and feelings of sexual desire, very effective in treating frigidity, psychological problems resulting in loss of libido, and even impotency. Effective in males and females, it affects the hormones by increasing testosterone levels, which in turn increases interest in sexual activities and apparently performance.

Astringent:It's astringent properties strengthen gums, it also strengthens and tones the skin, muscles and hair follicles, preventing/minimising hair loss. It functions as an antioxidant by tightening up skin sagging due to free radicals present in the body.

Skin Health: it contains an ester called linalyl acetate, which reduces skin inflammation and heals rashes, it balances and regulates the production of natural oils in the skin, reducing both oily and dry skin making skin look younger. Recommended to be used directly, or mixed into a carrier oil to facilitate maximum absorption and effect.

Carminative: Can eliminate gas quickly, through flatulence, which reduces bloating. It also inhibits the formation of gas.

Emmenagogue: If you are having troubles with irregular, obstructed or painful menses or menopause, try Clary Sage before seeing a gynaecologist. It has no adverse side effects but simply stimulates the opening of obstructed menses, while easing pain. It also cures dizziness and mental irritation during periods and helps regulate them. Excellent for treating Post Menopause Syndrome. It reduces the symptoms and negative effects associated with menstruation like cramping, bloating, mood swings and food cravings by balancing hormone that can run rampant during this time.

Euphoric: Can induce feelings of immense joy, confidence, pleasure, high spirits and fill one with the desire to live life to the fullest. Frequently used to cure depression, chronic stress and anxiety.

Hypotensive: is the antonym of Hypertensive. Very effective in reducing blood pressure by relaxing the veins and arteries, which reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis and brain haemorrhaging. Reduces blood pressure, widens the blood vessels allowing increased circulation, increased oxygenation to muscles and the organ systems, which boosts their and overall metabolic performance.

Nervine: Sedates nervous convulsions, nervousness, vertigo, anxiety and hysteria.

Sedative: Reduces inflammations, has an undeniably calming effect. Gives great comfort from chronic stress or anxiety disorders.

Stomachic: Heals ulcers and wounds in the stomach. Stimulates efficient absorption of nutrients, digestion of food and regulation of bowel movements. It protects the integrity of your colon and reduces the chance of serious gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer.

Deodorant: An efficient deodorant without side effects. It is natural and the effects last.

Digestive: promotes and speeds digestion, relieves indigestion, boosts the secretion of gastric juices and bile, relieves cramping, bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Uterine: helps to maintain good health of the uterus before and after menopause, including uterine tumors, bleeding, and pain, it regulates hormones reducing chances of uterine and ovarian cancer.

Other Benefits: Can battle addiction (particularly drugs) and stimulate a change in mentality towards a positive approach to life. It is anti-inflammatory, can treat back aches and joint pain. It regulates excess sebum production, preventing acne from forming. Eases labour by reducing pain.

A Few Words of Caution: It's relaxant, sedative nature can enhance the intoxicating effects of alcohol and other narcotics. Heavy dosage can cause headaches. Pregnant or nursing women are often advised to avoid using it, though it is highly recommended to have a bottle handy for the actual birth!

Blending: Lemon, Lime, Orange all citrus, Lavender, Pine, Juniper, Geranium, Sandalwood, Jasmine and Frankincense.

An Unexpected Love - a piece by Heli St Luce

I fell in love with my body today

Stopped looking at it for a moment through the world's eyes

That compare and judge, criticise, condemn and despise

I felt it's strength of muscle and bone

The warmth of my skin, it's shades, it’s tones

The fact that it takes by yielding gives in receiving, soft, lush, pliable

I liked for the first time in all my years that my hands

Sink into my tummy and almost disappear

Hands that shape, mould, strain

To re create that which has been destroyed, build it up again

These hands encircled and cradled

As praise for the way that they pull me through the haze

They form order in the chaos and soothe the craze

My hands in my tummy are stroked as they stroke, held as they hold

My body is amazing.

If I think of all the things it can do. How it carries this heavy mind in warmth

My body is an angel to me

For though it's very visible it's something that I rarely see

I don't want to look and when I do, I see, to my ire

It doesn't fit the perfect shape to which I should aspire. It's wrong.

It reflects my love of the sedentary, the imaginary, it reflects my love of food

It's skin shows; that my ancestors were, (and still are by some)

thought of as animals or lesser, lower beings,

Some assume I'm stupid and can't access finer feelings

My hair shows that despite these beliefs, many of the higher order

Were very keen to fuck those of the animals they didn't work to death or slaughter.

My body has shapes that don't fit, can't sit, over fill, stretch and strain

But it makes love and it cuddles and it laughs so loud,

It has hairs where they choose to grow a silly fact of which I‘m proud

It's is not perky but it is firm, it’s cushioned, fleshy, squishy

It is a body of the most  ancient Goddess figurines

For many thousand years this body was a worshipped form

From the honour to this body some say the earliest societies were born

It is a primeval woman's body not a maiden's, nor a boys

It can only hope to be loved by a fearless warrior for the Goddess

One who embraces peril and adventure for their joys

Who holds their breath to plumb the depths, strives to rise to fresher skies on an unknown shore

These and many mysteries my body holds in store.

Today I fell in love with my body

The feeling faded after a short time, drawn away by thoughts, reverie, contemplation

But it felt so good, those few short moments of internal animation

I'm going to do it again as soon as I may, it comes unbidden,

I hope it stays

Copaiba EO

Copaiba has long been used in traditional and folk medicine. In Panama, the Yaviza people mix the resin with honey and give it to newborns to impart knowledge and ward off hexes.

The balsam and its oil are used as fixatives in soap, perfumes and fragrances.
Copaiba is also used by artists especially in oil paint recipes and ceramic decoration. Mineral painters use a medium of copaiba, turpentine and lavender to mix with minerals for adhesion to ceramic vessels before kiln firing. Copaiba helps with both adhesion and quality of shine.

The balsam may be steam distilled to give copaiba oil, a colorless to light yellow liquid with the characteristic odour of a balsam and an aromatic, slightly bitter, pungent taste.

The thick, transparent exudate varies in color from light gold to dark brown, depending on the ratio of resin to eo. The stimulant oleoresin (essential oil and resin) is obtained from the trunk of several pinnate-leaved (arranged on each side of a common axis) South American trees (genus Copaifera).  It is used in making varnishes and lacquers.

Copaiba is curently being investigated as a source of biodiesel, due to it's high yield of 12,000 liters of oleresin per hectare. The resin is tapped from standing trees, with an individual tree yielding 40 liters per year.

The health benefits of copaiba come from the powerful, active components  consisting mainly of terpenes, which are hydrocarbons -organic mixture of hydrogen and carbon. These have significant effects on the functioning of the body. The effects of the terpenes found in copaiba are extremely beneficial to our health.

Consumption of this potent oil should be supervised by a 'professional' or it can cause stomach issues. Fortunately, allergies or sensitivity are rare. It can be used topically and diffused. 

Skin: it is astringent, it’s active components literally tighten the skin and even strengthen it which prevents lesions or wounds as the body ages, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles, which can make one look younger!

Not only does it protect and physically change the skin, it also heals and infuses the body with powerful nutrients and organic compounds that given a little time, eliminate blisters, marks, and pimples. It is often topically applied to scars to speed healing and reduce visibility.

Respiratory Health: When inhaled, the anti-inflammatory, soothing nature of the oil, is famed for easing discomfort. It loosens tensed muscles and glands which can cause irritation. As well as having soothing qualities which can ease pains caused by coughing, it is expectorant which uses said coughing  to rid the body of mucus.

Pain Relief: This wonderful analgesic, when applied, reduces pain, loosens muscles, eliminates joint pain, and even eases headaches and migraines.

Eliminate Infection: Strongly antibacterial copaiba is a major boost for the immune system. It acts as a shield for the skin, protects wounds from developing infection and can protect and buffer internally, by eliminating harmful bacteria and micro organisms from the inside!

Anxiety and Mood: it is often used to lighten the spirits and improve mood. There aren’t many essential oils with such a sweet, pleasant, rich honey aroma. The combination of scent and its gentle effects on hormonal balance can significantly improve your day.

Diuretic: Can cleanse and detoxify the system by stimulating urination. This diuretic effect can help everything from incontinence to bed wetting

Antifungal: eo effective as an anti fungal agent are rare, the unique terpene structures in copaiba eo significantly speed up the healing process and protect against future infections of athlete’s foot or any sort of (nail) fungus.

Lowers Blood Pressure: boosts heart health, reducing one's chances of a heart attack or stroke. It's anti-inflammatory, soothing nature can relieve tension and strain in blood vessels, allowing blood pressure to drop and the strain to disperse from the cardiovascular system. This helps prevent atherosclerosis, one of the leading causes of strokes and coronary heart disease.

Adding copaiba to any aromatherapy or eo regimen is a very wise choice.

Generally, this essential oil is very safe, it is also one that Indiginous peoples recommend for internal use – Please always consult a knowledgeable practitioner

Essential Oils (EO)

'An EO is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it contains the "essence of" the characteristics of the plant from which it is derived.'

Pure essential oils (EO) are commonly used in perfume and beauty products, also in the manufacturing, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The average citizen is widely palmed off with inferior, manufactured, synthetic substitutes.

EO can influence the atmosphere. It has been scientifically proven that EO affect humans on energetic, physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and aesthetic levels. Using EO is a means of regaining control of an important, possibly nebulous but tangible aspect of your personal space.

The destruction of our natural environment and multinationals (e.g. Monsanto) attempts to control natural resources threaten our access to these gifts of nature.

It is most important to note than only 100% pure EOs have any medicinal properties. 99% nature identical oils may smell fantastic however they have no healing properties whatsoever! Pure EO can be used in the home to replace many if not all; household, cleaning, beauty and health products.

EO are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam. Other processes include expression, solvent extraction, absolute oil extraction, resin tapping and cold pressing. They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products, for flavouring food and drink, and for adding scents to incense and household cleaning products.

The earliest recorded mention of the techniques and methods used to produce EO is believed to be that of Ibn al-Baitar (1188–1248), an Andalusian physician, pharmacist and chemist' 

 Most (internet) research dates EO use back to 4500 B.C.E. amongst the Egyptians. They included aromatic herbs in religion, cosmetics and medicines and were renowned for their knowledge of cosmetology, ointments and aromatic oils. The most famous of their herbal preparations “Kyphi” was a mixture of 16 ingredients that could be used as incense, perfume or medicine.

'However it is important to realize that almost without exception the apparatus, substances, and procedures of this art originate before the Arab alchemists of the Middle Ages and even before the grand synthesis of Alexandrian alchemy. The apparatus used in Neolithic (and in some cases Paleolithic) Mesopotamian cooking, perfumery, ceramics, and metallurgy include all kinds of containers, sieves, ovens, furnaces and fires, also mortars, pestles and grinders of all types. Along with these apparatus were an enormous range of procedures including distillation and sublimation.'

 'EOs were used medicinally in history. Medical applications proposed by those who sold/sell medicinal oils range(d) from skin treatments to remedies for cancer often based solely on historical accounts of the use of EOs for these purposes. Claims for the efficacy of medical treatments, and treatment of cancers in particular, are now subject to regulation in most countries.

As the use of EOs has declined in evidence-based medicine, one must consult older textbooks for much information on their use. Modern works are less inclined to generalize; rather than refer to "EOs" as a class at all, they prefer to discuss specific compounds within an oil, e.g. methyl salicylate, rather than the 'whole oil' in this case "wintergreen".

Interest in EOs has revived in recent decades with the popularity of aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine that claims that EOs and other aromatic compounds have curative effects.'

There is an increasing amount of scientific research and evidence which has proven the efficacy in a range of treatments of individual EOs e.g. the work done by Gattefosse in the second world war using lavender oil particularly, to treat wounded soldiers, I found 7 different scientific documents on the on cinnamon oil alone*.

Oils are volatilized or diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage, diffused in the air, heated, or burned as incense.

Some oils (I have been taught, also in my opinion and personal experience) can be safely ingested. The general consensus though, is that they are only for external use.

EO can ease a wide assortment of ailments and relieve the discomforts of many health problems; aches, pains, and injuries. Many of the oils have powerful anti viral, anti fungal, antibacterial and antibiotic qualities and unlike pharmaceutical drugs, they leave no dangerous toxins in the body.

My empirical belief is that EOs can be relaxing, uplifting, calming, pain relieving, sedating and/or stimulating. They restore physical and emotional well being. There is at least one EO that can affect anything the human body experiences. 

Almost all EO can be used safely if properly diluted as necessary. Having knowledge is the key to safe usage.

Concentrated substances are rarely intended for use “as is” and EOs are no different. There is rarely a time when you would not want to dilute the potency of an EO, by adding a drop (or more) to a carrier (oil). This provides a good medium to absorb the oil into the skin and spreads the oil over the skin effectively. It is also possible to inhale EO. The perfume tone* used will dictate how frequently it would need to be repeated. EO can also be diluted in hydrosol/flower waters, pure or mixed with colloidal silver and/or plain water (I live in the NL so our tap water is excellent and unadulterated – check the quality of your tap water and use bottled or filtered water if in doubt)

.25% Dilution (1 drop per 20mls of carrier oil) – for sick children between 6 months and 6 years you may increase up to.50% if needed. For children under 2 hydrosols and/or herbs are usually the best choice.

1% dilution (1 drop per teaspoon (5mls) of carrier oil; 5-6 drops per 30 mls 1 fl.oz) – for children over age 6, pregnant women, the elderly, people with sensitive skin, compromised immune system, serious health issues. Also for massaging over a large area of the body.

2% dilution (2 drops 5mls of carrier oil; 10-12 drops per 30mls) – ideal for most adults and in most situations. A good dilution for daily skin care.

3% dilution (3 drops per 5mls of carrier oil; 15-18 drops per 30mls) – for short-term use with a temporary health issue, se.g. muscle injury or respiratory congestion. Up to 10% dilution is fine, depending on the health issue, the age of the person and the oils

25% dilution (25 drops per 5mls of carrier oil; 125-150 drops per 30mls) – very occasionally would a dilution of this strength is warranted, for a muscle cramp, bad bruising, or severe pain.

Using oils “neat” (undiluted) – Lavender is one of a few EOs that can be used neat. A bug bite, burn, or sting, might be a good reason to use Lavender neat. Great knowledge and great caution need to applied before choosing to use EO undiluted, some individuals can experience irritation, sensitivity even burning with neat EO.

Edited from wikipedia, books by Julia Lawless, Valerie Ann Worwood, internet pdf's on essential oils and Mesopotamian Origins and the Material Discipline March 2009
* research conducted amongst others at the National Taiwan University.

Alwareness July 2016

Juli : Ontwaken
Ontwaken in het hier en nu. Wie ben ik, wat ga ik doen, wat kan ik voor de mensheid betekenen? Blijf ik wakker of ga ik weer slapen?

Who am I, What do I want to do or be? These are all questions that I have been busy with my whole life. Wat kan ik voor de mensheid betekenen? Was never a question that I bothered with. Why would I want to 'mean' or 'do something' for mankind? Man kind is for me an archetypal example of the 'White Mind World' operating, by defining everyone else by describing them self. Man type literally. That wasn't and isn't me, nor is it something I desire or wish to achieve. Cos the only thing that man kind has brought me was a distrust of my body, my thoughts and myself as having any value.

The Blijf ik wakker bit from this month's theme I found irritating, patronising and contradictory. Am I going to stay awake assumes that people already are, which implies that if you are not you should be. Of ga ik weer slapen says that you've been asleep, so how does that fit with the being awake part. So which ever it is I find them both wrong but not quite in the way that is intended perhaps. - Just a little Lennie point. Lets move on!

I can't tell you who I am, I can't tell you 'what' or 'how' it is to be big, physically overtly gender attributable, black, 1.73 or any of the things that most people react to. I can only tell you my experiences, my reactions or responses to those experiences and the conclusions I have drawn from all three.

Strangers tend to react to one's appearance. That is a great word, how you appear – to them. Which means that it is only an indicator of what people see and the conclusions they draw. Someone who is fat because they have dropsy or a thyroid issue will still be judged as greedy and lazy.

How do we find out who we are, if we are not prepared to accept the judgements, opinions, wishes that others make? How do you choose what to be or do, if you don't know who you are? Those are the questions that just about governed my life to around about a certain moment.

Since embracing the life philosophy of the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin lots of things have become much clearer and a helluva lot easier.

My function, the reason I was born - and by extension all of us, is to discover, accept and allow my unique talents, then find a way to live true to them and most importantly, to learn how to be happy (through doing this)*. A very specific kind of happiness – indestructible happiness, which is based on a solid life philosophy, in which wisdom and reality are fused within the individual allowing the Buddha state to manifest.

The attributes of the Buddha are; courage, compassion, wisdom, life force and joy. When the Buddha state is manifest, the attributes are unavoidable – I like all of the attributes.

The best thing about this philosophy is that the third part of the theme questions – that I never saw a need to recognise is also answered.

So, from this specific philosophical standpoint. I have the potential to be a Buddha, I am going to manifest that potential, the by-products of which are enlightenment, happiness, courage, compassion wisdom, life force and joy and by becoming happy and living true to myself, I give everyone around me permission to do the same. Not only that, but with the Buddha's attributes I have the ability to actively help all the people around me to achieve the same.

About the happiness bit. Indestructible happiness is not the absence of problems, issues and challenges it is the knowledge that one can overcome anything that the universe might choose to throw in one’s direction.

And as for the asleep awake bit – I sleep when I need to and whenever I can, cos it's nice to be able to sleep whenever one needs. As for the staying awake – Don't you know that that is a recognised torture?

*People say “Well that's all very well but what about the physcopaths and peoples who's talent is in killing”

Firstly, finally, quintessentially, the question(s), the focus, the locus of this philosophy I; In Lennie terms: “How the fuck is it your business unless you are one. Are you?”

The point is that every single, human entity being has the potential to be a Buddha (inside them) – this is the theory of the Ten Worlds http://myanimagodessblog.blogspot.nl/2016/02/the-ten-worlds.html

Percy Dens made a real great addendum to this piece when I read it (differently) on the radio tonight. In my own words (then followed by a quote from Minxy McNaughty).

Some may see joy as a destination, when in fact it is a motor for the journey

Share the joy!

Alwareness June 2016

I was very interested to discover in a tv series that suicide is not illegal in Germany and hasn't been since the 17^th century. Coming from and having in lived in countries where the illegality of taking your own life is a foregone conclusion, I realised that notion had always raised questions and resistance within me. Why is it not OK to decide when you are done with life?

The episode in the quick chasing, high octane series, dealt with a young woman who in revenge for her younger brothers suicide after bullying by a group of popular young people sets out to bully them into doing the same. Because she only tells them that everyone will know their darkest secret(s) and gives information e.g. how to make a noose or the best ways to kill yourself, what she is doing cannot be seen as threatening them and because suicide is legal the police cannot prosecute her. The sub tone of the episode, which was of course partly funded by an American production company was of course, that the notion of suicide being legal is somehow wrong and irresponsible.

Obviously, I do not agree. I think denying people the right to decide whether their life is worth living is wrong. One of the main reasons of course is because it is an OMG concept and I am diametrically opposed to anything the monotheistic religions or the state advocate that restrict personal freedom without the protection of other human beings as the basis. I don't see how making an attempt to kill yourself illegal protects other people.

I do hope that no one is thinking but, it protects people from being emotionally hurt. Because that would be a stupid reason for making a law and clearly an idea that has no precedent or basis in any justice system currently in existence.

I don't remember the first time I felt that there was something seriously amiss with the way that the world worked and operated. I know that it was during some horrid event where it was clear that an adult was being hideously unfair and that there was no one who would stick up for me. and that being a child was on the one hand no protection and on the other invalidated any of my efforts at self defence.

I do know that I couldn't have been more than 5 when it became clear that most adults were not only stupid and ignorant but also ignore ant, mean, selfish and untrustworthy. This was confirmed by a wonderful nun called sister Philomena, who remains a top example of the exception that can prove a rule. I seem to remember that she was a different kind of nun to the others – she had been in the world and then chosen to retreat and dedicate her life to helping 'fallen women' and their children.

To this day I strongly feel that there is something (a foundation and framework that is) life denying, oppressive, inhumane and generally destructive in (the structures of) our society. It seems as if in total contrast to the supposed messages of peace and love that abound we are constantly being encouraged, directed, steered and pushed into displaying and living by the most bestial of our traits and abilities.

For this reason I term myself a Liberationist, which means that I do not follow any particular theoretical line of thought. Probably anarchism comes closes to what I believe but as a practising Buddhist of deep faith I think that Mahayana Buddhism and the theoretical groundings of anarchism have pretty much the same aim and objective.

My goal is to dismantle literally – un-clothe and take apart the systems and thoughts of behaviour within individuals that keep them enslaved. Most people seem to be enslaved to – materialism, self hatred, fear of 'the other', belief and/or assumptions of superiority. Most of these are rooted in the belief in a One Man God and adherence to the rules the OMG proscribes.

I think that only one of the ten commandments has any real value and stands up to a rigorous examination, that is the rule that from the moment it was passed down has neither within or outside of the bounds of the nation and/or laws of the Israelites has been adhered to – 'Though shalt not kill'. An unequivocal, simple, humanistic law on which to found, frame and shape a community/society.

Have you seen pictures of 'priests' blessing the weapons (and pretty much anything else)?

http://www.pravmir.com/the-church-and-weapons/

http://epicpew.com/25-pictures-that-prove-orthodox-priests-will-bless-anything/

How soon after Moses came down with the tablets did the Israelites start killing? It has continued unabated ever since. I think maybe it will not end until there are enough people prepared to die rather than do violence to another human being......

Am I one of them? I'm not sure. Are you?

Alwareness May 2016 - Being yourself...?!

The theme this month is long and drawn out 

  

Being yourself – What is that? Why is it important? It's importance, How do you do that? How we think has a great influence on our lives, positive or negative, personal or collective

That's huge, complicated and in many ways unhelpful. I narrowed it down to:

Being yourself. What does that mean? Why is it important? Or rather is it important?

I think it can be argued that being yourself could be to your detriment in the current society, if you are relatively, moderately or possibly even completely satisfied with your life.

If you are a slavish follower of fashion, think that the size of your body is more important that it's health, that others finding you beautiful is more important than how you treat people, if you believe economics, have set opinions about other religious beliefs, genders, groups of people, if you think some nationalities or ethnicities are superior to others, if you are a deeply religious subscriber to the OMG doctrines (One Man God), if you believe that western society is the best on offer at the moment, or if you believe that you live in a secular democracy or meritocracy then possibly you would be very ill advised to get to know yourself. You are contented being one of the sheep!

Self knowledge is only something for the much despised goats in Christians mythology. Those who go against the grain. Those who think that there is a purpose beyond breeding to life. The ones who are pained by what they see in the world around them and wish to find another way. Self knowledge is for the desperate, the unhappy, the depressed, the non violent crazies.

New age philosophies are always propounding the ideal of love as the means to save everything and everyone. It is a much touted and little practised Christian concept. How often do you see Christians demonstrating that love conquers all? When have you seen in practise on a political or international level from supposed Christian countries that love, unconditional love of course, is the answer?

The people who propagate this ideal are in general over privileged. Have only ever wanted, never needed, been denied but never had to do without. Grew up with the knowledge of opportunity and availability rather than scarcity, unavailability and being dis-encouraged.

There is lots of love in this world, huge amounts on constant display. Genuine, abiding, deep and fervent love. Love has changed nothing, improved nothing and brought nothing except more two leggeds, animals treated better than people, vegetables treated better than animals. Supposed equalisations that only create more suffering.

What this world needs is more courage, compassion and wisdom. Courage is the most noble and admirable of all human virtues. Through true courageousness we acquire compassion. Courage and compassion engender (or the child of courage and compassion is) wisdom.

When one is truly courageous, one is driven to the defence of one's personal sense of justice. To be truly courageous one needs to know oneself

Most people define the things that are important to them by comparison. Comparing inevitably creates some kind of a hierarchy. This is to do with the way our minds have been programmed.. Westerners and those brought up in a OMG (One Man God) ideology are trained to see things in duality. There is a grudging lip service to the idea of trinity but this is firmly in second place to the highest single point of order – the One Man God.

This ideology is mirrored in society, a single person usually a man at the top and when a woman her modus operandi shows how constructed the notion of gender is. Men are forced to take the lead, be strong, emotionless in control. They retain this power and position even when they choose to name themselves women. (Cis) women waver in the power structure somewhere between and under boys and gay men

Self help philosophies define life with the Mahayana Buddhist concept that the purpose of life is to learn how to be happy. Which raises the question, what is happiness?

When the point is learning, lessons are the usual method. It is generally agreed that trial, failure and re trial works. Only those within whom the idea of an all pervasive perfection constantly surrounding them will expect (as most of our children and ourselves seem to do) to get anything right the first time they try.

Very occasionally, we all have those moments when it is as if some new action or task is coming back to us, as though we have done it before. Or the times (as children to young adulthood, then increasingly rarely with age) when absorbing something new is effortless.

The One Man God is the all pervasive perfection that constantly surrounds us. Unlike the Goddess/Earth it is a standard impossible for humans to reach. We are told that it is striving for that perfection that is important. Trying to be perfect is all that matters. However if you are trying to be something else it is impossible to understand that our humanity is perfection in and of itself.

Life itself is perfection. We are constantly reflected back to ourselves in myriad, wonderful ways just observe the planet, nature and animals. That is the Goddess. Perfection on a Earth bound, human scale is the awareness that the notion of perfection in reality is trial, error, cause and effect.

Anyone who seeks for something above and beyond an Earth bound, human scale, communicating through a pyramidal structure is actually only in search of a way to enslave their fellows.

The church from it's inception has been designed to restrict and control the masses. To instil fear, subservience, a sense of helplessness, need, dependence.

When I speak of the church I am not referring to the teachers whose words have been (trans)formed to create rigid structures. I refer to the bodies defining and maintaining those rigid structures

A good OMG believer rejects the idea of self actualisation – which is what everyone at radio Alwareness is encouraging and busy with. That is what we believe will save the world and for that Self knowledge is essential