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Initially, i wrote about my life. Now, i see that
my life and my writing are inseparable. Certain events i write about
before they occur. There are things i write of and make happen, yet
others i merely foresee. In these cases, i don't understand what
i’m truly writing until time passes. Many different forces stimulate
my writing. Sometimes those forces come from with-out, sometimes
with-in, sometimes both.
Like anyone, my experiences range from positive, to negative,
to neutral. In difficult times, writing relieves a lot of stress,
helping me plan and sort things out. Extreme experiences, even those
which could be seen as negative, can create works of art which balance
out, and often surpass, the circumstance itself. Open Book is an
example of this.
I have arranged this book in accordance with the Chakra
System. The Chakra System is designed to define and describe the
seven major energy centers that emanate with-in and from the human body.
Each of these seven centers corresponds to a particular light wave (color),
sound wave, vertebrae, ductless gland, ganglion body (nerve bundle), and
personality attributes, to name a few links. Each chakra is represented
here as a chapter.
When energy is flowing properly through the chakras in
a human body, a person usually feels the sensation of peace, harmony, or
alignment. When one or more of the chakras is out of balance, it
disrupts the entire individual. Besides causing the physical release
of chemicals through the corresponding glands, it also disrupts the individual
on an emotional, intellectual and spiritual level. It was the knowledge
of this inter-connectedness of my be-ing that led me to practice regular
meditation. My life has changed because of it.
The peace i’ve gained from learning about my chakras
is the main reason i choose to arrange my book by them. To those
versed in the chakra system, i hope my writing is justifiable. To
those unfamiliar, it is an honor to introduce you. May it move you
as much as me. (More information on the Chakra System can be located
at any major bookstore or library system.)
I’ve spent most of my life pursuing religious theories
in search of a way to define truth for my-self. I have observed numerous
practices, rituals, and ceremonies in different religions. I have
visited various houses of worship within cultures. I studied over
ten major world religions to attain my degree in Religious Studies, but
it was learning about the Chakra System (Parapsychology and Metaphysics),
that gave me the words to speak of truth from my perspective. This
book is a tribute to that truth, that inspiration.
At the beginning of each chapter there are two indicators.
The first is Subject. This describes the main attributes of that
energy center/chakra, as well, the content of the chapter. The second
is Shadow. This describes difficulties that can arise when that chakra’s
energy is not flowing properly. In each chapter there are some works
that stem from these shadows. When i began writing, i was not familiar
with the chakras. Now introduced, i feel i have always had an inherent
sense of them.
My poetry reflects correlations between feelings, specific
body locations, colors, senses, etc. These correlation's identify
which chakra was most stimulated while the poem was being conceived.
I’ve placed each poem in the most suitable chakra (chapter), chronologically.
This procedure shows how each energy center has evolved with me, and i
with it; individually and as a whole. Being able to witness my own
growth and setbacks in this way, has been enlightening.
I’ve learned a lot from making this book. Enlightenment
is not a point, or a state of mind, but a process, one which we are all
part of. There are no perfect humans, only perfection in be-ing human.
That includes having flaws and LEARNING from our mistakes. (Instead
of blaming ourselves and perpetuating problems.) Be-ing human also
allows us distinct and unique senses in which to witness the universe.
May we all behold its glory one day! Some poems have direct dedications
below the titles. Most of them do not. Attempting to name everyone
involved would be a book in itself. My thanks go out to all who have
touched me in some way, even if only in spirit.
I would like to express particular gratitude to:
my mother LaVerne, who never lost faith in me, even when i lost faith in
my-self; my teacher Richard Walker, who introduced me to the art poetry
and encouraged me to try it my-self; my friends and family, who never molded
me, and put up with my many spontaneous readings and writings; the
man beyond names, whose music continues to give me hope for the future
--You have moved me more than you know; the NPG, for accepting me for me;
and finally, to the Divine. Every religion has names for the same
power. I call it Love. This is my devotion to it.
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