I have been giving the universe
ultimatums. Well, deadlines.
Short deadlines
for what I want...guess what?
twice I did that and twice
my intention came back
unfilled by the deadline.
Hmmm, let's see now, Plan B?
Longer deadlines
or change my intention?
I must say having
an intention in mind
when an opportunity
presented itself,
encouraged me to choose
taking a step or two
in its direction
I would have otherwise
passed up
not as a priority
for the effort
extended.
Short deadlines
may be fun
to work with
just to clarify
if what I
say I want
is really
what I want
or not.
They may
enhance
taking a shot
at something
that may seem
way out of range
but isn't
I find out
until I pull
the trigger
and let fly
a volley
hitting the target
dead center.
Copyright © 2013 by Gary Frates
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Yoga
Stretched my aching, stiff body
into a limber piece of flesh.
Could sit up straight for a change.
What I took to be normal-
the effects of overworked,
sore muscles or even "aging"
was rectifiable in one short hour.
I felt joyful and subtly happy.
Wasn't sure--had to pinch myself.
Was this me? smiling, feeling up
and almost laughing at nothing to
laugh at? I was just bubbling over
with a kind of bliss that was let free
by some simple (5,000 year old)
movements of my limbs and body.
Meditation afterward was a trip to
heaven! More bliss and peace and
joy. Balance, ease, and strength.
I think I'll do this again tomorrow.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Images © Dennis Frates
Friday, June 28, 2013
Sailing Home
To have an insatiable hunger
that's never fed
I wondered why
as I went to bed.
The more I consumed
so inefficiently incorporated
my body cried "foul".
We can't use that...that
food that is bigger than big
and looking like something
that shouldn't be swimming
in my bloodstream--you pig!
No, no, it's not my fault.
I still have to eat while
my body does heal
from past regrets
of the tongue as
I try to keep afloat
and on an even keel.
Sooner or later
this boat will
right itself
and sailing into the wind
will again be possible
with the ease of nature
fueling its progress.
Barely I steer while
getting so near
to where I am going
with each mouthful
I cheer
and can finally shout:
"I am here, I am here"!
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Image © Dennis Frates
that's never fed
I wondered why
as I went to bed.
The more I consumed
so inefficiently incorporated
my body cried "foul".
We can't use that...that
food that is bigger than big
and looking like something
that shouldn't be swimming
in my bloodstream--you pig!
No, no, it's not my fault.
I still have to eat while
my body does heal
from past regrets
of the tongue as
I try to keep afloat
and on an even keel.
Sooner or later
this boat will
right itself
and sailing into the wind
will again be possible
with the ease of nature
fueling its progress.
Barely I steer while
getting so near
to where I am going
I cheer
and can finally shout:
"I am here, I am here"!
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Image © Dennis Frates
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Relationships
Like a chick
ready
and willing
to bust
out of an
ever so thin
and fragile
eggshell
I wait
in the darkness
listening
for foxes
outside my
"door"
willing
and ready
themselves
to pounce
on the next
morsel that
shows itself.
Such a risk
to breakout
and be seen
rather than
remain
anonymously
invisible
inside.
Copyright © 2103 Gary Frates
Photograph © Dennis Frates
ready
and willing
to bust
out of an
ever so thin
and fragile
eggshell
I wait
in the darkness
listening
for foxes
outside my
"door"
willing
and ready
themselves
to pounce
on the next
morsel that
shows itself.
Such a risk
to breakout
and be seen
rather than
remain
anonymously
invisible
Copyright © 2103 Gary Frates
Photograph © Dennis Frates
A Best Friend - part 1
So brace yourself. I'm going to talk about a most unconventional, and unusual by today's standards--but not of long ago (or other countries), method of relief--you know--how do you spell relief? that I have been using for quite some time now with excellent results for generally whatever ails you (me)--a kind of a catchall default system to return to again and again, when you're not feeling so good.
What I am referring to here (ah! the mystery is unveiled!) is a simple procedure anyone can do in the comfort of their own home (indeed, I can't see anyone doing it elsewhere!). It can be done often, if needed, with rather little preparation or even cost, and in my experience it's almost 100% effective for the relief of a wide range of symptoms a person may be feeling at any given moment.
People say allow a couple of hours (so you're not rushed--but about an hour or so after you've gotten used to it) and have a good book handy. You'll hardly understand what all the fuss and ballyhoo is about until you do one, really.
It all starts with a backed up sewer, it seems. If the sanitation dept. doesn't respond promptly in a large downpour of storm systems pelting your neighborhood day after day, you, your house, and even some of your neighbor's houses are all going to go under from the deluge.
It's not a pretty sight painting all your belongings with this unclean return of what you wanted to get rid of in the first place.
So, for myself, if I'm feeling a bit ill or not too well, generally--nausea, brain fog--you know that one--can't think clearly, any pain--headache, backache, depression, etc. what I do is head for the bathroom, the best place for this. It's not what you think. Better.
What I do is called a coffee enema. Simple. Some people drink it (coffee) every morning and even all through the rest of the day! (Keeps me awake!) But this is entirely different.
Think of a traffic jam in New York City at 5pm.
Our bodies, likewise, stop moving things through them (in this case, toxins) and the smog and pollution start building up from all those idling cars, taxi cabs, buses and what have you stalled there. You get the idea.
Part 2 coming up...
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Photograph © Dennis Frates
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Manifesting My Desires
I'm beginning to believe in the efficacy of the Law of Attraction. Even if I don't "believe", I know it works with every thought, conscious or unconscious we have, anyway. So the idea, I guess, is to be aware where you're thinking, you're emotions and feelings, your consciousness, is focused without being obsessive about it. To "watch" your thinking ALL the time may take some practice. It should be an easy, effortless process to transition from a predominately negative orientation to a positive one.
Where I have not "worked the program", simply, it has not worked for me. To give up gets one nowhere. Patience is more than a word. Like I said I don't think, anymore anyway, I used to though, that "faith" per se is required to manifest the reality you desire. Patience is though. The time frame to manifestation, I believe, is shortened by our continued attention to it. What I used to do when things I desired didn't seem to be "getting any closer", or to be outright manifested because I thought I was "ready", was to give up and switch to something I could get more traction on. A goal I could get somewhere with, and manifest something in my life, even if it wasn't first on my list of goodies. I went through all the "reasons" or excuses, if you will, why I wasn't deserving enough, skilled at this enough, or just innately unable to do this simple thing of focusing extendedly on a given want until I manifested it. Although other people claimed to be able to do this, then I knew it by the name of Creative Visualization, it was difficult for me to focus on any one thing for any extended period of time. So I wrote it off as not available to me realistically, and pretty much stopped.
I really wasn't sure I had any control over what came into my life, yet the things that did come into my life, I went out and got them--I had to make the first move. If there was any "attraction" or law involved, it was after I made the move to express my interest and was willing to compete with all the others who may have wanted the same thing. But I wouldn't consider any of the things that came into my life "miracles" or of such unusual magnitude or any greater than my daily run-of-the mill accomplishments or scores.
Today though, I'm willing to accept the possibility, even the "probability" of big leaps, creating and manifesting the kinds of things that are "beyond my wildest dreams". I'm willing to allow for me to change by continuing this process, and with the changes in my behavior, to get to a point where I see what I am affirming or desiring as a real possibility--maybe still just a bit beyond my reach yet--but I am ever more closer by my "practicing", thus encouraging me.
I could do nothing--none of this--and my focus would be dispersed like a shotgun spray instead of a well-aimed single bullet from a rifle, trying to hit my target. And if I didn't load up and target practice everyday, when the real thing came into range, I might get flustered or just from lack of preparation, skill and confidence miss, going home empty-handed. Sometimes you only get one shot at these things.
So I have a resurgence of interest in the possibility of "directing" the universe to my order which I'm expecting UPSed at my door any NY minute, or sooner, since it's me determining the conditions of acceptance of anything coming my way. I'll take responsibility for the results of that manifestation. They say, "Be careful what you ask for..." OK, I say, let's see if this works. Help me choose wisely, I offer. Humans are known to make mistakes. But really, nothing is a mistake, just a learning experience. I'm ready to move on. OR at least, I say I am. And if it turns out that I can admit I'm not, I'm willing to work at (or I prefer play at) walking over the proverbial hot coals! to get into the required receptive state.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Where I have not "worked the program", simply, it has not worked for me. To give up gets one nowhere. Patience is more than a word. Like I said I don't think, anymore anyway, I used to though, that "faith" per se is required to manifest the reality you desire. Patience is though. The time frame to manifestation, I believe, is shortened by our continued attention to it. What I used to do when things I desired didn't seem to be "getting any closer", or to be outright manifested because I thought I was "ready", was to give up and switch to something I could get more traction on. A goal I could get somewhere with, and manifest something in my life, even if it wasn't first on my list of goodies. I went through all the "reasons" or excuses, if you will, why I wasn't deserving enough, skilled at this enough, or just innately unable to do this simple thing of focusing extendedly on a given want until I manifested it. Although other people claimed to be able to do this, then I knew it by the name of Creative Visualization, it was difficult for me to focus on any one thing for any extended period of time. So I wrote it off as not available to me realistically, and pretty much stopped.
I really wasn't sure I had any control over what came into my life, yet the things that did come into my life, I went out and got them--I had to make the first move. If there was any "attraction" or law involved, it was after I made the move to express my interest and was willing to compete with all the others who may have wanted the same thing. But I wouldn't consider any of the things that came into my life "miracles" or of such unusual magnitude or any greater than my daily run-of-the mill accomplishments or scores.
Today though, I'm willing to accept the possibility, even the "probability" of big leaps, creating and manifesting the kinds of things that are "beyond my wildest dreams". I'm willing to allow for me to change by continuing this process, and with the changes in my behavior, to get to a point where I see what I am affirming or desiring as a real possibility--maybe still just a bit beyond my reach yet--but I am ever more closer by my "practicing", thus encouraging me.
I could do nothing--none of this--and my focus would be dispersed like a shotgun spray instead of a well-aimed single bullet from a rifle, trying to hit my target. And if I didn't load up and target practice everyday, when the real thing came into range, I might get flustered or just from lack of preparation, skill and confidence miss, going home empty-handed. Sometimes you only get one shot at these things.
So I have a resurgence of interest in the possibility of "directing" the universe to my order which I'm expecting UPSed at my door any NY minute, or sooner, since it's me determining the conditions of acceptance of anything coming my way. I'll take responsibility for the results of that manifestation. They say, "Be careful what you ask for..." OK, I say, let's see if this works. Help me choose wisely, I offer. Humans are known to make mistakes. But really, nothing is a mistake, just a learning experience. I'm ready to move on. OR at least, I say I am. And if it turns out that I can admit I'm not, I'm willing to work at (or I prefer play at) walking over the proverbial hot coals! to get into the required receptive state.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Becoming Friends
Being me
you don't care?
you'll even offer support
if you see that I may need it
otherwise you just let me
be myself
accepting what I say
listening
letting me continue to build
confidence in myself
but happenstance that
I trip and/or fall
you're there with that
friendly support
willingly and eagerly
being my friend listening
sharing, enjoying the moments
we spend together
creating, reverberating
the joy of a bustling cafe
we talk in after our
Saturday morning runs.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
you don't care?
you'll even offer support
if you see that I may need it
otherwise you just let me
be myself
accepting what I say
listening
letting me continue to build
confidence in myself
but happenstance that
I trip and/or fall
you're there with that
friendly support
willingly and eagerly
being my friend listening
sharing, enjoying the moments
we spend together
creating, reverberating
the joy of a bustling cafe
we talk in after our
Saturday morning runs.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Take 5
Today is tomorrow because it's past midnight
and I am up with energy having a difficult
time shutting down my body for the night.
Now my computer that I'm typing on here
is another matter altogether.
I installed a "shut down" button on it tonight
so that whenever I'm ready to leave this
machine, all I have to do is aim my cursor
at this bright red button and turn off my
monitor and I'm done! One click instead of
three and easy to find besides.
So we all need a "shut down" button maybe
placed next to our belly button! to say when
it's been enough, and we're out of there or
here or wherever we are or whatever we're
doing. It's time to stop and back down from
a lot of usually intense activity and take a
rest, chill out and receive the nourishment
of the universe who/which grants a lot of
our wishes anyway and give this one a rest.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Photograph © Dennis Frates
and I am up with energy having a difficult
time shutting down my body for the night.
Now my computer that I'm typing on here
is another matter altogether.
I installed a "shut down" button on it tonight
so that whenever I'm ready to leave this
machine, all I have to do is aim my cursorat this bright red button and turn off my
monitor and I'm done! One click instead of
three and easy to find besides.
So we all need a "shut down" button maybe
placed next to our belly button! to say when
it's been enough, and we're out of there or
here or wherever we are or whatever we're
doing. It's time to stop and back down from
a lot of usually intense activity and take a
rest, chill out and receive the nourishment
of the universe who/which grants a lot of
our wishes anyway and give this one a rest.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Photograph © Dennis Frates
Sunday, June 16, 2013
One Life to Live
To set sail on a windless day
is to have faith, hope
that the beauty of the moment
outshines the next step
To have a belief
that things are in order
or if they aren't
forces are in motion
to put them that way
That what you are doing
this present moment
is the most perfect action
for yourself and the whole
of creation
A belief that you are
doing the best you can
or else you would be
doing differently, right?
No one is judging you
like you think-
you can take most of
the credit for that
So one thing at a time
is how I usually manage
my day although I have
admitted to multitasking
at many talented things
I could do all at once.
So whether you count
by 1's, 5's, 10's, or 20's
the total usually adds up
to the same, getting
there quicker or slower
If you've made a mistake
you can do it again
likely as not
you'll get it right this time.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
is to have faith, hope
that the beauty of the moment
outshines the next step
To have a belief
that things are in order
or if they aren't
forces are in motion
to put them that way
That what you are doing
this present moment
is the most perfect action
for yourself and the whole
of creation
A belief that you are
doing the best you can
or else you would be
doing differently, right?
No one is judging you
like you think-
you can take most of
the credit for that
So one thing at a time
is how I usually manage
my day although I have
admitted to multitasking
at many talented things
I could do all at once.
So whether you count
by 1's, 5's, 10's, or 20's
the total usually adds up
to the same, getting
there quicker or slower
If you've made a mistake
you can do it again
likely as not
you'll get it right this time.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Friday, June 14, 2013
Love
Love...
I see your many faces
your ruleless domain
a province
without boundaries
a singularity of feeling
undeniably yourself
so strongly, unshakably
founded
not to be changed
in the foreseeable future.
I was not directed
to so feel
except from within
as a flower blooms,
naturally.
Can't help myself
but to pour out my heart
until its empty no more.
How can I explain
so quizzical an attribute
of all that is alive--
this gift of the gods
that runs our lives,
indeed our world?
Something that
needs no
explanation
only expression.
Copyright © 2103 Gary Frates
I see your many faces
your ruleless domain
a province
without boundaries
a singularity of feeling
undeniably yourself
so strongly, unshakably
founded
not to be changed
in the foreseeable future.
I was not directed
to so feel
except from within
as a flower blooms,
naturally.
Can't help myself
but to pour out my heart
until its empty no more.
How can I explain
so quizzical an attribute
of all that is alive--
this gift of the gods
that runs our lives,
indeed our world?
Something that
needs no
explanation
only expression.
Copyright © 2103 Gary Frates
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Summer-The Living is Easy
Ah, the start off a new day, a new life.
People come into and out of my life
like a leaky sieve, it seems: I am not
able to hold onto any one person for
any length of time.
If they're sick, or tired from the day,
and cannot move very far, sometimes
I have them pigeon-holed and their
unwavering attention for a longer time
than normal--with all the rushing and
hustling about this world is engaged in
mostly.
I also need to pigeon-hole myself for
time alone. Diving, burrowing deep
within for buried treasure and even
scooping the bounty from the surface
just lying there unused and wasting
away, as all things change either faster
or slower over time.
This is the summer. A treat of fruits
awaits the apple, banana, orange
culture of winter. We are so fortunate
here in California where I am living
to be able to get the freshest fruits and
vegetables quickly delivered to their
end consuming point.
Summer slows the hectic pace of
winter teaching for me. A time to take
inventory of all I've gained or lost as
it were--the changes mainly that have
taken place in my being--like waking up
after a night's sleep and you realize
viola, by a miracle, you are ready to go
again, not the same person fatigued and
tired, you went to bed the night before as.
Like little elves, your bodies' workers repair
and fix all the broken toys in your house.
No down time, and everything remains
broken and unusable, or only partially
usable.
Life is good and the living is easy as
they say. For me that's what summer
brings with some extra time off--time to
connect with friends and join and celebrate
our humanness as beings and appreciating
all the other beings in the plant and animal
kingdom, as well.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
People come into and out of my life
like a leaky sieve, it seems: I am not
able to hold onto any one person for
any length of time.
If they're sick, or tired from the day,
and cannot move very far, sometimes
I have them pigeon-holed and their
unwavering attention for a longer time
than normal--with all the rushing and
hustling about this world is engaged in
mostly.
I also need to pigeon-hole myself for
time alone. Diving, burrowing deep
within for buried treasure and even
scooping the bounty from the surface
just lying there unused and wasting
away, as all things change either faster
or slower over time.
This is the summer. A treat of fruits
awaits the apple, banana, orange
culture of winter. We are so fortunate
here in California where I am living
to be able to get the freshest fruits and
vegetables quickly delivered to their
end consuming point.
Summer slows the hectic pace of
winter teaching for me. A time to take
inventory of all I've gained or lost as
it were--the changes mainly that have
taken place in my being--like waking up
after a night's sleep and you realize
viola, by a miracle, you are ready to go
again, not the same person fatigued and
tired, you went to bed the night before as.
Like little elves, your bodies' workers repair
and fix all the broken toys in your house.
No down time, and everything remains
broken and unusable, or only partially
usable.
Life is good and the living is easy as
they say. For me that's what summer
brings with some extra time off--time to
connect with friends and join and celebrate
our humanness as beings and appreciating
all the other beings in the plant and animal
kingdom, as well.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Second Wind
to help when backed
against the wall,
retreats and yields
to the gentleman
in the sky,
crying easily,
"uncle, uncle."
Another friend,
wiser than the first,
takes precaution,
capitulates early,
and thus avoids
hitting the wall.
Which friend are you?
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Photograph © Dennis Frates
Friday, June 7, 2013
Being Who I Am
To really let loose
and be myself brings up
a lot of fear for me.
I'm trying to predigest
my future experience
before its ever happened.
I want to be spontaneous,
in the moment, and not
feel I have to follow a
preconceived ideal I've
previously thought out.
I want to feel what I feel.
Positive or not.
Being positive is not my goal.
Being myself is.
Feeling stopped from
anything I might want to
accomplish because of some
vague anxiety or fear defeats
the possibility of ever
succeeding at anything.
So, going forward in fear is
sometimes the only option
I'm faced with but it beats
pandering and worrying
about what others will think.
I am so surprised that's still
a consideration for me.
What if I lose their approval,
or worse yet, incur their wrath?
Eventually, it will teach me not
to care about others' opinions.
So far, I'm not completely
anchored in that state of
nonchalance
but I desire to be so.
Meanwhile, I guess I'll find out
who I am by being that in
each moment-risking alienating
most of the known world-
but I do want to get along
just not at the risk
of losing myself.
Copyright © 2013 by Gary Frates
and be myself brings up
a lot of fear for me.
I'm trying to predigest
my future experience
before its ever happened.
I want to be spontaneous,
in the moment, and not
feel I have to follow a
preconceived ideal I've
previously thought out.
I want to feel what I feel.
Positive or not.
Being positive is not my goal.
Being myself is.
Feeling stopped from
anything I might want to
accomplish because of some
vague anxiety or fear defeats
the possibility of ever
succeeding at anything.
So, going forward in fear is
sometimes the only option
I'm faced with but it beats
pandering and worrying
about what others will think.
I am so surprised that's still
a consideration for me.
What if I lose their approval,
or worse yet, incur their wrath?
Eventually, it will teach me not
to care about others' opinions.
So far, I'm not completely
anchored in that state of
nonchalance
but I desire to be so.
Meanwhile, I guess I'll find out
who I am by being that in
each moment-risking alienating
most of the known world-
but I do want to get along
just not at the risk
of losing myself.
Copyright © 2013 by Gary Frates
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Weighing Anchor
tears
open my soul
to heaven
acceptance of
what was
feeling forgiveness
and compassion
understanding
love once
came across
looking like a
punishment
for being
myself
unburdening
victim feelings
I release
and move on
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Image © Dennis Frates
open my soul
to heaven
acceptance of
what was
feeling forgiveness
and compassion
understanding
love once
came across
looking like a
punishment
for being
myself
unburdening
victim feelings
I release
and move on
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Image © Dennis Frates
Our Guiding Genius
regularity seems in such short supply.
A wide margin leaves
creative meanderings
searching out for novel answers
to common, everyday problems.
When faced with a decision
so many times I have to return
to my gut and ask it's answer.
It seems I wander around in my head
more than my intuition likes.
It's often not too happy with the calls
that come from upstairs.
As if being higher up
provided a better view.
Not always, in that rule-dominated
kingdom, are wise decisions crafted.
I'm actually surprised at the reliability
of available answers my gut
so willingly offers as solutions
to confused requests usually emanating
from above in logicdom.
Often, upstairs argues for its stance,
but the gut knows better
yielding to it's ancient wisdom.
Fears don't count because
they're not real 99% of the time,
and usually never happen.
"Mistakes" aren't disastrous-
just learning opportunities
and nobody really gets
seriously hurt from trusting
his or her guiding genius.
Copyright © 2013 Gary Frates
Image © Dennis Frates
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