tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post4437537820758566361..comments2023-10-22T10:31:09.224-04:00Comments on Just BEing John-Michael: My VoiceJohn-Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-46212233806811549682008-03-09T17:15:00.000-04:002008-03-09T17:15:00.000-04:00I can assure you, Stephanie, that (from what is re...I can assure you, Stephanie, that (from what is revealed in your posts) what you are making available to your students is going to become some of the better parts of their emerging Selves. You remind me (A LOT) of Tony Jonaitis, my High School American History teacher. When I remind Tony (how about that ... I am so old now that we are on 1st name basis ... COOL!)(and he and his wife live 5 minutes from me) of some of the things that he said back then (under the guise of "teaching history") he laughs and often says "Yep that sounds like something that I would have tried to get away with saying (for much of it was WAY, WAY outside of the "curriculum outlines".) But what he said shaped me in significant ways.<BR/><BR/>Most powerful of Tony's statements: "If for the short while that you are on this earth, it is not a better place for your having been here ... you will have wasted your time!" (This was interjected in illustrations of the impacts made by historical figures ... clever, No?) Tony was quite pleased with himself when I reminded his of that one. "I said that? Not bad!" was his grinning reply.<BR/><BR/>You can, no doubt, see the lingering effects of that charge in what I write and comment on today. (Or so I hope.) Those words of Tony's are deeply etched into the core of who I decided to be. Even at that young age. So, Precious Stephanie ... what you do, and what you offer in yourself, is priceless beyond measure. And you have my respect and admiration.John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-22412626723062748832008-03-09T16:43:00.000-04:002008-03-09T16:43:00.000-04:00I adore that you took the time to write that gentl...I adore that you took the time to write that gentleman a note, and that it clearly brightened his day. Poor girl; I hope she found a way to lighten up (and I can say this, having worked as a "Kow Girl" for 2 1/2 years...One can have a fast food job and still be pleasant & kind).<BR/><BR/>Thank you for sharing this! I'm really hoping I can help my students on their journey to finding a voice...stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04257126641387033673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-862349195056898352008-03-08T04:08:00.000-05:002008-03-08T04:08:00.000-05:00Well, blogland is bugging me again and refused to ...Well, blogland is bugging me again and refused to post my comment!<BR/><BR/>Gotta be a reason I guess. Just wanted to thank you for all your responses and let you know that they are all read and digested.<BR/><BR/>Your daughter is one lucky girl and you can consider yourself to have another "virtual" or surrogate daughter, if I am permitted. Especially since my daddy is still very much around and "there" for me. Ge expresses himself in art. I in words, although not as eloquently as you! I'll practice. Art is art, and I reckon dad gave me my arty slant but I inherited my mum's love of words. I am grateful for you sharing.Cathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01247084030899971480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-41070799689234965482008-03-07T09:47:00.000-05:002008-03-07T09:47:00.000-05:00tati ... I love you! (because my spirit 'rises' in...tati ... I love you! (because my spirit 'rises' in response to your spirit-revealed.) I am truly grateful for your choice to converse with me.<BR/><BR/>Because I know that she would welcome it, I'll tell you something more about my daughter. On her 40th birthday, this year, I offered her, as my gift, my legally adopting her. For, you see, when she and I met, some years ago, I heard a longing in her. <BR/><BR/>Her father abandoned her and her mother when she was born. She tried to make a connection, some sort of bond, over the years. But he had a new family in another state and could not bring himself to make whatever choices might have been necessary to accept her reaching out. And I heard this echoing pain in her from the time we met.<BR/><BR/>So I said "You long for a Dad. I can never be your father ... but I have room in my heart for a daughter who wants a Dad, and that relationship. For, "Dad" is about a living, dynamic, and intimate relationship ... nothing to do with genetics." And she accepted. And I have been her Dad since. And I am crying tears of gratitude as I type these words now. For I do cherish and adore her.<BR/><BR/>Thank you, dear Tati, for opening this opportunity for me to share this with you.John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-15163010855532376822008-03-07T09:19:00.000-05:002008-03-07T09:19:00.000-05:00John-Michael-You asked what might have 'dis-allowe...John-Michael-<BR/>You asked what might have 'dis-allowed' my inner voice for so long. And I respect that you weren't asking, but if I may, I will answer here. I enjoy our conversations.<BR/>I don't think anyone else acted as oppressor on me as much as I have made choices to keep my sensitive self quiet, in order to be more 'normal'. as you are witnessing, that is coming to an end.<BR/><BR/>I love your daughter's entry on Persha- reminded me of my connection with my Dad. He was always my tether to this world, as he understood me like no one else. No one else knew the experience of living so fully in the spiritual world and sometimes only touching down in the physical. Thank you for sharing that. You and she are both blessed, as you know.tanya mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03342492814993459178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-69416335776495264312008-03-07T07:37:00.000-05:002008-03-07T07:37:00.000-05:00That you allowed your Spirit to wed itself with he...That you allowed your Spirit to wed itself with hers, even for that fleeting moment, enriched your Being, and hers as well. You permitted Life's gift in your choice.<BR/><BR/>I am so complimented and pleased that you shared that happening with me, Rob. My sincere "Thanks!" to you.John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-45986536603430268842008-03-07T05:15:00.000-05:002008-03-07T05:15:00.000-05:00John-Michael, I was visiting a retail pottery and ...John-Michael, I was visiting a retail pottery and restaurant complex near Dartington in the UK West Country with my wife (who, unlike myself, likes shops of any kind).<BR/><BR/>There were street performers and a lot of creative works around and a surprisingly pleasant bohemian atmosphere.<BR/><BR/>As my wife flashed her credit card around, I just wandered and looked.<BR/><BR/>I came upon a woman who was kneeling down to comfort her two children. The two children were leaning in on her and her arms were around them.<BR/><BR/>It was a perfect picture of maternal love, incredibly warm and wholesome.<BR/><BR/>I stopped, looked again and struggled with conflicting emotions.<BR/><BR/>I wanted to reach out to her - even wrap her in my arms - and join in her intimate world.<BR/><BR/>People all around were just getting on with their shopping quest.<BR/><BR/>Why should I interfere or intrude.<BR/><BR/>So much of our societies conditioning said to me to walk on like the rest of the crowds all around.<BR/><BR/>I stopped about four feet away from her and gave her my most relaxed smile.<BR/><BR/>"That's a lovely picture," I said, "You've made my day."<BR/><BR/>She smiled back in absolute understanding that I had shared her magic moment without intruding.<BR/><BR/>I walked on feeling my day had suddenly become special.<BR/><BR/>For days afterwards, I wondered about her life and that of her children, hoping they were safe and happy.Rob Windstrel Watsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-13389560942811973772008-03-07T03:21:00.000-05:002008-03-07T03:21:00.000-05:00How oft, I had felt the pain of a loneliness and a...How oft, I had felt the pain of a loneliness and alien existence ... just as I was witness to him enduring? To not reach out to such a familiar unhappiness would have been unthinkable.<BR/><BR/>I rejoice in your recognition of the situation, Darling Jules. The discomforts and the satisfactions.<BR/><BR/>I love You.John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-12673026591834346002008-03-07T01:55:00.000-05:002008-03-07T01:55:00.000-05:00Bravo! My smile for you just about made me jump ou...Bravo! My smile for you just about made me jump out of my sqweaky chair. That was certainly a noble and caring thing you did for that man. Even when you were tired and felt empty, your compassion for another spured you on with renewed strength and heart. <BR/>Noticing and aknowleging people right where they are at in their lives is always gratifying...for the giver as well as the receiver.Jules~https://www.blogger.com/profile/13732679095832415575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-4368044986084835282008-03-06T21:15:00.000-05:002008-03-06T21:15:00.000-05:00I wonder, tati, what influence had you "dis-allowi...I wonder, tati, what influence had you "dis-allowing" your voice 'til now? This would not be a question for others to be a part of ... but something for your own consideration.<BR/><BR/>I admire your determination to do as the sage of old said and "Know thyself."John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-9439733981551212482008-03-06T20:46:00.000-05:002008-03-06T20:46:00.000-05:00I see your point. I guess I'm more in the stage o...I see your point. I guess I'm more in the stage of allowing my voice....tanya mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03342492814993459178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-34558132171407343952008-03-06T20:38:00.000-05:002008-03-06T20:38:00.000-05:00Hi John,Just came back to THANK YOU for your kind ...Hi John,<BR/>Just came back to THANK YOU for your kind words, I am humbled by your comment about my relationship with my boys. I ADORE them, and we have such a tight bond between us. They are an extension of my soul...and I'm glad it shows!<BR/>RoseKissing of the Frogshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11621769823368917856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-59573181848735608892008-03-06T19:55:00.000-05:002008-03-06T19:55:00.000-05:00Oh My Goodness... You absolutely Darling Katy you!...Oh My Goodness... You absolutely Darling Katy you!!! How marvelous a thing to say to me! To "bring some peace" for even an instant, to anyone, anywhere! ... Wow, I do hope 'tis as you said.John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-89776135719258429952008-03-06T19:14:00.000-05:002008-03-06T19:14:00.000-05:00a more thoughtful man, i haven't know. that's sou...a more thoughtful man, i haven't know. that's sounded very yoda-like. very yoda-like it sounded. <BR/><BR/>you bring some peace.katydidnothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15710011717146842223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-63618639494204081532008-03-06T19:12:00.000-05:002008-03-06T19:12:00.000-05:00Hi Kate (please forgive my intrusion, but I simply...Hi Kate (please forgive my intrusion, but I simply love your hair! That is a lovely cut!)<BR/><BR/>You are right, I am blessed and grateful for what Life has given me in my intuition and awareness. Life is so ripe with wonders and opportunities that I am frequently thoroughly spent at day's end from my emotions celebrating all that is pulsing around me. It IS all good!John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-62532032735259898262008-03-06T19:08:00.000-05:002008-03-06T19:08:00.000-05:00SulDog, My Dear Friend (my heart soars at the sigh...SulDog, My Dear Friend (my heart soars at the sight of your name!)<BR/><BR/>Yes, indeed! Leo Buscaglia provided some critical insights and lessons that have enabled me to enjoy interactions and exchanges with folks in my world daily.<BR/><BR/>(His work is still VERY big in Europe)<BR/><BR/>Sure love you, good Sir!John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-64188483930397408542008-03-06T18:59:00.000-05:002008-03-06T18:59:00.000-05:00tati, My Dear One ... 'tis so true that You and yo...tati, My Dear One ... 'tis so true that You and you alone are the source of your "voice." But consider every singer who refines their "voice" with lessons in articulation, enunciation, pronunciation, dialect, projection, intonation (and I know that I am missing some elements of the refinement of one's voice.) These artists go through all of that work, years of study, and instruction from others that they might use their own, personal, individual "voice" ... to deliver their message in the very best way, for the greatest effect and most satisfactory result that they can put their uniquely individual voice to. <BR/><BR/>I never cease gleaning every refinement and improvement that I can discover ... to make more effective and beneficial my use of my voice. This is my responsibility to myself, and to all who I touch in my life-walk.John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-72889650231631326162008-03-06T18:47:00.000-05:002008-03-06T18:47:00.000-05:00Dear Melissa ... You just reminded me of something...Dear Melissa ... You just reminded me of something that I helped my son (Matt [has CP]) come to grips with. Because his cerebral palsy makes him vulnerable (mental limitations) others were not responding to his progresses in mental processes. He was becoming more confident in his ability to think ... and others wanted him to ... well (I must say it) stay "retarded", so that they could control him and not have to slow down, and accommodate his laborious pace. <BR/><BR/>He was VERY frustrated! So, he and I rehearsed until he became comfortable with 2 phrases that you ... Melissa ... just might want to utilize in your world. (1) "Please respect me!" (2) "Please listen to me!"<BR/><BR/>His use of these 2 phrases INFURIATED the others in his world ... but gave him a sense of self-worth and confidence that served him well. <BR/><BR/>I hope that there is some useful insight there for you.<BR/><BR/>(and, Sweetheart, LOSE that nasty "blame" word [please]. it cripples your spirit and NEVER is of any productive use)John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-69886903318943144252008-03-06T15:45:00.000-05:002008-03-06T15:45:00.000-05:00I enjoyed wandering through your blog ... filled w...I enjoyed wandering through your blog ... filled with interesting bits that spoke to my soul. You were fortunate to have these well-defined moments of awakening in your life.katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03979577122006222781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-4664023761636504702008-03-06T13:15:00.000-05:002008-03-06T13:15:00.000-05:00Leo Buscaglia! Haven't thought of him in quite som...Leo Buscaglia! Haven't thought of him in quite some time, but I enjoyed him a lot. He was a wonderful gentle presence. My Dad enjoyed him first, and then he turned me on to his writings and TV appearances. Thanks for reminding me of him. I'll have to dig out some of his stuff to re-read.Suldoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07778845367184916684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-39225155604105404852008-03-06T12:33:00.000-05:002008-03-06T12:33:00.000-05:00Hello again! I've just found this quote from de M...Hello again! I've just found this quote from de Mello. It is supposed to be the last words he spoke:<BR/><BR/> Don't change: Desire to change is the enemy of love.<BR/> Don't change yourselves: Love yourselves as you are.<BR/> Don't change others: Love all others as they are.<BR/> Don't change the world: It is in God's hands and he knows.<BR/> And if you do that change will occur<BR/> Marvellously in its own way and in its own time<BR/> Yield to the current of life unencumbered by baggage.lorenzothellamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10248039576046971460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-14104947700488428162008-03-06T12:24:00.000-05:002008-03-06T12:24:00.000-05:00Thank you john-michael for your reply and your lov...Thank you john-michael for your reply and your lovely message on my posting about my father!<BR/><BR/>I love de Mello. He is an American but was brought up in India. He was a Jesuit and somehow combined his Catholicism with Eastern philosophy. At one time he was excomunicated, but I think before he died at the early age of fifty-something, he was taken back into the church.<BR/><BR/>His writing his witty and wise. I think his best book is called simply 'awareness'. Perhaps you could get information on Google.<BR/><BR/>Love Lorenzo.lorenzothellamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10248039576046971460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-59456324991724958552008-03-06T12:12:00.000-05:002008-03-06T12:12:00.000-05:00No, Lorenzo, I have not ... but your question stir...No, Lorenzo, I have not ... but your question stirs interest ...<BR/><BR/>(and I am appreciative of your willingness to extend "Love" ... this is at my soul's core!)John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-3803821896844163492008-03-06T11:44:00.000-05:002008-03-06T11:44:00.000-05:00I would offer, even as I search for my own voice, ...I would offer, even as I search for my own voice, that we do not FIND our voice with which to address and embrace the world, but that we ALLOW it. You ARE your voice, the journey would now consist of following the lit path from you to others, in each moment, as it seems you do.tanya mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03342492814993459178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-24328893011277923792008-03-06T11:15:00.000-05:002008-03-06T11:15:00.000-05:00Sometimes its hard to find your voice when those a...Sometimes its hard to find your voice when those around you do evrything they can to keep you from speaking. I guess in the end I have no one to blame but myself.AutoSysGenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01182101665968215991noreply@blogger.com