Hi Rayne:
I am a Reiki Master Teacher with my own practice - and I was drawn to the question. It is an interesting one that poses many other questions! I am wondering where the information comes from the Reiki requires an exchange of energy. I've never heard of this and am intrigued by such a concept. It certainly is not in keeping with how I teach or have been taught. Reiki, in my opinion, requires nothing by willingness to recieve. Not that there is anything wrong with charging for Reiki, in fact it is how I make my living. However, there are many examples of times when I have given Reiki with no expectation of exchange but just from a place of love. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.
In Spirit,
D-
Namaste D~,
Thank you for your message. It's certainly an interesting question.
On a spiritual level I fully agree with you about Reiki itself. Reiki is the soul of love and comes from the planet or god- it is pure divine force. We are made of love, and when love flows from one to another, it is simply a way of divine sharing with divine and each of us becomes closer to our natural way of being- free, empowered, divine beings full of love with the power to choose our own fates.
Certainly I have felt energy leave my hands when touching someone casually in a hug, or in passing. It does happen frequently, as I'm sure you know.
In the Tera-Mai teachings of which I am a master there are two precepts that we teach, beyond the original five spiritual principles. The first being that there must be an exchange of energy and the second being that a person must ask.
The energy exchange principle in my tradition comes directly from Usui's experiences in the beggar kingdom. The story being that he spent 7 years healing the people and working in the streets. One day he came across one of the first individuals that he had helped. He asked the man "why are you here. I told you to go and get a job and I helped you." And the beggars response to him went something like this "But I did get a job. I even took a wife and became a responsible citizen. But it was too much work and I wanted to be here."
That is grossly paraphrased, however you get the idea. The moral of that parable being the importance of letting each person place a value on their own healing through agreeing on what the energy exchange will be.
I know that in recent years the teachings of Takata have come into question as legitimate and there are many claims that she has changed the original information- and indeed many myths about Usui have been refuted over the years.
I do however stand by the oral tradition of my own teachings and those principles have stood me in very good stead in my own practice with my students. Often these two principles really assist women in particular with boundary issues and in general serve well for those who practice them.
Energy exchange does happen on many different levels. And on many occasions I have also stepped in to offer Reiki because it was requested on a soul level (for example a woman who was unconscious bleeding on the sidewalk), and in such instances I always ask for guidance and the soul's request for energy exchange.
In such cases of course I don't require nor do I ask my students to stick the need for them personally to receive the exchange, and I ask that the person who has received will do something for others or to serve their healing process.
Or I find the value in our exchange and what I have learned from them and consider that a more than fair trade. It always is. In the case of the woman who was on the sidewalk, no one else would help. She was lying on frozen cement and needed immediate assistance. I stepped in and held her head in my hands to warm her and also focused on slowing the blood flow.
Within moments of my taking action, a woman with first aid training stopped, several people took action to call the ambulance and assist and she was able to walk to the ambulance with help and had stopped bleeding.
There was a powerful gift for me in this: I learned a lesson I was seeking about how I could impact my world and make a difference, but that i would have to be willing to take the initiative and lead so that others could follow my example.
It is perhaps one of the greatest payments I have ever received for a offering Reiki because that lesson stays with me today and encourages me even now in my work. In a very real and practical way this woman has taught me a great deal for the short time I spent with her. A more than fair exchange.
In principle, if someone is asking for Reiki it is to their advantage to place a value on the healing for themselves and out of respect to the practitioner. That way both benefit, there are no unclear or questioned issues later about giving and receiving for either- the exchange is clear- there is no opportunity for one to hold out that they have given Reiki without any return... as does sometimes happen. Exchange can be anything- provided that both agree upon what that exchange is and are satisfied with the transaction.
When I had my reiki level one I will admit, I didn't follow these precepts all of the time. And it showed. People that came to me for healing would not always benefit as they could for the work, because they were receiving it for free and would end up coming back or ending up in the same space they started in. Observing this pattern brought me back to the original reasoning for the principle of energy exchange- being the story of Usui and the beggar.
I don't mean to make it sound like a business thing. It is not. I believe very strongly in this principle myself, as science shows us that energy can not be created or destroyed- so that source that we channel which benefits us in giving it, and which is such a miracle to me still each time I use it- is given and as a result, something must shift in the universe- and this means that if no exchange is agreed upon, something will shift elsewhere.
So when asked, and in teachings, I do believe it is important to stress this concept. Especially for people new to Reiki because it sets a precedent and value on the work which has enormous benefits for all who use it.
In practical terms, and scientific terms- and even in spiritual laws, energy exchange is an important philosophy.
It sounds like you come from a different school of teaching, and I would be interested to hear more about your own work and teachings. When I first moved to BC after receiving my level one all those years ago, I was amazed at how many Reiki students did not have the same understanding of Reiki or background that I had.
But then I do not know any other Tera-Mai reiki masters on the West Coast- and have been speaking primarily with Usui Reiki Masters and Kundalini Reiki Teachers, and they do have a different set of teachings in some ways (have had some in my classes as well and we have compared notes). So I am unique in my practice in some ways, although we all agree on the fundamentals.
But I have never heard anyone ask me about energy exchange as a fundamental principle before. :) Its a great question, as I said.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
ULF: Universal Life force Energy
I read last month's newsletter and I have to say, I'm feeling a little uncomfortable with the whole idea of universal life force energy. It sounds a little too "new agey" or me. Can you tell me more about it?
~R, Mission
Dear R-
First of all, in my own experience ULF (or universal life force energy) is directly felt by clients who are receiving Reiki. Many people will actually feel heat or sensation in their body from the practitioner's hands. If you want to experience the ULF for yourself, why not try a Reiki session and see what it feels like? This is not an imagined experience nor are these individuals feeling something simply because they expect to.
It is unfortunate that there area lot of "new-agey" terms and concepts floating around that create the impression that ancient practices like Reiki are a form of faith healing or "if you believe it, it is so" practice. Reiki can certainly incorporate these things, but Reiki s not these things.
Which brings me to the second response to your question. In a few decades scientists have gone from a conviction that there is no such thing as an energy field around the human body, to an absolute certainty that it exists. Moreover, we have begun to understand the roles of energy fields in health and disease. Most people are simply not aware of this research, and persist in the attitude that there is no logical basis for energy healing. The main reason for the change in outlook is that sensitive instruments have been developed that can detect the minute energy fields around the human body.
In the 1920's researcher Harold Saxon Burr at Yale university school of Medicine, suggested that diseases could be detected in the energy fields of the body before physical symptoms appear. Moreover Burr was convinced that diseases could be prevented by altering the energy filed. These concepts were ahead of their time, but are not being confirmed in medical research laboratories around the world. Scientists are using SQUID instruments to map the way diseases alter biomagnetic fields around the body. Others are applying pulsing magnetic fields to stimulate healing.
So you can see R, our scientific technology is finally developing to a place where we can measure this field. As science tells us, just because you can't see it- doesn't mean it isn't "real". In fact what we see and touch and smell is only a very small part of the universe.
Rayne
~R, Mission
Dear R-
First of all, in my own experience ULF (or universal life force energy) is directly felt by clients who are receiving Reiki. Many people will actually feel heat or sensation in their body from the practitioner's hands. If you want to experience the ULF for yourself, why not try a Reiki session and see what it feels like? This is not an imagined experience nor are these individuals feeling something simply because they expect to.
It is unfortunate that there area lot of "new-agey" terms and concepts floating around that create the impression that ancient practices like Reiki are a form of faith healing or "if you believe it, it is so" practice. Reiki can certainly incorporate these things, but Reiki s not these things.
Which brings me to the second response to your question. In a few decades scientists have gone from a conviction that there is no such thing as an energy field around the human body, to an absolute certainty that it exists. Moreover, we have begun to understand the roles of energy fields in health and disease. Most people are simply not aware of this research, and persist in the attitude that there is no logical basis for energy healing. The main reason for the change in outlook is that sensitive instruments have been developed that can detect the minute energy fields around the human body.
In the 1920's researcher Harold Saxon Burr at Yale university school of Medicine, suggested that diseases could be detected in the energy fields of the body before physical symptoms appear. Moreover Burr was convinced that diseases could be prevented by altering the energy filed. These concepts were ahead of their time, but are not being confirmed in medical research laboratories around the world. Scientists are using SQUID instruments to map the way diseases alter biomagnetic fields around the body. Others are applying pulsing magnetic fields to stimulate healing.
So you can see R, our scientific technology is finally developing to a place where we can measure this field. As science tells us, just because you can't see it- doesn't mean it isn't "real". In fact what we see and touch and smell is only a very small part of the universe.
Rayne
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Thoughts on PSI Seminars
I've had a number of requests for more information about PSI seminars since staffing the basic course. For those of you who are curious, I'll share my thoughts. The course I staffed over Christmas is the introductory course and called the Basic.
It's described thus: "PSI Basic is an educational course where you challenge yourself to explore, question and discover your life, such that you expand our personal and professional effectiveness NOW!"
After attending the Basic Seminar and staffing the Christmas, I am truly impressed with the quality of the program, the integrity and commitment not only of the teaching but also the people who are involved.
I've seen how absolutely effective and life changing this program can be for the people who attend. The people who run and volunteer at the programs are fully committed to their own personal excellence and growth, and to supporting others with their goals. It's a course for very successful people.
The psychological model and theory is really aligned and integral. It's well put together. They say that the PSI 7 course is the equivalent of 7 years of life experience in 7 days. I'm looking forward to that one. :) What's really cool, is that I took the basic, completely understood cognitively what they were doing- and the exercises still worked.
They teach basic meditation and visualization techniques- and also a lot about intention and integrity with your word etc etc. I don't agree 100% with everything that they teach, but it's effective and they are helping a lot of people live the lives they really want to live.
So I would describe Personal Success Institute as a Seminar company for successful people who want to achieve more success in life and be the best they can be so they can contribute more to their communities, families, and the world. They've been in business for 35 years- are the longest running seminar company of their kind, and run their program not only in high class hotels, but in inner city schools and in places like columbine right after the shootings.
They have a 100% money back guarantee if you don't like it AND amazingly once you have taken the Basic course- you can go back and participate in any part of it again as many times as you want for free.
There is only one exercise I'm not allowed to share - and that is because if you understand the point of the exercise when you're doing it it loses its effectiveness as a teaching tool and would ruin it for the other participants. But if you really want to know you can go online and read about it. It's posted out there.
I can also write about my personal experiences but to be honest this would tell you very little about the class because everyone experiences it differently. The course is experiential thus subjective- you have different goals and reasons for taking the course and therefore will have a different outcome and experience than I did.
As one of the facilitators says "if anyone came here for the same reason I did- to have a better relationship with my wife and my kids- I'd really like to talk to them on the break ;)" I learned so much about myself that was exceptional- some amazing lessons about how it's ok to be powerful and loved and visible for starters. Several months after taking the first course and staffing an event, I am still seeing benefits, experiencing greater understanding about myself and integrating the lessons I learned.
People of all ages, belief systems and walks of life take it. The psychological model is sound and exercises are incredibly effective. The company also has a non-profit division that contributes to numerous charities around the world, and really at the heart of it- the goal is to encourage people to find creative, peaceful solutions
You can check out their website here: http://www.psiseminars.com/
The classes are designed to help people become aware of their programs and destructive patterns and teach them through theory and practical exercises, how to change those programs and live the life they want to live.
They have weird PR. Bob proctor, Jack Canfield and Marshall Thurber recommend their programs, they were mentioned in the Secret- but there are also a bunch of really negative postings on the web in different forums that accuse PSI of being a cult- as there is with Landmark.
that's probably for a few reasons:
1. Although participants are advised not to make drastic changes for at least 30 days after the program (divorce etc)- some people don't listen- and they do dramatic things which upsets the people in their life and they get mad and post on the internet. Change is scary- it really is. People come out of the class with a greater understanding of themselves- and sometimes this can be very dramatic. Which freaks out people around them- even if it's good change it's still scary. Counselors say that positive change can be as stressful as negative ones.
2. Like anything, there are people who go to PSI who are of a "sheep" or follower mentality and who get fanatical about the program and are really freaky in trying to get others to come out to take the classes. I know- I met one- and she's the reason I didn't take the basic 4 years ago when I had a chance the first time. Of course, now I'm sorry about that ... but such is life.
3. PSI people who are committed to supporting each other and assisting each other to be successful and exceptional and one of the ways they do this is by using the tools that PSI teaches- and that comes with a "language" and concepts. Which like Landmark, can sound weird to people who haven't been in the course. Right now, I know the corporate office is working on getting rid of the verbiage and making the language common- so I know they are changing it.
Two of my friends- incredibly integral, aware and highly motivated spiritual people recommended that I should take the class- and they are both very free individuals and have amazing personalities. And because of how much I respect them both I decided to go and try it for myself. No one tried to make me drink any cool aid, ;) or force me to believe or do anything that I didn't want to do.
People that recommend the course do so because they have benefited from it and believe in it and want those around them to be successful and have amazing lives. And it works. That's why I'm volunteer and helping out.
So finally, it may help to send you the lyrics to one of their "theme" songs. Although they don't really get into god in depth in the basic- they do talk about the idea that we are all connected and all one- and it's very well done in a way that allows all different belief systems to understand what they are saying. Generally it's pretty practical and motivational in nature. so here are the song lyrics. This really captures the philosophy- which is you create your life, so stop living on the sidelines and live each day as if it is the last day of your life
Hopefully that answers any questions you might have. I recommend the course, if for no other reason than that you meet amazing and incredible people who also want to be the best they can be, and it is a fabulous networking opportunity. Also, a point to mention is that I've met some wonderful friends and found a lot of support myself- with people who genuinely care about seeing me succeed. It's a very positive, genuinely caring and proactive group. :)
Much Love, and blessings from the rainforests and mountains of BC.
xo Rayne
It's described thus: "PSI Basic is an educational course where you challenge yourself to explore, question and discover your life, such that you expand our personal and professional effectiveness NOW!"
After attending the Basic Seminar and staffing the Christmas, I am truly impressed with the quality of the program, the integrity and commitment not only of the teaching but also the people who are involved.
I've seen how absolutely effective and life changing this program can be for the people who attend. The people who run and volunteer at the programs are fully committed to their own personal excellence and growth, and to supporting others with their goals. It's a course for very successful people.
The psychological model and theory is really aligned and integral. It's well put together. They say that the PSI 7 course is the equivalent of 7 years of life experience in 7 days. I'm looking forward to that one. :) What's really cool, is that I took the basic, completely understood cognitively what they were doing- and the exercises still worked.
They teach basic meditation and visualization techniques- and also a lot about intention and integrity with your word etc etc. I don't agree 100% with everything that they teach, but it's effective and they are helping a lot of people live the lives they really want to live.
So I would describe Personal Success Institute as a Seminar company for successful people who want to achieve more success in life and be the best they can be so they can contribute more to their communities, families, and the world. They've been in business for 35 years- are the longest running seminar company of their kind, and run their program not only in high class hotels, but in inner city schools and in places like columbine right after the shootings.
They have a 100% money back guarantee if you don't like it AND amazingly once you have taken the Basic course- you can go back and participate in any part of it again as many times as you want for free.
There is only one exercise I'm not allowed to share - and that is because if you understand the point of the exercise when you're doing it it loses its effectiveness as a teaching tool and would ruin it for the other participants. But if you really want to know you can go online and read about it. It's posted out there.
I can also write about my personal experiences but to be honest this would tell you very little about the class because everyone experiences it differently. The course is experiential thus subjective- you have different goals and reasons for taking the course and therefore will have a different outcome and experience than I did.
As one of the facilitators says "if anyone came here for the same reason I did- to have a better relationship with my wife and my kids- I'd really like to talk to them on the break ;)" I learned so much about myself that was exceptional- some amazing lessons about how it's ok to be powerful and loved and visible for starters. Several months after taking the first course and staffing an event, I am still seeing benefits, experiencing greater understanding about myself and integrating the lessons I learned.
People of all ages, belief systems and walks of life take it. The psychological model is sound and exercises are incredibly effective. The company also has a non-profit division that contributes to numerous charities around the world, and really at the heart of it- the goal is to encourage people to find creative, peaceful solutions
You can check out their website here: http://www.psiseminars.com
The classes are designed to help people become aware of their programs and destructive patterns and teach them through theory and practical exercises, how to change those programs and live the life they want to live.
They have weird PR. Bob proctor, Jack Canfield and Marshall Thurber recommend their programs, they were mentioned in the Secret- but there are also a bunch of really negative postings on the web in different forums that accuse PSI of being a cult- as there is with Landmark.
that's probably for a few reasons:
1. Although participants are advised not to make drastic changes for at least 30 days after the program (divorce etc)- some people don't listen- and they do dramatic things which upsets the people in their life and they get mad and post on the internet. Change is scary- it really is. People come out of the class with a greater understanding of themselves- and sometimes this can be very dramatic. Which freaks out people around them- even if it's good change it's still scary. Counselors say that positive change can be as stressful as negative ones.
2. Like anything, there are people who go to PSI who are of a "sheep" or follower mentality and who get fanatical about the program and are really freaky in trying to get others to come out to take the classes. I know- I met one- and she's the reason I didn't take the basic 4 years ago when I had a chance the first time. Of course, now I'm sorry about that ... but such is life.
3. PSI people who are committed to supporting each other and assisting each other to be successful and exceptional and one of the ways they do this is by using the tools that PSI teaches- and that comes with a "language" and concepts. Which like Landmark, can sound weird to people who haven't been in the course. Right now, I know the corporate office is working on getting rid of the verbiage and making the language common- so I know they are changing it.
Two of my friends- incredibly integral, aware and highly motivated spiritual people recommended that I should take the class- and they are both very free individuals and have amazing personalities. And because of how much I respect them both I decided to go and try it for myself. No one tried to make me drink any cool aid, ;) or force me to believe or do anything that I didn't want to do.
People that recommend the course do so because they have benefited from it and believe in it and want those around them to be successful and have amazing lives. And it works. That's why I'm volunteer and helping out.
So finally, it may help to send you the lyrics to one of their "theme" songs. Although they don't really get into god in depth in the basic- they do talk about the idea that we are all connected and all one- and it's very well done in a way that allows all different belief systems to understand what they are saying. Generally it's pretty practical and motivational in nature. so here are the song lyrics. This really captures the philosophy- which is you create your life, so stop living on the sidelines and live each day as if it is the last day of your life
Diving In
Stephen Curtis Chapman
The long awaited rains
Have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground
Have carved their way to where
The wild and rushing river can be found
And like the rains I have been carried here to where the river flows,
My heart is racing and my knees are weak
As I walk to the edge
I know there is no turning back
Once my feet have left the ledge
And in the rush I hear a voice
That's telling me it's time to take a leap of faith
So here I go!
I'm diving in
I'm going deep
In over my head I want to be
Caught in the rush
Lost in the flow
In over my head I want to go
The river’s deep
The river’s wide
The river’s water is alive
So sink or swim I'm diving in
There is a supernatural power In this mighty river’s flow
It can bring the dead to life And it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing Worth living and worth dying for
But we will never know the awesome power Of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away Into this holy flood
So if you'll take my hand We'll close our eyes and count to three And take the leap of faith
Come on let's go!
I'm diving in
I'm going deep
In over my head I want to be
Caught in the rush
Lost in the flow
In over my head I want to go
The river’s deep
The river’s wide
The river’s water is alive
So sink or swim I'm diving in
Stephen Curtis Chapman
The long awaited rains
Have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground
Have carved their way to where
The wild and rushing river can be found
And like the rains I have been carried here to where the river flows,
My heart is racing and my knees are weak
As I walk to the edge
I know there is no turning back
Once my feet have left the ledge
And in the rush I hear a voice
That's telling me it's time to take a leap of faith
So here I go!
I'm diving in
I'm going deep
In over my head I want to be
Caught in the rush
Lost in the flow
In over my head I want to go
The river’s deep
The river’s wide
The river’s water is alive
So sink or swim I'm diving in
There is a supernatural power In this mighty river’s flow
It can bring the dead to life And it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing Worth living and worth dying for
But we will never know the awesome power Of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away Into this holy flood
So if you'll take my hand We'll close our eyes and count to three And take the leap of faith
Come on let's go!
I'm diving in
I'm going deep
In over my head I want to be
Caught in the rush
Lost in the flow
In over my head I want to go
The river’s deep
The river’s wide
The river’s water is alive
So sink or swim I'm diving in
Hopefully that answers any questions you might have. I recommend the course, if for no other reason than that you meet amazing and incredible people who also want to be the best they can be, and it is a fabulous networking opportunity. Also, a point to mention is that I've met some wonderful friends and found a lot of support myself- with people who genuinely care about seeing me succeed. It's a very positive, genuinely caring and proactive group. :)
Much Love, and blessings from the rainforests and mountains of BC.
xo Rayne
Friday, January 16, 2009
Moderators for the Rain for the Planet Facebook Group
List of Moderators and Biographies:
All moderators agree to a code of behaviour and ethical guidelines, and are available to answer questions about their particular field of expertise within the forum. Moderators donate their time in exchange for karma and benefits to networking and collaborating on projects under development for rain for the planet.
Moderators are also eligible for Rain for the Planet Membership, and can be nominated for Executive Officers positions to the board of directors of Rain for the Planet once the initial membership process is complete. The Board of directors will be voted for by members of the website and facebook group when we have 10 active moderators.
It is not mandatory for any moderator to be a Rain for the Planet member or Executive director in order for them to use the group. All moderators pay a small residual percentage of any contract or work gained through use of the site to help support Rain for The Planet as it Grows.
So by purchasing services or products, signing up for a class and supporting moderators and members, you are also supporting Rain for the Planet- and this money goes to support Rayne in her work, and implementation of the website, set up fees and administraton costs, all which take an enormous amount of time and energy at this time.
This list is updates as new moderators come online. If you are interested in being a moderator in the Rain for the Planet Group, contact Rayne directly.
** This note will be updated as new moderators are added ** Last update April 16/09
The evergreen Mark Leiren-Young is the writer-director-producer of The Green Chain, an award-winning feature film about the people behind the issues in a dying logging town. The Green Chain is currently playing Canadian theatres as a Kinosmith release. He also wrote and coproduced The Green Film, a short film about an attempt to make the world's most environmentally friendly movie that is currently playing festivals around the world. Mark wrote and performed the short’s closing song, "Green Guilt Blues", which is on his upcoming eco-comedy CD, Greenpieces (featuring his musical comedy act, Local Anxiety). Mark wrote, produced and co-starred in the TV comedy special called Greenpieces for VTV/Green Channel/PBS - which received an EarthVision Award for, “Excellence in Environmental Programming.” Mark currently hosts a Green Chain podcast series for Canada’s top on-line --The Tyee dealing with forestry issues and the environment.
In addition to his "Green" projects Mark also writes for TV, theatre, radio and stage. Mark’s comic memoir, Never Shoot a Stampede Queen -- Adventures of a Rookie Reporter, was just nominated for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. An award-winning journalist and columnist, Mark has written for such publications as Time Magazine, Maclean’s andThe Utne Reader and he’s a regular contributor to The Georgia Straight and The Tyee. For more on Mark visit http://www.leiren-young.com
David is an exceptionally gifted Astrologer, Spiritual teacher and Tarot Reader.
"Hello to all. I am David Zunker. I have used this life to gather what wisdom I may from outer and inner knowledge seeking, experience, and serendipitous discovery. This has taken me through many paths and channels of information, which include Astrology, Qabala, Tarot, Ceremonial Magic, the Occult, Wicca, and psychedelia. I am privileged to have a successful life of service on my terms with a loving family, sincere friendships, and substantial inner awareness. I am happy to be invited by Summer Raine Forrest to participate in her efforts to bring healing to our world."
Rayne is the founder of Rain for the Planet. A Tera Mai Reiki master, graduate from Vancouver College of Counseling and Shamanic Apprentice she has developed her own system of healing. Rayne has been on FOX morning show, been a guest speaker for the YWCA Women's Mentoring Program and has worked with hundreds of people for their personal healing and development. She has been teaching since she was 13 years old. She ran West Coast Centre for Enlightenment in Mission BC and started the Lighthouse Interfaith Community Centre. Rayne's spiritual background is diverse. Among other things she has been a Born Again Christian Youth Leader, Pagan High Priestess, Zen Buddhist Student, Sacred Sister of the Dao, Professional Psychic, Intuitive development and creative arts Teacher, Feminist, Political Activist, Consultant, Manager, Journalist, web-developer and graphic designer. She was an actress in Voices of One at the Abbotsford Fringe Festival two years running also performing at the Mission Children's Festival, competed in the Canadian National Improv Olympics and was a runner up for Miss Teen Toronto.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Guidelines for Using the Rain for the Planet Online Group
1. We do not adhere to one strict belief system of spiritual beliefs or the idea of one true path but we strive as human beings to embrace all standpoints with unconditional love and unconditional tolerance firstly. This is a place for your to be you and as such your individual Divinity is honored and your inner Light respected. Thoughts, opinions, feelings and emotions of ALL who use this group and network here will be respected and honored. This is a place to make emotional connections and friends and network with others of different spiritual belief systems. Respect all and harm none.
2. Members and guests take full responsibility for their words and actions throughout using the forum and in communication with each other. Rayne, rainfortheplanet.org and the Rain for the Planet facebook group are not personally responsible nor do we necessarily agree with comments, beliefs or viewpoints expressed within the group and you, by using this group accept that you are personally liable for any actions or words shared here.
3. Personal growth of the self through communication and expression of your thoughts and ideas is encouraged as long as it does not harm others mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or physically or infringe on the right of others to be who they naturally are. You have a right to stand up for yourself but not to sling mud at another intentionally. Members or guests who repeatedly do not honour this tenant by causing deliberate slight or harm against an individual or group and/or who indulge in character assassination while using this group will be asked to leave and not come back. Members and guests who indulge in put downs, curses, implanting others thoughts with fear based consequences or attempts to postalize others for holding a particular faith will be show the door and the door shut firmly behind them. RESPECT FOR ALL IS ESSENTIAL for our aim of community harmony. Community or member complaints regarding member of guest conduct will be immediately investigated by our public relations team. We here at Rain for the Planet are all inclusive and discriminate against none.
4. We offer stability in times of trouble and we will be there to support you in your time of need, but only when you ask for our help first. Moderators are encouraged to promote themselves and any classes, workshops or services they offer and are within their rights to do so, provided that they do not infringe upon your personal group rights or break tenant number three. (see above)
5. Open minded dialogue is important to effect real and lasting change. Leave other groups alone to be who they are and treat others of different spirituality with the same respect and dignity you would expect to be shown. We believe that true change always starts from ones own self. Remember that others spiritual path has nothing to do with your spiritual development. We do not discriminate against race, religion, creed, or ethnicity and bigotry of any kind will not be tolerated. Again share your current and arrived at beliefs but never force them upon others because your will is not theirs. When in doubt, close the mouth and open the mind or refer to tenant #3.
6. Balance, harmony, artistry, healing and creativity are what we offer to all not just a chosen few. We will not interfere or take sides in personal disputes of our membership or the public at large unless it directly affects the well-being of the group, other members or the organization. We are a sanctuary and resource dedicated to harmony, healing, networking and allowing a diverse group of individuals to share information and beliefs with each other.
7. Tact and Diplomacy is of utmost importance and confidentiality is of the highest order of business.
8. We are an artistic, activist, spiritual and metaphysical community and as such members and guests control and shape the course of what happens in this group. We encourage our members to share what they have to offer with others under our umbrella by teaching or sharing their thoughts and opinions with each other.
9. We live in an imperfect physical world and are all searching for closure and transcendence in our lives so the act of being perfect is relegated to just the Divine, the Creator or the Almighty. We acknowledge that we are human and we all make mistakes. ALL people’s personal connections to the Divine in whatever form they hold are not mistakes and will be honoured and treated as sacred. During your time with us, we ask that you respect all those with us and beliefs of what God is in whatever form they hold by recognizing that we are all connected to the same Divine Force. We consider attacking ones personal belief in God to be a personal attack on someone’s soul and a direct assault on which they are. People have free will to display images or express beliefs about what they want and have a right to be who they are and display their faith with pride strength and serenity. Do not willfully or purposefully attack one’s belief in a Higher Power in whatever form it is or you will be shown the door and asked not to come back.
10. All meditations, exercises and suggestions contained within are guidelines and at no point in time or space would I or any member attempt to tell you, the forum users how to behave or think. You are responsible for all actions that originate from within. Above all remember do onto others as you would have them do unto you …. And blessed be, namaste, thank you, bless you.
Group Address: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17226113210
Website Address: http://www.rainfortheplanet.org
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Universe Means One Song
dedicated to Michael D.
-------------------------------------
"Universe means one song" I said
You said I'm a diva,
finishing the album when everyone else sings the first line.
When we meet rock songs reverberate in silent still halls
Feeling the music in every pore, Being sound, Living Song
together our movements exist in an opus of power.
I don't pray anymore...
Unless you count every thought as communion
a rush of Yod to the head.
Worship came in that orgasm last week,
You were so far in me we were both god.
Playing our parts, offering humble sounds to the symphony
Each conversation divine verse between god and his goddess transcendance
Absolution in a ballad- No
an opera of experience.
I don't go to temples anymore...
unless you count the cathedral of the heart.
Dancing my joy in crowds is like jaywalking through a wake,
In the rain at midnight with no one watching but the crows,
And the song pounding, rushing, offering grace
Breathing in and out night air for my body
Waiting for you to catch the beat of trees, grass, wind
Spirit's melody calling soul
I don't meditate anymore
Unless you count the act of wiping a single drop from the curve of a glass
A moment with God
Touching hands that first time music flowed,
Your skin was an orchestra's theme
In that moment confessor, priestess, stage, singer, applause became
fans, freedom, absolution and entrance into Graceland
for the first time in a very long time I let myself stop
In the silence I found the truth
That the god in you is the god in me
and all one song.
And I suppose it's true that I don't cry for the world anymore,
Unless you count the tears I've wrung from wailing guitars to a deaf audience
Holding notes that blaze to life like a comet in a Buddhist koan
Waiting for you singer to prove there's still magic in the world
Hiding a crooners voice in the masses
You idle there while I groove here
Your rythym is of drums beating faster and faster, tribal and free
When the jingle of the world calls you tuneless
I'll call you to lead the song, and share the stage so we can sing.
Summer Raine Forrest
September 2008
-------------------------------------
"Universe means one song" I said
You said I'm a diva,
finishing the album when everyone else sings the first line.
When we meet rock songs reverberate in silent still halls
Feeling the music in every pore, Being sound, Living Song
together our movements exist in an opus of power.
I don't pray anymore...
Unless you count every thought as communion
a rush of Yod to the head.
Worship came in that orgasm last week,
You were so far in me we were both god.
Playing our parts, offering humble sounds to the symphony
Each conversation divine verse between god and his goddess transcendance
Absolution in a ballad- No
an opera of experience.
I don't go to temples anymore...
unless you count the cathedral of the heart.
Dancing my joy in crowds is like jaywalking through a wake,
In the rain at midnight with no one watching but the crows,
And the song pounding, rushing, offering grace
Breathing in and out night air for my body
Waiting for you to catch the beat of trees, grass, wind
Spirit's melody calling soul
I don't meditate anymore
Unless you count the act of wiping a single drop from the curve of a glass
A moment with God
Touching hands that first time music flowed,
Your skin was an orchestra's theme
In that moment confessor, priestess, stage, singer, applause became
fans, freedom, absolution and entrance into Graceland
for the first time in a very long time I let myself stop
In the silence I found the truth
That the god in you is the god in me
and all one song.
And I suppose it's true that I don't cry for the world anymore,
Unless you count the tears I've wrung from wailing guitars to a deaf audience
Holding notes that blaze to life like a comet in a Buddhist koan
Waiting for you singer to prove there's still magic in the world
Hiding a crooners voice in the masses
You idle there while I groove here
Your rythym is of drums beating faster and faster, tribal and free
When the jingle of the world calls you tuneless
I'll call you to lead the song, and share the stage so we can sing.
Summer Raine Forrest
September 2008
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