The White House, May 14, 2009
Summer is in full swing at last. The air is thick with humidity, and all the trees are in full leaf unless they are dead. The only remnants of early spring flowers are the folded brown packets that were once daffodils and tulips. Even the irises (they usually hang around longer than other delicate spring flowers) are looking a little tired.
There are many flowers in bloom which is why it feels so nice and fresh and clean outside. Blooming flowers, as I experience them, are potent energy filters. Something about all their tender petals, gathered together in beautiful shapes, pulls in sour energy, cleans it, then radiates pure happiness and beauty. That's why we take flowers to people who are in the hospital, why we use them at funerals and weddings. They're pretty - oh my yes! - but they're also quite functional, at least I think so.
Because roses are the best energy filters in the flower kingdom (according to the cosmology of Reya) I'm thinking that my next steps at the Vietnam Memorial will include leaving roses at the wall, as many as I can pinch without being rude during tomorrow morning's walk with Jake.
My plan is to gather only the sweetest smelling roses, and since they're going to be placed at the Vietnam Memorial, I'm thinking I'll only collect those that have passed their peak. Seems fitting.
I'm also going to channel Reiki directly into the wall. Ordinarily I don't touch the black granite; in fact I don't believe I've ever touched it, but whatever it is that's happening there could be supported with life force energy, so I'm going to suck it up, be brave, scatter roses and put lots of Reiki into the memorial. No doubt there will be more shamanic twirling, and I've promised Tessa of the blog Aerial Armadillo that I'll leave the ipod at home, listen for birdsong and other sounds.
After the shamanics at the wall, I'm going to go see Star Trek. Not the worst way to spend a Saturday, is it?
23 comments:
A lovely rose gesture for the Memorial. There's something very sensitive, moving about it, to see roses left behind. It prompts thought, in a way. Have a wonderful Saturday.
Go free the restless spirits.
btw, my son says Star Trek is (and I quote) 'awesome'.
Energy filters, huh? I'll have to give them a try - they're in full bloom over here, too.
Best to you and your weekend plans.
Because we're old pals, I know (hope?) you won't take this the wrong way, so here goes:
Why do you think that big wall wants anything to do with you?
Not accusing or admonishing here - just looking for you to fill in the spaces a bit more.
That is a nice way to spend a Saturday! Enjoy! I'll be sitting on the porch swing reading and sipping lemonade.
Hi Hammer. As you know I love it whenever you challenge me - here or elsewhere.
I have no sense that the wall "wants" or "doesn't want" me or anyone for that matter. It's a sculpture and though I would never say that it has no desires, I am completely unfit to say it doesn't.
When I do my shamanic thing, it is my way of praying, it's my spiritual art. Jews doven, Holy Rollers roll around, Catholics kneel on those little bench thingies in front of the pews, eat cookies and drink wine, Baptists get sprinkled with holy water. I could go on, but you get the picture.
This is how I worship the divine, by scattering roses and dancing around and listening. Part of my devotional poetry is the way I describe my experience. When wine officianados say that a certain wine tastes of "cigars, berries and earth" what are they doing but speaking devotional poetry.
When I do my shamanica, it's important for me. As for the wall, the dead soldiers, the roses, or anybody who reads this blog, I don't have a clue what it means.
Does this answer your question? xx
While you're there, would you scatter some petals and touch the Wall for my treasured soul friend Steve Hellwig? His name is near the middle of the Wall, on one of the taller panels. He died so young.
Meri it will be my honor. Thank you for asking!
You'll love Star Trek! Have a great day, and be sure to smell the roses yourself. :)
Reya-
I think it is so great of you to place flowers at the memorial. While I am really quite unsure of what all the shamanistic rituals, prayers etc... mean, I think that it must be a great outlet for you (I use those "bench thingies" at mass).
I agree with your friend- leave the ipod at home :)
Thank you for taking the time to honor those who have fallen.
Thanks Dani.
And yes Steve, I'll definitely be sniffing the roses, I promise.
Dani - Also should have said that though I don't understand the rituals of the Catholic faith, I recognize their power and have tremendous respect for them, and you, and everyone who follows a spiritual path that suits them, including atheists.
Reya, you are amazing. I will think tomorrow of the wall and you there and send a prayer too.
your energy filters sound a bit like the wetlands, nature's design to filter our water, among other purposes. Hope your date with the wall is satisfactory...and looking forward to a star trek review...but no spoilers please!
Tom my lips are sealed. I already know too much about it!
What a fascinating spirituality you have, and what a comfort it must be to you.
I once held similar beliefs.
Isn't the weather glorious in that part of the country?
The roses are perfect for grounding and centering the wavering energy.
Hammer uses words so well and so exactingly. I think I see what he is leading you to consider. This will be interesting to see.
I will hold space.
I just love that photo of the roses. They absolutely look like energy filters to me. Also the photo of the wall with the people reflected affects me deeply. I like your description of what you're doing there as spiritual art. Keep on creating.
Beautiful roses, and I do love the image of the "folded brown packets". Hope the ipodless reiki-wall experience goes well x
Ronda, what is Hammer trying to get me to see? I just thought he was asking for clarification. Please explain?
Hey girl,
The first time I ever saw the Vietnam Memorial, I was AMAZED. It just swallows you up.
BTW, I've never seen that statue on the White House lawn. Is that new?
Say hi to Jake.
Sounds good to me -
The statue is in Lafayette Square. Can't remember who it is.
I had the super zoom turned on the camera, so the statue appears closer to the house than it actually is.
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