Gaia Community: Antara's Blog http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog Gaia Community: Antara's Blog Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:18:10 -0000 60 http://www.sporkmonger.com/projects/feedtools/ SQUARE WORLD by Antara Davis http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2008/9/square_world_by_antara_davis <zaadz_holding id="97617" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">I come from a long line</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">of circles and spirals. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">Birthed from calla lily velvet,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">How did I end up here?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">In this square world </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">With it&rsquo;s jutting edges</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">Poking holes in the gold of my being.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">I want to sand the edges down,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">Smooth the jagged glass.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy"><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">A beckoned wind sends my soul</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">over black charred hills,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">a floating ruby scarf</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">Released into the flurry.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">In my mind I meld the shattered places</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">With my white hot heart</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">And diamond tears</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">Into abalone rivers </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">of shimmering rainbow.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">Open thy Eyes</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">Open thy Heart.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">Brave the work to be done.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">I come from a long line </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">Of circles and spirals.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">I know why I am here.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">- Antara Davis </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">September 18, 2008</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: navy">www.JewelsofTara.com</span></p> Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:39:59 -0000 http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2008/9/square_world_by_antara_davis Curtains of Time http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2008/9/curtains_of_time <font face="PMingLiU"><font size="+4"><font color="#999900">CURTAINS OF TIME</font>&nbsp; </font><font size="+2">By <strong>Antara Davis</strong></font></font><br />&nbsp; <p>&nbsp;</p><hr /> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Corridor of Marble, tall windows each side</strong> </p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Billowing sheers ebb like the tide.</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They swoon with the wind, dancing ghosts of white,</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inhaled Exhaled by a starlit night.</strong> <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I am carried away by these Galleon sails</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Enraptured, they call me, please step off the trail.</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tugged like a puppet upon a cool marble sea</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Passing portals of chance, <br /></strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Veiled lives beckon me.</strong> <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reflections, projections, they get in the way.</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whispering mirrors, confusion, etched shards of gray.</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Window after window, like snapshots of time,</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Grasping, clasping what is not mine.</strong> <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Years of tears<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; great windfalls of joy,</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Beauty- pain- passion, am I crone or lost boy?</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I keep walking thru time, many lives I glance,</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To see what was,</strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; what is, <br /></strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; if only, perchance.</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I keep walking and walking, I don&rsquo;t skip a beat.</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ignoring the curtains that grab for my feet.</strong> <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Look up! There&rsquo;s an opening, a rooftop view.</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A Panorama of Self, I find what is true -</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No beginning no ending</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No above no below</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No within no without,</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not ONE thing to Know.</strong> <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Corridor of marble, hallway of time</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crumbles to reveal what had always been mine.</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shattered are the walls that kept me apart,</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Those segmented views,&nbsp; that fragmented heart.</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now I breathe like those curtains, <br /></strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; sitting still in this space.</strong> </p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Billowing wisdom, <br /></strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; timelessness, <br /></strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; No Thing to face.</strong> </p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I am here. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I am now. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To this vastness <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I bow.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <br /></strong>&nbsp;by Antara Davis www.JewelsOfTara.com<br /> Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:56:00 -0000 http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2008/9/curtains_of_time Just Returned from New Mexico - Enjoy this photo gallery link http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2007/6/just_returned_from_new_mexico_-_enjoy_this_photo_gallery_link <p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/antara1111/NewMexicoTripMay2007?authkey=tnSL38RxDUk">http://picasaweb.google.com/antara1111/NewMexicoTripMay2007?authkey=tnSL38RxDUk</a><br /><br />If you are into photography and/or enjoy New Mexico and sacred spaces, then you will enjoy this link to my photo gallery above. Enjoy, Antara</p> Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:18:30 -0000 http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2007/6/just_returned_from_new_mexico_-_enjoy_this_photo_gallery_link HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2007/3/happiness_is_a_choice <p>Here is an affirmation style poem that i wrote to keep reminding my self that happiness is nothing more than an ongoing choice moment to moment. May it help others to read these words.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; </p><p align="center">HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE<br />By Antara Davis &nbsp;December 13, 2006</p><p align="center">&nbsp;</p><p align="center">ALL is well, no matter how it looks.</p><p align="center">Judging anyone or anything as good or bad is ignorant.</p><p align="center">The only person I can change is myself.</p><p align="center">What I have power over is my mind.</p><p align="center">What matters most is this moment right now.</p><p align="center">All I can really do I is my best in <u>this</u> moment.</p><p align="center">If all I can do is be loving, then all is well.</p><p align="center">From the depths of my being, I really <u>do</u> know</p><p align="center">&nbsp;That everything has a way of working itself out,</p><p align="center">There are outcomes, purposes and timings far beyond my knowing.</p><p align="center">If I am suffering any angst or despair because of what I witness </p><p align="center">And experience in my inner or outer life, </p><p align="center">Let it be a sign that I need to let go of wanting things to be different.</p><p align="center">I clear my mind of fears and judgements</p><p align="center">And get in touch with the larger truth . </p><p align="center">It&#39;s never really been up to me to change the world, </p><p align="center">Yet it has <u>always</u> been up to me to change my mind. This is how I serve.</p><p align="center">Yes, it actually<u> is</u> my job to create the mental state of happiness within.</p><p align="center">&nbsp;Only then is it effortless to act with kindness and compassion and generosity.</p><p align="center">I Change my self, I change the world. This is how I serve others.</p><p align="center">Right now I remember again that its all ok.&nbsp; </p><p align="center">I exhale and release all attachments to problems &amp; </p><p align="center">I hand over all troubles to a higher power</p><p align="center">I relax and rejoice and let out a great big lama-laugh.</p><p align="center">I am happy with this remembering, this emptying into emptiness.</p><p align="center">This is how I serve, heal and change the world. </p><p align="center">I direct my mind back into its natural state of clarity and happiness.</p><p align="center">May all beings be so happy.</p> Mon, 12 Mar 2007 23:27:41 -0000 http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2007/3/happiness_is_a_choice Returning To Form http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2007/3/returning_to_form As all the energy is intensifying on earth and in our lives, my intention is to stay calm centered and in the moment. This is quite a job sometimes. <br /><br />I&#39;m on a quest of moving beyond mental suffering which can be so prevelant in this realm, and in fact, is the nature of this realm. Being sensitive in a suffering world has meant that often I return from the dreamtime feeling soothed and reassured that yes, suffering IS the nature of this reality, and yes, it is difficult to experience and witness it, and yes, there is a way out (mastering the mind/self). A very cosmic Buddhist &quot;hang in there&quot;. i can energetically feel the encouraging pat on the back while i slip back into this denser level of consciousness as i awaken. Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:12:46 -0000 http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2007/3/returning_to_form My reality (continued) http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2007/3/my_reality_continued (continued from my home page)_<br /><br />In my belief system, WHAT we perceive as our everyday experience is a direct result of our previous&nbsp;thoughts and actions (karma).&nbsp; What fascinates me most therefore&nbsp;is the realization of how much power we have<u> in each moment</u> to plant seeds of great happiness for our future. To me, this means being as aware and conscious as i can be of what thoughts&nbsp;i am generating. It means watchguarding my awareness, my actions and my words to stay as kind and positive as possible. This means keeping my focus on that which is good and positive in order to amplify that energy.&nbsp; An ongoing process to be sure - something I work on with my friends everyday&nbsp;- we attempt to keep each other as conscious as possible in our earthwalks.<br /><br />So in this moment, i guess you could say I am interested in the powers that are. The powers within me. The powers seeming to exist outiside me.&nbsp; Sometimes I feel those teachings have come to me in the form of deep reverence and years of practicing both in the Buddhist &amp; Shamanic lineages. Sometimes I think these are generally the Mother Teachings and Father Teachings. Sometimes I go deep and serious into teachings, other times i let completely go of it all and laugh and play take none of it seriously. This is when i feel most free and fluid of course. The holy point of it all - a fine balance of not taking it all so seriously in a very serious seeming world. <br /><br />In my parallel universe (see string theories) I have no concerns at all, i live in nature, commune with it in a myriad of ways, and create as much beauty as the world can stand - a fabulous milkyway path of stars and rainbows to delight the wind and those with eyes to see. I drum and sing and dance with kindred spirits under&nbsp; the moon.&nbsp;i make mandalas of pebbles and blossoms to honor the river, leave altars to all that is holy. In this parallel universe&nbsp;i create lovepoems to the eternal ones &nbsp;I play in the sand and draw down all the radiant beauty that i can catch with my open heart and beam it through me.&nbsp; Heaven on Earth. And so it is. Sun, 11 Mar 2007 23:22:58 -0000 http://antaralotus.gaia.com/blog/2007/3/my_reality_continued