We Are One, After All

We Are One, After All

We are one, after all, you and I. Together we suffer, together exist and forever will re-create each other.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) French Jesuit, paleontologist, biologist and philosopher

William Bloom on Barack Obama's victory
Dear Friends


Barack Obama's victory today has moved me and I feel tears of joy and suffering.

Walking the dogs first thing this morning and then sitting in meditation, it felt as if the whole planet had gone still, pausing and contemplating the meaning of this victory.

It is obviously meaningful that the most powerful nation on earth will now have a leader who is thoughtful, liberal and compassionate. His ethnic background is symbolic of a new inclusion of all peoples. This is a substantial and passionate shift.

Eleven years ago I also felt a wave of deep emotion when Tony Blair became Prime Minister. Finally Mrs Thatcher's culture could be put behind us and we would return to a more fair and relaxed society. Whilst I watched the great celebrations of that victory night in 1997 I felt twinges of remorse and envy. My godfather was a Member of Parliament and, had I chosen, I too could have made a political career. A few days later, I said to my mother that I wished I had been at the party. 'Don't be stupid, dear,' she replied. 'They're just politicians. Wait and see.'

Of course, she was correct. They were just politicians. Some things changed for the better. Others didn't.

Politicians and statesmen do not stand separate from their communities. They emerge from them and their power comes from how deeply they are linked to the spirit of the times. Just as Tony Blair came into power riding a wave of public sentiment that wanted a new style of leadership, so too does Barack Obama.

But now come the realities of government. As the former Governor of New York, Mario Cuomo, said: "Politicians campaign in poetry, but have to govern in prose."

Another way of looking at this is that campaigning happens in the world of ideas, which now have to incarnate in real life. As anyone who has ever led a project will know, there is a huge difference between the idea and its materialisation. It is rarely simple. The largest ship in the world is the oil tanker, Jahre Viking, which is 1,503 feet long and 226 feet wide. This is approximately five times the length of a football pitch. When the ship's captain orders the ship to turn around in stormy waters, the manoeuvre is difficult and takes time.

Barack Obama not only arrives in troubled times, he is also subject to profound historical influences. Nelson Mandela's liberation was also a time of passionate celebration and signalled great changes. As did the fall of the Berlin Wall. But, as time passes, the deeper dynamics of world history and the collective karma of humanity are played out. The original victory and its celebration begin to stand alone, isolated from the realities that both preceded and followed it, the injustices and dangers of real life.

And there are real dangers. No matter how much we aspire to a world of peace, the collective psyche of humanity still holds deep wells of cruelty and blind power. Abusive behaviour requires clear boundaries and on the world stage stability and peace are, sadly and realistically, only possible through balances of power. Of course, we pray and campaign for a different global culture, but sooner or later Barack Obama will be challenged by a foreign threat — and he will have no choice but to act. We shall again see the karmic struggle of our species' development.

So I celebrate and am deeply touched by his victory. But I know too that he is subject to the forces of history. As he begins to mediate and resolve the various conflicts of the United States, he will need the prayerful support of all of us, especially when his shine wears off. People forget how John Major and Tony Blair slowly achieved peace in Northern Ireland. How long will relationships with the Arab nations take to come back into harmony?

This mindful and philosophical awareness of political realities encourages us to be grounded in our appraisal and support of Barack Obama. Our spirituality — and the essence of spirituality is faith in the wonder and benevolent energy of existence — guides us to be deeply optimistic.

We need to celebrate today. And then maintain, patiently and persistently, a daily practice of strong support for humane values. Pray for grace and for miracles. Hold Barack and his ideals in the Light.


All my love.

William


www.williambloom.com

BRISTOL GREEN STORE - needs producers!

 

NEW ECO SHOP

 

 

BRISTOL GREEN STORE

 

Needs Local Producers!

 

The Bristol Green Store stocks PRACTICAL items made by local people!

 

If you fit this category please send us info about you and your products-

 

http://www.bristolgreenstore.co.uk/apply.html

 

 

 

We OPEN THIS SATURDAY and would love to have a fully stocked shop- so contact us ASAP!

 

 

BRISTOL GREEN STORE

 

www.bristolgreenstore.co.uk

 

 

The Old Post Office, Chessel Street, Bedminster

 

· 0117 953 0828 · 07790 759748

 

 

Bristol's new green & ethical website

More from Friends of the Earth

Let There Be Such Oneness

Let There Be Such Oneness

Let there be such oneness between us that when one cries, the other tastes salt.

Anonymous

friends of the earth
Subject: Green the Energy Bill

		20 Oct 2008
	Green the Energy Bill We urgently need more green energy to combat climate change. The Energy Bill needs to include proper government backing for renewable projects like solar panels. Tell your MP to back renewable energy and green the UK energy system
	Involved in teaching? This year's Shout about educational pack for secondary schools is now ready for delivery. For more details and to sign up for a free copy of the pack, visit our learning pages
	Crunch time for the Climate Change Bill MPs are preparing to vote on amendments to improve the Climate Change Bill. This is your last chance to ask your MP to listen to the advice of the Committee on Climate Change and include emissions from aviation and shipping and cut all emissions by 80% by 2050.
	Stop illegal logging An estimated 20% of timber imports coming into the EU are from suspected illegal sources. Yesterday the EU launched much needed legislation to deal with it. Email your MEP to demand a strong law that will put an end to this environmentally destructive trade.
	Inspired, ethical, gifts for Christmas You can avoid the queues by buying all your ethical Christmas shopping online with the award winning Natural Collection. You'll also be raising money for Friends of the Earth with every purchase.
90% of our income comes from individual supporters like you, which helps us fund campaigns like these - Thank you. (if you're not already a supporter you can join us)

Moon Times Newsletter
 

Subject: News from Moon Times; new shop, gift sets, new stock and events Please forward this newsletter to any friends, family or colleagues who may be interested!
www.moontimes.co.uk
GIFT SETS click the links to buy! We are happy to make up gift sets from our stock- or choose from the ones below. (usual P&P costs apply) State if you would like a set with a jute shopping bag, jute hand bag, jute drawstring bag, a basket or a box!	Hi there, I've got some exciting news...a few of us 'green minded businesses' in Bristol have got together and we are opening a shop!! The Bristol Green Store will launch on Nov 1st- So if you're around drop in and say hi! see www.bristolgreenstore.co.uk
£28 Patterned pad  Panty Liner  Daughters in Flower set bath bomb In jute shopping or hand bag https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=586572	31 Oct is wear it pink day  http://www.wearitpink.co.uk Buy PINK pads or panty liners and Moon Times will donate 25% of the price to the Breast Cancer Campaign! (state PINK when ordering!) we have a limited stock of pink animal print, butterflies, fairies and bunnies! Our PINK ORGANIC pads are naturally dyed with beetroot :)
£25 Moon cup (state size) Panty liner Moon tea Soap In jute hand bag/ drawstring bag/box https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=586588     £20 Earth Pathways Diary Moon Calendar Crystal chakra set Bella Bees Soap In jute shopping bag/hand bag https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=586597	NEW STOCK The DIVA moon cup a slightly different design to the Moon Cup as it has a shorter stalk...and retail a bit cheaper at £16.99! it has 2 sizes- do state which size when ordering Model 1: for women who are under thirty (30) years old who have never had childbirth or caesarean section. Model 2: for women who are thirty (30) years old and over and/or for all women who have had vaginal childbirth or caesarean section. *Easy-to-use instructions enclosed *Storage Bag and Diva Lapel Pin included!  click the link to buy https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=586637      Moon Calendars £6 each click the link to buy https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=586652 or 2 for £10 click the link to buy https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=586659 they make a great Xmas gift!
£15 Earthy Pathways Diary Crystal chakra set Soap In jute hand bag/ shopping bag https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=586604
£12 Soap nuts Organic Pad bath bomb In jute hand bag/ drawstring bag/box https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=586613     £12 Soap nuts Bella Bees Balm bath bomb  In jute hand bag/ drawstring bag/box https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=586628	Moon Times Pads have been featured on the BIG GREEN IDEA...www.thebiggreenidea.org A dynamic new charity dedicated to showing people how sustainable living can be easy, healthy, inexpensive and fun. Read more about why we set up the BGI here → Our Big Green Bus is equipped with a solar-powered cinema and a space for talks and workshops. We also carry a huge range of energy-saving devices, natural skincare and cleaning products, recycled items, clothing made from sustainable crops, composting systems and much more besides. As well as showcasing greener alternatives to everyday items and demonstrating how they can help us to reduce our impact on the planet we will offer information about local environmental initiatives and support groups. Read more about our bus here → Do check the EVENTS section below- hope to see you at some of them...  much love and blessings, Rachael at Moon Times xxxx
EVENTS: LAUNCH 1st Nov BRISTOL GREEN STORE www.bristolgreenstore.co.uk local products body & hair care home ware & gifts laundry & cleaning wool thermal insulation full range of natural paints solar pv & hot water systems Buy truly inspiring, sustainable gifts this Christmas! practical information on sustainability & a select range of products from ethical sources & local producers BRISTOL GREEN STORE The Old Post Office, Chessel Street, Bedminster Holistic Insights Fair if you are local to Bristol you may want to pop down to the Holistic Insights Fair at The Southville Centre, 1st & 2nd Nov- The Barefoot Doctor will be doing a talk...and I'll be selling my wares- so pop in and say hi! see http://www.holisticinsights.co.uk/events_love_life_love_me.htm And another one to pencil in to your diaries....The Goddess Show: Bath Show Ground, 7th June 09! I'll be there with my Moon Lodge doing workshops and of course selling my products! do check their website: http://www.goddessshow.co.uk/welcome.html
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New Bristol Green Store opening

NEW ECO SHOP

 

BRISTOL GREEN

STORE

 

www.bristolgreenstore.co.uk

 

 

local products

body & hair care

home ware & gifts

laundry & cleaning

wool thermal insulation

full range of natural paints

solar pv & hot water systems

 

Buy truly inspiring, sustainable gifts this Christmas!

practical information on sustainability

& a select range of products from

ethical sources & local producers

BRISTOL GREEN STORE

The Old Post Office, Chessel Street, Bedminster

www.bristolgreenstore.co.uk  · 0117 953 0828 · 07790 759748

 

* LAUNCH Saturday 1st Nov *

Now that mercury is running smoothly we can all relax!!!!!

Now that mercury is running smoothly we can all relax!!!!! 

 

The biggest Mercury retrograde for 2008 is finally over on October 15! And with the financial markets around the world in turmoil, what a time it's been. Mention of Mercury retrograde even entered the financial commentary on CNBC!

Mercury turned retrograde in Libra on September 24. Venus is the ruling planet for Libra and governs our attitudes towards finances and material possessions, and Libra rules over the Seventh House -- the House of Partnerships. Partnerships take many forms and include contracts, legalities, negotiations and agreements. This retrograde period touched upon and influenced all of the above.

http://www.astrology.com