Stewart Blackburn on Compassion I recently wrote an article on the subject of compassion as it is a topic of great importance to me. In that article I referred to the work of Stewart Blackburn and particularly his excellent recent book 'It's Time To Come Home: With Kindness And Compassion We Come Back To Ourselves. Self Compassion I spoke to Stewart about the concept, and … [Read more...] about Another Perspective on Compassion
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The Importance of Compassion
At a recent workshop I was at, the topic of compassion was discussed. It is a concept that I believe is important for many reasons so I will explore it here. What is Compassion? Many popular dictionaries provide a common definition of compassion along the lines of: a feeling of pity, sympathy, and understanding for someone who is suffering or Sympathetic pity … [Read more...] about The Importance of Compassion
Huna and the Tarot
The Tarot as a Teaching Tool There are various theories about the Tarot and many uses as well as some misconceptions. One way of looking at the Tarot is as a wonderful storehouse of symbolism. Another way is to consider the Tarot as a teaching tool. In an article for Aloha International, Jim Fallon and Serge King, explored a way of using the Mayor Arcana of the Tarot to … [Read more...] about Huna and the Tarot
A Lesson About Change From Serge King
Lava Flows on Big Island brings Big Changes In May 2018 volcanic activity increased around the Kilauea Volcano on Big Island. This resulted in eruptions, the opening of fissures, increases in volcanic smog (Vog), many many earthquakes and an increased flow of lava on the eastern side of the Island. As a result, there were evacuations and the landscape of the island has, in … [Read more...] about A Lesson About Change From Serge King
Strangers Among Us
Interacting with Strangers I live near a wonderful large natural park which is quite unusual as it is tucked away in the suburbs. I spend a lot of time there because it's a pleasant place to visit. As I walk through the park, I may make brief eye contact with people I pass, smile and sometimes say good afternoon or even strike up a brief conversation if that seems appropriate. … [Read more...] about Strangers Among Us
It’s Time to Come Home
Stewart Blackburn's New Book Is Out In a previous post I mentioned that my friend Stewart Blackburn was on the verge of publishing his new book. He was in the midst of completing the final edits during a particularly interesting time where he lives on Big Island with much heightened volcanic activity. When I spoke with him recently his descriptions of being in the midst of … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Come Home
A Shamanic Perspective on Pleasure
Pleasure is an interesting concept and something that guides our actions and reactions, yet how much do we really know about pleasure? Last year I visited my friend Stewart Blackburn on Big Island. Stewart is a shamanic teacher and practitioner and a fellow Alakai of Aloha International. One area Stewart has focussed on is the concept of pleasure. This includes notions such … [Read more...] about A Shamanic Perspective on Pleasure
Stop and Be Present!
Ua hala ka ‘ino, ua kau ka mālie. - The storm has passed; calmness is here. Being 'Scattered' Like many people I feel I have had a lot going on, recently this seemed to be more than usual. Perhaps it’s a common condition of modern living. A lot of things have been vying … [Read more...] about Stop and Be Present!
Serge King: Some Reflections on Urban Shamanism
I recently wrote about what might be termed urban shamanism in the article urban shamanism revisited. One of Serge King’s most renowned books is Urban Shaman in which he outlines many of the skills and practices of the Huna Kupua and shows how they are as relevant and useful to modern urban living as they were in ancient times. This is a view I share. We discussed the value … [Read more...] about Serge King: Some Reflections on Urban Shamanism
Urban Shamanism Revisited
Amongst many books that inspired me was Serge King’s Urban Shaman. For me it bought together what at first might seem to be two juxtaposed concepts, that of shamanism and urban living (which I also equated with an element of westernised contemporary living). It was over 12 years ago that I first read the book and a lot has happened since then. What excited me was that it … [Read more...] about Urban Shamanism Revisited