Easter

An Easter Bouquet

Gillian Cornwall, c. April 2015

Beliefs - we all have them. Our collective human history is filled with them. We base our culture and our systems on them. In some ways, they are the building blocks of our lives. They are held from perspectives - our own, that of another or our own translation of that of another.

A timely example: There is a bunny and he has a basket of eggs, sometimes chicken, sometimes chocolate, and he hides them on the Easter weekend for children to go out and discover. From this, I surmise that he can walk or hop on his hind legs. This is cool. My understanding is children get the eggs if they have been good, similar to Christmas presents. Here is some Wikipedian history of the Easter Bunny. 

It is Easter weekend in the Christian faith. It is Passover in the Jewish faith. Later this month it is Ridvan for those of the Baha'i faith. There is a great deal of belief, faith and wonder in humanity. I like that. I like the variety of our ways of being and I can find peaceful joy in our differences. 

"Peaceful joy in our differences" ...so why are there wars fought over who has it all right? Do we need so desperately to believe our way is the right way, the only way? I feel that my greatest knowing comes through listening and learning and making informed decisions as I walk my path. The way of knowing is not a still pond but a flowing river. My beliefs have changed over the years and I have not felt the need to hold fast to one way. I do not need a head nod from another, an " I agree with you. We believe the same thing." 

Does it feel good to share belief with another? Absolutely. Whether it is spiritual, or about the benefits of the practice of Qigong or the foods I eat, I love it when I find another who likes what I like. It gives one a sense of camaraderie and belonging; however, it is through difference that I learn and grow. I am not a stagnant being. I am amorphous and in motion. I want to challenge my beliefs which are largely based on those of my culture, my people, my history and the stories I have been told. 

I am amazed when people are adamant with me that I have to do Yoga - even after I explain that it does not feel good to me. I have been to a number of classes and it just doesn't suit my body. In fact, it hurts. On the other hand, Qigong strengthens me and provides a great sense of well-being. It works for me. I am delighted for the people who have found what they need through Yoga and I'm glad I had the opportunities to try it, but why would I continue if it is not for me? Is it to make others feel that they are right in their choice? Of course they are; they have found that which works for them, as have I. Neither activity hurts nor diminishes the other; they are just different. Can it not be this way with all difference? Can we not just listen, explore and celebrate one another with an absence of harm? I am probably over-simplifying, but I would love it if we could live and let live. 

I wish you each kindness, respect, peace, love, compassion and joy, no matter your beliefs and choices. Let us all try to care for one another and our planet. 

-Gillian Cornwall, April 16, 2017

Original post, c. April 5, 2015

 Different Ways of Being - Tulips

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2008

Respect

Looking for Respect

Photo by Jodi McLean - c. 2014

It's rare as hen's teeth, is respect, particularly when it comes to the interactions between everyday folks. North Americans, in particular, seem to have this wacky idea that famous people deserve adoration and respect, simply because they are famous. 

Don't get me wrong, fame often takes skill in ones field and luck ...sometimes just luck. 

The thing I don't understand is that we won't respect our neighbour who gets up at 5 every morning to go serve breakfast to the homeless then goes to Wild Arc to look after injured wildlife because he smells funny or doesn't have nice clothes or isn't privileged enough to have a post secondary education but we will idolize someone who has a nice voice and a team of people to help them sell a million copies of a song they didn't necessarily write or an actor who moved us in a particular role he or she played. I'm not saying these folks might not deserve respect, but why are we lifting them higher than everyone else?

What the blazes is wrong with us, people? How does a hateful person end up leading a country? There are many other than the "T word" (wont even say his name) around the world who have been horrific leaders over the centuries and generations. 

Why do we not lift one another up rather than tear one another down in fear?

What is it in us that makes us believe that folks are supposed to look and dress a certain way in order to be considered good people or people deserving of our attention, kindness and respect?

If my Grandma were alive, she would be appalled. She came up through life with little. She sat ram rod straight in her chair with pride - and respect for goodness - all the days of her life. At ninety-something she chased a thief from her flat. She was treated poorly as a wife and was a strong and loving mother. She worried for her grandchildren and was proud as heck of each of us. She had disdain for abusive men and refused to fall despite the hurts. 

We need to respect more grandmas. We definitely need to lift up women, the givers of life, and honour them for their abilities and strength, regardless of false fame or lack thereof.

Get a grip people. Don't be led by shiny things; they won't necessarily make you rich. 

Love your mother. Love your mother earth. Respect the givers of life.

Peace.

-Gillian Cornwall, c. January 22, 2017

Oak Bay, Vancouver Island

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2014

Belief

A Belief I Can Get Behind

Gillian Cornwall, Photo: c. 2014

Beliefs - we all have them. Our collective human history is filled with them. We base our culture and our systems on them. In some ways, they are the building blocks of our lives. They are held from perspectives - our own, that of another or our own translation of that of another.

A timely example: There is a bunny and he has a basket of eggs, sometimes chicken, sometimes chocolate, and he hides them on the Easter weekend for children to go out and discover. From this, I surmise that he can walk or hop on his hind legs. This is cool. My understanding is children get the eggs if they have been good, similar to Christmas presents. Here is some Wikipedian history of the Easter Bunny. 

It is Easter weekend in the Christian faith. It is Passover in the Jewish faith. Later this month it is Ridvan for those of the Baha'i faith. There is a great deal of belief, faith and wonder in humanity. I like that. I like the variety of our ways of being and I can find peaceful joy in our differences. 

"Peaceful joy in our differences" ...so why are there wars fought over who has it all right? Do we need so desperately to believe our way is the right way, the only way? I feel that my greatest knowing comes through listening and learning and making informed decisions as I walk my path. The way of knowing is not a still pond but a flowing river. My beliefs have changed over the years and I have not felt the need to hold fast to one way. I do not need a head nod from another, an " I agree with you. We believe the same thing." 

Does it feel good to share belief with another? Absolutely. Whether it is spiritual, or about the benefits of the practice of Qigong or the foods I eat, I love it when I find another who likes what I like. It gives one a sense of camaraderie and belonging; however, it is through difference that I learn and grow. I am not a stagnant being. I am amorphous and in motion. I want to challenge my beliefs which are largely based on those of my culture, my people, my history and the stories I have been told. 

I am amazed when people are adamant with me that I have to do Yoga - even after I explain that it does not feel good to me. I have been to a number of classes and it just doesn't suit my body. In fact, it hurts. On the other hand, Qigong strengthens me and provides a great sense of well-being. It works for me. I am delighted for the people who have found what they need through Yoga and I'm glad I had the opportunities to try it, but why would I continue if it is not for me? Is it to make others feel that they are right in their choice? Of course they are; they have found that which works for them, as have I. Neither activity hurts nor diminishes the other; they are just different. Can it not be this way with all difference? Can we not just listen, explore and celebrate one another with an absence of harm? I am probably over-simplifying, but I would love it if we could live and let live. 

I wish you each kindness, respect, peace, love, compassion and joy, no matter your beliefs and choices. Let us all try to care for one another and our planet. 

Happy Spring. I hope you enjoy the pictures below. They are all from springtime in Victoria, BC, Canada.

-Gillian Cornwall, c. April 5, 2015

 Different Ways of Being - Tulips

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2008

 Tulip, Spring Rain

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2008

 Rhododendron

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2008

 Cherry Blossoms

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2012

 Tulip

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2010

Narcissus

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2014

Aloha - Maui 2014

I acknowledge, with respect, the land and ways of the Hawaiian people. I am grateful for the time, the sharing, and the welcoming aloha spirit I receive when I visit. I am grateful to the 'aina and the kai for nurturing and teaching me.

'Aina

Respect the land that sustains us

 Kai

Respect the mother ocean

This month I was blessed to have the resources and opportunity to travel back to Maui, Hawaii to allow my spirit time to heal and grow in the ways of aloha; to allow myself the time and space to feel well and to regain a unification with the land and the sea. It is in this place that I feel most whole and most at peace. I do not have to work or spend time in the usual day to day chores - I know it is not a reflection of how life would be if I were lucky enough to be allowed to stay there permanently but it gives me the chance to practice a different way of being.

In being there, I struggle with my colonialist history as a Brit and a Canadian. It is not my land. It is not my right to be there. I am a visitor - malihini on Maui. The land (aina) and sea (kai) are the home and the life force of the Hawaiian people and, although I am an uninvited malihini, I am greeted everywhere with the spirit of aloha. I listen when someone chooses to talk story with me about their life and their history and I watch traditional hula, not as a show, but as a part of the the way of life of a people. I am grateful to all who share their stories with me and to the mau kumu and kupuna who have taught me over the years on Lana'i, Maui, Oahu and Hawai'i.

If you visit Hawaii, please give yourself time to learn about the ways of the land and her first people. Carry the aloha spirit with you and pay attention to the land and the sea. They are our teachers, our caregivers and our life source. Malama Pono.

Here are some pictures from my visit.

Mahalo.

-Gillian Cornwall, c. December 14, 2014

Click on the images to view them larger as a slide show. 

 Hibiscus - Hawaii State Flower

Photo: G. Cornwall, c December 2014

 Coconut Palm

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014 

 ?

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

 Mauka Side, Ka'anapali Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

 Kai Side, Ka'anapali Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Mauka - Lahaina, Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Bird of Paradise

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Stormy Sky - Ka'anapali, Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Pink Hibiscus

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Seed Pod from ?

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Beach at Ka'anapali, Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Looking towards Molokai at Sunset

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Close Up of Molokai

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Close Up of Molokai

Photo: c. December 2014

Beautiful Sunset Time

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Molokai Close Up

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Ka'anapali Sunset

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Me with Black Rock behind - where I swam with 4 honu (sea turtles)

Photo: J. McLean, c. December 2014

Toward Black Rock, Ka'anapali, Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Royal Lahaina Resort Tower - where we stayed

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Palms in the Wind

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Mauka - Ka'anapali, Maui

 Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Sunset on Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Maui Sunset

 Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

 Kai

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Variety of Flora

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Lahaina Town, Maui - from the Expeditions Ferry to Lana'i

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Mauka from the ferry, Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

USA and Hawaiian Flag on Pioneer Inn - Lahaina, Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Lahaina Town and the sugar stack from 1861

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Maui from the Expeditions Ferry to Lana'i

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Expeditions Ferry from the Expeditions Ferry :-)

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

 The flower of my dreams - Plumeria on Lana'i, Hawaii

Photo: G.Cornwall, c. December 2014

My fave spot on the beach on Lana'i

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

On the beach on Lana'i

 Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Hulopo'e - Lana'i

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

View from our room at the Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Sunset through the palms - Royal Lahaina Resort, Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Sunset at Royal Lahaina Resort, Maui - from our balcony

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Sunset - Royal Lahaina Resort, Maui

From our Balcony

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

More sunset through the Palms

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014.

Couple of kane body surfing in the shore break at sunset

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Morning View

 Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Catamaran anchored out

Ka'anapali, Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Plumeria in the sand

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

J. McLean on the beach at Ka'anapali, Maui

This trip was her birthday present. :-)

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

 The Beach at Ka'anapali in the morning light

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

The Cookhouse Theatre in Lahaina Town

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Me - on the seawall in Lahaina Town - I sat in this same spot about 15 years ago

Photo: J. McLean, c. December 2014

Carving at Royal Lahaina Resort

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Gecko Outside Trying to get a spider that was inside.

He was very confused.

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Sunset from the restaurant at the Royal Lahaina Resort

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

View from inside our beautiful room at the Royal Lahaina Resort

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

View to Molokai from our hotel room at Royal Lahaina Resort

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

A beautiful day from our room at Royal Lahaina Resort

What a great view when one awakens

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Paddle Carved with the Honu - Royal Lahaina Resort

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Stylized photo of wahine dancing hula

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

A perfect day in Hawaii

 Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Beautiful local foliage surrounds the Royal Lahaina Resort

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Beautiful local plants

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

The Spectacular Banyan Tree in Lahaina Town

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Beautiful Pink Hibiscus

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Palms at Hulopo'e - Lana'i - My spiritual home

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

 Hulopo'e - Lana'i

Grateful to have a couple of hours in the waters and on the beach

that is my spirit place - Aloha.

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

On Expeditions Ferry on the way back from Lana'i.

Restored by the spirits that feed and protect me there.

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Sunset over Lana'i as we head back to Maui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Looking to Black Rock and Lana'i from the beach at our hotel

 Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

The ocean reaches across the sands and beckons me

into the land of magical fish and honu

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

The Salty Brine left from the mother on the sands of Ka'anapali

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

The colours of the water from our room were ever changing

with the glory of each new day.

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

A long view of the Kai Side - Royal Lahaina Resort

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

The Panorama from our beautiful hotel room at the Royal Lahaina Resort

Photo: G. Cornwall, C. December 2014

My Friend, Jodi McLean

From this picture, I would say she enjoyed her trip very much.

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

View from the lawns of the beautiful and peaceful, Royal Lahaina Resort

Mahalo for all you did to make our visit fun, beautiful and fulfilling.

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

The Foliage outside the Royal Lahaina Resort

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Looking Up Country from Kahalui

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

Yes, a chicken walking around freely by the agricultural inspection station at Kahalui Airport.

I suspect she is hired to inspect any eggs that come through. :-)

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

At Kahalui

Time to go back to Victoria...

Photo: G. Cornwall, c. December 2014

 Mahalo for reading and looking at my pictures.

Gillian