Fell off the earth for a while. But making a return.

Couple quick questions though. How is Gaia? And what's popping on the other side of the pc's?

For those who may not have visited his site yet and read Yunus' description of how social business entrepreneurs are key to cutting poverty, here is the location: Muhammad Yunus.

Take a look at his thoughts on capitalism and social entrepreneurs at the above link. And consider the outline of how we may engage poverty wherever we do business. You'll come to see how he was able to coin the expression 'conscious capitalism'. And it may give you insight into his method of world change.

Personally, I find his ideas 'in a good direction'. But I'm convinced it will take actions way beyond the business sector to forever reduce and eliminate poverty. Yes, actions more of a spiritual nature.

What are your thoughts?

The below 'quoted' comments are from a Thinktank thread located here. Its titled, What do you think?, referencing the ad sponsors featured on the site (just look to your far right). And everyone reading this is strongly encouraged to take a moment to read them there in their original context flow.

After seeing the expressions shared, I found some of them interesting to ponder and review. In particular, Darshan and ~C4Chaos had some nice thoughts. As did everyone. So I've decided to add a few my own reflections on just their comments for now. They're being addressed in no particular order.

[Darshan's thoughts]
"And no disrespect to the Integral folks, but I would hate it to appear to be that Zaadz was somehow a function of the Wilberites and Integralists, or for that matter, any large cohesive group that found a home here.

Again, it isn't about anything or anyone in particular, I guess it would be nice to see Zaadz, The Republic be a truly democratic representation of a “nation” we say we'd like to be."

From my own observation, I can see where and how Darshan draws his point. I do see a tightly knit relationship between integralists and Zaadz. However, to say Zaadz is a "function of the Wilberites and Integralists" appears debatable. I would say Zaadz is Wilberites and Integralists greatest cheerleader, rooting for the home teams. But Zaadz has operated independently from the beginning, being free of functioning solely for integralists partiality.

There does seem to, clearly, be a preference toward reflecting Integral Institute (with a strong buddhist twist) and the like. Which isn't a biggie, for me at least. After all, on the homepage its whole take on spirituality is in line with Integralism anyway.

[Darshan's thoughts]
"I guess what this boils down to is when you start having money spent to influence people's opinion, it starts coloring the opinion people have of you and your product, and your ability to share that opinion. I'm certainly not saying this to poo-poo your idea, Martha, I'm speaking to things I have already seen and the lessons that can be learned from history."

I share those lessons that Darshan's speaks about. The concern is valid and should be
explored when cause for concern is raised. Of course we may remember the little boy who cried "wolf" (its a classic children's story). Still, being practical, this business of 'changing the world' would have to involve actual change. And all change is a result of some sort of influence.

So perhaps scrutinizing the amount, nature and motive of any influence is valid. And the matter of spending money to generate influence/change has its success. The balance would be the level of individuality and impartiality exercised by the people to be influenced.

[~C4Chaos' thoughts]
"what's wrong with influencing people if your purpose and message is to promote a more conscious way of doing things? what's wrong with spending money on influencing people if this is done with utmost care and compassion? what's wrong with promoting your product or services if your intention is to make people's lives better?"

These are good questions, and they insinuate a positive outlook. To me, the questioning should really be centered on not so much "what", but how. And I only saw mere concerns about influencing via money. I didn't see anywhere about it being explicitly "wrong". Which 
was very encouraging.

[Darshan's thoughts]
"I guess what this boils down to is when you start having money spent to influence people's opinion, it starts coloring the opinion people have of you and your product, and your ability to share that opinion. I'm certainly not saying this to poo-poo your idea, Martha, I'm speaking to things I have already seen and the lessons that can be learned from history."

Even here, there's no mention of influencing being dead wrong. There does seem to be an honest heads-up on freedom of expression at Zaadz. For he did write: "your ability to share that opinion". In regard to expressing ones opinion on a product that a company may spend
large amounts of cash to buy influence on, it may present a challenge. But is it really debilitating?

[~C4Chaos' thoughts]
"what i'm trying to say is: we have to reset our thinking and ditch the idea that once people start spending money then their integrity is compromised. there maybe some truth to this, but i think this is an unfair way of treating people who do business across the board. i think a more constructive attitude towards this is:

“gee, they're spending money to hear from us, they care on what we think, they are doing their best to be transparent, they are opening up the channels of communication, maybe i'll return the favor and take this opportunity to give them a piece of my constructive criticism so they can improve their product/service even more.” "

Personally, I'd never ditch the exercises of mind or discernment. Doing that would support 
Darshan's earlier red flag about "your ability to share that opinion" on companies, 
practices, products and services. Plus, people shouldn't need a company to open any channels of communication. They are already open, if they're wanting to do business.

As long as there are options, a person's choice itself is enough communication to send a 
clear message. No company, whatever they offer, whatever the integrity, turns a deaf ear to profit loss and shameful mass media.

But the majority here likely exercise 'the benefit of the doubt', and work in harmony with ~C4Chaos' suggestion to be fair with constructive criticism. That's what I've found in the original thread. Although, I don't find it useful to feel pressured to kiss up on every occasion either. Wouldn't that be unfair?

Let us remember, the whole world is at stake. So such discussions should behoove us all.

Much thanks to the above participants for bringing us much insight from different angles.

Just read a report talking about a conference on human development being held in the African country of Morocco. Its been put together by the "United Nations Development Programme and the Moroccan government".

Human development is always good news wherever and however as long as it brings about beneficial changes to local populations and reinforces hopes. I mean, many here at Zaadz are investing time to develop themselves and experience conscious growth (or evo).

Morocco, like many nearby neighborhoods all over the planet, finds itself seeking more literacy, awareness, running water, housing, income, and reduction of poverty. Aren't we all (who truly are aware) seeking the same, for our neighbors and ourselves?

"The conference will consider poverty reduction, good governance, gender equality and illegal immigration", to quote the report.

Read the further details here via: BBC News| Africa| Morocco

Don't just take my word for it. Read all about it from the horse's mouth on his blog here.

Find out more here: "Anup Shah, Media in the United States, GlobalIssues.org".

Then, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments field.

In my eyes lies acceptance
acceptance of you, acceptance of me
and these eyes peer beyond the forest
detailing the patterns of bark on each tree

rapidly my feathers flow
'crossing the grassy sky
hitting the zips and zags and zooms
even your deep breath I blow by

vantage point to vantage point
you watch me, I watch you
you see a fear-inspiring creature
I just simply see you

your need to express and feel is wild
my eating monkey meat is civilized
its the wild who abuse the forest
and the civilize who amuse it, 'live'

I'm not free, and yet surrender to instinct
it makes me happy and consoled
you seek freedom, and fear surrendering
and these eyes see into your soul

Periodically, I will feature controversial and/or bizarre questions and/or statements followed by questions. Yes, I just said that.  :)

Of course, not all will view or address them the same. And some may not be so controversial, just as some may not be so bizarre (per person). But it should be a bit interesting nontheless.

First up:


How would you describe your take on the expression "beyond religion"? What comes to mind?

Do you even acknowledge such a thing as possible? Explain.

I'd eat potted meat and drink two day old goat blood while attempting to live inside a blackhole. But, then again, some fears are perfect.  ;-)

Aren't they?

But seriously, some fears are really perfect in what they prevent from happening. I mean, who wouldn't want their children to be fearful of crossing a busy street? Such fear is more like a respect for life.

In a practical manner, I'm doing that which I wasn't doing before. And its a nice feeling moving on my sharing, writing, awareness, spirituality and agape. Plus, exploring my humorous depth and enjoying immense laughter is freeing.

Once upon a time, hardly would I embrace these things. Its much different now. Much different. Its being true (hence trunami).

"There is always more misery among the lower classes than there is humanity in the higher."
  - Victor Hugo