Thank you, dear Alex, for your wonderful uplifting stories during our latest Feel Good News. It’s sometimes hard to find optimistic news out there these days, and I AM overjoyed and grateful for your keen eye to discover these inspiring life stories from around our world. Blessings to you and your family, Alex, blessings to my Golden Gaia family, and blessings to you, our beloved and dedicated readers, who enjoy the slice of reality we dish up each day here on Golden Age of Gaia!
Once new governance arrives, we must all learn to “turn the other cheek”
I believe this woman is amazing when it comes to areas of forgiveness! Current Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has led a fascinating life, and as the first woman president of Brazil, her inspiring deeds do not seem to be coming to a halt any time soon! Born into the upper middle class of a Bulgarian entrepreneurial family, Rousseff became a socialist in her youth, and then an activist fighting the military dictatorship, where she was captured, jailed and reportedly tortured during the years of 1970-72.
“Yet today, as president, Rousseff is refusing to take steps forcing military officers from that era to face prosecution for such abuses, believing Brazil’s hard-won democratic stability matters more than her personal beliefs or past. Her stance has disappointed some activists who believe they are closer than ever to putting leaders of the 1964-85 dictatorship, and those who aided them, on trial.”
For me, this is an act to honor and follow, and sends a clear message about “turning the other cheek.” It takes a big person to be able to excuse those responsible for such extreme transgressions, and yet here we are: Thank you, Dilma! In order to start and maintain global healing, we need to rise above what has been perpetrated against us …and seek healing, release, and forgiveness.
Our Spirit Guides, particularly Archangel Michael, has repeatedly informed us that once it is revealed how deeply and ubiquitously we’ve been betrayed by our world leaders, that we need not rebel with vengeance in our hearts. Rather we must take the high road, in order to raise our vibrations, and to not simply repeat the cycle of violence …stooping as low as said leaders by doing to them what they did to us.
Exposing torture: We are paving the way to our Ascension
Discussing torture practices of Brazil leads us directly to torture practices of our own country. And this one, my dear friends, was a hard bullet for me to swallow. Yet the proof is in the pudding. The author of this article proposes that in fact “yes,” as a country, we are torturers. We’re not morally better than anyone else who uses such barbaric and inhumane tactics.
I, just like Obama and the two Senators, desperately want to believe America is above such hurtfulness. “Torture is contrary to who we are,” spoke President Obama. Maine Senator Angus King chimed in, “This is not America. This is not who we are.” While Kentucky Senator John Yarmuth concluded, “We are better than this.”
But the truth is… that’s all hogwash. If we are doing these acts, then we are no different than other countries we might judge as Third World or “beneath us.” We are all the same: In great need of compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and the courage to stop such atrocities.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: In order to heal our shadow side, it must be brought into the Light –literally and metaphorically. No longer can we hide our acts of shame, regret and abhorrence. They must surface, instead of staying buried deep in our subconscious, in order for us to release them, lest they keep us shackled to the 3rd Dimension unable to reach the higher frequencies necessary for Ascension.
Torture Is Who We Are by Peter Beinart. The Atlantic.
Gardening as a tool to re-build life after prison
As a zodiacal Aries, I have little natural abilities to sidestep, zigzag, and shuck & jive. Innately, I’m best at putting my horns down and running straight ahead, tackling issues head-on. With that in mind, let’s lighten the mood here, and head into a positive and uplifting story… straight from my native city sweet home Chicago!
The Michelin Star is considered the Oscar Award for food industry chefs, and the Bib Gourmand section of the Michelin Guide, akin to Zagat’s Survey in the States, has recognized Chef Matthias Merges for his amazing entrées in his restaurant A10. While congrats are in order, the best feature of this story (in my view) is Chef Merges’ commitment to Cook County’s inmate-operated vegetable garden.
This garden is part of Cook County Sheriff’s Pre-Release program offering inmates an opportunity to give back to the community and a way to earn their Master Gardener certificate, opening productive doors once released from serving their sentence. Chef Merges uses cookbooks and techniques to teach a simulation of work life in a real restaurant. They generate over 9,000 lbs of produce each year, supplying nonprofits, shelters, and fine-dining restaurants in metro Chicago.
The Chicago Chef Working to Change America’s Prisons by Maren Ellingboe. Food and Wine.
As always… if your current life situation is heavy, please remember this too shall pass!
We Are All One
Gavin