Giving Thanks

Dear friends,

Thankgiving is upon us, but racial tension and separation have taken the center stage spotlight. Murder, racism, and riots have dominated the media headlines. You won’t hear me choose sides on the Ferguson issue. It isn’t black and white for me -it’s green. The issue’s ugly roots are embedded deep within our socio-economical system. As long as we have an economy with the purpose of generating profit, the production of have’s and have-not’s will continue to perpetuate our illusion of separation. Racism is real. We’ve even managed to separate ourselves from the Animal Kingdom, conquering the world and disrupting the intricacy of life’s natural balance. Every great teacher has told us this truth: We are One. We are animals among all that lives on Earth, just cells in the body of the Mother. Not just one people, but one Life.

Economic Revolution is calling. Instead of trying to generate profit as our current market economy promotes, what if we generated wealth? And not wealth as we know it (possessions and power), wealth as in access and happiness. An Earth economy would focus on use and cooperation. There really is enough for everyone. We must learn to share, rather than covet our possessions. Our competition to acquire and accumulate is no longer serving us. Serve Life and Life will serve you, for you and Life are One.

Ubuntu means, “I am who I am because of who we all are.” I’d like to share an African legend with you…

-An anthropologist proposed a game to the kids in an African tribe. He put a basket full of  fruit near a tree and told the kids that whoever got there first won the sweet fruits. When he told them to run they all took each others’ hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked them why they had run like that as one could have had all the fruits for himself they said: “UBUNTU! How can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?”-

Thanksgiving to me, is about gratitude and sharing, not just consumption. “Buy Nothing Day” is Friday and I encourage you to participate.

Happy Thanksgiving,

-MJ

The American Dream

I keep having this recurring nightmare…

…the elections just happened and Capitalism continues… Marketing maggots are growing fatter, feeding on the bloated body of the American consumer. The media has the populace under a spell of fear and propaganda. Greedy corporations chase profits at all costs and lobbyists continue to taint democracy with bribery. Banksters are still bullies and money is a bigger business than ever before. We’ve become an oil dependent-drug addicted-convenience craving-congregation of money worshipers. “In God we trust…” Crime continues to rise and the growing prison system fills and multiplies. People are slaves. We work jobs we don’t believe in, to pay for things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people we don’t even like. Having more possessions and the capability of doing things easier will not make you happier. We’ve tried that for an entire century even though human suffering has increased and left a huge percentage of the population mentally ill, extremely unhappy, and weak enough to believe the advertisements that brainwash customers into thinking that owning their products will make us feel better about ourselves -and we buy that shit!

I am waking up now.

I believe America needs Revolution. To be completely frank and a little in yo’ face, most of us aren’t ready for that and I’m not yet exactly sure how we can do this as a People. However, I do know that I can change the way that I live as an individual, so I’m starting with myself. Gandhi never said, “…be the change you wish to see in the world.” What he really said was, “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. … We need not wait to see what others do.”

I believe in the greatness of humanity and in good faith I will exemplify the patience of a peaceful man. I will continue to find meaningful work, using my skills for the benefit of the community. My possessions have been reduced and spending has been minimized with a focus on needs rather than desires. I support farmers who grow organic food and I strive to eat in conscious moderation. I am moving away from money and have simplified my life voluntarily. I will not deal with banks, especially sperm banks. Having fun, pursuing my passions, and laughing often are priorities to me. I pay no attention to the television and encourage others to do the same. I will continue to educate myself and share the knowledge I learn with others. I have not owned a vehicle or purchased gasoline in years, yet I’ve traveled America extensively with very little money, only using the power of my legs. I am a bicycle advocate and support the conservation of nature. I respect your spiritual practice. I demonstrate forgiveness and compassion with my choices and realize that I am in control of my emotions and reactions. I am determined to help build a community of inspired people. I am persistent and I’ll make a difference.

Sincerely,

-MJ

Flying South for the Winter

Dear friends,

Reporting from snowy Wisconsin, on a visit with family. My return to Minneapolis was ‘Minnesota Nice’ but it’s always a little strange to come back to the city after being away for a while. People are busy and the scene seems to have passed me by a bit -unanswered messages and missed connections. I imagine it being hard for most people to relate to the life choices I’ve been making over the last two years. My coming and going may even seem selfish to some. However, I truly believe my travel and writing will prove to be the most beneficial contribution I can give to my friends, family, and humanity in general.

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost.”

-A song from the Star Children-

My Twin Cities reunion was a little underwhelming to say the least and I do wish that I would’ve seen more of you. Although I did have some quality time with loved ones (you know who you are), I mostly decompressed and invested my days in reading and research for the next writing project. Recently my studies have been focused on the monetary system, addiction/recovery, capitalism/consumerism, Freud and the evolution of marketing, Buddhism, community living, ancient societies, bicycle advocacy, Taoist sexology, and our evolving DNA.

The decision has been made to winter in Georgia while I complete book 2 of The Fox Trails trilogy. I have a one-way ticket to Atlanta and I leave on Tuesday, the 18th.

-MJ