77Plantpot

The inquiry into the essence of thinking begins with the recognition that thinking is an active process intricately woven with language threads. It manipulates information to derive meaning, solve problems, and birth new ideas. However, thought should not be merely conceived of as a static entity but rather a dynamic engagement with the world around us. Note: The images used in this post were created using Leonardo AI

In a momentary stroll down memory lane, I wonder: Is the world better now than when I was a kid, some sixty years back? Things sure have changed a lot, especially with all these fancy gadgets. Back in the early '60s, we'd read about men on the moon, and before you knew it, Neil Armstrong was taking a stroll up there. Note: Images used in this post were created using Leonardo Ai

As an advocate for freedom of speech, I am concerned about the proposed Bill on Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences. The Constitution of Ireland and the European Convention on Human Rights guarantee the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to express opinions without interference from the government. While there are limitations to this right, such as preventing the publication of blasphemous or indecent material, the proposed Bill goes beyond these limitations and could infringe on the fundamental right to free speech. Note: Leonardo AI was used to create the images used in this posting.

Images depicts .A Tapestry of Saints: An intricate tapestry depicting the faces of St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Dominic Savio, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, and other early Christian saints. Each face reflects serenity and divine wisdom, symbolizing the collective insight into the oneness of God. Courage Amidst Storms: A lone figure standing on a rocky cliff facing turbulent waves crashing against the shore. Above, a radiant light breaks through dark clouds, symbolizing the courage inspired by St. Ignatius of Antioch's teachings, reminding viewers of the divine presence amidst life's challenges. Instruments of Divine Will: Hands clasped in prayer, with rays of light emanating from them, as if they are channels for divine energy. This image represents the idea of being instruments of God's will, as articulated by St. Catherine of Siena, illustrating the surrender of individual agency to the divine. The Flame of Authenticity: A flame burning brightly in the darkness, casting shadows but remaining untouched by them. This image embodies St. Francis of Assisi's call to be true to oneself and ignite the world with one's unique essence, symbolizing the eternal presence of the divine amidst transient circumstances. The Eternal Light: A solitary candle illuminating a darkened room, its flame unwavering despite surrounding shadows. This image mirrors the metaphorical light referenced by St. Jane Frances de Chantal, symbolizing the eternal and unchanging nature of God's presence amidst life's trials. Scriptures as Guidance: An open book surrounded by beams of light, highlighting verses from Philippians, Psalms, John, Proverbs, and Ephesians. This image signifies the guidance and strength derived from sacred texts, reinforcing the belief in God as the ultimate source of power and realization, as discussed in the essay. Note: The images in this post were created using Leonardo AI Dedication: This presentation is to memory of Sister Catherin (RIP) and all the Sisters of Mercy from the Mercy Convent, rock road, Killarney ,Co Kerry, Ireland

In the hush of a lazy Saturday morn, I spied a peculiar sight: seven magpies, convened in my modest front garden. With a warm cup of tea and a few biscuits in hand , I approached the window, intrigued by these unexpected guests. As I watched their playful antics, the opening verses of a poem floated into my mind. Nature's impromptu gift bestowed upon me a sense of wonder, infusing the day with an unexpected charm. Note: Some of the images in this post were created using Leonardo AI

In the vast expanse of human exploration, few subjects captivate our imagination as much as the mysteries of the universe and consciousness. Through my own personal journey and reflections, I've come to resonate deeply with the ideas of Erwin Schrödinger, whose insights into quantum mechanics and consciousness shed light on the enigmatic nature of reality. As I underwent a profound epiphany, I came to a startling realization: the sense of "I" that I had taken for granted was merely a construct of thought, devoid of any inherent reality. This revelation echoes Schrödinger's notion that individual identity is illusory, and that there exists only one singular consciousness pervading the universe. Note: The images in this post were created using Leonardo AI

I walked alone, one morning bright, The clouds were thin, the sun was bright, The road was quiet, the air was clear, A perfect day, at the start of the year.

In a land where death's dark shadow looms, A Gazan child weeps, lost in gloom. Where are the eyes of a world so blind, As despair engulfs, leaving no solace to find? Judges of the ICJ, their conscience awry, Speaking of deeds that may make reason sigh. Politicians preach restraint, a hollow claim, Yet feed the demons of terror and flame. Note: the images used in this posting were created using Leonardo AI

The convergence of nonduality and Christian philosophy provides a unique connection between exploring spirituality and the quest for spiritual unity. This essay will examine how these two philosophies share common ground in pursuing spiritual unity and divine encounters, offering insights to enhance spiritual investigations. Note; the images used in this posting were created using Leonardo AI .

“Sin”, a concept deeply rooted in human societies and religions for centuries, has always been a subject of intense scrutiny and reflection. In this essay, I embark on a profound exploration of sin, challenging the conventional notion of an inherent 'self' responsible for committing such acts. I assert that the self, as commonly perceived, is a mere fabrication of our thoughts and conditioning, rendering the concept of sin a fallacy. Note: The images used in this essay were created using Leonardo AI

"Who am I?" This timeless question has consumed the minds of humans throughout the centuries, and perhaps you, too, have found yourself pondering this profound inquiry. Until recently, I believed I existed within the confines of my own body, residing within the recesses of my mind. If I were to close my eyes and physically point to where "I" seemed to reside, I would instinctively gesture to a spot just above my nose, in the centre of my forehead. Note: (1)This posting is dedicated to all the innocent victim's of the War between Israel and Gaza. Peace and love to their memory : (2) The images used in this presentation were created using Leonardo AI .

I am writing to you as concerned Irish citizen who is deeply disturbed by the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza by the Israeli government. I urge you to take immediate action to fulfil your legal obligation . under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which Ireland ratified in 1976. As you may be aware, South Africa has filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of violating the convention by committing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza. South Africa has requested the court to order Israel to cease its unlawful acts, to pay reparations to the victims, and to ensure accountability for the perpetrators. South Africa has also invited other states parties to the convention to join the case as co-applicants or interveners. Note: (1) I see this as the only way I can voice my horror at the wholescale slaughter of civilians in Gaza. (2) Images used in this presentation were created using Leonardo AI (3) If this essay can help save one life it would be a great success!

South Africa, thank you! In a ground-breaking move, South Africa has initiated legal proceedings against Israel in an international tribunal, citing severe accusations of genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza. This legal battle is a matter of international law and a cry for humanitarian intervention. Central to South Africa's case is the allegation that Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide. This is a grave charge, but is substantiated by the video evidence and eyewitness accounts splattered across social media worldwide and underpinned by the definitions set out in the Genocide Convention.

As the new year unfolds, a series of passings have occurred in the quiet of our neighbourhood, bringing the realities of life and death into sharp focus. Among these, the untimely demise of a young man in his mid-20s stands out. It strikes close to home, particularly for my daughter, who grapples with the loss of a peer for the first time. This event challenges our usual perceptions of death, typically associated with the elderly, and brings a profound shock to our community. To console my daughter, I likened life to a completed jigsaw puzzle. The young man, having assembled his puzzle, had perhaps seen the complete picture of his life. In this view, his passing represented a return to his origins, as destiny had deemed his earthly journey complete. This perspective was contrasted with the sorrow expressed at the funeral, where the natural order of life and death – parents preceding children – was lamentably inverted. Note: The images used in this presentation were created using DALL.E and Leonardo image AI ( Image of Young Man )

In 1960s Ireland, where religious icons were commonplace, the image of President John Kennedy stood as a beacon of the American dream, igniting a youthful fascination within me. This admiration, born from Ireland's history of emigration to the U.S. following the famine, remained strong even after the tragedy of Kennedy's assassination when I was only seven. My faith in the American democratic ideal, though tested, was fortified by the film "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." This cinematic masterpiece, showcasing a battle between integrity and corruption, reignited my belief in the principles of America. The images used in this essay were created by the use of DALL.E

Firstly, I sincerely thank my beloved daughter, Lauren, for providing the compelling image accompanying this presentation, the inspiration for this work. In my eyes, this image eloquently captures the moment of panic experienced by the Ego when it’s revealed to be nothing more than a figment of fantasy. Now to the video: Life after awakening and understanding can be a profound and transformative experience. Once an individual realizes that the ego is a thought process, life can continue as before but with a new perspective. The ego no longer holds any power; it is just a brain process. This permanent understanding results in witnessing thoughts and emotions, knowing none belongs to a "Me" or a "You". With this newfound awareness, one can experience moments of clarity and insights where the illusion of separation dissolves, and the interconnectedness of all things becomes apparent. However, these moments may be fleeting, but they offer a glimpse of one's true nature and the nature of reality. Being a person or having a name given at birth is seen as a complete fantasy, entirely manufactured for the benefit of human society as a mechanism of separation and control. The gravity of this insight is profound, as there is no one here, indeed! The body and the rest of the manifestation are present, but what is giving all of this the label "reality"? The body's senses are interpreting what they perceive to be and presenting that interpretation as reality, but it is not the reality that is there. What is being experienced is an interpretation of the source that is the only reality, and "We" are immersed within "It", and it can only be described as "THAT".

A New years greeting to all : A hopeful outlook for a better future. As we embark on the second day of 2024, the state of affairs worldwide appear bleak. All images used in this presentation were created using DALL.E AI image creator

Lessons from a Spider's Web: Trusting in God and Nature's Bounty to Overcome Adversity Last week, while walking down the road, the author came across an amazing sight - a spider about an inch wide had managed to create an intricate web that would put any human architect to shame. Despite having to overcome roughly 25 to 30 feet of a jump from a streetlamp down to the hedgerow and facing heavy rains and winds from a storm coming in from the Atlantic, the spider's ingenuity and skill allowed it to create a web that swayed up to about 2 meters too and frow but remained intact. This observation leads to the question of what lessons can be learned from the spider's humble determination to create a home for itself. Whatever our problems and fears, we can trust in our own abilities that God has given each of us. From this, we can renew our belief in our determination to succeed and trust our faith. This appreciation of life in general and our place and responsibility to respect the bounty of nature and our place within the manifestation. All is the one source presenting itself as the various apparent objects we observe, and All is God's body.

This short poem conveys the realization that there is no one here. After a spontaneous collapse of the Ego, one Sunday afternoon. The source of all manifestations decided to reveal itself, to "Itself"

These sacred verses are the inspiration for this poem. (1) John 3.3 Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (2) Luke 17:21 Jesus said, "for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you" in response to the Pharisees asking when the Kingdom of God will come. (3) "Be Still and Know That I Am God” in Psalm 46:10 (God) I was engrossed in what I believed to be a challenging brain teaser quiz when my sense of self, or ego, disappeared unexpectedly. At that moment, I lost the distinction between where I began and where I ended. Everything seemed to merge into one, and I became part of the interconnected whole. During this inexplicable state, the words "Be still and know that I am God" resonated deeply within me, making perfect sense. Before fully contemplating this profound experience, I heard, "The Kingdom of God is within you," which struck me as profoundly meaningful. Reflecting on these revelations, I encountered a third verse from the Bible: "Unless one is born again, one cannot enter into the Kingdom of God," which, once again, seemed to make perfect sense. Following this transformative experience, a period of confusion set in as my ego gradually returned, but with a newfound understanding that it was merely a process within the brain. The belief in a separate and distinct self became an illusion. I realised there is no actual separation in the entire universe; everything is connected to a singular source, often called God. The ceaseless chatter of the ego serves to imprison us in the illusion of a separate self. There is nothing but God, and we all exist within the divine presence. Therefore, the wisdom of "Be still" beckons us to recognize the presence of God, the source within ourselves and all that exists.

As an Irish boy of six, days before my first holey communion, I was told by the Nuns to talk to God. But when I called on him to show himself, I was immersed in a universe of nothingness and got the fright of my life and decided to talk to God. some other time. Sixty years later, on a Sunday afternoon, the nothingness returned, but this time a profound revelation occurred as God revealed my own true nature. It was spontaneous and permanent. Now there are no more questions! All is truly oneness!

I was wondering what If we were to receive an emissary from the cosmos, its message might resemble something like this! Bing AI image creator was used to create images

I took these photos from my kitchen window; the author's backyard was home to two pigeons. The author was drawn to the pair, observing their interactions and behaviour. The pigeons seemed to have a tender and endearing camaraderie, with acts of grooming that transcended typical bird behaviour. The gentle beak strokes between the two birds created a scene of serene affection unfazed by predatory birds' lurking shadows. The pigeons embodied the essence of living acutely aware and harmoniously tuned to the present, even as potential peril loomed. In their presence, the author found an oasis of 'now', a tranquil, magical spectacle that swayed them into a quiet wonder

If you ever had a dog that showered you with unconditional love this poem might strike a familiar note with you :)

I am a voice in a wilderness, and alone, I cry, For peace to heal a world that's falling awry. Mankind, once a blossoming, beautiful tree, Now withers and rots; it's clear to see. It's not the lack of water or sunshine's embrace, But the virus of ego, a destructive chase. Indoctrination of hate, separation's cruel art, Elitism's poison is tearing our world apart. Dedication: To the heroic efforts of Mick Wallace and Clare Daly ,for calling out evil in the European parliament