Saturday, December 3, 2011
Kolo Festival, San Francisco, and endless possibilities!
Thanksgiving break 2011,
I traveled down to San Francisco for the first time in my life and was immediately captivated by coming over the bay bridge, sighting the golden gate bridge in the distance, and watching the buildings rise above the freeway. The architecture seemed magical. The houses on the hills were each painted in a unique and authentic color, yet they each resembled the next while displaying the sense of belonging. I learned a life lesson here, we can each be authentic and unique and still share a sense of belonging with those around us. There is no need to feel lonely for being different.
I hardly slept that night. I was so full of excitement for the days activities. I was looking forward to rigorous dancing and learning. I was extremely happy for the opportunity to make more connections in the folk dancing community. I enjoyed learning dances with new people, who brought a new perspective on folk dancing that I had not seen before. I enjoyed watching the minute and pronounced differences in style from person to person. I enjoyed taking hands with people I hardly knew and instantly belonging to something infinitely beautiful. I enjoyed building new memories with my body, heart, mind and soul. It was outstanding, standing there in a room filled with lifetimes of passion. I danced, and danced, and danced,and danced.
I met many incredible young people. They made dancing feel even more enchanting. One girl had an inspiring effect on me. I feel as though the universe is full of infinite possibilities. I have been so fortunate in the last two years to come into contact with so many incredibly passionate young women who have impressed upon me the desire to fulfill dreams and live with more passion. I am glad my life is so touched by talented and passionate people.
Sincerely,
GIRL IN A PINK BERT
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Tree of Sefirot
An attempt at describing the Kabbalah and its significance to me, as a person and as an educator.
Its core symbol is the Tree of Sefirot, which is a geometrical symbol, containing numbered spheres and lettered connecting-paths with patterns of mathematical as well as metaphorical significance. It is a symbol that I have grown up with all my life, and it has had so much influence on my life, and who I've become. It is a theory of existence, a theory of everything. The symbol, the tree of Sefirot, is considered to be the unfolding of existence. The first sphere 'ein-sof' or 'without end' is a symbol of undefined infinity, on the tree it is given the number 0 which is a number of undefined value. If you divide a number by 0 it is undefined, while if you divide a number by an infinitely small number in close proximity to 0 the answer approaches infinity. Hence numerology is of great significance in relation to the meaning of each sphere. The spheres are labeled 0-11. 0 and 11 are not defined as Sefirot, but are defined as the place from which they came and the place to which they return, from infinite existence to finite existence, or undefined to defined. Each time this cycle occurs in life infinity is expanded and transformed. Giving more opportunity for evolving. I know of nothing deeper than the symbol of the Tree of Sefirot.
There are ten Sefirot in existence, a point of departing and a point of returning (which are essentially interchangeable as any and all beginnings are interchangeable with any and all endings), and 22 paths of relation between the Sefirot. I will expand on the Sefirot and the infinity from which existence expands from and contracts to. We will leave the 22 paths for another message as my understanding of them is fairly shallow and lacking depth, and would make describing them and their relations to the ten Sefirot a difficult task.
The format of the tree is as follows:
-------0: Ein-Sof
-------1: Keter
3: Binah-----2: Hokmah
-------4: Da'at
6: Gevurah------5: Hesed
-------7: Tif'eret
9: Hod -------8: Netsah
-------10: Yesod
-------11: Malkhut
The opposite ideologies represent balance in that they are positioned in exactly opposite positions on the tree. 1 is opposite from 10, 2 opposite from 9, etc... the opposites each add up to 11. I did my best to represent the geometric pattern to the tree without having an actual image. 1-10 are considered the 10 Sefirot and 0 and 11 the spring from which they sprung and the ocean to which they return.
Ein-Sof the first sphere on the tree of life essentially means without end. It is the infinite presence in existence from which everything expands. It contains all knowledge from which creation comes- it contains all knowledge within the universe. It is infinite so that it may create all life. It is essentially the spirit that is all knowing of the universe. Within you it is your third eye the one that has infinite understanding of your world. There is one path that extends from this sphere. From that path, the first Sefirot emerges, which is the second sphere on the tree.
The first Sefirot is called Keter, which put simply is Identity. It is the sphere that is entirely enveloped in the mental world. It is your thoughts from which decisions abound. It is the origin from which the rest of you unfolds.
The second Sefirot is called Hokhmah. It refers to the mental and the emotional. It is the place in which the poet and artist and musician come from. It is a place where the heart and mind combine. Creativity originates here.
The third Sefirot is called Binah. It refers to the physical and the mental combined. It is the world where the logical, philosophical and academic thinking abides. It is a sphere for learning and gaining information.
The fourth Sefirot is called Da'at which is wisdom. It is the ideas in which your heart invests. Another title I have given to this sphere is emotion. It is where your emotions and feelings guide you. It is a compass.
1, 4, 7 and 10 are on the center pillar of the tree where there is balance or in other words an absence of constriction and or expansion. 2, 5, and 8 are on the right pillar which is where expansion takes place. 3, 6, and 9 are on the left pillar where the common theme is to constrict. 2: creativity, is having a desire to create... hence expand. 3: Learning, has to do with defining and categorizing information... hence constricting. There is a constant expanding and restricting motion present in the order of the spheres and in the overall existence of the Sefirot.
The fifth Sefirot is called Hesed which is the world that is entirely emotional, or in other words representing the heart, love without bounds. It represents the openness of unconditional love. The part of you that cannot have a logical compass. Love defies all boundaries.
The sixth Sefirot is called Gevurah which has a lot to do with integrity. It is the physical realm of the emotional world. It is how your actions and emotions affect others.
The seventh Sefirot is called Tif'eret and it is at the center of the tree and represents a place of balance and rest. It relates to the seventh day of creation on which god rests. It is also a desire to belong, a desire for community and for relation to others.
The eight Sefirot is called Netsah and it is the emotional realm of the physical world. It is where health abides, being whole in spirit and body. It is where nourishment and nurturing abide.
The ninth Sefirot is called Hod and it is purely physical. It is full of lively action. It is called splendor. It is where desires and needs are born and then held. Here is a place nearing completion.
The tenth and final Sefirot is called Yesod and it is the opposite of Identity which focuses inward. Yesod is focusing outward. It is where balance has been found. Inner definition has been accomplished and can now be fulfilled. Yesod represents fulfillment.
The final sphere on the tree of life is called Malkhut it is a place of continued existence. It is the opposite of Ein-Sof which is limitless existence. Malkhut is limited existence it is existence as a finite rather than infinite being. Yet in some ways Malkhut and Ein-Sof can be the same thing. Like departing from and then returning to the same place, which has become different merely because you have evolved through the journey.
The way that I relate the ten Sefirot to my life is that each area must be equally balanced in order for you to become whole and able to exist in Malkhut. You start from a point of infinite possibility and expand and then contract to a point of continued existence as a finite person. A complete person because you have achieved definition and balance in each and every realm/Sefirot. Identity, creativity, learning, emotion, heart, integrity, community, health, desire, and fulfillment.
The Tree of Sefirot has great significance in my life. It has been with me throughout my entire life. The idea of becoming a balanced person has been a constant motivation. It has been significant in forming my philosophy on education. For example: when educators speak of supporting the growth of the whole child, I believe that a knowledge of the ten Sefirot or ten dimensions of being is rudimentary in having the capacity as a teacher to do just that, to support growth in each of the ten Sefirot. It has been significant in forming my spiritual ideas. It has been significant in forming every part of my being.
It is especially significant because it is expansive and helps me to constantly deepen my understanding of the world. It has helped me to remove myself from many boxes.
Significantly,
GIRL IN A PINK BERET
Its core symbol is the Tree of Sefirot, which is a geometrical symbol, containing numbered spheres and lettered connecting-paths with patterns of mathematical as well as metaphorical significance. It is a symbol that I have grown up with all my life, and it has had so much influence on my life, and who I've become. It is a theory of existence, a theory of everything. The symbol, the tree of Sefirot, is considered to be the unfolding of existence. The first sphere 'ein-sof' or 'without end' is a symbol of undefined infinity, on the tree it is given the number 0 which is a number of undefined value. If you divide a number by 0 it is undefined, while if you divide a number by an infinitely small number in close proximity to 0 the answer approaches infinity. Hence numerology is of great significance in relation to the meaning of each sphere. The spheres are labeled 0-11. 0 and 11 are not defined as Sefirot, but are defined as the place from which they came and the place to which they return, from infinite existence to finite existence, or undefined to defined. Each time this cycle occurs in life infinity is expanded and transformed. Giving more opportunity for evolving. I know of nothing deeper than the symbol of the Tree of Sefirot.
There are ten Sefirot in existence, a point of departing and a point of returning (which are essentially interchangeable as any and all beginnings are interchangeable with any and all endings), and 22 paths of relation between the Sefirot. I will expand on the Sefirot and the infinity from which existence expands from and contracts to. We will leave the 22 paths for another message as my understanding of them is fairly shallow and lacking depth, and would make describing them and their relations to the ten Sefirot a difficult task.
The format of the tree is as follows:
-------0: Ein-Sof
-------1: Keter
3: Binah-----2: Hokmah
-------4: Da'at
6: Gevurah------5: Hesed
-------7: Tif'eret
9: Hod -------8: Netsah
-------10: Yesod
-------11: Malkhut
The opposite ideologies represent balance in that they are positioned in exactly opposite positions on the tree. 1 is opposite from 10, 2 opposite from 9, etc... the opposites each add up to 11. I did my best to represent the geometric pattern to the tree without having an actual image. 1-10 are considered the 10 Sefirot and 0 and 11 the spring from which they sprung and the ocean to which they return.
Ein-Sof the first sphere on the tree of life essentially means without end. It is the infinite presence in existence from which everything expands. It contains all knowledge from which creation comes- it contains all knowledge within the universe. It is infinite so that it may create all life. It is essentially the spirit that is all knowing of the universe. Within you it is your third eye the one that has infinite understanding of your world. There is one path that extends from this sphere. From that path, the first Sefirot emerges, which is the second sphere on the tree.
The first Sefirot is called Keter, which put simply is Identity. It is the sphere that is entirely enveloped in the mental world. It is your thoughts from which decisions abound. It is the origin from which the rest of you unfolds.
The second Sefirot is called Hokhmah. It refers to the mental and the emotional. It is the place in which the poet and artist and musician come from. It is a place where the heart and mind combine. Creativity originates here.
The third Sefirot is called Binah. It refers to the physical and the mental combined. It is the world where the logical, philosophical and academic thinking abides. It is a sphere for learning and gaining information.
The fourth Sefirot is called Da'at which is wisdom. It is the ideas in which your heart invests. Another title I have given to this sphere is emotion. It is where your emotions and feelings guide you. It is a compass.
1, 4, 7 and 10 are on the center pillar of the tree where there is balance or in other words an absence of constriction and or expansion. 2, 5, and 8 are on the right pillar which is where expansion takes place. 3, 6, and 9 are on the left pillar where the common theme is to constrict. 2: creativity, is having a desire to create... hence expand. 3: Learning, has to do with defining and categorizing information... hence constricting. There is a constant expanding and restricting motion present in the order of the spheres and in the overall existence of the Sefirot.
The fifth Sefirot is called Hesed which is the world that is entirely emotional, or in other words representing the heart, love without bounds. It represents the openness of unconditional love. The part of you that cannot have a logical compass. Love defies all boundaries.
The sixth Sefirot is called Gevurah which has a lot to do with integrity. It is the physical realm of the emotional world. It is how your actions and emotions affect others.
The seventh Sefirot is called Tif'eret and it is at the center of the tree and represents a place of balance and rest. It relates to the seventh day of creation on which god rests. It is also a desire to belong, a desire for community and for relation to others.
The eight Sefirot is called Netsah and it is the emotional realm of the physical world. It is where health abides, being whole in spirit and body. It is where nourishment and nurturing abide.
The ninth Sefirot is called Hod and it is purely physical. It is full of lively action. It is called splendor. It is where desires and needs are born and then held. Here is a place nearing completion.
The tenth and final Sefirot is called Yesod and it is the opposite of Identity which focuses inward. Yesod is focusing outward. It is where balance has been found. Inner definition has been accomplished and can now be fulfilled. Yesod represents fulfillment.
The final sphere on the tree of life is called Malkhut it is a place of continued existence. It is the opposite of Ein-Sof which is limitless existence. Malkhut is limited existence it is existence as a finite rather than infinite being. Yet in some ways Malkhut and Ein-Sof can be the same thing. Like departing from and then returning to the same place, which has become different merely because you have evolved through the journey.
The way that I relate the ten Sefirot to my life is that each area must be equally balanced in order for you to become whole and able to exist in Malkhut. You start from a point of infinite possibility and expand and then contract to a point of continued existence as a finite person. A complete person because you have achieved definition and balance in each and every realm/Sefirot. Identity, creativity, learning, emotion, heart, integrity, community, health, desire, and fulfillment.
The Tree of Sefirot has great significance in my life. It has been with me throughout my entire life. The idea of becoming a balanced person has been a constant motivation. It has been significant in forming my philosophy on education. For example: when educators speak of supporting the growth of the whole child, I believe that a knowledge of the ten Sefirot or ten dimensions of being is rudimentary in having the capacity as a teacher to do just that, to support growth in each of the ten Sefirot. It has been significant in forming my spiritual ideas. It has been significant in forming every part of my being.
It is especially significant because it is expansive and helps me to constantly deepen my understanding of the world. It has helped me to remove myself from many boxes.
Significantly,
GIRL IN A PINK BERET
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday - April - 17th
I went to the local Unitarian Universalist Church for the first time in my life. It was an intriguing experience. For the most part I enjoyed the things the pastor said. She was thoughtful. However, I still don't feel like there is an organized religion out there to which I feel a sense of belonging. I certainly praise the Unitarian Universalist Church for trying :). After church, I went for this really long and enchanting walk in the rain. It was beautiful. I danced a little on the street as the rain fell. I felt my spirit through and through and knew that in that moment I was divine. I've spent so many years looking at myself through a microscope analyzing every microscopic organism, seeing all my imperfections, and feeling disappointed. Now, I feel mesmerized by the tiny details in every living, vibrant organism within me. There is a singer, a poet, an artist, and a dancer within me. Each of which expresses with courage and vitality that they are beautiful, divine, creative, and spirited. I look at myself walking down the street with a smile that spreads so big that my arms reach out and spread like wings. I felt that if fairy dust sprinkled upon my head I would surely float away.
-GIRLINAPINKBERET
-GIRLINAPINKBERET
Saturday, February 12, 2011
100 Things I Love To Do On A Regular Basis
1: Folk Dancing
2: Ballroom Dancing
3: Sewing
4: Crossing Bridges
5: Scaling Staircases (also dancing on staircases)
6: Juggling
7: Playing With My Rubiks Cube
8: Printmaking
9: Crab Walking
10: Dancing Freestyle
11: Stomping My Feet
12: Designing Houses
13: Designing Lego Buildings
14: Playing With Wooden Blocks
15: Skipping Randomly
16: Drawing
17: Reading Children's Books In The Library
18: Reading Poetry
19: Writing Poetry
20: Writing Stories
21: Writing Children's Books
22: Ice Skating
23: Bowling
24: Roller Skating
25: Hiking
26: Walking In The Park
27: Sitting At The Duck Pond
28: Teaching
29: Teaching Folk Dances
30: Playing Board Games
31: Story Telling
32: Imaginary Play
33: Philosophical Conversations
34: Photo Shoots
35: Dressing Up
36: Singing
37: Playing My Guitar
38: Cook
39: Create New Recipes
40: Go To Plays
41: Go To The Green Show
42: Walk On The Rail Road Tracks
43: Dance In The Rain
44: Create Snow Angels
45: Create Interesting Sculptures In The Snow
46: Create Interesting Sculptures In The Sand At The Beach
47: Build Sand Castles
48: Build Fairy Houses
49: Build Wooden Boats To Sail Down The River
50: Drawing With Chalk On The Sidewalks
TO BE CONTINUED.....
2: Ballroom Dancing
3: Sewing
4: Crossing Bridges
5: Scaling Staircases (also dancing on staircases)
6: Juggling
7: Playing With My Rubiks Cube
8: Printmaking
9: Crab Walking
10: Dancing Freestyle
11: Stomping My Feet
12: Designing Houses
13: Designing Lego Buildings
14: Playing With Wooden Blocks
15: Skipping Randomly
16: Drawing
17: Reading Children's Books In The Library
18: Reading Poetry
19: Writing Poetry
20: Writing Stories
21: Writing Children's Books
22: Ice Skating
23: Bowling
24: Roller Skating
25: Hiking
26: Walking In The Park
27: Sitting At The Duck Pond
28: Teaching
29: Teaching Folk Dances
30: Playing Board Games
31: Story Telling
32: Imaginary Play
33: Philosophical Conversations
34: Photo Shoots
35: Dressing Up
36: Singing
37: Playing My Guitar
38: Cook
39: Create New Recipes
40: Go To Plays
41: Go To The Green Show
42: Walk On The Rail Road Tracks
43: Dance In The Rain
44: Create Snow Angels
45: Create Interesting Sculptures In The Snow
46: Create Interesting Sculptures In The Sand At The Beach
47: Build Sand Castles
48: Build Fairy Houses
49: Build Wooden Boats To Sail Down The River
50: Drawing With Chalk On The Sidewalks
TO BE CONTINUED.....
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Bucket List: First 50
I decided I'd start out my blog with my extremely detailed and outrageously lengthy (and getting longer) bucket list. So that I can chronicle the journey towards completion of each item. I don't really like considering this list a bucket list, because it isn't a list of things I want to do before I die... it is more like a list of things I want to do now, but have not yet embarked upon doing. I only call it a bucket list because it resembles one in length and character.
Build an exquisitely detailed rocking horse for future children---
Design and build a crib fit for a princess/prince for future children---
Design and build a massive Lego city---
Build and sell exquisitely detailed Victorian doll houses as a hobby---
Design and publish board games---
Design and build a lighthouse for my dream garden---
Design stone fence with stained glass windows and mosaics for dream garden---
Design and build an exquisite working carousel for my dream garden---
Design and build life-size fairy house for dream garden---
Design a musical fountain/fountain show similar to the Belagio in Vegas for my dream garden---
Design and build a windmill for my dream garden---
Design and build a house based on a combination of Victorian, Egyptian and Georgian architecture and design---
Design and build a Victorian horse-drawn carriage---
Build a delicately decorated conoe from a log by carving and hallowing with a hammer and chisel---
Design and build my own sail boat---
Design and build a pirate ship/flag ship---
Design and build a motorcycle and side car in the style of steam punk machines and gadgets---
Restore a 1956 ford Thunderbird---
Restore other classic cars---
Design and build my own electric/alternatively powered car---
Design and build my own mobile camper---
Open my own children's center where children can learn how to folk dance, tap dance, jazz dance, ballroom dance, etc, sculpt, draw, create, build, design, embellish, weave, sew, etc, play, imagine, tell stories, act, etc... etc... etc...---
Design and build a children's park with life size sculptures of dinosaurs, mythical creatures, and mythical places to encourage children's active imaginations---
Write a book on self worth, desires, hopes and dreams---
Write a book on being your ideal person---
Create the leading philosophy on early childhood education---
Write and illustrate early childhood textbooks as if they were children's books---
Write many books on educational philosophy---
Write and illustrate children's books---
Win the caldecott award---
Read all caldecott and newberry award winners---
Publish my poetry---
Write a trilogy (fiction)---
Write a fairytale---
Become fluent in the following languages: sign language, Spanish, Russian, French, Italian, Greek, Arabic, Hebrew, and Egyptian---
Attend a summer fashion institute in Paris---
Pursue career in fashion design---
Launch my own line of children's clothing---
Learn to weave on a loom---
Build a loom---
Design and sew an elaborate Victorian dress with hand embroidery---
Build a spinning wheel---
Learn how to spin yarn---
Design and make my own leather shoes and boots---
Have an entire wardrobe of clothes designed and built by myself---
Learn to play the following instruments: Accordion, Harp, Guitar, Trumpet, Piano, Banjo, harmonica, and french horn---
Build a guitar---
Build a harp---
Teach more folk dances---
Learn how to tap dance---
Learn how to Hula Hoop like Angie Mack! Intense Hula Hooping---
I guess I better get cracking!
Build an exquisitely detailed rocking horse for future children---
Design and build a crib fit for a princess/prince for future children---
Design and build a massive Lego city---
Build and sell exquisitely detailed Victorian doll houses as a hobby---
Design and publish board games---
Design and build a lighthouse for my dream garden---
Design stone fence with stained glass windows and mosaics for dream garden---
Design and build an exquisite working carousel for my dream garden---
Design and build life-size fairy house for dream garden---
Design a musical fountain/fountain show similar to the Belagio in Vegas for my dream garden---
Design and build a windmill for my dream garden---
Design and build a house based on a combination of Victorian, Egyptian and Georgian architecture and design---
Design and build a Victorian horse-drawn carriage---
Build a delicately decorated conoe from a log by carving and hallowing with a hammer and chisel---
Design and build my own sail boat---
Design and build a pirate ship/flag ship---
Design and build a motorcycle and side car in the style of steam punk machines and gadgets---
Restore a 1956 ford Thunderbird---
Restore other classic cars---
Design and build my own electric/alternatively powered car---
Design and build my own mobile camper---
Open my own children's center where children can learn how to folk dance, tap dance, jazz dance, ballroom dance, etc, sculpt, draw, create, build, design, embellish, weave, sew, etc, play, imagine, tell stories, act, etc... etc... etc...---
Design and build a children's park with life size sculptures of dinosaurs, mythical creatures, and mythical places to encourage children's active imaginations---
Write a book on self worth, desires, hopes and dreams---
Write a book on being your ideal person---
Create the leading philosophy on early childhood education---
Write and illustrate early childhood textbooks as if they were children's books---
Write many books on educational philosophy---
Write and illustrate children's books---
Win the caldecott award---
Read all caldecott and newberry award winners---
Publish my poetry---
Write a trilogy (fiction)---
Write a fairytale---
Become fluent in the following languages: sign language, Spanish, Russian, French, Italian, Greek, Arabic, Hebrew, and Egyptian---
Attend a summer fashion institute in Paris---
Pursue career in fashion design---
Launch my own line of children's clothing---
Learn to weave on a loom---
Build a loom---
Design and sew an elaborate Victorian dress with hand embroidery---
Build a spinning wheel---
Learn how to spin yarn---
Design and make my own leather shoes and boots---
Have an entire wardrobe of clothes designed and built by myself---
Learn to play the following instruments: Accordion, Harp, Guitar, Trumpet, Piano, Banjo, harmonica, and french horn---
Build a guitar---
Build a harp---
Teach more folk dances---
Learn how to tap dance---
Learn how to Hula Hoop like Angie Mack! Intense Hula Hooping---
I guess I better get cracking!
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About Me
- Girl In A Pink Beret
- I am a poetic person, who sees the beauty in the magic of life. I am a woman who devotes my time to being the strongest and most courageous woman I can be. I value kindness, and compassion, and integrity. I think critically about my values, and analyze the importance of each one to me, and strive to live by the ones I feel most strongly about. I am a person who seeks to know myself better and who is constantly learning lessons and growing stronger. My finest quality is my heart. I am fond of what my heart is capable of because my heart has allowed me to be the kind of person who can love and care for all people without passing any judgments of any kind. It has allowed me to be the kind of person who is open to different perspectives and who can respect the beliefs of others while still holding true to my own beliefs.