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         One could say that there are actually four main governments that operate through our political system. (Notice that the word used here is "operate" and not "work.") These four governments pervade all levels of politics and actual government function, and exist THROUGH the belief systems of citizens. However, they do not all function as we might want to believe they do. Actually, they function partly in fantasy, much of it in disguise, too often in disjunction, largely by default in lieu of citizen participation, and intermittently in mysterious (perhaps miraculous) efficiency.

         The second government is that which governs those we elect when the people are fantasizing about the first government or just too often looking elsewhere. I refer directly to the power elite, which I'll call the "Masked" government, and yes it exists and definitely functions. "It" doesn't use conspiracy necessarily -- but with various and sundry, at times conflicting, but still very highly defined sets of agendas. A currently exposed example would be the tobacco industry. It is a powerful executor of only one agenda perhaps, but the precedents being set with this special interest are part of the agendas of many other special interests, who together will take as much of our financial capacity, our health, and certainly our power as we let them.

          The third government is the body of politicians that we have elected, and which actually carry out government functions - more or less. I don't feel I need to say much about this the "Elected government," since it is what generates and fills most of our political media nowadays. The confusion that we experience (focusing on them), as we try to figure what they are really doing, is where the "smoke and mirrors" tricks work their magic on us.

         Just how much of that can you take before you get brain-dead dizzy and tuning out, if not consciously disillusioned and ticked off. And do you think this might have tended to effect one's memory after a while ?

          The fourth government is the conscious awareness and action of the citizenry when it is being truly responsible, by such as insuring that we elect and maintain people of integrity in office. Just how real this government is varies. I call it the "True" government, to the degree we are motivated in being ourselves and acting cooperatively, maybe even consistently, and manifesting our highest dreams and hearts' desires. Sometimes we see it happening, too often it seems we haven't.

         Right now the focus is on the images of the Elected government since too few people know much (if any) of the reality of the Masked government, too many are disillusioned from still trying to see the Fantasy government, and not enough people make time to learn about and perform the duties of the True government. While the Elected are generally _very_ knowledgeable about all four governments, they most enjoy the ignorance of the True government (with sad but applicable irony in those words), and they thereby enjoy the rewards from the Masked government. They have thus developed the double standards that citizens have been increasingly exposed to over the last three decades. But until one understands the extent and ramifications of the power elite's hold on the elected officials, we will continue to be dumb founded by the events and decisions that come from the Elected government.

Responsibility is the ability to respond to need, the willingness to do so, and the acceptance of the results and implications that come from our response.- Philip Levine.

REALITY CHECK
("The Four Governments" '98 Continued)

         Admittedly, I held lots of hope for the Elected man (Bill Clinton) who seemed to be able to intelligently and thoughtfully explain most any political event or socio-political condition if one followed his logic long enough. I never liked sound-byte psychology anyway. He does make sense when he's not trying to please too many interests, or too many women. The latter subject brings in specific focus on that double standard so highly preserved by the Elected government.

         Will we cure this by a cry for "heroes" at the Elected government? But, in say the last half-century, have we been electing representatives more for doing their jobs or more for looking good? How come IMAGE is continuing to be the primary focus even in this age of sophistication, even as we decry the all too apparent priority of it? Now we're back to the Fantasy government with added delusions of changing it ! Do not such priorities empower the Fantasy government and leave the Elected government to be puppeteered by the Masked government? The power elite depend on the Fantasy government to keep the double standard operating (to a sufficient degree) in the Elected officials, of course. If I were a smart power elitist, the Fantasy government is what I'd invent if it didn't already exist. Can we deny that the law of supply and demand has produced goods relevant to our priorities, as expressed by how we vote? And what about how we vote with our money? Where the True government is not doing its job, the Masked governmentt will gladly step in.

          Why are so many citizens in denial of our current political directions ? Why are so many apparently so willing to give up their potentially immense citizen power, even democracy ? "Messages" (at this site) is a look at the basic communications going back and forth between the Bush Administration and the citizens. By message, I mean that which is actually communicated, regardless of the words or language used - on whatever level(s), directly and indirectly, consciously and unconsciously.

The biggest difference between the Russians and Americans was that Russians recognized that "the Party Line" was propaganda from the ruling elite, and Americans who receive "the Mainstream Press" fail to recognize it as "propaganda from the ruling elite" and mistake it for "reality."           - Bill Moyers "I shall give a propagandist cause for starting the war. Never mind whether it is plausible or not. The victor will not be asked, later on, whether he told the truth or not. In starting and waging a war, it is not Right that matters but Victory. Have no pity. Adopt a brutal attitude... Right is on the side of the strongest."           - Adolph Hitler "People can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders.… All you have to do is tell them they're being attacked and denounce the pacifists for a lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."           - Herman Goering ...So long as most of us are sheep (and I was once one of those "sheople"), the wolves will be happy to lead us. Nazi Germany could not have happened were it not for the sheople. Besides, even a wolf pack has great family values. But it's still a wolf pack. Survival mentality coupled with too much power does not a world leader make. We are a society of great influence, and we are capable of fostering much higher values. ...After Iraq, who is Bush going to nag us about destroying for not meeting up to "our values"? Will it be the innocent people of another resource-rich nation - that is ruled by one of the other tyrants installed by the U.S?          - yours truly "Darwinism stresses conflict and competition; that doesn't square with the evidence. A lot of organisms that survive are in no sense superior to those that have gone extinct. It's not a question of being "better than"; it's simply a matter of finding a place where you can be yourself. That's what evolution is about. That's why you can see it as a dance. It's not going anywhere, it's simply exploring a space of possibilities."           - Brian Goodwin, Biologist,               quoted in The Third Culture, by John Brockman Before we can achieve Planetary Sustainability, we have to attain 'Citizenry Sustainability.' Whereas A military revolution - large enough to make any difference - will also reap more pain, confusion, and denial. More than we can heal to regain sufficient capacity for planetary healing - before Global Warming takes the rest of us. We're going to have to outsmart that unevolved part of us - and those who represent it politically. That means we vote with our our dollar (see Link section) and our pen or keyboard, and maybe with our feet - as well as with the ballot.          - yours truly

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P R E V E N T I N G     C I T I Z E N     /     A C T I V I S T     B U R N O U T
Or "Citizen Activist Preventative Heath Maintenance" (CAPHM)

This is a work in progress to include class formats, Guidelines, FAQ's for Handout, etc.
(Let me know if interested via PolyPsyArt@iinet.com --bcp 4/'02)
Here is a Current Listing of Topics for Class on Burnout,
specifically related to Activism or other Citizen Participation:


Basics

      *     What Burnout is in general
      *     How that applies to Activists (When & Why you may need this information)
      *     How to do one's "personal homework" with regard to Inner Conflict & Dealing with Emotions. Class participants are given preventative health maintenance tools and instructions for using them. This includes simple do-it-yourself techniques for appropriate self-care when dealing with prolonged challenge conditions. It would then be up to the class participants as to whether or not they would actually use these tools, as well as their own time, place, and setting for any such use. [EG: I do not foresee that it would ever become appropriate for "Therapy" to be provided for individuals in activist burnout-prevention classes. ]

Resources and Tools for Knowing Self, Strengths, & Limitations - and Related Self-Care in prolonged challenge conditions, including for:

      *     Defining and/or Redefining one's Personal Values, Boundaries, & Challenges in Life, for determining how these relate to activism and Burnout
      *     Getting and Staying In Charge of Personal Values, Boundaries, & Challenges
      *     Determining Inner/Outer Responses to external Challenges
      *     Learning the Difference between Practical Sensitivity vrs Over-Sensitivity
      *     Learning and Applying Related Preventative Health Maintenance Techniques
      *     Creating or Finding and Using Support Groups
      *     Learning Appropriate Response to Interference to Citizen Work (including Non-Violence Training)
      *     Reporting of Assaults on citizens while in action - by other civilians or police, etc.
      *     Resources for Further Study, Tools, Networking & Support Groups, etc

More Advanced Topics

      *     The nature of layman's healing through "simply" being Present & listening
      *     Putting it together in citizen action related confrontation
      *     Combining healing/listening skills with confrontive situations
      *     Advanced applications of various principles, skills, & tools learned
            * IE:    Understanding conservative "patriotism" and related belief systems - including how to work with the fragile nature underneath the armored John Wayne mind; how to understand the over-identification with authority that allows "security" to be so valued that freedom is sacrificed "for God & Country," etc. Why? So you will be more in charge OF YOURSELF when these people confront you (especially having developed self-knowledge & skills such as noted above), and because someone just might be open to expanding their perception when there is less need to convince than desire for understanding, less judgement about someone's "programming," and less challenge to the ego.

Biographical Note & Context:
           To give an applicable summary of what I've said about myself on my political pages (or in the next section below): I am an ex-Marine who "awakened" in his early 20's feeling conned into his naivete about such values as patriotism, who corrected that while healing his disillusionment and gaining a certain amount of understanding in the process (studying a number of psychological and theological realities, as well as political ones). This generated the interest that led to my becoming a therapist (related links for this in web page footer), as I also become a grassroots political activist - admittedly for many liberal and few conservative causes, including peace, justice, civil rights, ecology, economic reform, healthcare for the less advantaged - and veterans, etc.

           These two roles are what seem to push me into the position of:
          a) understanding the blind naivete and associated "patriotic fervor" that requires a heartbreaking paradigm shift in order to stop over-identifying with the "good guy" image and any political leader that sports it,
          b) understanding peace-loving caring citizen activists, most of whom apparently have never known what it's like to feel that conservative patriotism, so I can be
          c) helping activists/citizens to know and appreciate their emotional strengths and limits, those of both the (political) Left and Right,
          d) helping activists/citizens to understand how and why many conservatives feel the way they do -- to understand with compassion (which honors the others' capacity to heal) but not with sympathy (which tends to just resonate with, feel sorry for, and/or condescend toward),
          e) helping activists/citizens encounter discern the differences between such challenges as intentional interference, apathy, apparent failure, and impending burnout (both during and in-between activist experiences), and
          f) helping activists/citizens not only survive those well through self-applied preventative maintenance techniques, but to do all this as often as needed to return our nation to sanity. (Those books and films about "Peaceful Warriors" were probably meant for us :-)


Talents Needed: A Call for Others to Join in This Work Wherever you are:
            I see that the most likely Training Team - to effectively get this material across in it's most useful context - would consist of expertise & experience a) in Non-Violence Training (and in "street-smarts"), b) in long-term grassroots politics, as well as c) in Instruction in Long-Term Self-Help Psychological Preventative Health Maintenance, with skills comparable to those noted in above paragraph, & particularly with burnout conditions. If you and/or your activist teammates are like-minded and skilled in applicable realms, please lets share resources, information, and the benefits of our combined experience.

Current Resources:
            In time I will provide a great deal of theory and clinical information that can be applied to the training. Much of what I have to share in this regard (instructions for developing certain kinds of awareness, etc) is already available at this site or in files ready to be emailed or put on diskette, etc. So far as being fully assembled and linked specifically for application in "Citizen Activist Maintenance," however, you may find the "OverComing Political Disillusionment" page useful. There is a description of it and related pages about five "page-ups" above, just under the 1st set of thumbnail pics. [This can be psychologically dense material for some readers, and in any case, some may find this the extreme of my more clunky or excessive writing style - not to mention it's length, as it integrates so many references to examples in current political situations. I do a much better job of interpreting these concepts in person, where I can more readily explain on a one to one basis in metaphors that person relates to, and/or in a question/answer/discussion group format, and, to a lesser extent, in on line chat in that format.]

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"The Development of One Questioning Mind"

This was my pre-sentencing speech in the trial of the "Seattle Twelve" (March 14 & 17, 2003), being one of those arrested for sitting in at the Seattle Federal Building (September 25, 2002) in hope of convincing our senators to reject President Bush's maneuvering for the power to make war whenever he saw fit - without his having to answer appropriate questions beforehand. The judge had said he wanted to know something about what personally brought each of us to do what we did, and this is what I said.          I grew up with a lot of blind trust that I mistook for patriotism. But that was my patriotism at the time. I've since realized, with many years of asking questions and looking for answers, that many of our government reps are representing the 60-70% of citizenry that don't vote or participate in putting those representatives there. Over time those representatives gave way to the more powerful and more ambitious, but more dishonest representatives.

         Our system is one of the best around but has been weakened and now practically taken over by a totalitarian oriented small group of people, some motivated by extremist religious views, others simply by greed. Far too few useful visionaries are left in actual positions of power - assassinations or small plane crashes or scandals seem to have left very few congress persons that say no to that small group of people, in spite of the number of their constituents demanding they do just that.

         But for this delivery I am focusing on my own activism, which has come to include a bridging of politics and the healing sciences.
         I grew up very introverted, and it wasn't until I met with my first affinity group, mostly composed of Quakers, in the Summer of 1979 (in Oklahoma City) that I really began communicating who I was to more than one person at a time. By the next year I had been arrested twice for trespassing, once where the Black Fox nuclear energy station was in early stages of construction North-East of Tulsa Oklahoma, and the other while blocking doors at the Pentagon - in May of 1980. Over the next 5 years I protested for Amnesty International and civil rights, for peace and against nuclear weapons construction and transportation, including at the Pantex Plant in Texas. I also volunteered some time in Brownsville, Texas during the Sanctuary movement, as I had been continuing to spend more and more time in fellowship and in action with the Quakers of my affinity group. I learned not only how to be more present with people but how an individual can make a powerful difference when joined with others of conscious and consciousness. No nuclear plant was constructed in Oklahoma, by the way, and the U.S. government's abuses in Central America began to be unveiled to the public during those years - to some degree at least.
         After this time I took up my study, formal schooling, and practice of preventative medicine and alternative healing. More specifically, my field of expertise has been in therapeutic bodywork, body-mind psychology, and working with human energy fields. I can't think of anything more rewarding than helping people realize their own power to heal themselves and be more and more of who they are meant to be. So for many years the closest I came to political action, besides donations to activist groups, was a pen or an email window on a computer. But the computer was mainly a means for publishing my writings at my website, passing on tools, resources, and insights related to my practice. Then in Fall 1997 I began was is now "Christopher's Political Page" at my website - providing activist resources as well as my own two cents.

         One of my interests of late has been in applying my humanistic and eastern psychology studies to proffering questions that might cause one to look a little deeper into the hows and whys of our political condition. I call it 'Poly-Psy' and that's spelled with "P-S-Y" not "S-C-I." I also learned about the power of questions. I'm NOT ONLY referring to the questioning of authority, although that is of critical importance, of course. So if not that, what do questions have to do with anything HERE, you ask?
         I've learned that there is a powerful flip side to how we normally interpret that. I'm talking about the questioning of our own inner authority, and in a way that is designed to clarify guidance as well as obstruction. So… what does that mean, you ask?

Well, I'll just jump right in... but I'll keep it basic.
         First off, I've learned that when one asks a question one creates a space that is associated with a desire to know - and one's brain-mind becomes engaged with ones heart-mind in a quest to fill that space. The Clarity involved in the filling of that space does require discernment.
         And IF that discernment is a result of experience of *many* good questions asked in life, more so than it is of memorized or programmed information made to be ready for regurgitation -- for scholastic tests, parental approval, pier approval, or authority approval... that is, IF that discernment is more the result of conscious awareness than indiscriminate regurgitation, then the answers one comes up with will likely be very good. And I've learned that it's never too late to start asking questions. I also learned that if an authority puts up resistance just to the questions, whether that authority be within or without, then I that authority is strongly indicating further need for question.

         I grew up with a lot of programmed answers and much of my first 30 years were a result of that. That includes how I joined the Marine Corps right out of high school in 1970, and held the views that I did prior to that time. In the Marine Corps my job, in general, was troubleshooting electronic communications problems, so thanks to this, and the mentoring from one of my brothers not long afterward, my mind didn't go totally to sleep. But the questioning part within me became gradually stronger over the years. I am very thankful that somehow that got in my genes or imparted in the parenting I received.

         In my early forties I discovered something of the value of posing questions to oneself, and my website has a number of examples. Most of them are for personal growth applications, but as I stated earlier, I have more recently began applying these principles to the furtherance of the citizenry's involvement and thereby society's evolvement - via the self-examination of, by, and for citizenry and society. After all, those misguiding few of the administration - and the representatives that represent those who don't participate - wouldn't be there if even 60% of the citizens felt empowered enough to participate on a regular basis.
         I am convinced that IF society is to eventually evolve to a higher level of awareness, participation, evaluation, and application of principle in the democratic process of their government, THEN the beginnings of that is similar to, if not a metaphor for, how an individual begins any life-changing process. Lao Tse said a journey of 10,000 miles begins with the first step, and we are already much further along than that.
         To that effect I have been putting my Poly-Psy writings and charts (and even some poetry) on these topics at my website. That Includes many related questions, and sometimes I call these "Positive-Response-Questions" (PRQ's), especially when they are posed in such a way as to stimulate the brain-mind to go on a unconscious search for solutions to predicaments and dilemmas.

         I will read some of these questions shortly, ... [and at this point I read the "Questions For World Peace Prayer"]

         Thank you.

©Chris Pringer, March 16, 2003,
 

(A quality graphic with text placed over colorful tapestry background is available for donation via myself @ PolyPsyArt@iinet.com (incl. "permit2chris" in body of email)) Questions for PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT © September 1999, Chris Pringer   I Acknowledge my whole Being's capacity to ask, and respond to, the following question in the time(s), space(s), and way(s) that best fulfills my Divine Plan: How am I increasingly allowing myself to enjoy the ever-growing realization of benefits of reviewing the following affirmations, with increasing appreciation of the reality that: By God, I Am Entitled, even Commissioned, to continually learn to be as fully present as I can be, and continually improve in my capacities... To Find safe & effective ways to Feel & Respond to my own feelings, desires, emotions ? And Therefore, To Define my own qualities, values, and principles, including as regards:    Truth &Inspiration       Caring & Love       Authority, Approval, & Worthiness      Responsiblity & Freedom       Harmony & Presence       Security & Safety       Power & Strength      Humility & Pride       Intimacy & Boundaries       Success & Failure    How Am I most enjoying allowing myself, more and more often today and each day: To Accept -- & Learn from -- ALL of my past. To Be my own Best Friend & Inner Parent. To Determine my own needs as I Discern my needs from my desires. To Choose my own priorities & Set my own goals. To Be Responsive to & Responsible for my own Inner Child. To Clarify my own Strengths & Highest Potential as well as current limitations. To Be my own Self & Be visible as Who I Truly AM! And Thereby: To Be safe in my own authority - as I learn to be a channel of God's Highest Loving Will through me - as I continually improve in capacity to clarify It from my ego's will. To Re-define values & revise choices accordingly. To Find/realize Purpose & Meaning in my life. To Do all the above safely -even when I risk "failure," or discover I have made mistakes along the way as part of the learning to do this - without judgment, obligation, guilt, invalidation, manipulation (by myself or others). To Know that my value & worthiness (to have true needs met) is a God-ordained Reality to be realized, Regardless of my internal mental, emotional, or physical condition, or the external actions or reactions of myself or others. To Know how talented & powerful I am, & find my path as I Utilize that knowledge productively, Honor others as the worthy beings that they likewise are, & Release attachment to how others respond, learn, & grow. To Express & feel my power as love, wisdom, passion, & connectedness with God. To Fully realize today how worthy I am & what that implies for my life here & now. To Take all the time I truly need to learn to do all the above & much more, to enjoy & be responsible for my decisions as regards these choices. Thank You, God, for assisting in the manifestation of all insights, answers and solutions called for herewith!

   

RELATED LINKS
(at this and other sites)

R E C O V E R I N G     D E M O C R A C Y
&     R E L A T E D     H E A L I N G    

          Why are so many citizens in denial of our current political directions ? "Messages" (at this site) is a look at the basic communications going back and forth between the Bush Administration and the citizens. By message, I mean that which is actually communicated, regardless of the words or language used - on whatever level(s), directly and indirectly, consciously and unconsciously.

The virtual U.S. Peace Academy @Seattle Is here and now to inspire the creation of the *real* UNITED STATES PEACE ACADEMY. Courses are now being set up to be taught in the Seattle area [Spring '07]. In the interim the vUSPA is here for students choosing alternatives in peace, to facilitates resources and connections to institutions of higher learning for lasting global peace. In utilizing this site, young people can also create a vital and permanent record of their sincere desire and choice to learn and wage the arts of peace, rather than the art of war as taught at the military academies - as well as establish Conscientious Objector Status. Includes the - "James George Peterson Library at vUSPA - Suggested Courses and Books, suggested/sample outlines; prerequisites, etc and The Economics of War & Peace - Part III - Considerations, Innovations, Accountability, Solutions, Resources

          Apollo Alliance Project: Providing a not only a positive vision, but even realistic SOLUTION PLANS, for a sustainable planet? The Apollo Alliance is a growing coalition dedicated to a just and sustainable economy. We are bringing together a broad partnership to rebuild America and face the challenges of conservation, freeing ourselves from dependence on foreign oil, and creating millions of good jobs in the industries of the future.Apollo Alliance launches at Campaign for America's Future "Take Back America" conference in Washington, DC. June 5, 2003. Their set of web pages include "Our Ten Point Plan for Energy Freedom."

          Bioneers - Collective Heritage Institute: An organization of some of the most intelligent and long-time dedicated people on the planet (IMHO), developing and implementing "sustainable" solutions throughout the world. Some great examples are presented at the Collective Heritage Institute of Santa Fe, NM. Sample article links at http://www.bioneers.org/features/now.html, including "The Hidden Connection: A Science for Sustainable Living" by Fritjof Capra

          Gateway to Conscious Evolution with Barbara Marx Hubbard

          Citizen Works has assembled 10 actions you can take to change corporate power in your home town. To see the list, visit "Citizen Works .Org - Local Corporate Crime & Citizen Action

          See True Majority Principles worth working for: see TrueMajority.Com for a full description of each principle)

         Buddhist Peace Fellowship website is a very well done website that includes a range of Buddhist Peace Fellowship activities as well as an archive of reports from David Berrian in Iraq.

         Yamas and Niyamas - the ten living principles, © 2002 Swami Avinashananda Saraswati, at www.saraswatiyoga.com

         "What to Do Now That the War Has Started" by David Korten, at PCDForum Bulletin #5. Two of his books: "When corporations rule the World" and "Post Corporate World" (published in that order) - insightful and important when contemplating the healing of the planet. See more at YES Magazine .Org and The Fourth Freedom .Org/.

Wanna   Get   Back? ( By Bringing us back to Reality, that is ? ) Still   Want   Your   Vote   to   Count ? V O T E     W I T H     Y O U R     D O L L A R ! Use These Resources As Needed

"Political Activism, Apathy, & Healing" Cause and effect patterns related to conscious choices for change toward sustainable living on the planet (a long term project)

"Poly-Psy & Citizen Health - Discussions & Charts on Political Participation, Apathy, & Healing" Introduces a study in current “Poly-Psy” with three graphic flow charts and discussion points    Overview Chart for Introducing a Study in “Poly-Psy” What brought us to the *current crossroads* Socially and Psychologically; Citizen Roles and Choices

"Beliefs, Paths, & Service" Visually relates various philosophical origins, coping styles, roles in active citizenry...

The essay, "Healing the Citizenry" - guides pragmatic discussion for recognition of our current situation, examination of related cause-effect patterns, transitioning out of political apathy, and making conscious choices for change toward sustainable living on the planet (a long term project). Why these "Poly-Psy" charts and essays?                Because our government has been greatly influenced by the 60-80% of the citizens NOT participating.          We (speaking of Americans over the last five centuries or so) have allowed/created our current condition -- in terms of various attitudes, beliefs, and values - and some interesting times wherein we re-defined certain values. And this implies, therapeutically speaking, we can therefore can *heal* our socio-political condition by changing those attitudes and re-clarifying some values over more time. That implies potential for a form of continuing *preventative health maintenance* curriculum at schools and colleges. Paradigm shift tension, anyone? How much are we ready for? But doesn't every writer asks that question - or just those who want us to "bridge" - to encourage exploration of our potentials and what we perceive as our limitations?           Many writers note the incredible degree of short memory and denial that is going on in America. Perhaps that is because we want so strongly, even tenaciously, to believe in our "good guy" image of ourselves - certainly more than we want to acknowledge our attachment to our standard of living. "Our national denial" happens apparently because of that. Well, I believe it essential to the planet, considering the power of the United States, that the citizenry wake up, suffer the inevitable heartbreak, get a hold of ourselves and heal that, get real AND learn to use our anger constructively, and get in charge of what we can be proud of, and create much more of same. An elaboration on "Trends, Memory, Tracking, Trust, and Forgiveness" can be found here.          All in all, the Poly-Psy charts page provides a good introductory, if not prerequisite, to the "OverComing Political Disillusionment" outline/study page (see next Link).

          What would be accomplished if more than 40% of Americans felt empowered enough to Vote? Would we create a government that actually represented our highest values? See "OverComing Political Disillusionment"for an outline of study of current political challenges and psychological considerations effecting American citizen potentials for stirring democratic participation, and the power to make a difference for the world, as well as suggestions for the healing & preventative maintenance necessary in so many arenas to get us there.

          "Inspiring a New Human Agenda." A humanistic approach to governance & public policy. The POLITICS OF TRUST NETWORK is sponsored by its members and by The John Vasconcellos Legacy Project. Called a pragmatic idealist, John Vasconcellos is considered a leading visionary in the convergence of psychology, politics, and the human potential movement. His ground-breaking efforts in promoting self esteem, authentic leadership, and social diversity have distinguished his 35 years as member of the California Legislature.

          "Research shows that when that electrical energy changes, it goes to what's called 'coherent frequency patterns'. We're able to correlate that to changes in the immune system and changes in hormonal balance. And we also see changes in perception and intelligence. There's a lot more to what the heart is doing than people realize. It's not just a blood pump." Read more at the "HeartMath Institute."

          Well Being Journal - Taking charge of our Health Scott Miners provides a great resource for alternative health activism as well as great essays on alternative healing approaches.

         "Love and Seeing the Clouds Through" - Eclectic Poetry and Art by yours truly.

"Q's Prayer 4 World Peace World Healing Prayers Page Description: There are now 12 prayers (as of Jan'08) at this page, generally invoking Divine assistance, calling for truth, justice, accountability, related healing, learning, & balance, etc. Two prayers are specific to global climate healing, one to Iraq & Middle East, two are for planetary healing in general (although most comprehensive), one is specific to media communications, another to world economy, etc. Page includes background information, suggestions for use, & and printing tips.		"ArchAngel Prayer for Iraq-MiddleEast"		"A Global Climate Healing Fantasy and the Spirit of It All" On Sacred Earth Background. PDF versions available for Printing (is 2 pages long)
		World Healing Prayers with Sacred Geometry Graphic Backgrounds
		Broad Spectrum World Healing Prayer

TOOLS FROM SCIENCE & CONSCIOUSNESS     (Section Added May'07)

          I have been (returned to) studying up on some things, thanks to the makers of "What the Bleep Do We Know." And some might say that 'Bleep' began with what I'll call "The Tao of Physics Clan" of Fritjof Capra (of the 70's-80's era of published studies & thought) as well as "the Bleep Clan" of Fred Alan Wolfe, the academically most esteemed members of which integrated the knowledge for this much needed production. Through these efforts, IMHO, they offer ground breaking implications for mankind, for our victory over the current period of challenge to world community, re-initiating possibilities for survival into the 22nd Century. Because the most difficult thing for any human to do is break a habit, whether physical, emotional, or mental.

          And that is exactly the potential of what I call the "Bleep Tool Kit": the capability to break habits on every level, whether personal or interpersonal, community or inter-community, and whether just conceived or fully manifested. All that (and the creation of our individual and community tool kits therewith) depends on the investment of time and application of principle - via the focus of one or more people for the beneficial effect upon one or more others, upon situations, upon whatever.

Remember *TM* (Transcendental Meditation)? Once the media made it all about the person (the guru), and not about the function and capability - for anyone who wanted to invest the time and energy ...well, at that point the potential was neutralized - until 'Bleep' resurrected the offer (with a much more grounded yet far-reaching platform). And I don't mean to imply that 'Bleep' is all about such serious things. It's as fun, even "wondrous," as one can imagine as it pulls together and relates in a useful way so many realms of knowledge -as it makes them understandable- including quantum physics!           All that (study, focus, etc) has effected my professional work as well as most every outlook on life. That effect began during my studies into consciousness in the mid 70's, much more in the later 80's. However, that has dramatically increased recently as I've only begun to realize the (far more) integrated picture (with the implied potentials) that I attempt a useful summary of in the above paragraphs. Below are some excerpts from the 'Bleep' website.           "Following the release of 'What the BLEEP Do We Know!?', in Q&A after Q&A, conference after conference, the filmmakers were besieged by requests for more: More information, more science, more applications to their personal lives. August 1, 2006 marks the response to these requests with the release of What the BLEEP – Down the Rabbit Hole, Quantum Edition multi-disc DVD set.

          "The original 'What The Bleep Do We Know' was made for a theatrical experience of under two hours. With these new expanded versions [in 'Down the Rabbit Hole'], the filmmakers were finally able to include all the topics as originally intended. The completed picture presents all the elements that are intrinsic to the worldview put forth in BLEEP. Topics such as Quantum Entanglement, the Double Slit Experiment, Healing and the Cell, the split and re-unification of spirit and science - all are addressed in the detail required to tell the story. Hopefully they stimulate the viewer to seek further explorations. It may be the definitive BLEEP, but it is not the last word – it’s the final beginning." The scientists make up quite the impressive list (click to read about them & what they say).

          "Often dubbed 'the Critic proof movie' due to its ability to weather all sorts of negative reviews, What the BLEEP has an interesting history in the media. Not all are bad, not all are good, but the movie always seems to have extracted a strong reaction in the reviewer. To see what they said in the media, click here."

PolyPsy List Archives

Provides the most recent postings on what's going on (as regards peace & justice, & citizen effectiveness, including action resources) - Planetary in scope with more specifics for Seattle/NW): you can join the list or just peruse the Archives without joining. The list was created so that we might better see and UTILIZE opportunities to jump in and make things better when we can - while maintaining our psychological and spiritual capacity to do so - eg: is easy on the guilt-trips and conspiracy stuff.

This list is a "Newsletter" style list; NOT the kind that allows members to send email to other members. (It does NOT make member email addresses available to anyone, So members do NOT receive email from anyone but myself.) List Description is elaborated at http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/PolyPsySp. To subscribe, send email to: PolyPsySp-subscribe@lists.riseup.net. You can type the same in the subject and body areas of your message. Thank you, -Chris Pringer, ListOwner/Mgr

To TOP  of PAGE Author / Artist / Editor Information Body-Mind Integration and Fascia Memory Research Christopher Pringer Reiki Master, Ordained Minister Chalice Bridging Ministries Body-Mind-Soul Integration for a Healthy Planet Bridging Theology, Consciousness, and Practical Emotional Intelligence Organization Chart        Body Mind Integrative Awareness (Brochure) Individualized Approach and Training for High Performance, Awareness, and Integral Being Body-Mind Integration and Chalice Productions (Home Pages) Writing, Artwork, Resources Fascia Memory Research Project Mind-Body Memory and the Future of Preventative Medicine 4C-Publishing Chalice Creations and Concept Charting (Desktop Publishing) for Vibrant Greeting Cards, Logos, Mandala & Prayer Cards, Display Ads, Promotional Presentations, Charts & Web Books "Synthesis" Mandala Shirts By Appointment Only 206-286-0899 / chaliser@iinet.com Guest Book & Web Site Support System Page for Chalice/Grail Artwork and 4C-Publishing   COPYRIGHT REGULATIONS/POLICY & DISCLAIMER:           REPRODUCTION: I welcome my writing/artwork being reproduced, provided that it is in it's original and complete form (or an editing or excerpt by agreement with the author), and contact info are intact and readable ("Chris Pringer, Chris.pringer@chalicebridge.com, www.chalicebridge.com"), and so long as the following conditions are applied:      a) Hardcopy reproduction is ok so long as it is for personal or non-profit organizational use only; b) Distribution and posting on web pages, blogs, and forums with my permission (mostly because I want to know where it's been put, and I'd be most honored to be asked). c) Any distribution of my writings or artwork must be w/o charge unless with prior agreement in writing with the author. d) The only exception to that regards the World Healing Prayers, which I encourage people to make all the copies they think will be used effectively without obligation to get my permission or even contact me. By the way, I have yet to ever sell -or give permission for anyone else to sell- any of my artwork on E-Bay or anywhere else. [noted 12/27/07]           DISCLAIMER: None of my writing, chalice art, or PolyPsyArt is intended to be, to replace, or discourage the appropriate use of, medical attention and/or treatment, but as educationally informative for the purpose of overall health enhancement and preventative maintenance.     So far as I know, I have not quoted any other person without saying so. I have emulated a number of writers and teachers, so I wouldn't be surprised if many of my statements have very similar words and meanings as they. In any case, I have always tried to say what I believed. If you find that I have plagiarized anyone to any degree, please let me know -- by noting the complete published reference, and including the full quote and a few sentences of text before and after). This given, I will duly correct the writing.           AUTHORSHIP: Unless otherwise noted under the titles, all essays, artwork, prayers, pages at this site and sub-directories (as at my previous site at AOL), and with exception of some of the solid color and cloudy-sky color backgrounds and logo/headers for others' sites as noted) has been composed, rendered, and/or web-authored (c) by myself, Christopher Pringer, a member of Veteran's for Peace, ch.92 and of the "Seattle 12," practitioner in Body-Mind-Energy Integration Therapies since 1984, since 1984, and ordained minister (Chalice-Bridging Ministries) since 1987. Most of the personal health-oriented essays at this site were written in the early 90's, as compared to the social/political health oriented pages since 1997.             ABOUT THE ART: The symbols for the "Chalice" - or Holy Grail - that I often use are drawn essentially from ancient archetypes. Here, the Chalice is essentially a "cauldron" for the balancing and integrating of Humanity with the Divine - individually and communally. And just to forestall any hasty categorization, I should say that these archetypes pre-date the Jewish faith by many centuries. They have their own rich meanings as related to the spiritual dilemma or paradox, balancing or synthesis of qualities (such as Yin & Yang), and healing transformation. The "Chalice-Star" over the three traveling magi is used in my Solstice or Christmas Card design to represent our quest - in this earthly dimension of body, mind, and spirit - for the inner-most Source of one's spirit and faith -- whether that would be the Inner Christ, Inner Buddha, Inner Mohammed, or the Divine Mother's Spirit connecting All Life, etc.               That disclaimer said, you may find out the actual origens of my relationship with these archetypes at Home Page for Body-Mind-Chalice Integration (and related artwork). (see description in above section.) If you feel well served by what you found here, I would certainly appreciate your support. Although there is virtually 3 large books (and probably over a thousand hours) worth of written material and artwork here, nothing has ever been sold at this site (although I do promote my therapy practice and desktop publishing skills). In any case, IF YOU FEEL SO INCLINED TO SUPPORT THIS WORK (there are also ways besides donating money), please check out the Chalice Bridging Ministries / PolyPsyArts Support System.             COMMENTARY/Feedback is MOST APPRECIATED via the Guest Book or directly via Chaliser@iinet.com. I Hope you have found this page useful. Please let me know if it (or any parts of it, or other pages here) do not make sense to you, or don't seem consistent, etc. Extra points given for being specific. <grin> It's nice to hear from visitors in any case. I will probably reply. Here is to your continuing to recieve the benefits of your drive to discover you. --Chris     Click here to see the Organization Chart and "How and Why this Site Is Different" A study in Cross-Discipline Knowledge Sharing, Utilization, and a much needed integration of diverse talent. And how that relates to *Chalice-Bridging* and to healing. (And the full-size graphic!)   Professional Bio & Quotes Chris, 1984 Chris, 2008               I began my studies in multi-level self-healing when in the service, in Thailand in the Winter of '73. The focus then was on self-help psychology, consciousness, and eastern and western mystical perspectives. This continued through my university studies in Norman, OK '74-'79. 1980 took me into naturopathic studies, primarily nutrition and herbology when I lived in Oklahoma City. Not seeing the naturopathic doctor route as affordable at the time, I found direction via a five-evening massage course, Fall '83. That led to a six month professional practice, followed up with the training in Sante Fe, NM, '84-'85 (described in the next paragraph).         Since then I have practiced massage and/or healing facilitation for others, initially in Santa Fe, NM (during/after my training), then San Louis Obispo, CA, and Seattle, WA. This includes exploring personal challenges and self-healing methodology. A session may include various energy work modalities, Body/Energy-Awareness based Preventative Health Maintenance Instruction, or only Reiki or relaxation work in total silence. A client chooses based on whatever stress, pain, or concerns are present at that session. A client may request a "Body Pattern Reading," as well as various massage/bodywork therapies, all of which techniques are listed & described in my brochure. Individual, program, and 3-6 week interval-based rates are available.         My interests have primarily centered in three areas:         1) Body-Centered Psycho-Spiritual Process (as in "Hakomi" style of) counseling and bodywork, including as assessing an individual for the most efficient means of addressing connective tissue injury, short and long term, and the most efficient application of the results of that assessment (on physical and/or emotional levels);         2) in The Basic How's And Why's Of Psycho-Emotional Storage In The Body-Mind, and in the related fascia memory storage dynamics - referring to the technical aspects of neuro-physical interface between connective tissue, emotion, and the brain);         3) "Chalice-Bridging" style chakra balancing - based in the perspective that the chalice, far more than just a cup in this interpretation, is about the human embodiment of Spirit into the three "lower bodies" (mental, emotional, and physical) which compose the "Body-Mind". Which is also a "cauldron" for the balancing and integrating of Humanity with the Divine - individually and communally.         My training includes over 1370 hours of classes and practicum, including with the New Mexico Academy of Massage and Advanced Healing Arts in Santa Fe, NM (1984-85), and with various accredited bodywork and therapy workshops (`86-present), as well as 100 hours training with the Alchemical Hypnotherapy Institute (1989), over 100+ hrs apprenticeship with healing practitioner Robert "Mitra" (`85-`86), and 150 hours apprenticeship with Silena Heron in Herbal Studies (`83-`84). For the detailed version my training, you may go to the latter half of my Reiki Therapy Practice Brochure. Which also includes (and relates context for) links to essays elaborating on aspects of imbalance and injury, assessment, and healing. Personal Quotes on Body-Mind Awareness [ cp, 12'07 ] BODY-MIND AWARENESS, at the core of preventive health awareness, is one of the most simple, efficacious, & cost-effective forms of HEALTH INSURANCE there can be. Hence, massage is far from just "a luxury item," and bodywork therapies can be indispensable for the healing of certain conditions. MUSCLES RELATE TO ATTACHMENTS - to what we use to take our stance, to hold our place, to perceive and respond to our environment, and to extend who we are and/or want to be. Or used to be (in too many cases, perhaps). That speaks not only to the body's condition and function, but to how it communicates awareness of where one is along one's path (of becoming who one truly is). THE BODY IS . . . among other amazing things, a unique communications system -- intimately linked with one's TOTALITY. Establishing rapport with one's body can be a PATH to self realization. ONE OF MY DREAMS is a society where/in all children are taught how to feel/see/read their own body-mind communications such that preventive health maintenance eventually becomes second nature. And actually, for the most part, they would be encouraged to re-awaken and build upon what I believe to be a NATURAL INCLINATION - conscious self-healing and continuous expansion of awareness. And the above goes FOR ALL OTHER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, to the degree that one utilizes them to improve such awareness and causative/pro-active connection with one's body-mind, and to employ the most effective tools for maintaining/improving one's health under any given condition or circumstance. WHY DOES BODY AWARENESS = OPTIMUM HEALTH INSURANCE ? Since being at it's own domain (Chalicebridge.com, June'06) this site has come to average Over 60 *Visits*, Over 112 *Pages*,   and over 1000 *Hits* Per DAY. (Here, the 'Hits' stat includes all graphics on a page.) Interesting that at AOL (Sep'97 to May'06), "LE FastCounter" listed an average of 75 *hits* per day during 2005.   -- cp, 12'07 (c) 1997 to Present, Chris Pringer