Sunlark's Comments (9)

“As a nearby resident, there are several native Americans who hold ceremony in this area, including sweat lodges, drum circles, and so forth. Many invite whoever feels called to join in, regardless of genealogical heritage.

Nonetheless, it is amazing to me to observe the factors that led to this incident. People paying exorbitant amounts to be in retreat with one of the featured persons in the movie, The Secret. Packing 64 people into the lodge--apparently without any consideration of safety issues. With up to $9000 per person, one would think James Ray could have afforded to consider the physical safety of his guests. While I don't consider it wrong for non-natives to participate in Native American traditions, such choices should be made through honor and respect. Indeed, cultivating honor and respect is an important aspect of spirituality that is unfortunately often forgotten in the 'New Age.'”

“Well said. And however the demographics of homophobes line up, the issue still remains that there is no logic for denying two persons who choose to wed from doing so. Yes, it is up to all persons who believe that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is for every person to stand up for any group that is being marginalized.

Thank you! :)”

“Absolutely! In some Eastern traditions, desires are considered negative. However, desire fuels growth. Even the desire to let go of desire is a desire.

I absolutely love curiosity. I have cats. I worry if they don't come home at night, but I know their lives are more meaningful because they have their own door to go outside and explore the world with inquisitiveness. I know their little cat lives are enriched by that, even though there is indeed a risk something could happen.

I have found the joy of taking some risk outweighs the humdrums of staying stuck in a situation that doesn't feel right. But it's not always necessary to pursue the new relationship to enjoy curiosity. To keep curiosity fresh in an existing relationship, build the courage and trust to be totally and completely open with each other--be curious both about each other and about your life together. Unfortunately, in many couples--one or both partners are too afraid of what they might discover if they truly explore those hidden thoughts and feelings. It's so important to also take full responsibility for one's experience and be clear that it's not about blame.

I also enjoy doing many things in my life that others are fearful of: hiking alone, running my own business(es) from home, etc. Focusing on always learning and growing--taking as many lessons from each life experience as I possibly can is indeed joyful!

Thanks so much! YES! YES! YES for Curiosity!”

“I totally disagree with your assessment, Michael. While the songs you mention would likely be very good ones for her, I was not in any way disappointed with her performance nor her attitude. As a woman in her age range (50), I absolutely love observing how she is stepping into this with her whole being. She is beautiful!”

“Palin-Umbridge in 2012. That WOULD be the ticket! They do indeed have a LOT in common!”

“Okay Sarah,

Regardless whether you were falsely accused before, Harry Potter was indeed published WHILE you were mayor of Wasilla, not AFTER as you claim in this interview. The first book was published in the UK in June 1997 and came to the US in Sept 1998. You were mayor of Wasilla from 1996 to 2002. You don't exactly prove yourself on this one!”

“This issue most definitely will NOT go away. Our homosexual friends will indeed have their day! It will happen--provided those of us who believe in full equality for all citizens keep working for an increasingly free America. Even with the millions of dollars the LDS (Mormons) poured into this initiative (and there are more LDS in CA than in UT, by the way), the vote was narrow in California.

Recall the indignities heaped on suffragettes, just wanting the right to vote. Remember the racial segregation that was once the norm in our nation. The time will indeed come when ALL members of our society are treated with equality and respect . . . it's up to all of us to do our part to bring that to pass!”

“Hello? Earth to Grenell, Earth to Mr. Richard Grenell, Palin may have given the social conservative, religious right a reason to vote, but she DID NOT do anything to attract independents. She repels a great many of them, as does McCain. And while I am sure there are many Democrats who wish they could be voting for Hillary today, the Republicans have given them extremely little reason to cross party lines. At the same time, Obama has given many people who have never voted or haven't voted in years a reason to come to the polls.

While Obama has repeatedly asked that no one take victory for granted, timing could not be more perfect for a Democratic landslide.

We'll all know soon enough . . .”

“As a former member of the LDS Church, I once studied early feminist activities in the Church. Yes, you read that right! In the 1830s to 1850s, the LDS Church had feminist leanings, even though Joseph Smith was marrying multiple women, encouraging others to do the same. Also, LDS were actually LESS racist than many of their neighbors.

Why?

Could it be that when you are the new change element, you are more open to other types of change? But now the LDS Church is established, and no other church wants to be accepted as part of the establishment more than the LDS.

So they decry those Mormons who practice polygamy, being very fast to tell you that God and the LDS Church now command monogamy and to consider their polygamous cousins as heretical apostates who have lost the true faith.

While gay marriage doesn't threaten anyone, the LDS have forgotten who they are. They are working so hard to be accepted as mainstream that they are going overboard to become the status quo. Even while they claim to be lead by direct revelation from God, they bend over backwards to avoid change. For those few Americans who actually think for themselves instead of letting some institution tell them what God wants them to do, it becomes increasingly disturbing to watch. The LDS have become the very thing Joseph Smith was commanded to avoid!”