Reflections: AVATAR, India.Arie's "Grains" and me

I went to see AVATAR this past weekend and found I really enjoyed it!  I had no idea what to expect and given that there is so much else going on in the world, I didn't read any reviews.
My connection to the movie was "spiritual." I don't mean God, Christ or any religion. For me, it was my belief we are all created from the "same grains."
I can't answer the "what about the pseudo military/mercenaries or the big bad company" portrayed in the movie (But let's face it they were pretty one dimensional.) I also don't pretend to know Mr. Cameron's intent. Who cares what his intent was anyway?
I believe I was created by God from the same "grains" as everyone.  I believe we are given free will to do as we choose. And that "free will" is what creates havoc here on earth.
Having said that, my interpretation (of the movie) is that the Na'avii people understand their connection to their " universe." The scene where they are all joined arm and arm praying(my interpretation,) was emotionally riveting and very moving.

On Sunday, while on iTunes, I came across a new CD (actually it was released in 2009) from one of a favorite songstress: India. Arie.

The 2009 CD is titled:     Testimony, Volume 2: Love & Politics
I love the whole CD, but am drawn especially to her interwoven: Intro, Interlude and Outro  "Grains."

Here are the words:

"Intro: Grains"

I’m grateful that you created me from the same grains from the same things


I’m grateful that you never cease to amaze me the way you love me

"Interlude: Grains"

I am grateful that you never cease to amaze me the way you love me


From the flicker of an eyelash to the furthest star


From the pyramids to the beat of my heart


From a woman in Somalia to a child in Harlem


We’re created from the same things


I’m grateful that you created me from the same grains from the same things


I‘m grateful that you never cease to amaze me the way you loved me

"Outro: Grains"

I'm grateful that now I can see


that I am a part of everything


and everything is a part of me


you've amazed me

I've included a blog post from  months ago.

MY PASSION

Working as a Labor and Delivery nurse for 24 years, I felt blessed and honored to assist women, and their families in the birth of their child(children). Hearing a newborn cry, witnessing a family's joy always touched me deeply. As well, when I was asked to assist women, and their family in delivering a "baby born asleep", their pain and anguish cut like a knife. Throughout all these experiences, I knew this was my passion, my calling in life.
Then I joined Antepartum Testing, and my PASSION grew. I love performing ultrasounds on the fetus'. I love showing the "moms" what their baby is doing.(kicking, sucking, practice breathing)
But most of all I love the following: witnessing the "circle of life;" recognizing we are created equal (can't tell race,religion etc. on ultrasound;) and LIFE is a MIRACLE.

In conclusion, I hear, see and understand my life through movies and songs that help me reflect on my life  journey.

I believe we are created equal. I believe we have free will. I believe there is evil in the universe. I claim no understanding of God's Plan for me. I just know in my heart I am on a journey. I know and believe that God wishes me well on my journey to eternal life. He Promised and I Believe. 

Happiness vs Back Pain

Last week in a conversation with my friend Phyllis,I said the following: "I feel great! I'm happy! Sure there are challenges but I love my life! 58 is GREAT!" 
My happiness is my own to control. Living a life of introspection has helped me acknowledge my blessings, as well acknowledge my stumbling blocks,my "baggage." I always try to strike a balance between my blessings and my needed improvements. I can become too hard myself, so I really try to limit my own brow beating!

After I shared my happiness, the Italian side of my brain said; "get ready for the other shoe to drop!" I promptly decided to ignore my crazy Italian-Catholic Girl voice. One week later I found myself  with more back pain than I've had in 18 months. I actually had to leave work on Friday. As luck or better put the orthopedic group I go to had no same day appointments. Couldn't get an order for physical therapy either, until "they can evauluate my pain!" So home I went in pain,took Vicodin, rested and tried to evaluate what had changed those past 2 weeks. Did the other shoe (s)drop?
In a word, YES! LITERALLY! I had purchased Reebock Easy Tone Shoes. Those are the ones that are supposed help your butt,calves,etc. Oh yeah, they helped...give me a pain in my ASS! And my back,too! I'll be returning them to Nordstrom this week! On Saturday I purchased ASICS 3000 running shoes. I don't run anymore, but these shoes give me support when I walk. Being a nurse, I've worn all kinds of shoes,from Dansko to the Stretch Walker to regular athletic shoes. There is no perfect answer. I'll try these and see they feel after 8-10 hours on my feet.

After having spent two days on Vicodin, I found myself depressed(duh), reevaluating & contemplating my happiness.

Why is MY or anyone's Happiness important?
As a former Nursing Psyche Instructor used to say..."If the Mama's happy, then everyone in the family is happy!" I'm going to rephrase it in terms I understand today.

If I'm happy, that happiness radiates inside me and out to others I encounter. I know I've felt the touch from others,so much so that I strive to find my radiance, my light! I believe this is God within me. I mean I truly believe this! I truly believe this is my calling...my journey.

I have more to share so I'll be writing another entry shortly.