Debra Xiangjun Hayes's Blog

Be a life bridge--Give LIFE!

Debra Xiangjun Hayes — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:09:54 GMT

Many times throughout the course of my work, I've met people who shared their stories and experiences, their gratitude, and love for life. Colette Jordan is one I am honoured to say I have met vis-a-vis through her son and am thankful to have known ever since.

With gratitude to her and her continuing stream of acts that raise awareness and inspire others, I am extending her life bridge here via

We are ALL Lifebridges joined in Oneness

Debra Xiangjun Hayes — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:22:54 GMT

In an earlier post, I elaborated upon what I thought were lifebridges........
http://lifebridges.blogspot.com/2008/01/what-is-life-bridge.html

We encounter them every moment both within our view and beyond sight.
Throughout the years, I have often looked around me and realized that they were everywhere--within the strangers I met, among my college classmates, Professors, colleagues, family,

Encounter Spirits i

Debra Xiangjun Hayes — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:22:53 GMT

Encounter

Spirits intermingled,
Souls intertwined, they meet.
They dance, from time to time.
Along the paths, the many varied paths,
This life reveals from time to time,
Each must choose.
Each must travel.
Spirits intermingle;
Souls intertwine.
Enlightenment enters; fullness thrives.
Experiences shared, they travel on,
richer, so much richer,
for the encounter of the journey.

杜湘君 2005

What IS a Life Bridge?

Debra Xiangjun Hayes — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:22:53 GMT

What is a life bridge? What entities do they encompass?

Are they the people we encounter?

The strangers, the passersby, the friends, family, colleagues, associates, classmates, neighbors, etc.
Have you ever pondered their roles?

After all, we all stand witness for each other, interdependently exist and co-exist, support, transform and reflect each other.

Without any of these people, even

One Big Rice Bowl

Debra Xiangjun Hayes — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:22:53 GMT

A not so novel thought entered my mind today midst meditation....

One Big Rice Bowl

Imagine...
The whole world gathered around one big rice bowl
Partaking in a meal as one big family
sharing in the riches of the earth,
celebrating and appreciating each other
and every step, every part of the effort that made it possible.

When I reflect upon this, an unimaginable, infinite peace overcomes

Where is home?

Debra Xiangjun Hayes — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:22:53 GMT

Where is home?

This seems like such a simple question. Yet, for many within the world today, the answer is much different than each one of them probably ever expected it would be.
With a growing number of refugees internationally, globalization and changes in borders and boundaries drawn by men, the answers to this question are both metaphysical and tied to people and place.

If you're wondering

Bridges in the Middle of the World

Debra Xiangjun Hayes — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:22:52 GMT

May I be a boat, a bridge, a passage for those desiring the further shore.

Within the middle of the world, within midsouth China, I was so priviledged to encounter and live with persons from more than 60 different countries. Despite the obvious linguistic, cultural and belief differences, we celebrated each others' holidays, life events, comforted each other and encouraged each other. We became

May I be a boat, a bridg

Debra Xiangjun Hayes — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:22:52 GMT

May I be a boat, a bridge, a passage for those desiring the further shore.

It is with a saddened and disheartened heart that I look upon the state of affairs within America and the world that the official government and the private somewhat hidden economic sectors touch throughout the world....

Yet, I have hope!
Hearts and minds come together without seeing or realizing borders and people

May I be a boat, a bridg

Debra Xiangjun Hayes — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:22:51 GMT

May I be a boat, a bridge, a passage for those desiring the further shore.

World Summit of Indigenous Cultures

Debra Xiangjun Hayes — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:45:48 GMT

Later this week, I will realize a dream. It's funny how that happens when we aren't looking.

It leads me to contemplate Herman Hesse's Siddartha and the passage about seeking and finding. When one is seeking, one doesn not find because seeking means we have a goal in mind. It could well be that we then overlook what we need to encounter:-)

I received a last minute invitation to speak at the World Summit of Indigenous Cultures in Taiwan and the assistance to do so.

It is an unbelievable honour, but more an honour to share, to learn, to interact with indigenous peoples from five continents to collaborate, participate in the process of collective knowledge and wisdom.

My focus will, of course, highlight the global public discourse on health and healing, the pressing questions, the quests for more than mere alleviation of suffering and true healing, the role of traditional/indigenous healers, knowledge and wisdom and areas of study and application.

As I penned that paper, I became truly aware of the many pathways of healers and patients, the quests for cures, the curious way in which we are all connected--today increasingly so.

Moreover, I felt as if I retraced the footsteps of my life--the illness that has led me through the Native Americans, the Sioux, the Cherokee, the Navajo, and many others, through indigenous peoples of Mexico, the Maya, to the medicine in Laos and Sierra Leone, Ethiopian, Egyptian and Malaysian healers, Unani, Reiki, Energy, Tibetan and Quranic medicine, and to the diversity within Chinese medicine, informed by region, minority, multiple disciplines and practice. The last of these has more fully consumed my time and life, yet each medicine pulls me in, draws me, inexplicably. I submit, willingly partake of the ritual interaction, the multi-faceted engagement and imbibe the knowledge and experience humbly, appreciatively.

Indeed, each healing modality and medicine share similarities and commonalities. They also offer different ways to live, to experience, to engage and see life!

It has been a lengthy journey shared with many, informed and enriched by those encountered along the way and I thank each and every one of you for sharing it with me, for adding to it by giving the gifts of YOU!

Indeed, there is so much work to be done and so much work in progress--healing on every level.

Perhaps, it is the "magic Kool-Aid" as my daughter Sabrina would say.

It could well be that the phrase I so often utter is also true...

~One man's magic is another man's medicine.

More clearly, more concretely, the more I see, I become more aware of all I do NOT. Yet, one thing is clear...Healing worlds on all levels is being uplifted!

Upon the ancients' shoulders we stand as the Ancients watch over us, whispering in our ears, nudging...waiting for our stillness to listen.

As I travel to Taiwan later this week, partake in the rituals, open my heart/mind and travel to the indigenous villages, I will carry you all within my heart. Together, we will share, learn, love and uplift Healing.

Love and hugs to you all!

http://indigenous.pristine.net/event/themes_en.html
Namaste, 湘君