ONE SPIRIT COMMUNITY

By Morgan Langan

Puma and I are in the final stages of remodeling and furnishing an organic Retreat Center. Throughout this process I have been amazed every time I venture forth into businesses, which showcase products for the home. Last night we went into a Do-it yourself arts and crafts store. As we wandered through the isles I was absolutely appalled by all “the Crap” people were willing to spend their money on. My mind ventured into thoughts of what we could do with the money spent on manufacturing, shipping, marketing, storing and selling all this crap. I envisioned all the things, which could be made to improve the lives of others with this money. I looked into the shopping carts, which filtered by me in the cramped isle ways. Most were overflowing with so much stuff it looked like cleanup day after a windy Macy Parade. I couldn’t help shifting my eyes from the cart to see who would be actually putting out money for this stuff. It was shocking to observe how much judgment came up for me around how I perceived these people. Initially, I tried to intellectualize my process as being one of discernment. I was merely discerning that most of the people were overweight, barely above survival subsistence and English was not their first language. I had to admit that no matter what language I utilized, this “discernment” sounded a lot like judgment. In any regard, it allowed me to create separation between myself and my fellow human beings.

Just as I was judging myself negatively for these unenlightened judgments, a large bin, overflowing with stuff caught my attention. The title of the display was quite effective from a marketing perspective- “Cheep Plastic Stuff.” Seriously–that was the name, which was proudly displayed. I found myself being drawn closer to the display. As I peered into the bins, I was curiously attracted to these robotic like figures called “Noggin Bops ™.” From a kinesthetic engineering perspective, these figures were ingenious. I couldn’t resist trying it out to see how it worked. It was quite animated and would dance from side to side, wiggle its hips, rotate at the waist, swing his arms and of course, “Bop his Noggin” from side to side. Now the amazing thing for me (and I admit that I don’t get out of my house enough) was that all this motion originated from 2 twists of a wand on his back. What a tremendous return of energy for a two-second expenditure. He had a bright smile and a certain sweetness that made me smile. When I saw the price, I could not believe my eyes- $3.00. As I calculated what it would cost me to build something this incredible, I knew that this was truly a bargain for me. I had to have it!

Now Puma, who was present throughout this entire transition, found the situation quite amusing. She was witnessing her spiritually advanced mate, as he quickly justified the purchase of a Noggin Bop ™ to her immediately following his diatribe on his disbelief that people actually buy this Stuff.

A great lesson to learn early when on a spiritual path is to remain humble. Especially, as we venture together along this path of Self Realization; know that a little humility will go along way. When we encounter those moments in our lives when everyone around you just nods their heads, not quite sure how to react to you, just nod back and smile. Now that’s a Noggin Bop worth sharing all day long!

Morgan Langan, Co-founder

http://www.OneSpiritWeekend.com

http//www.GraceGrove.com