Author: <span>daviddakanallison@gmail.com</span>

The Highway Shaman Wisdom Reading 

for June 5, 2020

I think its utmost important to keep thinking “Who am I and why am I here?”  If every single birth, every person’s incarnation of life here on earth, has a purpose, what’s mine? This is the question we should be asking. Young people dressed in black throwing bricks through windows and looting: Is that their life purpose, or are they controlled by someone else’s misaligned purpose? Are they living a life of Integrity?

In the Integrity Scale the highest place of being “In Integrity” is the Empowered Source of Love. With the emotions of Serenity of Being, Ecstasy and Joy. When “Out of Integrity” a person become the Adversary, the antagonist, with emotions such as hostility, anger, hate fear, despair, down to greed, jealousy, malice and total failure. I believe we all want to be in Integrity, to Love and be loved in return. I wish to believe that I am a TEACHER of 5th dimensional LOVE. There should never be any GUILT associated with Love. The world we’re entitled to is a paradise of unity and cooperation, love and understanding; of abundance for all people.  More about Integrity below . . . 

THE READING

The Elements Tarot: 

THE TEACHER: Giving of yourself in a way that guides and instructs others. Transmitting information or energy that is helpful to or needed by others. 

REVERSED: Willingness to surrender in heart and mind to anothers’ teachings. Gaining experiences and resources necessary to teach others through words or actions.

Osho Zen Tarot: 

GUILT: This moment! . . . this hereon . . . is forgotten when you start thinking in terms of achieving something. When the achieving mind arises, you lose contact with the paradise you are in.

“You are absolutely okay as you are, and it is absolutely natural to go astray from time to time. Just learn from it, move on, and use the lesson not to make the same mistake again.”

The Good Tarot:

LOVE: Oneness. 

“In all of life, there is only the illusion of separation. In fact, we are all reflections of one another. When I make choices, I tend to see things as either/or.  What if every choice I make is about experience, a sharing and an exploring? When I choose to see the unity in all things, magic abounds. Love is all around me, Spirit loves me unconditionally, and I give and receive abundant love.”

HOW TO LIVE IN INTEGRITY

At the highest levels of Integrity, we are all Masters. To be in integrity we simply need to decide to play The Master Game.  The question we would need to ask before responding is “How would a Master respond?” Here are some important insights on how to play The Master Game: 

1. “LIFE IS A TRAINING HALL.” In Aikido, in order to Master that art, all students must continue to train on how to accept an attack from any direction. The attack could be Physical, Mental, Emotional or Spiritual. The student learns how to move aside or direct any attack past them. Every time an attack isn’t thwarted or upsets the student in any way, it’s simply an indication of the student’s weakness and vulnerability. It’s part of a process which inspires the student to train more. Eventually, with Mastery, any attack in any direction will flow like water off a duck’s back. Once we accept that we are in constant training, learning to flow with the attack, we will know that . . . 

2. “BEING A VICTIM IS A LOW INTEGRITY OPTION.” People (the ones who attack) are addicted to judgment; constantly ‘projecting’ their issues and ‘attacking’ others for not agreeing. If the one attacking accuses another of something, its the attacking person’s responsibility to address the reason for their projection or attack; to realize they are in reality mirroring their own personal issue. If (the so-called victim is) innocent of the accusation, there would be no reason to take the attack personal. A Master at peace with high integrity would response to whatever is said (the attack) with, “This is not about me.” If he think it is – then he needs to train more; move into a higher level of integrity. 

3. “WE NEVER HAVE ENOUGH INFORMATION TO JUDGE.” Everyone filters information differently. One’s words and intentions can so easily be misinterpreted and twisted according to another’s understanding or misunderstanding, their mood at that moment, their prejudice, and so on. Life on earth is complex. In order to judge someone we would need to know all about how they deal with the complexity, plus everything about that person in this and every other lifetime; to have literally walked in that persons shoes. The Master understands this and chooses to be in a person’s company or not; to choose resonating frequencies.

4. “KNOW THE OTHER PERSONS INTENTION.” If one considers that another’s overall intention is to love and serve, and help heal people and the world, one must stay aware of that fact. Any wrong words spoken, any unintended insults, only have the meaning a person gives them, and their meaning is subjective. If you are genuine and all your intentions are good and noble, then the everyday chatter that goes on in another’s head is insignificant, meaningless, in the whole picture of “Who I Am.” Another’s pure intension always feels good. 

5. “EVERYTHING ONLY HAS THE MEANING WE GIVE IT.” If one accepts an attack, it only has the meaning it is given. If one perceives the energy to be love, then that’s the meaning it is given. By training one will learn to feel the difference; to feel the other persons intention. We can ask. Again, a reaction to the words as attack, only means one needs to train more. (to heal thyself)

6. “I AM THAT TOO.” We are all one is a truth worth embracing. If you were to insult a Master, the response would be, “Thank you. I am that too.” Children might say, “What you say is what you are.” One’s personal meditation might include the contemplation of the truth of any attacking words. People aren’t always be nice. He or she is nice and not nice, an asshole or not, and everything in between. He or she is that too! 

7. “A MASTER IS NEVER PERTURBED.” Once a Master, living a life in high integrity, to him or her no words spoken are adversarial; are never an attack. The words would never be about them; only projections. If they feel attacked, they simply need more training. A Master never needs to defend.

The Highway Shaman Wisdom Reading 

for June 4, 2020

I pulled the FOCUS card this morning, and decided to focus more on who I am.  I’m in ISOLATION so that card is appropriate. It’s sad what’s happening in the world, the riots, and still my tears should be of joy not sadness. The old must die before the new can emerge. In this case the old is the Deep State controlling Cabals, who need to fail in their insane efforts to enslave the people, so the 5th Dimension of peace, love and harmony can enter in to the hears of humanity. The ACE OF AIR says its all happening very quickly now and good news is coming soon. I write of karma and mastery below.

THE READING

The Elements Tarot:

FOCUS: Centeredness, attentiveness. Ability to isolate awareness in order to perceive or evaluate information or energy. 

REVERSED: Limited vision. Not seeing the whole of the process at work. Narrowness.

Osho Zen Tarot: 

ISOLATION: We are miserable because we are too much in the self.  Either you can be in existence or be in the self – both are not possible together. To be in the self means to be apart, to be separate. To be in the self means to become an island. To be in the self means to draw a boundary line around you. To be in the self means to make a distinction between ‘this I am’ and ‘that I am not.’ It makes you frozen – you are no longer flowing. In love the boundaries disappear, because joy is not cold.

“The tears and only the tears have the power to melt the ice. It’s okay to cry and there is no reason to feel ashamed of your tears. Crying helps to let go of the pain, allows us to gentle with ourselves, and finally helps us to heal.”

The Good Tarot:

ACE OF AIR:  Destiny and fate, the law of karma, powerful forces of transformation at work, synchronicity.

“Meaningful coincidences and forces beyond my human control are operating in my life now for the highest good! Things are happening now with great velocity. I can expect quick results that will lead me forward with excellent information.”

ON BEING A MASTER OF LOVE

I was contemplating karma. In the Hindu tradition if one were to accumulate enough boon or merit its possible they could return as a saint, or Master, but if they screw up, do bad things, commit crimes or murder, Ia human could come back as a dog or even a worm. How do I know my karma is good in this life?

At the time of this writing there is a lot of looting, robbery, fear and anger going on in the streets of America. Also a pandemic restricting peoples’ freedom. I’m nowhere near any of that. It is like I was placed on another world where robbery doesn’t exist and everyone around me Is free of this ailment. I am surrounded by nature, by abundance and peace. I didn’t try to get to this place, I was guided. I can’t help but realize that I possess such good karma, because I am a Master. 

Still I wondered if I’m justified to call myself a Master, just by saying that I’m the One I’ve been seeking. How do I get doubt out of my mind? 

I went to another dimension and asked the Oracle.

“Get out of your mind,” she answered. “Live your life like the Masters live theirs. They aren’t thinking ‘I’m the Master.” They just are.  Like you, they made that reality up. Live YOUR life in an authentic way. That’s all. Fill it with happiness. Enjoy the beating of your own drum, and make every act a sacred one, performed with intention, honor and grace. And never forget that Innocent Love is proof of your Mastery.”

I laughed thinking that ‘innocent love’ is what screwed my life up in the first place. But maybe it didn’t. It’s something modern society doesn’t appreciate.

I still felt as though I needed her permission to be who I now knew I was, as silly as that sounds. Which is why I summoned her. 

I went out and sat on my porch, deciding to enjoy being in the here and now, getting totally out of my mind as the wise woman suggested. I thought about the oxen. That animal was out of its mind, yet knew its job was to perfectly plow the field so the harvest would be most abundant. 

A mouse stands inside the lion cage without fear, free to go in or out wherever it choses. A fish could swim to the four corners of the earth, if it so desired. An eagle could touch the moon, we’re not sure. And I, the shaman, could be like a farmer and plant good seeds in the hearts of everyone I meet. 

That shouldn’t be difficult. Closing my eyes I see myself with a water bucket. The water is love. And I am free to water all the people like they are My plants. I am the Master of my Vision of Love.

These thoughts make me smile.

The Highway Shaman Wisdom Reading 

for June 3, 2020

Today passed by so quickly I almost forgot to do this blog. There are riots and confusion all over the USA, and yet nothing but peace and goodness here. This is the reality I created for myself, which I would want everyone to have. In Action I manifested my lovely life here in Mexico. I’m free like the eagle to soar through the skies, without restriction, to do whatever I please. This is my blessing, my trust and understanding of my freedom of choice. Living in the midst of madness and disharmony is also a choice, as is peace and tranquility. 

THE READING

The Elements Tarot:

ACTION: Activity or motion. The process of bringing into a physical existence. Energy directed toward manifestation. 

REVERSED: Laziness. Lack of motivation or focus.

Osho Zen Tarot:

UNDERSTANDING: Open your wings and fly across the sky like an eagle. In the inner sky, in the inner world, freedom is the highest value – everything else is secondary, even blissfulness, ecstasy. There are thousands of flowers, uncountable, but they all become possible in the climate of freedom.

“The dawn of a new understanding – that the cage has always been open, and the sky has always been there for us to explore – can make us feel a little shaky at first. It’s fine, and natural to be shaky, but don’t let it overshadow the opportunity to experience the light-heartedness and adventure on offer, right there alongside the skakiness. Move with the sweetness and gentleness of this time. Feel the fluttering within. Spread your wings and be free.”

The Good Tarot:

FOUR OF WATER –  Dreaming and introspection, contemplation, trusting in the abundance of opportunity.

“A lull in the actions offers me a chance to dream even bigger than before. Whenever plans turn out not to have come to fruition as expected, I feel secure knowing that even greater things may await me. The universe conspires on my behalf, and disappointment and sadness will wash through me if I simply let them flow. I trust that Spirit has many ways of responding to my desires, and what I seek can take a variety of forms. I have faith in perfect timing and divine order.”

Seven signs that you’re resonating at

5th dimensional frequentcy

Several years ago I serendipitously met a very special person.  I’m an older man and don’t normally approach young beautiful woman, but in her case I couldn’t help myself. It’s hard to explain, but it was like two magnets forced together; a reunion of dearest friends from another dimension. From the moment we met our meetings seemed timeless; being together was always a lovely harmonious flow. It wasn’t even close to being a romance. It was pure innocence. Innocent love. To me there was no doubt that we were experiencing 5th dimensional reality. (while still in the 3rd)

1. Daily life will be bubbling more often with the feelings of great joy, lightness, love and wonder. (we were happy together, without “being together”)

2. Heavy negative issues will release easier and move through you more quickly. (we never engaged in a “serious” conversation or disagreed))

3. You will physical experience the world as being more beautiful with you senses. (yellow butterflies followed us around the city)

4. Time will feel fluid, eternal and illusionary. (hours together would pass by without notice)

5. You’ll constantly have unexplainable synchronistic experiences and “miraculous” manifestations will happen regularly. (like the butterflies)

6. You will know and feel divinely guided by something higher than your own mind/imagination. (our meeting was definitely divinely guided)

7. You can access the miraculous powers of your true multi-dimensional body.  (being with her, it all seemed like magic without trying)           

The Highway Shaman Wisdom Reading

for June 2, 2020

Today I was disturbed by the civil war which is taking place in American cities. I’m frustrated because the President was in a no win situation. If he did nothing to stop the riots they would damn him and if he did something, call on the military, they would damn him. Seeking knowledge led me to greater understanding of the political left, the Deep State, and the right Alliance, led by the President. And it all seems like a bad dream to me. I pulled Student two days in a row, which indicated I was stuck. What are my Spirit Guides telling me? To go Beyond the Illusion; to look inside and doubt my studied opinions. The Eight of Water tells me to let my mind go and seek the deeper meaning. What is the meaning of all this chaos as we enter the 5th Dimension of Love and Understanding, peace and harmony for all?

THE READING

The Elements Tarot:

THE STUDENT: Eagerness to learn. Avidly seeking knowledge. Desire for growth. 

REVERSED: Developing the mind. Study, research.

Osho Zen Tarot:

BEYOND ILLUSION (Judgment) –  This is the only distinction between the dream and the real: reality allows you to doubt, and the dream does not allow you to doubt. The capacity to doubt is one of the greatest blessings to humanity.

“This card reminds us to not look outside for what is real, but to look within. Drop your opinionated mind and move within. There, you can relax into your own deepest truth, where the difference between dream and reality is already known.”

The Good Tarot:

EIGHT OF WATER – Journey of discovery, letting go and seeking a deeper meaning and greater authenticity, beyond superficiality.

“All that glitters isn’t gold, and I know that I always deserve authentic riches, the gold that fills me with joy, abundance and understanding. I fearlessly pause to reexamine where I have been, where I am, and where I might go. Now I consciously choose the path that is right for me instead of the one that seems likely to draw  me into it – or the one I think I ought to walk. I am true to my heart. I’ve come as far as I can, and I leave by the wayside the last vestiges of illusion, the last bits of fear and shame. I will no longer hold on to what isn’t right for me.”

HOW CAN I FIND A TRUE SHAMAN

The real question is, where is my teacher, my guru, my master, my shaman, the one who will help me to open my mind, my heart, and change my life?

If you are seeking a shaman, you’ll wonder if you must take that lonely journey through the scorching desert, to the dilapidated shack in rural Mexico, to find this very old wise man named Don Miguel, or some name along those lines. Only to find out when you think the guy has to be the shaman, he will tell you he’s not him.

What the hell?

The Master will tell you that you must stop looking in order to find what you’re looking for.

Maybe the shaman is that guy in the cafe. Right there. The old dude who has always been here. Maybe you were too busy in your fantasy dream world to see what was right in front of your nose.

I’ve gone down that road. I’ve looked here and looked there. Always wondering where my teacher was. Before I realized he was even closer than right in front of my nose.

The problem I had, most seekers have, is they’re chasing after a form. A packaged idol.

A true Master is formless. Never what you expected. He’s not wearing a costume. Not dressed all in white or saffron. He doesn’t display layers of crystal necklaces or bones. He may or may not be barefooted. The hair may be long or it may be short. There is no soapbox or flaunted tell-tale charismatic air about him. The he may be a she. 

Since the form isn’t what you expect, you’re most likely not attracted to this person. But somehow are. Maybe you have an impulse to walk over and say hello, but something tells you to respect his space.

He, this shaman, possibly your teacher, your guide, does not advertise in public. You may never know if he is who he or she doesn’t claim to be. It’s okay to ask if that curious person is willing to be disturbed. That would have worked.

She just sits there and waits to be seen, or not. To be invited into a meeting, or not. The master or shaman may show up when you’re ready, or not. Maybe you don’t even need this person. Maybe you are this person.

Either way . . .

Be willing to be surprised with her disguise . . . her cloak of humanity.

Beautiful or homely, she is secure in her world, in her body, in her knowing. She doesn’t need you.

Enter his space, if you will, if the wave of energy moves you to, and he will be whoever you want him to be. If it serves the movement. The moment. 

She will point to your heart. She may ask you where you want to go, and follow you, if that’s what you want. She has no desire to be followed.

No desire . . . to prove his inner-knowing; his enlightenment; his presence; his inner glow. You see it, or you don’t. The shaman doesn’t care.

I true shaman will seeYou as the shaman, the one he has finally found. You, a shaman wanting, ready . . . to come out, to remember.

He or she, us together, we can teach the world that there is no hierarchy in the freedom of Self-expression; we can teach the world to remember that we are all creator gods and goddesses. One heart entwined, creating love.

How can you find the wise shaman? Begin by looking in the mirror.

The Highway Shaman Wisdom Reading

for June 1, 2020

Today’s Tarot reading is in alignment with my resurrection as a writer. Existence needs you speaks to me, that my writing is needed out in the world. Eventually I will need a team to promote and get it out to the world. Below is the Introduction to my “Stories by the Highway Shaman. Scroll down and enjoy.

THE READING

The Elements Tarot:

THE STUDENT: Eagerness to learn. Avidly seeking knowledge. Desire for growth. 

REVERSED: Developing the mind. Study, research.

Osho Zen Tarot:

EXISTENCE  (The Magician) –

You are not accidental. Existence needs you. Without you something will be missing in existence and nobody can replace it.  That’s what gives you dignity, that the whole of existence will miss you. The stars and sun and moon, the trees, birds and earth – everything in the universe will feel a small place is vacant which cannot be filled by anybody except you. This gives you a tremendous joy, a fu

 The Good Tarot

THREE OF EARTH –  Teamwork, building on solid foundations, group efforts, dedicated collaboration.

“What I am building is grounded in a solid foundation, so I know I can trust that it will not slip away suddenly. I am joined by others uncoordinated efforts to bring forth what we chosen to co-create. The architecture of my dreams is becoming tangible, taking shape before me, and I share my joy and pride with my partners and supporters. Teachers and students, we areal learning, growing, and building collaboratively.”

Introduction to

Zen as we know it has it all backwards . . . maybe not all . . . but I think the perceived Zen Master part makes no sense.

Does it make sense for me to proclaim myself a Zen Master?  Do I have a temple? No. A Zen Center? No. Do I have published teachings? No. Do I teach people how to sit and meditate? No. Do I offer riddles to solve? No. Do I have any students? No.  Not one!

Do I have any attachments to having or not having? No.

All those “Masters” out there, in their temples or Zen Centers, who have any of what I just mentioned, teachings and students, have attachments. Zen is about having No attachments. I have no attachments. I have Nothing! Who is the fucking Zen Master here?

All I have is what I make up in this moment. That I am a Zen Master.

I wanted to say “So fuck you if you can’t take a joke” but your mind would go to “No Zen Master would say that.” Are you sure?

Please don’t confuse what I’m talking about with Zen Buddhism, a “teaching,” a religion, which hopefully leads to achieving enlightenment (satori) through meditation in a seated posture (zazen), usually under the guidance of a teacher, or Zen Master.  How utterly boring!

Does a sheltered life, a good memory of scripture and chants, and years of repetition make one a Zen Master? A “Mind Full” of information is not Zen. Zen is “Mind Less.”

Being mindless, I’m therefore not a Buddhist, (not one word of scripture up there) or any sort of qualified religious guy. I’m saying that Zen is not a form of worship. It’s not a religion. It’s a way of Being.

My Zen is organic. I’m a Master of fuck-ups, alive to talk about it. Maybe I’m more like the ancient Chinese Taoist. The Tao knew that Life cannot be understood as a concept, or experienced while sequestered away in a monastery, or in front of a “better than thou” master. Tao is everything between the gutter and heaven. Being happy with what is.

I contend that by living life through the actual conscious awareness of moment to moment everyday “being,” a person will organically become Authentic; will eventually realize that all attachment to 3D thoughts and things is mere illusion. All the action is now on the 5th dimension. Love.

My Zen Mastery is about engaging in life to the fullest; diving head first into actual living experience; embracing whatever cards I’ve been dealt. Removing the dirt covering the diamond. Then letting go of the illusion.

I wrote this Zen book to remind myself, and you, that we are already there, already the multidimensional Zen Master, and we need only remember that we’re “it.”

Here’s to “it.”

The Highway Shaman Wisdom Reading

for May 31, 2020

Today’s reading was fascinating. I woke up disorientated. When I pulled the Elements card it was BLOCK. I thought it was about my not being ready for the reading because of the disorientation, so I spent time outside, had breakfast and coffee, centered myself, shuffled the deck and pulled another card. It was BLOCK again. With 108 cards the chances of twice in one day are pretty slim. My Spirit guides wanted me to pay attention.

So what has changed? What’s blocking me and with N0-THINGNESS, what is the sacred thing which is about to be born? I know what it is but haven’t wanted to talk about it. I’ve never had very much money my whole life. I got an inheritance at age 64 but it was enough to be frugal with until it ran out this year. I’ve lived well below the poverty level and finally reconciled that I can live in Mexico on $10,000 a year retirement. That’s around $850 a month. Right now I have a great home and plenty of food and I’m doing fine with what I have. 

I’ve had this notion my whole life that once I let go of needing money, it will probably arrive. Well, this past month I’ve stopped being needy.  I had to leave Thailand in March 2019 because I didn’t have enough money to live there. I returned to find out that I didn’t have enough money to live in the USA either. All my life I’ve been needy, but once here in Mexico I realized that I had all I needed. Besides food there is nothing I need to buy.  So what has changed?

My attorney wrote me two days ago and said he was demanding an insurance settlement in my favor for which I would be paid half a million dollars. I have no idea what the final amount will be, but I’m sure it will be more money than I’ve ever had in my life. 

The reading is telling me to not be blocked or stuck on some idea . . . like, I really don’t need the money or how will a shit olad of money change my Highway Shaman Zen life?  So the QuEEN OF FIRE appears and tells me to not worry. I will always be the Artist and a 5th Dimensional Man, and I’ll let spirit flow through me and inspire me to express my passion.

Maybe now I can open my long dreamed of Art Gallery.

THE READING

The Elements Tarot:

BLOCK: Something that stops or hinders a natural flow or tendency. Stuckness, hard ness, inflexibility. Stress, dis-ease. 

REVERSED: Focusing on problems or negativity.

The Osho Zen Tarot:

NO-THINGNESS (The Hierophant): Nothingness to nothingness is the whole journey.

“Being ‘in the gap’ can be disorienting and even scary. Nothing to hold on to, no sense of direction, not even a hint of what choices and possibilities might be ahead. But it was just this of potential that existed before the universe was created. All you can do now is relax into the nothingness . . . fall into this silence between the words . . . watch their gap between the outgoing and incoming breath. And treasure each empty moment of the experience. Something sacred is about to be born.”

The Good Tarot:

QUEEN OF FIRE – Creative collaborations, soul connections, passion inspired by spirit. Artist

“I am capable of strong friendships which inspire me and encourage me to express myself in my own way. I co-create with others, dedicated to a vision of achieving the highest good of all. How might I join the dance of co-creation, letting spirit flow through me and inspire me to express my passion.”

“ I prefer to operate with an ethics of abundance. There is plenty of space for everyone, and plenty of room to grow in the ways that matter (not in the overconsumption of material resources, but in the sharing of ideas and creative endeavours). Sharing my learning may help others learn, which contributes to the kind of abundance I want for our community and the world. I am uninterested in growth or success that does not uplift others alongside myself.”
― Jacqueline Cieslak

Mask by Dakan

The Highway Shaman Wisdom Reading

for May 30, 2020

I just found out that I will come in possession of a great deal of money. This is not to be taken lightly, since there’s a big responsibility in moving from poverty to abundance. The “Out Front” card reminds me that I need to use this great fortune, this Abundance, in a way which will make me whole and with the Six of Fire, inspire others with my transformation; doing the right thing with my manifested abundance.

THE READING

Elements Tarot:

OUT FRONT: Power chakra. Directness and dispassion. Pursuing goals without fear or hesitation. Truthfulness with others. Willingness to take risks. Personal empowerment. 

REVERSED: Expressing certainty as a means of masking fear or doubt. Excessive busyness.

Osho Zen Tarot

ABUNDANCE:  King of Rainbows

You have to be whole: rich in the body, rich in science; rich in meditation, rich in consciousness. Only a whole person is a holy person. The King of Rainbows sits atop the the book of the wisdom of life.

“This card represents a time of breaking through the conventional male stereotype and allowing the fullness of the whole human being to shine forth.”

The Good Tarot:

SIX OF FIRE –  Stepping into the limelight, being an enlightened influencer.

“I generously model my transformation so that others might be inspired. I put my light atop a hill so it can shine forth, helping others to find their way. I remain aware of shadows and people who have trouble basking in the warm light of higher awareness. I bless them but do not dim my own beacon. It’s time to renew my trust that I am contributing to the highest good of all in my own unique way.”

I’ve decided to format parts of my blog into a book titled:

Stories by the Highway Shaman

I wrote my first story in Blog #30. 

Story # 2

In the early 2010’s I lived in the Old City of Chiang Mai, Thailand. I supposed when my four years there were up, I should have left Thailand, maybe come to Mexico, but I had two more places to live; two more Zen Gardens to build.

During my years in the Old City, my favorite morning place was Cafe de Than Aaon. Chiang Mai has to have the best selection of coffee shops in Asia. Trendy cafe’s doesn’t always make for the best office. I would go to this cafe just about every morning because I could sit at “my” table and write for hours undisturbed. The gal would bring my latte without ordering, and my oatmeal. An free office with a street view and full service for around a dollar an hour. Brilliant. I got to know the other expats who hung out there, and every once and a while I’d met a tourist and talk story. This is where I met Francoise, who lived in Paris. She invited me to come visit her there, which I did in October, 2015. She was a considerate hostess and although I expressed my gratitude, perhaps I was a bit inconsiderate, from her perspective. I didn’t need a mother cooking me dinner when the streets of Paris France were five minutes away. 

I’m not sure if expected consideration and spontaneous Zen are compatible. 

I knew then as I know now that I only have this moment. I had ten days in Paris, maybe never to return, so I wanted to make every moment count.

So I would ask myself, “What am I to do with each moment I have? (besides breathing  in and breathing out; the Zen paradox) 

In this present moment, here in Mexico the sun shining as always. There’s a cool breeze and as always, upon waking, I go sit outside, on the veranda. This is my Zen moment. I spend my time being with the plants and flowers in the yard; its ambiance catering to my serenity. Roosters coo or crow, or whatever they call that rooster sound, one which got quite annoying during my twenty years living in Kauai, Hawaii, where they run free, right outside my window, starting at around five am; forgetting all about day and night. Yikes! But here they’re fenced in. I have a few lizards in the yard looking for breakfast. Do they make sounds? Birds land in the nearby trees, tweeting, singing their morning songs. The leaves have their own kind of music, filling the background with their swaying sounds. Tweet, tweet, coo, swish, ahh.

Each morning I sit and look around and listen. Before coffee. Before breakfast. Before doing. I begin with being. I’m at peace as the warmth of the sun in the blue sky above takes the chill from the crisp morning air. I’m blessed watching the beautiful palms sway, the mango trees a month away from abundant fruit, the red bougainvillea and white roses in the yard. I’m happy here.

The children, behind my house, begin their day laughing and squealing. They don’t care who’s listening. They aren’t considerate about disturbing some old man’s solitude. They don’t even know I exist, and if they did it wouldn’t effect their enjoyment of life. They are in their own Zen world. Kids are who they are whenever and wherever they can. And yet they remind me it’s time for coffee.

Zen is laughing children and coffee

I come in to write this chapter and think of the many people I love, and the earth I love, and the beauty of all creation I love; and the me I love. I lean back and think about my very existence, and think to myself. “Is doing what I’m doing the best use of my precious time? Is this the best place for me to be?”

Of course it is. Why would I be anywhere else? 

My inner voice says, “Enjoy this moment.” I breathe in and out, and then chuckle. “How could I be anywhere else in the here and now moment?” I can leave, but I rather like it here. 

I think about being with my family. I look at my computer and I’m reminded of the blessings of technology. I can email or Skype them. I think about the news. The curse of it when too much of it takes me away from being in this Ahhh moment. The mind can screw up ambiance. I smile. Sometimes being led astray in thought is good for me (and fun). Until I forget to breathe. Then I remember Ahhh.

That’s when I rejoice with my good fortune and remember that each moment is precious; when I remind myself that we only have this Zen Moment.

Today I have decided that this is the best moment to be alive.

The Highway Shaman Wisdom Reading

for May 29, 2020

Each and every day of our lives can be magical. I say this because as we observe a lockdown and riots and all the nutty 3rd dimensional happenings, the 5th dimension of love and abundance is simultaneously happening. It’s is merely a choice of where we choose to be, what frequency we choose to resonate at. This morning like every morning I draw one card from each of my Tarot decks, The Elements, Osho Zen and the Good Tarot. The cards today are totally inspiring. And yet, before I actually read the cards, I wrote the essay about Paris which I’ve posted in this blog. It was like I was pre-approved to write the essay.

THE READING

HEIGHT: Attainment. Wisdom. Success. Action directed by inner guidance.

REVERSED: Fear of failure. Aspiring for success while maintaining a limiting self image. Self doubt.

RIPENESS:

Only if your meditation has brought you a light that shines in every night will even death not be a death to you but a door to the divine. With the light in you heart, death itself is transformed into a door, and you enter into the universal spirit; you become one with the ocean. And unless you know the oceanic experience, you have lived in vain. Now is always the time, and the fruit is always ripe. You need to gather courage to enter into your inner forest. The fruit is always ripe and the time is always the right time. There is no such thing as wrong time.

“When this card appears in a reading it indicates that you are ready to share your inner riches, your ‘juice.’ All you need to do is relax right where you are, and be willing for it to happen This sharing of yourself, this expression of your creativity, can come in many ways – in your work, your relationships, your everyday life experiences. No special preparation or effort on your part is required. It is simply the right time.”

QUEEN OF WATER:

Compassion, emotional security, generosity, self-love and self-care, healer.

“I am comfortable in my own skin. I love, cherish and nurture myself. I am the best friend to myself. My relationship with others reflect my security in knowing I am always worthy of love and respect. I heal myself so I can be the change I want to see in the world and so my compassion can inspire others.”

I’m considering changing my format; to start with my Highway Shaman Story, and then my reading. Let’s see how it works here:

Highway Shaman Story # 1

I decided to write a book about Zen five years ago. Before I proclaimed or dared to proclaim any label. I was just this old dude. Who kept wondering when the “you’re a Shaman, go be it,” would show up.

I was sitting in a cafe in Paris . . . it had to be Paris. No where else compares. I was wearing a black beret, later realizing I was the only man in Paris who wore that sort of hat. I didn’t care. I felt French. Sitting at a little two-top, in some side alley, sipping my cafe latte, just me and my beret, perfect October day, table on the sidewalk . . . with the perfect croissant, butter and jam. French locals with their cafe lattes on each side of me, watching other proud Parisians in expression moving about, walking up and down the alley, sun peaking through, no cars; vegetable stands, bakeries which can’t be ignored, chocolate shops . . . beautiful young women strolling by, smoking cigarettes – old men like me thinking about what if, of days gone by, of wine and pretty girls, in a three hundred-year-old room above us; in Paris. Each of my ten days were ripe with new birthing’s; juiciness in each moment, just being there, sipping the latte, the women, the smells, the lyrical French words; breathing in Paris, realizing . . . this is Zen. I should write a book about it!

And still you’ll wonder . . .  Why Zen? After what I just wrote, my eyes cross with that question and I have to say . . . “Can’t you see? Zen is Life . . . the meaning of Life.”  I pause for a very long Zen moment, “What was the question?”

Zen only has the meaning you give it.

Sitting on that simple wooden chair, in front of that tiny table, in that alley in Pairs, there was no place in the whole world I would rather be. There was nothing more I wanted, nothing I lacked, no other desires. The white apron’d waiter was there at the very moment I thought him to be, “Une latte, merci,” I said in my best French accent, from Google translator. And in the next moment, there it was; my latte. I loved being there alone. I didn’t want to be bothered by the girl, or that  American tourist a couple tables down, who was so obvious American. Wearing my beret, I was French. I was living in Paris for Christ’s sake, in a fifth floor walkup. There was no time. I could sit at that sidewalk table dawn to dusk and no one would tell me to leave. I owned that table, that sidewalk, that alley, that section of Paris. I was alive there, in every single moment which passed me by, until I thought, “What’s next?”

My days in Paris had no rhyme or reason to them. There was nothing I needed to find or figure out, really nothing to plan out, no one thing I really needed to see, not even the Louvre or the Seine or the Arch de Triumph. Notre Dame of course, but no hurry. Each moment I sat there I felt as though I could live and die in that alley with my cafe latte, or a glass of French Chardonnay, a cheese baguette for lunch and some grilled fish and Brussel Spouts for dinner, more wine, the whole fucking bottle, why not? I was the only old guy on the street wearing a beret . . . in Paris . . . living each moment of each day with total sensitivity and lack of sense, nonsense, all at once.

How more irrationally exciting can a life be? To be aware of, immersed in, the nonsense of life, and that’s okay.

We live in a rational world, where we strive to make sense out of everything, even while on vacation. People at leisure fill their schedule with things to do, different but the same as how they schedule their working days. All planned out, Why? What’s the point of not doing if you bring your doing with you?

Zen is all about being, about throwing that fucking schedule out the window on the way to the airport. It’s about embracing your every opportunity to be Free. Zen dwells in a state of consciousness beyond accomplishment, beyond thinking, void of theology and religion, flipping the finger at dogma and “should be/do” philosophies. It is the acceptance and enjoyment of the natural flow of life.

This Zen moment hopefully makes no sense.

In these pages I will point you to the void, and invite you to hang out there. Sit with me at that little table; the other seat is waiting. The latte is tres delicieux, very delicious, the croissant will melt in your mouth. It is this moment, I will be sharing with you. This moment, and then this moment. Always a new story to tell.

Possibly helping you to remember what you maybe never learned but should never forget.

This book is where the Shaman you can’t find will answer your question, “Where can I find what I never knew I’ve been looking for?” ”It’s right here,” I tell you. “Put on your beret and sit with me, if you will.”

The Highway Shaman Wisdom Reading

for May 28, 2020

The words for today are Outside Influences, Courage and Affluence. The purpose of other people in our lives, is to encourage us, to help as they can, and to support us if they will. If they can’t or won’t, we need courage to find who will, to find the support and tools we need to live a satifying life. It’s time to say, as I’m now saying, “I’m affluent, wealthy with my art and writing; my knowledge and wisdom, my works of art, the abundance which I’m willing to share”. In the 5th Dimensional world we help each other to thrive. If you will help me to thrive, I will help you too. We call this love. 

THE READING

OUTSIDE INFLUENCES: Other people or events playing an important role in an out come. 

REVERSED: Desires and decisions which are based on others’ considerations and expectations. Also the psychic influence of others on your thoughts and feelings.

COURAGE (Strength) – 

The path of man is arduous. The seed cannot know what is going to happen, the seed has never known the flower. The seed cannot even believe he has the potential to be a beautiful flower. Much courage will be needed.

“There is no point fighting against the challenges of life, or trying to avoid or deny them. They are there, and if the seed is to become the flower we must go through them. Be courageous enough to grow into the flower you are meant to be.”

TEN OF EARTH – 

Affluence, material abundance, mastery, financial security, inherited wealth and knowledge.

“I am now able to step back and observe the results of what I built through my dedication and hard work. I claim ownership of the castles I built that have taken form in the material world. I have achieved mastery and inherited treasures of knowledge and experience thanks to all I have been through. I smile appreciatively at my run of good fortune.”

WISDOM OF THE DAY

(from my book Zen Wisdom for the 21st Century)

When we step back and look at our life from a fresh perspective; from an open-minded overview of what we’re doing: our job, where we live, the stress of the struggle to “make it,” the relationships we’re in . . . we can ask, 

“Is this where I’m thriving? Is this where I’m encouraged, loved and supported, living the life I was designed to live?”

I read about a globetrotting high-level corporate executive who was robbed at gunpoint in her hotel room, and barely escaped with her life. At that moment she realized that all her achievements, her so-called success and wealth, wasn’t making her happy. Having escaped death, she had a second chance; a chance to choose a new life. She quit her corporate job and became a Buddhist nun in Bhutan, volunteering to help people in need. (altruistism) She wrote a book about how happy her life turned out to be.

Society, our parents, encourages us to head down a path, maybe well thought out, or random. With an instilled fear of failure, we do what we need to do to get the job, and then get the promotions, make enough money to guarantee the husband or wife, buy that car and that house and accumulate stuff. And then what?  We decide to keep doing it, the good and bad of it, because . . . that’s what our parents did? What we’re supposed to do?

We can fall asleep in the job or marriage. That’s a choice. But what if one or the other get’s too painful to continue with? That’s when the obnoxious head of “truth” won’t go away. Wake up! Get real! Tell the truth! Walk away from the misery, you dumb shit. 

It’s okay to admit when you’re not happy. When you’re not fulfilled. That maybe you could quit this messed-up treadmill and choose something else. Another job? Another relationship? Another town? Maybe . . . some time alone to learn how to love myself? Maybe a life which really works.

This is how how we get to be brave. Courageous. To choose another river. Zen is about flowing in the river you belong in. Not being stuck in the rapids of what certainly feels like the wrong river. Everyone gets tired of fighting what isn’t theirs. Finally its time to ask, “Where should I be to thrive, being who I am?”

While the mind strives to rationalize, make sense out of entangled nonsense, Zen remains mindless, irrational; the voice that shouts “just do it,” make the right choice . . . for YOU. “Fucking do it!!!”

Standing on the cliff thirty feet above the pool, the “kids” are jumping and you’re thinking “no fucking way I’m jumping.” 

Zen says, “Get out of your mind! JUMP!!!!”

Zen says, “Find your place in the organic flow of life, and be there NOW.”

You don’t have to renounce your entire life. You can simply change it. You can  possibly rearrange what you’re doing, in order to thoroughly enjoy doing it. Right now. Today. That saying, “Do what you love and the money will follow,” will work for you!

In order for that to happen, you will need to journey into a realm of consciousness beyond beyond society’s definition of success; to a place beyond obeying others’ dogma and “should be/do” philosophies. A place to where you say, “Fuck it. This, over here, is where I want to be. This is what I want to be doing with my life. These are the people I want to be doing it with.” And so be it.

The art of letting go, is your journey Home.

The Highway Shaman Wisdom Reading

for May 27, 2020

Because of this lockdown I, we, have an opportunity to participate in something new and different, to reinvent our wheel. I write these blogs every day and nobody reads them, and yet I know they’re worthwhile inspiration for countless people to read. I don’t have the tools and need help, the participation of others to get my “out of the ordinary” Zen and 5D Wisdom out there. I am willing to let go, to invite your participation in this endeavor, and for us to witness the magic which will come forth.

THE READING

Elements Tarot:

SEPARATION: (R)

Bringing together internal forces to accomplish an upcoming task. Mustering strength, motivation and desire. 

REVERSED: Organization of resources and materials. Systemizing and streamlining your environment.

Osho Zen Tarot:

PARTICIPATION:  4 of Fire – Philosophy is speculation, Zen is participation. Participate in the night leaving, participate in the evening coming, participate in the stars and participate in the clouds; make participation your lifestyle and the wool existence becomes such a joy, such an ecstasy. You could not have dreamed of a better universe.

“You have an opportunity to participate with others now to make your contribution to creating something greater and more beautiful than each of you could manage alone. Your participation will not only nourish you, but will also contribute something precious to the whole.”

The Good Tarot:

FIVE OF FIRE:  Creative brainstorming; unity in diversity, honoring differences.

“I have the freedom to explore the ideas that seem most far-fetched. What seems crazy today proves tomorrow to be brilliant. Like a child willing to stretch her imagination when a new playmate comes into the garden, I open to new people and ideas, intrigued by what is novel and unfamiliar. This is a time for what is counterintuitive, for appreciating the ideas from far out in left field and what they might offer.”

WISDOM OF THE DAY

(from my book Zen Wisdom for the 21st Century)

In Zen there is a famous riddle, called a koan: “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” Your mind will think this is a question, one that deserves an answer, especially if the wise master is asking you. Most students are baffled by this simple koan, because the answer is too simple.

It’s a first step question in a mindless journey.

There is no answer to this question. The Master asked a ‘no thing’ question to the student wanting the ‘no thing’ to be a ‘some thing’ it’s not. The wise old fucker knows that ‘a nothing’ being a ‘some thing’ is impossible. Your best choice of an answer is to laugh. 

Avoid going there in the first place. Sitting at the feet of a master is a waste of your precious time. Read this book and ask a better question, “How can I be happy sitting at my own feet?”

Well, that’s up to you, but if happiness is what you really want, in order to have it, you will need to be mindful of getting out of your mind; not stumbling over your own feet. You need to stop constantly trying to solve the puzzle; to stop trying to figure everything out; to stop trying to make it all make sense.

A better question would be, “How can I live a fulfilling life?”  Zen would say, with each next thing happening, “This is fascinating,’ and ‘this is fascinating,’ and again with the next thing, ‘this is fascinating too.’” In innocence and fascination the complication surrenders to effortlessness.

“When life becomes too complicated and we feel overwhelmed, it’s often useful just to stand back and remind ourselves of our overall purpose, our overall goal. When faced with a feeling of stagnation and confusion, it may be helpful to take an hour, an afternoon, or even several days to simply reflect on what it is that will truly bring us happiness, and then reset our priorities on the basis of that. This can put our life back in proper context, allow a fresh perspective, and enable us to see which direction to take.” 

The Dalai Lama The Art of Happiness.