PREPARING A
DWELLING
A LITTLE
BIT BETTER!
(By: Karla
Wagener, December 24, 2019)
Perhaps
this was more than what I had hoped for, or perhaps it was different, better
perhaps or somehow where things came to terms, came together. It is what it is! Perhaps I have learned to accept what comes
and appreciate it fully now that I am in the autumn of life. Perhaps I have built a sound foundation!
In ways, when
I was a teenager in the late ´60s and there was so much movement, change and
passionate energy, I imagined some kind of commune or shared living that was
better than the consumer, individualistic, perhaps hypocritical, American
society where I had grown up. I
questioned to myself how a better life could balance out and work well. The ideals of the first settlers amazed
me. I wondered what happened and how to
make it all better, even as a young child.
As a matter of fact, many people talked and thought about these matters
as wars raged and social unrest continued.
The music in those years accompanied my wonderings.
Our
thoughts form ¨a way with words¨. These
words turn into realities, lyrics, or take on some physical presence. It helps to construct what will happen
later. It helps prepare a dwelling, not
only for the body, but also for the spirit.
The words or writings help us know what to do, what direction to take,
what project to follow. There is
definitely ¨a way with words¨!
My concerns
towards another type of way of living took me to Ecuador and South
America. I met and married with an
Argentine man and after about 12 years of working and trying to survive in New
Mexico, we moved to Buenos Aires with our two kids in 1987, attempting to re-conciliate
confusing questions of existence.
Needless to
say, much has happened and it hasn´t been easy, but now late in life we found a
small cabin style house on a land that has two prefabricated cabins and lots of
flowers, plants, and a covered place to make cookouts. We had been looking for a change in
life. It seems to have been made for
us. There is a cabin for our son and one
for our daughter. When they are not
using the cabins, relatives, friends and even not-so-much friends, shall we say
acquaintances, can come and share this place with us near the Uruguay River and
the Hot Springs in a small town, but big enough to have cultural activities. It seems funny to me as I remember how much I
have always liked cabins!
This place
has resolved many of my concerns about social imbalances. We are the owners, but we share so there is
no reason to have disputes or major turmoil.
Everyone who comes seems to want to help with the work, and all want to
have a good time. At least for a while
we can find a haven away from a hard reality in the modern world. No one stays too long so this is a cardinal
factor. (Excuse the pun!) It is a
complex situation to try to balance differences and produce an environment that
allows for common grounds. Daily
attention to these details is necessary.
My
adolescent contemplations begin to take form somehow mysteriously forming into
at least a partial reality now when the 7th decade is looking me in
the face. So, I have a private
property. It seems someone has to have
the upper hand in organizing and setting statutes and checks on behaviors. Someone needs to be willing to take charge,
organize, sacrifice, be willing to distribute and be ¨the good administrator¨,
and put a base to construct from there.
Living
together for short periods seems to be easier.
A small community is easier to handle.
It is easier to share and gather together for a three day weekend or a
holiday celebration. How to make that
work for longer periods and how to accept loners or those who have habits
others find unacceptable?
I once met
someone who said he had done an extensive study on communes in the ´60s and
that the ones that worked well and survived were supported by and built upon
strong religious convictions.
¨So¨, I
think, ¨that I have¨! But, ¨Is it
enough¨? Theoretically yes¨!
The person told me, ¨The communes that work
well have a strong faith in a superior being¨.
I believe
it is possible to get along! Intent on
this adventure, I find it necessary to give into concessions and learn how to
use diplomacy. It may not be easy. I will let you know how it goes!
So, back to
my teenage years´ aspirations. I find
the base is within my own being. At
peace with myself, with positive thoughts, the correct respiration, good vibes
and intention, and what happens around me is connected to my availability to
respond to the needs around me.
Attitude! Conviction!
Willingness! Maturity!
Reflecting on this as a new year and another
decade begin, I wonder at the impossible situation that faces humanity. On the other hand I also wonder at the
marvels that exist in creation! New
technologies, energies and realities that go beyond the imagination!
And the
simple question hangs on… How to get along; live in peace and wellbeing with
those closest to us?
Tolerate! Dialogue!
Good Will! Generosity! Solidarity!
Unselfishness!
These are
necessary. As the need to resolve living
conditions presses, I feel that my tiny complex, a house and two cabins on a
lot can be a microcosm of the possibilities that are to come. This place gives me the opportunity to share
the benefits received from a life built on the intent to make an amicable way
of life. I believe I have come to this
out of the concern I have had. It is
obvious that many people are becoming conscious of the need for innovative
solutions. I read about a new tendency
where groups are making facilities for homeless people, for example parking
lots (with facilities for hygiene) for people living in vehicles. There are new trends and methods
developing. I hope things will gradually
be at least a little bit better. It is
not always easy to accept people who have different ways, but it helps to
think, ¨what if I were the excluded person¨?
This is my
resolution for 2020, from the Cabañas ¨Por Venir¨, A healthy, holy and Happy
New Year!
Coincidentally,
I found a poem I wrote at the end of 2018 on December 13th:
STRATAGY
There are
many who lived life
Trying to
do good with a positive Will
In spite of
weaknesses.
It has been
my deep-seated hope
To inspire
a dream of union and solidarity
That would
somehow include all in common compassion.
There was a
belief that had grown out of small fragile seeds
That has
grown from impelling needs.
By: Karla
As an added
note the news recently advised that new studies are showing ways to improve
mental health and help build a good life.
1. Practice optimism.
2. Start volunteering. A prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
tells us, ¨It is in giving that we receive¨.
Putting wellbeing of others before our own without expecting anything in
return (altruism) stimulates the reward centers of the brain. Those feel-good chemicals flood our system producing
a sort of ¨helper´s high¨.
3. Be Grateful. Mindfulness or any exercises and methods are
good, bringing to mind care and support of positive experiences and provision
from others.
4. Bolster social connections. Quality of relationships matter. Living in the midst of good, warm
relationships is protective and supportive.
5. Find a purpose. Finding something bigger than ourselves
causes, purpose, gives meaning and paves the way to projects and works. This gives well-being and a longer happier
life. You belong to something larger.
My personal experience is that putting more music, the arts and positive energy
in life
helps move us along and puts one in the right direction and the best place!
What better than music to help guide us into
this decade?
