HAVE I GOT SONGS FOR YOU IN 2020!

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 7^th 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 13^th:

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?