~Merry Christmas~

On the eve of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, am at The Plumeria Hostel Alternative in Honolulu, Hawaii.  It was time to move on from 40 years of living over the edge in postmodern America so that peace & justice activism and radical environmentalism could be fully participated in.  So after two previous visits, the move is now complete with SSA/SSI benefits transferred, the Hawaii SNAP (food stamps) eligibility interview is Thursday morning, and I've joined the housekeeping team here to earn money so that I have some.  [This entailed paying $20 to the Hawaii Department of Taxation, in order to officially become an independent contractor.]  

         Meanwhile, am identified with The Eternal Witness, regardless of general mental turbulance accompanied by a variety of mental states which range from mild nervousness to anger at just about everything political.  I've stopped reading the news.  Feelings of extreme aggression in response to the insane global military binge are subsiding this week.  I mean, if the human race destroys this conflicted civilization, and the planet earth's ecosystem as well, why should my gentle mind suffer because of it?  Fortunately, this physical body is in good condition.  Otherwise, Kaiser Permanente medical center (where I've got a senior HMO membership) is one block away.  

          On the eve of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, I am actually excited to be moving on to my next highest good, and beyond that, am looking forward some day to mahasamadhi; that's yoga talk for going into a deep meditation and never coming out of it.  I think that I'd like to go where Jesus went.  How's that for a retirement plan?  ~Merry Christmas~

Craig Louis Stehr

December 24, 2019

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Paypal.me/craiglouisstehr

Blog: http://craiglstehr.blogspot.com

Swami Sivananda Instructs

The Jiva (Individual Soul) melted in the fire of Jnana, kindled by Sravana etc., is cleansed of all impurities and shines by himself like burnt gold. The Atman is the sun of knowledge that rises in the Akasa of the heart, destroys the darkness of ignorance, permeates and supports all, shines and makes everything shine. That actionless Paramahamsa who has given up the limitations of direction, place, time etc., who worships and attains the Atma which is all-pervading, eternal, bliss, spotless, and which destroys cold etc., becomes all-knowing, all-pervading, and immortal.

Swami Chidananda Spells it Out!

You always focus upon the human consciousness and give it power which it does not really have. If the same focus of attention and importance were directed to your Divinity, the whole situation would change here and now!

- Swami Chidananda

Ryokan Instructs

Without a jot of ambition left
I let my nature flow where it will.
There are ten days of rice in my bag
And, by the hearth,
A bundle of firewood.
Who prattles of illusion or nirvana?
Forgetting the equal dusts of
Name or fortune,
Listening to the night rain
On the roof of my hut,
I sit at ease,
Both legs stretched out.

- Ryokan (1757-1831)

Swami Krishnananda Instructs

The quality of meditation is dependent upon the character of the object of meditation. When the mind contemplates upon the divisionless Being, it itself becomes divisionless and vanishes into the Absolute.

- Swami Krishnananda

Swami Chidananda Instructs

Whatever your Bhava is that you become. Think yourself as a worldly person; you will function as a worldly person. Think yourself as a spiritual being, you will begin to function as a spiritual being.

- Swami Chidananda

~Daily Zen~

This mind, perfectly and fully realized,
Moves with a clear, tranquil spiritual awareness.
It encompasses heaven, covers the earth,
Penetrates form, and rides upon sound.

- Daito (1282-1336)

Hawaii Five-OM

Hawaii Five-Om

Mind centered

Within heart's glowing space

Chanting 

the panchakshara mantra

In the fourth dimension

Craig Louis Stehr

11.XII.'19

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Paypal.me/craiglouisstehr

Relaxing @ Waikiki

Sitting in a wooden rocking chair
On the 2nd level of International Marketplace
Overlooking the courtyard
Tried ten times to add more words
Finally surrendered
Peace

Craig Louis Stehr
11.XII.'19
Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com
Paypal.me/craiglouisstehr

Chanting Om Namah Shivaya: Responding to an Adharmic Civilization

After successfully closing out 40 years of frontline peace & justice service work and direct action radical environmental activism, am in Hawaii at The Plumeria Alternative Hostel on Piikoi Street.  With a small balance in the bank checking account, social security benefits and food stamps, have tonight a private room with compatible podmates.  

        The aggregate societal confusion and worsening political insanity makes living in postmodern America an exercise in futility.  The only way, is to give up fantasies of somehow discovering a satisfactory "middle way", and face the fact that living here on planet earth is a constant war with the forces of materialism.  Therefore, am spending all of my time engaged in sadhana, beginning with chanting the protective mantram "Om Namah Shivaya", while being identified with spiritual reality, not the body nor the mind.  It's as simple and powerful as that!

        Meanwhile, am advocating automatic writing to receive and disseminate spiritual messages, being continuously identified with the witness of the mind, non-attachment, and accepting the fact that the condition of a civilization deep in delusion is comparable to the faecal matter of a pig.  

         For those who have successfully faced the mirror, I invite you to join with me in spiritual warriorship, understanding that the only resolution to the entire delusional entrapment is to appreciate scriptural prophecy of several traditions, that avatars will come to destroy the demonic and return this world to righteousness, and that we be prepared.  

Craig Louis Stehr

December 8, 2019

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Paypal.me/craiglouisstehr

Automatic Writing

Sitting in the basement serials section of the Honolulu Public Library, notebook of blank pages open and a pen in hand, body and mind relaxed and thus useful for automatic writing.  This is the method that spiritual authors have adopted since recorded history, in order to write down the essential messages for their civilizations and for future generations.  This is the method of mystic writing, particularly poetry, sacred literature, drama, and song.  Mystical poetry is widely read, available on the internet, as are epic literary monuments such as Sri Aurobindo's "Savitri".  "Savitri" is an extraordinary example of automatic writing, which testifies to the incredible power of the Divine Absolute which works through the non-interfering instrument of the individual body and mind.  >>>Exactly what automatic writing amounts to, is sitting down at a writing desk, holding a writing instrument in hand over a blank page, and waiting for the words to flow onto the surface of the paper.<<<

       Sri Aurobindo reported that at times nothing would happen and that at other times many pages were filled.  Most crucial is that he maintained a regular schedule, which resulted in the epic work "Savitri".  

        Right this moment, I am not interfering with this pen writing down all of these words, none of which were pre-conceived, and this was not previously pondered, and there is no rough draft.  Sitting here comfortably in a chair at a desk in the basement serials section of Honolulu's Public Library, the pen easily moves and the words flow onto the blank pages of the writer's notebook, line after line, page after page.  The physical body is relaxed, and the mind is at ease.  There is an absence of tension, because the ego is not the author.  There is a hand holding a pen, a relaxed mind, a slight smile on the face, and where are the multifarious hells of postmodernism?  Where is the hopelessly crazy fear of death?  Where is the American devotion to consumerist capitalism?  Where is the absurdity of Washington politics, and the spectre of nuclear war?  

         Without any prior consideration, absolutely no forethought or pre-planning, and no rough draft, the ballpoint pen continues to move and the words appear.  This is automatic writing.  This is a perfect activity for a very troubled world.  Everybody is invited to join with me in a collective automatic writing group.  Take up this sacred activity, and answer the impossible philosophical question: "What would you do in this world if you knew that you could not fail?".  OM Shanthi

Craig Louis Stehr

7.XII.'19

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Paypal.me/craiglouisstehr 

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha

Fireplace full of hot coals as a
Fresh log goes on to maintain heat
The cold Mendocino County rain
Refreshes The Magic Ranch, as both
The duck and rooster are on the back
Deck, and German Shepherd Chompers
Naps in a comfy front porch chair, ate
The dog chow and content.  Haven't seen
Karma the neighborhood rabbit lately,
Usually sitting motionless at the head
Of the driveway.  Birds are above and
Perch on tree tops.  Crows are loud and
Hawks are quiet.  The Magic Ranch is
Alive, and the protective goddess here is
Green Tara.  Her mantram is: "Om Tare
Tuttare Ture Svaha", which has been
Chanted around the perimeter of the land.
Incense has been offered, and whatever
Comes here and goes, and comes here and
Goes, the goddess is not phazed at all by the
Changing social spectacle of activity, because
She is the constant!  Her powerful healing force
Is always present.  Green Tara lives here, gazing
Over this unique, auspicious place.  What will
Become of it we do not know, yet it has a strong
Spiritual resonance in the heart of Redwood Valley.

Craig Louis Stehr
26.XI.'19
Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

This Just In...

~A Few Observations from The Magic Ranch~
Exchanged messages with a friend in Honolulu regarding my
Return there, although there is not presently sufficient money
To pay for my spot in a pod at the alternative hostel on Piikoi St.
Swami Chidananda said that God would take care of all secular
And spiritual needs of anyone who acted without thought of self.
Everything is gone but the automatic writing.  40 years of peace &
Justice & radical environmental activism done.  America's experiment
With freedom and democracy offers me no place to live, and I am not
Respected as an elder.  It is insane that I am homeless after 70 years of
Living for the sake of goodness.  But do not pity me, because if you wish
To see whom the joke is really on, look into a mirror.  Swami Krishnananda
Said to me in India that there are only two ways to come to the spiritual life.
You either come to it by your own free will, or you get shocked!  OM Shanthi

Craig Louis Stehr
25.XI.'19
Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com
Paypal.me/craiglouisstehr

Still Life on Porch

Sitting in a big comfortable porch chair sipping coffee,
Watching a completely still front area at The Magic Ranch
With the sound of a distant chain saw, and nothing else is
Happening here at all; the German Shepherd snoozes and
All is well...my world is at peace and hopefully so is yours.
A tree's leaves changed color and are resplendant in sunlight.
Two zen flies buzz by, the duck floats in the pond, and the
Rooster is peck peck peck pecking!  When Paramahansa
Yogananda visited Ramana Maharshi in South India, he
Asked why there is so much suffering in this world.  The
Maharshi explained that suffering is the spiritual path. 
Yogananda asked, "For whom?"  Ramana Maharshi simply
Beamed a saintly smile, and remained silent.  ~OM Shanthi~

Craig Louis Stehr
22.XI.'19 @ The Magic Ranch,
Redwood Valley, CA, USA
Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com
Facebook: Craig Louis Stehr
Paypal.me/craiglouisstehr

Going Way Way Way Beyond Ordinary Mental Conceptions

The great love of the Jnani for all creatures of the universe cannot be equalled by any other’s love or compassion. The love of the Jnani is real love. It is only the Jnani that can serve and help the world in the best possible way, for he knows that all is the one Self, the Great Being of Brahman. Without knowing this, how can one be truly good and virtuous?

- Swami Krishnananda

Brahma Muhurta 4AM The Magic Ranch Mendocino County

“Yourself” is the greatest obstacle to happiness, peace and fulfillment. All pain, suffering, sorrow and trouble come because of your clinging to this peculiar thing called “yourself”. The greatest good that can happen is to be liberated from yourself.

- Swami Chidananda

Shall We Meet on the Way?

A person of the Way fundamentally
Does not dwell anywhere.
The white clouds are
Fascinated with the
Green mountain’s foundation.
The bright moon
Cherishes being carried along
With the flowing water.
The clouds part,
And the mountain appears.
The moon sets,
And the water is cool.
Each bit of autumn
Contains vast interpenetration without bounds

- Hongzhi from Practice Instructions

Ultimate Wisdom from Tibetan Spiritual Master Kalu Rinpoche

"You live in illusion and in the appearance of things.  There is a Reality.  You are the Reality.  But you do not know it.  If you wake up to that Reality, you will know that you are nothing, and, being nothing, you are everything.  That is all."  ~Kalu Rinpoche

Critical Crucial Constant Communication

It is the same message over and over and over again
Stop identifying with the body and the mind
"Thou art the Immortal Atman", saith the Vedic rishis
"Your cruel master exists not", saith the Buddha
"Know thyself", saith Jesus the Christ
Right now, what is needed is spiritual direct action
In America's Washington, D.C. & @ United Nations NYC
But that's not the finishing shot to the chaos of postmodernism
We need to go global, to the world court at The Hague
We need to push hard for the destruction of the demonic
And return planet earth's civilization to righteousness
Everything else is details, distractions, and lamenting the dead
It is all about rising up, organizing into affinity groups with friends
Being really clear about the fundamental situation on the material platform
We act decisively and effectively established on the spiritual platform
This message is being communicated over and over and over because
The alternative is self-centered advertising, and I've got nothing to sell.

Craig Louis Stehr
25.X.'19
Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Swami Sivananda's Advice for Successful Living in Crazy Times

Just as the Sun collects all its rays at sunset and merges in the horizon, collect all the scattered rays of your mind and merge into the Lotus Feet of the Almighty Lord.

- Swami Sivananda

Call to Action

Writing all kinds of far out wonderful poetry
With a mystical core and peace & justice focus
There is no guarantee that this is effective
Insofar as civilization replacement is concerned.
On the other hand, if doubting is the sport
Of the season, then let us all confirm right now
Once and for all that we are on a glorious pathway
And thus illumined, we will coherently and crucially
Organize ourselves to transform a civilization of chaos
To a brand new civilization based on the Immortal Atman
(Pure Spirit residing in the center of one's chest, glowing!)
Heck ya we're talking about occupying Washington, D.C. again,
And encircling the United Nations compound in New York City,
And after thoroughly draining the slime from the American swamp,
Proceeding onward to the World Court at The Hague to begin the
Global Healing Process which is our collective task, informed by
Prophecy, impelled by the antarctic ice sheet melt out, we fearlessly
Begin destroying the demonic to return the world to righteousness.

Craig Louis Stehr
23.X.'19
Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com
Paypal.me/CraigLouisStehr

The Full Realization of the Inherent Emptiness of All Phenomena

Just relax, and the embodied Pure Spirit
Will go wherever it needs to go
And do whatever it needs to do
The ego appears and disappears
This is the full realization of the
Inherent emptiness of all phenomena

Craig Louis Stehr
17.X.'19

Update October 16, 2019 Garberville, CA/Southern Humboldt County USA

Middle of October as the autumn colors are bright along the Eel River.  Am continuing to pick up trash and recyclables along the 2 mile stretch of road that connects Garberville, CA and Redway, CA.  Following 40 of these mindful walks with trash bags, both sides of the connector road are spotless.  I have nothing else to do on earth at all!
        My eco-bodhisattva friend Andy Caffrey continues to host me at his apartment, and of course I contribute appropriately in terms of the basic necessities.  We wait for an opportunity to go forth into the larger world again, in response to global climate destabilization.  Meanwhile, Andy monitors the growing confusion in political Washington, D.C. on his digital computer screens, when not otherwise multi-tasking. 
         In my own case, it is all about being "spiritually available" for use as an instrument of a Higher Will.  I keep busy as best that I can, but the fact is that I have nothing important to do now in postmodern America.  Following my mindful walk to Redway, CA yesterday, I stopped into the popular Brass Rail for well deserved cold pints of Sierra Nevada's Hazy IPA, a warm shot of Red Breast scotch whiskey, chowed down nine shrimp tacos, and played the juke box while watching the professional baseball playoffs, in the company of a lively crowd of sports fans who were also celebrating a birthday.  Finished the evening sipping a silver tequila margarita and eating a Snickers candy bar. 
         Andy Caffrey picked me up, and we proceeded to Ray's supermarket whereupon I purchased for him ice cream and beer, to be enjoyed at the apartment while watching the Velvet Underground Redux Concert video.  As my eco-bodhisattva colleague drank responsibly and watched the music, I checked inboxes for crucial messages.  There weren't any.  And I wonder, why do I not have a critical social situation in postmodern America at this time?  [This body-mind complex is in satisfactory shape at age 70; the social security benefits plus Food Stamps are sufficient to keep it going.  I have more than enough medical coverage.  I am spiritually Self-realized.] 
         So I sit here at the Garberville, CA Public Library typing this networking message up to be sent out, because I refuse to do nothing and just be here watching the attractive Southern Humboldt county clouds overhead, between mindful walks picking up the local garbage and recyclables on the connector road.   I do not believe that the Divine Absolute (dualistically speaking) is so on permanent vacation, that this is all perfect.  I think that there is a problem here, and I do not believe it is with myself nor God. 
         I am willing to peacefully wait for two additional weeks until my social security benefits go into my bank account in early November.  I pray that the rest of postmodern America understands that it is not really possible for me to just do nothing for the remainder of this life, patiently being sane.  And while I am on the subject, thanks to everyone who did email me to inquire about my mental health.  Again, I am not an alcoholic.  I do go to sports bars spontaneously because it is often the only activity that makes any sense in the midst of my difficult to understand situation in postmodern America.  Lastly, I am playing LOTTO twice weekly (both Powerball and MegaMillions) in case God would like to get money to me, under which circumstances I will fly both myself and Andy Caffrey to Washington, D.C. to intervene in history.  I am also now attending Catholic Mass at Our Lady of the Redwoods, conveniently located one block from the Garberville, CA apartment, and I am praying for anything to happen which will move myself beyond the current circumstances of being "on hold" here on earth.
         If it is possible for me to reach anybody in postmodern America who can relate to the absurdity of my situation here, and who could actually do anything to get me into a productive activist situation, I ask you to go ahead and assist me in moving on, as soon as possible.  Let's face it, the political situation at the White House is somewhere between completely mad and the Twilight Zone.  Don't you think that we ought to consider a Divine Anarchist alternative?  I mean, if not now, when?  If not us, then who?  Thank you very much for your kind attention to my message.  I'm ready to get off of the couch at the Earth First! Media Center.  I think that I have been patient sufficiently, but there is a limit to even that, when patience itself becomes a questionable virtue.  ~Peaceout~

Craig Louis Stehr
Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com
Paypal.me/CraigLouisStehr
Telephone messages: (707) 923-2114
Blog: http://craiglstehr.blogspot.com
       

Update October 10, 2019, Garberville, CA/Southern Humboldt County USA

The ongoing difficulty is in being simultaneously attached, in order to be able to do spiritual work on planet earth, and also being non-attached, in order to be free of suffering and not be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of craziness that these postmodern times exemplify.  The key is to be able to live outside of an emotional hell, while interacting with this machine-like civilization.
        It is easy for one's internal mindful practice to become besieged by the specter of a geopolitics gone unredeemably dangerous, societies having gone morally bankrupt due to capitulation to greed, hatred, and delusion.  Nevertheless, we are spiritual beings who have been sent to intervene in history.  Spiritual practices such as seated meditation, chanting, praying, and attending formal religious functions help a lot.  Postmodernism is deeply miserable; the constant reportage by news media of the confusion and horror is too much for the mind to process and bear.  In spite of decades of front line peace and justice and radical environmental activism, plus writing about it all, the years of zazen, and still attending Catholic Mass and most importantly receiving Holy Communion, add to that study of Vedanta and lengthy samadhi experience both in the USA and India, there still remains no other known way to successfully be on the planet earth than to silently witness the mind.   Arising thought becomes dissipating thought on and on and on...
         Attended a Thursday evening Catholic Mass at Our Lady of the Redwoods followed by a potluck dinner.  I mentioned that prayer and mental edginess could not coexist.  The priest suggested that I keep praying.  Meanwhile, I send out networking messages, which must be some kind of act of faith alone in America.  Nobody responds seriously, the aggravating idiotic lack of any housing offers so that I could continue to be active somewhere, particularly in Washington, D.C., and then there are the bizarre responses that insist that we are all in solidarity for "the revolution", when in fact there is no significant public belief that anybody can do anything now.  Seriously America, where indeed are you going???
         I am not identifying with either the body nor the mind.  I am identified with the Pure Spirit-Soul.  Evil be gone.  If this message resonates with you, please contact me immediately.  Thank you.

Craig Louis Stehr
10.X.2019 Anno Domini
Email me at: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com
Facebook: Craig Louis Stehr
Send money to: Earth First! Media Center,
816 Locust Street #C, Garberville, CA 95542-3442
Paypal.me/andycaffrey
Telephone messages: (707) 923-2114

       

Update October 7, 2019...Garberville, CA/Southern Humboldt County

The mind-body complex is spending its days walking from Garberville, CA to Redway, CA and back daily with trash bags, voluntarily picking up litter and recyclables.  30 passes or so of doing this has resulted in a very neat and tidy 2 mile connector road.  Even the sheriff's department and many truck drivers are waving to me and saying "thanks" with wide smiles.  Along with this is the inner condition, reflecting that the mind-body complex is the instrument for a higher will to work through.  Non-interference is the way.  In Chinese philosophy it is termed "wu-wei".  

       Meanwhile, increased social security benefits plus retroactive reimbursement payments to cover the Medicare part B are going into my checking account in Hawaii.  Dramatically I have gone in a very short time from near destitution with $159 in the bank, to  financial stability which will continue indefinitely.  I continue to be on the couch at the Earth First! Media Center in Garberville, CA.  The SSI interviewer informed me that it is perfectly legal for me to go outside of Southern Humboldt county in search of whatever I need, that my benefits would continue uninterrupted, that I may use my Food Stamps outside of the county, and that at age 70 I am encouraged to do whatever is best insofar as obtaining housing and anything else that is sustaining.  I am legally obligated to report a permanent move outside of the county, and also if I receive additional income.  I have been wished the very best by Adult Protective Services.  The Department of Mental Health said that I do not appear to require their services, acknowledging that drinking an occasional cold beer with a warm shot of scotch does not constitute alcoholism, and that with no history of opiate usage and I don't smoke tobacco, that they do not feel that my meeting with them is appropriate.  Lastly, I now have Medical to go along with the Medicare and Kaiser Permanente health coverage.

        I am now only "following spirit" and enjoying creative writing.  If you wish to do anything amazing in this world in association with myself, contact me with the details.  Otherwise good luck, it has been unique and mostly rewarding being on the earth plane with you, and I will understand if you leave this world at your earliest convenience taking nothing here with you.  

Craig Louis Stehr

October 7, 2019

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Facebook: Craig Louis Stehr

Closure

Identification with the Source of all phenomena is key to all positivity.  Caught up in the worldly whir of an ever changing situation, is precisely what the individual must be liberated from, particularly because the "play of consciousness" hides one's true nature.  One's true nature is the Eternal Witness!  Identifying with that, the individual's view undergoes a major shift, hence perception is no longer confined to the mind-body complex.  No longer constrained to serve the cruel master of the ego, the individual is free.  The individual becomes an instrument for use by the higher will, which is in fact the Divine Absolute.  One is fully active on the planet earth, without any confusion.  This is powerful! 
          The antarctic ice sheets are melting out, which will result in a rise in sea level, which will imperil coastal nuclear power plants, with the prospect of disastrous consequences.  The scientific community and governmental agencies are only minimally aware of this.  This is beginning to change, due to increasing climate focused activism, worldwide radical environmental protests, and the media spotlight increasing on the destabilized planet earth's climate.  Nothing is certain at the moment. 
           Ultimately, what is crucial is to establish a brand new civilization based on spiritual reality, which would lead to a worldwide integrated social system based on the principles of permaculture, correcting the postmodern doomed-to-extinction trajectory and thus setting a path leading to the "heaven on earth", which would fundamentally fulfill every scripture, all of the prophecies, and successfully implement the instruction of the messengers.  ~OM SHANTHI~

Notes from the Spiritual Path

Writing, writing, writing, writing, is the activity which allows the spiritual Absolute to directly communicate with the world of two-leggeds on the planet earth.  Automatic writing is simply holding a writing instrument over a piece of blank paper and not interfering with the spiritual Absolute authoring whatever is being written down. 
        In south India, Sri Aurobindo wrote the epic Savitri in this manner.  He said that at times he would sit for two hours and the pen would not move.  At other times he would sit there and write at length.  As the "Instrument of the Divine Will", there was no way for him to know what was going to happen, so he just sat down at his writing desk regularly, in cooperation with God. 
         Automatic writing is now my trade.  I have no other interest in terms of a work, and have gone as far as I am able to go with peace & justice activism, Catholic Worker service to the poorest of the poor, radical environmental campaigns, and so on and so forth. 
         On September 28th, this mind-body complex will be 70 years of age.  There is no further motivation to survive in a capitalistic, materialistic, confused postmodern America.  I am just not into it!  And going to pubs to down a few beers isn't going to work anymore either.  The current implosion of political America, plus the worsening of climate destabilization, and the endless hell of the Kali Yuga in general cannot be successfully ameliorated by occasionally visiting pubs.  Usage of opiate drugs and lately heroin and methamphetamine, in addition to alcoholic consumption, is at a record level in the United States of America.  Is anybody really better off for it?
          We are living in a social hell realm on earth, with the specter of nuclear war always there.  Loneliness is literally killing people.  The lack of love is a postmodern curse.  The real addiction is to objects, to the acquisition of ever more consumer items.  This further alienates society and never satisfies anybody.  Objects do not satisfy.  Constantly having a mind which is outward going is bad.  There is no love there, no light there, only darkness.
           The spiritually minded individual is not valued in America.  This is why living in the USA is so difficult.  We are all spiritual beings.  Much of contemporary life in the USA is bizarre and in some cases insane.  When you detach from the spiritual, you have left home and are then homeless in the real sense, regardless of how many houses that you might own.  And take a look at the overwhelming amount of technological products now available.  The psychological effects on the individual are being seriously researched.  How about the strange compulsion of taking endless selfies?  Add to that the use of designer drugs.  Craziness is increasing.  The mass shootings in schools and American shopping malls are no longer isolated events.  There is a problem here.  It is increasing and ongoing.  This is an emergency.  The center of the society is not holding. 
            For as long as I can remember, I have been waging a fierce battle to maintain a spiritual centeredness and be able to live in a socially positive, responsible manner.  This has led me to live on the edge much of the time, while performing service work, being an activist, and writing about it all.  The choices that I have made are consistent with an ongoing commitment to be spiritually unified.  I will continue to perform practices from the religious traditions in order to focus the mind on the Divine, and then act from there.  It's my way.  Automatic writing is the latest manifestation of this, and the truth flows on.  ~Peaceout~

Autumn Equinox Update

The Southern Humboldt social services network has been working hard to accommodate my demands for increased social security benefits, food stamps and Medical.  As of Friday September 20th, I have received the maximum increase in social security benefits...$701.72 beginning October 1st changing to $951.72 December 1st ongoing.  Food Stamps and Medical have been approved.  Have been invited to move back to The Magic Ranch in Redwood Valley and use the back bedroom again.  Otherwise, spent the day walking from Garberville to Redway and back, focusing the mind at its Source.  Simple as that.  Enjoyed coming back in the dark watching the stars overhead.  ~HAPPY EQUINOX~

Thanking Everybody for Unconditional Love

Thanks to the many who emailed and Facebooked me to inquire about my survival situation in Garberville. The Southern Humboldt adult protection services, department of social services, and county department of mental health have all telephoned Andy Caffrey’s place (which doubles as the Earth First! Media Center) where I am sleeping on the living room couch, to speak with me, following my having sent to the social services office in Eureka cut & pasted statements which I did make, and which were published online in the Boontling Greeley Sheet. No joke, I have an appointment with the SSI office in Eureka on Friday, and the county dept of mental health next Thursday when they will be in Garberville. Have had some rather straightforward exchanges over the telephone this morning, and am very happy that I was able to explain the entire truth of the matter, particularly as to how totally unconscious it is that I am on the edge of destitution for having lead a spiritually conscious, service oriented, politically radical existence in this national confusion of an experiment in freedom and democracy. I made it absolutely clear that under no circumstances am I apologizing for anything whatsoever, intending to pretend to be mentally ill in order to get any benefits, nor do I feel ashamed at all about anything, because I would have to be crazy in order to feel that way. I feel great, and deserve an increase in my social security benefits, plus assistance in getting a place to live, however minimal, as long as it is warm and indoors. America ought to be grateful for what it has received from me for the past 40 years, for which I have received absolutely nothing worth shit as an adult in what is masquerading as a functioning racially diverse enlightened society. Lastly, I suggested to the SSI representative in our telephone conversation this morning, that if there is any doubt about any of this, feel free to ask Jesus Christ directly for verification. I would like to believe that He would be a sufficient character reference. Craig Louis Stehr c/o Andy Caffrey 816 Locust Street #C, Garberville, CA 95542-3442. Telephone messages: (707) 923-2114. P.S. Thanking the sheriff’s department for their concern. They’ve been IDing me on my daily mindful walk back & forth between Garberville and Redway.

The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth, So Help Me God

Apparently progress is being made in my ongoing effort to remain alive on earth. While on the bus ride back to Garberville, adult protection services telephoned me at Andy Caffrey’s apartment. Whereas I had sent Southern Humboldt social services an email describing my homelessness and scant money situation, they responded. Andy did me a wonderful favor by detailing my honest life of activism, service work, and basic spiritual orientation. They responded that an increase in social security benefits would be wise. Also, that subsidized senior housing is remote, but a possible placement in a trailer park was mentioned. I am now spending my days walking back and forth from Garberville to Redway intensely watching the mind, and more importantly being focused at its Source. It’s true that the president of the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley once said to me that the Franciscans recognize that I have a “mystical charism”. Therefore, my behaviour is consistent with being a mystic. I fully understand that this is completely out of tune with the American experiment in freedom and democracy. So what? Does the Commander in Chief in Washington, D.C. watch his thoughts continuously, or have any idea whatsoever about their Source? Is he Self-realized? I am. I know exactly what I am as a result of a number of samadhic experiences lasting for hours, both here and in India. I know I know…”those who know don’t say…those who say don’t know”. Well, I know and I am saying it, so we might toss that bit of zen bullshit into the philosophical compost heap. And another thing, what the fuck am I supposed to do about the fact that I am an honest citizen in the American experiment in freedom and democracy? I mean, I’m not going to start pretending that I am mentally ill in order to get an increase in my social security benefits. Sure, I’ve enjoyed cold pints of beer and warm shots of scotch, but that doesn’t even come close to being an alcoholic. Not really. Indeed, I don’t even smoke. Andy Caffrey wants to know what I am doing to do if I run out of money at his place. I said that I would telephone Southern Humboldt social services and tell them that I am at risk and having an emergency, and that they should have me taken into custody. I mean, what else can I do at the moment? Anybody want to hire me as a “trimmer”? I’ve got a BA from the University of Arizona, class of 1971 in world literature (specializing in Saul Bellow), and a minor in economics specializing in the economics of poverty and discrimination with a specialty in low income housing issues. So, would anybody please set me up with a job in the emerging legal cannabis industry? Admittedly, I haven’t been stoned in decades, and do not plan to take it up, but I have no prejudice insofar as the usage of medical marijuana is concerned. I’m cool with it. So if you would like to cooperate with me becoming an economically productive member of the American society again, I want you to hire me. I mean, is this sane of me or what? And if you have any legal connections which of course I cannot pay for, go ahead and ask them to contact Adult Protective Services in Eureka and fast forward an increase of my measly $245 (which is left after deductions to pay for the Medicare Part B) an amount which is small, because I performed 23 years of selfless service with Catholic Worker which I did not get paid for, and all of the temp work through accounting agencies to keep me alive so that I could do that, I didn’t have to pay taxes on, so consequently my social security retirement benefit which I’ve been living on since age 62 eight years ago, amounts to less than what most Americans spend monthly on the pet dog). To say that Jesus Christ thinks that this is all seriously crazy is an understatement, but if you aren’t certain, why don’t you ask him? My 70th birthday is September 28th, and I’d like to get off of my friend Andy Caffrey’s couch, have some money beyond the grand that I have left, get at least a comfortable room to live in immediately, and thank you very much in getting involved in my situation. If you aren’t already convinced and interested in cooperating with me to advance my materialistic situation, then go ahead and ask directly for an opinion from God. You remember God, right? Check out what is on the back side of your cash. That’s what you trust in. Craig Louis Stehr, telephone messages c/o Andy Caffrey (707) 923-2114, and Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com and thank you very much for being my friend. It’s great, right? ;-) P.S. Have a good Sunday.

Preparing for the Global Climate Justice Strike

Arrived Garberville on Greyhound. Cool breeze. Big moon. The Southern Humboldt office of social services has called Andy Caffrey’s place inquiring about my well being. They have requested that I arrange a telephone interview to discuss increasing my social security benefits. Also the possibility of receiving assistance to somehow move into one of the local trailer parks was brought up. Will continue playing LOTTO in the meantime. My current address is the living room couch at the Earth First! Media Center. Having achieved Self-realization decades ago, am focused on destroying the demonic and returning the world to righteousness. As I explained to Andy, I am not going to become any more Self-realized than I already am, so there is no need for me to personally be on earth any further. Therefore, what else is there to do but take down the demonic which have economically hijacked society and placed the planet earth at considerable risk environmentally? My friend Stevie Thomas recommends that I hang up my monkeywrench, go live at Amma’s ashram in San Ramon, focus the mind on the Self, and enjoy life for a change, all the way back to Godhead. Obviously, I’ve got a decision to make here, and this time my AVA online counselors cannot figure it all out for me. I’ll have to take a lengthy walk along the Eel River tomorrow morning and just wait for the necessary vision. I’m about due for one anyway. Have a good weekend, fellow poets. Witness the entirety of the apparent phenomenalogical spectacle, and revel in its inherent emptiness. P.S. When I was at Naropa Institute in the summer of 1977, studying poetry with Chogyam Trungpa, Alan Ginsberg sat next to me in our breakaway study group mulling over the “100,000 Songs of Milarepa”. I told him that following a particularly wild party at Marpa House, a woman who had been living in her car walked in and joined us, and decided that I was her lover, whereupon zen legend Loring Palmer let me have his room for a couple of weeks. Alan responded that Trungpa Rinpoche told him that hangovers were actually good for meditation students, because you directly experience the suffering and cannot just get away from it by daydreaming as usual. P.P.S. See y’all at the local Climate Justice Strike actions on September 20th, unless of course I hit LOTTO, and then we fly to Washington, D.C. for some serious mayhem.

Identifying with the Eternal Witness

In an exchange with Earth First!er (and one of the first climate justice activists) Andy Caffrey, I pointed out that it may well come to pass that in spite of all of our best efforts, there may be ecological chaos ahead.  Insofar as any responsive eco-revolutionary activity, I pointed out that aside from possible small cells, there is no revolutionary group functioning in the United States.  This whole idea of eco-revolution is a fantasy, even though there could very well be a whole list of disastrous problems in the near future, such as the use of nuclear weapons, financial collapse, commonplace malnutrition with millions permanently homeless, and even madness.  

         The point that I made is that it is most important to identify with the Eternal Witness, and ride the mental waves and take care of the body.  The mind and body are instruments for a Higher Purpose.  This is the very best response to everything.  There aren't any satisfactory political solutions, and there never will be.  There is no utopia anywhere.  There is only rotting in the quagmire of samsara, and freeing oneself from it and identifying with the Eternal Witness.

          Of course I value the many years spent being active with Earth First!, 23 years of service with Catholic Worker, 15 times being in Washington, D.C. on the front lines of peace & justice, being part of both NYC and D.C. Occupy, and a list too numerous to detail fully of direct action groups, articles written, vigils kept, spiritual groups joined, and anything else that was sincerely lived over the past 70 years.

           On September 28th this body-mind complex will be 70 years young.  I need to be out of my pal Robert Eggplant's place in Pinole, CA on Saturday, and I have no idea whatsoever where I am going to go, or what I am specifically going to do in the future.  But you know what?  Rather than fend off a mental panic and start cursing postmodernism in America, I am going to identify with the Eternal Witness. Now you tell me: Did I get it right?

Craig Louis Stehr

September 9, 2019

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Facebook: Craig Louis Stehr

Temples of Divinity

Sitting quietly at the Pinole, California Public Library, concentrated on the heart chakra in which are installed the divine couple, Lord Sri Krishna and his eternal consort Srimati Radharani, the mind repeating silently the mahamantram: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.  This body is a temple of divinity!  The mystical murtis of Krishna and Radha are installed in the heart chamber in the middle of the physical chest, and the focused mind continuously chants the mahamantram there.  The body is pleasantly scented with holy tulsi oil.          This is what moves about in postmodern America, conscious of all of the worries about global climate destabilization, the specter of nuclear war, the risk of showing up in Washington, D.C. without significant money as the weather begins to turn cold and rainy, fear of protracted homelessness and a weird death.  I am a living temple of divinity, not an animal body and a worrying human mind with some vague concept of a soul.  Reality is that we are all the Immortal Self, the Atman, Brahman the Absolute.  This is what the criminal politicians and materialists do not want you to know.  It is very important to realize this, because it is the crux of all other social problems.  Scriptures from various traditions define that life on the earth plane is often about engaging in spiritual warfare against the demonic, and the only goal is their destruction.           The requirement for succeeding in a spiritual war against the demonic, is to know what one essentially is, and beyond that to be in solidarity with others who know what they are.  No victory is possible otherwise.  I am prepared to leave California and return to Washington, D.C. for the 16th time.  I will require housing beyond seven days, which one of the antinuclear peace vigilers in front of the White House has graciously offered to me.  I now have food stamps from California's Humboldt county, which I may use outside of the area.  Also, my Hawaii bank checking account has a thousand dollars in it, so therefore I am able to get to Washington, D.C.             I need to get cooperation from others on the east coast in order for me to effectively be there long term.  Yes or no, are you serious about taking down the insane governmental spectacle or not?  Are you serious about opposing the postmodernistic mistake of mechanized life in America, which has created a society of freaked out survivalists?  Yes or no?           At this time, I am welcome to be a house guest of Robert Eggplant, who is publisher of Absolutely Zippo, and chronicler of the San Francisco bay area hardcore music scene and punk rock lifestyle. >>>The announcement line for shows is (510) BAD-SMUT.   I thank him for being in solidarity with me, uniquely different as we are.             I mean, do I really need to send out any further messages to get cooperation to be in Washington, D.C., and also hopefully active at the United Nations compound in New York City, and beyond even that...to wherever we will go and whatever we will do in service to the Divine Absolute?             I await responses from those who are serious. We are either unified, or we are nothing politically at all.  ~Peaceout and Hare Krishna~ Craig Louis StehrSeptember 5, 2019Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com Facebook: Craig Louis Stehr

Hardcore Pinole, California Is Making Punk a Threat Again

Good evening postmodern America, Am comfortably at the Pinole, CA residence of Robert Eggplant, publisher of the Absolutely Zippo fanzine and chronicler of the hardcore-punk music scene, who I had the privilege of squatting with in Oakland many years ago at the notorious Hellarity House.  Am set up in the back yard at a table, and have been writing profusely about the need to be spiritually centered and "bringing in the spiritual mojo" in these eco-apocalyptic end times.  My observations have run to 15 handwritten pages thus far, beginning with the advantage of Self-realization prior to allowing the Absolute to make use of these body-mind instruments without interference, as this is now the only effective means of intervening in history.  

       My plea for solidarity on the earth plane for housing and enthusiastic others to form a group with to go to the major nodes of political insanity and to do our collective spiritual work, has thus far gone unanswered.  Feel free to respond.

       If being a part of an essentially spiritually motivated anarchist group performing rituals guided by the Divine itself interests you, then I ask you to contact me.  

 ~PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE OUT TO THE WHOLE WORLD~

Craig Louis Stehr

August 27, 2019

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Leaving Garberville...Stopping in San Francisco...onward to the Belly of the Beast!

Good evening postmodern America, I have finished being supportive as best I could be of Earth First!er Andy Caffrey's climate justice effort, and am therefore still in Garberville, CA.  It is time for me to move on, and I want to visit the San Francisco bay area soon.  Beyond that, I am still eager to return to Washington, D.C. for the 16th time in order to wage spiritual warfare against the derangement of an American government headquartered there.

       Please call Andy's place at (707) 923-2114 and offer me a place to stay in the San Francisco bay area.  Beyond that, communicate with me insofar as your interest in also being in Washington, D.C. in opposition to the political insanity and stupidity there.  I wish to move on this immediately.  40 years of being on the front lines of peace & justice and radical environmentalism in the United States of America has proven that waiting indefinitely only indicates a profound inner confusion.  Indeed, what are we waiting for?  Thank you very much.

Craig Louis Stehr

August 20, 2019

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

I Am Seeking Spiritually Conscious Others for Solidarity to Perform More Frontline Actions

Hi, I want to be given solidarity in the New York City-Washington, D.C. region so that I may
permanently return there to be active in frontline peace & justice and radical environmental
direct actions.  I am ready to leave California, and return to the east coast for the 16th time. 
Please contact me immediately.

Craig Louis Stehr
June 9, 2019
Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Man Centers Mind in Heart Chakra...Experiences Spiritual Unity...A Sober Friday Night...

       I am sending this out because I wish to inform everybody that the past two hours were spent on a porch in Redwood Valley, California managing the mind with understanding and love.  The usual barrage of disturbing thoughts were witnessed, particularly the ones about social alienation in postmodernism, the dangerous political global situation, the impossibility to realize a spiritual community for myself and moreso housing in Washington, D.C. so I could continue with peace & justice activism, the ecological problems worldwide, and the general psychological anxiety and discomfort which is common nowadays.  

       Sitting quietly on the porch sipping a cup of Tulsi tea, watching the 

thoughts and gently bringing the mind to its center in the heart chakra; two hours of doing this, while affirming that drinking alcoholic beverages is not the solution, has resulted in a deeper sense of spiritual unity.  Ultimately, the goal is permanent unity with the Holy Spirit, and the body-mind complex is the instrument for a higher will.  

       Of course I would love to be in Washington, D.C. with a supportive group permanently, and be a presence at the United Nations also, but it has not happened and I've no further idea what to do about this.  23 years volunteering with Catholic Worker did not result in a permanent situation for me in America.  Maybe Jesus Christ can explain.  

        In any case, tonight is being spent on a porch in Redwood Valley, California gently bringing the mind to the heart chakra.   My offer is always good to participate in peace & justice activities, but please, please, don't expect me to live in shelters, tents, and squats.  This body-mind complex is 69 and Jesus Christ doesn't want me to live on the edge anymore.  Besides, it just drives me to drink, and I quit yesterday

Message from Craig Stehr in Redwood Valley, CA

      Warmest spiritual greetings, At this time I am living at a friend's place in northern California.  With basically nothing critical that I have to do, I've been spending all of my time practicing mindfulness, and when the natural boredom of the situation becomes overwhelming, I go out to a local establishment and drink beer, usually to excess, with a resultant miserable hangover.  And then I pray for everyone, and for this conflicted world.  

      

  My only goal is to be

one with God.  And at the proper time, ascend upwards to heaven.  Meanwhile, I send out networking messages to find anything worthwhile to do on earth, which receive no substantial responses.  Of course I could show up with enough money to fully support myself, and go wherever I like...which I have been doing the past five years.  It's been good, particularly in being able to be on the frontlines of peace & justice in Washington, D.C.  I have a few thousand dollars left in my checking account, the health is good, and I am still positive enough to be sending out email messages like this one.

 

        I ask you to understand that something needs to change.  I have no more ideas about what to do, other than to continue praying, and not indulging any further in the consumption of alcoholic beverages.  There being no other alternative, I am placing the entire matter in the hands of God.  

Craig Louis Stehr

June 7, 2019

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Awaiting Divine Intervention...Relaxed in California...Hello Everybody

It's a pleasantly cool summer evening in Redwood Valley, California.  Am just sitting here with nothing to do particularly, having purchased lottery tickets for tonight and tomorrow's drawings.  Am nourished from a dinner of a bowl of miso lentil soup with a cheese sandwich.  Right this moment I am watching a fly walking across the psychedelically patterned mouse pad; a Grateful Dead creation.  

         I have stopped sending out "networking messages" asking others what they would do in this world if they knew that they could not fail.  I've also stopped networking for more frontline direct action oriented situations, because I do not receive any rational responses (such as offering me housing, for example).  It appears that postmodern America is so seriously confused and basically lost, that nothing anybody might do will be sufficient.  Therefore, I sit here at The Magic Ranch in Mendocino county, participating insofar as upkeep etc. as required, take long walks on the country roads, which is followed by a cold pint or two of beer at Vick's bar at the intersection which serves as downtown Redwood Valley, and then hitchhike to the Coyote Valley Casino to enjoy the Mexican food, and free coffee, before usually winning money at the slot machines.  

        Whereas I have nothing to do now, I am not even bothering to perform spiritual practices, because there's no reason to be doing them.  Knowing what I am, just witnessing every day on planet earth dispassionately, this is so completely detached that there is no motivation to do anything to change my circumstances.  Indeed, what would I do?

         As we pleasantly await the needed Divine Intervention on the earth plane, to intervene in this hopelessly conflicted civilization, and now with ecological collapse increasing as well, feel free to remain in touch with me.  Perhaps a miracle will happen and we will collectively do something amazing.  Why not?  It couldn't possibly be worse than dwelling in Nirvana!  

Email me at: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Spiritually Based Affinity Group

        Warmest spiritual greetings at the end of May, I am looking to leave Redwood Valley, California where I've been staying with friends since the Spring Equinox (except for two weeks with Earth First!ers in Garberville).

       The original intention to form a spiritually based affinity group is unchanged.  However, this is not happening with anyone whom I know on the north coast at this time.  Therefore, I am interested in going to the San Francisco Bay area, and am seeking a place to stay.

        If you agree with me that we must use our own power collectively to intervene in history, then I ask you to make contact.  We are not limited to what we can do and where we can go.  If you agree with my spiritual assessment of the situation in these challenging times on earth, I invite you to join with me.

Craig Louis Stehr

May 30, 2019

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Everything Is Brahman

In response to the many emails received in the past two days to my "Going Upward" message, a clear philosophical statement is here offered.  It is a fact that the Divine Absolute, or God, or Brahman is everything!  That said, the relative appearance of all mental and material objects comes from the one Source.  Otherwise, they could not relatively exist.

        The only problem for the individual is to mistakenly identify with objects.  The primary spiritual advice based on experience, in the Indian vedas and the explanatory upanishads, has been echoed through time by all of the sages and saints of every spiritual/religious tradition on the earth plane.  It is simple: "Know Thyself!" The contemporary Indian jnana yoga master Nisargadatta Maharaj put it succintly: "Stop identifying with the body and the mind, and your problem is solved."  And he added: "Remember the instruction: whatever you come across, go beyond."

         It doesn't ultimately make any difference at all what spiritual/religious path or paths one embraces, because the paths are many and the truth is one.  The problem is not identifying with one's true nature, and instead, misidentifying with mind and matter.  All of the contemporary peace & justice and ecological problems on the planet earth are because of this basic confusion.  If you are serious about doing something about the abominable situation of postmodernism, the insanity of greed, hatred and delusion based war, and the ecological destruction of the earth, then get Self-realized first.  After that, you will go where you need to go and do what you need to do.

Craig Louis Stehr

May 22, 2019

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

I'm Looking for Something Radically Spiritual to do in America

Hello postmodern America, I am available for action in regard to peace & justice and radical environmentalism on planet earth. I am presently staying with friends in Redwood Valley, California, which has been fun and relaxing. 

 
I would like to leave here and be active in peace & justice and radical environmental activity, as I have done for the past 40 years. I am bored to near death with the stupidity of American politics. I am willing to vote for Bernie Sanders. 

 I have no interest otherwise, and cannot think of anything more insanely idiotic than being focused for the next year and a half on the American presidential election.

I am spending today sitting in a chair on a porch with the fullest comprehension that I am Spiritual in essence. We can do lots of things: rituals, prayers, chanting, being Self Realized, being God conscious, anything that destroys the demonic and returns the world to righteousness.


Craig Louis Stehr
May 9, 2019
Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

Bliss Divine

Sitting 

at an outside

Table in perfect sunny

Lightly cool weather,

Microsoft laptop on,

The German shepherd

Is napping on the porch,

The duck and chicken are

Elsewhere, and the large

Bunny rabbit is up at the top

Of the driveway guarding the

Magic Ranch in Redwood Valley. 

Birds are chirping.

I am happy.

Craig Louis Stehr

May 7, 2019

Redwood Valley, California

Email: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com

PAGING POST MODERN AMERICA

Warmest spiritual greetings, Please know that I am happily staying as a houseguest in Redwood Valley, CA, glad to have left the depressing confusion of Washington, D.C. on the Spring Equinox March 20th.  Am north of Ukiah, CA in Mendocino county, doing some spring cleaning and fruit tree planting and enjoying the magical environment hereabout...the large turtles in the pond, "Karma" the white rabbit which hops past, a duck, a chicken, and "Chomsky" the German shepherd who is an excellent watchdog, and crows cawing in the redwood trees.

        When not cooking, or making a trip to town for necessaries (which does include the west coast microbrew beer), am identified with the Eternal Witness of the three states of consciousness, not attaching to the body nor the mind.  Sitting on a bench and watching the turtles sunning on a log, fingering the black onyx beads, mind absorbed in the Absolute, no place to go!

         There are  two others in residence here and an assortment of guests come by, plus children visit and use the backyard trampoline, play badminton in the front area, and generally have a good old fashioned time.  And then there are the movies projected on a large living room wall, with a superb sound system.  It's a simple ranch situation, but we get by.  The owner has been here for ten years and has troubleshot just about everything.  A woman who is renting, from Chile, has a turtle tattoo on her inner forearm.  She sings a lot and we call her "The Girl with the Turtle Tattoo".  Between the three of us the place is looking good.  Everything is clean and in order.  Even the laundry room has been reorganized.  

            I am available in this world for whatever is next.  I don't even care anymore what it is, because after 69 years on the planet earth, what could I possibly fear?  I keep sending out the question far and wide about what would we do if we knew that we could not fail, but I get no answers.  So I sit on a bench down by the turtle pond no longer interested in even "being mindful" anymore, because the entire subject of the mind is boring beyond measure.  Maybe the duck is practicing zen.  It looks like it is agitated most of the time.  

              If anybody has a spiritually enlightened offer to make, go ahead and email me at: craiglouisstehr@gmail.com.  Hey, I'm just keeping a ranch full of magical beings company at this time.  What might we do in this world if we knew that we could not fail?  

Craig Louis Stehr

April 7, 2019

Redwood Valley, CA

First Day of Spring!

First day of spring, the last bit o' nip still in the air.  Ducks on the stream float past.  The crow caws.  Buds on the trees are peeking out.  It's green all around here in Redwood Valley, California.  The air is clear.  A white rabbit hops by, needing nothing, content, and going somewhere.  Sunny, with a light blue sky filled with fluffy clouds.  It's quiet here.

         Arrived last night from the other side of the continent, having been a part of the Peace Vigil in front of the White House for the 15th time.  And every time it becomes more difficult to really understand what exactly it is that we are protesting.  The object of our collective dissent is ever more difficult to define ongoing.  The current political landscape in Washington, D.C. is characterized by an irrationality that is vast.  The Peace Vigil, begun in 1981, continues decade after decade around the clock, as a witness to a national capital whose soul has left, and only the outer shell remains.  

          And so, the first day of spring is being celebrated in a sunny back yard, three thousand miles away from Capitol Hill, with music and tea and a big white rabbit.  And good it is! 

Flying in the Face of Evil Insanity

I understand that  I said to the DC IMC that I would not use the website for personal messaging.  

And the DC IMC understands that I am in D.C. for the 15th time, since volunteering at Olive Branch Catholic Worker House in June of 1991, and that I cannot simply do nothing while waiting for God Almighty to provide me with basic living circumstances, in order to be active on the peace & justice and radical environmental frontlines. ''

Therefore, I have been posting brief messages on the D.C. IMC.  I am booked into a D.C. travel hostel until the Spring Equinox, and a longtime eco-anarchist friend is checking around the group housing scene for a possible place for me to go to.  

Tell Catholic Worker that they may assist in my getting a longer term situation.  After all, they owe me for bottomlining at Zacchaeus Kitchen while living in what was essentially a crack house on 11th Street in Shaw.  

I'll also take cooperation from anybody previously associated with Occupy in D.C.  Having bottomlined the pots 'n pans washing station for months, I have a sane right to request cooperation from everybody.  Unfortunately, many of us were NOT welcome at the places Occupiers went after the forced removal at McPherson Square, and the permit ran out and it started snowing on Freedom Plaza.  

Apparently I was not pro-Palestinian enough for Code Pink, which is bullshit, since I was the only one publicly supporting Hamas.  Lastly, my apologies to Eddie Becker for inconveniencing you in my continuing to place "personal messages" on the DC IMC website. 

On the other hand, dualistically speaking, if God Almighty gets off of her ass and provides me with the necessary situation for the remainder of this human incarnation, then much that is incredible and positive will be received as a result from me.  

Thank you for your appreciation, and continued solidarity in the face of the evil insanity in this world.  

Yours sincerely, Craig Louis Stehr

 (Email: craiglouisstehr@outlook.com)