Eagle in My Dream

December 14, 2009

I was sitting on the back deck of the cabin along with the four Elders.  I was sharing with them of my recent dream.  “I was on the couch in the living room.  I looked out the window and perched on one of the trees, or power lines, was an eagle.  It was a bald eagle, an adult with its distinctive white-feathered head.  It also had white tail feathers.  I noticed it clearly.  That was it; that was the dream.  The Eagle appeared.”

The Elder of the Air asked, “What does this mean to you?”

I replied, “When people ask me about animals appearing in their dreams or meditations, or animals they see in their ordinary life, I generally tell them all the same thing.  ‘Each animal brings a specific wisdom, or spiritual medicine.  Also, be mindful of what the animal was doing when you saw it, and what you were doing.  All of this is significant to the message that the animal brings to you.’”

The Elder of the Air then asked, “What were you doing, and what was the Eagle doing when you saw her?”

I replied, “Well, I was sleeping on the couch, because I was too tired to go to bed.  I was resting deeply, in the dream world.  The Eagle was sitting on the power line.  She didn’t seem to be looking for food.  She was sitting on the power line.  I was resting, and she was sitting.”

The Elder of the Earth asked, “Do you feel she was watching you, she was mirroring you, or did she stop by to say I see you?”

“I am not quite sure.  However, I do know there is one way to find out.”

I closed my eyes and connected with the silence.  I went to my center within the silence.  I then called forth the spirit of the Eagle that appeared in my dream.  She appeared, sitting on the power line, facing south.  I asked her what was her message to me. 

She said, “I watched you.  I represent many, we watch you.  We watch you work, we watch you grow, we watch you spread your wings, we watch you.  We connect with you and invite you to connect with us.”  She spread her wings, and flew heading south.  “Listen to the wind,” was her final message.

I opened my eyes.  All of the Elders were looking at me. 

The Elder of Air said, “I guess you are to listen to the wind, to hear what is next for you.  You have your guidance.  Now…will you follow it?”

They all laughed.  They know I have a pattern of asking for guidance, receiving it and not always following it.  I am getting better.  We all laughed together.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

A Guiding Star

December 7, 2009

Sometimes I go to the Elders when there is something heavy on my mind or weighing on my heart.  Sometimes I go to the Elders to seek clarity and understanding for a client, student or friend.  Sometimes I go to the Elders just to be in their energy, their company and their embrace.  Sometimes I go to the Elders when they call me to be there.  This time I went only to see and hear whatever The Elders had to show me or tell me.

We stood on the back deck of their cabin.  It was night and the sky was without clouds.  What was unusual about this night sky was there was only one star shining in the sky.  When you are out in the mountains, away from city lights, the night sky is full of stars, too many to count.  However, this evening, there was only one.

The Elder of Air and I stood on the back deck watching the night sky filled with one star.  I asked the Elder, “Is there a reason why there is only one star in sky this night?  I know there must be a reason, some explanation.  Nothing here is simply because.  I have come to know this.”

The only reply my question received was silence…quiet and more silence.  Within the silence I realized that I was asking not the wrong question, but I was not directing it to the right person.

I inhaled deeply, and exhaled deeply.  I then gazed up to the star and asked, “What is it that you are here to tell us, to tell me?”  I inhaled deeply, and exhaled deeply, and waited for a response.

I looked at the Elder of Air, only to see that he had closed his eyes.  I took this as guidance, and did the same.

In the silence and in my silence, I began to feel a warmth.  This warmth was radiating from high above and coming inside of me through the top of my head.  I felt the warmth throughout my body.  It was most present in the center of my chest.  At that very moment I heard a gentle, light voice whisper, “Everyone has a guiding star, a star that guides them in the night, in the dark and during the day.  To find this star, only look within. Look into your center.  The star shines brightest there, and radiates warmest there.  Look for it not way out there, but way in here.” 

The warmth began to swirl around, a gentle twirling and swirling.  I wanted to feel this as long as I could.  I then inhaled deeply, and exhaled deeply.  The warmth and the voice were gone.  My body returned to its natural state.  I opened my eyes, with a smile.  I looked at the Elder of Air.  He looked at me, with a knowing smile on his face.

“We all have a guiding star.  When you look inside, it is the only star you will see.”

I smiled.  He smiled.  We both looked up to the sky.  Now the sky was filled with many, many stars all shining brightly.  There were too many to count.  Yet, I knew that my guiding star was shining, right where it was.  I noticed up and towards the right, one of the stars seemed to have an extra twinkle in its shine.  I smiled.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

The Magic of Life

November 30, 2009

“This is for someone who follows your journeys, not necessarily for you.”  This I heard as I journeyed to the Elders.  I realized that whatever I was to hear, it would be for me to pass along to someone.  I was not to know whom that someone was…which triggers my “need to know.”

The Elders were waiting for me on the back deck.  The sky was blue, bright blue.  The sun, radiant.  The few clouds in the sky, white, fluffy, happy.  The temperature, just right.

The Elder were sitting, each looking in a different direction, each focusing on something different.  The Elder of Fire asked, without turning to me, “What do you see?”

I almost asked a question for clarity.  I decided not to, but to look until I saw what I was to see.  Deep inside I knew I would know it when I saw it.  I closed my eyes, turned to the direction I felt calling out to me, and opened my eyes.

I looked in the direction of a great tree.  I don’t know what made it great; it just felt great.  I locked in a gentle gaze towards the great tree.  It was very tall, grayish brown bark, very wider trunk, much wider than those around him.  I continued my gaze.

Movement, I saw subtle movement but maintained my gentle gaze.  A veil, a veil appeared just in front of the great tree.  The veil swayed with the wind.  There was an opening in the veil, and the opening grew.  Just beyond the opening there was more movement, there was color, there was joy, there was aliveness.  I maintained my gentle gaze.

At that moment, I felt a sensation, a tingle in the center of my chest, my heart chakra maybe.  I knew there was a connection…I just knew it.  As the opening of the veil grew, the sensation in my chest intensified.  Was my heart opening?

In a quiet, gentle voice I heard, “the magic of life will reveal itself, when we stop and look, look beyond the senses.”

The more the opening grew, more movement, more vibrant colors, more joy… more aliveness…more sensation in the center of my chest…Magical…more broad my smile.

I sensed the Elders were engrossed in this magical experience through their gentle gazes in front of their great trees.  I heard the magic of their hearts. as well.  I knew they felt mine.  Magical.

The Elder of Air said, “The magic of life will reveal itself to you, when you stop and look gently beyond the senses.  Trust.”

Although I knew this was for someone else, my spirit was rejuvenated just the same.  Moments like this do not last forever.  So I decided to be with it as long as I could.  Magical.

A bird flew across the back area.  She caught everyone’s attention, signaling the end of this magic moment.  I gazed in the direction of the great tree once more, thanking him.  I wondered if he was smiling back at me?

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Truth, Trust, Heart

November 23, 2009

“Time to write, young-old man.  Time to put pen to paper for the stories to tell, the wisdoms to share and the insights to give forth.  You cannot write as fast as we talk.  We will slow it down for you.”  This was from the Elder of Air.

“Truth is not elusive, nor is it bestowed only to the privileged.  Truth knows no color or time of day.  Truth flows in its own dimension.  Truth can leap tall buildings in a single bound, and move rivers…but it doesn’t need to.  It only is.  Truth defies logic, yet its logical in its own realm.  Seek truth if you will.  Allow truth to reveal itself to you.  Doesn’t matter…truth is.”

The Elder of Air continued, “I remember the time…”

The Elder of Water interrupted with a smile, “There is truth in everything, yet we have not the time nor desire to search for the truth in that story you are about to tell.”

We all laughed, including the Elder of Air.  He knew she was telling only the truth.

“Young-old man, sometimes you seem to struggle with understanding truth, wisdoms, knowledge and information.  This is especially evident when they come with instructions to translate and pass along to others,” said the Elder of Water. 

“Sometimes you seem to struggle with man’s way of understanding the world beyond the senses.  Know that it is not that you don’t understand.  It is your heart, in its process of making things easier to see, for yourself and others.  Your role is not to originate thought, but to make it worthy of human understanding.

“Trust your heart.  It knows, even when you may think you don’t.  Let your heart guide you.  Everyone needs to reconnect to the heart, the purity of their heart, trust and follow.  However, this is very important for you.”

The Elder of Earth spoke, “My son, your heart knows.  It is connected to the Heart of the Universe.  Trust.”

I stopped in mid breath.  They are my Elders.  On some level they are my grandparents, my grandmothers and my grandfathers.  I hold them in my heart as that.  They have called me many names and many things.  However, they have never called me, “son.”   This is a first.  I am honored.  I hold this in my heart.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Going Home

November 16, 2009

By the time I reached the Elders’ Cabin, the Elder of Fire and the Elder of Earth were sitting at the table.  I rushed in to meet with them.  Somehow, I sensed the conversation had begun.

“Ah, going home,” smiled the Elder of Fire, “yes, we all have to go home from time to time.  Return home.  Take that trip back to the beginning, back to where it all began.  It is good to go home from time to time.  Some people’s remembrance of home is filled with warmth, love, laughter, togetherness, joy…  Some people’s remembrance of home is loaded with sadness, loneliness, despair, hardness, coldness… Some people’s remembrance of home is a mixture of the good and not so good, the fun and not so fun, and filled with many hugs and not so many hugs.  Some people’s remembrance of home is the stuff of fairy tales, others…horror movies.

“Yet, we all must take a trip home.  For at home, there is a gift, a divine gift.  A gift that was forgotten, a gift that was taken away, a gift that was crushed, a gift that may never have been given, a gift that was hidden, or a gift that was never fully realized or it was misunderstood.   But to reclaim the gift, we all must take that journey home.  We are to take that journey back into the joy and hugs or the pain and hurts, for deep within lies the gift.”

The Elder of Fire sat for a moment.  I wondered if she anticipated a question from me, or if she was giving the Elder of Earth time to speak. 

I sat in energy of what was shared.

I shared, “I believe some would journey back to the joy and hugs, and want to stay there.  And others would not journey back to the pain and hurts because they remember it all too well.”

The Elder of Earth said, “The journey is to reclaim the gift.  It is a sacred journey to bring forth a sacred piece of them.  It is not to relive the past, nor is it to escape the present.  It is to realize the wholeness that is sacred, and sacred you that is whole.  It is a sacred journey of wholeness.  In these times, these times of change and changes, chaos, misdirection, and being lost and disoriented…we all need to remember our wholeness.  Going home is a sacred journey to reclaim the gift, the gift that reminds us of our wholeness.”

I sat in the energy of what was shared.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

The Colors of Autumn

November 9, 2009

I walked around to the back of the Elders’ Cabin.  The Elder of Fire, the Elder of Earth and the Elder of Air were standing on the back deck.  I joined them. 

The colors of autumn: yellow, gold, orange, red, crimson, burgundy, green, blue and white.  Awesome.  Beautiful.  Vivid.  Rich.  However, watching the colors of autumn with someones you love makes the experience more awesome, more beautiful, more vivid and more rich.  I stood there, on the back deck with the Elders, being with the colors of autumn, a celebration of life.

The Elder of Fire gently opened her mouth.  We all turned towards her, simultaneously, in anticipation of what she was going to say.  “Life can be and often is a wonderful expression of goodness.  When you have those experiences, it is beautiful.  And when you have those experiences with someones that connect to your heart and spirit, it is beyond beautiful.  There is something to be said for experiencing life with others.  There is something to be said for celebrating the experience of life with others.  There is something to be said for the experience of celebrating life with others.  There is something to be said for celebrating life.”

I felt that tingle in my heart and soul; that tingle when you hear truth.

The Elder of Earth said, “So young-old man, this month is worth celebrating isn’t it?  You just launched Way of the Mystic Heart.  You have a birthday coming soon.  You have accepted and are embracing wearing the white robe and carrying the book.  How are you going to celebrate?  You must be a demonstration to others.  You are always telling people, ‘acknowledge your achievements and victories, celebrate the steps along the way, don’t wait until the end.’  So how are you going to practice what you preach, and celebrate?”

The Elder of Fire chimed in, “I wonder if instead of celebrating, why not open your heart and spirit, and allow and receive the energy of acknowledgment, celebration and goodness from the Universe.  Let your only doing be the doing of allowing and receiving the essence of celebration from the Creator…takes the control out of your hands.  Let the colors of autumn be acknowledgment, goodness and celebration…and allow the Creator to drape you in these colors.”

“Can you handle that, young-old man?” said the Elder of Air, with a big grin on his face.  They know I have control issues…but I am willing to allow and receive.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Getting to the “It”

November 2, 2009

On that day, the Elder of Air told us stories from his childhood.  Each time he tells any of the stories, they change.  We know it, and he knows it.  However, the essence of the story doesn’t change, the lesson of the story doesn’t change, the ultimate truth of the story doesn’t change.  And yet, they seem to get funnier and grow more outlandish each time he tells them.  We love them.  I love hearing them.  I love listening to him.  I love him.

After that last story, after the laughter came to quiet and after the inner talking ceased, all that was present were the five of us, and our breathing.  Then the energy shifted.  I sensed it.  From laughter and talking of “remember that time,” to a question of “what is really on your mind and heart, young-old man?”  The Elder of Earth, looking at me with strong, yet caring and comforting eyes, waited for my reply.

“Sometimes I feel something on my heart and mind; yet I am not able to put the right words to it.  I struggle with what is truly going on inside.  I remember trying to name it.  I want to know what the “it” was so badly, I was calling it this or that.  Honestly, I am not sure what “it” is; yet I know I am feeling something.  Something is on my mind and heart. 

“When you asked the question, I could feel this something rising to the surface; and then I felt myself pushing it back down.  I want to know what it is before it comes up because then I would know what to do.  If it’s rage, sadness, despair, anger, hurt or whatever, then there is something that can be done.  But if it can’t but a word to it, then how or what am I to do?

“Yes, the easy thing for me would be for someone, one of you perhaps, to tell me exactly what it is, where it came from and what do to about it.  That would be easy, and I am truly okay with that.  Although, I know it will not happen that way.”  I stopped to look at them, hoping one of them would prove me wrong, hoping one of them would help me out.  Nothing.  “Even if its love, joy, bliss or ecstasy…I want to know.  It weighs heavy on me.”

The Elder of Fire spoke, “One of your teachers always says ‘if you did know, what would it be?”

I said, “A big rock created from previous sadness and hurt, blocking the opening to that secret chamber of my heart, so that life can’t get in and cause hurt, pain and disappointment again, yet the secret chamber of my heart is to be open to life...it is what life is all about.”

The Elder of Water said, “You don’t need us to give you the answers.  You have them.”

I replied, “sometimes, it takes a space and place like here, with someones you trust, with someones you know will support you and be there for you, with someones who hold you in their hearts and you can feel it, sometimes it takes a space and place like here to allow me to connect to what I know.”

The Elder of Air said, “Reminds me of that time when I was…”  We all laughed.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Listen to Your Body

October 19, 2009

I arrived at the Elders’ Cabin around dinnertime.  The aromas coming from inside the cabin met me on the front porch.  You know, the kind that creates a smile on your face, heart and stomach.

I opened the front door, walked in and greeted everyone with a big hello.  The Elder of Earth, the Elder of Water and the Elder of Air were sitting around the fireplace.  The dinner table was prepared and ready to receive the food, and us.  The Elder of Fire was in the kitchen.   She was singing or humming maybe, as she cooked.

I sat down on the sofa with the others.  I immediately noticed the Elder of Earth was rubbing his knee, his left knee.  I am learning that with the Elders every word spoken or unspoken, and every gesture is significant.  I wondered what rubbing his left knee was all about.  I sat and watched, and wondered.

The Elder of Earth said, “I was trying to lift more than I could, more than I should.  The strain from doing that is showing up in my knee.  Instead of taking two or more manageable loads, I tried to do it with one heavy load.  This is the result of trying to over do it.”

As I listened to him, I didn’t realize that the others were looking at me.  The Elder of Water asked, “So what is your left foot telling you?”  You know they had that “look” on their faces.

The words just came out before I could catch them.  I replied, “Rest up.  The next leg of my journey will require more strength.  Rest up.  Now I heard that, but then I tried to do it my way.  I wanted to rest up by slowing down.  My left foot said, in it’s own way that we were not going anywhere.  I couldn’t walk any further after going a block.  My foot was saying to not slow down, but to rest up.

“It is hard for me to sit still.  I am always working on my to-do list, always thinking of what to do next after I finish what I am currently doing, always working on what I want to work on rather than what is needed, always thinking of what do to next.”

“And what are you doing now” asked the Elder of Water.

“Sitting on the couch, with left propped on pillow, with ice and Motrin and healing energy, the remote for the television and a big jar of ice water…and thinking about what I could be doing if I could walk.”

“Well,” from the Elder of Water, “your body is talking to you.  Are you listening?  You can choose to listen, or not.  You can choose to follow through, or not.  You can choose to make it hard and challenging, or receive it easily and graciously, or not.  You can choose to listen now, or pay later.  You can choose.  It is your choice.”

In that moment, I chose to listen to her.

“Dinner is ready,” yelled the Elder of Fire. 

As we walked to the table, I heard a very quiet whisper, “why are you blocking love?”

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Crossing the River

October 19, 2009

I walked up the stairs to the Elders' Cabin.  I walked in and as fast as I entered, they walked me out the back door.  We walked into the woods.  I never know neither the direction we are going, nor the destination.  I just follow, this time without question.

We walked into the woods, deep into the woods.  It could have been a few hundred yards or several miles, I sort of lost track of time and distance when I am there with them.  However, we emerged from the woods onto a sandy shore, the shore of a wide river.  This river was indeed wide and fast moving…and wide.

“It is time to cross.  It is time to cross the river.  We will be with you,” said the Elder of Water.  Sometimes you know you must do it, without any question or hesitation.

I walked towards the water, walked into the water and kept walking.  I knew it was time to walk into the water.  I walked.  The water was getting deeper.  At first, I could see the bottom, but that water became muddy and murky.  I walked.  I walked.  I walked. 

As I walked, it required more strength to move my legs, and I walked.  As I walked, I could not see right in front of me, and I walked.  As I walked, I felt panic growing deep inside, and I walked.  As I walked, I sensed no body around me, and I walked.  As I walked, I remembered the Elders walking into the water just behind me, and I walked. 

As I walked, I began to hear those inner thoughts of doubt and his friend doubt, and I walked.  As I walked, I was getting tired and weary, and I walked.  As I walked, I wondered how long and how far, and I walked.  As I walked, I wanted to give up and turn back, and I walked.

I walked.  As I walked, I noticed my steps becoming less strenuous, and I walked.  As I walked, I felt hands of support on my lower and upper back, and I walked.  As I walked, I realized the water was getting less muddy and less murky, and I walked.  As I walked, I breathe a little easier, and I walked.  As I walked, I felt a smile on my face, and I walked.  I walked.

After many steps and a few more, I walked out of the water.  I walked onto a sandy shore.  I walked up to the grass.  I stopped and turned around to see the Elders behind me.  They were not there.  However, I could see the river I just crossed.  I could not see the side where I began; but I could see that I made it out of the river.  I turned back around to find a spot to sit and rest, to reflect.

The Elders stood there.  “Yes, you made it across, through the water, from the old to the new.  You did it.  Cleansed, refreshed, renewed…a new,” said the Elder of Air.

“Now, what do I do?” I asked. 

The Elder of Fire replied, “You walked through the water to the other side.  We guided you.  Now you must guide whoever comes to you and asks.  You know how, now you must guide.  You can do it.  You guide them because you will be guided.  It is the law.  Our law, the law by which we are.  Guide them.”

I breathed deeply, fully, contently…with a smile on my face and a thought in my mind, “oh no.”

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

On This New Day

October 12, 2009

[Last week’s issue was entitled A New Day.  This is a continuation of that experience.]

Yesterday, I visited the Elders and we discussed, “a new day.”  I wanted to visit them today, the day of the new day.  I am still breathing in the full impact of the new day experience.  Yesterday was the end of the day and the end of an old way.  Today, life feels a new, on this new day, in this new way.  I visited with the Elders to reflect on my experience, with them.

I knocked on the front door to let them know I was there. Yes, I knew they knew.  The knocking before entering was to give me a few more seconds of preparation, for what I was not sure.

I walked in.  No one was by the fireplace, at the table or in the kitchen.  I went towards the back to check the deck, no one.  I stood at the window to take a moment to connect to them spirit to spirit, heart to heart.   I sensed they were in a room down stairs, a room I haven’t seen in quite some time.

I went downstairs towards the room.  Yes, I could feel them; they were in there.  When I reached the door of the room, which was closed, I realized the basement was completely dark.  I found my way to the room in the darkness.  I knew where to go, even in the dark.  I gently pushed the door open.

The Elders were sitting in the room.  The Elders, their eyes closed.  They were sitting in a circle, each with their backs against one of the walls.  Each one had a candle, lit, sitting in front of them.  There was one large candle, lit, in the center of the room.  The light from the candles provided the only light. 

“Come in and sit by the door.  Make sure you close the door,” instructed the Elder of Water.

Once I sat down, they began to pray.  I sensed this prayer and ritual was to start once I arrived.  I closed my eyes to connect to the energy and sacredness of the space.  I was moved to prayer, prayer of acknowledging the light, the presence of light, the light within the dark room, the light that is always present even in darkness, the light that comes as a new day, the light the comes with a new day, the light that is a new day.  I prayed a prayer of gratitude for all that is, as I see it, sense it, feel it, express it, understand it and not understand it; gratitude for breath, grace and love, individually and all together, the love that is the breath of grace.  I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for support of the Circle of Elders and the many circles and communities in my life, and each person in those communities.  I prayed a prayer to Heavenly Father ~ Grandfather Sky, Mother Earth ~ Grandmother Earth, the All that Is.  I prayed and prayed.

As my heart felt complete with that prayer, I sensed the Elders were complete, too.  The Elder of Fire lit four more candles, one in each corner.  The nine candles created a beautiful light in the room.  The light of a new day.  The light on this new day.

We, well let me speak for myself, I sat in the essence of this sacred space…allowing it to sooth and nurture my spirit…the warmth…the blessings…the awesomeness…a kiss from Divine Mother…a touch from Divine Father…an acknowledgment of the Divine…I breathe in the sacredness on this new day…

Oh!  To be in, as and of this space at all times…I wonder what the world would be like…like beyond heaven.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

A New Day

October 5, 2009

Looking west…I was looking out from the deck towards the west.  The sun was setting, taking that slow dive into the beyond.  I stood there wishing, hoping the sun would take its time, maybe slow down, its descent.  I wanted this day to last as long as it could.  I knew it was coming to an end, and a new day was coming.  It is the way things are.  Although I knew not of tomorrow, I did know it was going to be different, guaranteed different.

Looking out toward the west, the last bit of the sun slowly, at the speed of the sun, faded.  The sun of today was no more.  The way of today was no more, the problems of today were no more, the doubt and questions, and the reasons and rationales of today were no more.  It was time to sit down, gather my notes from today’s experiences, hold them in reverent hands, bless them, tuck them in, go rest and get ready…get ready for tomorrow.  A new day.

“Yes young-old man, tomorrow is here before you know it, often times before you want it, and yet always there.  The new day will come, as it is divinely ordered.  A new day.  She is coming, whether you are ready or not.  Embrace her,” said the Elder of Fire.

“Embrace her,” I repeated.

“Yes, embrace her, in all her radiance.  Embrace her.”

The other Elders joined us on the deck. 

The Elder of Water lit a candle, “Are you ready for your tomorrow?  It will look nothing like your today.  And as much as you cannot see your tomorrow, you do have a knowing of your tomorrow.  We can see it in your eyes.  Are you ready for your tomorrow?”

“What I know is tomorrow is coming.  What I know is it’s different that today.  What I know is even in the midst of the unknown, I can be okay and ready for tomorrow.  What I know is my tomorrow is full of trusting Spirit, no matter what.  What I also know is I will forget from time to time to trust Spirit no matter what.  What I know is Spirit is there when I forget to trust and when I do trust.  What I know is even with all the knowing, I will wonder, worry, and wonder about tomorrow.  What I know is no matter what, it will be okay.”

Laughing I said, “I don’t know if I wonder more about the unknown or the known of tomorrow.”  The Elders joined me in laughter.

Well, young-old man, don’t be so wondrous about tomorrow that you forget about tonight.  Much happens in the night.”  This, from the Elder of Earth, said with a smirk.  I guess they know how I don’t like to go to sleep because I dream, and the dreams take on a life of their own.

“You think as intensely in your dreams as you do when you are awake.  When do you rest?” laughed the Elder of Earth.

I said, “If you know that I have trouble resting and seem to be in deep thought as I dream, how come you don’t offer to help?”  Now, why did I say that.

The Elder of Earth said with stern eye and stern-er voice, “You never asked.  And we believe you would not listen either.  Even with all the support around you, you believe you must do everything by yourself.  There is no rest for the team of one.   So, now are you ready for your new day?”

I closed my eyes.  It is one thing to hear them laughing, but it’s another to see them laughing, especially when they and I know they are right…and I have nothing to say.  Humble pie does not taste good, no matter what flavor of ice cream you serve with it. 

Yes, the new day must bring a new way.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Over the Rainbow

September 28, 2009

At the Chapel today, I sat in the purple chairs after service, to receive an intuitive message.  The gifted message bearer agreed only if I provided her with a message as well.  During this spiritual exchange, she gave me a message and I gave her one.  However, I received an additional message for myself, the vision of a rainbow.  Along with the rainbow, I was told, “journey over the rainbow today.”  I am learning to be obedient.

I met with the Elders at their cabin to share of this experience.  They agreed to journey over the rainbow with me.  The Elder of Air knew of a rainbow that began in the next valley.  We walked to the base of this rainbow.

We walked in the silence, and yet we had lively conversations.  Before I realized it, we had reached the base of the rainbow.  The Elder of Air led us on the journey across the rainbow.  I walked on the band of blue.  As we reached the top, I looked out.  I could see beyond the horizon.  I couldn’t see anything; however, I was seeing peace, joy and harmony.  We continued down the other side of the rainbow.  I noticed I now was walking on the orange band.

As we descended to the base, we entered a deep, dense forest.  It was very similar to the forest on the other side, yet very different.  The green leaves of the fern were more intense.  The grayish-brown tree bark was more intense, more vibrant.  The red and yellow and purple of the flowers…were more intense.  The colors although the same, vibrated with an intensity unlike those on the other side.  When completed quiet, I could hear a faint humming.  Everything on this side was with a hum.

The Elder of Earth took the lead and guided us deeper into the forest.  We came to a small brook, about two feet across and not very deep.  The Elder of Water placed her hands just above the water.  I sensed prayer.  When completed, she said, “Now we can cross.”  We crossed the brook by stepping on a stone that was right in the middle, in the center of the water.

We followed the Elder of Earth to a cave.  The entrance of the cave was twice as high as we were tall.  It was wide enough that all five of us could walk in side by side.  It was dark in the cave, yet the darkness had intensity.

We walked to the center of the cave.  The Elder of Fire placed her hands over the rocks that sat on the floor in the center of the cave.  I sensed prayer.  She then started a fire.  I want her to show me how she did that, maybe later.

We sat around the fire.  The Elder of Earth, reaching behind himself, brought forward a sack.  The sack was the size of a pillowcase.  He opened, reached in and pulled out an object that was wrapped in a white cloth.  He held the object in his hand for a moment.  I sensed prayer.  He then handed the object to me.

I held the object for a moment, noting its weightiness; then began to unwrap the cloth.  Inside the cloth, there was a stone.  The stone, gray and unassuming, was about the size of a paperback book.  I held it in both hands, in the palms of my hands.

The Elder of Earth spoke with a deep resonating voice that seem to come through him and not from him.  What he said penetrated deep into my spirit, “On this rock, I build this church.” 

I looked up at him, wide-eyed.  What I chose to do was all I good do…I held the rock and cried.

I hope someone brought apple pie.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Finding Our Way

September 21, 2009

“We are all finding our way…our way home, to peace, to love, to joy, to happiness, to salvation, to heaven, to nirvana, to highest consciousness, to ultimate reality, to self, or to oneness…we are all finding our way.”

I was standing on the front porch of the Elder’s cabin looking out over the horizon.  The Elders were sitting in their individual chairs, listening.  Listening not to learn, but listening in support.

“The one who consciously embarks on a path of enlightenment, he is finding his way.  The one who feels trapped in the cycle of work, home, work, others, work, home, she is finding her way.  The one who has given up on his country, his family, humanity and himself, he is finding his way.  The one who seeks the easiest path to fame and fortune no matter how degrading and demoralizing it seems, she is finding her way.  We all are finding our way…finding our way.”

“Young-old man, does this apply to everyone?” asked the Elder of Fire.

“It applies to the one whose path is aligned with bright lights and directional arrows pointing ‘that way.’  It applies to the one whose path is unseen due to the dark of the darkness and is unfelt due to the cold of the coldness.  It applies.”

“Young-old man, does this apply to everyone?” asked the Elder of Water.

“It applies to the three-month old baby who cries for food and to be held.  It applies to the multi-millionaire who seems to have everything he wants.  It applies to the one who knows she has everything she needs.  It applies to everyone.”

“Young-old man, does it apply to everyone?” asked the Elder of Earth.

“It applies to the one who knows this and the one who doesn’t, the one who believes this and the one who doesn’t, the one who accepts this and the one who doesn’t.  It applies.”

There was a collective sigh from behind me.

“Young-old man, does this apply to everyone?” asked the Elder of Air.

“It applies to everyone, of the physical world and of the spiritual realms.  It applies to everyone, all of us, everyone of us.” 

The Elder of Earth asked, “If you know this, believe this and accept this…why do you speak it somberly rather than in joy and with excitement?”

The Elder of Water asked, “If you know this to be true, if you know this as Truth.  What is the matter?  Is there a level of reluctant receptiveness here?”

I responded, from a collective sigh, “Truth is truth, it is weightless.  How Truth is used, misused and abused feels weighty.  Sometimes, knowing Truth does not make it easier to navigate in our physical, material world of humanity.”

We all breathed a collective sigh, a sigh for all.

We all heard the faint ting of a bell, a timer.  We smiled, collectively.  We knew this Truth.  The bell was to let us know the apple cobbler was ready.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Being A Witness

September 14, 2009

The Elder of Air said, “You really think hard and deep about things.  Trying to understand if from all angles, the inside and the outside of it all.  What is it today?”

“Being a witness, the one who people come to, to share their secret thoughts, their embarrassing thoughts, the thoughts they don’t want anyone to know they have.  Being one who sees the big pink elephant in the room, when nobody else does.  Being one who is shown truth, or a level of truth that others do not hear.  Being one who is shown things of a person that they are not conscious of themselves.

“The witness.   Who in their right mind signs up for such a job!  The things people tell you.  The things Spirit reveals to you.  The things that come up in your face saying, ‘hello, do you see me?’  It feels overwhelming at times.”

The Elders sat around the table listening to me.  I felt like I was ranting and raving.  The Elder of Water asked, “What do you want from us?”

I sighed, “Sometimes, I want not to see it or here it.  Other times, I want to know what to do with it or about it.  Above everything else, I want to witness without getting attached to it, not even for a moment.  I want to be able to witness without holding it.  And, I want a piece of apple pie to help soothe the unrest of this moment.”

The Elder of Earth spoke, “We know it’s easier said than done.  However, you know how to do that already.  You also are able to release it, when needed.  Just be mindful that the witness need not be the martyr.  You are to see it and hear it.  When there is something for you to do, you will be told or be shown.  The witness is not the Mr. fix-it man either.”

I listened.  I knew what he said was truth.  More often than not, I am able to see it or hear it, only.  It’s just, every now and then, I am told something or shown something and it feels…too much, way too too much to bear.

The Elder of Fire said, “And you know there is a tree in your backyard that is strong enough and sturdy enough to listen to all that you need to release when it gets to be too too much.  Go tell it to the tree.  Then listen to his reply.”  They all had that knowing look on their faces. 

The Elder of Fire began, “To whom much…”

I burst into a song, my rendition of “row, row, row your boat.”  They all laughed

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Ask For What You Want…Peace

September 7, 2009

Lately, I wake up in the morning feeling not rested, feeling like my body tossed and turned all night, and feeling like my mind tossed and turned five times faster.  I wake up in the morning feeling the need to take more time than usual to get oriented.  I am not able to get comfortable or right in my body.  I have experienced this on occasion in the past; however, of late it happens more often and with intensity.

I decided to take this to the Elders.  I realized that they might not provide any answers.  Some times the victory is in hearing their perspectives of situations.  All times, the victory is in sharing with the Elders, in a safe and supportive space.  This brings clarity and relief.  It is a wonderful feeling and a blessing to be heard…

We strolled leisurely in the backyard of the cabin.  I walked with the Elder of Air, sharing my situation.  He listened.  From time to time, he snickered; most of the time, he listened in silence.  When I finished, we both walked in silence.

He finally broke the silence; “I could tell you that the current alignment of planets is having an impact on your sleep pattern.  I could tell you that your diet and eating habits at night are impacting your sleep, and need adjusting.  I could tell you that the little white pill and the big pink pill taking together are impacting your sleep rhythm.  I could tell you that you are always in heavy and deep thought, and it’s carrying over into your sleep.  I could tell you that your consciousness is expanding, and it’s your way of readjusting to the expansion.  I could tell you that the Elders and Ancestors are communicating with you at this time; it’s when you are most receptive.  I could tell you that the cause is a combination of all of these.

“I could tell you to ride this tidal wave until you reach the comfort of the shore.  I could tell you to take something to aid in sleeping through the night.  I could tell you to begin a bedtime mantra, ‘I embrace deep, peaceful and restful sleep.’

“What I will tell you is to stop right here.  Close your eyes.  Connect to the energy of this place, the land, the trees, the air, and the butterfly passing by.  Connect to your breath.  Connect to the rhythm of your heart.  Listen.  Feel.  Sense.  Connect to the rhythm of your body.  Listen.  Feel.  Sense.  Connect to the rhythm just beneath that rhythm.  Listen.  Feel.  Sense.  Embrace that rhythm.  Ask that rhythm what you want to know.

I followed his guidance, and asked.  I listened.  I felt.  I sensed.  I saw…big, white, fluffy cottony-soft clouds.  Huge. Comforting.  Inviting.  I desired to lie right in the middle of the clouds, and go to sleep…fall into a deep, peaceful and restful sleep.  The rhythm beneath the rhythm of my body responded, “ask for what you want, ask it in the energy of gratitude, and the energy of knowing.”

I heard myself think and say to myself, “this is peace…peace…peace.”

I felt the wind blowing gently across my arm.  I opened my eyes to see the Elder of Air standing next to me.  I looked at him, “What were we talking about?” 

He responded, “Does it matter?”

We both smiled and resumed walking.  I sensed my steps were much lighter than before.  I figured, “There is no need in looking down.  I know we are walking on the clouds.”

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Let’s Celebrate

August 31, 2009

I stood on the front porch, knocking on the door.  Normally I would walk right in, but not today.  I couldn’t open the door because I was holding a cake in my hands.  The Elder of Air opened the door.

“Happy Anniversary,” I smiled loudly.

“Who is it,” yelled the Elder of Water from inside.

“It’s the young-old man, with a cake.  He is saying, happy anniversary or something.”

I heard laughter from inside, inside the cabin and within me.  I love it when they play along with me, as if they did not know.

The Elder of Air said, “Bring a knife, forks and plates.  And don’t forget the mugs with something hot to drink.  Let’s celebrate on the front porch.”

We all gathered on the front porch, in a circle, with the cake I brought…not cooked, just brought.

“It was one year ago this month that we began ‘Conversations with the Elders,” I said. 

We sat silently reflecting on that journey to now.  In silence.  In gratitude.  In community.  Well, let me speak for myself.  That was what I was doing, reflecting.  One year ago this month we rolled out the first Conversations with the Elders.

“Anniversaries are important,” from the Elder of Fire.  “It is an opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments, a time to reflect on the journey, and a chance to celebrate the milestone.  And it gives thought to how you want to experience the next year, or period.  A wise woman once told you ‘may the high point of last year, be the low point of next year.’  May you, I and us continue exploring, growing, learning, sharing, celebrating and loving.  All of that plus breathing is what life is truly all about.”

We continued eating the cake, drinking something hot and communing in a circle…this is community.

The Elder of Earth asked, “How do we top last year?  Where do we go from here?”

Each of us, at the same time, turned towards the woods in the direction of the rustic cabin way up the road.  I understood.  There is more writing happening in this next year.  At that moment, I saw myself sitting in my writing room, in the library of the rustic cabin, which is aligned with empty bookshelves.  I was at the desk writing with black ink on gold parchment paper.  The Elders were gathered around me.  One at a time and all together, they were guiding me on what to write.  The vision ended.

“There is no time like the present,” said the Elder of Fire.

“Now, right now?”

“Well, we must finish eating.  It’s only right.  This is a celebration.”

We all laughed.  They, like me, enjoy eating.  They taught me well.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Song of the Rain

August 24, 2009

We were all in the cabin.  I was sitting at the table looking out of the window.  It was raining outside, coming straight down.  I looked away from the window towards the others in the cabin.

The Elder of Water, the Elder of Air and the Elder of Earth were sitting around the fireplace.  The Elder of Air was in deep contemplation.  You know, the contemplation where your eyes are closed, your mouth is slightly open and your head is tilted back against the chair.  Some would call it sleeping.  I understand it to be deep contemplation.  He has taught me well.

The Elder of Fire was in the kitchen.  Her back was to me, so I couldn’t quite see what she was doing.  I turned back around and continued looking at the rain through the window.  It was coming straight down.

I smelled it long before I saw it.  The Elder of Fire brought me a slice of apple pie. As I looked at the pie, I felt a smile grow across my face.  I sensed a smile growing in my heart.  The smile in my belly tickled.  It was a moment of full-body anticipation and appreciation.

As I ate my pie, the Elder of Fire and I conversed without speaking through our mouths.  I looked at her and my eyes said, “I was having one of those moments when everything is okay.  Then you take that next breath, and everything feels not okay.  I then began to think about what I did not have, what I wanted, and what I longed for.” 

She replied through her eyes, “Yes, it is okay.  Nothing is truly wrong; however, it doesn’t feel right anymore.  You begin to miss what you never had.  It happens.  And you breathe through it.”

I then shared through my eyes, “Of course a slice of apple pie from of the frig helps, too.”  She smiled with her eyes, as she left the table heading back to the kitchen.  I finished my pie and returned to looking out of the window.  The rain continued coming straight down, yet something was different about it.

I got up from the table and went outside.  I stood on the back deck, in the rain.  I began to hear something, faint at first.  The music and singing was getting louder, clearer.  “It takes courage to be you.  It takes courage to follow your heart.  It takes courage to experience life in its fullness.  It takes courage to shake off the old and embrace the new.  It takes courage to listen within.  It takes courage to listen to the rain.  It takes courage to share with the world that you listen to the rain.  It takes courage to go against the grain.  It takes courage to be that you, you feel is in your heart.  It takes courage.  Be the courage it takes to be you.”

The song of the rain was a song of courage.  I caught myself trying to make a connection between sitting by the window and having those thoughts, and the song of the rain.  A quiet voice on the inside said, “Let it go and embrace the song of the rain.  It is the true blessing.”  I smiled.

I went back inside.  The Elder of Fire was standing by the table with another piece of pie.  I smiled again.  However, I smiled a different smile.  It was a smile of gratitude…and a smile of knowing.  I knew that this slice of apple pie represented the sweetness of life, the result, the prize, the victory, for being the courage it takes to be me.

After eating this slice of apple pie, I again looked at the rain through the window.  What was different this time was that I could see each raindrop.  And the word “courage” was inside each raindrop.  I smiled, thinking, “There must be a secret ingredient in her apple pie.”

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

In The Heart of Peace

August 17, 2009

Today, we met at a new place, rather than the Elders’ Cabin or surrounding area.  I was attending a retreat at a mountaintop retreat center in the western part of the state.  At the retreat facility, there is a peace garden just across the two-lane road from the main building. 

In the center of the peace garden, there is a gazebo, a wooden eight-sided gazebo.  There is a tree stump sitting in the middle of the gazebo, and benches all around the inside walls.  This is where we were to meet today.

I made my way to the gazebo for our early afternoon gathering.  They, the Elders, were already there, waiting for me.  It wasn’t so much that I was late, but that they were early.  I walked in and sat along the south wall.  The Elders sat on other walls, not in any particular pattern, as I could see.  Yet, you never know with them.

The Elder of Water said to me, “That’s a tall glass of water to drink.”  They all laughed.  I understood exactly what she was referring to…me consciously choosing a fundamental choice or intention for my life.  This was part of an exercise on the previous day.  The fundamental choice is that choice we make of our being-ness for this life, how we choose to be in this life.  I replied to her, “I know.   However, on many levels, I am already being that.  Writing it down on paper is an act of commitment for me.”  The Elder of Earth said, “Indeed, it is.”

The Elder of Air, focusing on the main reason for this gathering, began, “We sit in this gazebo, in the center of this peace garden on top of the mountain.  We sit together in a circle at the center of peace at the top.  At the highest level of consciousness, we sit in the center of peace, in the heart of peace.  The heart of peace lies at the top.  The heart of peace is at the top.

From on high, we experience the heart of peace together in community.  Then, we take it into our hearts.   When we leave the mountaintop, we take the peace within our hearts.  It becomes a part of us as we integrate back into our [everyday] lives.  From our gathering in the center of the peace garden at the mountaintop, our hearts are enlightened or re-enlightened with peace.”

When the Elder of Air was finished, we all sighed in the fullness of his words.  For the rest of the visit, we all sat in peace, in the heart of peace, in the gazebo in the center of the peace garden.

It was a good day, the blue sky full of big fluffy white clouds.  To the east, another mountain covered with trees of green; green in the sun and darker green in the shade from the clouds.  A gentle breeze, on a warm summer day.  The butterflies.  The crows flying and calling out to each other in the distance.  It was a good day.

As we left the gazebo in the heart of the peace garden, my heart was more full, my smile more broad…and I…more rich from being in the heart of peace.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Speak What Is In Your Heart

August 10, 2009

Remember those times, those moments, those mental treasures of sitting on the front porch with you grandmother or grandfather, or someone who was smart and wise.  And every time no matter what the concern or the question, they knew exactly what to say in that moment.  Sometimes it made sense, then and there, as they said it.  Other times, it was years later before you realized the wisdom that was spoken, that Saturday evening on the front porch with your grandmother.

We were sitting on the front porch of the Elders’ cabin, just me and the Elder of Water.  The others were still in the cabin, finishing their Saturday evening dinner.  We were helping our food digest by sitting peacefully, silently engaging the evening sky where the stars were coming into the night, one sparkle at a time.

I felt a slight tingle in my head; I sensed a question or statement was coming for me.  “Many of them seem to have one thing in common.  If you listen to their stories long enough each of them will say the same thing in different words.  They each are longing for, looking for…calling out for community.  They are almost aching for that group that speaks and nurtures, calms and caresses the sensations that rest in their hearts.  They search for that place where their souls can dance the one step, two step or the how many steps it can dance within a single beat of their hearts step.  They long for community…an ancient existence that is calling to be reborn anew.  A call for love, deeper and richer than was is being served up these days.”

I looked at the Elder of Water.  There was one tear on the left side of her face.  I started to ask her about the tear.  I then realized she was only reflecting the tear that was on my face.  She was speaking from not only her heart, but from my heart and from the hearts of many of my clients, students, colleagues and friends.

The Elder of Water slowly turned towards me.  She looked deeply into my soul through my eyes and said, “Young-old man, it most be spoken.  Before it can appear, it must be spoken.  It most be spoken from the core, from that place of truth.  It most be spoken.”

I sat quietly, afraid to ask the question.  See if I don’t ask the question, then I could not hear the answer.

At that very moment, the other Elders came outside to join us.  The Elder of Earth, with a voice resonating from deep within a granite mountain, said, “You are to speak it.  You are to speak it.  As others hear you speak it, they will speak it.  And as others hear that, then they will speak it.  It is not for you to speak it alone or to speak it for everyone else.  However, you are to speak it.  If it is in your heart to speak it, speak it.  You are to speak it seventy times seven.” 

For a brief moment, I longed for the days when we sat on the front porch on Saturday evening.  I could here the night bugs singing their songs of prophesy.  Grandfather, breaking up their song, would say, “yeah, it’s gonna be a hot one tomorrow.”  I would break into a gentle sweat in anticipation of another one of those dog days of August, hot humid and possibly an afternoon thunderstorm.

Hmm…between then and now…nothing has changed.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Do I Trust Myself Or Not?

August 3, 2009

Previously, the Elders led me too a rustic cabin deep in the woods.  The guardian of the rustic cabin met us just outside.  The Elders left me with the guardian.  He escorted me inside, into another realm, into a library filled with bookcases each filled with books.  He guided me to a room with a table, a chair and empty bookcases.  This is my space to come and to write the books that will fill these bookcases.  I just knew that today the Elders were going to meet me in the room, and help me write the first book.  What a surprise.

I went to the cabin. It was a very pleasant day, beautiful weather just the way anyone would like it.  As I walked up the stairs to the cabin, I noticed a note taped on the door.  The note read, “Meet us at the lake on the other side of the hill.”  I asked out loud, “which hill?”  I looked at the note and at the bottom it read, “the hill just beyond the back of the cabin.”  I tell you, they know me oh too well.

I left heading for the hill just beyond the back of the cabin.  Because the weather was just the way I like it, the walk was very pleasant.  You know when things are so right, you can fully embrace the moment.  I wasn’t concerned about the how far the walk or how high the climb.  Everything was so right.

I reached the other side of the hill.  At the base of the hill, the Elders were gathered on the far side of the lake.  As I approached the lake, wondering how was I going to get to the other side.  In that very moment, all four of them pointed to their left, which was my right.  There was a beaver dam only a few yards away.  Today, it served as my bridge to the other side.

The four Elders and my teacher met me with warmth and smiles.  I looked around for the rustic man from the cabin.  “He is not with us today,” said the Elder of Earth.  I sighed, and then smiled.  I was ready for this experience, whatever it was going to be.

“Young old man,” said the Elder of Air, “sometimes you have to put aside your thoughts, and be for the greatest good of the community.  This is not to neglect what you feel and think; however, it may not be the time nor place to express it.”  I understood exactly what he was saying and for which situation. 

“What if I feel its best not to participate at all?  What if I feel that if I show up, I am being out of integrity, and others will sense it?  What it I sense that I don’t have it within me to be present, caring and sincere?  What if I truly feel it is the best interest of all parties if I just stay away?  I can see no good coming from me being there.”

The Elder of Fire said, “What if you are not seeing the big picture, the whole picture?  What if there is a perspective that you haven’t considered?  What if your presence there demonstrates something for more than what you know or realize?”

I looked at each Elder and my teacher.  I sighed deeply, “What am I to do when my gut is telling me one thing and you, who I have come to trust and value your wisdom and input, are telling me something the complete opposite?”  I turned to look deep into the water, searching for some clue or inner guidance beyond my understanding and that of the Elders.  I could not see beyond my reflection, which was neither comforting nor enlightening.

I turned and walked away from the Elders and my teacher.  For the first time, I left feeling confused, dissatisfied and frustrated.  Do I trust my senses?  Do I trust the Elders?  Do I head for the rustic cabin, maybe there’s a book that will provide some insight?  I crossed the beaver dam heading back to the Elders’ cabin.  I came to the Elders’ cabin.  In that very moment, I did what I felt was the only right thing.  I dropped down on the ground and began to pray for clarity beyond myself, for courage beyond myself and for compassion beyond myself.

When I completed my prayer, I stood up.  The Elders and my teacher were standing behind me.  I smiled at them and they smiled in return.  The Elder of Water spook, “We do not say you must agree with us, nor do we feel you must take our advice just because we share it.  Remember, you have choice.  Always remember you have choice.”

I said, “I choose to send blessings and good cheer.  I choose to release the thoughts I am holding about the situation.  I choose to know that there is something greater operating here, and it will be revealed to me if it is to be.

The Elder of Earth said, “Yes we know.  We are proud.  Let’s eat dinner.”  It was a good day, with beautiful weather just as anyone would love it.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Inside The Rustic Cabin

July 27, 2009

[The July 20^th issue is entitled The Rustic Cabin; this is a continuation.  In that issue, the Elders guided me to a rustic cabin deep in the woods.  There we met a tall and lanky, bearded man wearing dusty coveralls and a brown shirt.  The Elders left me with him.  We sat outside this one- maybe two-room rustic cabin built by this rusty dusty man.  He knew I was aching to look and even go inside.  You can go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/   to see the July 20^th issue.]

He turned to look at me and said, “Are you ready to go inside?  I know you are curious…well nosy.”

We stood up and walked into the rustic cabin.  I followed the rustic man.  Just three steps through the threshold and I stopped.  I was not prepared for what I saw.  This was truly a lesson in not judging a book by its cover…

I stood just three steps on the other side of the threshold.  I knew I had stopped breathing.  I closed my gaping mouth and turned around to look outside the cabin.  I wanted to make sure we were still in the woods.  The rustic man, standing right behind me, blocked my view back to where we were.  I turned back to look again inside the rustic one- maybe two-room cabin.

Books.  Books. And more books.  Bookcases with multiple shelves filled with books; bookcases that went from the floor to the ceiling.  And many tables, each maybe seven feet by seven feet, accompanied with a chair.  The shelves, the tables and the chairs were all made of wood.  I sensed that they where made by hand, each one of them.

“Yes, I made all of them.  It took me quite a while, many years.  I still have more to build.  I make them as soon as the books are complete.  Come on in, take a look.”

I don’t know if I took a step or if he gentle pushed me forward.  I followed him into the room, this one huge room.  The walls were lined with books.   Where there were no shelves, there were windows.  The sunlight through the windows lit the room.  I stopped walking, still amazed at the books, all the books and still marveled at how big this place was considering the outside.

He said, “Yes, there is so much more on the inside.  When you are ready to see it, someone will appear to guide you.”

He signaled me to continue following him.  We walked on beyond the first room.  I noticed stairways that went up and stairways that went down.  How large is this place?  And how many books are here?  He laughed, “Don’t get too consumed with how big, or how many or any of that rubbish.  You are here for another reason.”

We turned the corner to the right, and then another right.  We entered a room through a doorway that was without a door.  There were two windows in this room, and a table and chair in the middle.  On the table, there were several note pads and pens, as well as three tall white candles in holders and a box of matches.  However, what really grabbed my attention were the bookcases; they were empty! 

I turned to the rustic man, who no longer looked like a mountain-man or a man of the forest.  What I noticed about him was the wisdom that exuded from his presence.  He spoke, “This is where you are to write the books that will fill up this bookcases.  I can get you any resources you need; however, you are to write the books.”  He pointed to one of the notepads.  On the top sheet was a list of book titles.  The first three titles were familiar:  The Tree Whisperer, Conversations with the Elders, and The Sacred Masculine.  

I did the only thing to do in moments such as these…I breathed deeply.  He laughed, “Yes, deep in your own wilderness lies a place of refuge and great wisdom.  It is there you are to write, reflect, write, read, write, contemplate…and write.”  I breathed deeply, again…and again.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

The Rustic Cabin

July 20, 2009

We walked down the dirt road away from the cabin.  They did not say where we were going, or why.  I went along for the walk.

The Elder of Air asked, “Did you have a good time?”  He smiled.  I smiled back, “Yes.  It was good being with the Battles again.”  The Elder of Fire smiled too.  Yesterday, I attended my family reunion, on my mother’s side of the family…the Battles.  A friend asked me about the meaning or significance of my family names, Battle and Farmer.  I said that I did not know what they were talking about.

We continued walking.  The area was unfamiliar.  The Elder of Fire said, “No, you have not been here.”  I just know they can read my mind, my every thought.  If I did not know and trust them, it would be alarming.

Have we walked one mile or three?  Have we walked one hour or three?   I don’t know.  It felt like our walk was through time and space; therefore, how long and how far did not matter.  We continued walking.

Just up ahead, I noticed smoke rising above the trees.   The trees and bushes were so thick and dense I couldn’t tell where the smoke was coming from.  We walked to the right around a bend and then over a hill.  There, just around the next bend, I could see a house, a shack…a structure.

We approached this cabin.  It was very rustic and quite small, maybe two rooms or maybe just one room.  Although it was wood seemed weathered, the cabin was solid and sturdy.  The smoke rose from the chimney in the back.  The front door, probably the only door, was open.  I couldn’t see inside from where I was.  We stopped as if waiting for someone.

This older man, well older than me, emerged from the cabin.  He was tall and lanky, bearded.  He wore blue denim coveralls, dusty, and a long sleeved brown shirt rolled up past his elbows.  He had dark brown work boots; they were worn and covered in reddish-brown dirt.  Then I noticed his hands…large, larger that one would expect given his body size.  I realized his hands were very muscular.  This man did a lot of work with his hands.  I imagined he built this cabin and everything inside of it.

He looked me in the eyes, smiled and said, “Yes, I did.”  Oh no, another one who can read my thoughts.  Everyone laughed.   The Elder of Fire and the Elder of Water sat on the bench just outside the door.  The rest of us stood around, forming a circle.

I waited for someone to speak of this rustic man and why we were here…why was I here.  The moment after that thought, I realized he is to teach me, show me or bring forth something within me.  I inhaled deeply and exhaled.  They all laughed again. 

The Elder of Fire and the Elder of Water stood up.  Along with the Elder of Earth and the Elder of Air, they waved goodbye, turned and walked away from the rustic cabin, the rustic man, and away from me.  I sat down on the bench.  The rustic man sat beside me.  We sat in silence.

He turned to look at me and said, “are you ready to go inside?  I know you are curious…well nosy.”

We stood up and walked into the rustic cabin, me following the rustic man.  Just three steps through the threshold, I stopped.  I was not prepared for what I saw.  This was truly a lesson in not judging a book by its cover…

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Appreciating the Moment

July 13, 2009

I stood on the shore by the ocean, feet in the sand, looking out to sea.  The sun was taking its nightly plunge into the waters, only to rise again the next day.  The gentle breeze.  The waves coming to shore.  And I. 

Most of the time when I visit the Elders, it is at their cabin or nearby in the mountains.  Today, I am on the shore by the ocean.  They, the four Elders and my teacher, are visiting with me.  They are standing a ways back, on the grass.

I looked out to sea.  The vastness.  The beauty.  How it all goes on forever.  The connections between the water, air, land and the sun.  Then, I thought, “In life there are infinite possibilities.”  I heard the words of one of my teachers, “to recognize it outside of you, is to acknowledge it inside of you.”  I smiled. 

I sat down on the sand.  I realized that Elders were seated just behind me.  The Elder of Water said, “If you don’t like this wave, don’t worry another one is just behind it.  They keep coming.  No two are exactly alike, yet they all are waves, all are water and all are part of the ocean.”  I watched the waves one after another, infinite possibilities.

The sandy shore consisted of many, many grains of sand.  No two are exactly alike, yet they all are grains of sand, and all are part of the earth.  I looked at the sand, not trying to see each grain of sand.  If I had to pick one, which one would I choose…infinite possibilities.

“In life,” said the Elder of Air, “there are infinite possibilities with any situation.  They will present themselves to you, if you are open to receive them.  Many only want the answer or quick solution; thus closing themselves to the infinite possibilities.  Be open to the infinite possibilities.  Whatever you are dealing with in life or however life is dealing with you…there are an infinite number of possibilities of what to do, how to do, when to do, where to do, etc., etc., etc.”

I heard myself say, “and with all the possibilities, I am to choose and to be.”

I listened.  However, I also realized that I was being in the moment with the water, the sun setting into the ocean, the waves gently crashing the shore, the air blowing across my face and legs, the warm sand I was sitting on, the company seated just behind me, and the wisdoms just spoken.  I smiled, because my heart was smiling.  I heard my teacher say, “It is called appreciating the moment.”  In that very moment, it seemed as if we each breathed in deeply and exhaled at the same time.  Yes, appreciating the moment.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Trust Who You Are

July 6, 2009

Had to be two feet of snow on the ground.  I am glad someone cleared the walkway and stairs.  I walked into the cabin of the Elders.  The cabin was warm…warm from the logs burning fireplace and the cook burning in the kitchen. 

I walked towards the kitchen where the Elder of Fire was.  The others were not present.  I stood just beyond.  The Elder of Fire looked at me and smiled, “I guess you are learning that lesson.  Can’t have two head chefs in the kitchen.”  We both laughed.  “You can come in, it is okay.”

She opened the oven.  She was cooking a ham.  I also noticed candied yams and homemade rolls.  I walked over to the table and looked out the window, as if looking for an answer.  She followed me and handed me a piece of apple pie.  “Yes, I know it’s your favorite.  Well, food is your favorite.”  They know me so well.

She said, “You can no longer say you don’t know.  You can no longer say you are afraid.  And you can no longer say you don’t know how.”  I responded, “Can’t say any of that in truth.”  She then touched my heart with open hand.  “Your heart does know, and your heart is in it.”  I smiled, “Yes.”  I took a bit of the apple pie.  Perfection, and delicious.

I asked, “so how are you at trying a new recipe, something you haven’t cooked before.” 

The Elder of Fire looked at me at said,  “I know I can cook.  I am a cook.  I trust my ability to cook.  So I am not concerned about the outcome.  I can cook.”  She looked at me, “You can teach.  You know you can teach.  You can do other things; however, you can teach.  So with that, you are to teach, no matter what.  And you don’t have to worry about the outcome.  You are going to create the atmosphere that is best for you as the teacher and best for those as the students.  Remember, you can teach…you teach.  I cook, you teach.”

She got up from the table and went to check the food.  The other Elders came from the back rooms, right on cue.  The Elder of Earth looked at me and then down at the table.  There were only a few crumbs of the pie slice I had.  He looked up at me, “I hope you left some for the rest of us.  How about those Jets this year?”

The Elder of Air spoke, “He likes the Redskins remember.”  He was being not quite funny.  I replied, “It’s going to be a good year for football…can’t wait.”

The Elder of Fire from her kitchen, “I know you are staying for dinner.  Can you set the table for five?”  They know me so well.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

The Inner Secrets

June 29, 2009

“Go to the book and read the third full sentence on page 16.”  This was the guidance I received early this morning.  I knew exactly which book, Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson.  It is a reference book for the medicine card divination system, which is a method of receive guidance from Spirit.  Page 16 of the book begins the section, The Healing Powers of Animal Medicines.  The third full sentence reads, “The elders were wise, not simple because they had led a long life, but because they knew the inner secrets.”  As I read this sentence, I could head laughter from far-away places, one place in particular.

Entering the cabin of the Elders, I sensed joy, a festive feeling, fun and laughter.  They were sitting around the table, just the Elders today.  “Come join the wise old Elders,” said the Elder of Fire. 

“See it is written in one of your books, therefore it must be true.  We are wise, not because we lived a long, long, long time…but because we know the inner secrets.  Now, you must believe us, when we speak.”

I looked at the Elder of Earth, “I always believe you.  I didn’t need a book to tell me that you know of the inner secrets.  I just forget that the inner secrets include how to know what I am thinking and feeling at any given moment.”

The Elder of Water said, “He knows so much and yet he has much to learn.  But there is hope, he comes to be with us.”  They all laughed.  I tell you, I seem to bring them much laughter.  And yet, I refuse to know what its like when they are watching me from a distance.  Oops, I guess they are aware of that thought, as well.  Sneaky.

“Young-old man,” the Elder of Fire spoke, “there is a universal language that we all speak.  It is a language that transcends the many tongues of man.  It is a language that transcends those spoken by others that most men have forgotten they can hear.  It is a language that transcends the perceived boundaries between other worlds.  It is a language that we all have the capacity to know.  The inner secrets are spoken with this language…

“Be still and know.  Powerful words that most people take lightly, way too lightly.  Powerful words that most people misunderstand.  Four words that speak volumes beyond the books written about it.  Be still and know.”

Everyone sat quietly.  Breathing silently.  Not fully in the “be still,” yet reflecting on the words just spoken.  I know I was deep in contemplation…and will be for a moment and several days.

The Elder of Air said, “nice day for a picnic.”

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

2012 is Three Years Away

June 22, 2009

We sat around the sacred fire, each in a specific seat.  The Elder of Air sat in the East, the Elder of Fire in the South, the Elder of Water in the West, and the Elder of Earth in the North.  The Teacher sat between the Elder of Earth and Elder of Air, Northeast.  I was between the Elder of Fire and Elder of Water, Southwest.  We sat in circle, in community.

“2012,” the Elder of Air said.  I answered, “yes, 2012.  There is much conversation and information about the year 2012, the end of the world as by the Mayan calendar.  So much information, so much interpretation, so much analysis of the interpretation, so much discussion of the analysis of the interpretation of the information.  If seems to consume so much time of so many.  People are excited or concerned…or some place in between.”

The Elder of Fire asked, “Why do people want to know about 2012?  Are they curious, are they wanting to prepare for themselves and others and mankind, are they trying to predict so they can contend or control…do they want to make money?”

The Elders all laughed.  I said, “the ones who want to know about 2012, do so for many reasons.  Those who are interested or concerned have their reasons.  Some people are indifferent about it…it is three years away.”

The Elder of Air spoke, “so much talk about 2012, what about June 30, 2009, what about tomorrow at 1:00pm, what about 2 hours from now…what are they thinking and doing and being in this very moment.   Three years in the future…and what is your awareness of yourself now.”

“The other concern is there is so much preparation based on the anticipation of one’s understanding of a possible occurrence…and you miss out on the experience for what it really is…a blessing,” said the Elder of Earth.

The Elders and the Teacher looked at me.  I swallowed, smirked and said, “2012…I will be 52 years old, probably with a few more gray hairs, a few more stories to share.  And from time to time I will be sitting right here with you in circle, in community…discussing whatever is ready for discussion for the moment.”

The Elder of Water looked at the Teacher, “you taught him well.”  We all laughed.  The Elder of Fire stood and said, “Who has the cups.  It’s time to toast 2012 with something hot.  And more importantly, what’s for dinner?”

This is how I know they are my people, my Elders…conversation, drink and food…the love that joins this circle, this community.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Singing A New Song

June 15, 2009

You know how you hear a song or you think about a song or someone near you starts singing a song, and it stays in your head.  All day long you find yourself singing that song.  Well, I have one of those songs flying around in my head.  It goes in one ear and out the other, only to return.  The song, well its Ms. Anita Baker singing, “are you happy now with your life, well for me…” And what is interesting is I will hear the whole song (No One in the World) or bits and pieces, “well for me, I’m breaking inside, so self-assured I could not see…no one in the world loves me like you do…I am not happy in my life without you…” However, the words “are you happy now with your life” play over and over and over and over and over.

I decided to take this too the Elders.  I know they were not going to give any answers; I really didn’t have a particular question.  Sometimes you want to share a concern or life situation with someone who you trust and respect, with someone who is not going to judge you or belittle you, and with someone(s) who will support you as you process yourself.  “Are you happy now with your life…”

The sun had set just below the horizon, not quite dark enough to see the stars.  The Elders where sitting on the front porch of the cabin, each in their own chair.  The Elder of Earth had his pipe, filled with tobacco grown on the land behind the cabin.  They all were humming.

I sat on the top step, looking out over the land.  I don’t know if the humming got louder or I was more attuned to it.  Then, a small bell went off in my head, loudly.  They were humming the song, “No One in the World” specifically the lyrics “are you happy now with your life.”  I smiled.

The Elder of Water spoke, “so young-old man, are you happy with your life?”  I sat, thinking about the question, listening to the song, and waiting for the answer to come from deep inside.  I shared, “I never saw my life as it is, never saw this coming.  Couldn’t imagine this even if I tried.  Right now, I would love for some things to be different.  I would welcome a shift here, and change there…maybe a car, a faster computer, a space to do what all that I do…I little less of that, a little more of this.”

The Elder of Fire asked, “Are you happy now with your life?  Are you happy, content, pleased, good, sated…are you happy?”

I sat, listening to the silence within.  There it was, a voice deep inside spoke, a voice low in volume yet high in intensity.  “Yes.  We have direction, we have purpose, we are fulfilled, we are connected.  There is something spiritual about everything, something sacred about every aspect of life.  It is good.  It is good.  It is good.”

I then said to the Elders, “Yes, I am happy with my life, with all of it.  All the ups and not so ups.  All of it.  It is good.”

The Elder of Air said, “Then we should sing the new song.  It goes something like this, ‘I am happy now with my life.’  Same tune, different words.  Doesn’t mean you cannot want for or desire different.  It means that in this moment, in this now, you are happy with your life, happy with life.”

I began to sing, “I am happy now with my life!”  I admit it would sound different if I could carry a tune, yet it feels good just that same.  “I am happy now with my life…” Maybe we could call Ms. Anita Baker and ask if she would sing the new song for us!
  

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

First Light

June 8, 2009

On this day, no one was in the Elders’ Cabin other than the teacher.  I asked, “Where are the Elders?”  He replied, “they are waiting for us by the cave.”

We left the cabin heading due east, towards the cave.  I trusted him to know where we were going, and to know which way was due east.  It was early evening, thus the sky due east was darker than the sky due west.  The further we walked, the denser the woods became and the darker it got.  I felt, being of wolf spirit, he know the way.

I thought to myself, “if any kids were with us, this would be the time they would ask if we were there yet.”  He chuckled and said, “No we are not there yet, we have just a little ways to go.”  How did he know…

We finally reached the cave.  It was dark.  The Elders were sitting around a fire.  I sensed sacred space and sacred time, so idle chitchat and “how are you doing” will come later.  I took my seat between the Elder of Water and the Elder of Fire.  My teacher sat down as well.

The Elder of Earth spoke, “The story goes that the young boy was sent into the woods, the wilderness by his elders.  They knew, but could just tell him.  He had to know it own his own.  He walked into the woods with the instruction of returning not before the second moon.  He was to walk due east.  His journey was to discover first light.  He figured he would know first light when he saw it.  He also knew not to ask the Elders for any more information than what was provided.

“He walked into the wilderness, into the darkness, into the night.  He walked.  He refused to get scared or be distracted.  He knew he had to discover first light.  He walked.

“The nights became days, but he knew that day light was not the first light.  He walked at times with moonlight and starlight, but he knew neither was first light.  After walking for many days and many nights, many nights and many days, the young boy was tired.  He was weary.  He was troubled.  He was afraid.  He spoke, ‘I will never find first light.’  He was heavy with despair.  It was the darkest night of his journey.

“At that moment, he looked out and saw a small flicker way in the distance.  He walked towards the flicker.  With each step his excitement grew.  He finally reached the campsite of an elder man.  Looking at the campfire, something inside of him was ignited.  He smiled for the first time in quite a while.  He thought the fire represented the ancient fire.  Excited and confident, he spoke, ‘First light.’  The elder man looked into the eyes of the young boy and said, ‘Yes you have journeyed long in the dark and came upon this fire, yet it is not first light.’  Despair returned.

“The elder man said, ‘come with me.’  He guided the young boy on a journey deep within, deep into the darkest of dark.  At the center of the dark, the young boy stood.  In that moment he noticed a small flame.  The more he stared the more intense and brighter the flame became.  It was brighter than anything he had ever seen.  He knew, in that moment, that the flame contained the essence of life, all life…it was first light.  One tear rolled down his face.  He knew he had discovered, rediscovered, reconnected to first light.

He left the elder man, thanking him first, and returned to his people.  When he arrived, they knew from his inner glow that he knew…he knew first light.  It was not for them to just tell him.  He had to go on the journey into the darkest of dark.  He had to know for himself.  Now he knows first light.”

The Elder of Earth finished the story, looked at me and smiled that knowing smile.  The Elder of Air looked at me and pointed, “Due east is that way.”  We all laughed.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

Courage to Go Beyond

June 1, 2009

The sky was a summer blue, expanding beyond my eyes could see.  The trees were standing tall, and the leaves extended fully, opened, letting you know they were receiving optimal water and light.  There was a sensation radiating from the Elders’ Cabin today, a feeling that I had no words to describe it.

I walked into the cabin.  They were seated around the table, the four Elders and my Spirit Teacher.   There were six tall glasses on the table, each filled with what I assumed as lemonade.  I sat down, asking for the Book of Answers.

The Book of Answers is this big, ancient looking book, filled with empty pages.  The person is guided to open the book to a random page, and ask a question.  The answer magically appears on the page.  There are no set or established answers.  The answers depend on the question, the person asking, the circumstances of the situation and most importantly whatever Spirit wants to share at that moment.

Yesterday, I received a message, and I wanted clarity.  I knew the Elders were not going to provide the answers directly.  However, being in their presence was key to receiving the desired understanding.  I opened the book to a random page, and spoke my question loudly within myself.  I wanted clarity on the message:  courage, flexible mind.

What appeared on the page was something familiar; a picture of me standing with my arms extended outward.  However, there was something different about this particular picture.  I stared at it a few more moments.  I heard, in a quiet voice, “It is going to take all of your courage to extend your wings far beyond your understanding.  You see far, and you hear far.  Now, it is time for you to go beyond that, beyond the possibilities you are aware of, far beyond your expanding vision…far beyond.  And, it’s going to take courage far beyond where you are now; yet, it is within you.”

Sometimes things are reveal to you, such that you have no words, no questions, you thoughts, no reaction, no response, no comeback.  It is in those moments that you are to breathe.  This was one of those moments.  I inhaled and exhaled, deeply.

I raised my head, as I closed the Book of Answers.  I looked around the table at the Elders and my Teacher.  I took a drink from the tall glass.  Yes, it was lemonade, freshly made with the pulp.  Refreshing.  Looking out the window, I saw a goldfinch landing on the bush just beyond the deck.  There was something more about this particular goldfinch.  Seeing through expanded vision, I saw her yellow feathers turn golden.

I said to myself, “This is some good lemonade”

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org

From the Garden of the Roses

May 25, 2009

We sat on the front porch of the cabin, the Elder of Water, the Elder of Air and myself.  They were listening to me talk about my recent visit at the monastery.  “Now, I am a fall man.  I love Mother Nature as she dresses up in her autumn gold, red, burgundy and orange.  It feeds my spirit. 

“However, I admire Mother Nature as she bursts out in color in spring.  At the monastery, when spring comes, she shows us her color through the tulips.  The bursts of gold, orange, yellow, purple and red…vibrant, awe inspiring.   This year they seemed bigger and bolder than in previous years.

“Then you go back in a few weeks and the walk of tulips has transformed into the garden of roses.   You walk in and the red roses are singing their particular note.  The yellow roses sing a different note.  The burgundy sang with a heavier tone.  And there are the red roses with white on the petals, and pink roses, and the orangey-pinkish roses.  There are roses on bushes and roses on vines.  Everyone is singing his or her own distinctive note.   When you take a step back and see them all the together, you hear a symphony.  Everyone playing and singing together.  I call it the song of the roses in spring.   You can hear it in your heart.  In that moment, you forget all about whatever you thought important; you loose yourself in the song of the roses.

“The song takes you places, places filled with beauty, joy, peace and smiles.  The song may make take to places of times gone by.”

At that moment, the Elder of Fire and the Elder of Earth came on the porch.  The Elder of Water said to the others, “He is sharing with us his visit to the monastery.  The Elder of Earth looked at me and said, “brings back fond memories doesn’t it, like déjà vu.”

I looked in his eyes.  I understood what he meant.  In a vision, I saw myself in a monastery that had a beautiful garden.  In the vision, I was truly enjoying being in that garden, the colors, the aliveness, the beauty, the breaths filled with soul.  Interesting that my recent experience of being in the garden of the roses triggered feelings from an older experience, taking me back to that time and place.

The Elder of Water shared, “It is okay to reminisce about those older experiences in life, and be in the essence of that moment.  Remember, though, it is not for you to live back there.  Feel and experience the essence of that moment and bring it forward to the now.  Many people want to live in the past, in that joy and love, or safety of that moment.  What you can do is reflect on the essence of those experiences and bring it forward.  The beauty of that moment, the joy of that moment or the ecstasy of that moment comes forward…rather than staying in that moment.   What you create is a whole new moment of beauty, joy and ecstasy.  Bring the essence forward.”

All I could think and say…“Wow.”

The Elder of Fire said, “you glow…you light up when you speak of your visit in the garden of roses.  Continue.  This feeds our spirits.”

I continued, “…and the many shades of green, the green of the grass distinct from the green of the rose bush leaves distinct from the green of the shrubbery distinct from the green of the ivy distinct from the green of the leaves of trees standing guard of the garden …and the lighter green of new growth…and the variety of birds and songs…”

We sat on the front porch of the Cabin of the Elders, listening to me talk about spring and the aliveness and the colors and the songs at the Garden of the Roses.  We were experiencing gratitude, joy, beauty and fellowship in that moment, in this now moment.

Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly “e-newsletter" that shares my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them.  We meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains.  They share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and love.  I listen, learn and share.

Please feel free to forward to others!  If you receive this from a friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/

"...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them."

 Herman “TJ” Laffoon

Reverend Anthony Farmer

Visions of the Heart

www.visionsoftheheart.org