My hometown Bansong, An indepth information Part I May 18, 2009

Bansong, one of the oldest villages in Thailand, is a territory of Weangsra town in Surat Thani province. There have been many historical artifacts found in Bansong such as prehistoric stone tools and Buddha Statues from many different eras which have confirmed that this village was originally home to many important ancient communities of the South and was thriving since the 7th century BC.

Weangsra Temple

The ancient Weangsra town used to be located at the historic site of Weangsra Temple, which still stands today. The people in this town were very skillful and they protected themselves from enemies by building walls and digging canals all around their village.

An ruins ancient tower

An old swimming pool

A red sandstone Buddha Statue

The ruins of Weangsra Temple include the ancient tower, the old swimming pool (for which the temple and the town were named), and the dilapidated remains of a red sandstone Buddha Statue.

Path to an ancient Weangsra temple

Weangsra is truly one of the hidden treasures of Thailand. There has been little or no advertising or promotion of this area since the people who live there believe ancient and sacred places should not be disturbed. This has allowed the Weangsra Temple to be preserved in it’s natural state for centuries. Although the ruins and the temple may not be as gigantic as others; this does not diminish the fact that when you are in the space, you can sense the collective energy from ancient times that has been gathered for generations, leaving many with a sense of awe.

Travelling to Bansong is very simple; you just hop on a bus or train from Bangkok, then hop off at Bansong’s station.

Map to Bansong

A sign to Bansong

If you decide to drive, from the mainland route # 41 on the highway between Surat Thani province – Nakhon Si Thammarat province, you will see a sign that directs you to Bansong (Sub-path 4009). Also, since lot of transportation is easily available, Bansong can easily be added to your travel plans if you’re already visiting any of the following:
Surat Thani, Phuket, Krab, and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Hopefully, you will keep this in mind the next time you visit.

Center of Bansong

An old area near train station

Coffee parties

Upon hearing the name “Bansong”, many people will immediately question the origins of it’s name since they associate the word with something negative. Many years ago, communists had established their division in the area in hopes of expanding their dominion. Often times, the people who lived in the area would get caught in the middle of fighting between Thai soldiers and the communists, and many people got hurt and many died. They lived their lives in great fear at that time.

The word “song” means “division” (referring to the groups of communist invaders) and the word “ban” means “home”, so put these two together it means “the home of invaders.” Over time, the local people came to regularly use the name “Bansong” for this area because it was a part of their lives for a very long time and they never forget.

Mining

Busy Market

Agriculture

With the war now long over, Bansong has emerged as a charming small town with strong economic interests in several areas, such as mining, agriculture, trade and several other attractive things that I’ll be excited to share with you later in this post.

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Translated from http://bansong.blogspot.com/ (my younger brother)

My lesson with Arthur on Jan 23′09 February 4, 2009

In my lesson with Arthur on Jan 23’ 09, my mind/body/spirit awareness was completely connected and joy splashed into every single cell of my body. I was able to maintain the connection toward the end of our lesson and it was a wonderful blessing. Now I can understand better why Arthur always tells me “This is the place that I ultimately want you to live.” Its joy is beyond what I can imagine.

In the moment, even though I felt happiness within, I was in shock at the same time. The connection came by surprise and came very smoothly which later became a challenge. Right after I hung up, fear slowly crawled in and took over my joy. I felt nervousness and an insecure energy right at the base of the spine (first chakra). Its power remained intense for many hours. Then next 5-6 days after the incident, I battled with this negative energy while I did my regular vocal awareness practice.

Inside my head, I heard a voice say “How dare you think you can become enlightened about vocal awareness so easily!” God!!

The power behind this sentence pushed my daily practice out of wack. I couldn’t tune in to any rituals. My breath was short and I couldn’t infuse the quality of loving energy into it. My practice became rushed and ruff which left me each day with a feeling of unhappiness and confusion. I was very frustrated, but I forced myself stick to my practice and I tried not to take anything personally. Arthur has said that I have to be exceedingly forgiving to myself if I can’t give the same quality to my practice each day.

The situation became easier to deal with after I went back and listened to a record of my lesson. Hearing Arthur’s voice on the tape and applying everything I learned on this particular day has been very helpful in terms of decreasing the strength of this negative energy.

My practice has returned to normal and I have observed that every time I speak by connecting to the root chakra, my voice becomes richer, fuller and feels much lower. The lower tone in my voice makes sometime me feel like I am the only one that can hear it. It’s hard to project the energy outward compare with my usual way of speaking.

Where Sweatshops Are a Dream January 15, 2009

Op-Ed Columnist

By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF

Published: January 15, 2009

What the world’s most impoverished people need isn’t fewer sweatshops, but more of them.

Elephant-Dog Friendship January 15, 2009

If they can do it, why can’t we!

New Year’s Message 2009 from my beloved teacher- Arthur Samuel Joseph January 11, 2009

I received New Year’s message from my beloved teacher, Arthur Samuel Joseph yesterday. His message is so beautiful and so powerful that it already empowers me to keep walking forward toward my dream. I believe that it will assist some of you, and it is with great joy that I share it with you.

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The other day I was thinking about crafting a message for the New Year, and what I might say. First I had to consider its purpose. Was it merely to be part of a new tradition based on the warm response to last year’s message? No, of course not. If I were to do another the reason would have to be more compelling than that. So, I thought quite long and hard, and following this period of rich reflection, the answer emerged – the reason would be that I am a teacher. And as I begin my 45^th year of teaching, I recognize that one of the reasons I have always found teaching so rewarding is the opportunity to make a difference in another person’s life.

Fortunately, somewhere quite early in my journey, I realized that if there was even the slightest chance for such a presumptuous possibility manifesting- to truly have the honor of becoming the teacher I envisioned- one that created opportunity for transformative, depthful and authentic learning and the requisite changes commensurate with this level of learning to take place – I would first have to develop the skills – technical/philosophical/intellectual/spiritual, within myself to be even marginally qualified for such a noble undertaking. I recognized that for me to teach I would first have to be willing to learn. To learn how to: communicate/listen/see/ know/risk/ trust/act/ be patient/reveal/claim/accept – but not settle/discover the questions you want to ask and the unceasing passion to need the answers/let go/persevere/surrender/comfort/nurture/stand for something/how to work/how to play/be with my Self/how to be with others how to – just be!

I also realized I would have to learn how to dream and to turn the dream into a vision to be fulfilled. For that to happen, I had to learn to be a “pragmatic visionary” – a man who didn’t merely dream, but strived to make the dream come true – to show others how to fulfill their dreams – to make them “real.” To help others take their journey as empoweringly as possible – I first had to try and do this for my Self.

With the recognition of what was/is required – I began.

One of my favorite books- for myriad reasons – is Cervantes’ Don Quixote. One of my favorite musicals is the “Man of La Mancha”, loosely based both on Miguel de Cervantes extraordinary life/ journey, as well as on his profound novel. One of my favorite songs to sing is from “Man of La Mancha”- “The Impossible Dream,” by Joe Darion and Mitch Leigh.

Earlier this week, when I was in solitude- in conversation with my Deeper Self, I thought about this song. I have literally sung it hundreds of times, but until this week, I never quite recognized there really are no “Impossible Dreams.” For, if we can imagine it, dream it, envision it, we can make it come true.

So, my wish as we embark upon our journey this January 2009, is that we all “Dream the Possible Dream!” Dream and know that it is possible to: have world peace, economic stability, eradicate all disease, rid our planet of poverty, be happy, be wealthy – in all ways and always, be a best friend, have a best friend, be healthy, be happy, sing, dance, finger paint, cook really well, care for others and to be cared for as well, to give – boundlessly and to receive abundantly as well, serve God and your Deeper Self in synchronistic bliss each and every day!

As I begin my 45^th year of teaching and learning and my 63^rd year this January 23^rd, I lovingly offer my New Year’s message to listen deeply, hear keenly and believe – unflinchingly, unequivocably in the possibility of our dream/s coming true, and to do all in your power to make this happen.

How you take the journey and who you are matters. Act accordingly.

Sincerely – in faith and gratitude,

ARTHUR SAMUEL JOSEPH

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Unforgettable trip to Omega for a vocal awareness workshop September 3, 2008

I still can’t thank God enough for giving me the best gift yet, one I have been waiting patiently for. I will remember his particular life experience for as long as I’m alive, since it occupies a very special place in my heart.

I am home now, sitting in the living room, looking at the scenery outside, and having slow, silent loving breath. I am enjoying every breath. I am relishing this moment since it allows me to taste the sweetness of the memory that still shines bright within.

Before embarking on my trip, I had familiarized myself with the concepts taught by Arthur Joseph in the vocal awareness workshop at the Omega Institute. Despite my preliminary studies of Arthur’s work, the real experience was way beyond my expectations. Reading his book, listening to his CD or watching his DVD are all exercises that pale in comparison to sitting by his side at this workshop, experiencing his nourishing, calm, safe, sweet and powerful energy firsthand.

On the first day, class started with one important question from Arthur: “Why are we here?” I found my courage and shared tearfully that I want to heal my internal wound that I feel prevents me from being myself during conversation with others. Earlier in my life I was scarred by abusive judgments made by my ex-husband regarding my ability to speak English. He told me with great displeasure that his employees in China were doing much better at speaking English than I. I thought to myself, “my hard work isn’t worth anything really!” Throughout my life, I have my best daily effort at working to be a better person, but in the eyes of the person whom I trusted and loved the most, I was a failure.

That past judgment opened a very painful wound that has not since healed. Consequently, I have extremely low confidence when I am having a conversation with other human beings. While speaking, I become overly concerned about constructing the perfect sentence that will convey my thoughts clearly. I constantly think about verb tense, how to move my tongue properly, and how to put subject, object and verb together correctly. Since so much of my energy goes into that intense anxiety, the words never come out the way I want them to. The problem gets worse when somebody asks me to repeat what I just said. I know immediately that my English was not clear or correct; this quickly triggers my pain response and results in a debilitating mental retreat. I know that I don’t want to continue living everyday like this, I have to do something. I want to be myself, I want to be free, and finally the day has come.

After the first class, Arthur had a one-on-one conversation with me. He wanted to be sure that I felt safe with him, and indeed I did. His energy was so comfortable, welcoming and powerful; I could not help but feel the safety of home. Later I learned it was not just I who felt that way, but that everyone else in the class felt the same. Every one of us was touched by his unbelievably beautiful and wholesome energy. I was amazed to observe my classmates as they opened themselves up to Arthur one by one. Everyone of us shed our fears and worries. We were free to be our natural selves, which made this class as a heaven on earth.

Arthur has an amazing gift. He feels the emotional distress that comes from the voice that we create, and it does not depend on the words that we say. From what I observed at the workshop, Arthur works directly with the subconscious mind. First he helped us to let go of the negativity that we hold on to. Then he helped us to reclaim that wasted energy and enjoy the power of being ourselves. On top of that, Arthur has an enormous store of his own balanced energy which he can use to dislodge barriers to efficient being in others.

His enlightening lessons about how the voice can be used to guide our mind, body and spirit to work together are amazing. We all became speechless when we realized the implications of his teachings; it took many conscious breaths before we could put all the pieces together. Even now, it baffles my mind to realize that what I first believed to be comical exercises (pull out our tongue, put two figures underneath our tongue, make humorous voices) are actually very powerful tools to release our emotions and focus our energy outward. The more we make noise, the simpler it seems to connect to our inner self. And when that happens, it is glorious.

I felt free, happy, and joyous during every moment spent with Arthur and the others in the class. We all blossomed in that class, transforming our tensions and fears into strong but tender and sweet energy which was felt and shared by all. When I took the experience in with my sweet silent loving breath, I could not resist letting the happy tears flow. Soon thereafter, I had a sweet smile fixed on my face.

It wasn’t easy for any of us when it came time to say goodbye. I had to take many silent loving breathes and consciously remind myself to surrender to the reality that it could not last forever. I allowed myself a long, drawn out moment in order to capture the full significance of this beautiful memory and to save it deep within. Now, whenever I need it again, all I have to do is practice my slow, silent loving breath and let it envelop my entire body.

Thanks to Arthur….and I miss you, my beautiful classmates…

Feeling Guilty about Being Happy May 16, 2008

Are you that person who feels like you don’t deserve to be happy?

Guilt about feeling happy can arise for different reasons. Deep down you may believe that you don’t deserve to be happy because you hurt someone in the past, had more than others growing up, or maybe you received a mean comment from someone you admired. Perhaps it once seemed that painful experiences always followed happy ones; now whenever you begin to feel happy, you find yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop. Happiness may even just feel uncomfortable because you’ve gotten so used to feeling down. The truth is that when you feel too guilty to let yourself enjoy positive emotions, you are denying a part of yourself that has a right to exist.

By limiting your life experience to just the negative feelings, you are cutting yourself off from the fullness of life which the positive emotions are included.

Fortunately, you can begin to shift the way you respond to happiness right now. From now on, when happiness begins to blossom in your heart, close your eyes and have deep conscious breaths, allow your heart to open up and accept the feeling. After a couple of deep long breaths, now feel how the feeling of the happiness affects your heart, and affects your whole body. Feel the sweetness and the calmness of this subtle happiness. And again remember back to your conscious loving breaths!!!

It isn’t about you deserve or don’t deserve the happiness. It’s about allowing your wholeness and your connections with life to be a part of the oneness. The next time happiness appears for you, try not to feel guilty about it. Instead, welcome your happiness in like a long-awaited friend.

We are honored to our clients’ compliments November 29, 2007

“Greetings, I just received your Nataraja in double thread Turquoise Necklace and I am very pleased with your item. Quick delivery and well packaged. I put the necklace on and went to the store and found a person who\’s car won\’t start. I asked if I could give it a try and loo and behold the engine started right up! Coincidence??? Maybe. However nothing in our creation happens by chance. I hope to do business again with you….Thanks so much… Namaste” ~ DONALD ZELAZNY~ ROCHESTER, NY

Before, During and After Phoenix Fashion Week Event November 20, 2007

Oops!! It’s almost Thanksgiving already. I could not focus on the latest newsletter since the last couple of months have been so busy. I volunteered to be one of the select few planners for Phoenix Fashion Week this year, which was a tremendous amount of work and responsibility. Despite the time and effort involved, I am happy that I participated to help the local community, spread knowledge about Attapinya and meet many new people… it was worth it!

I gave so much attention to make sure that my responsibilities were carried out to the best of my ability and to work in a cooperate spirit so that the event could be smooth as possible. In addition to volunteering, Attapinya unveiled two new pieces on the runway and participated in the trunk show. I spent my energy to the last drop. It was a glorious ride that ended with my total exhaustion. One of the new pieces seen at the Phoenix Fashion Week is a stirring bracelet called Hope in Africa. The second showpiece, the Global Warming Bangle, is a gorgeous work of conscientious art.

Hope in Africa Bracelet was created to support the Partners in Malawi non-profit organization www.partnersinmalawi.org. Attapinya donated the first Hope in Africa piece to the PFW for the fund-raising auction, with 100% of the proceeds going to Partners in Malawi. Now, Attapinya is making this beautiful bracelet available to everyone. For each piece sold, 25% of the proceeds will go directly to Partners in Malawi. This is beautiful and well done design, perfectly suited to sponsor such a wonderful organization. I talked to Dr. Janson, the founder, and told him that I would love to volunteer to work at his clinic in Malawi, Africa. He joked that, as long as I do not mind paying for the $2,500 for the plane ticket, I am more than welcome along with anyone else who can do it. He is a very down to earth, well-meaning person. Already, he has inspired me to keep going with Attapinya and all the beautiful things I believe in strongly.

Global Warming Bangle is just a hit. We are already proud of this wonderfully original design, but knowing its potential to serve as a reminder for sustainable, responsible living makes us ecstatic!

The PFW was a four day event. Attapinya participated in the trunk show on Tuesday night, November 6. On the night of Thursday, November 8, we were featured in the runway show along with Sir Alister Rai. Sir Alister Rai www.siralistairrai.com features a beautiful line of clothes that carry a spiritual motif. I highly recommend that you look at their products for yourself. Kiran, the president of Sir Alister Rai, is a beautiful and amazing woman, I am thrilled that I got to partner up with her.

There were two reasons for Attapinya to get involved in the fashion event.

   First, we sought to inform people in the Phoenix valley about fair trade business and why it is so meaningful. It is too unusual to meet somebody in the area that understands the depth behind the act of purchasing. With a simple, informative wake up call, we hope that people will look further than price to discover that a well-informed purchase can make a positive impact on laborers and the environment compared to an irresponsible purchase.

   Secondly, we set out to ask people to live and act in consideration of the consequences of global warming and an exploding world population. Great change is afoot and it is our present lifestyle that will determine the lifestyle for so many down the road. Modern industrial life has blessed us with incredible convenience, but not without a cost. It is time for a pause in productivity, time to account for the side-effects and to ask ourselves, “how long can this last?” We believe that investing money and effort for cleaner living now is monumentally wiser than reacting to a predictable calamity.

Considering all the work that Attapinya did in preparation for and during the Phoenix Fashion Week, we are encouraged to see that the local media is listening to the voice of our action. We have tremendous hope that they will further publicize our responsible line of products and help create responsible shoppers for a happy humanity and a clean planet.

And finally, we hope you will enjoy to look at our latest video clip online www.youtube.com/attapinyadesigns. It provides an intimate view of the teamwork, the desire to learn, and the love for what we do, all the things that make Attapinya special.

Happy Turkey Day everyone!!

9 Things that you could recycle November 17, 2007

The useful sources from Co-op America to make our life easier in finding home for our unwanted objects. Hopefully, we all will do a little of our own effort to safe the earth and our own backyard before it turns into a landfill.

1. Cardboard boxes: Contact local nonprofits and women’s shelters to see if they can use them. Or, offer them up at your local Freecycle.org listsev or on Craigslist.org. If your workplace collects at least 100 boxes or more boxes each month.

2. CDs/DVDs/Game Disks: Send scratched music or computer CDs, DVDs, and PlayStation or Nintendo video game disks to Aural Tech for refinishing, and they’ll work like new: 888.454.3223, www.auraltech.com. (For recycling see “Technotrash”)

3. Computers and electronics: Find responsible recyclers, local and national, at www.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html

4. Exercise videos: Swap them with others at www.videofitness.com (See “Technotrash”)

5. Eyeglasses: your local Lion’s Club or eye care chain may collect these. Lenses are reground and given to people in need.

6. Foam packing peanuts: your local pack-and-ship store will likely accept these for reuse. Or, call the Plastic Loose Fill Producers Council to find a drop-off site: 800.828.2214. For places to drop off form blocks for recycling, contact the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recycles, 410.451.8340, www.epspackaging.org/info.html

7. Oil: Find Used Motor Oil Hotlines for each state: 202.682.800, www.recycleoil.org

8. Phones: Donate cell phones: Collective Good will refurbish your phone and sell it to people in developing countries: 770.856.9021, www.collectivegood.com. Call to protect reprograms cell phones to dial 911 and gives them to domestic violence victims: www.donateaphone.com. Recycle single-line phones: Reclamere, 814.386.2927, www.reclamere.com

9. Tennis Shoes: Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program turns old shoes into playground and athletic flooring: www.nikereuseashoe.com. One World Running will send still-wearable shoes to athletes in need in Africa, Latin, America, and Haiti: www.oneworldrunning.com

Technotrash program with GreenDisk is an easily program to recycle all of your CDs, jewelry cases, DVDs, audio and video tapes, cell phones, pagers, rechargeable and single-use batteries, PDAs, and ink/toner cartridges. For a small fee, GreenDisk will send you a cardboard box in which you can ship them up to70 pounds of any of the above. The fee covers the box as well as shipping and recycling fees. 800.305.GREENDISK, www.greendisk.com