My Eye To The World ~ A Journey of Awakening

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While in university studies, I had a spiritual awakening.

I asked with an honest heart, why things are the way they are.  "Why is the world the way it is?" I wondered.

One night I found myself feeling paralyzed in a conscious night terror facing fear of a shadowed darkness, combated with love and light in my heart.  “How did I get here and what am I going to do about it.”?  

I immersed myself in studies and determined I wanted to share with the world what I was beginning to explore about my journey of insight into the power of our mind and the essence of a Loving Spirit as the strength to rise through all challenge.   

Nature became a sanctuary where I sat quietly with a sense of hope while seeking a way out of this dark night of the soul.  I began to wonder if I was grateful for life or complaining in my thoughts, running away from the potential within me.   

Ever more gradually, I realized I was playing a part in creating my reality.  My attitude, beliefs and perspectives were influencing the world around me.  

I graduated with a sense of determination, and began working with kids.  But who was I here to be to share what I had been learning about unity of religious perspectives and the power of our heart and mind?

On New Year’s Day 2007, I had a vision while listening to music. As the voice in the song sang, “I’m hungry but I can’t eat”, I pictured starving people being offered food and water.  As the voice sang, “Promises, have a conscience”, I imagined the banks of city centers being a hub of celebrating culture and art.

I had found my calling, visual storytelling was powerful.  I bought a camera and went back to my old highschool to use computers and cameras in the communication lab.  I filmed a story inspired by a contest called ‘Education 2020” where I went into classrooms and asked the students what they wanted to learn in a changing world of technology.  They had ideas.  They are visionaries.  

I created a short film titled, "Into the Future of Education" (in the "Videos" section) where I shared that skills of Emotional Intelligence & Critical Thinking are so Valuable.

 My Eye to the World ~ Continued Below 

June 2007, I’m surrounded by school children at a ‘Heritage Days’ festival in my hometown along the river I grew up on.  Something exciting is about to happen so I pull out my video recorder.  

For the first time in my life, I see (the portrayal of) Chief Tecumseh step in front of the crowd as children look up with listening ears. A revered Indigenous leader speaks, “Do you not see your life is hanging by a thread?  Maybe you better learn to live off the land, the way my people once knew how"... "As the sun rises each morning, give thanks for the gift of life, the joy of living and the very breath in your body”.  

 ~ `Chief Tecumseh' Video below

Right then and there, I understood that Ancestral (Indigenous) cultures that live in reverence for nature, are so valuable to connect with.  My life would never be the same.  

Re-ignited with a fire of determination to share what I was beginning to understand, I found myself on a mission to share stories through film and art. 

I moved to Vancouver to film the Olympics in 2010 where I awoke to the first nations strength of standing in solidarity for unceded land and to stand up for sovereignty in the face of adversity.  While enrolling in 'Aboriginal Music Studies' at Vancouver Community College, together, we created a short film with the intention of Healing.

 "Love Is ~ "Ceremony of Today" ~ Video below

As I travelled around the world, I was continually reminded of the sacred, reverent way of life that indigenous cultures share. I learned about music and storytelling as a way to pass on wisdom to the children, and community, for stories are often shared to pass on knowledge of survival and to remember the teachings of the seasons for understanding how to thrive among the land while connecting with the cosmos (for navigation of the seasons, and the influence of seasonal changes among the Earth ~ and therefore in our own lives as well). 

Along my journey, I eventually discovered that my life was leading me to the light-hearted bliss I experienced as a child; to be young at heart, happy and free.  So I started writing stories and lyrics to bring the magic and beauty of nature to life. 

In this current world of strange times, if we can all have an extra taste of joy, of childlike innocence, and a little more peace of mind, and if we help kids explore their imagination and intelligence, they can find their nature and sense of balance.

Let us embrace the joy of playing in the woods and waters of the world, with gratitude for the Gift of Life as we truly rise and thrive in our abundant potential among the sacred gardens of Heaven on Earth.