Its raining in Florida, flood watches yesterday and there were tornados in North Florida. But I am up early could not sleep had images of the Pied Piper. The character who was able to rid the German town of Hamlin of its rat problem, he did this by playing a tune on his flute which entranced the rats who followed him into the river and drowned. The mayor and towns people did not follow their financial agreement and did not pay him, so later he came back dressed as a hunter and played a different tune which only the children could hear. The children including the mayors grown daughter followed the Pied Piper never to be seen again. I mention this story because I look a little closer and tend to observe more of late. After volunteering with two separate groups of inner city kids, whose topics are current happenings in the Kingston newspaper: police brutality, neighborhood dons, murder, violence, child abuse etc. I did some beading with them when the art supplies and art room was locked, both boys and girls were so concentrated as they beaded and strung up their own piece of jewelry, unbeknownst to them they were making a protection necklace a string of prayer beads. Many witness violence daily they are all so young in the six grade about to go into high school, yet full of curiosity and tenderness, I wanted to somehow protect all of them when they venture out into the neighborhood, away from the school.
Later today I am hopeful there will be a great turn out inspite of the weather here. The blessing and protection of a most beautiful space, the intention setting of several people many of whom are yogis, lovers of life. Looking forward to a great afternoon of community, meditation, intention setting and holding sacred space, power, blessing and protection for all.
The photo above is a thank you note from the mother of a four year old who had trouble sleeping in the dark and who is now able to sleep in the dark because he wears his blessing bead bracelet which protects him.
