Thinking Out Loud

A new dawn, a new beginning… for the Netherlands and also for me and you!

The Netherlands and my Aruba heritage.  I was born and raised in Aruba. On April 30, 2013, the Netherlands will have its first king in many years. I am going to borrow the words of a former Lagoite, Susanne Gravendijk Wirth, in regard to the royal history:

“Wilhelmina was queen. She had been queen most of my grandparents’ lives, as well. She abdicated for her daughter in 1948. Juliana abdicated for her daughter in 1980. And, now, Beatrix will abdicate, tomorrow, for her son, the first king since 1890. It will seem so very strange, to me…koning, instead of koningin.”

There are only princesses on board for the next generation.. we shall see. I remember seeing Queen Juliana when I was a Brownie Scout standing in formation when her plane landed… I remember when Beatrix married and how I wrote a poem in her honor, but never sent it. Growing up in Aruba was a special privilege. The Aruban people and the Dutch,  are a friendly people. Very down to earth. I remember reading that as Queen, Juliana did not hesitate to ride her bicycle into town.  Here is the Facebook page of the Netherlands. Explore and enjoy!

This was the beginning of the new year. Dark clouds at first, but you can see the sun rising behind.

Acceptance of Life There are a number of people who exist in my arena of life, who have to deal with great difficulties and they do it so very well! We have one student, Shern, who is in a wheelchair, and has many difficulties because of a history of seizures. I asked her today if she has pain. She said she is always has pain!  I was astounded as she is the most up-beat individual I know. I asked how she manages it and her answer was, “you have to adjust to it.” Well, I have been having pain and evidently I have not been able to adjust to it very well at all!  I better get my thoughts in order as of right now, as I have too much I want to accomplish, so many things to do! The main thing I must learn to do is do deep breathing. That makes things bearable.

Then there is a photographer I know only through the web. Her name is Cindy. She spoke today on Facebook how her hubby has to help her up once she gets down on the ground to capture some of her beautiful photographs. She stated she was not above crawling if needed. She has a beautiful dog, Phoebe, and the two of them need surgery now, but they both have to get better in order for it to take place.  Thinking of you both.  Your efforts keep me going!

The Calming Motion of Waves….

I know what I must do and that is to go with the flow. I need to pace myself. This stiff body is not up to sitting hours behind the computer!  I love my writing for BlogMutt, but must realize that to do my best, my body and mind must be in sync. The mind wants to race ahead, but the body starts to stumble as it tries so hard to keep up. Going to use my Chime timer to remind me to stop and do a few yoga moves in the middle of it all. The waves keep going, but they are recharging all the time. Their motion seems endless, there is much back and forth motion… this individual must follow their example. I have to stop and recharge. It is the sound and the motion of the waves that help me recharge. I have an mp3 that I love to listen to when sleep does not want to come. I also have one of gentle rain….

Patiently seeking its prey as I must seek knowledge and patience!!

I will seek knowledge for my posts, looking here and searching there. Then I will find it and take it back to the word processor to be put into the latest and greatest of my posts.  I love research and can often get lost doing it. Must learn to cut it short!  Gather what I need, make notes as to where I can go to find more and just move on.  [edited.. several times!] I also promise myself never to write a blog post again… when I have gotten up out of bed because I cannot sleep! I keep finding typos!!  That is a no-no!

Me with my kayak

This will  be my other form of survival. My muscles have turned into a marshmallow consistency that does not do well when one tries to be active. I have been holding back because of pain and slow mindset that I have in this area. I have been resisting exercise as I have to enjoy what I do and plain old exercises just don’t cut it. Kayaking is fun and when done right, can give you a full body workout.  There is also the asanas of yoga. They are going to become my computer break time activity. I will set my mat up in the living room and get on it every 30 minutes. Whenever I go though a door-frame, I will try to take a moment to do a shoulder stretch for both sides. Have to stay balanced, you know!!

Elliot is making a skeg to put on my kayak. He made a super one for his. It looks like it came from an Erector set, but it sure does what it needs to do!  Elliot and I are partners. We are ready to help each other though this difficult age of being  senior citizens. The strange thing is… it is only our bodies that are senior-aged. Our minds are young and full of laughter and love. We will continue our journey as we have done since 2001…. Side by Side

Side by Side We Can Face the World

I am ready Elliot… is my skeg done yet!!! It is supposed to rain this afternoon so we better get our butts in those kayaks now!!

What will happen next, I ask?

It would be so nice if we could set out our path, our plans for the journey forward in life, and find that it all moves along as planned. I have learned over my life that reality is usually quite different. To get to one rung on our ladder upward we may have the option of taking several routes or going up two rungs, back one then up three and so on. We might even have to choose a different ladder all together! This post… I tried to get the images with either a left or right alignment, but they refused to stay where I wanted them… so all are lined up right down the middle!!

OK, which way was I headed? How did I get here?

 

 

 

This has been my life as I have started to change things around to find alternatives in my life. I started one place, got bounced off that route and found myself undergoing obstacles that where not planned on. Yet… the latest, may have an end result that will be most beneficial.

As you know, if you have been reading my posts, I am a senior seeking a new direction.  By the time we get to our more mature years, various happenings are taking place in our bodies. Some are good and others are just a real ‘pain.’  The latter is visiting me right now. Like the image of the mangroves (life’s jungle) there is a spot of light (the cardinal)

 

 

 

I see you. You are most unexpected in these circumstances. Welcome!

 

I love using nature to demonstrate what I am talking about, if you haven’t noticed. I know blogs are usually informative, with great lessons and wisdom. I seem to just chatter along… inserting images to illustrate what I am trying to get across. What I enjoy learning is that there are others out there who know exactly what I am experiencing!  I am not alone on my journey. They are not all senior citizens. Some are just regular folks like you.

Well, this is am image of my main place of work… bad isn’t it?  I have worked at bring some sense of order, but obstacles keep getting in my way!

 

 

 

 

There is a computer there… look carefully and you will see it.

 

 

All those CDs and Zip drives are labeled. The books may not be filed with the Dewey decimal system, but they are in categories and I can access them easily. They are apart of my future… along with the many files on the internal and external hard drives. I learned the hard way that backing up is necessary.

 

 

 

It fit when I started… Hummm, how will it fit now? Do I need to make changes before going on? Yep!

 

 

Just as this dress  is in a state of being unfinished, we as people are never finished when it comes to our lives. We are a project in perpetual change. We have dreams, ideas of where we want to go, what we want to accomplish in our lives. This is not just a part of our youth, but is with us throughout our lives. So many have had their lives turned upside down over the past years and have had to look at new directions, make major changes in their lives.

 

 

Well, I for one am looking forward. I am excited about the possibilities that I see before me. Who knows, I may actually figure out what I really want to do with this blog!!  I am delving back into Jon Kabat-Zinn, as alternative treatments work best with me. My body does not like the modern-day chemicals called prescriptions. I am also resurrecting my Qigong… I know I said that before, but this time I have to be serious about it. Here are my Jahnke’s exercises for the PDF files of the exercises. The source is documented on the file.

Time for an image of Dawn… I am choosing an early morning sky image with a flock of pelicans flying. They know what they need, they keep at it until they get it. It may mean flying up and down the same coast line, but they persist. That is me. I live where I live. I have the tools that I have, but I can gain more if needed.

Pelicans on their daily search… against the morning sun

What I need is more self-discipline… I am not a quitter, but I get distracted very easily. Getting to know your strengths and weaknesses comes in your later years, earlier if you are lucky, but you have to acknowledge them in order to make use of them. Many do not like what they see. OK everyone… send all the positive support, thoughts you can my way. I will need it all.

Moving Forward

The sun is above the horizon, behind the clouds

It is amazing, the direction our lives may take. It does not matter what stage of life you are in. The way I see my life right now… I am facing a new dawn each day. Yes, I still carry all sorts of ‘stuff’ from the past, but it is what I do with it that makes a difference. I am like the dawn in the photo above… the sun is there, peeking through the dark clouds. Those dark clouds are the ‘stuff’ in my life. I know the sun will rise above those clouds… so will I.

For many individuals that ‘stuff’ is like an anchor… it pulls them back to all they have gone through in the past, preventing them from moving forward. I am not saying that we must forget or leave the past as if it never took place, but do not let it stop us from moving forward.

If I were the same person I was in my teens, I would find dealing with my life as it is now to be quite difficult. I was shy, timid and ‘afraid of my own shadow!’  Now, because of the life experiences I have had, the challenges I have faced and still face, I am stronger… not physically, but within.

Somehow, I am going to regain some of that physical stamina too.   They say, it takes hitting rock bottom, that makes an individual start to fight back. OK… the gong has sounded and I am ready. I am going to be drawing on all that I have gathered in my ‘tool box’ for survival. My Qigong, with my mindfulness breathing, self awareness, adapting. You name it… I am going to use it. If I can manage to get myself down on the floor… I will do some yoga following Iyengar’s method.  I need to make sure I have a way to get up too!!!

I am like the little engine that said:  I think I can… I think I can… I know I can!

The sun in its full glory, starts a new day

Here comes the sun!  I am on my way… join me!

Gotta Get Going!!

Life can leave us tattered at times, it is how we respond to this that matters

Summers always get me down. Florida is hot and HUMID. It is the latter that intensifies the heat. This summer we have been lucky compared to our northern neighbors, but that did not make it any easier for me when it came to dealing with our Florida summer.

The seagulls had no problem adjusting to the semi-destruction of their favorite resting spot. This is what I need to learn. What I have figured out is that it is my frame of mind that makes the difference. According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, the thoughts we have about pain have a strong effect on how we react to the physical sensation that we label as ‘pain.’ It is so easy to moan and groan “This pain is killing me!”   I am not saying the ‘pain’ is not real… it is. The dwelling on the pain just does not make it easier to deal with. The ‘removal’ of the dwelling that is the trick, or I should say skill that is the key.  I am trying to adapt, make this a regular part of my life. So far it has been a more ‘off and on’ action than a steady action in my life.

It is not easy!  I still find myself saying… “OMG, why won’t it leave me alone!”  My pain does not begin to touch the level of pain I know others have to deal with, but any dwelling on it can make it appear to be just unbearable, to me!  Mind over matter, or in this case, physical sensations. Finding acceptance and peace with changes of any kind, whether they are within you or surrounding you, is the goal. Constant fighting against something magnifies it, makes it seem worse than it really is.

In his Mindfulness Meditation for Pain you explore the use of your breath to overcome the locked in thoughts regarding your pain. Your breath surrounds the pain and releases it. OK… it is not a 100% cure, but it is a thought process that can break your frame of mind at that moment. You can do it at any time and any place. What is great is that breathing in a mindful manner, works in so many circumstances; taking a test, getting ready for that job interview, your first date with someone special.

I also have his book Full Catastrophe Living and I need to get back on it. Any practice, whether it is to lose weight, finding release from stress, starting an exercise routine, or stopping smoking, has to be forever in motion. Stopping it, even though it is for a short time, does not mean the good that was happening will automatically continue. The positive action will be lost quickly. Little breaks in practice, unfortunately, often lead to longer ones and often to the complete cessation of the practice… no matter what you tell yourself.

Quotes from the book:

Cultivating mindfulness means learning to tap and focus our own wasted energies. In doing so, we learn to calm down enough to enter and dwell in states of deep relaxation. This nourishes and restores body and mind….
This energy comes from inside us and is therefore always within our reach and potential control.

He states that his first impression of meditation was incorrect. He thought change just happened without planning.

But time has taught me that some kind of personal vision is also necessary…
This image or ideal will help carry you through the inevitable periods of low motivation and give continuity to your practice.

This is what I have neglected to do. I was practicing without a goal or vision of what I wanted to accomplish.  This has got to be changed. One goal coming up… in vivid color!

The act of breathing…

Our very bodies are joined with the planet in a continual rhythmic exchange as matter and energy flow back and forth between our bodies and what we call “the environment.”

The breath has a very important partner in its work, namely the heart. Think of it: This amazing muscle never tops pumping during our entire lifetime.

Breathing is an incredible powerful ally and teacher in the work of meditation, although people who have no training in meditation think nothing of it and find it uninteresting.

As long as we are alive, it is always with us. We can’t leave home without it…. Tuning in to it brings us right into the here and now.

I  have CDs for both Qigong and Tai Chi that are being neglected at this moment. What is it in me, that lets me stop or ignore those things that I know can help me. I have used these practices in the past and have benefited greatly. It was that ‘little’ break I took… that “I’ll do it tomorrow instead” that messed me up. What this comes down to is self-discipline. Guess what I am lacking!!  When I have things that I have to do for others, I get it done without fail, but when it comes to myself… I fall flat on my face. I know I am not alone in this.

OK, Barb, what will it be like this time? Can you stick to it? Are you able to really make these practices a real part of your life? You know the benefits you achieve from them, so what the ‘heck’ is the problem? Don’t stay ‘broken down’ like the dock in the photo. The county did get around to fixing it up, eventually. Now it is your turn to ‘get around’ to doing what you know you have to do.

Sunrise Over the Ocean: a learning process going on here!

View this document on Scribd

OK, I can get it in as a slide show, but not as a PowerPoint with the fading in and all that… Darn! Click on the arrows just under the image on the right side to see all the images.

Using acupressure and fingerholds for stress relief

Making changes in your life often brings unwanted stress. I do not believe in taking pills for such things, when there are alternative options that work. This weekend I was doing some research online about acupressure and came across several good articles for relieving stress. One site, Capacitor.Org had information that they use around the globe to help people with natural healing. I also enjoyed the information by Michael Reed Gach.

The use of various forms of pressure on the body has existed and evolved over 5000 years. Acupressure is a verified medical form of this practice. It evolved mainly by accident as individuals noticed when pressure was applied in certain areas, they experienced specific reactions. The diverse reactions were noted and recorded.  The points involved are now known to be areas sensitive to bioelectrical impulses. When pressure is applied, the impulses are activated.  Common names given to these points, are pressure points, or trigger points.  Over time these points as well as the reactions, have been mapped and documented. Now, a practitioner or an individual can go right to the correct position, to experience the response desired.

The points used in Acupuncture and Acupressure are the same, but with Acupuncture, needles are used instead of the fingers. A certified practitioner is needed to practice Acupuncture, but most individuals can learn to master using acupressure for themselves. First, feeling for the sensitive area, or pressure point, and when it is found, applying a gentle pressure with a rotary motion until the pain or the desired effect occurs. What occurs is the release of muscle tension and increased circulation which stimulates the body’s own healing ability.

Some specific points for releasing stress and tension, taken from the book by Michael Reed Gach called Acupressure’s Potent Points. Use the diagram attached to follow the locations. Michael Reed Gach also has a blog one can visit if they wish to learn more. (update_2/25/2013) I recently contacted Michael Gach regarding the use of his information. He sent me links to several areas of his that have quite a bit of information.
Self Care: from A-Z,   Acupressure Books, Free Articles and Ways to use Acupressure. Explore them all as there is a wealth 0f information available on these sites.

Acupressure Points

• Gates of Consciousness (GB 20) It is below the base of the skull, in the hollow between the two large vertical neck muscles. 2-3 inches apart, It is for release of frustration, and irritation, plus much more.

•  Heavenly Pillar (B 10): It is located one finger width below the base of the skull and 1/2 inch out from the spine on both sides. This point is to release stress, eyestrain, stiff neck and more.

•  Shoulder Well (GB 21) This is not to be used by pregnant women. It is found on the highest point of the shoulder muscle midway between the outer tip of the shoulder and the spine. Used for relief of frustration, shoulder tension, nervousness.

• Heavenly Rejuvenation (TW 15): this is located on the shoulders mid-way between the base of the neck and the outside of the shoulder, 1/2 inch below the shoulder. Pressure here can relieve tension, still necks, and is good for resistance to colds and flu.

An international organization, www.capacitar.org is involved with trying to reach out to areas around the world, to show them how they can use natural healing methods to help themselves. They include in their workshops, Tai Chi, visualization, breathing as well as acupressure to relieve stress and fingerholds to help manage emotions along with other forms individuals can use to help themselves.

They describe several basic pressure points for stress relief. A gentle pressure is applied to the area for several seconds, using the fingertips. You will know when you locate these areas as they are usually sensitive to the touch.

• Two Points on Eyebrow-Nose Ridge. This is found at the bridge of the nose between the start of the eyebrows and slightly towards the eye. The thumb and forefinger can be used to apply pressure here.

• Two Points on Back of Neck. It is located roughly ½ inch below the base of the skull between the muscle of the neck then outward ½ inch from either side of the spine. Same as B 10 above.

• One Point at Base of Skull. This is located right at the base of the skull at the center of the neck

Fingerholding

Post Hurricane Katrina they produced a brochure with many helpful ways, including acupressure and finger holds to relieve stress and strong emotions.  Their Emergency kit can be downloaded from their site.

The emotions run along channels throughout the body.  The individual is to use one hand to apply pressure to a finger of the opposite hand, according to the emotion they wish to control or lesson.  They are to  hold the appropriate finger for 2-5 minutes. A pulsing sensation will be felt. While holding their finger, they are to breath in the positive feelings of harmony, healing and strength.

During this process the mind becomes focused ‘in the moment’ and this helps it to be distracted from the strong emotion being felt. The use of music can be introduced during the practice. Fingerholding can also be used for relaxation.

Aside from the acupressure I am finding meditation or at least attempting to quiet my chatterbox or as others call it my monkey mind. I just sit in a basic yoga position using a cushion and seek calmness within. I also find talking quietly over what is bothering me will also lead to that quietness I seek. This, along with deep and slow abdominal breathing, sets me up for a good night of sleep.

Finding That Glass Half Full

Using Nature When Seeking Peace

The need for finding peace within is critical in this day and age. I know as I reach my senior years, that life brings me many challenges. I have to find the means not only to accept these challenges, but also keep on moving forward. I have new things to do, new directions in life to follow.  I am not ready to stop now. Inner conflicts regarding the physical obstacles that enter my life can make things most difficult indeed. Getting beyond that mental as well as physical struggle is my goal. Using the mind and our thoughts has long been a recognized as an important tool for people of all ages.

I am by my heritage and early training, a Catholic. While I do no belong to a specific church today, my way of thinking is built heavily on the tradition of meditation as expressed by the Catholic thinkers of the past. There is Henri Nouwen, a Dutch diocesan priest who studied psychology and went on to teach at Notre Dame, Yale and Harvard.

Thomas Merton is my favorite. I have posted a number of posts on my blog highlighting quotes by Merton. It was through Merton’s journey into the monastic forms of meditation of the eastern religions, that I found Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk.

I mention his book ‘Living Buddha, Living Christ’, not only because it shows the parallel of thinking between the two religions, but for the similar lessons taught in both. He did not try to prove one way of thought was wrong, and the other right, but how the teachings of both promoted a similar approach for finding a sense of community, inner peace, stronger faith and how important it was to be true to your faith’s teachings. Follow the rules and do not make up your own to make life easier. It is this last part I found to be the critical belief. There will always be rules, and to try and make your own rules will forever cause strife.

He is also one of the main supporters of Mindfulness Living.

Then there is the unusual book on faith and meditation by Louis Evely that I recently re-discovered when going through my many books. This book, translated by Edmond Bonin, was ‘That Man is You’. It was written in and translated in a most poetic format.

There is one excerpt I will present here. While this was written in regard to an individual’s personal relationship with God, it can be applied to us all as we try to find an inner peace in the middle of the present chaos of our world today. WordPress would not let me keep the original formatting, so I just centered it.  It still kept a bit of the uniqueness  about it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Trappist friend of mine used to say,

            “It is not enough to apply the brakes on your car;
you must also cut the motor that’s racing inside.”

The engine of our solicitudes is still whirring at top speed.

            It has to slacken,
decelerate
and turn at an easier pace.

            We have to move in time with another rhythm,
gear our will to another will,
learn to connect with the slow-paced,
quiet,
powerful
and steady motor
of God’s will.

As long as we’re in a turmoil,
taken up with our problems and our interests,
we’re safely sheltered from God
and out of His reach.

            We need several days of recollection
before we can begin to live in Him
and on Him.

            We have to stay there in a kind of stupor
and let our motor idle
till we’ve adjusted to a new tempo
we’ve never experienced before.

~~~~~~~~~~

These thoughts and actions can be applied by anyone no matter what their beliefs. Some of us have never been able to find that inner tempo that leads to a sense of peace. At times it has been a deliberate move to remain in the fast lane, for others, it has been out of the need of forever having to ‘catch up.’

Finding an inner sense of peace, a quiet mode, is a gift we can all give ourselves, for it is here we can refuel and gather the strength to move on.

 

Wisdom from “Buddha’s Little Instruction Book

Following  quotes are from Buddha’s Little Instruction Book, written by Jack Kornfield.

Morning Prayer with Nature

• Simplicity brings more happiness than complexity

• The greatest protection is a loving heart. Protecting yourself, you protect others. Protecting others, you protect yourself.

• Do not judge yourself harshly. Without mercy for ourselves we cannot love the world.

• In times of difficulty take refuge in compassion and truth.

• If you are poor, live wisely. If you have riches, live wisely.  It is not your station in life but your heart that brings blessings.

• When you meditate, sit with the dignity of a king or queen; when you move through your day, remain centered in this dignity.

• If you let cloudy water settle, it will become clear.  If you let your upset mind settle, your course will also become clear.

• If you do not care for each other, who will care for you?
  

• We are not independent, but interdependent
  

Thank You For Today

Dawn: a new beginning of a new day

    

     This is a beginning of a new day,
      I can waste it or use it for good.

     What I do today is important because
      I am exchanging a day of my life for it.

     When tomorrow comes, this day will
      be gone forever… leaving in its place
      something I have traded for it.

     I want it to be gain, not loss:
      good, not evil:  success, not failure:
      in order that I shall not regret
      the price I paid for today.

This is my wish for your day, today and every other day…

This prayer has been on my bathroom mirror for years. I wish I could say that I remember to say it every day as it really fits my intentions when I start a new day. More often that not, I remember it at the end of the day… which makes me reflect on the day that is ending.

Google is amazing… Since I could not remember where I found it, I Googled it and actually found it!  Author unknown.

Exploring Thomas Merton

Nature: Lifted up in Prayer

I find Thomas Merton to be an extraordinary person, a very real and down to earth person, for one who wrote so extensively about faith, prayer and his belief in God. I believe it is time for me to re-read some of his works. Perhaps it will renew my spiritual journey. Our world is filled with so much that is against spirituality, morality. We need another Thomas Merton.

In Thoughts in Solitude, Thomas Merton states “The spiritual life is first of all a life.  It is not merely something to be known and studied, it is to be lived. Like all life, it grows sick and dies when it is uprooted from its proper element.”  Meditation was a major part of his life.

My own life is lived by “The Golden Rule.”  “Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.”  I believe I am able to live a spiritual life to some degree as stated by Thomas Merton.  I am trying to do more meditation.  I do not find it an easy practice to develop.  A few comments made by Merton about meditations are listed below.

• “To meditate is to think”
• “Meditative prayer is a stern discipline, and not one that can be learned by violence. It requires unending courage and perseverance, and those who are not willing to work at it patiently will finally end in compromise.”  (So true)
• “Meditation is one of the ways in which the spiritual man keeps himself awake.”
• “We should not, however, judge the value of our meditation by “how we feel.” (In this age we want instant gratification or results)

Thich Nhat Hanh was a close companion to Merton and wrote the introduction for Merton’s book, Contemplative Prayer.  He starts out by saying “It is hard to describe his face in words, to write down exactly what he was like.  He was filled with human warmth.  Conversation with him was so easy.  When we talked, I told him a few things, and he immediately understood the things I didn’t tell him as well”.

Henri Nouwen wrote the foreword for the book written by Ester de Waal,  A Seven Day Journey with Thomas Merton.  He says, ‘While being a solitary person, Thomas Merton was so well-connected with the society of his time, that he can truly touch the heart of contemporary men and women who search for God.”

A friend of Nouwen’s invited him to come and meet Merton and at first he did not think that he would have anything to say or ask Merton.  His friend insisted: ‘Come’ he said, ‘you will enjoy meeting Tom.’ He told me to get a six-pack of beer and meet him at the pond.

“A few hours later the three of us got together.  Merton looked like a farmer interrupting his work in the barn…. Nothing pious, nothing ‘spiritual’, nothing very ‘uplifting’.… There was a bit of a ‘naughty boy’ about him, someone who was not too happy with the adults and looked for little ways to get around them…. What I will always retain however is the image of this big, open, utterly normal man, who enjoyed a can of beer with two of his guests.”

This visit with Merton, made Henri Nouwen read all Merton’s books and he says that then he discovered that “this ordinary man was a true guide to the heart of God and the heart of this world.”  In regard to the book A Seven Day Journey with Thomas Merton, “What better guide can there be than this earthy, yet so spiritual man, who I met with my friend Joe at the pond in Gethsemani.”