On my iPod I am listening to Guerreiro da Paz ("Warrior of Peace"), a beautiful shamanic song by Orestes Grokar. "I call the Moon, I call the Sun, I call the Stars; I call the Universe to enlighten me..." This song has so much power, and I am quickly submerged with love and gratitude for Life, for the Path, for all my brothers and sisters walking alongside me. I can feel my aura shining strong and bright, my eyes are soft and my mouth can't help but smile.
I walk on, and enter into a section of Hollywood Blvd that has a very dark, low energy. Less than a decade ago, this was a seedy part of town full of prostitutes, drugs and pickpockets. In the past few years it's been transformed into a tourist hotspot, with stores and restaurants and entertainment, but underneath the touristy agitation there's still that darkness.
I can feel the shift in energy immediately, and it's ok; I've walked here so many times that it doesn't bother me. I keep listening to the song-- "I am grateful for Life and for the Courage, to the Universe for the opportunity; and I dedicate my life with Love to the living Dream of our Humanity..."
I feel so strong and radiant, and again, so grateful.
I look down and see the Stars on the sidewalk, some with names on them, some empty. The Stars begin right where the shady part of town begins. I've seen them thousands of time, but this morning I am struck by the significance. Stars. Symbols of the Celestial Realm. Also a symbol of the Light within: the Star of the Heart.Here is this beautiful reminder of the Light, in plain sight, underneath my feet. With each step I take in this dark part of the world, I am accompanied by Stars. And they're pink! The color of the heart chakra...
I walk on along the busy boulevard and words on signs start catching my eye. Inside (on a sign that says "ATM inside"). Union ("Union Bank"). Now ("Now Leasing"). Renaissance (Hotel). HighLand (Avenue). Angel (poster for a movie starring Angelina Jolie). Crossroads of the World (a Hollywood landmark). And that's not counting the more obvious ones: Eckankar (a spiritual organization; its name is sanskrit for "There is One Creator"), Sacred Heart (a Church), Golden Bridge (yoga studio). And of course all this is taking place in Los Angeles. City of Angels!
It's amazing-- everywhere I turn, here are these positive, meaningful, spirit-infused words just waiting to be noticed. It's like Life is winking at me from every sign, saying "How can you possibly forget? I've put reminders everywhere."
At one point I even saw a man standing on a street corner (and looking pretty glum, ironically) holding a sign that read "Love One Another". Just in case the other reminders were not obvious enough...
What a magical world we live in! We walk around thinking things are normal; nothing special. When actually, everything is special. There are messages of Love and Light everywhere around us. If we just open our eyes, even dark, touristy streets radiate with Meaning. Life is constantly speaking to us, gently prodding us to awaken. The message is everywhere.
---
Guerreiro da Paz, by Orestes Grokar; in portuguese (which only adds to its beauty!), with my translation below.
Warrior of Peace
I call the Force, I call the Force, I call the Force
The Force of the rocks to stabilize me
I call the Earth, I call the Earth, I call the Earth
I call the Earth to root me
I call the Wind, I call the Wind, I call the Wind
I call the Wind to elevate me
I call the Fire, I call the Fire, I call the Fire
I call the Fire to purify me
I call the Moon, I call the Sun, I call the Stars
I call the Universe to enlighten me
I call the Water, I call the Rain and call the River
I call Everyone to wash me
I call the Thunderbolt, the Lightning and the Thunder
I call the entire Power of Creation
I call the Sea, I call the Sky and the Infinite
I call Everyone to be free.
I call Christ, I call Buddha, I call Krishna
I call the strength of all the Orixas (deities)
I call Everyone with their divine Strength
I wish to see the Universe enlighten
I am grateful for Life and for the Courage
To the Universe for the Opportunity
And I dedicate my life with Love
To the living Dream of our Humanity
I am a messenger, I am committed, I am indigenous
I am the Son of the Rainbow Nation
With my brothers I will be more of a Warrior
In the noble cause of Inca the Redeemer
I am a Warrior, I am a Warrior, and I am fighting
My sword is the word of Love
My defense is the goodness in my chest
And my helmet are the gifts of my Lord
I thank our Mother and our Father
And my Brothers for all the help
I surrender my Glory to All
Because We are all One in this Union
Sound of Ñdarei, sound of Ñdarei, sound of Ñdarei,
From the Beginning we are all Brothers!
I prayed to Ouá, I prayed to Ouá, I prayed to Ouá
Long live the Power of the entire Universe!