Naked In Eden Blog – Robin Easton

Alexander M Zoltai Says:

15 January 2009 at 9:52 pm.

“…thoughts and discussion on humanity.”

Hmmm…

“Adult Video” should be renamed “Childish Adult Video”

“Jesus is watching you” should be rewritten as “Jesus is feeling what you’re feeling…”

~ Alex from Our Evolution

Robin Replies:
Dear Alex, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts here. I smiled over what you wrote and really enjoyed it. Not only witty but wise.

I got a long distance call in the middle of responding here Alex and am now back to finish. I wanted to say that I also like your forthrightness here in your comment. I found your comment “Childish Adult Video” fascinating as the media can tend to have us believe that ALL men are gung-ho adult video fans, addicts and can’t possibly function without it. OR similar vein, “Oh, that’s just men!” sort of thinking. I have not found this to be stereotypically true of men. It’s kind of like the old belief that men aren’t emotional or don’t cry, don’t care about passion or love or intimacy…and so on. I have found it best to approach each person as their one unique being. So much more to gain/learn when done that way.

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Robert Says:

16 January 2009 at 12:46 am.

So does that mean that while we watch adult video, we are being watched by Jesus? Or is he into adult video too?

But since you invited thoughts on humanity, here is one: I am really unhappy with this control issue that is so strong in modern society. How to control minds of other people, how to make them behave in a certain way… So shaping their minds with mass media on one hand, but also operating with fear like in this example: be careful about what you are doing since Jesus is watching you all the time and you will be punished severely if you don’t behave…

Come on, give me a break, is this divine love or what? This is a sign of heavy neuroticism: if you don’t behave the way I want you to behave, I am going to punish you… I really hope divine beings and enlightened individuals are not so neurotic – and if they are, I will be the first one to rebel.

It is really about mind control and I am pretty unhappy with the direction many religions are taking…

Robin Replies:
Oh Robert, you’re a gem. I needed that belly laugh!!! —-And I just LOVE your bold outspoken voice. You are a powerful advocate for free thinking, I love that about your writing and spirit. I must admit that I was a bit startled when I read “Jesus is watching you” I said to my friend that if they were going to put a sign up it might have been more healing to say, “Jesus is LOVING you.” As you know so well, it is not threats that heal, but rather LOVE, —-Now I had no -pre-judgement on this post or what anyone might bring to the table. So in the vein of humor I will say what one friend said, “Well, your assuming that phrase means control, but maybe they didn’t have TVs in Jesus’ day, and so he might be watching us because he could be just like my mom and be a people watcher. She likes to sit and watch people walk by.” I chuckled over that, especially because it came from someone who is a Christian. I loved the warmth in the humor.

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Lance Says:

16 January 2009 at 3:11 am.

No matter what your belief, no matter what you think of Jesus, somebody/something is watching – if nothing else – your soul deep within. Always. Here out in the open. And in the privacy of our own homes…

So, I say – that Jesus is watching…and crying…at these crossroads in our life – this one, standing out in the open – or those that are hidden…

Robin Replies:
Oh my Dear Lance, only you could leave such a heartfelt and yet non-judgmental response. I read this twice to let it really sink into my bones. I love this line: “If nothing else – your soul deep within. Always.” I was also moved by your: “…and crying…” I have often felt this feeling with the Earth…I have often felt her watching us and crying…but always loving…always. Sometimes even as if she were crying the tears that we are not crying. Crying them for us. Lance this is a remarkably beautiful comment and I also appreciate your honoring of all faiths or beliefs. I always sense/feel that your bottom line, your priority is LOVE. I am sooooo grateful for that. A person you might want to connect with is my friend Jeff Baker at http://jeffbakertalks.blogspot.com/ Both you and Jeff always come from a clear loving heart. And it means the world to me. Just tell Jeff that Robin Easton sent you. He will know.

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Julie Says:

16 January 2009 at 5:51 am.

Oh my. There are several ways this could go!

What first came to my mind, though, was the word “force”, immediately followed by a memory of a word duel between two churches, played out on their signboards. One church had announced a sort of “bring your dog to church day” and the other church seriously objected…and the duel was on for the world to see. The “dog” church didn’t take it seriously, was trying to lighten the mood, but the other church was very serious, high-minded, and argumentative. The whole thing was humorous—and disheartening. Disheartening that when people feel their beliefs so strongly they can become quite judgmental and forceful. Dueling churches or opposing highway billboards…same emotions played out.

On the other hand, these billboard placements could just be a quirky circumstance!

Robin Replies:
Oh Dear Julie, I love this story of the “Dog Church” and the “Argumentative Church” it is just precious and made me howl with laughter. It’s also interesting as it personifies humanity, right down to our judgments and religious wars. I think it was Gandhi who said (when asked about his religion): “My religion is Love.” Now, THAT I feel in my gut and relate to. I believe and pray that we humans can see beyond the semantics of our chosen beliefs and allow each their own path and simply Love.

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K Fields Says:

16 January 2009 at 9:54 am.

If they had to put a sign up…. just His name is suffice to cause those who believe in him like myself to focus on His goodness.

This sign seems threatening to me, and using that lame picture of Him too. Ugh!

It also looks like it is in the parking lot of a fast food place. hmmmm….

Both signs should come down in my opinion they are both offensive!
~K

Robin Replies:
Dear K, Loved this response. So earnest/heartfelt and yet grounded/practical, exactly like YOU. I love it!! I even chuckled over your words: “lame picture of him”. And yes, I agree. I found the threat not in keeping with Love, but more than that, as you say, not needed. —-Yes, I think it is in a fast food parking lot. LOL! Oh dear, what have we come to?!!! —-And yes, I thought the same thing that both signs should come down…along with all other billboard signs. There are places where I have driven across the country and the signs have run for MILES, K. And behind them is such beautiful desert country and rock formations. So sad. I remember some high school friends taking a chain saw and cutting all the billboard signs down along the lake shore where I grew up. I don’t think the town ever worked out who did it, but I did notice that only half the signs were put back up.

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earthtoholly Says:

16 January 2009 at 11:27 am.

Hi Robin,
I think that whoever’s shopping in that video store should go right on shopping if that’s their thing. As for those who paid for that billboard, I think that they should mind their own beeswax and not forget that “Jesus is watching…” them, too, and may not appreciate their guilting of others using his name and image. Wheeew!

p.s. I love Bird’s “…as long as he brings the popcorn…” )

Robin Replies:
Dear Holly, I really admire your lack of judgment. I too like to keep an open mind. I learn more, experience more and better understand humanity. I also believe that nothing is every REALLY won through the use of guilt, whether that be used in religion or our private lives. I find loving sooo much easier and simply revel in the joy when I see myself give, receive and love, free of guilt. Everyone blossoms and wins. Thank you Holly.

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Robb Says:

16 January 2009 at 12:56 pm.

Kia ora Robin,
I always feel in such synchronicity with you! I returned from a camping trip with my family at a beautiful spot last weekend, a free spot maintained on the basis of removing your own rubbish, bringing your own firewood, and leaving the place as it was found. I became very upset at the disconnectedness to Nature by the people there, by the Feeling in the air of man’s superiority over this wonderful easy to get to place, by the blatant abuse of nature for our immediate gratification. I was just about to start a post about it, when I once again came across your place.

So what do I see in this photo? I see Disconnectedness, I feel it. The sense of immediate gratification thorough sex, or religion, or food – as that building looks suspiciously like a McDonalds to me! A drive through offering filling of our Emptiness and then forgiveness for our abuse of the Earth as well! Fences and cement. That photo could be on almost any strip mall highway in America. Searching for all the wrong things in all the wrong places.
Kia kaha Robin.
Aroha,
Robb

Robin Replies:
My Dear Wild Brother, This could have been me when who wrote this. It’s like you reach into my deepest heart and know how I feel and then speak my thoughts. This could only come from one who has buried their soul in the land…for years…for a lifetime commitment and beyond. One who has lost themselves to the wild places and in that losing has found themselves. Found themselves so deeply, consciously and unforgettably that they are forever changed. A remembering that is carried in the soul for the entirety of it’s existence. I know how you feel Robb, I know. It brings tears to my eyes. It is both a great ecstatic joy and a gut weeping sorrow to be thusly aware. But my brother, I am sooooo glad that you are choosing this awareness. Thank you a thousand times over for your “knowing”. It is a shinning gift in my life (and many others) and does not diminish as it crosses great seas to reach me.

I am so happy for you that your family had this time in beauty…and I know how hard it is to return. Yes. Aroha….always. Robin

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Kit Says:

16 January 2009 at 2:32 pm.

Apparently Jesus also has a sense of humor!

Robin Replies:
I chuckled over this, kitmama. You know, sometimes it’s good just to see the humor in life, in ourselves and humanity. If we all could step back and see ourselves once in awhile I think we would laugh more often. Years ago when I was going through a rough time in my life, it hit me one day as I was in throws of “drama”….what if I had to watch myself on video right now? At that thought I burst out laughing and my whole perception of Life changed. I’m the sort who laughs even while crying. I love it. It’s all Life.

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timethief Says:

16 January 2009 at 8:23 pm.

I’m with Lilly, Bird and earthtoholly. (The popcorn part cracked me right up.)

“I see them both as commercialism. Marketing to the masses.”

I believe that any congregation that would choose to pay for such a bill board, rather than putting their treasury to use feeding the poor and healing the sick has gone off the rails. But then that’s not surprising is it? The gospel message as attributed to Jesus was hijacked centuries ago.

Robin Replies:
Hi Dear TT, Yes, popcorn cracked me up too. I loved what you wrote here about the money needing to go toward feeding the poor and healing the sick. Do you when I got into environmental work I was stunned that in many cases little of the money donated goes to actually saving trees, mountains, water, air. And when it comes religion I agree there also that the money should go to feeding the thousands and thousand of starving kids (in this country alone) as opposed the huge monolithic often plushly furnished churches. I think is is true of so many areas of American culture. There is so much that we can all do without so that our children can eat, and homeless can have a warm place to sleep, and poor can have the healing they need. Thank you for your honest heartfelt caring. It always touches me as you have your priorities straight.

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largegrouch Says:

16 January 2009 at 10:33 pm.

well, here’s my $0.02

i think we can agree that it is deep within our nature to want to feel connected. to me, both of these signs are designed to manipulate us via our drive to satisfy that need: be it god or a special person with whom we have some chemistry. at the same time both keep us separate from our true selves.

we seek to satisfy our spiritual need by going to a place where we are told how to connect with a “supreme being”. when if we just listen, we find that we carry that knowledge within us…

on the other hand we are sold images of idealized relationships, be they “porn” or romantic fantasy. again, we have the ability to create fulfilling relationships all around us. by following our inner voice, we can find those special people who will help us create our sense community. when we have found our friends and lover(s) and begin to share this journey, the need for adult videos and an ever judgmental overseer from above, seem to evaporate.

and all the time, these manipulative influences keep us distracted from the beauty which surrounds us every day:if we would just open our eyes and see…

thanks for making me stop for a moment to think about how we are influenced, almost every minute of every day, robin. you are a treasure.

as ever, rich

Robin Replies:
Dear Rich, Thank you for this beautiful sharing straight from your life experience. I read one punchy truth right after another until I felt so uplifted that I had a huge grin on my face. Whoa! —-I read this line in the first paragraph: “… at the same time both keep us separate from our true selves.” And my head snapped up. And I knew the truth of it in my body. Powerful! Then I read this line in the next paragraph: “…when if we just listen, we find that we carry that knowledge within us…” This brought tears to my eyes and I knew it as truth and you as kindred. I believe this so strongly. It is why I don’t tell anyone “THE WAY”…because I believe, as I wrote in my last video, that “the way” is imprinted on our souls. It is already within us and we are each unique. Since I perceive “no finite way”, each meeting is whole new world in itself. —-I knew truth for myself when I shed the idealized image of love/relationship/beauty/sex/religion and so forth, and when I found my own inner self/voice that is when I discovered a vast world awaiting my exploration. That is when I fell head over heals in love with Life, Thank you my friend.

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Shirley Says:

17 January 2009 at 5:30 am.

That’s funny. You can have your icky movies, pizza, and a Bible. I agree with you. The money should go toward helping others. In my experience too much energy is focused on “saving” people and not enough spent helping.

Robin Replies:
Dear Shirley, See? This is why we are friends. I love the distinction you make here between “saving” people and “helping” people. I have found that if people have their needs of food, water, clothing, shelter, love and a sense of purpose and self-worth met that they will naturally arrive at their own truth. Sadly “saving” people all too rapidly rolls over into coercion and or rejection/guilt if the “savee” does not succumb. I believe there is enough room for many and varied beliefs.

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Keeper Says:

17 January 2009 at 11:42 pm.

Bless you all, in reading what everyone has said; I cannot help but be reminded of the words of the great humanitarian, Doctor Charles Alexander Eastman,- 1858-1939.

THE original attitude of the American Indian toward the Eternal, the “Great Mystery” that surrounds and embraces us, was as simple as it was exalted. To him it was the supreme conception, bringing with it the fullest measure of joy and satisfaction possible in this life.

The worship of the “Great Mystery” was silent, solitary, free from all self-seeking. It was silent, because all speech is of necessity feeble and imperfect; therefore the souls of my ancestors ascended to God in wordless adoration. It was solitary, because they believed that He is nearer to us in solitude, and there were no priests authorized to come between a man and his Maker. None might exhort or confess or in any way meddle with the religious experience of another. Among us all men were created sons of God and stood erect, as conscious of their divinity. Our faith might not be formulated in creeds, nor forced upon any who were unwilling to receive it; hence there was no preaching, proselyting, nor persecution, neither were there any scoffers or atheists.

There were no temples or shrines among us save those of nature. Being a natural man, the Indian was intensely poetical. He would deem it sacrilege to build a house for Him who may be met face to face in the mysterious, shadowy aisles of the primeval forest, or on the sunlit bosom of virgin prairies, upon dizzy spires and pinnacles of naked rock, and yonder in the jeweled vault of the night sky! He who enrobes Himself in filmy veils of cloud, there on the rim of the visible world where our Great-Grandfather Sun kindles his evening camp-fire, He who rides upon the rigorous wind of the north, or breathes forth His spirit upon aromatic southern airs, whose war-canoe is launched upon majestic rivers and inland seas — He needs no lesser cathedral!

In every religion there is an element of the supernatural, varying with the influence of pure reason over its devotees. The Indian was a logical and clear thinker upon matters within the scope of his understanding, but he had not yet charted the vast field of nature or expressed her wonders in terms of science. With his limited knowledge of cause and effect, he saw miracles on every hand, — the miracle of life in seed and egg, the miracle of death in lightning flash and in the swelling deep! Nothing of the marvelous could astonish him; as that a beast should speak, or the sun stand still. The virgin birth would appear scarcely more miraculous than is the birth of every child that comes into the world, or the miracle of the loaves and fishes excite more wonder than the harvest that springs from a single ear of corn.

Who may condemn his superstition? Surely not the devout Catholic even Protestant missionary, who teaches Bible miracles as literal fact! The logical man must either deny all miracles or none, and our American Indian myths and hero stories are perhaps, in themselves, quite as credible as those of the Hebrews of old. If we are of the modern type of mind, that sees in natural law a majesty and grandeur far more impressive than any solitary infraction of it could possibly be, let us not forget that, after all, science has not explained everything. We have still to face the ultimate miracle, — the origin and principle of life! Here is the supreme mystery that is the essence of worship, without which there can be no religion, and in the presence of this mystery our attitude cannot be very unlike that of the natural philosopher, who beholds with awe the Divine in all creation.

It is simple truth that the Indian did not, so long as his native philosophy held sway over his mind, either envy or desire to imitate the splendid achievements of the white man. In his own thought he rose superior to them! He scorned them, even as a lofty spirit absorbed in its stern task rejects the soft beds, the luxurious food, the pleasure-worshiping dalliance of a rich neighbor was clear to him that virtue and happiness are independent of these things, if not incompatible with them.

There was undoubtedly much in primitive Christianity to appeal to this man, and Jesus’ hard sayings to the rich and about the rich would have been entirely comprehensible to him. Yet the religion that is preached in our churches and practiced by our congregations, with its element of display and self-aggrandizement, its active proselytism, and its open contempt of all religions but its own, was for a long time extremely repellent. To his simple mind, the professionalism of the pulpit, the paid exhorter, the moneyed church, was an unspiritual and unedifying, and it was not until his spirit was broken and his moral and physical constitution undermined by trade, conquest, and strong drink, that Christian missionaries obtained any real hold upon him. Strange as it may seem, it is true that the proud pagan in his secret soul despised the good men who came to convert and to enlighten him!

Robin Replies:
Dear readers, Although this is long, I am leaving it here as I really believe it is very important. And I thank you from my heart for sharing it “Keeper”. Having lived many years with a Native American it has been an honor to look through this person’s eyes, and see both the beauty of his heritage as well as the painful destruction of whole native cultures, which had their own powerful…and beautiful….beliefs, their own connection to this world. I know much of what has been written above as truth. Reading this brought tears to my eyes and reminded me to always go gently and keep an open mind and heart…and as I once said, “Leave judgment by the roadside for the wind and sun to wash clean.” I don’t need it. I only need discernment and to listen to my heart. If I allow it judgment cripples and limits my world. —-Thank you “Keeper” for your thoughtfulness in sharing such a powerful piece.

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Ron in L.A. Says:

18 January 2009 at 7:49 am.

Good eye Robin.

We roll a little differently in L.A.

http://blog.rtd13.com/2008/12/24/merry-christmas/

I’m just curious how bad the pizza at pizza hut has to be ( it looks like their building) to get replaced by an adult video store…

R(etc… )

Robin Replies:
Dear Ron, I LOVE IT!! I went to the link and laughed out loud. I had to admit that L.A.’s version WAS more upscale. LOL! It was more understated and refined, done with class…subtlety. Here in New Mexico, they just spell it right out, no veneer. They want to make sure people get it!

READERS: Check out Ron’s link for the L.A. version of my photo. http://blog.rtd13.com/2008/12/24/merry-christmas/ As you will notice there is a marked difference between Ron Dubin’s photography and mine. That’s why I go to Ron’s photo site….to learn and become inspired by his work. Thanks Ron!!

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Tammy Says:

18 January 2009 at 9:54 pm.

Oh me…I am laughing at myself. I looked at the picture and I was drawn to the mountains. Then the ugly concrete holding up the sign. Then my eyes went to the billboard. I don’t like billboards at all. I didn’t even notice the “Adult Video” sign in the background until I did my final look.

First response….I don’t like billboards like these because they don’t get the point across to those in which the sign was originally designed and placed to get the attention of. I don’t throw stones at anyone and each person is entitled to have their own choices in life. The “adult video” sign bothers me because I don’t like to explain to my children what the signs mean. I feel like I am in my own lie when I don’t tell them the truth and I feel like I am casting stones at those that choose to view them.

Actually, the entire scene is disturbing except for the mountains.

Robin Replies:
Dear Tammy, Yes, the entire scene is disturbing with all the concrete and tar covered Earth, barren of Tree and Life. Neglected and sadly a reflection of what we humans are doing all over the land. I chuckled when you saw only the mountains. I TOO saw only the mountains.

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Walter Says:

19 January 2009 at 1:34 am.

“Ugliness is so grim,” Lady Bird Johnson once said. “A little beauty, something that is lovely, I think, can help create harmony which will lessen tensions.”

“That belief — that beauty can improve the mental health of a society — and her determination to make the United States a more beautiful place became Lady Bird’s true legacy. Throughout her time in the White House, she fought to make American cities more beautiful by planting flowers or adding park benches and by removing billboards and junkyards from the nation’s highways”.

Where have all the flowers gone? Tammy it is impossible to shelter a child from the world nowadays, by the time I was 9, I had learned more from the streets about the carnal side of life than my parents . “My people perish for the lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). I wish I could have been more free and open with my father and mother, but that was 1961 and sex was dirty. Teach your children well, in this age they will need all the love and wisdom you can give them.

Robin Replies:
Dear Walter, I enjoyed this Lady Bird quote. In the face of desolation or despair that I’ve seen in the city or anywhere for that matter, I have often thought, “Oh dear, it takes so little to create beauty, to love and be kind. And all those things go such a long way in changing our world. I believe every little bit we contribute goes a long long way. —-As to sheltering our children, yes, it becomes more challenging in world where children are bombarded with information of EVERY kind. Although we may not be able to completely stop them from seeing, experiencing, etc the horrors or degradation in our world, I DO believe one way to counter it is to fill them with every bit of “active” love that we can. By this I mean: do things WITH they that instill LIFE, LOVE, BEAUTY and WONDER. Show them as much of the goodness as well can. (Tammy is an expert at this. You’d enjoy her site.) So as our children move into the world they have a wellspring to dip into and draw on for comparison and nourishment, they have a “body knowing” of what feels right for them. Thank you Walter.

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igakely Says:

19 January 2009 at 10:20 am.

“JESUS is watching you” should be rewritten as “Jesus, GOD’s Son is ALWAYS watching YOU…”

Robin Replies:
Bonjour, mon ami de soins! Bien à vous voir ici, je vous remercie de votre visite. J’espère que tout va bien dans votre monde. Merci de partager vos idées ici. J’ai énormément apprécié votre site. C’est très inspirant.

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soulMerlin Says:

19 January 2009 at 9:41 pm.

Hi Robin ~ My impressions are:

1) Which is the most truthful billboard? The one which states ‘Adult Video’ in red, or the one which depicts Jesus as being mid-blonde blue-eyed and of the Nordic/Teutonic extraction common to Bethlehem?

2) Is eroticism evil?

henry

Those are my immediate uncensored impressions.

Robin Replies:
Dear henry!! I love your uncensored impressions. Exciting stuff! They invite much thought. I wish I’d done this post WITH you. I think your questions could give rise to quite a rich discussion on humanity. So many thoughts come to mind, but I would end up writing another 3 page comment. LOL! You do that to me, which I love because you have a way of getting right to the heart of things and inviting people to think beyond their normal paradigm. AND you do it all without judgment. Now, THAT is exciting! Thank you my long-term friend.

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Mel Says:

20 January 2009 at 7:47 pm.

Hola Robin,

Way too common these days.
Way too ignored too.

Besos,
Mel

Robin Replies:
Hola Beautiful Mel, Muy bonito y el tipo! You are ALL heart and soul my girl! You always have been. I love the way your wrote this, and with so few words. Thank you for stopping in. —-Have those birds moved into your yard yet?? LOL!! I am thankful that you love them and Mother Nature. She needs people like you dear one. Besos, Robin

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Lynda Lehmann Says:

23 January 2009 at 12:37 pm.

Hi Robin,

I think you know from my comment on one of your prior posts, how I feel about organized religion. Many people tend to wear it as a cloak, nowadays, to hide their insecurities (even from themselves). And to legitimize themselves and gain peer acceptance.

I believe in God, in common sense and The Common Good, and in moral principle. But not in dogma, which more often than not encourages us to give up at least some of our personal responsibility and moral authority to the “Higher Order,” and divides people.

I respect the right of anyone and everybody to feel differently, but this is how I feel. I would be equally at home praying with anybody from any religion who believes in God, morality, and The Common Good, for the good of humankind and our Earth.

Sorry I’m late in getting around. I’m preparing to hang a painting show next week.
I hope you are well and happy, my friend!

Robin Replies
Dear Lynda, I remember our conversation well and I again honor and LOVE your strong clear voice. More importantly I understand it. I am too free inside to harness myself to any dogma. My religion is Love. But then I have lived very wild and very free, like the wind. And the wind, the sea, the great galaxies of the Universe, cannot be harnessed. Like Nicole said, there are some things that cannot be categorized or labeled. For me that is almost all of Life. For me I thrive in the deep unknown, the sweet mystery and infinite Universe. I no longer have any need for dogma or labels. And yet I, like you, would pray with anyone from any religion who believes in the good of humankind and our Earth. You are truly lovely Lynda. Thank you…and you know why.

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