Talking Our Walk
From the Editors

So, having navigated through the challenges of our maiden issue, we get to publish another day. And I gotta tell ya, it really is much better the second time around. Not that we’ve got this business all figured out— but it’s been a heck-of-a lot more fun.

Anyway, lying in bed late one night, next to Andrea (it’s OK-- we’re married), with thoughts of this issue ruminating in my head, it occurred to me that this column lacked a title. First time around, we simply went with the generic "From the Editors.” Well, Vijay has been scrawling under the snappy "Truth and Madness" banner for years, and Andrea and I feel it only appropriate that we too ought to share our thoughts under a similarly catchy designation. We needed a title that would accurately convey our intentions. The resultant Talking Our Walk heading is a deliberate reversal of the popular "Walk your talk" mantra. World renowned yogi, BKS Iyengar declares in his book Light On Life that, He lives from the heart in truth and then expresses it in words. As we have previously explained, Creations Magazine is under the umbrella of Path of Peace, Inc. And, as our name indicates, this is the standard to which we aspire to live by– be it through yoga, vegetarianism, environmental activism, Creations Magazine, etc. We express our actions and lifestyle here through the written word– hence, we are "talking" our walk. Rest assured, we are not claiming to be leading "perfect" lives (far from it!) The goal for us is to live up to, and further build upon, these ideals.

Now, I am aware that there are some (maybe many?) among you who feel strongly that publications dealing with spiritual matters "should" not address political issues. In response, we offer Robert Rabbin’s article, We Can’t Separate the Inseparable. He explains that, Who you are is how you live. Therefore, knowledge & action arise together… realization and expression are one movement. Profound thoughts and insightful commentary may make for "spirited" discussion; however, it’s ultimately a waste of time if we do not actually apply them (real-life expression.) Hey, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Consequently, you only truly experience your power when everything is in alignment– thought, word and deed. BKS Iyengar further explains, Spiritual maturity exists when there is no difference between thought itself and the action that accompanies it. If there is a discrepancy between the two of them, one is practicing self-deception and projecting a false image of oneself.

As I write, the New Orleans rescue/relief fiasco continues to unfold. I had just heard a WBAI radio report explaining how racism and our involvement in the Iraqi War, are linked directly to the Federal Government’s sickeningly slow and inadequate response. While grappling with this issue, I checked my emails and came upon a submission from Donna Henes which articulated my thoughts. On the spot, I knew we had to include it here. Timing is everything. (Thank you, Donna– you made it easier for me!)

This issue also welcomes some local contributors-- very local to me in fact. John Calabrese, a Huntington neighbor and friend, speaks poignantly of his mom in The Art of Living Now. Linda Cardoso, another Huntington resident, shares a personal and touching perspective in A Faithful Perception of Breast Cancer.

In a recent telephone chat, an advertiser informed me how early on in her practice, she had decided NOT to treat wealthy people. Alternatively, she determined that she should concentrate on those "more needy" (less financially well-off.) Fortunately, she now realizes that line of thinking was severely limiting; even though the wealthy may have all the money and trappings, they can be every bit as "needy". The "toys" are but temporary distractions, serving only to delay the pain. Ultimately, they must come back home to their fancy houses and troubled lives. Each and every one of us, at one time or another, experiences illness, grief, loss, sadness or feelings of hopelessness. Rich, poor or in between, we’re all just working out our "stuff" on our unique, individual course. There’s no good, bad, better or best here– just different. Each of us is on our own Path... Toward Healing.
Peace and Blessings,