EPISODE III - THE PHOENIX HAS RISEN

EPISODE III - THE PHOENIX HAS RISEN

(Mr. Leousis arrives at the entrance of the schoolyard to pick up a grade six class, which he will have this day. He asks the teacher supervising early morning bell, where would Ms. Acinom's grade six class lineup. He proceeds to take the group of students up to room 303, so they can begin the day's lessons. After taking attendance and handing out several stencils of work assigned to the class, he remarks :)

If you work quietly and do your work well, I will show you a video and then perhaps tell you a story.

(Except for Christopher, who is continually getting out of his seat without permission, the class is well behaved. Some, one hour later, students begin to turn in their work with the majority having completed. Mr. Leousis, now asks the class to stop what they are doing and that he will show this video entitled, What is that? (Τι είναι αυτό;) 2007 by Constantine Pilaios. He informs the class that this video is to be found on YouTube. He asks the students to copy the title in their agendas and see if they can view it with their family when they get home.

After viewing the video with the class, Mr. Leousis, initiates a discussion, asking students how this relates to their lives. Some students identify with the relationship of the old man and his son while another group wants to discuss how they love their grandparents and that their grandparents sometimes forget.)

Christopher, "the nuisance," is now very subdued. He has buried his face in his folded arms on his desk; students around him are starring. A girl next to him, signals Mr. Leousis, by placing her fingers on her eyes and pretending to rub them as if Christopher, is weeping. Mr. Leousis moves closer to Christopher and asks :), "Chris, are you alright?" (Christopher continues to hide his face in his arms and does not respond. Mr. Leousis addresses the class :)

Sometimes, things happen which are very upsetting, especially when people in our lives, our siblings, our parents, uncles, and aunts, are hurt by some event. These are dreadful happenings for young people like you to have to experience. However, there are some of life's events that inevitably will happen to all of us, that of growing old. I did not choose to show you this video to get anyone upset but for us to have a good discussion of what it means to get to be old. I sometimes see young people, in your age group and older, being disrespectful to older people, and that concerns me most.

You observed in this video; the old man's son was very disrespectful to his father. I don't think the young man was a bad person. As younger men and women, we forget that we would not be around if it were not for the sacrifices of our parents and their parents before them, our grandparents.

When I was a young boy of nine years of age,  I lived in Greece in the city of Tripolis. There came a time when my family and I had to move to Athens, the capital city of Greece. Those who care to visit my blog on the Internet... (Mr. Leousis, pauses for a moment and brings up a slide on his computer that  projects on the class SMART Board.) You can go to this address... (He points:)

http://canadianstoryteller.blogspot.ca

...and there you will read about other stories I tell students. The story, I will relate to you today, took place right after, the story, known as "The Gypsy".

We had moved to Athens, from my hometown of Tripolis because I was to be examined by these specialist doctors. I had received "The Light" and this had caused my body temperature to rise to a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius. For those who are interested, the normal body temperature is 37 degrees Celsius.

We were staying at this apartment building one of many surrounding a small "Πλατεία-Public square." The park (platia-Πλατεία) had a few swings and a sandbox for young children to play. The platia was surrounded by several benches for people to sit. On one far side was a "περιπτερο -kiosk," a type of miniature shop (kiosk), which sold multiple items, cigarettes, newspapers, soft drinks, ice cream and everything under the sun. On the exact opposite side of the "preriptero", was a small "εκκλησάκι-miniature chapel". Passersby would make their cross as they hurried to and from the platia or would on occasion stop, and light a candle for a special prayer.

I was not used to the hot nights of Athens. One night, I got out of bed, dressed in my shorts and decided to go and sit on one of the benches near the “eklisaki”. Most of the platia was well-lit except that a bulb near the eklisaki, had burned out. Sitting there, looking at the bright moon, I could hear an unusual sound, (Mr. Leousis mimics the sound to the class):

"Doop, shhh, dop shh..dop... "

In the distance, meters away, I could distinguish shadow of what seemed to be a person. He was carrying a cane, his one leg being dragged on the ground as he helped himself with the cane: As he got near, I could see it was an old man. He stopped by the eklisaki, rested his body on the cane. After somewhat stabilizing himself, he reached out with his trembling right hand, into his right pocket and pulled out some coins that he deposited in the collection box. He then picked up a small candle and lit it before the icons that lay there. He had not taken notice of me sitting on the bench, and thus I remained silent. He began to pray in a low voice:

( O, χρυσή και ιερή παρθένο Μαρία, σε παρακαλούμε προστάτεψε τον πολύτιμο γιο μου. Φέρ 'τον στο σπίτι ασφαλή και άφησέ τον να κλείσει τα μάτια μου με γαληνη. Μόνο για μια σύντομη στιγμή, αφήσε τα μάτια μου να δουν το όμορφο πρόσωπό του για μια ακόμη φορά και να χαϊδέψω το κεφάλι του με μια τελευταία αγκαλιά. Μου λείπει τόσο.)

( O golden and Holiest Virgin Mary, please protect my precious son. Bring him home safe and let him close my eyes in peace. If only for a brief second, let my eyes witness his beautiful face once more and stroke his head with one last hug. I miss him so.)

I could feel the old man's voice crack in pain as he ushered his every word. I became saddened for what I heard, tears running down my cheeks. A few minutes of stillness and the old man turned towards from where he came, and again slowly moved away perishing into the darkness, only his brushing sounds fading even slower.

"Doop, shhh, dop shh..dop... "

The following day at about near sunset, my father gave me some money to go to the "periptero" and buy some ice cream. As I sat on the bench next to the periptero enjoying my treat, two old ladies arrived who sat next to me. They continuously gossiped about this, that and the other, about almost all passers-by. They must have been living in the neighborhood for a long time because they seemed to have known everyone and had something to say about all. Across from where I sat, I noticed once again, the old man struggling, cane in hand, back to the eklisaki, to light a candle and pray. One of the old ladies spoke to the other:

"(Καημένε Χαράλαμπο, ο πόνος του είναι βαθύ. Ο ίδιος δεν έχει ακούσει από τον γιο του στη θάλασσα. Έχει κανένα να νοιάζεστε γι 'αυτόν. Ή μήπως δεν θέλει να έχει μια κόρη στην Βυτίνα, η άλλη γυναίκα ρωτά; Ω ναι, είναι σε ακόμα χειρότερη κατάσταση, επισκέπτεται μόνο ο γέρος να πάρει τα χρήματά του, όταν βρίσκεται σε ανάγκη. Η μόνη φροντίδα γι 'αυτόν, ήταν ο γιος του και επίσης δεν έχει ακούσει από. Είναι ολομόναχος. Θλίψη του θα τον σκοτώσει..)."

("Oh, poor Haralambo, his pain is deep. He has not heard from his son at sea. He has no-one to care for him." "Doesn't he have a daughter in Vitina", the other woman asks? "Oh yes, she is in even worse condition, she only visits the old man to take his money, when she is in need. The only one caring for him was his son, and he too has not been heard from. He is all alone. His sorrow will kill him.")

Upon hearing this discussion, I became even more saddened, and my appetite to finish my ice-cream disappeared. I remembered the old man's prayer and wish, the night before, and I hoped if there was a way to reach his son. That night sleep came quickly, and I drifted into the Elysium.

Beyond the valley of new creations, falling into the depths of old, a Phoenix rises before me and cries out:

"Είμαι ο πατέρας μου και δεν είναι παρά ένα. Θα αναζητήσει τους νέους να θάψει το παλιό, είναι καθήκον του. Η παλιά επιθυμούσε τη ζωή, την υγεία και την ευημερία για τους νέους του, αυτό θα επιτευχθεί μόνο όταν το παλιό εισέρχεται στο Elysium, θνητός κομιστής του "Light". Κάντε το έτσι."

 (I am my father, and we are but one. Seek out the young to release the old, it is the way of the Phoenix: A coin for Kharon will be the price.)

Immediately before my feet, I could see a coin, which I proceed to pick up. The coin face depicting a Phoenix in transformation".

I could feel myself leaving my body, they call it an out of body experience, (Mr. Leousis, remarks.)

Soon after, I found myself hovering over a huge ocean, its powerful waves bashing against a small tanker of petrol oil. In the engine room, three men were furiously trying to restart the engine.

The ship was adrift, and without power, they were doomed to sink. One man pulls out an old pocket watch. The outer facing had an image of a Phoenix, exactly like the coin given to me in the Elysium by the Phoenix. The man opens the watch. On the inside plate of this old watch, I could see the miniature picture of the old man Haralambos; he must have been the old man Haralambos' son!

The young man, stares at the picture of the old man, makes a cross and whispers to himself:

"Αγαπητέ πατέρα, το θαύμα σου και να σώσει το πλοίο. Έχω καιρό να ακουμπήσω το κεφάλι μου στους ώμους σας και να είστε σίγουροι για μια ακόμη φορά. Για να έχετε κανένα φόβο, όπως εσείς με έχουν διδάξει. Μου λείπεις πατέρα. Θα παραμείνουν ισχυρά, όπως μου έχουν διδάξει μέχρι το τέλος."

(Dear Father, work your miracle and save this ship, not for me but for these innocent sailors. I long to rest my head on your shoulders and to be assured once more. To have no fear as you have taught me; I miss you father. I will stay strong as you have taught me till the very end.)

I sense this familiar warmness in me as I drift closer to this man. With my right hand, I touched him on his right shoulder and moved away. The man freezes for a few seconds. I could see his eyelids flicker, "The Light" had now been awakened within him. He moves away from the massive engine and climbs a metal staircase. Next, to some lockers, he bends down and opens a large metal container. In this box, one could now see three pipes running parallel to each other; one red valve in-between each pipe. He turns the middle valve, one hundred and eighty degrees. Then in excitement, he calls down to the other two men.

"Πατήσε κουμπί!" (Press button!).

The one-man, who is struggling to stay upright as the ship is bouncing about, reaches out for a blue push button. After several attempts, his hand reaches the blue button and cuffs it, pressing hard on it. As he struggles to stay close. A ringing sound, "Yie, yie, yie .." and the huge turbines begin to turn slowly, picking up speed with each revolution. The two men stare at each other, and a glowing smile enters their faces. In excitement, the one on the top, old man Haralambos' son, raises his arms and looks up at the ceiling calling out, "πατερούλη μας έσωσες, μας έσωσες! " (Father you have saved us!) He takes out his pocket watch, kisses his father's picture and like all proud Greeks, begins to dance, Opa!" (Mr. Leousis calls out as he proceeds to dance in front of the class.)

A week later, sitting at the platia, I witnessed father and son coming to the eklisaki to light a candle of thanks for the miracle at sea. Two days later, Hades the God of the underworld, waited for the promised oath, the old man had made the night I first met him. The cycle of life had now been completed. His son knew deep in his heart that his father had left in peace, knowing that his son had held his hand as he took his last breath of life. A life gifted to him by his father's prayers a week earlier when he was out at sea. The Phoenix had risen once again!

And that my students, is the story of the Phoenix; which states that, out of the ashes of the old, the new will rise. In other words, it is quite natural for people to grow old and eventually pass away. But, it is also essential for the young to remember, that if it were not for the ashes of the old, the new would not come into existence.  

 

Country of safety - Canada

At that time, there was some serious research being done on high MBR (Metabolic rates), at a Nuclear Medical facility in Canada, so we were brought to Montreal at the Royal Victoria Hospital. You all know where that is? ( Mr. Leousis, asks.)

If I were to give you permission to see my medical file, it would be this high. (Mr. Leousis, expands his hands to show how tall this massive physical file would be.) The last I saw this file was fifteen years ago, and it had to be carted in, on those four-wheel carts: You know, like those carts they use at hospitals? (Some student's heads are seen to bob up and down in assurance.) Today, this file is probably in electronic form and takes little if any space.

At this experimental, hospital facility, once again, I was kept for months and treated so, so. I liked all the attention at first: All the ice cream I could eat, but after a while, I began to cry because I missed my friends, my school, and my wonderful world in Hellas.

One of the things that scientist soon discovered was that I could control my body temperature at will. Such a discovery was fascinating for them: I was not able to elevate my temperature any higher, than 45 degrees Celsius, but I could easily lower it to between 36-37. So they encouraged me to practice this control. By so doing, they were now confident; I could live in the "normal world."

At first, I didn't understand the importance of this "self-control."  My parents repeatedly "encouraged me"... (Mr. Leousis, once again, smiles as he quotes the word "encouraged" as he then nods his hands as if being spanked.) ... to practice this self-control. 

Mysteries of the Subconscious

I remember once when I was bitten by a dog and had to go into the emergency for care, my parents went into a fit. Not because of the dog bite but because of the fear I would not be able to control my temperature and would be discovered. It was repeated multiple times to me, on the way there, not let the nurse or doctor know, "I-WAS-DIFFERENT!"(Mr. Leousis, emphasizes this point.) Under the threat of a whacking, I obeyed.

My childhood in Montreal was anything but "normal". For me to describe these events with you at this moment, would take an entire year of class substitutions.  So let's get started,  with the fourth episode of my stories, "The Secret Garden".

By Elias Leousis,

(Η αγάπη είναι το μελάνι, η σοφία είναι το μήνυμα.) 

Love is the ink; wisdom is the message!

 


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EPISODE XIII - ELYSIAN FIELDS, IMAGINATION IS THE PATH

EPISODE XIII - ELYSIAN FIELDS, IMAGINATION IS THE PATH


Over the past few weeks, during the summer break, a number of readers have e-mailed me, asking questions about what is the Elysian Fields. Where are they to be found, and how does one get there? These are just a small fraction of questions regarding this subject. I will try to explain this "experience" as best I can because like all experiences, it is unique to everyone's use of his or her imagination.

I cannot show you the path to the Elysian Fields, there is no map, nor any direction.  I can give you "a sense" of what it is like by telling you my stories that I hope will enlighten you. I will serve as one of the many "guideposts,"  which you will encounter in your life on Earth. We are here to aid you along your path to the Elysium Fields. By sharing our wisdom with you, you WILL know when you have arrived at the Elysium Fields for your just reward.

I had to substitute for some senior grades at one of the large high schools in Montreal. In one such class, in walked two identical Afro girls; one led the other because her sister was blind. My curious eyes welcomed them, and I asked the sighted one if there was anything I could do; she smiled at me and introduced herself as Amaboe and her sister's name Kcarobe. I puzzled for a moment and asked the sighted sister if her blind sister would be comfortable if I showed a video. At which point, Amaboe turned to me and said, "It's alright sir, my sister can see through my eyes." I smiled at her and said, "Your sister is fortunate to have you see "The Light."

I would like to have the reader first "view," the following video, which was shown that day, to appreciate what will follow next about my attempt to explain the ELYSIAN FIELDS. The video is titled Small Pleasures by Constantin Pilavios and can be found on YouTube.

During the showing of this video, I watched intensely how Amaboe's eyes scanned the screen like a hawk gliding the air looking for the smallest of movements on the ground below. She was the viewer; her sister Kcarobe was the receiver. With each minute scene, where the man described his sensual perception of his surrounding, i.e.,  Small pleasures, someone to cover you, dreaming, waking up to the song of birds, fresh-smelling clean sheets, etc... With each scene, a sense is heightened. One could see the stoic reader, Amaboe capturing with her eyes, every essence of the video while Kcarobe's face lit up like the firefly entering the man's sleeve. With each wonder Kcarobe's thrill increased because she knew, the answer to the riddle, long before her sighted classmates could even come close to guessing, that the man was "blind." Kcarobe, knew the answer to the puzzle that has eluded humankind from the beginning of time; they both knew the path to the Elysian Fields.

Two weeks later, I found myself in Toronto, Ontario: Some good Samaritans had offered me their place for the summer for which I am forever indebted. Each early morning, I would exercise by walking around this park, adjacent to the apartment building, in which I was staying. Most days, I would surpass an elderly lady who was pushing her roller walker: She was frail and weak but determined to push against the cement cracks on the sidewalk and have her daily outing. Each time I would walk past her at a fast pace, I would greet her, and she would share a smile with me.

As I continued on my journey, I thought what it would mean for a person to grow old and wondered about the old woman. That evening, I entered the Elysian Fields seeking answers: 

In the reflection of thought and that which is known, I gazed down a valley of sorts and as I watched, an old man and an old woman, cast stones (Petra) behind them. For each stone thrown by the old man, a young male child would come to be, in its place. Likewise, a female child would be created from the Petra (stone) thrown by the elderly woman... I puzzled at this scene and could not understand the mystery. As I approached closer, from the side of their tent, I could see the most powerful entity of all, Zeus's light shine on me. He said:

"Ο Δευκαλίων και η Πύρρα, μου έδωσαν ελπίδα για την ανθρωπότητα, εγω θα τους ξαναδημιουργήσω. Ας συνειδητοποιήσουν όσοι με γνωρίζουν, ότι θα πρέπει να ξεχνούν ποιος έριξε τις πέτρες της δημιουργίας τους, η φαντασία δε θα είναι τίποτα περισσότερο και καμιά ζωή δε θα αξίζει να ζει κανείς."

"DEUCALION and PYRRHA, have given me hope for mankind, I have cast them anew. Let all who know me realize, that should they forget who cast the stones of their creation, imagination will be no more, and no life will be worth living." I knew what to do.

The following morning, on my daily walk, I met the old woman on my way, once again. This time I stopped, touched her right shoulder to get her attention and said, "Wheels when you are young, wheels when you are old," she looked at me, smiled and responded: "Except now I have few friends to play with." We both laughed. "That is because you have given up on your imagination," I responded. "Use your imagination," I said. "I see you pushing the old ice cream cart on wheels."

"Look at all those children rushing out for your treats!" The old woman broke out in uncontrolled laughter; her heart glowed with "The Light." She now had taken control of her world and in her childlike happiness called out, "Vanilla, Chocolate, come and get it!"

Passers-by, along the park, soon would stop and listened to our laughter as I would inform them of our discovery, and they would "play along." The ice-cream lady had arrived, and they all pretended to look into her box of goody's, pulling out this and the other treats, and using pretend money to pay for same... It was a joyous morning of open hearts, each of us for that moment, realizing what "The Light's" wisdom, had revealed to me:

The mystery of life is nothing more than little sense experiences, flavored over with a touch of imagination, from the hearts of men/woman, having been given life from "Petra"; willed by the imagination of the Gods.

The old woman was no longer lonely and alone; her friends in the park would wait each morning to meet her and use their imagination to laugh and to play, forevermore.
Therefore, my young friends, I hope you realize that what you have in your hearts is the joy of life, revealed to you through your imagination, the path to the Elysian Fields.

If you are sharing this story with your parents or grandparents, please watch the following video "Wake up", by Kostas Karydas. I am sure, they too, have the wisdom to share with you, which will guide you on your wonderful journey of life and to your final destination to the Elysian Fields.


For now, "The meaning of LIFE?

Open your mind to see the hidden layers of reality.

By Elias Leousis,

(Η αγάπη είναι το μελάνι, η σοφία είναι το μήνυμα.) 

Love is the ink; wisdom is the message! 

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EPISODE XVII - WILL THEY REMEMBER, THE PRICE PAID FOR THEIR INNOCENCE?

EPISODE XVII - WILL THEY REMEMBER, THE PRICE PAID FOR THEIR INNOCENCE?

In the previous three episodes, I spoke about your growth, both physical and spiritual; how at each stage of life, your identity, "your name," was earned. The most crucial element of all these life-changing qualities, you must appreciate, is that everything in nature is part of a great balance. All are related in one way or another - this is known a "the Butterfly effect." What this means, is that every action in life, no matter how minute, its effect, "affects" the universe, your reality. You might ask how this applies to each of you? I hope if you watch this video, it will make sense to you. The examples that follow, from my experience, should add to your understanding of this concept:

In the fall of 2008, I described to my precious mentor, Constable Martineau, my experience with Christopher "the nuisance," as I have told you the story in Episode XI - The Phoenix:

"Christopher, "the nuisance," is now very subdued: He has buried his face in his folded arms on his desk, receiving the stare of some of the students around him. A girl next to him, signals Mr. Leousis, by placing her fingers on her eyes and pretending to rub them as if Christopher, is weeping. Mr. Leousis moves closer to Christopher and asks, "Chris, are you alright?" Christopher continues to hide his face in his arms and does not respond. Mr. Leousis addresses the class":

I pursued Christopher during recess, that day, to find out why he had gone silent; why he had wept in class. I assumed that he had been disturbed by the video we had watched, on the topic of getting old. I thought he was upset because he had some older family member, a grandparent, or another relative, who was experiencing some form of old age, mental degeneration. I was surprised to find otherwise:

Christopher described to me that his older brother, Joseph, had an accident early on last year and that he was slowly losing his memory. As tears, once again filled his eyes, he described to me how his brother of seventeen, had fallen off his skateboard and hit his head; I needed to find out more. Christopher told me that his brother was attending St. Monica's High School, so I arranged to substitute there the following week.

I attended my first class, an art class, replacing Ms. Ergo. The lesson plans were simple: Each student had to describe a collage they had put together; the subject was "lost love." Because Ms. Ergo had taken the majority of students on a field trip, to the art gallery, there remained a hand full of students; two boys, and three girls. They could not attend the tour for various reasons.

The first student to come up and describe her project was Elizabeth. It was a fascinating collage about her cat, which had run away a few months earlier and had not returned. Next up was Joseph, Christopher's brother.

Joseph had put together a series of slides about skateboarding. These slides were pasted together, forming a series, around the image of a girl, who was about his age. On her body were applied two skateboards in the form of an "X." On top of this "X-boards," was glued an image of a horrible looking cross skeleton. Joseph started explaining how he had lost the two "loves of his life," all at once. His passion for skateboarding as well as his love for Samantha. His voice began to crack as he spoke. I realized he was getting very emotional, so I intervened and said:

"Wow, Joseph, you remind me of the loss of my favorite sport of cycling. From an early age, by “hook or by crook,” I always managed to go and participate in my favorite sport of cycling.” Many times, I had to "pay the price" for my innocence. 

I went on to describe to the students my experience as I have noted in my story of EPISODE X - LOVE, TRUST AND FORGIVENESS and how I nearly lost my sight. Years later, another more severe tragedy almost took place, with a bicycle: 

"By working many, many hours, helping out my father in photography and doing a lot of pleadings, he finally relented and allowed me to purchase a brand new bike. I had learned my lessons since my accident with the phantom police cruiser, and I was going to be exceedingly careful, obeying all the rules of the road. What I did not understand then, which I realize now, is that it takes more than your best effort in the safety of the road. Everyone else around you must also be extremely focused: 

It was that first day, "the very first day," that I decided to ride my new bike up the mountain to the Royal Victoria Hospital, where my mother was working. I wanted to show off my new bike. I arrived there, all sweaty and out of breath from climbing the hills and managed to get to my mother's place of work. My mother shared my happiness about, my spanking new bike; she invited her coworkers to refreshment as is the Hellenic tradition. Each one wishing me, "Siderenio" (Siderenio, καλή τύχη στην ελληνική); meaning, "made of steel," a wish of good fortune, to celebrate my new bike. I was proud! 

On my way back, just before entering the busy intersection, of Pine Avenue and Park Avenue, I waited at the corner of Rue Durocher, so that the downhill traffic would lessen, before attempting the ride, left, under the overpass. As I waited at the edge, with my right foot resting on the sidewalk, a dark blue sedan approached from my left, wanting to make a right turn on Rue Durocher. The driver, not realizing that he had taken his turn too sharply, began to mount the curb. His car began to run over the front wheel of my bicycle. A few centimeters higher, over the sidewalk and he would have crushed both my legs. He just drove on his merry way, without even realizing what he had done! In shock, I tried to contain my fear and anger and proceeded to carry my mangled bicycle home. I will not describe to you what awaited me at home when my father found out. This was the last time I was to ride a bicycle for many years to come.

At this point, I could see Joseph wanting to say something, so I addressed him, "Joseph is there something you want to add?" Joseph, struggling for words, choking; he tried to hold back the tears as he spoke.

"Sir, I loved skateboarding; it was my greatest joy, now I have lost this and Samantha." He went on to explain that, his father had nagged and warned him to no end. He insisted that Joseph wear his helmet when skateboarding: Joseph defied his father each time and refused to wear a helmet.


One day, while trying one of his favorite flip tricks, to impress his girl Samantha and friends, he slipped. He crashed into a metal sidebar and was knocked unconscious. He obtained a severe head injury.

Brain scans had since revealed degeneration of Joseph's brain cells. Cognitive tests revealed loss of memory over time and doctors suspected something called, "chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE," might be at play. Studies were continuing at McMaster Hospital, to which Joseph attended at least once a month for test and injections of a new test drug. In fact, he was due for an appointment that very day, after school.

In relating to his artwork, Joseph explained that the series of skateboard pictures leading to crashing on his girlfriend Samantha meant that their future was over, thus the cross bone skull. He loved Samantha more than his skateboarding, more than his life, but there was no future for them. If they were to marry and have children because of his brain injury, he would not be able to recognize his children, their names or joys as his brain degeneration took its final toll... at this point, he broke down and cried. Students got out of their seats and surrounded him trying to counsel him. I asked Joseph to take a break, go out to the bathroom, and wash up.

We continued our discussions and followed with the other presentations until the bell rang. I asked the students to locate Joseph and have him meet me in the classroom as soon as they found him; minutes later, Joseph appeared at the door. As I spoke to him, he lowered his head in thought, staring at the floor and avoiding my gaze. When I placed my right hand over his right shoulder and said. "Joseph, I want you to know, I have a strong feeling that things will turn out just fine. As a biologist, I have been studying the latest findings on this cognitive disease. There is great promise in the latest research. Joseph, soon after, began to raise his head. Staring me in the eyes, said, "Thank you, sir, I wish so much for a cure."

That night, I entered the Elysian Fields for my just reward, my touch on his right shoulder, without Joseph realizing, had set him on the path of healing. The fact that I had taken matters onto myself, without consulting with the Elysium, was another matter soon to be revealed to me, "a price had to be paid":

Within the laughter of joyous women, Hygieia ("Hygiene", the goddess/personification of health, cleanliness, and sanitation), Iaso (the goddess of recuperation from illness), Aceso (the goddess of the healing process), Aglæa/Ægle (the goddess of beauty, splendor, glory, magnificence, and adornment), and Panacea (the goddess of universal remedy), I was surrounded by them. They each took my hands and led me into a garden where serpents roamed freely and harmlessly: Here, the voice of Asclepius, the God of healing, cried out to me:

"Νέε, φορέα του "Φωτός," έχεις αυτή τη μέρα για να φέρεις θεραπεία στον ενδέκατο γιο του Εβραίου Ιακώβ, ας είναι έτσι' αλλά η σοφία δεν είναι με το μέρος σου. Η πράξη καλοσύνης, έχει εξοργίσει την Κλωθώ, τη Λάχεση, και την Άτροπο και θα επιζητήσουν το μερίδιό τους από εσένα. Ας είναι το δάγκωμά μου σαν από φίδι στη σάρκα σου, το δώρο μου για σένα για την προστασία σου από αυτές."

(Young carrier of The Light, you have this day, brought healing to the eleventh son of Hebrew Jacob, let it be so; but wisdom is not on your side, "fates" (Moira) have been altered:

And so it was, I held out my left arm. A small serpent rushed and bit me on my hand, leaving a small scar. It was, "the price I had to pay" for using "The Light," without consulting the judges of the Elysium: Immediately, I felt a calming rush of warmth flow through my body. I was now protected.

Constable Martineau, who all this time was listening intensely to my experience about Joseph, finally spoke: "Je vois que «Joseph» a de nouveau saisi votre vie. Je peux le voir dans le ciel en regardant vos bonnes actions et souriant." 

(I see that "Joseph" has once again entered your life. I can see him in heaven looking down at your good deeds and smile.)


What he was referring to was the old man, Joseph, in my story; THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY? We both laughed. We ended our conversation, by Constable Martineau, saying goodbye and adding, "Ah, will they ever remember, the price paid for their innocence?" As I thought about what Constable Martineau noted. I wondered aloud, "I hope young Joseph realizes, the price "I," paid for him, and he uses this life-giving opportunity, to make a difference."


You see my friends, in the first instance, with my bicycle accident; I had done little to invite my consequence. I did not encourage this careless driver to smash over my bike with the possibility of crushing my legs. In that case, any help I would have received from anyone would have been a just compensation.


In the second example with Joseph, I had interfered with a choice Joseph, had consciously made. He purposely did not listen to his father. He chose an irresponsible path. The butterfly effect had now been placed in motion: His naive actions, had now affected all around his reality. His young brother, his parents, his girlfriend Samantha, and others were all now asked to "pay the price." I decided to help, Joseph. I knew that my "Moira," (Μοῖραι) would be affected as well: For this, "I" would have to pay the price as well in the form of regression, from the path towards the Elysium.


There are many persons out there, each day, "paying the price" for your innocence:
In this age of rage, parents mostly will put themselves in harm's way, having to deal with an out of control teen, who through his nature to reach independence will go to extremes placing themselves in harm's way to the horror of their parents or guardians. I know of some cases where parents have risked their own lives, have been beaten, arrested, and paid a heavy price in their attempts to save their children from self-harm. Although these are extreme cases, nonetheless, this is the extent such "genuine" guardians will go "to pay the price", for their young's innocence. All they ask in turn is that you recognize their contribution and sacrifice for such a young teen's care. To honor them through kindness and understanding towards others as "payment" in recognition of their deeds:


Can you name a few persons; you have been kind to today, to honor those who have paid the price for you, those who have paid for your innocence?


For this reason, my young listeners/readers of this story. Will you use the opportunity given to you by life itself, and those wise men/women, who sacrifice for you by passing on "The Light," "to make a difference"?

I want to deliver my message in a lighter note, please see this video.



 By Elias Leousis,

(Η αγάπη είναι το μελάνι, η σοφία είναι το μήνυμα.) 
Love is the ink; wisdom is the message!







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EPISODE XVIII - YOUR IDENTITY AND THE SHADOWS OF THE CAVE

EPISODE XVIII - YOUR IDENTITY AND THE SHADOWS OF THE CAVE

Many of you write to me describing various experiences you have had with other people. You categorize and label them as "good," "bad," or "ugly." I feel that this is a dangerous illusion. There are no good, bad or ugly people, there are only "different people," as there are different animals, places to go to and things to do. Let me explain:

How you "perceive," the world, your reality, has a lot to do on how and by whom, you have been brought up to see the world:
Initial beliefs are instilled in you, by those who have cared for you, initially to help you cope with your surroundings. You sense the world around you, "through the glasses you have been given to wear." That may not be a bad thing-in-itself, because those responsible for your care, have been trying to protect you from "adult issues." With time, your curiosity will sooner or later, lead you into "adult issues." Without the proper preparation to deal with such issues, others will prey upon on your innocence, and exploit you. Let me "sight" a few examples:

Sparta:

Most of you by now, know about Ancient Sparta, the land of great warriors. The land of "all for one and one for all"; the land of the three hundred warriors. In that society, "if you stole something, and you were caught, you would be punished."

Athens:

Most of you by now know about Ancient Athens, the land of the thinkers, philosophers, and the establishment of Democracy. In that society, "if you stole something, and you were caught, you would be punished."

You might be asking by now so, what in the riddle, what is the point here? If you lived in the Spartan reality, or you live in a society that has the "Spartan value system," you would be punished for stealing; but "not" because you stole something. You would be punished for having been caught stealing!

You see, in ancient Sparta, you were trained to survive in enemy territory and how to steal to survive. Being caught doing so was a punishment because it meant you had not learned how to survive. In ancient Athens, stealing meant you denied others their property. You were not a responsible citizen and not a person who would be part of a constructive and healthy Democracy.

If you moved from the Spartan' society to live in the Athenian culture and vice-versa, you would have serious difficulties surviving. You would see the world through "the glasses you were given," in each society. When you become a "self-actualized" person, and you can see the world through, "The Light," you can survive and prosper in any society in any realm of existence.

When the "white man," came to North America, he discovered some "savages" who stole their possessions, taking things without asking, they were no good "thieves." In turn, the natives thought that those "palefaces," were barbaric individuals; they hoarded things and did no share. In his reality, the "white man" was taught about the value of property, and that he should fight to protect it. The "natives" were taught to share, there was little personal property. When the two communities met, they collided; each "labeling" the other, savage or a barbarian.

How you perceive the world and how you interpret the actions of people around you is very important. This is not a simple concept, which can be classified as being good, bad, or ugly. As the great philosopher, Socrates has taught us; learn from experience; staying alert, questioning "your reality," is the healthiest and most rewarding part of understanding, "who you are." Earning your name and reaching a stage of "Self-actualization" or "Eudaimonia," as I pointed out in my earlier EPISODE XVI - NEEDS, WANTS, AND DEMANDS, is the end goal.



The Death of Socrates




When you label the world around you as "good," "bad," or "ugly," you are not showing understanding. You are merely seeking assurances from others like your friends; your "adopted family" of your teenaged years (Age of Rage). Guarantees that they too belong to your group, the group of the "white swans"; the group that discriminates against others for no other reason than that they are somewhat different. In turn, others "label" you, according to what their group identifies as your "group colors" or mentality. That is how you now belong to "the group" to determine who you are. When that happens, you surrender your identity, you lose your name, you are no longer a free person. You will "not" reach the top of the pyramid, there will be no "self-actualization!

What I have described is not an easy concept for you to understand. "In time," with "life experiences," guided by "the guidepost," in the path of your reality, you will gain wisdom. With each morsel of such wisdom, you will develop into a beautiful being, deserving of a place in the Elysian Fields. Let me cite another example that will help you in this understanding of "interpreting" your reality.

Let's us turn to another great Hellenic Philosopher, Plato and the Allegory of the Cave:



Please view this video, Plato's Allegory of the Cave. Before you do, please consult with your parents or caregivers because this video contains some coarse language, which may not be appropriate for you. Better still, a healthy discussion, with your parents or caregivers, might come about after watching this video on the same subject PLATO - Allegory of the Cave Animated.

As I have said earlier, what has just been described to you maybe concepts very difficult for you to understand. Such thoughts are not age-dependent; instead, they are a function of maturity and growth in one's reality. The fact that you are thirteen or fourteen, older or younger, does not mean you are not able to understand and appreciate such concepts. In fact, some adults go through their daily lives, living in "the caves of their reality" and never having reached "the age of maturity" to think for themselves. That is the main reason we have many of the world issues that cause difficulties in our lives. Such people just follow the crowd, hidden in the dark caves of their reality, doing and saying, labeling others, based on the shadows of what others want them to see.

So my young friends, where are we on the path of seeking out who we are and earning our name? I think, the first thing you need to do in your growth, is to question any "label" you place on others as being "good," "bad," or "ugly." Replace these three categories with the word "different." This will allow you to see others, "in the light" and see them for who they are, based on your intuitive reality. Going back to EPISODE XIV - THE AGE OF RAGE AND THE BUTTERFLY, I speak of a,

" critical time of your transition, do not allow yourself (Your rage), to take the better of you and you are eaten up by those who prey upon your innocence."

further on I go on to say,

"Don't let people pull you into their storm, like Phaethon's friend's (Rage). Pull them into your peace."

The Internet is a great tool that we have created. It allows anyone with computer access to an abundance of ideas, concepts, knowledge, and human interaction, but like all tools, you must learn to use this tool carefully and wisely. There are several "illusions" out there, claiming to be guideposts to your growth and guiding you to the path of the Elysian Fields. Be careful, they are merely meant to divert you from your path. They are "smoke and mirrors" created by those who seek to take advantage of your innocence and place you in harm's way; so how would you know the difference?

If you are of adolescence age, in your teens, by now, you have managed to survive at least 1/10 of your natural lifetime. During these years, you have been able to absorb and learn many of the norms of your society. By now, those who have been responsible for your care, your parents, caregivers, teachers, and "wise men/women," slowly have been guiding you, helping you grow. Most importantly, you have within you "The Light" to know: You need to trust your instincts - you have the "essence" to know. You have a built-in compass. As mentioned in the previous EPISODE XVI - NEEDS, WANTS, AND DEMANDS, in the video "The Push," trust in your "innate wisdom," and you will be ready to take flight.

I will end here by quoting some passages from Desiderata:

"As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always, there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself."

"Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”

"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world."

Be careful. Strive to be happy - Eudaimonia.
 
Here is a way to "see," the world and others too through your eyes.

Here is another:

How Aging Shapes Narrative Identity

By Elias Leousis,

(Η αγάπη είναι το μελάνι, η σοφία είναι το μήνυμα.)



Love is the ink; wisdom is the message!







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