Misterios, La Casa de La Mente

I am passionate about Hispanic and Latin American culture, and have spent many months traveling, studying and creating friendships in Mexico and Latin America.

While there is indeed much beauty, there is also much need. We’ve all seen the Christian Children’s Fund ads, heard the pleas of missionaries working in remote villages, and so on. But earlier this year, I had the great fortune of meeting a young man, of the Mayan Tz’utujil tradition in Guatemala, named Fredy Perez Hernandez. His heart is in teaching children about their ancestry, something that seems to be falling by the wayside.
 
I’d like to introduce you to a program Fredy and I have created, called Misterios, La Casa de la Mente. The program was created to in an effort to record the stories of the ancianos, the elderly people in Fredy’s village of San Juan la Laguna who are watching their Mayan traditions evaporate before their eyes.
 
I’d love to share a video with you, explaining our program, and invite you to view the website Fredy and I are working on. We will soon be launching a fundraising campaign to earn the necessary funds to purchase the video camera, audio recorders, and other materials necessary to archive the stories of the elderly of Guatemala.
 
Let me know what you think of our little project so far!
Nicholas Beatty

How Sacred Is Your Space?

“Sacred Space can be as small as the breath taken in during prayer, as large as a cathedral or as expansive as an ocean view.” – Author Unknown

I’ve read the articles in the checkout aisle about creating healthy Feng Shui in your home, and what colors to choose because they carry this significance or that meaning… but really, I ask, what is there to creating sacred space? What is a sacred space? And do you have to be high on incense and 24-hour meditation to really care?
 
I am in the process of moving from one environment to another. From an unhealthy environment to one of, I hope, peace and creative expression. I’ve been perusing the aisles of the bookstore to find out what it is that really makes a home. And I have found some great articles, which I will share here.

Creating a Sacred Space

Homes That Nourish the Soul

What is Feng Shui?

So, with this in mind… what is it that is required for you to feel vibrant and healthy in your space? We’d love to hear your feedback, and will keep it in mind when researching this subect further.
 
As always, thanks for listening!
Nicholas Beatty

No morning coffee? No morning paper? Are you kidding?

These days, with the Green Living fad sweeping the nation, I have found it completely fascinating to see how far people take their Green lifestyles.
 
GREEN TO THE EXTREME
I saw this bumper sticker on a Hummer last week. How Ironic is that? 
 
Households worldwide are now making sustainable living an important factor in their day to day lives. Some go as far as getting rid of their cars, only eating locally grown unprocessed and organic foods, and foregoing common household items such as toothbrushes and the morning newspaper.
 
What would you do to go Green? Are you tired of all the hype surrounding Green? And do you know someone who has taken the Green lifestyle just a tad bit too far? 
 
I did a little research and found some stories about people who have done just that. Take a moment to check them out. You might find one of these people lives right next door! 
 
Freegans Live on Garbage
Is it Wrong to Live a Minimalist Lifestyle?
Yale – Green Living Quiz – Check this out! 
 
Have a great week!

Dia de los Muertos – Mexican Day of the Dead

My favorite time of the year is coming full speed ahead, and I find I have a million things to do. Primarily, where does one find marigold petals when the flowers that were in the garden three weeks ago are nothing but brown, mushy fragments of their former selves?

Why would I need Marigolds? And what do they have to do with Day of the Dead?

Day of the Dead in Mexico represents a mixture of Christian devotion and Pre-Hispanic traditions and beliefs about those who have passed on. As a result of this mixture, the celebration comes to life as an unique Mexican tradition including an altar and offerings dedicated to the deceased. Marigold, or Flor de Muertos (Flower of the Dead) is a primary component in Day of the Dead altars. For more information about Day of the Dead, please visit my website www.DiadeMuertos.net where I have been compiling information about my favorite holiday for several years.

The Week of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos we will be airing a special presentation about the ancient celebrations. Do you have any special stories you would like to share about Dia de los Muertos? How have you seen the ritual celebrated in your community? We’d love to hear your stories, and might consider putting you on the show.

Until next time, have a great week.
Nicholas Beatty

Relax

I am here in beautiful Whitefish, Montana this week at a conference. The weather is amazing with a big bright blue sky, and the most stunning yellow/gold fall tress. I could stay here for another week, but alas… work is calling me.

I feel completely relaxed – and I love that feeling.

The question I would like to pose this week, is: What do you do to find relaxation in your life? Indeed, I am interested to get feedback because I believe it will be just as diverse as our audience.

Send your thoughts to Nicholas@ACloserLookRadio.com and let us know. You just might be on our next show.

Until next time, Nicholas Beatty

Tis the season to be Gloomy… fa la la la la, la la la la!

Tis the season to be Gloomy… fa la la la la, la la la la!
 
Every Fall, without fail… I sit back and watch the colorful leaves as they twirl in the crisp breeze, marking the end of a great Pacific Northwest Summer. As beautiful as this scene may be, I can’t help but shudder at the thought of the rainy and dark months ahead. If any of our listeners are familiar with the Pacific Northwest, they know we have more days of rain than sunshine here… by far. The “Gloomies” have been identified as Seasonal Affective Disorder. (S.A.D.) Have you heard of it before?

Aside from expensive winter holidays to sunny locale, what is there for a depressed boy to do?  I would love your ideas! Send them our way, and make sure to include a phone number in case we’d like to invite you on the show.
 
Until next week,
Nicholas

Now is the time to volunteer

Spreading the Thanksgiving Cheer
 
Thanksgiving! It is a time for families and a time to share with the world just what it is you are thankful for. I love the holidays, and I certainly love sharing time and energy with those I love.
 
An observation I have made is that volunteer opportunities abound during the holidays. Why is that? I know the obvious reason…that people are feeling generous with their time and energy and want to give back. Sure, but why the months of November and December? What about the rest of the year? I am curious…
What compels you to volunteer during the holidays?
And what creative opportunities have you found?
Do you volunteer the rest of the year as well?

Christmas Volunteer Opportunities: http://www.ehow.com/how_2069697_volunteer-during-christmas.html

Why Volunteer During Your Holiday: http://www.articlealley.com/article_546983_29.html
 
Keep in touch!
 
Until next time,
Nicholas Beatty