: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I Ching Meditation Mindfulness Poetry Ecology Economy Change Taoism Philosophy Psychology
In 1995 I was immersed single-pointedly in professional theatre. Though I no longer practice this art full-time, it continues to inform my opinion of things. At that time I was entirely captivated by the presentation of 'now-ness' – of an honest immediacy or spontaneity. Discovering the I Ching, 'the book of changes,' gracefully enhanced these curiosities and carried them out of the realm of performance. If theatre was a map-book to good and well-timed observation, it was the I Ching which inwardly matured these skills and revealed a broader territory.
I Ching translated the Now of performance – that dramatic needing - into a panoramic perspective on Change, which, despite all the world being a stage, held a perspective on the world which the stage could not contain. If the task of a stage performer is to point toward those moments of human truths, this new and great truth dancing between yin & yang necessitated my leaving the stage. Gratefully then, without having entered the theatre, I never would have discovered the I Ching. The Now, was supplanted by change.
Taoism often speaks on the love and longing between the sun and moon, and the I Ching is a very practical and enjoyable way to experience and appreciate the mutuality of yin and yang, entering the ensuing awe with a clear concentration and honest seeking insight. Those visiting my burgeoning websites are enjoying the musings contained therein, and should good fortune come my way I look forward to serving those interested to learn more on I Ching with either tea or stimulating conversation - or both! - online and otherwise. A few exceptional 'spirits' stay with me, and I hope you will indulge with me in this brief bouquet of gratitude. If what lies ahead in my life is even half as wonder-filled as what just passed, I will wake a lucky man each coming day.
Thomas Cleary: first and foremost. Whose scholarship and penmanship is in my opinion second to none. In the two years of searching for a translation of I Ching which I could enter into, there was no other at the time who appealed to my sense of poetics, mathematics, pattern, and scientific/practical enquiry. His works continue to inspire me, notably Toaist Meditation, which has built a bridge for me to explore a culture so radically different than my own. I sent him a few copies of select I Ching poems herein through Shambhala Publications, but have not heard back at the time of this publishing. The writing of these poems came after studying his Taoist I Ching, and during my study of his Buddhist I Ching. I am currently working through I Ching, Tao of Organization, and greatly look forward to Cleary's I Ching Mandalas. This book before you could not have come into existence without his scholarship, as my personal library contains many other titles translated by Cleary, each of which I have loved dearly. As Professor Cleary is prolific, I look forward to his many more shared joys ahead. Professor Cleary: this work is in great part an homage to you and your work, as well as the scholars who in turn inspired you. May this work bring in you a delight for what you have brought forward into the Western world.
A.O., the eccentric survivor-philoanthropist who lives atop many mountains, whom I'm certain will appreciate the anonymity just granted. Too easily judged and yet unmistakeably unique, you teach inadvertently "how juicy it is to be Jewish!" You gave me the most significant gift: Thank you.
Phuntsog with Calgary Kadampa Centre & Frank Johns with Shambhala Calgary, for keeping the fires burning.
My secret and not-so-secret young-man mentors: Robin Poitras, Robert Bringhurst, Judith Koltai, John Murrell, Ekhart Tolle, Gaston Bachelard, Alan Watts, Thoreau, Shaw, and, of course, the recordings of Glenn Gould, the Hilliyard Ensemble, and Arvo Part. You were each essential for giving to the world your gifts and shaping this, my reverie.
Amy Gallagher. An artist has only one real currency, Amy, and that is belief. Yet belief has a long echo. From the time of completion to the time of this publication I needed very much a voice to come back to me, reflecting my intent. By our only meeting Amy, though we sat in a silent gaze for several minutes... you were that voice. Thank you for encouraging me to include some personal anecdotal information, and thank you for suggesting the works of Alfred Huang make their way into my library.
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Along the way the Humpries Family became instrumental, notably Keiran Humpries, and the team on which I am proud to play a part. Thank you for having me as your Supportive Roommate, as you, fine fellow, have supported me by means I imagine you give voice to in your own time and way. Perhaps you might find some of those words herein sometime. Glyn and Olwen: you are the True Heroes of Parenting, to have never left your son unsheltered. Thank you for inviting me to also be at home, to learn from you, of Keiran, and for supporting me with the shelter of time and space to write. It is a rare privilege, and it gives this second half of my life wings.
Pam Hall, for being such a pal and good listener. Sometimes you were the palette and at other times the canvass as I worked out in conversation various pieces to the puzzle. Thank you so much(!) And similarly, close to the home, Nick Albright, whom I may well call my editor, whose experience in economics latched on to the wishes contained herein with an offer to review the manuscript. You're an upstanding gent who proves friendship is always around the corner. It's great to have you, Rob, Rob, (and Ruby and Scotty!) as friends and neighbours.
Assiniboia Housing Cooperative and Golden Lentils Lodge for always being a good host - if the walls could speak(!)
Warren, who shared with me the history of the dollar, and kindly (and repeatedly!) his gospel. I am blessed to know you Warren.
Natascha, Onalea, Kevin, Kate, Ghaiss, Eric and Kelly, for friendship and encouragement: consider 'the kettle on' at all times for any and all of you. Bring cheese and snack foods, and expect always thorough and pleasurable discussion.
Similarly, my pal Doug, in whose living room the Book of Gardens as its single-framed sixty-four-windowed artwork hung safely for the better part of a year. Thank you kind Custodian(!) And thank you Brent, Mikale, and Aslin, for helping to move the artwork – it was great to catch up with you on that afternoon. Thanks also to my folks for helping to pack and protect it for shipping. It is the least you could have done. And Jocelyn Carver: thank you for affording me a brief lunch to pick your brain for some marketing ideas. There is no finer brain to be picked on the subject. See you all on the beach(!)
Rob Jogodinski - my longest standing friend - for Open Office help, your loyal friendship, love of the mountains, and ever strong heart. In 2004 at The Bella, I said to Stuart: "I want to use my suffering differently. I want to spread it out over a vast, calm space and call it my Garden..."
Two lovers past (during the study of #42, #59), who tested my heart with steadfast repetition and bolstered always my patience and resilience. If you read these pages may you read them with a heart soothed, now and always. “#42”... I'm glad we're still friends.
The Lentil 'famous five' who'll inhabit my heart in every breath.
Sasha Viminitz of Assisted Self Knowledge (ASK) for being a right royal pain... that is, for never leaving my side psychically for even a moment. May you and Kristina find continued bliss. Try seabuckthorn oil?.. And drink more water.
And: to all the part-time-gut-bucket-ornary-folks I keep meeting, whose ready dissatisfaction with this version of economy is keeping things interesting. May you find also an invincible reverie to give you respite and refuge to truly embody our collective longings.
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