Poetic Spiriuality

Poetic Spiriuality
"Let there be light."

Friday, December 21, 2012

December 21, 2012

Okay, so as we suspected the planet still stands
Now they say the end of the world is not what the Mayans had planned.
However, the shift in shared human spiritual awareness
May well be "the event" for which those ancient minds were preparing us.

Today, a moment of shared silence heard across the globe
On the very day all the hype had misleadingly been sold.
Yes, we went through silent moments as the world looked on in 2011
This time 26 bells rang out as so many of our nation's little children were taken to heaven.

So, why should this day be different from the past?
Perhaps this time the outpouring of "pass it on" good deeds will continue to last.
All the holy books, hidden scriptures, and prophecies say the same thing ...
After 21st century apocalyptic world events, the human soul will sing.

Maybe, all around the world people are beginning to see the love in each soul
As our most basic human similarity, and ultimate goal.
No matter where and when we each believe our soul is first born
When it comes to our children, we can't help but empathetically mourn.

Because in this new age of social media like no other, beyond all classes
It's getting harder and harder to brainwash all of the masses.
A thread of the truth (whatever that may be, no matter who is right or wrong) will come to be known ...
And, it is through our children, that the love (or hatred) is home spun and grown.


© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.


Friday, November 30, 2012

In the Name of Truth

I started out using this blog as a way to spread spirituality and tolerance. I snuck in some multiple sclerosis awareness lately, but now I just have to use it to go beyond tolerance to what I truly believe (despite my own disdain for the lack of tolerance within Judiasm itself between it's own sects) to be the truth about what many in the Muslim nations, caught in the web of terrorism, have been taught.

BRIGITT GABRIEL'S SPEECH at DUKE UNIVERSITY.......
inspiring!

"I'm proud and honored to stand here today as a Lebanese speaking for Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. As someone who was raised in an Arabic country, I want to give you a glimpse into the heart of the Arabic world.

I was raised in Lebanon where I was taught that the Jews are evil, Israel is the devil, and the only time we will have peace in the Middle East is when we kill all the Jews and drive them into the sea.

When the Muslims and Palestinians declared jihad on the Christians in 1975, they started massacring the Christians city after city. I ended up living in a bomb shelter underground from age 10 to 17, without electricity, eating grass to live, and crawling under sniper bullets to a spring to get water.

It was Israel who came to help the Christians in Lebanon. My mother was wounded by a Muslim shell and was taken into an Israeli hospital for treatment. When we entered the emergency room, I was shocked at what I saw.
There were hundreds of people wounded, Muslims, Palestinians, Lebanese Christians, and Israeli soldiers lying on the floor. The doctors treated everyone according to their injury. They treated my mother before they treated the Israeli soldier lying next to her. They didn't see religion, they didn't see political affiliation; they saw people in need and they helped.

For the first time in my life, I experienced a human quality that I know my culture would not have shown to their enemy. I experienced the values of the Israelis, who were able to love their enemy in their most trying moments. I spent 22 days at that hospital; those days changed my life and the way I believe information, the way I listen to the radio or to television. I realized that I was sold a fabricated lie by my government about the Jews and Israel, which was so far from reality. I knew for a fact that if I were a Jew standing in an Arab hospital, I would be lynched and thrown to the ground as shouts of joy of “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) echoed through the hospital and the surrounding streets.

I became friends with the families of the wounded Israeli soldiers, one in particular, Rina, whose only child was wounded in his eyes. One day, I was visiting with her and the Israeli army band came to play national songs to lift the spirits of the wounded soldiers. As they surrounded his bed playing a song about Jerusalem, Rina and I started crying. I felt out of place and started walking out of the room, and this mother held my hand and pulled me back in without even looking at me. She held me, crying, and said, "It is not your fault." We just stood there, crying, holding each other's hands.
What a contrast between her—a mother looking at her deformed, 19-year-old only child and still able to love me, the enemy—and a Muslim mother who sends her son to blow himself up to smithereens just to kill a few Jews or Christians.

The difference between the Arabic world and Israel is a difference in values and character. It's barbarism versus civilization. It's democracy versus dictatorship. It's goodness versus evil.

Once upon a time, there was a special place in the lowest depths of hell for anyone who would intentionally murder a child. Now, the intentional murder of Israeli children is legitimized as Palestinian "armed struggle."
However, once such behavior is legitimized against Israel, it is legitimized everywhere in the world, constrained by nothing more than the subjective belief of people who would wrap themselves in dynamite and nails for the purpose of killing children in the name of god.

Because the Palestinians have been encouraged to believe that murdering innocent Israeli civilians is a legitimate tactic for advancing their cause, the whole world now suffers from a plague of terrorism, from Nairobi to New York, from Moscow to Madrid, from Bali to Beslan.

They blame suicide bombings on the "desperation of occupation." Let me tell you the truth. The first major terror bombing committed by Arabs against the Jewish state occurred 10 weeks before Israel even became independent.
On Sunday morning, February 22, 1948, in anticipation of Israel 's independence, a triple truck bomb was detonated by Arab terrorists on Ben Yehuda Street in what was then the Jewish section of Jerusalem. Fifty-four people were killed and hundreds were wounded.

Thus, it is obvious that Arab terrorism is caused not by "desperation" or "occupation", but by the VERY THOUGHT of a Jewish state.

So many times in history in the last 100 years, citizens have stood by and done nothing, allowing evil to prevail. As America stood up against and defeated communism, now it is time to stand up against the terror of religious bigotry and intolerance. It's time for everyone to stand up and support and defend the State of Israel, which is the front line of the war against terrorism.

Thank you."


Saturday, November 17, 2012

Heard it on the News Today

It's getting impossible to stay away
From the reality of the world in which we play,
We're connected all the time
Cameras catch every single crime.

Used to be you had to wait to hear
The awful news we've come to fear.
But now that we're all plugged in
Check the iPhone before your day can begin.

So if I heard it on the news
No one can shelter any of our youth.
These kids have to grow up really fast
Hardly any time to learn from the errors of the past.

So all of us have to hear about
The senseless shootings, bullying and endless crime.
Floods, tornados, catastrophes to boggle the mind
Is Armegeddon coming from the flaws of mankind?

If we can't shelter the little one at play
What is it that we're supposed to say?
Yet just yesterday I also saw on TV
A young women telling the world that it doesn't have to be.

She was using the power of her voice
She had been poor and homeless, but had made a choice.
This young women shared a powerful idea
Nothing is impossible if you have love to share.

That message has been around from way before Jesus' day
But it was sure nice that I heard it on the news today.
Just like the Bible said way back when
Eventually we'll all hear the good news again.

Nostradamus, Kabbalah, Revelation too
Doesn't matter if you were born Muslim, Christian, or Jew.
Mankind has a light within that was born out of love
And we all have the freedom to tackle our ego and spiritually rise above.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.

This is one that I wrote earlier this earlier, but in light of Hurricane Sandy, definitely worth reposting.

Friday, November 2, 2012

An Act of God? Luck? Fate?

I haven't posted all week because Hurricane Sandy has left us without electricity, and Internet access has been sporadic. Although it's getting a bit chilly in here, we are among the lucky ones. We know several people along the Long Island coast that went back to find their homes unlivable. I just can't imagine what they have to deal with now. We just have to deal with no traffic lights and long lines for gas. My dogs are helping a lot with keeping warm - especially the cuddly Chihuahuas :0)

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Fix MS Now

Visit and like the Facebook page, Fix MS Now
http://www.facebook.com/fixmsnow/
for more info and to help raise Multiple Sclerosis awareness.



.Sheryl's MS video

National MS Society Blog: Developments in Treating Cognition

National MS Society Blog: Developments in Treating Cognition: New studies are helping us understand why many people living with MS have cognitive challenges, how we measure cognition and what we can do ...

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National MS Society Blog: Will we all develop progressive MS?

National MS Society Blog: Will we all develop progressive MS?: Julie Stachowiak, PhD Writer, ms.about.com   This is a question that lurks in the minds of many people diagnosed with relapsing-remittin...

Finally some good news about getting old
Not only are we wiser, more intuitive and bold,
But MS won't make us hostage to its nasty hold.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Surfing the Waves

I've been reading an almost daily Facebook post of late
From someone who seems to believe that life is entirely fate.
I've read over and over from this Facebook "friend"
That she is anxiously awaiting the day that her life will end.

Now, like so many, I've never even met this person, but I find
That her sadness has been laying heavily on my mind.
She says that her lot in life is so heavy and she is often so tired
That she has already tried to leave this world before her time here has expired.

I want to take a moment to tell you what I wrote to her,
Just in case anyone else finds that their life has become such an awful blur.
I've lived for over fifty years now through many an up and down,
And I've found that life is like surfing waves
While trying valiantly not to drown.

My Facebook "friend" said she believes this world is "a hell full of hatred, apathy, and distress,"
And she has no problem leaving here for a better place that's not a mess.
I even read a comment saying that there are more people than we know that feel the same way,
So, I felt the need to comment to tell my "friends" what lights my flame.

I pray that each of us can find our way to the gifts that are hidden all around,
Because I'd hate to see anyone miss the positive that can definitely be found.
While so many are busy hoping for the next life where promises exist,
We only have the reality of this moment which can so easily be missed.

I don't think we can really appreciate the highs without the low,
Nor, can only living the easy life allow many of us to spiritually grow.
While sharing negative thoughts allows us to completely empathize,
Sharing positive thoughts and love is the root of how we survive.

So, again, I pray ... no matter your upbringing or religion ... that each of us learns to live in the now,
For this very moment is the only real reality that our brains are wired to allow.
Yesterday will be ingrained in our memories, different for all that observe,
While tomorrow is just a vision of the future that we hope to deserve.

Try to remember, just like surfing the waves and awaiting the next
None of us can really predict the future and what we can expect.
It's the wave we worry the most about that never seems to come our way,
Causing us to waste our precious energy worrying, while we go astray.

So ride the high of the moment, or choose to learn something from the low.
Allow your spirit to surf in the moment, because most likely we were put in this crazy ocean to grow.
We can anticipate the promised next life in the religion and belief we've been taught,
But we should try to not miss each and every moment because looking back life always seems too short.

We all own strength we sometimes only find when put to the test,
But, please don't miss the high moments while worrying about the rest.
I personally hope to sense without any doubt or fear,
That I became a better individual by always staying positive just in case the end is near.

Maybe one day I'll actually find that it is true,
That I can once again connect with the loved ones that I knew.
But until that time let each of us keep on surfing every up and down wave to the shore,
While living in the light of the moment so that we can learn to share the lessons of love others might choose to ignore.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.


Monday, July 23, 2012

Guns, Guns, and More Guns

Yesterday I saw a post on Facebook reacting to the latest mass shooting committed by just one.
It stated that the whole horrific incident could have been avoided if everyone carried a gun.
And, the person wasn't alone in this way of thinking because the "likes" began to appear
The fact that many believe in guns was quickly becoming quite clear.

I couldn't help but comment to make my own opinion known to all.
I mentioned how the only law back in the Wild West was guns drawn to see who would fall.
The person responded asking what was so wrong with the Wild West anyway
Without it, none of us would even be living here today.

Once again, I was compelled to answer back, saying that may very well be.
And, without the atomic bomb this country would probably not be free.
However, aren't we supposed to be a civilized group evolving,
Learning from our history and developing our complex problem solving.

I have to wonder just how it is that people really do think
That guns, guns, and more guns are the missing link
Gangs have guns to "defend" themselves each and every day.
Then I read that a poor defenseless four year old just happened to get in the way.

This person then posted on Facebook that he just wants those without a gun
To stop getting shot while they're just out there having fun.
Okay, I wrote, this comment is one with which I can agree.
While tears are running down my cheeks from the ongoing news that I see.

Young, innocent lives ended so abruptly during a movie.
Guns, guns, and more guns don't guarantee we'll be free.
Not when anyone can buy them anywhere, any time, any place
Then use one to randomly kill with no concern for the human race.

The only light I do see in these insane random acts,
Is that the victims begin to realize some very important facts.
When this moment could possibly be your very last,
It no longer matters what prejudices you may have held in the past.

The survivors stories seem to say it all loud and clear
So many said that despite the overwhelming panic and fear,
As they saw their life flashing before their very eyes,
While they listened to the screams and the frightening cries ...

It no longer mattered for so many of the several hundred people there
The color of each person's skin, their wealth, or the clothes that they wear.
Life, all life, became precious and unexpected heroes began to arise.
The good human spirit rose up, and to me, that was not a surprise.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.




Wednesday, July 18, 2012

What is it about Animal Lovers?

Found it very interesting that I asked for a favor today,
And, help arrived in the most unexpected way.
The help wasn't even for just myself,
But to raise awareness for MS which affects my health.

First I sent out requests to the people I know well,
The response was poor, as you probably could tell.
Then, I sent requests to all the Facebook dog lovers that I know,
The response each day continues to grow.

So, what is it about fellow animal lovers
That makes their compassion seem to rise above the others?
Is it perhaps that animal lovers learn from the pure spirit
Of the animals that gift them with such love so beyond any limit?

Thank you my "friends" for coming through to like the new "Fix MS Now" Facebook page.
And thank you from all of us that fight the MS battles that rage.
Multiple Sclerosis, and all of the autoimmune diseases out there,
Sometimes leave the sufferers wondering if people really care.

Once again the kindness of strangers reminds me of what it should be about.
Instead of the unnecessary violence that makes us scream and shout.
Keep spreading the love, pure and unconditional just like our pets.
Then each of us can leave this lifetime without feeling any regrets.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.

http://www.Facebook.com/fixMSnow







Thursday, June 21, 2012

A Testament to the Human Soul

It may be true that only a fellow dog lover
Can truly grasp the pain of another,
When a beloved furry friend moves on
To whatever waits for their souls beyond.

Loved ones, friends, even a casual friend
Can be expected to comfort you in the end.
But I've recently learned an amazing truth,
I had absolutely no vision of in my youth.

For years now I've turned to social media like Twitter and Facebook
To share my passions and let others have a look.
Are they really "friends" in any sense of the word?
Is the question that I constantly heard.

Well, the outpouring of sympathy that I have received from these "friends" that I don't even really know,
Is such a beautiful testament to the goodness contained in many a human soul.

So, thank you to all of you that also mourn for the loss of my beloved dog, Snowy,
And have looked into your own hearts to try to comfort me.
But a special thank you, to all of you out there in cyberspace,
Who are a true reminder of the good we can do without ever seeing each other face to face.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.


Thursday, June 7, 2012

The Golden Rule

I was recently in the company of an old friend
Whose too common attitude could so easily offend.
He was hesitant to buy his residence near my own
Because there were too many people "different" than he had always known.

Funny that I'd just heard from Charles Osgood on radio news
That Dale Carnegie wrote over a hundred years ago to share some very relevant views.
He wrote about a concept considered to be common sense, but not a common act
A thing preached to our parents' parents as the golden rule, in fact.

"Love your neighbor" describes a two-way relationship, friend or stranger
Based on both sides seeing equality, not fear or danger.
Psychologically, this means empathy, not lack of concern
Philosophically, it involves perceiving others as equal in return.

Religion played an integral part in the history of the Golden Rule
Prominent figures and philosophers taught it in school.
This concept appears in many religions, including Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, to name a few
The Golden Rule can be found in some form in almost every ethical and traditional view.

So, why do we keep paying for books over the centuries that keep restating what we already comprehend
And why did my friend still fear moving to an area where people "different" from him represent a barrier he can not transcend?
It still comes down to that same old rule that becomes the key
Each individual has free will, no matter what race, religion, sex, or creed ... we each have a soul yearning to be spiritually free.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.




Monday, May 7, 2012

Elevator Behavior

Ever walk into an elevator with a stranger
And notice an immediate sense of danger?
You look straight ahead or to both of the sides
But you never ever look them right in the eyes.

Try to notice two apes in a cage at a zoo
You'll see it's the same exact thing that they do.
They say that it's in our genes as a way to avoid a threat
But humans have evolved and should have a better mind set.

If our eyes are truly windows to our soul
Perhaps we should try testing a new way to grow.
What if we were to ignore what nature has brought,
And rise above what the prejudice and judgement have taught.

Try it next time when you're alone with someone you don't know
How far above your comfort level are you willing to go?
Speak to that person and look right at their eyes
Push aside the awkward insecurity that everyone despises.

Reach deep into your own soul, smile and speak a few kind words
Doesn't really matter what you say as long as you're heard.
You might just find that the kind words you made the effort to say
Are just what that soul next to you really needed to hear that day.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Reruns

Tired of living the same script
Feeling like the scales of justice are tipped?
Having that sense of deja vu
Like nothing is truly new?

The actors may change
Some of the scenes may even
rearrange
But the ending is always the same
Are you wondering who's to blame?

Are the hands of fate pushing you to go
Like chess pieces to and fro
Or are you wondering if it's a plan
And if so, why don't you understand?

Try listening to that inner voice
The one that's forcing you to make each choice.
You've heard it once or twice
No coincidences, only advice.

Our souls understand
The paths that God planned
Some say we even chose our life
Imagine, we might have picked such strife!

Bridges burned, lessons learned
A better ending can be earned.
We can choose to ignore
And flounder not knowing what's in store.

Or ... We can pay attention to any holy book we choose
The message within is bound to the same basic rules.
Choose your acts wisely based on love from within
Perhaps, the reruns will end, and the happy endings will begin.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Heard it on the News Today

It's getting impossible to stay away
From the reality of the world in which we play,
We're connected all the time
Cameras catch every single crime.

Used to be you had to wait to hear
The awful news we've come to fear.
But now that we're all plugged in
Check the iPhone before your day can begin.

So if I heard it on the news
No one can shelter any of our youth.
These kids have to grow up really fast
Hardly any time to learn from the errors of the past.

So all of us have to hear about
The senseless shootings, bullying and endless crime.
Floods, tornados, catastrophes to boggle the mind
Is Armegeddon coming from the flaws of mankind?

If we can't shelter the little one at play
What is it that we're supposed to say?
Yet just yesterday I also saw on TV
A young women telling the world that it doesn't have to be.

She was using the power of her voice
She had been poor and homeless, but had made a choice.
This young women shared a powerful idea
Nothing is impossible if you have love to share.

That message has been around from way before Jesus' day
But it was sure nice that I heard it on the news today.
Just like the Bible said way back when
Eventually we'll all hear the good news again.

Nostradamus, Kabbalah, Revelation too
Doesn't matter if you were born Muslim, Christian, or Jew.
Mankind has a light within that was born out of love
And we all have the freedom to tackle our ego and spiritually rise above.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved

Poetic Spirituality: Rememeber, My Child

Several people, including just recently Ginni Hart, have replied to me with comments about how much this sparked their connection to their own child do I thought that since my own son is hurting right now because he just broke off his engagement, this was worth reposting. Don't forget to tell your son, daughter, mom, or dad that you love them. I always knew that my dad loved me, but it took him until he was 79 to actually say it - it was very touching!


COMMENT: I loved your "remember, my child" poem - so beautiful@ Love, Ginni

Blog: Poetic Spirituality
Post: Rememeber, My Child
Link: http://poeticspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/01/rememeber-my-child.html

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Poetic Spirituality: Rememeber, My Child: I wished for you, my child From the day that you first smiled That I could share all the knowledge One can’t learn in college. But just...

Monday, March 19, 2012

Depression Today

Just heard on the news
How so many people choose
To take a powerful drug
Then sweep their problems under the rug.

Quick fixes while feeling sad
Seem to be the latest greatest fad
While others think it best the Gospel to preach
Still others look for the latest gurus for the wisdom they teach.

In an age when some wait certain the world will end
Tornados, earth quakes, floods, Armageddon?
Others say just get more things
Cause you know how much happiness money brings.

I say look deep within
Let the Age of Aquarius really begin.
All of the prophets said the same thing
Positive intentions can changes bring.

It's not all the things that you own that make you secure
it's what you do with your power that you can't ignore.
We've all heard that happiness comes from within
While all the religions are still waiting for the promised good times to begin.

The Messiah, peace on earth, enlightenment, joy for us all to know
If it's true that our soul is eternal and using this dimension to grow
Than the one life lesson I wish to share while I live
Happiness is in controlling our ego while asking to receive in order to give.


© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

What Can One Person Do These Days?


When I was a teen and could only write one letter
I didn’t think there was much to do to make things better.
I mean what could one voice do with just one smile
All I had was one huge phone with a big round dial.

Back then how could I ever imagine a day yet
When just typing a few words or even better just saying it,
Could then be posted with just one click and there it goes
All over the world for all to see, who knows.

Nostradamus predicted an age of being anywhere in a blink
Ancient prophets spoke of days when all souls would understand our link.
This age we live in gives each individual such power
And we each have the potential to use it to make others grow or cower.

Each one of us can now so easily reach out to the masses
Teens today don’t need to feel so alone in their classes.
Yet anonymity in itself has bred deceit
And we read every day about the spouses that find new ways to cheat.

We can embrace the awe of what social media can do
There’s so much good that can come from me and you.
Just the other day I saw on the news
A young women used the Internet to stop corporate abuse.

There really is so much power these days at our finger tips
Even more than years ago when we only had our lips.
One person can certainly make a change be seen
And now it can be by anyone, not just a king or queen.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky. 2012. All rights reserved.

Monday, February 6, 2012

One Decision at a Time

Learn to live in the now
Don't worry about how.
Don't wait for this moment to pass
Just in case it is your last.

None of us can tell the next minute
If we'll lose life's race or win it.
Illness and stress teach us with much pain
What ancient scripture tried to explain.

Reality is the moment at play
Shape your future day by day.
Each hardship is a lesson learned
Each joy is a blessing earned.

Live your life like each moment is new
According to the prophets this much is true.
Learn from your mistakes, they're not a crime
Moment to moment, one decision at a time.

We may not be able to pick which road
While feeling like we're carrying a big load.
But, we were given free will so our souls could soar
At each crossroad it's our God given gift to pick the best door.


© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

With You in My Life

I dream of making time stand still
Just before we fall asleep
Each other’s arms we fill
It is a feeling that I want to keep.

Like two fitting puzzle pieces
Or two spoons together in a draw
My heart is never empty
It’s you that I adore.

As I begin to melt
And become a part of you
For all the fibers of my being
You become the glue.

I can feel the world disappearing
In the serenity of this time
All my fears are now clearing
The beauty of the moment is sublime.

With such love am I blessed
It is the ultimate cure
This much I have confessed
With you in my life I can never be poor.


© 2010 Sheryl Skutelsky. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

For the Love of Dogs

A Facebook friend of mine that shares my love of dogs wrote this comment to me in an email:

"Thank u for sharing your blog. Was reading some of your entries. Was enjoying reading some of the info u shared about the Kabblah.
The two Poems above it makes me feel your frustration with people who r narrow minded & judgmental. Good way to get it out of your system. I've felt your anger before in your writings about people's stupidity in not embracing the differences & the similarities we all possess. It is a shame I agree but it is the world we live in.
I look forward to you writing about the nature of our pets. They on the other hand have the opposite nature & while blogging about them I think I will feel u smile."

So, this is for Di ...


It is no surprise
When you look into thier eyes
That dogs have a soul
Their type of love should be our goal.

Unconditional. traditional, not superficial
Complete, heartfelt, soulfull.
Uncomplicated, trusting, easy
Fun, loving and pleasing.

Observe, and we might learn
Dogs love without asking in return.
They forgive and forget
They sense need with no regret.

Ah, if my fur babies could just talk
The things they'd say as we walk
"Don't worry mommy, smell the grass
This moment will quickly pass."

A belly rub, a snuggle and a kiss
These are the things I'd truly miss
Dogs don't judge, dogs don't hate
My dogs just make me feel so great!

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved

Sunday, January 15, 2012

The World's a Shrinking Place

Ignorance causes fear
Of those far and near.
Today we just hit start
The Internet can make us smart.

We can be any place
Learn about and connect with any race.
Share customs and ideas
Discuss concerns, joys and cares.

It's those tortured and underfed
Held isolated, uneducated, and bled
That can easily be taught to hate
When evil dictators hold their fate.

Intermarriage, interfaith
Multiracial ... the world's a shrinking place.
Understanding, caring, empathy
See how close we can really be.

But how do we stamp out hate
Throuhout our shrinking world
If we can't even love our neighbor
Because we've learned judgment as a basic behavior.

Rather than judge
Set your mind and not budge
Imagine children taught to smile
With acceptance for each individual's style.

Black, white, yellow, mixed
Straight, gay, cross dresser, fixed
Rich, poor, white collar, blue
Everyone has tribulations to go through.

Intermarriage, interfaith
Multiracial ... the world's a shrinking place.
But with understanding, caring, empathy
We can see how close we can really be.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Tolerance


All this war and blame
In each religion's name.
How can man against man fight
If God is all about love and light?

My religion tells it this way
No, mine says you can't be gay
Wait, mine says you're not going to heaven
Well, I'm going to die and get virgins, eleven.

Mohammed is right.
Jesus has the insight.
No, the Torah is older
But the Koran is much bolder.

How does anyone really know?
Have you seen a bush aglow?
Have you or you been to the other side?
I'd like to speak to one who's died.

Who gave us the right to judge one another?
Jesus said to show love to your brother.
The common thread was supposed to be love
But we're bogged down in push and shove.

Tolerance toward each other wouldn't be so hard
If we remembered that we all worship the same God.
We'd be teaching tolerance from the start
If we took each prophet's message straight from thier heart.

Each individual has thier own story
Some were taught to give God the glory.
Other's wonder if God even exists these days
Some let their own ego take all the praise.

Live and let live with love, not hate
Just in case there is a pearly gate.
If we could spend less time judging our fellow man
We'd have more time to see the bigger plan.

Yes, there is some true evil out there
There are some forces that we need to fear.
But if each of us could just see the big picture from above
We'd see how alike we really are when viewed through love.

Tolerance toward each other wouldn't be so hard
If we remembered that we all worship the same God.
We'd be teaching tolerance from the start
If we took each prophet's message straight from their heart.

The religions are all man made
Over time the message could fade.
Based on the prophet's word
Passed down from those alive that heard.

The light and love deep inside
That's what we shouldn't hide.
We're all just energy holding together each atom's glow
It's the individual spirit that we each need to know.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The Secret is in the Sharing

Thousands and thousands of years ago
Ancient civilizations hid what they know
It’s really all about atoms and space
All born out of love and God’s grace

Religions were all created by men
The rules were written way back when
It’s the truth hidden behind the rules
That we can find with the right tools

Before it was all written down
Before mortal men wore God’s crown
It was already taught and known
But hidden from those with sins to atone

There’s energy within you and me
An energy that we cannot see
It’s in all things big and small
It miraculously connects one and all

We can’t see sound or radio waves
Or the sonar that bats use in caves
But we know this energy is definitely there
With a proper receptor it becomes very clear

Modern physics is first showing today
The secrets that were long hidden away
Science has already succeeded to prove
That thought can change the way atoms move

Many of the ancient stories tell
It’s not based on any magic spell
The energy from the beginning of time
Can make our lives quite sublime

The secret is in what you choose to do
With the energy you request to enter you
You can store it and use it for selfish needs
And suffer the consequences this now breeds

Or you can choose to share it as simple love
The way it was meant from up above
Share it and the world is a better place
You can see the result on each and every face

Everything that your heart desires
All the things that everyone admires
The world can be filled with peace
Let go of our egos and the evil will soon cease.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2012. All rights reserved.

What is Kabbalah?

As we begin 2012 we continued to see and hear things about the end of the world It is talked about in the Bible and in Jewish Mysticism known as Kaballah. It seems that such stars as Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor, Winona Ryder, Jeff Goldblum, Courtney Love and Roseanne Barr were all the latest devotees to Kaballah. However, how many of us really know anything about Kaballah? For those of you that don't have a clue, here's a very brief introduction.

Kaballah is based on an ancient book called The Zohar which predates the birth of Christ. A matter of fact, many scholars believe that Jesus was a student of Kabbalah, and he drew many of his teachings from its wisdom. Basically, Kabbalists believe that everything was created from energy referred to as The Light. The Light constantly filters down to man at the lowest level through Sefirot, or attributes of the Light.

Kabbalah in its simplest form teaches that the Light is in each and every man and woman, or in other words, God is in each one of us. We were created so that the Light could share, but in receiving endless Light, mankind (the vessel of receiving) wanted to give back in the likeness of the Light. The Light's sole desire is to fill the vessel with endless Light. Mankind, the vessel, needed to feel a lack or desire in order to be filled up. Thus, man was given his ego. The ego is the key to all desire.

Now, here's the key. Man was given free will in order to give back in the likeness of the Light. Each of us can choose to receive the Light in order to fulfill our own ego or in order to share in the likeness of the Light. Basically, Kabbalah teaches that mankind must exercise restriction. Each of us must stop and think what we want to do with the endless Light as we receive it. It is our choice to use the Light for the selfish desires of the ego or for sharing with others.

Here's a great way to think about this in simple terms. Picture each person (the vessel) as a light bulb. Energy has a negative charge and a positive charge. If the two are restricted from meeting through the filament of the light bulb, the result is light. However, if there is no restriction between the positive and negatively charged energy, the result is that the bulb blows out causing it to turn black, prohibiting the light. Kabbalah teaches that there is positive energy flowing into our right side and negative energy flowing into our left side. It is our choice to use restriction in the center by choosing how to use this energy.

The bottom line is that this energy of creation flowing through every atom is Love. Kabbalah, the ancient wisdom that has lately been attracting stars and average folk alike, in its simplest form teaches us that the world can be changed if each and every one of us chooses to use The Light (God's Love) to share with each other rather than for our own selfish desires of the ego. Want to change the world? Then reject the selfish desires of your ego, and love your fellow man. That's Kabbalah's most basic teaching. Of course, there's a lot more that can be learned and thousands of books on the subject. If you're intereted, www.kabbalah.com is a great place to start.

Why Me?


We've all heard the idea that you can look at a glass half empty or half full. Well in the same sense, spiritually speaking, you can look at your troubles as a blessing or a curse. It's all up to you and how you choose to veiw life. So, next time you find yourself asking "why me?" replace that thought with "what lesson am I suppose to be learning here?"

Our attitude toward life is our biggest spiritual tool. You can face each obstacle with a positive thought if you remember that everything in life happens for a reason. Each event or person in our life is there to teach us a lesson or to allow us to touch another person and help them to learn their lesson. If you've read some of the spiritual literature out there, you're already familiar with the concept that nothing in life is a coincidence. Each situation is placed before us by the Light (that is the energy of God) for a reason. Our attitude and choice in each situation is our gift. It is our God given freedom of choice.

Try to think of your life as a movie with several possible plot lines. All the plot lines have already been written. It is the choice you make at each scene change that determines which plot line you take next. You can run through the maze of plot lines in total chaos while hoping that you reach the end without taking the same wrong path over and over again, or you can stop at each crossroad and think about your next move so that you can choose the most sensible route.

In other words, the key to the question of "why me?" is the ability to stop yourself within each drama in your life in order to see why the Light has put you in your present situation. For instance, if you are in the middle of an arguement with your neighbor, you need to learn how to take a few seconds to stop yourself and ask why are you so upset with this person. What are you here right now to learn?

Often you will find yourself upset during a dramatic scene with your spouse, children, friend, boss or coworker. Your blood pressure is up and your adrenalin is pumping. There is a reason for this. Your body is reacting to a difficult situation that you have been placed in so that you can become aware of your choices and come out a better person on the other side. Are you upset with the other person because he or she is pointing out something within yourself that you need to change? True maturity comes when you learn how to stop yourself before reacting, and in those few precious seconds, place yourself in the other person's shoes. Where are each of you coming from and what can each of you learn?

So, next time you find yourself thinking why me, try to be thankful for this very situation because it is in the most difficult situations that true change can take place and the most valuable lessons can be learned, but only if you can step back and look at your troubles as a spiritual opportunity for growth. It's not easy, but then it's not supposed to be. However, with practice the habit of restriction and proaction can become your normal way to handle life's stresses, and this my friend, is one of the keys to a happier life. Remember what your parents told you. "Treat others the way that you want them to treat you."

Is My Mom in Heaven?

I've been having a continuing dialogue with my cousin in California. He became a Jew for Jesus many years ago, and one of his main arguments is that you can only find final salvation through Jesus. He bases this on the New Testament passage where Jesus states that he is "the way".

I have to say that I find it hard to believe that only Christians will be finding final salvation with the Lord. What about the millions of good people out there who are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhists, or even agnostics and atheists? Does my cousin really believe that none of these good people can find heaven?

I know that all true Christians believe the same thing that my cousin is always preaching. However, through my research, I've found many books written on the topic of Christian mysticism. One thing that many scholars agree on is that Jesus, like many of the rabbis or teachers of his time, was most likely a student of Kabbalah. If you look at the New Testament as a work written by a student of Kabbalah, you can see Jesus in a whole new way.

Much of what Jesus taught can easily be traced to the "hidden" lessons that were verbally shared by the Kabbalists of his time. For instance, in stating the he is the way and the light, one could also look at it as his hidden meaning being that the "secrets" that he is teaching is the true way to God or the Light rather than belief in him. When asked if he is the son of God, He answers that the Romans are putting words in his mouth. Jesus continually pointed out that we are all children of the Light.

I have a very open mind toward all religions, but I do have a problem with any religion that states that it is the ONLY way to reach God. It is this very attitude that creates the lack of love in this world. One of Jesus' basic teachings is that we must love one another - saint and sinner alike.

My mother, for instance, was a wonderful, loving individual (May she rest in peace.) Last time I asked my cousin if he was certain that my mother is not in heaven right now, he answered that he was absolutely certain. I commend my cousin on his faith, but until his time comes to reconnect with his relatives after death, I find it very hard to understand his certaintly that my mother is not in heaven.

Is This Reality?

Think about all the things beyond our senses
That we cannot perceive
Then think about the rules and fences
In which we all believe.

Is this life true reality
In all its totality
Or is it an illusion
Built upon confusion?

All of our brains are made the same
Built from cells and electricity
The essence of our name
So complex, yet simplicity

What do we find
In our minds
Are we blind
To all the signs

There are hidden frequencies in the air
That with the right mode of reception
We can suddenly see and hear
They are no longer a place of deception.

So, is there another reality out there?
One we can’t yet perceive
Beyond the death we fear
In the Light we receive

We all want to believe that we are living for a reason
Despite the things we can’t understand
From season to following season
Is everything already planned?

Are there lessons to be learned
Is there a plan to all the madness?
Are there new levels to be earned
That will make sense of all the sadness?

We only have our senses
We know of only five
But through all the past tenses
There seems to be a sixth sense coming alive

This new reality
Seems to be born of love
And it has no finality
As it opens up the gates above.

© Sheryl A. Skutelsky, 2011

Rememeber, My Child

I wished for you, my child
From the day that you first smiled
That I could share all the knowledge
One can’t learn in college.

But just as you couldn’t know about fire
Like all of the knowledge you will acquire
It’s not a toy or game
You have to feel the heat of the flame.

Lessons don’t come easy
And you can’t learn them just to please me
No, lessons don’t come easy
It can bring you down, you see.

If I try to teach you from the heart
This is the one place that I’d first start
Nothing lasts forever
Even if you think you’re clever.

No matter how bad it sometimes seems
Still always follow your dreams
Because everything happens for a reason
Each life’s lesson has its season.
The older you grow
The faster the days go
Years fly by, nothing stands still
So cherish each and every thrill.

Energy is a part of our being
Don’t waste yours on the wrong thing
It’s all about how you look at each day
That will set the stage for the play,

Positive thoughts bring positive scenes
Negativity leads to the end of your dreams
Wake up each day with the light in mind
It can keep you from living your life so blind.

But remember, my child, lessons don’t come easy
And you can’t learn them just to please me
I just wish that you could somehow miss
At least some of the pain, so remember this ...

Love is the reason we’re all here
Let go of the terror, let go of the fear
And remember, my child, remember today
That the love of a parent can help light your way.

© 2009 Sheryl A. Skutelsky. All rights reserved.

The Greatest Lesson

If I were gone tomorrow
This one thing I’d want my kids to know
The greatest lesson is right before your eyes.
Live in the moment and leave the future for a surprise.
For no matter how much you plan and worry
Racing through each moment in such a hurry
You can’t change where you have been
And you can’t erase each and every wrong.


Remember always, you can’t see tomorrow
So you really can’t avoid the sorrow
But you can miss the joy of this time
While you are busy looking ahead or behind.
Let go of yesterday’s pain and especially the fear
Otherwise it all becomes more than you can bear.
Enjoy the many joyful times
And only come away with the lessons from the crimes.


Have hopes and dreams of course
But go with the flow, don’t force.
Like the limb bending in the breeze
If it were rigid, we’d have only broken trees.
The ship that rides gently in the ocean
Is the one that makes the most of the motion.
So, live fully and cherish each and every minute
Because it is only truly yours the second you are in it.


Yes, if I were gone tomorrow
My children, to avoid true sorrow
Stay in the moment instead of looking over your shoulder
Or before you know it you’ve done nothing but get older.
Experience each and every racing wave
Don’t miss a single ripple on your way to the grave.
And trust that the universe will be your guide
As long as love is along for the ride.
If I were gone tomorrow
This one thing I’d want my kids to know
The greatest lesson is right before your eyes.
Live in the moment and leave the future for a surprise.
For no matter how much you plan and worry
Racing through each moment in such a hurry
You can’t change where you have been
And you can’t erase each and every wrong.


Remember always, you can’t see tomorrow
So you really can’t avoid the sorrow
But you can miss the joy of this time
While you are busy looking ahead or behind.
Let go of yesterday’s pain and especially the fear
Otherwise it all becomes more than you can bear.
Enjoy the many joyful times
And only come away with the lessons from the crimes.


Have hopes and dreams of course
But go with the flow, don’t force.
Like the limb bending in the breeze
If it were rigid, we’d have only broken trees.
The ship that rides gently in the ocean
Is the one that makes the most of the motion.
So, live fully and cherish each and every minute
Because it is only truly yours the second you are in it.


Yes, if I were gone tomorrow
My children, to avoid true sorrow
Stay in the moment instead of looking over your shoulder
Or before you know it you’ve done nothing but get older.
Experience each and every racing wave
Don’t miss a single ripple on your way to the grave.
And trust that the universe will be your guide
As long as love is along for the ride.

© Sheryl Skutelsky, 2010. All rights reserved.

It's All About Energy

Have you ever thought about what our bodies are actually made of? If you have, then the idea that I’m about to put forth may be one that has already occurred to you, but perhaps you never thought about it in quite this way. A large percentage of the human body is water, and water is an excellent conductor of the electric impulses that run through our minds and nerves. In other words, our bodies are largely energy. Have you ever wondered why some of us start each day with a lot more energy than others?

So often we waste energy. Try to picture yourself holding all your energy in your hands. What is the best way to make use of it? If you think of it as something very valuable like money, you certainly won’t want to waste any of it. Yet, that’s what most of us do each day.

One of the greatest spiritual lessons found in almost all of the major religions is that we should put our trust in God. Ever wonder why? It’s all about the energy. If we begin with the basic premise that God is the source of all our energy, it then becomes clear that man’s freedom of choice is in his ability to choose what to do with this energy. Our thoughts are energy, and negative thoughts such as worrying, obsessing, stressing out … they all use an incredible amount of our energy. Does worrying change anything? Of course not, but most of us seem to do it none the less.

We have all experienced the fact that everything in life is sweeter when we can appreciate it and share it. Well, the same is true of God’s energy. So, the next time you are obsessing over plans gone awry or over reacting to a difficult situation, remember it is totally your choice as to whether or not you want to waste your most valuable resource. Let go of the worry and fear, and you’ll be amazed at how much energy you have left, and how much better you’ll feel about yourself.

© Sheryl Skutelsky, 2010. All rights reserved.

Addiction and Spirituality

With all the recent celebrity deaths in the media from overdoses of prescription drugs, one has to wonder what is missing in all these lives that open the door for such addictions.

Many years ago I did a paper that compared the Twelve Step Program of AA (or NA) to a religious code. The similarities were astonishing. One of the major steps for a recovering addict is to accept a power higher than themselves. Another is to make ammends with all those that the addict has hurt.

Spiritually speaking, what is missing in an addict's life is the ability to put the good of others before the selfish needs of self. In other words, if an addict could look to the Light of God for guidance, they would see the fulfillment that comes with doing things for the good of others rather than to satisfy their own ego.

Of course, this sounds simple, and we all know that it's not. However, just as most of the world's major religions teach, trusting God and treating others the way that we want to be treated is a great place for everyone to start.

© Sheryl Skutelsky, 2010. All rights reserved.

What About Ego?

Ancient mysticism teaches that the ego was given to mankind so that the soul could have a reason to move forward, making corrections through acting upon desires. You see, there is no growth without change, and there is no change without the desire to move. Spiritual growth cannot take place if our desires are based only on selfish needs of the ego. So, here is my dilemma ... If we do things to satisfy our desires, how can we control our ego which is the very thing that feeds our desire. How are we supposed to control our ego while we grow?

I've often noticed that celebrities thank God when they are awarded for their success. Perhaps this is a clue to my dilemma. We need to remember where our talents come from. Judaism teaches that we are on this earth for "Tikkun Olam," to heal the world. How better to heal the world than to accomplish the very things that God has given us the talent to share while remembering where that talent originated.

For instance, I could ask myself why I am writing this blog. Naturally, I want as many people as possible to read it, but why? Is it to share my knowledge to help others or is it to get the satisfaction in knowing that people want to read what I have written. If it's for both reasons, how can I control my egotistical desires? The key is that I should always remember that my ability to write is a God given talent, and therefore I should use it to share with others in a way that will help the world. In this way, I am using the benefits of my writing ability for the good of others rather than for my own selfish reasons.

I sincerely hope that your ego will lead you to the ability to share your God given talents with others. Remember to trust your conscience as a guide to right and wrong ... both in your personal and in your private relationships ... and you can't go wrong. As long as your heart is in the right place, you will be using your ego in a way that brings you closer to a spiritual life.

© Sheryl Skutelsky, 2010. All rights reserved.

Man's Plan

Ever hear that man makes a plan and sees God laugh
Ever wonder why if man can intercede on his own behalf?

When I was in my youth
Nothing seemed to make sense
Whether I told a lie or the truth
It seemed like plans unfolded at my expense.
The cost seemed too great
When I followed my own path
As I wondered if it was luck or fate
Being taught that it was the results of God’s awesome wrath.

Now several decades have passed by
And I’m starting to believe
That as time marches by
All our paths form a weave.

We can choose our reaction
Or follow our own passion
Looking for some satisfaction
In each and every action.
But if our heart is filled
With love and the desire to share
Our life’s dreams we can build
Without living filled with fear.

Yes, man makes his plans to win
And God answers with a knowing grin
Because first man must learn his lessons
And practice without obsession
To not make his mistakes twice
He must take the ancient sages’ advice.
Reaction is the key
To all of life’s trials and tests
Think before you do, look before you see
And try to live without regrets.

We’re not pieces on a chess board
Or actors in a play
Each scene moves us forward
So that we can envision
The proper decision
Where love will light the way.


© Sheryl Skutelsky, 2010. All rights reserved.