In the Time of Heyoka

If history repeats itself, then how did the ancient wisdom holders deal with times like we have today in America? What is actually happening in the United States if we step back and look at the pattern from a fresh perspective? We may not be able to go back before recorded history but we can go to Native American culture (and others native cultures around the world) to see a pattern repeating today and how they dealt with it.

In the Lakota Sioux there is a role usually played by an individual that emerges when needed. These individuals make the, often unconscious, choice to become the Sacred Clown of the tribe; the Heyoka. They are contrarians who violate the norms and taboos of the tribe by turning things upside down and backwards—forcing individuals to look outside traditional solutions and find answers from within. They are the only ones who can ask, “Why?” about sensitive topics. They shock people into an awareness that the fine balance between the extremes that creates the energy tension of life are off (the poles within which we in the third dimension operate—the extremes of good/bad, black/white, happy/sad, love/hate, science/magic, etc.)

 

Their role brings absurdity and paradox into the tribe in order to upset the status quo; shake things up to cause tribe members to loosen their hold on the assumptions that are hurting the tribe. They use satire to question the specialists and carriers of sacred knowledge or those in positions of power and authority. They penetrate deception, turn over rocks, teach backwards and create a deeper awareness by using the teaching tools of humor: jokes, puns, satire, nonsense and threats. They poke a stick at the soft underbelly.

They teach by negative example and cause imbalance at tribal ceremonies resulting in everyone being forced to understand the concept of balance. Everyone is jostled to realize that personal responsibility is at the heart of social order, survival and sacred power.

Black Elk (1863-1950) of the Oglala Lakota was Heyoka (2^nd cousin of Crazy Horse--see the book, Nicholas Black Elk). His words, “Nothing can live well except in a manner that is suited to the way the sacred power of the world lives and moves.” 

As Chief Seattle said, "The Earth does not belong to man. Man belongs to the Earth. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.”

 

I’ve been accused of being concerned with the spiritual path (please do not define this as a religious path—I’m far from having religious leanings). I probably have more of a heyoka mindset. I’m a contrarian in thought. I’m not afraid to turn over rocks and explore the forbidden. This is upsetting to many people. Mankind is off balance and needs to find its center again. It doesn’t take a genius to see that. Look at what we’ve done to the earth. And still, there are those that argue the earth is fine--nothing wrong there. But they haven’t yet seen what is under some of those bigger rocks yet to be turned over. I’m suggesting that this country has gotten so far off balance, that we have caused a Sacred Clown to emerge.

Do we have a Heyoka in the White House? True to heyoka tradition, he has brought absurdity and paradox into the “tribe.” By his Heyoka actions (whether conscious or unconscious) he is showing his disregard for norms, rules, social guidelines and acceptable behavior—thus illuminating reality by subverting our assumptions. He is shocking people into awareness. Whether you love him or hate him, he is shaking the very foundations of our democracy, forcing us to look carefully at all the institutions in place that are being upset. We are finding that some of these institutions are not doing what they are supposed to be doing. That those in charge who were supposed to be looking out for the People are not—but instead are corrupted by the quest for money and power at any cost.

Heyoka is causing us to look at our imbalance, and how we respond says a lot about where we are as individuals regarding the polarities. Liberal—Conservative. Democrat—Republican. All charity is good—no charity is good. All social programs are good—all social programs are bad. If we fail to see that balance can't be found at the extreme polarities, we are in danger of it all falling down around us.

As a writer, I’m familiar with archetypes. Heyoka is the archetype of the jester that entertains while slipping into absurdity, revealing truths we’re not willing to look at head on, also known as The Fool, the first Trump card of the Tarot? (Is that synchronistic or what?) Armed only with his knapsack of tricks, and his dog—his animal nature—to guide him, he takes us to the edge of the cliff over which he is willing to go to show us our need for balance. Will we go over the cliff or will we wake up before it’s too late?

How do we find our center? It has to be as individuals. Because the tribe is made up of individuals, we each need to find our center again. If we hope to heal the 'tribe' we need to find our own balance between the two extreme poles. If there is any truth, it is at the center, not at the edges. 

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Writers: Give Yourself Some Rope

As writers become bloggers, writerly advice is dispensed ad nauseum, as if we are all the same, all fitting into some mold called ‘writer.’ If we do such and such, we will be successful at . . . take your pick.

YIKES!

We are all too different to fit into one way of doing things (Oh, and by the way, this might just be a life lesson as well). I don’t want to fall into that trap of using the tried and true method of list making today. You know, do these 5, 7, 10 things and be a successful writer (blogger, author, dieter, skier, pool player . . .). Whatever!

So, in this New Year, why not open up your creativity without trying to do anything?  

Okay, that was easy, now what?

When I go into my creative mode, I try to remain as open as I can to the influx of new ideas and things that come into my world, how I view the world around me and the people I come into contact with. I try to just observe and not do anything for awhile. Not that I succeed all the time, and I have some miserable failures, but I see it as a mindset. Acceptance is a big part of it—believing in yourself as a path into your own creative mind. Don’t let anyone devalue your unique way of doing things. Play.

If you are stuck in your writing (or dieting, exercising, etc.), and you go to all the dos and don’ts that others have said will make you unstuck, it just might make it worse, because then guilt sets in. I tried this and I’m still stuck, I must be a moron.

Logic works well for science but can be deadly when applied to the artistic creative process. As some of you who have followed me for a while may have noticed, I can be all over the place in my blogging—from talk of perfumes to exploration of the Beat Generation to roses, thorns and the Munsters. It opens doors, it breaks down resistance in the mind.

Why? Because inspiration comes from exploration. I try not to limit myself because it might appear weird or strange. (I can be weird and strange so why hide it?)

Conclusion? Approach life/art with openness—with allowing. Don’t block your creative side with labels and structures that limit or rein in your creativity—give yourself some rope (It’s okay to hang yourself metaphorically, you learn from your mistakes—they can be some of the best teachers.).

For me, what works is to dip into the waters of the metaphysical (the non-physical or beyond the physical that our senses perceive), where freedom from the logical part of the mind can be found. Logic seeks to label, sort and box one in with “safe” structures that are tried and true—“be safe, do what is known to work, don’t venture into the unknown.” 

Uh . . . no! Not when I need to open up my creativity.

Of course I’m not talking about craft here. Writers always need to keep learning their craft. Writing is not just about spewing your creative ideas willy nilly onto the page. Characters and unique situations cannot just spill out without structure that readers understand and relate to. That’s where logic comes in so you can lay out your story with depth and intelligence—or simply as a romp for some momentary fun.

But if you are a writer who works with insights that go deep, you have to explore and not be afraid of what you find around that next dark corner, to those unexplored places that need the light of your consciousness. Go there, see it, feel it, understand it—then write it.

So, what am I exploring in this New Year to stimulate my creativity? Shamanic Journeying. Yes, you heard that right. Logical mind; step aside. I’m going out to play now without heeding your limiting roll of the eyes. My next blog post should be very interesting, right? 

To be continued . . . .

  

What do I write? 

I explore the paranormal and the possibility that past lives and the unconscious impulses they leave behind (or project before) us—that drive us; lead us into situations that cause us to work through these unfinished elements—this process of allowing is especially effective for my writing.

My first novel, Dance the Dream Awake is about Tessa Harper, a woman plagued by nightmares that drive her to go to the Yucatan in Mexico where the Mayan past that haunts her dreams is uncovered, exposed and healed—paranormal, romantic suspense. It awaits re-publication in 2015 with Black Opal Books.

Along with that novel, Haiku Dance, an erotic love story (inspired by the pillow book of

Murasaki Shikibu, The Tale of Genji) that takes place in historical ancient Japan, in the Heian era, has also been accepted by Black Opal Books. This is the past life of two of the characters in my first book and the impetus for the sequel in book three, Dance the Edge that I am currently working on. It will be the final love story, with HEA (Happy Ever After required for a traditional Romance), even though it will be another paranormal romantic suspense of the sizzling variety.

Yeah, I’m all over the place, as per encouragement of @DonMaass in his newest book, Writing 21^st Century Fiction.

So, what do you do for inspiration and to stimulate your creativity? Tell me in 25 words or less—just kidding, take as long as you like…I’m giving you enough rope.

From the Stars to the Page

Thank you Cora for both asking me to take part in this hop and offering to post it on your site!

 

 

A Snitch in Time

by Sunny Frazier

 

Christy Bristol and the astrology mysteries I write emerged from a single incident while working for the Fresno County Sheriff's Department undercover narcotics team. I've been doing astrology for 40 years now, quietly, not really advertising the fact that I cast horoscopes. People tend to look at the practice of astrology with skepticism and I have always wanted to be taken seriously, not some sort of kook. When one of my detectives (Wolfe in the book) asked me to do a chart on a notorious drug dealer who was hooked on astrology and calling the 1-800 astrology hotline on a regular basis, I refused. I could just see getting up on the witness stand and saying, “Yes, judge, I did a horoscope on the criminal to scare him into showing us where the bodies were buried.”

 

But, what a great book, right? I actually did charts on not only the drug kingpin but also all the members of his meth crew. I used the case as the storyline for “Fools Rush In.” In the book, Christy is an office assistant, much like my position. Captured by the drug dealers, she uses her knowledge of astrology against them to stay alive. Much of what is in the book is true, as strange as it all seems. The publisher would not put my photo on the back cover for fear he might put a hit out on me from prison. The man conveniently died in incarceration.

 

I forced Christy to go undercover to a sex club to find a missing person in the second novel, “Where Angels Fear.” Christy's shyness makes this an excruciating endeavor but her wild friend Lennie (based on a friend from my wild days in the Navy) won't let her off the hook. By doing the horoscopes of three dead men, Christy finds the connection and the motive for their deaths. And yes, this is also based on a true incident, and yes much of the strange stuff I wrote about is true.

 

In every book, Christy grows and, hopefully, grows on the reader. She is Every Woman, not Wonder Woman. I didn't make her pretty or rich, but I gave her warts, insecurities and many of the same daily problems women experience. I also gave her the strength to overcome whatever I throw at her. 

 

 1) What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or historic?

Christy Bristol. She's fictional but is very similar to me in a lot of ways. Awkward!

2) When and where is the story set?

All of my stories and novels are set in the San Joaquin Valley. They are contemporary and set in the now. 

3) What should we know about him/her?

Christy is a 32 year old office assistant for the Central County Sheriff's Department. She's unmarried but has a hot boyfriend who she can't believe loves her. She's plain, but improving both in looks and confidence with every book.

Christy does astrology, receives unwanted glimpses into the future and relays messages to her sister, a nun, via ESP. She is not comfortable with her “gifts” and resists being pulled into doing horoscopes. Unfortunately, fate doesn't let her off the hook. 

4) What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?

In the latest book the main conflict is that Christy is at the wrong place at the wrong time. She just wanted a long weekend with her friend Lennie up in the Sierra Nevada foothills. But, when a murder occurs and the homicide detectives need an office assistant to man the phones at the substation and type up reports, she conscripted to work with them. Unhappy at the arrangement and anxious to go home, she decides to try and profile the killer using reverse astrology.

Her relationship with girlfriend Lennie is also strained because Christy takes an instant dislike to Lennie's latest man. She's jealous because her former co-worker now owns a newspaper and has left the drudgery of office work behind.

While up there, she is given a forest ranger's cabin to live in. He shows up and they have to share the small space. They bond over literature and his poetic nature. Never having had much attention from men, Christy is flattered that two men are now interested in her.    

5) What is the personal goal of the character?

In each book, I force Christy to go outside of her comfort zone and grow. In this book her impatience with the homicide team's inner politics and personality clashes finally  makes her throw up her hands and do her own investigation with the only tool she's got: astrology.

The conflict with her BFF comes to a head and Christy is forced to recognize that she has, in the past, belittled Lennie for her lack of education and sexual escapades. It's hard for her to admit that Lennie has been the better and less judgmental friend in the relationship.

Christy also has to decide between her love for the man who has stood by her but is frequently away and a new man who seems to “get” her on an intellectual level.  She's never had choices like this before. It's all very flattering.

6) Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?

The title is “A Snitch In Time.” No, nobody gets to read anything until the book is out.

7) When can we expect the book to be published?

The book is in the final edits at Black Opal Books as we speak. I think the launch will be early 2015.

And now, to continue the blog hop, I nominate Che Gilson and Liane Spicer.

Perfume Perfidy

Well here it is—fall again. The flyers are coming out advertising the nesting-instinct-items—you know the ones from Macy’s Home section. I resist the urge to buy another comforter or quilt, but Oooh look at that blue and white one, it matches my dinnerware. Of course they will not be seen at the same time, unless I serve breakfast in bed which is not likely to happen any time soon because breakfast is not my favorite meal of the day. It’s hard for me to look an egg in the eye before eleven—brunch is good, though.

 

So I resist and close the Home Sale magazine flyer for Macy’s. But then the perfume inserts fall out. Aaagh! I’m in trouble now. Like I need another perfume. (My perfume weakness is documented in my 2012 post)

I resist the Dior Jadore ad—you know, the one with Charlize Theron striding confidently down the crystal, chandelier-dripping hall in the Chateau de Versailles, while the camera artfully focuses on her long, model-strutting legs traversing the parquet floors (reminds me of my days in the sun when my legs were long, thin and supple and my knick-name was Long Tall Sally. Sigh!)

Anywho—on to the next, a Gucchi Guilty Pour Homme ad. Ohhh! Maybe I should buy my man that scent? No! . . . (I’m doing a good job of resisting this morning.)

Versace?—not tempted. (toss)

Jimmy Choo (Whaaat? Shoes weren’t enough, now perfume?) The Man scent is nice, though.

Prada’s Luna Rossa—my hand is shaking. Tempting me.

Last it’s Dolce & Gabbana’s Dolce. Hmmm. I open the tab and rub it on my wrist . . . . Okay, I’m in serious trouble—it’s anybody’s guess where this is headed. A Trip to Macy’s might be on the agenda today.

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What's your flyer ad weakness? Perfumes? Linens? Furniture? Shoes . . . uh, don't get me started on that one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filling the Dry Well

It’s been a while since my last post. I’ve been taking a breather and getting some space in my expectations. I think writers, at least this one, need space from the responsibilities of either writing or promoting. A vacation from the writing business.

When I overdo on anything, I get sort of nauseous. Then I know it's time to back off and regroup. I am not afraid to stop everything to do this. Promotion be damned. The pressure is always on to write, write, write. And then, promote, promote, promote. But sometimes that is the last thing needed by this writer. To put pressure on myself when I need a break is to further dam up my energy.

So, in May, I went to the ocean. I took several days and planted myself alone in an environment that fed and healed my soul. I was grateful to have that time and that place. I was housed in the midst of trees and animals in the woods of Pacific Grove, California. 

I watched deer walk by my window most days, squirrels play in the dirt and chase each other around the trees and ravens greet me loudly each day when I stepped outside. Sometimes leading the way, sometimes dogging my heels.

A short stroll along the walkway built over the ecological area to preserve the native plants from damage took me right to the ocean.








I people-watched, climbed over rocks to the tide pools, noting anemone and birds while collecting shells and pretty bits of things like a bird.


I observed the various bird tracks on the sand in early morning before people waded through destroying the poetic visual. And noted the waves and change of tides over the span of those few days

I laid back on the warm sand, eyes closed while running my fingers through the grains and taking in the warmth of the sun on a hazy, cool afternoon.

Poetry ran through my head. Writing ideas flitted through my mind. But I just let them slide by, knowing they would come back to visit when I was ready to write again.

I drank coffee in the misty, foggy mornings while seated on the leather couch inside the lodge, reading stories on my Kindle.


Warmed by a blazing fire the staff kept stoked all morning, I jotted down notes of the trip and ideas for stories to come.



One story has since evolved into a flash fiction piece in Sirens Call Publication e-zine, called Night Lover, an erotic horror story which was a new genre for me in their Crypto theme. It is free to download at the site.

I also came up with an idea for a past-life short story, more in my genre, and eventually entered it to the SLO Nightwriters contest, themed: Déjà vu. (I'm waiting until the end of July to find out what happens with that one)

So if you find yourself blocked, stuck, dry, barren, depleted, blank—i.e. writer’s block, then try a change of place. A place where you can notice the details around you that you miss in your everyday life. The fresh perspective is effective in filling your dry writing well.


Does a change of place appeal to you? Work to fill your well?