Arno Michaels
Currently majoring in Sport & Rec and Perpetual Major-Changing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Enjoys climbing things and warm saltwater. Cold saltwater is kinda nice too.
Hockey, Hate, and The Dharma
When a human being feels compelled to lash out against another human being for something as arbitrary as skin color, it is a plain signal of their suffering. Imagine going through life in a state of ongoing intimidation. Imagine an endless series of threats coming from all directions at once. The fundamental lie of separate “races” of human beings, compounded with the lie that one of these non-existent “races” is superior to the other non-existent “races” logically results in such a nightmarish scenario.
Our Paths Cross
Paul treated Iraqis with compassion at risk to his life and reputation among fellow soldiers. The military culture encouraged the deadly and disgusting notion that all Arabic people were enemies until proven otherwise—fair game for shooting first and asking questions later. Not asking questions at all actually. The culture of war refuses question entirely; whether it be a Racial Holy War, the War on Drugs, or the War on Terror.
epilogue: me and Rob
“The best advice I can give you is to seek the beauty of the moment you’re living in. Cherish each moment you have with your child, each smile, each giggle, even each tantrum, as that kid will be an adult before you know it and those moments will be gone. Set an example for happiness by treating everyone and everything with as much compassion and respect as you can—especially if they seem to not deserve it. In doing so lies true honor and bravery, and a child raised to do likewise will not only be a blessing to the world but will have a rich and rewarding life no matter what happens to them. What better gift could you give as a father?”
guerreiro
Practice isn’t perfect. Even the most diligent practitioners will stumble. This is a good thing, as challenge promotes growth. Peace practitioners can have violent slips, and even the most wounded and vicious can have sweet moments of humanity. But the process is found in the moment. The inherent value of life happens with presence. Greed, fear, and ignorance cloud presence as past insult conspires with future vengeance. By understanding that imperfection is perfection we can enjoy the process of life with lighthearted, yet respectful, curiosity. Our ability to wage peace is enhanced with the truth that we are capable of forgiving ourselves, especially with the help of the forgiveness of others.
Earth Teaches Priorities
“On my way back, I read more of your book. It’s been very interesting, very impressive. There was a chapter that made me stop and think. When I used to cry more often, I would have cried in the bus, but there was only a tear showing my emotions. The chapter 8 “Epiphany”, when you described how much your daughter and the power of love of paternity helped you to see things in another way touched me a lot.”
Milwaukee: Hate vs the Practice of Peace
We become attached to ideology when we have nothing else to identify with. Then, to build and maintain that identity, we must define others according to the ideology it is founded upon. We effectively see ourselves not as human, but as righteous proponents of ideology. The Other is seen as some sort of fixed form, not as a fellow human being. Certainly not as family!
Break the Cycle of Violence
We live in an interdependent world of cause and effect. Hate and violence don’t arise from a vacuum. Every human being has an innate need for compassion and the ability to give it. While the potential to connect with this basic human goodness is always present, human constructs composed of greed, aggression, fear, and ignorance diminish the ability to do so. Over time, these simple ugly thoughts can fester until they give rise to a tainted reality where human beings do inhuman things to each other, which leads to more hate and violence.
Good Guys/Bad Guys
I hoped the murderer wasn’t Muslim because I knew how the cycle of violence would be enflamed. I knew how peaceful Muslims like the friends that I love would once again face reactionary violence for actions they in no way support.
In Search of an Enlightened Society
When lightning struck twice, I took this to be good. When hail came pelting down, I felt a surge of energy. Then, when a rainbow appeared, I felt a smile. All these are signs of bravery. As wind blows and sun shines, The Warrior’s heart is touched by this magical display. Feel and be [...]
Proud Theater: Rockin’ the Rotunda
Proud Theater – an award-winning, exciting and innovative youth theater program designed to foster self-expression and self-empowerment for Madison-area youth – is opening its doors through November 17, 2010 to youth ages 13 to 18 interested in changing the world through the power of theater. Proud Theater was founded in late 1999 by Sol [...]
Sammy Rangel “FOURBEARS: Myths of Forgiveness”
FourBears: The Myth of Forgiveness: isn't a simple memoir; it is a graphically illustrated guide from tortured child, to remorseless beast, to healing and change. This book is about helping others find their way out of their history and into the here and now. Proof that what once held you down can now hold you up. After the book reflects on a horrific upbringing it looks to offer key and ground breaking insights of the inner workings of the mind of a victim and later a perpetrator of hate and violence. Service providers working in treatment centers and institutional settings would greatly benefit from this work. Anyone facing issues with forgiveness and change might find a process toward healing and recovery.
Recommended Reading
Frank Meeink—Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead
TJ Leyden—Skinhead Confessions
Arno Michaels—My Life After HateMusic
Wizard Fingaz & Soul Sathe embarked on a collaborative project known as Tribal Sorcery · deep conscious hip-hop
