Division of Perceptual Studies at UVA
After my husband Gert Mathiesen died in 2013, I grew up and began a long journey trying to figure out a lot of things about myself and the world around us--the meaning of life, about existence, about death, about dying. Does our soul survive our earthly experience? I am a natural born skeptic so although I kept an open mind, I wanted some really hard evidence to convince me that this is not all there is. I found it through the work of Dr. Ian Stevenson and his protege, child psychiatrist Jim B. Tucker, working at the University of Virginia's Division of Perceptual Studies. Founded in 1967 by Dr. Stevenson, this established branch of the University of Virginia's medical school "conducts research in which scientific methodology is utilized to empirically investigate phenomena which cannot be explained by the currently accepted scientific assumptions and theories about the nature of mind or consciousness, and its relationship to matter." Although I have had, and family members have had some paranormal experiences that are hard to explain, what finally tipped the scales for me was UVA's work with children who purportedly remember past lives. Hard to explain away when a child remembers their name in a previous existence, who their parents were, where they lived, how they died, etc. etc. and the documented evidence, after meticulous study and documentation, checks out. Here are a few cases where the evidence seems indisputable--I will let you take a look for yourself--it personally has blown my mind. If you have the time to look at these three videos, it should serve as a good introduction to the idea that reincarnation just might exist...
Poem by Ellen Bass for Women's Month
Thank you Marynelle for sharing this beautiful poem with me.
The Sound of Their Names
by
Ellen Bass
(for the Women of the 19th Amendment)
Praise their grit and gospel, their glistening
brains, their minds on fire. Neurons, numbering the stars.
the axis, the atlas: I will not and I shall.
Their mouths, praise. Ridged palates
and smart muscular tongues, teeth, sound or pitted,
their wit and will. Their nerve,
and founded within the body. Honor
now their wombs and hearts, biceps and blood,
deep mines of the flesh where passion is tested.
Thank all twenty-six bones of their feet,
arches, heels, bunions, sweat,
marching the streets in high buttoned boots. Praise
the march. Praise justice.
Though slow and clotted.
Their hands at the press. The grease and clatter,
the smell of ink. Feel the sound
of their names in our mouths:
Susan B. Anthony
Dr. Mabel Ping-Hua Lee
Marie Louise Bottineau Baldwin
Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Wilhelmina Kekelaokalaninui Widemann Dowsett
Praise their eyelids that close
and give rest
at the end of each long day.
Praise the work that goes on.
Masaka Kids Africana
The Masaka Kids Africana is an NGO in Uganda—children who have lost one or both parents through war, famine or disease.
According to the mission statement on their website, "There are more orphans in Uganda than anywhere else in the world — over 2.4 million children — due to the AIDS epidemic, extreme poverty, and decades of civil conflict. Masaka Kids Africana is on the ground in Uganda to help as many of these young people as we can. We give children safe shelter, food, clothing, education and medical care. Through us, children gain an education and the life skills they need for future success. Their lives are completely transformed. Masaka Kids Africana sponsored children have gone through some of the worst experiences a child could face — but through dance and song and sharing their love of Uganda, these children connect to each other and the world. They see their own potential — they have hope for their future.
Charity of the Week:
Masaka Kids Africana
Click on image to support and donate to TechLit Africa
Painting of the Week
Mandala Series: Stream of Consciousness, mixed media on canvas, 54” x 54” $7500. This series originated by my copying a drawing I did as a kid.
Boycott Walgreens
Walgreens confirmed to Politico last week it would not sell or ship mifepristone, which is used to terminate a pregnancy, in at least 21 states after Republican attorneys general had sent requests for the pharmacy not to—including in some states where abortion remains legal, such as Alaska, Florida, Iowa, Kansas and Montana.
Walgreens is coming under an increasing amount of scrutiny and a boycott of all their stores (including Duane Reade) has been called. Boycotts are a very effective tool and I hope you will consider staying away until they decide to reverse their policy.
New York, NY 2022
About The Author
New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by the Hammond Museum's Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.