What Is This Life?...Lake Yarinacocha Peru

---

The rains have begun here in the jungle. What a sight to see the powerful raw force of nature in action; seeing all of the rivers fill up more and more, the lakes swell and overflow, streams that were once dry now flowing with life. In the beginning I was a little afraid of winter here. I had just left Portland, and I was not looking forward to massive amounts of rain during my visit to Peru because I had enough while living 3 years in Oregon. But, the water is here, mosquitoes are beginning to get a bit more aggressive, and I am still enjoying all of it. Talk to me again in April to see if I still feel the same way....one thing is for sure: When it rains in the amazon, IT RAINS!!

I am thinking of all of my family and friends back home now. I have been here about 6 months. The life I left in search of my self. The things I have discovered here about my life are so different than the reality society exists within. In my search for my SELF, I have come across some things related to spirit; in a reality where spirit does in fact exist. I have been eager to share my experiences with others but in doing so, I have sounded like I was preaching my beliefs and I apologize. Everyone is here to experience as they choose to experience this life and, after spending some time reflecting, I understand that the tone of my message (in the past Blogs and emails) was not helping in the delivery of what I have experienced.

I feel that to explain in words what I have experienced is very difficult because the ideas, beliefs, and concepts are so foreign to the western world. What I can say is that I have looked for answers and I am finding them...but I knew I would. This is the secret to creation: faith....If I had doubts about finding answers, they would not come to me. I am dedicated to finding answers because with answers come solutions. I also feel that I have the ability to shift the direction of mankind into a more balanced way of life because that is what my belief is. I have looked at what is needed to make this shift.... and, it all comes down to the Individual. So, I feel I am doing my part in this process, and I am learning a lot along the way!

Back to life on the farm: A few days ago, I purchased a huge crocodile skull because they are supposed to bring good luck and protect the house and property. The locals eat this animal and are not killing it just for the skull, so I feel good about giving this magnificent creature a good place to rest his head, so to speak. However, right after I purchased it, a dark powerful lightening storm blew in and threw a bolt of lightening at a tree in-between the house and the new water well, cut the tree in half and created a few cracks and holes in the well, and it filled up with dirty water. I have spent this weekend getting it patched up with cement and should have clean drinking water again soon.

The stream on the property is now full, and when it rains there are other streams that overflow which allows fish to enter into my stream. I saw this fish about 12 in. long the other day and I am looking forward to seeing more. I still would like to get a few ducks for the little pond, but a fence needs to be built first. The composting toilet is up and running (works great) but I never made it into town to get a big load of sawdust because the rains began. So instead of using sawdust, I am using dirt, and it seems to be working just fine. Also have been donated some good plants for the garden, and I would like to get a little green house built to protect them from the rain.

A lot of other things have occurred, transpired, and come into being, but to speak of them would be sounding preachy and-or crazy to some people, so I will end the blog here. I am searching for a way to communicate the things of spirit without sounding like I am preaching. Blessings from Peru. Joel

---

Photos

The Rain!!!
Now travel by boat is the only way to town

Comments

[Norah]

Preaching??
Hi Joel my dear friend. I didn't feel you were preaching. I felt you were doing what you want to do with your life and surrounding yourself with new experiences and feelings. It is what you have chosen to do at this time in your life and perhaps forever. It sounds like your not sure about that at this point. I will write more later but rest assured any thoughts you choose to write about are ok with me...........Love Norah

[Shawndeya]

spiritual insights
I would be delighted to hear any insights you would like to share. I am not particularly mainstream myself. I consider native peoples to be closer to spirituality in a natural way. My parnter is native american and he has had spiritual vision all his life. By the way PDX was just voted number one american airport by a famous travel magazine. Charles Sunaga is touring the US now. We sure could use another pianist! I am harping daily, taking off thanksgiving and xmas cause sales are slow on holidays. Make hay while the sun shines. And yes it is raining raining raining. And the hot showers are wonderful. (:-D)

[auntie she la la]

thank you
I love what you have shared with me so far thru your travels, experiences and life-changing times you have had. I would LOVE to go and do what you are doing....so in a way, you have given me a part of that by your writings and pictures....thank goodness you got that crocodile skull otherwise that lightening bolt may have struck your HOME!!!! be safe...savor every morsel of life you can while you are on your journey........so much to do and learn and be in life....love you joel....auntie she

[www joelharrisstudio com]

Thank You Norah!
Joel

[JASON]

ON TRACK
Joel I understand everything you are talking about it is hard not to preach when you know the truth. This reation is expected evry one is still evolving if they seek it it will come. Spread the light Brother for there are many seekers! Also I know how you feel. I think of you every day your worth of knowlege is worth its knowing hang in there Brother you know the truth!

[Gayle]

Hola!
Hola Joel! Me alegra que estes bien y que ya estes bien acomodado en tu nuevo hogar. Que imprecionante ver que tan linda quedo tu casa y tu propiedad! No te preocupes si algunos piensan que estas "predicando" tus creencias...es importante que las compartas con los demas para que sepan que es lo que estas aprendiendo y econtrando sobre la vida. Es dificil para una persona que nunca ha salido de este pais entender como es la vida en un tercer mundo pero a la vez es importante que lo sepan. Vivimos en este pais contentos porque no queremos ver como viven y sufren los demas. No queremos creer que hay alguna otra manera de vivir mas de la que estamos viviendo en este instante. Estamos tan involucrados en nosotros mismos y las cosas materiales que tenemos que estamos perdiendo nuestro espiritualidad, lo que nos hace seres humanos. No dejes que la incomodidad de otros prevengan que compartas tus experiencias y lo que estas aprendiendo. Cuidate Joel. Gayle p.s. Recientemente conoci a un amigo tuyo y de Bartolo de San Benito High, Enrique Moreno. Estaba preguntando por ti. Le conte de lo que estas haciendo en Peru y me pidio que le diera tu correo electronico. La proxima vez que lo vea se lo doy. El esta viviendo al sur de Sacramento super cerca de Elk Grove.