2nd Arrow Meditation

Participated in a Sanghi virtual meeting, wanted to share the meditation. This idea of a second arrow at least for my first reading of it is similar to step 1 meaning to step back, or turn other cheek or the best response at times is no response. Once you realize eve if you said something rude first, discontinue the verbal attack before the situation escalates. Reach out to me to give credit to the specific community this is from! Peace and love everyone. 

Source: The Wisdom of "It's Not My Fault": Finding Freedom When We are Caught in Self-Blame

The Phrase "Just do you"

The Phrase "Just do you" or "WE" if you are partnered and/r married......to get through, succeed or make the connection...a rude statement to some but wise advise.

Prayer for Peace: Spanish Version/Adpatation

Señor, hazme un instrumento de tu paz.

Donde haya odio, que yo lleve amor.

Prayer for Peace: Spanish Version/Adaptation

Donde haya ofensa, que yo lleve inocencia.

Donde haya conflicto y drama, que yo lleve unidad.

Donde haya error, que yo lleve verdad.

Donde haya duda e indecisión, que yo lleve fe.

Donde haya dolor, que yo lleve sanación.

Donde haya oscuridad, que yo lleve luz.

Donde haya tristeza, que yo lleve alegría.

Oh Señor, concédeme que no busque tanto ser consolado como consolar,

ser comprendido como comprender,

ser amado como amar,

porque es perdonando que uno es perdonado,

es perdonando que somos perdonados,

es aceptando a Jesús, el Cristo, que

uno despierta a una nueva vida eterna.

Amén.

Fuente: Oración de San Francisco por la Paz, adaptada de la fuente a continuación por A.T. (Yoda) Brooks

https://christogenesis.org/oracion-de-san-francisco-por-la-paz/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/william-mcneil-jacksonville-police-punch-video-investigation/

https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/detainees-at-alligator-alcatraz-on-day-9-of-hunger-strike-amid-growing-outcry-over-conditions/3671437/

https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/hurricane-plan-for-floridas-alligator-alcatraz-heavily-redacted-raising-concerns/

Pope Leo's First Saints: Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati | EWTN N...

Checks & Balances Org. Campaign to Reopen Job Corps Across America

 Checks & Balances Org. Campaign to Reopen Job Corps Across America

WE are not simply statistics. Those youth served at these centers may are and were at risk. This is not time to say that a 35% graduation rate during the pandemic era supports closures. Now in numbers upwards 80 % graduation rate. This cause is not to be nonchalant; job corps centers especially in the Great City of St. Petersburg Florida . Which former President said talk softly but carry a big stick (Teddy Roosevelt) applies to many political situations popping up in this 2nd Trump Term!!! regarding exercising ones freedom of speech rights....I advise all to exercise such boldly verbally and in written- A.T. Yoda Brooks

 

 

Remote Work Spaces

The below might be more for myself… thinking ahead. Change the atmosphere of my work space purposefully

For remote workers seeking spaces in St. Petersburg, FL, several options exist, including coworking spaces and coffee shops. Coworking spaces like Rising Tide Innovation Center, Whiskers Workspace, Expansive 4th Street DTSP, and Station House St. Pete offer amenities like high-speed internet, printing, and meeting rooms. Additionally, coffee shops such as Kahwa Coffee provide a more casual atmosphere with WiFi and comfortable seating. 

Coworking Spaces: 

1. Rising Tide Innovation Center: Offers coworking, private offices, and meeting spaces in downtown St. Pete. 
2. 
   
3. Whiskers Workspace: Provides flexible workspaces, private rooms, and a cat-themed environment. 
4. 
   
5. Expansive 4th Street DTSP: Offers desks and monthly memberships, with options for comparison. 
6. 
   
7. Station House St. Pete: Features desks and is described as a place where you are where you work, with potential for community interaction. 
8. 
   
9. Industrious: Located at 200 Central Avenue, it offers desks and monthly memberships. 
10. 
    
11. Apt CoWork at Cottonwood Bayview: Provides desks, hourly and daily rates, and monthly memberships. 

Sharing information on dental and braces no expert

Braces with immunity issues: key considerations

Getting braces can be a great step towards improving dental health, but if you have a compromised immune system, there are some important factors to discuss with your orthodontist and healthcare team.  

1. Increased risk of infection

1. A weakened immune system makes individuals more susceptible to infections.
2. Braces can create areas where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, potentially increasing the risk of gum disease (gingivitis) and tooth decay.
3. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with consistent and thorough brushing, flossing, and potentially using antimicrobial mouthwashes is crucial to prevent infection.
4. Consult with your dentist and physician about potential antibiotic prophylaxis before certain procedures, especially invasive ones. 

2. Potential effects on tooth movement and bone remodeling

1. Orthodontic tooth movement relies on a process of bone remodeling and inflammation.
2. Certain autoimmune diseases and immunosuppressant medications can affect bone density and metabolism, potentially impacting the speed and predictability of tooth movement.
3. Patients on immunosuppressants may experience slower tooth movement, requiring adjusted treatment timelines or more frequent adjustments.
4. Regular monitoring and communication between your orthodontist and physician are vital to assess bone health and adjust treatment as needed. 

3. Medication interactions

1. Immunosuppressive medications can have side effects that affect oral health, like dry mouth and an increased risk of gum problems.
2. Discuss all your medications and medical conditions with your orthodontist and physician to ensure your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and minimizes risks. 

4. Specific autoimmune disease concerns

1. Dry mouth (Xerostomia): Conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, which cause dry mouth, increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Using saliva substitutes, staying hydrated, and using moisturizing mouthwashes can help manage this.
2. Gum inflammation and sensitivity: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can make gum tissues more sensitive and prone to inflammation, potentially causing discomfort during orthodontic treatment.
3. Bone density issues: Some autoimmune diseases and their treatments can affect bone density, which is a concern for orthodontic treatment that relies on bone remodeling. 

5. Potential metal allergies

1. While rare, individuals may have allergies to the metals used in braces (e.g., nickel, chromium, cobalt).
2. It's important to inform your orthodontist about any known metal or latex allergies before beginning treatment.
3. Alternative materials are available for patients with allergies. 

Key takeaways

1. Open communication is crucial: Talk to your medical doctor and orthodontist about your specific immune system condition, medications, and any concerns you have.
2. Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Follow a diligent brushing and flossing routine to prevent infections and maintain healthy gums.
3. Be vigilant for symptoms: Monitor for signs of oral infections like swelling, bleeding, or pain, and report https://caring-dentist.com/maintaining-dental-health-with-a-compromised-immune-system/#:~:text=Discuss%20any%20pre%2Ddental%20visit,your%20medications%20or%20overall%20health.them promptly to your orthodontist or dentist.
4. A collaborative approach: Orthodontists and medical doctors working together can ensure your treatment is safe and effective. 

By carefully considering these factors and collaborating with your healthcare team, you can achieve a successful orthodontic outcome even with a compromised immune system. 

Adjusting to the gratitude culture; before expressing so was not required outright

 Adjusting to a culture of gratitude: practical steps

Adjusting to a culture that emphasizes gratitude and appreciation can be a rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. Whether you're in a new workplace or aiming to cultivate gratitude in your current environment, adopting a mindful approach can help you thrive in this kind of culture. 

Here's how you can adjust and contribute to a grateful culture:

1. Embrace and express appreciation

• Make gratitude frequent: Counter to the belief that scarcity makes gratitude more impactful, research shows that frequent and intense expressions have the most impact.
• Acknowledge the little things: Express thanks not only for major achievements but also for everyday kindness, support, and positive contributions, even something as simple as a colleague holding the door for you.
• Be specific in your thanks: Instead of a generic "good job," mention exactly what you valued about someone's work to show genuine appreciation and reinforce desired behaviors.
• Find your preferred way to show gratitude: Consider various ways to express appreciation, like verbal thanks, handwritten notes, public recognition, or small tokens of appreciation, according to Central Workforce Development Region. Ask others how they prefer to be thanked to personalize your efforts.
• Practice self-gratitude: Don't forget to appreciate your own efforts and successes, which can boost your morale and inspire others. 

2. Cultivate a gratitude mindset

• Start with personal reflection: Dedicate a few minutes each day to reflect on things you're grateful for, whether work-related or personal.
• Reframe challenges as opportunities: When facing setbacks, shift your focus to what is still strong, the lessons learned, and the resources available, .
• Focus on the positive aspects of your work: Intentionally reflecting on what's going well can help combat stress, foster resilience, and improve your mental well-being.
• Challenge yourself to express gratitude more: Remember that gratitude in the workplace starts with you, so actively look for opportunities to thank others. 

3. Contribute to a grateful culture

• Lead by example: If you're a leader, your consistent practice of gratitude sets the tone for the entire organization, inspiring others to follow suit.
• Encourage peer-to-peer recognition: Create opportunities and platforms for colleagues to recognize and appreciate each other's contributions, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, notes Indeed.
• Incorporate gratitude into organizational routines: This can include starting meetings with gratitude moments, creating a gratitude wall or board, or dedicating a chat channel for expressing thanks, according to Rising Team.
• Be a positive influence: Actively participate in activities that promote appreciation and kindness, and encourage others to do the same.
• Offer help and support: Show gratitude by helping colleagues who are overwhelmed or facing challenges, demonstrating empathy and teamwork, says Support Services Group. 

By embracing these strategies, you can not only adjust to a culture of gratitude but also actively contribute to its growth and reap the numerous benefits it offers for yourself and your team. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=adjusting+to+gratefullness+culture&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS1079US1079&oq=adjusting+to+gratefullness+culture&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDk5MjdqMGoxqAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Check out Big Freedia's contribution to gospel music

 I do not feature many Artist: Check out Big Freedia's contribution to gospel music. Peace, love and integrity everyone. - A.T. Yoda Brooks

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jul/24/bounce-legend-big-freedia-gospel-album-beyonce-god-gay

Bill of Rights Amendments

 

Bill of Rights Amendments

First Amendment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Second Amendment
A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Third Amendment
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Fourth Amendment
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Fifth Amendment
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Sixth Amendment
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Seventh Amendment
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Eighth Amendment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Ninth Amendment
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Tenth Amendment
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

Source: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/primary-sources/bill-of-rights

LIVE from the Vatican: Pope Leo XIV’s Pentecost Mass and Regina Caeli

Morning Prayer, A Hot Summer July Sunday

Listening to the story of Mary; which reminds me of impossibilities to possibilities.

May God the Father bless us;

may Christ take care of us;
the Holy Ghost enlighten us all the days of our life.
The Lord be our defender and keeper of body and soul,
both now and for ever, to the angels of angels.
(Æthelwold c 908-984)

A Tribute to the Legacy of G.W. Bush

 A Tribute to the Legacy of: an under rated president the great G.W. Bush possessing a humble spirt filled with honor.  He led the restructuring the USA government bureaucracy as we knew it, guiding this great nation through turbulent times. Underrated during his presidency. Much love, respect and wisdom came from his and the first lady’s example of leadership. One issue during that era were also rebuilding after disasters. Many held varying opinions at the time.

Just to put my opinion out there; Liz Cheney would be an outstanding leader to come back into the national debate on the current state of the government !!!

Changing Rules in the Middle of the Game is Unfair

 Changing Rules in the Middle of the Game is Unfair. 

If you can believe it you can achieve it!

 If you can believe it you can achieve it! Good gestures backed by faith are sufficiently enough to move US forward as a people. - A.T. Yoda Brooks

The phrase "If you can believe it, you can achieve it" is often attributed to Napoleon Hill, particularly in connection with his book Think and Grow Rich. 

"Once in the fold, always in the fold" - Shut down the detention centers

       "Once in the fold, always in the fold". A phrase which has been said since the 1300's. This is the time, our watch as persons like myself who have always spoken in terms of WE sound a call to unite. I personally oppose any policy of isolation rather it be in healthcare, detention centers, jails & prisons, institutions or for any long term purpose. More should have spoken up during the Pandemic, those in authority and even us serving as lowly peons’ some of us did raise the right questions. This is not fu fu , hippy, nor church talk.  The "tears" of our brothers and sisters brown, yellow, black, white and in-between can be felt across the globe right now! These immigration detention centers being built faster than procedures are put into place filled to the brim with children, many innocents, and mostly persons not afforded a right to due process. In the United States of America this practice rather it be new, old or indicative of the Trump Reign have tipped the debate regarding a prison industrial complex to never again! This is the time to  throw defeatisms out of the campaign, to speak up & out, to act out and support our brothers, sisters and others regardless of age, regardless of age, regardless of nationality, Promises kept, promises broken are not our burden to bare but it is our watch to stand up right now not on revenge , not on retaliation but to stand for freedom and justice. To the door of that honorably built White House if WE the people must knock demanding rights on their behalf.

Too add God forbid that dreaded pandemic returns I will be one of many to stand up saying NO we shall not close down our churches ....again. Peace, love and solidarity with our brothers, sisters and others in faith.  - A.T. Yoda Brooks

O good shepherd, seek me out, and bring me home to thy fold again.
Deal favourably with me according to thy good pleasure,
till I may dwell in thy house all the days of my life,
and praise thee for ever and ever with them that are there.
(Jerome, c 342 - 420)

WE advocate for shutting down the below Immigrant Detention Centers by whatever tactics must be down following the peaceful legacy of MLK Jr. opposing the presidential administration (in 2025) as the spirit of Winston Churchill speeches of old would encourage the people from London to New York to Miami to 'fight back against these injustices in the hills' and in Florida 'fight back against these injustices in the swamps' with no fear!!!!

• Krome North Service Processing Center (Krome): Located in Miami, it is a significant facility for immigration detention. 
• Alligator Alcatraz: This new facility, located in the Everglades, is intended to expand bed space and support mass deportations. 

Supporting Prayer

O good shepherd, seek me out, and bring me home to thy fold again.
Deal favourably with me according to thy good pleasure,
till I may dwell in thy house all the days of my life,
and praise thee for ever and ever with them that are there.
(Jerome, c 342 - 420)

Miracles, Signs and Wonders and we are not talking about that game Civilizations

Tribute to a Young Person of Faith: Carlos Actus

   For this summer WE speak of life, light, connection, and healing. The saying from darkness to light is even more true in this new era. Tribute to this young person of faith, Carlos Actus. I admire his story. This blog post is not my full research on the legacy on his potential saint hood even the idea of using the internet to heal is deserving of merit surpassing simple stories. Avoiding discussing death my goal to also deliver a positive healing message via writing his legacy & idea I had unpublished in this Checks & Balances blog since Christmas 2024 when encountering such a dark time. Honoring Carlos Actus  - A.T. Yoda Brooks

" It seems you might be thinking of Carlo Acutis.

Carlo Acutis was an Italian teenager who died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15. He is sometimes called "God's influencer" because he used his computer skills to spread the Catholic faith. He created an online database of Eucharistic miracles, according to CBS News.

He is slated to become the first millennial saint. This is because the Catholic Church has attributed two miracles to him, one of which involved healing a Brazilian child of a congenital disease affecting his pancreas."

Source: https://www.npr.org/2024/07/01/nx-s1-5024766/carlo-acutis-first-millennial-saint-pope-canonization

Bump the takers. Hold the line and hold strong!

Stuck in Origins Stories? Tower of Babel Story has m

 Stuck in Origins Stories? Tower of Babel Story is one of such I am exploring and am not bored with the tales of it. As issues of diversity, discrimination, racism, run ramp it across the globe. Do we forget at one time we were and therefore are brothers and sisters in the eyes of God the creator. At the most cousins which can be a conversation in itself. - A.T. Yoda Brooks

Yes, there are indeed longer and more detailed versions or expansions of the Tower of Babel narrative beyond the brief account found in Genesis 11:1–9.

Different traditions and texts offer more extensive narratives, including:

1. Jewish tradition

• The Book of Jubilees and the writings of Josephus contain longer accounts.
• Pseudo-Philo attributes the building direction to princes of the Hamites, Semites, and Japhetites.
• Rabbinic literature explores various reasons for building the Tower and the builders' intentions.
• One alternative version suggests builders were more concerned with losing bricks than human lives.

2. Islamic tradition

• Al-Tabari's History of the Prophets and Kings details Nimrod initiating construction, God destroying it, and the original language (Syriac) becoming 72 distinct languages.
• Abu al-Fida adds that the patriarch Eber retained the original tongue (Hebrew) for not participating.

3. Other parallels

• The Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta Sumerian myth and the Eridu Genesis also feature themes of great structures and disrupted linguistic unity.

These diverse accounts provide additional details and perspectives beyond the biblical narrative.

The above is taken from A.I. based on Genesis 11: 1 -9