Cyres Cafe Family, Walter Bruneel, has included photographs taken in Cyres Cafe Antwerp on his website!

See:
* ORBS AND SACRED GEOMETRY
* pictures taken during workshop
* ARTWORK IN CYRES CAFE ANTWERPEN with live performance of Kaya Dordjee

Welcoming your comments

As soon as he dies, Juan found himself in a very beautiful place surrounded by all the comforts and beauty he had ever dreamed of. Someone dressed in white came up to him:

- You are entitled to whatever you wish: any food, pleasure, entertainment - he said.

Enchanted, Juan did everything he had dreamed of during his life. After many years filled with pleasure, he sought out the person in white:

- I’ve already tried everything I wished for. Now I need a job so that I can feel useful.

- I’m so sorry - said the person in white. - But that is the only thing that I cannot manage for you; there is no work here.

- How terrible! - said Juan in irritation. - I shall spend eternity dying of tedium! I’d prefer a thousand times to be in hell!

The creature in white came over to him and said in a low voice:

- And where do you think you are?

by Paulo Coelho

Since the devil does not do talk very much about himself, men look for all sorts of references about hell.

Most religions have what is called a “place for punishment” where the immortal soul goes after committing certain crimes against society (it all seems to be a matter of society rather than the individual). Each culture also develops its particular view about this land of suffering: it can be the other bank of a river, where a three-headed dog lets no-one leave, or else the foot of a mountain that smashes souls under its weight.

For the Greek hero Prometheus, who stole the fire of the gods and gave it to man, hell was remain hanging from a cliff where a bird came every day to eat his liver. In his play “No Exit,” Jean-Paul Sartre says that hell is other people. In one of his poems, Jorge Luis Borges offers a very interesting description of what awaits us after life: eternal contemplation of a face. For certain people this would be heaven, for this face would be that of someone we love, whereas for others it would be hell to have to remain there always looking at the face of someone they hurt for no reason.

There is an interesting description in an Arab book that says that the soul, once outside the body, should walk across a bridge as narrow as a razor’s blade, with heaven on the right and on the left a series of circles that lead to darkness inside the Earth. Before crossing over the bridge (the book does not explain where it leads to), each one has to carry their virtues in their right hand and their sins in their left - the balance will make us fall to the side determined by the acts we perform on Earth.

Christianity talks of a place where one hears crying and the gnashing of teeth. Judaism refers to an interior cave with enough room for a certain number of souls - one day hell will be filled up, and then the world will come to an end. Islam speaks of the fire where we shall all burn, “unless God wills the opposite.” The “Dictionary of Religions” says that at the time of Christ some currents of Judaic thinking held that evil souls would be punished after death in a place called Geena - a name borrowed from a place near Jerusalem that used to serve as the rubbish dump for neighbouring cities. However, in Geena there exists no idea of an eternal punishment, and the maximum penalty can never be more than 365 days.

For the Hindus, hell is never a place of perpetual torment, since they believe in reincarnation of the soul after a certain time in order that sins be redeemed in the same place where they are committed - this world. Even so, there are only 21 types of places for suffering, places usually known as “the lower lands.”

The Buddhists also distinguish between the various types of punishment that the soul can face: eight hells of fire and eight completely frozen, besides a kingdom where the condemned feel neither cold nor heat, only infinite hunger and thirst.

Nothing, however, compared to the gigantic variety conceived by the Chinese. Unlike the great majority of cultures that situate hell inside the Earth - generally because of the analogy between death, burial and decomposition - for the Chinese the souls of sinners go to a mountain called the Small Iron Fence, which is surrounded by another called the Great Fence. In the space between them there are eight large hells one on top of the other and each one controlling 16 small hells which in turn control ten million hells below them.

The Chinese also consider devils to be souls that have already fulfilled their punishment, experienced pain, and are now after vengeance, trying to inflict the newly-arrived with punishments that grow worse and worse.

by Paulo Coelho

From Cyres Sue’s ‘Happy Sparkle Thoughts’ MySpace blog:

May 18, 2008 - Sunday

I was thinking this morning of how busy my life is “BEing” lately. Last year at this same time, I was tutoring five kids at my home for an hour after school; and.. going to my various doctor appointments. Sounds pretty boring and mundane, doesn’t it?? Yeah- I was “feeling” pretty much the same way. Then , slowly, “seemingly random events” began cropping up one right after the other.

NOW “my life” is quite “packed” with different “things” that I am able to do- and most of them (except for my HUGELY successful Homework Program) I can do right here at home. Whenever I am “feeling able”- which is really quite nice! Some of you might have noticed that here on “MySpace”, I have adopted a few friends. ALL of these people (whether they “be” internationally known, or not!) happen to be important to me, for one reason or another. Each of these friends have given something special to me- and I am extremely grateful for this. I do “feel” (and “think”.. sometimes) that individual’s efforts should be gently encouraged and acknowledged. This world really CAN be a nicer place for all of humanity. It just depends upon one’s perspective, attitude- AND what they are “putting into” their lives.

You may not agree with my degree of optimism, or outlook, dear reader(s), and I am the FIRST person to whole- heartedly agree that each individual has a right to “think” and “feel” however they choose to. After all, we all process information that makes up our personal reality a little differently than the next person. We have different degrees of keenness with our vision, hearing, tasting, touching, emotions- and “sensing”. Each individual interprets reality in a different way- and this is one of the things that makes our world SO interesting! How mundane it would be if each person was an exact duplicate of the next person. Conversations would be rather pointless, wouldn’t they?? There would be no need to exchange information, ideas- or even “thoughts”.. because everything would be.. the SAME. How perfectly dreadful if everyone liked the same colour, or music!! Each one of us has the ability to genuinely “agree to disagree”, without compromising our own inherent morals or values.

Hang in there, I am going somewhere with this, I promise! *LOL* I have been thinking over the past few days that perhaps I need to be sharing with you a little more about another “place” that I visit here on the internet- on a regular basis. If you look at my friends listed, you will notice a round, blue icon with the word “CYRES” on it. For those of you who might share my “insatiable curiosity”, this site is pretty darn interesting.

At the CYRES “blog site” I have writings that magically appear, about a fabulously interesting project that is being created- even as I type this. It is a “Virtual Reality” world, and I am so excited to be able to “be a part” of this!! The way that I “see” it- this universal connecting of hearts, minds- and souls, is a WONDERFUL way to enhance the “collective social consciousness” of this planet. AND, it is a place where one can go to truly receive support and encouragement. WHERE does a care- giver go when he or she is totally drained?? Well, perhaps the “Virtual CYRES Cafe” CAN provide a little “sparkle of hope and encouragement” one so desperately needs and deserves. I happen to “see” things that perhaps are not a part of other people’s reality, YET. BUT?? They will be.

If you are actively seeking ideas, information, incredible sights, sounds, and.. quite simply put.. FUN, and unconditional acceptance- then I am quite sure that you will definitely appreciate ALL that the “Virtual Reality CYRES Cafe” will be serving up daily. As I mentioned, it is not yet open for the general public, but I am regularly TRYING to “keep up” with “stuff” that is happening there. I will be letting you know, dear reader(s) exactly WHEN this fabulous and innovative space is “Open for Business (and.. FUN!)”- as everyone is welcome here. Never been in a “Virtual Reality” environment before?? No worries- this is my first experience with it as well! The people who are there ARE genuinely compassionate, helpful, and accepting. There is SO MUCH to “see and do” there that I truly cannot capture everything- so be prepared for LOTS of interesting and pleasant surprises! By the way?? JUST to let you know.. there IS a space ship there. *LOL* NOT one of those “cute little flying saucers” that I use to sometimes “scamper around” with (picture at CYRES’s blog site)- but.. the “REAL deal”!! Umm.. I was IN it, actually.. and it was SO fantastically interesting that.. I kinda got over- whelmed, and.. as sometimes happens? Yep. I FORGOT to take a picture. *LOL* Ah well. You’ll “see” it for yourself, perhaps.

So. Something a little different for you, dear reader(s). THIS is MY way of “living my life’s purpose”- because I work with the things that I DO have, and do not let “fear, negativity, doubt” even exist! *LOL* Yep- I do quite like “my version of reality”, and people CAN really (for REAL!!) truly BE as kind and compassionate as you are wanting them to BE. If you are “thinking” I am trying to trick you?? I would strongly encourage you to please browse through the comments on my home page. I have NEVER deleted a comment. I am VERY proud of my friends, for genuinely BEing their very “sparkling” selves! It JUST makes me “feel” soooo happy that.. I want to give EACH of them (AND you, dear reader(s)!) a genuine Happy Sparkle Thoughts Hug! *sigh* OH!! Darling Saritah Yankee??? CONGRATULATIONS!! Hahahah.. I just HAD to say it one more time. You are QUITE fabulous.

Oh Jane!!!

My, oh my- do I have a LOT to tell you!!! Hahahah.. I have been sooo fabulously, creatively, and.. HAPPILY busy these past few days. JUST when I am thinking that my life is awesome? It truly gets.. even awesomer. Yep, perhaps this isn’t a “correct term” but.. it IS in “my reality”. *LOL* Okay. Last evening, I was in CYRES, and met someone else who is VERY nice- and we had quite a nice visit.

Before this, CAnn was showing me the MOST incredible house she created- and I just absolutely LOVE it!! It puts a whole new meaning into the words “Thinking Green”. Hahahah- for REAL! I have been contemplating having mine perhaps in cedar. You’ll have to view the attached pictures to grasp the full effects of this topiary creativity. I love it so much, I might be changing my mind about creating myself a “crystal palace”, and use this concept instead. That’s the (well, ONE of, anyway!) wonderful aspect of CYRES. NEW ideas, inspiration, encouragement- and just an infinite amount of possibilities are truly JUST WAITING to be born!

There’s an awesome movie at the Abraham Theatre- and I sneaked a photo op when CAnn wasn’t looking. Isn’t she cute? *LOL* Oooohhhh… I’m gonna be in sooo much trouble! Nah- not at all, actually. I JUST love how radiant she is BEING (beaming, honestly) at each single moment she is creating here. It is so joyously FUN to be able to BE a part of such love.

OH!! AND- I went back this afternoon (just now!)… AND??? Well.. guess what? Hahahah.. yet ANOTHER awesome surprise!! I was just peeking in for a minute, as I was remembering that I wanted to send a picture of the HotSprings in CYRES?? And- I saw CAnn. Yay!! Well- turns out this was indeed, like a 10,000 YAY day. *LOL* Why? I can actually hear you asking me. *ahem!* I am.. going.. to.. BE able to ACTUALLY build stuff!!!!! *cough, cough* I am JUST soooo totally overjoyed, I am almost speechless. For real. In fact- I need to take a few minutes, and.. process this! She created my very own “Happy Sparkle Thoughts” place!!! Isn’t this JUST the most FUN occasion you’ve EVER heard of??? Well- except for the creation of CyresCafe, of course. Hehehehe! *sigh*

I SO totally am enjoying EACH and every moment in CYRES World- and I thank you from the very bottom of my heart and soul for including me in your “dream-that-IS-reality”. I do so much love you, and am KNOWING that your day is packed with love, inspiration, excitement- and positive energies.

LOVE,
Sue

Dearest Jane

SMILE – IT FEELS GOOD!

We have just enjoyed a lovely week at the Norfolk coast; the sun shone and the warm breeze came in from over the sea, giving us a perfect seaside holiday.

We were sitting next to our motorhome, supping tea, and generally chatting and quietly enjoying our surroundings.

Around us like an ornate tapestry were gorse bushes with their dazzling yellow flowers set against the green hillsides.

Surrounding the hill were woods, carpeted with bluebells whilst the canopy is still light and airy. Their brightness just beginning to fade as their season was passing.

Pink profusions of giant flowers of the Rhodedendron bushes had recently just begun to emerge.

Birds were competing with each other in the canopy with ever increasing intensity as their songs filled the air.

What could be more beautiful and more easy to enjoy than sitting in such surroundings, or taking a quiet stroll in the woods,
with so much to see, hear, and breathe in.

So wanting to share the beauty with You. You make my heart sing, Little Soulbird.

May the sun fill you with its warmth.

Love and Light always …… Mum

Many beautiful videos have been sent to me this week. Inspires me to share one of my favourite videos on YouTube with You! …

One of the great classics of all literature, Homer’s “Odyssey,” tells of the return of the hero Ulysses to the island of Ithaca, where his wife Penelope has been waiting for him for over ten years. Although courted day and night by men who claim to have seen her husband die in combat during the war of Troy, she never loses hope. Ulysses undergoes all sorts of challenges but eventually returns home.

Many centuries later, another Greek poet, Konstantinos Kavafis, dealt with this homecoming in a different manner, creating one of the most beautiful metaphors of this journey in search of our dreams. While the drama of the “Odyssey” centres on the difficulties in arriving and in the suffering of the beloved wife, in Kavafis’ poetry exactly the opposite is asked of Ulysses: he should enjoy the journey and experience all that needs to be lived.

I learned this poem on the Way to Santiago at a moment when I was crazy to reach Compostela quickly and so put an end to what seemed to me to be an absurd pilgrimage. Below are some extracts from the masterpiece by Kavafis:

When you leave for Ithaca,
may your journey be long
and full of adventures and knowledge.

Do not be afraid of Laestrigones, Cyclopes
or furious Poseidon;
you won’t come across them on your way
if you don’t carry them in your soul,
if your soul does not put them in front of your steps.

I hope your road is long.
May there be many a summer morning,
and may the pleasure of seeing the first ports
bring you great joy.
Try to visit the markets of Phoenicia
and buy the very best.
Go to the cities of Egypt
and learn from a people with so much to teach.

Don’t lose sight of Ithaca,
for that’s your destination.
But take your time;
better that the journey lasts many a year
and that your boat only drops anchor on the island
when you have grown rich
with what you learned on the way.

Don’t expect Ithaca to give you many riches.
Ithaca has already given you a fine voyage;
without Ithaca you would never have parted.
Ithaca gave you everything and can give you no more.

If in the end you think that Ithaca is poor,
don’t think that she has cheated you.
Because you have grown wise and lived an intense life,
and that’s the meaning of Ithaca.

by Paulo Coelho

In the twenty-third year of the reign of Zhao, Lao Tsu realized that the war would end up destroying the place where he lived. As he had spent years meditating on the meaning of life, he was quite aware that at certain moments one has to be practical. He decided to make the simplest decision: move home.

He gathered his few possessions and set out for Han Keou. At the gates of the city he came upon a guard.

- Where can such an important wise be going? - asked the guard.

- Far from the war.

- You can’t leave just like that. I would very much like to know what you learned in so many years of meditation. I will only let you leave the city if you share with me what you know.

When he was free of the guard, Lao Tsu wrote a small book there and then and handed the only copy to the man. Then he went on his journey and never heard of him again.

Lao Tsu’s text was copied and recopied, crossed centuries and millennia and has reached our times. It is called “Tao Te King” and is available in Portuguese from several publishing houses. The book is a must.

Here are some extracts:

He who knows others is wise.
He who knows himself is illuminated.
He who defeats others is strong.
He who defeats himself is powerful.
He who knows happiness is rich.
He who keeps his path is wilful.

Be humble and you will become whole.
Bend and you will become straight.
Empty yourself and you will become full.
Wear yourself out and you will become new.

The wise man does not show off, and so he shines.
He does not make himself known, and so he is noticed.
He does not praise himself, and so he has merit.
And because he does not compete,
none in the world can compete with him.

A Japanese legend tells of a certain monk who was so enraptured by the beauty of the Chinese book “Tao Te King” that he decided to raise money to have those verses translated and published into his language. It took him ten years to raise enough funds.

However, a pest swept through the country and the monk decided to use the money to relieve the suffering of the sick. But as soon as the situation became normal, once more he started to gather the amount necessary to publish the Tao.

Another ten years passed by, and when at last he was ready to print the book a seaquake left hundreds of people homeless.

Once more the monk spent all the money on rebuilding the houses of those who had lost everything. Another ten years passed by, he gathered the money again and finally the people of Japan were able to read the “Tao Te King.”

The wise men say that this monk actually made three editions of the Tao: two are invisible and one is in print. He kept his faith in his objective without ever failing to care for his neighbour.

by Paulo Coelho

This statistic, which buzzes around the Internet, has be published in numerous places across the world:
If it were possible to reduce the population of the entire world to 100 inhabitants, maintaining the proportions of people which currently exist in the world, it would be made up as follows:

57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 Americans (North, Central and South)
8 Africans
52 would be women
48 men
70 non-white
30 white
89 would be heterosexual
11 homosexual
6 people would possess 59% of the world’s wealth
80 would dwell in inhabitable housing
50 would suffer from malnutrition
1 would have a computer
1 (yes, just one) would have a university degree

And consider this: if you are more healthy than sick, you are luckier than a million people who will not see next week. If you never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of prison, the agony of torture, the pain of hunger, you are luckier than 500 million of the world’s inhabitants.
If you have food in the fridge, clothes in your closet, a roof over your head, a place to sleep, then consider yourself richer than 75% of the world’s inhabitants.
If you have money in the bank, a wallet or some loose change lying around somewhere, consider yourself among those with the best quality of life in the world.

by Paulo Coelho