Ginger Tea

..sucked.

It was uncomfortable.

At times, in places, very inappropriate.

A waste of time & money.

It was about money, sex, and ego, think.

That original sin number was as over-the-top as the rest of twi's practices (even abs'ing from twigs in private residences, etc.)

What did they really do with all 'info' people filled out?

I can imagine it came in handy to access members ~ of course ~ in the Way's way, which was out-of-bounds...like everything else pretty much was.

It's an odd thing, letting people have intimate details...people you don't really know...not REALLY...not well enough, for sure.

Then to pay to sit thru classes that were embarrassing ~ to say the least ~ if you had any boundaries, you know?

It was good for vp & co. to reduce and push back members' boundaries, I think.

White Dove,

I totally understood what you meant.

This is a soft area tread in, for good reason, and I'm glad you had the patience and were concerned enough to hang in there while your post was in question...till it was seen for it's merit in the light it was written.

Johniam,

What are you thinking?

Are you reacting to homosexuals (lumping all together as ~ what you said) because of the harm done in the past (I'm assuming it was male)?

Or is it from your belief system?

The reason I ask is because if it's due to the former, then it may be a sensitive matter from your victimization.

Lots of people who experienced sexual assault/abuse have anxiety problems ~ post traumatic stress ~ that affects even their outlook, sometimes permanently, but not always (thankfully) towards the sex (same) as the abuser.

Some marriages have been destroyed when a spouse becomes a victim of some perp, and because of being traumatized ~ cannot be imtimate with the other spouse any longer...or for years w/o sensing strong negative reactions. Not that they distrust their husbands because of what some other man did, but because the violation devestated them on an intimate 'contact' level...they can feel helplessness...so, understandably, it takes awhile to mend the soul and regroup. Many marriages last thru it all, too.

Women who were abused by men can, and many do, recover and live happily in their existence with men ~ w/o fearing or distrustful, in an anxious manner about men as a whole.

Anyway, if that's what is going on...I hope it gets better. If it isn't, I still hope you feel better.

Mike...dammit Mike.

Debating in discussions is one thing...conflicts, they happen all the time after all, this is only words on a screen. You can't get a true picture of anyone here by computer...even with a picture...because that doesn't give you what you need to know to be informed enough to make an accurate judgement

call on lots of levels.

The part where you are getting flack now...well part of a part of that is not DEBATABLE!

We are dealing with people who have been violated ~ and in the case where any of these victims are concerned, especially the ones who are given 'safe harbor' here...YOUR debating is HANDS OFF!

Not just you, I'm sure anyone.

Don't you see why this is not appropriate material to debate ~ especialy under the circumstances where vpw is concerned and the victims are present and accounted for?

You cannot help these people.

They don't want your help.

They will take care of themselves without your assistance.

See, victims will get the right-of-way here...#1...because of the main page ~ why it is not an affair ~ this GS has a definate stand on.

You can't come around and mess with their heads ~ whether it seems fair to you or not.

And that is what you are doing when you get in their faces about how they should view/feel about their victimization.

You aren't qualified to do that.

You shouldn't attempt what you do not understand either...from a therapuetic p.o.v.

A few tried that crap before...blah, blah this-n-that..get on with this, get over that ~ they were talking out of their heads...it doesn't work like that.

You need to take a hike with this vpw & the victims nonsense about what's best for them because you are in over your head and it's not fair to them.

Go take that discussion someplace where victims aren't sensitive/exposed to it...like the private topics...if you want to 'get into something' that you know will offend their and some of our sensibilities.

I don't want to chase you off.

I think you need GS.

I don't think GS needs to M&A people as a solution either.

Enough of that crap has gone on and that's why there are Gresespots to begin with.

You gotta wise up on this one.

You have enough problems with your p.o.v. and I'm not saying that you are responsible for the behaviors of others...because I can't say that as I know better...but you can leave these areas alone since you cannot cure it...you didn't create and...and you are not going to control it.

Let it go ~

Other Guys have learned to here.

If someone hurt your child, terrorized them or abused them...would you want someone bringing them over to the house?

No...

But they are here GT!

That's right Mike.

But they don't have to sit on his lap.

Quit forcing this crap on them.

You aren't a councellor.

You aren't aware of their perspective nor are you intune with that experience.

Sound unfair?

So what.

Deal with it.

You'll find less problems if you heed this advice.

Sorry, but you'll see what I'm saying another time. Down the road perhaps.

You can't 'go there'.

Ginger

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You can use them for the same reasons/effects that the medical professionals, the food and beauty industries do, as well, and moreso.

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Here are some other good resourses to discover the benefits of essential oils (among other herbal preparations) that I think you'll be able to find, rather easily, I might add...

Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing

Herbs & Spices

The lllustrated Encyclopedia of

Healing Remedies

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Back To Eden

by Jethro Kloss

And the easiest, quickest way to set-up your fragrant pharmacy at home is with this helpful quide:

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy ~ by Julia Lawless

There are other valuable books, but these are great for beginners starting out...

If your interested, this is a good start.

Hope you get that taken care of Dot...meanwhile, you can boost your immune system with some great anti-oxident teas, and some echinachea tea...with ginger & lemon.

Feel better soon!

What I'm saying is beauty has a world of it's own...more or less.

When you speak of beauty...what are you addressing?

I see layers ~ lol

Too many, but that's me and experience.

I've seen GS fail at broad topics before...remember, not that long ago, people read things others did not say...prostitution, for example.

That's where I ask...what are you referring to...

Some folks have lots of experience

You might not need it.

I would really have to get some direction from you on what it is you want to address...cause as I've said before...this is a very wide area.

Is it practical stuff ~ what charms men?

Men can answer that.

Is it ritual beauty routine stuff?

That's different to every woman's taste, yes?

I guess I just don't want to see things get diluted (yes, I said that) because there not only is a huge industry ~ not talking powder puffing only ~ and there are serious issues.

There's styles & preferences.

There is also MAJOR prejudices...

I think I could participate, w/o giving more then I need or care to, if I read specifics or if it's a philosophical view of beauty.

Trust me on the prejudiced stuff, ok

Thanks for clarifying...

I need to 'read more'.

Like I've said a time or two, this stuff is in my blood...I don't need to go where no man's been before, lol, for sure...not w/o a plan 'B'. lol

Ginger

type-o's

god is good!

Ummm...I think beauty is in the eye of the beholder...ultimately...aren't the eyes the window to the soul?

Beauty is perceived many ways ~

Ugliness is, as well.

Taking good care of ones self, with loving intentions, 'inside' and out...inspires, delights and attracts people for better reasons...then if one sees or looks at beauty only on the outside...that is something else entirely, yes?

Has other 'meaning' yes?

Since this is about women, I might take offense ~ since beauty is universal...beyong gender.

I thank all that's good for beautiful men.

And beautiful women.

Beautiful people.

A run-way model may be beautiful to look at...and also may have the inner beauty, the kind that time, others, and circumstances cannot destroy.

People assume 'beauties' like this must be shallow.

While some may be...it's unrealistic to 'label' all outer-beauty as made-up and false.

The beauty ~ the authentic beauty ~ won't be limited by labels, or stereo-typical responses...it's timeless and precious and cultivated.

What female beauty does to men...well...I see what it does in some M.E. cultures...in some other primitive tribal-ritualistic communities, even in some far eastern cultures...and to some here, in the U.S..

When female beauty..the outside...is on the table...more is being related then looks, see?

John,

I am saying something like you are implying...

To be a woman, and one who has had to deal with outer beauty issues since a child (working, getting the audition or not, etc.)

...I find that outer beauty ~ and the discussion to answer ???

...needs to be more specific or just plain old philosophical

...because there are numerous serious issues that are affecting young people today, girls~suffering unrealistic expectations and boys~having unrealistic needs,

including the deluded (distorted) body image problems, self-loathing, etc

...that many teens (and younger) are experiencing

...too much to say

...too many bases to cover here with such a generalization.

Of course, unless one doesn't take it seriously.

I'm not one of those.

So, I can contribute, yes, authentic beauty is a thing to behold.

It cannot be stolen...per sae, but many seek to harm it.

That's my dimes worth.

It's a very important matter in our society...it costs people dearly, at times.

It's bigger then what turns you on...or off.

QQ does some interesting threads, usually.

This one, I feel, needs a more direct question, a straight shot at what one questions ~ since the subject matter is so broad. With many layers. And issues.

Some that I think won't be served well here. jmho. Especially with TWI's influences around so many hearts...yet.

Ginger

Nice to see you....

An aside to CW `~

I've been home only a few days a week for months ~ unless I took a break for a health pause ~ it's been hectic BUT I haven't forgotten (((YOU))) ~

I'll be in touch soon!

That message was good news, btw!

Love,

Ginger

I can go to it practically anywhere!!!!!!

Lalali.Lalalalalalali.Lalali

.Lalalalalalalalalalalali

What an observation...

I'm not going to bother here, in any case...and that's because one really has to have an god understanding, socially, and culturally of beauty and women...and how 'beauty' affects women, say, enough to be an issue...who's going to recognize it here?

If you want to write about it...it's one thing to add a personal opinion or experience...but that's all that can be achieved here, I feel.

I see fights breaking out...lol...

A mouse trap ready to snap...lol...

Go figure?

What can I say, I've been around here too long...

This is my business and I wouldn't write about it here...maybe some married Dads with a few daughters need or have insights they can share...but trust me, this isn't the arena for BEAUTY...national or global...for sure.

I will say there is an excellent documentary made about 3 years ago ~ by National Geographic...someone I know too well was interviewed for it....it's all about BEAUTY,

the world over...hope you Guys find it...it's very factual and insightful.

People can learn from each other here how to overcome using the TWI filter ~ and what that actually is ~

GS addresses the stumbling blocks and obsticles people find in common.

If some do not want to let go of the 'filter' for whatever reason

...they may find others here who are 'like-minded' and offer mutual support.

People can get past the embarrassment and shame of 'culting' (if that's bothersome)

by sharing the commonality of this experience with others.

Once people come here, they find out this is not a twig meeting, or a fellowship, but a serious site that exposes the cult along with the behaviors & attitudes many needed to utilize for the survival of 'belonging' to the cult.

Closure requires taking full responsibility for ones' own life and the actions also taken.

Without assuming (old) leadership or follower roles, one can venture to sound out their general thinking regarding this cult experience, as well as their personal take of it, without being penalized.

For some, it's a long time over-due.

Dropping cult behaviors in order to deal with life in real time, seems a very good thing to get on with, no?

Who doesn't want to just have a nice life w/o being messed with or controlled, down to the minutiae?

When one is able to reach closure with their TWI experience, the blame-games lessen or stop completely, and genuine acceptance brings a peace.

People need to move ahead and can more readily when they are empowered.

Informed, not indoctrinated, by a system designed to control rather than nurture.

Where do you get self-reliance when you are constantly told how to be, when to be, where to be...every single moment of your day, week, month...through constant contact and practices and pecking orders...it's religious boot-camp, for sure.

And no one disagrees that military boot-camps use mind-control as a practice to pump out our best and bravest...order, following, soldiers.

Finding closure becomes simpler without

the need to create or believe in the delusions utilized to persuade members to stay 'in' the cult, that kept the mind and person oppressed.

It is what it is/was...now what?

We move ahead and on in life.

Lots of people have gotten to do what they've dreamed of, and are capable of, because a cult isn't interfering in their life anymore or selling them short...impacting their lives...and personal values...creating disadvantages for families and isolations away from those who love them.

GSCafe is a good place to examine for oneself, their time spent in TWI, to see what their losses were, why things were allowed to happen...how it all came about...and how by design, it basically was going to happen.

And who actually benefitted from all this happenning ~

GSCafe supports people, (when everyone is behaving) by encouraging others

to think for themselves, w/o exploitation

(usually).

Looking ahead to living life as a much wiser person, with the understanding, we can gain some balance.

The flaws/defects TWI imposed/ingrained, encouraged within it's membership can be thrown off or stripped away, and seen for what it was, now that the smoke has cleared for some.

Remember this stuff:

intolerence, arrogance, eliteism, know-it-all-ituity, obsessiveness,

over-blown need for approval, self-righteousness, judgementalism, group-reinforcement, child-parent role-play, all-consuming neediness,

non-stop service-rituals,

unhealthy dependancies, self-devaluation, demon ideations, self-absorbed zenophobia,

little-to-no emotional range,

emotional suppression, anti-social,

contempt for other churches and faiths, homo-phobia w/contempt,

female diminishment/servitude

slave-labor, no benefits or retirement planning, etc.

Leaving the cult attitudes in the past (along with TWI) takes time and understanding,

but GSCafe seems to weather it well.

It's like a mirror, for many, at different stages of recovering themselves fully.

To become all you want to be or finding the path for you to grow or heal on in the real world...it can be done by shedding the TWI-ness or it's goggles you had to peer through for so long...

Life, without being blind-sided by fears and doubts, TWI-style, like

...the fear of demons, death w/o TWI, fear of other people, fear of displeasing or loosing God, obsessive thinking, being superstitious from TWI-brand of lessons, over-spiritualizing every little ioda of life

...or even a movie or book or work of art

...can be arrested

And one's life can be well worth living, consciously through it too (presence of mind)

and very good again for any ex-cultist, as it is meant to be

...and will begin to happen as you reach for closure.

Life is good, so who needs the trappings and

mannerisms spawned and encouraged by THAT cult anyway.

That's closure for me!

To have your life back, the one you were meant to live...with those you love...happy & free-to-be type people...w/o the chains of any TWI agenda that indoctrinated/introduced countless manipulations in order to exploit and control your life.

You wanted answers, they gave you their agenda instead.

You wanted life, they gave you a prison.

You wanted to share, they took everything you had to give and then some.

If you had special happy moments of love and bliss there, and spiritual rejoicing, it was not by their hand, but by your own grace.

Every person is special...but it's not so fun when some are trying to be 'the special ones'

...and god help anyone in their way

...The Way

Arrogance personified!

...nasty girl, have some tea!

Yeah, Closure & Greasespot, Paw

Like tea & cookies

Goes together...

I'm not doing another long post for a long long time...sigh...aren't you glad?

Go forth & multiply...

doh!

I'm glad you made it through, intact.

How are the relief efforts doing there?

Happy Birthday Dear Heart!

Have a WONDERFUL year!

Sending Congratulations to YOU!

I wish you many, many happy returns.

Fiesta! Party! Woo-Hoo!

(from Fredtoes too)

Sending cyberhugs and smooches

(((xxxoooxxxooo)))

And ginger beers, ginger snaps, ginger cake, ginger candy, ginger bread, ginger tea, ginger flowers, ginger candles, and ginger ales, for later too!

(In spite of all the ginger, this really is about you Sweetie!)

Peace and Love and Happiness

Always ~

Ginger

~ xo ~

This notice is for a certain family whom could not be reached with the sad news of the passing of a beloved Grandmother.

She was loved, as she loved so many, unconditionally, and will be missed.

My deepest sympathy for her Grand-daughter and Great-Grandchildren.

[This message was edited by Ginger Tea on June 02, 2003 at 20:55.]

<;

[This message was edited by Ginger Tea on August 10, 2002 at 2:58.]

I have been trying to use the private topic ~

For only 2 people to join to start, nothing risque or anything, right, so I just have to add contacts and start a topic, right?

Well, I end up with zero, nada, nobody, even my contact list is emptied every time I add and try...and when I press 'start a topic' get the forum ~ or error ~ not very fun...

It is frustrating the heck out of me, as it seems others can invite me, but I can't have one of my own and invite them?

What am I doing wrong?

Am I allowed?

An inquiring mind would like to know ~ seems the system I'm using permits me to others private topics, so, I can't fall back on it would prevent me from creating one of my own...am I not permitted or something?

Maybe it's a time~limited feature, no?

What is this all about?

GingerTea

What's your favorite, or are they all?

~

Don't even say they aren't good ~ they are Great!

~

Let's start with your favorite?

~