A Picture of Change: Fraternity's Story in Images

October 3, 2025, Newsletter #118

Dear Brethren and Friends,

Special Announcements:

Oct 14 (Tuesday) – Lodge fellowship. Dinner at 6 pm. Presentation by MW.: John Carter.

My Ramblings by W:. Scott A. MacDonald © 2025

Massive Oak Tree

MIT researchers studying ancient Norse writings have discovered a technique the Vikings used to shut down their fear response.

The two-minute exercise is simple. For two minutes, imagine yourself as a massive oak tree with roots extending 20 feet into the ground. Visualize storms with wind, rain and lightning all around, but your roots stay planted and your trunk never bends.

Researchers found that this tree visualization increased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex by 267% and reduced the stress hormone cortisol by 73%. The anterior cingulate cortes controls the following:

• Decision-making: It helps evaluate potential outcomes and guide choices. 
• Error detection: It signals when mistakes are made, allowing for learning      and adaptation. 
• Pain perception: It modulates pain intensity and emotional responses to pain. 
• Emotional regulation: It controls emotions, such as fear, anxiety, and reward. 
• Motivation: It contributes to goal-directed behavior and effort. 
• Social cognition: It facilitates understanding and responding to social cues.

This exercise tricks your brain into believing you possess the stability and strength of an ancient tree, overriding natural fear responses with manufactured confidence.

The Vikings used this technique before battle, important negotiations, and life-changing decisions. Modern executives using this technique reported 86% less anxiety during high-stakes presentations and confrontations.

As usual, that Great Light of Masonry has something to add:

Proverbs 23:7 "As a person thinks within himself, so he is."

Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect".

1 Peter 1:13: "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"

Lord, with your grace and power, we recognize the power you have given us to make our lives better. We thank you for these blessings. In His name, Amen.

Lodge Calendar

Oct 7 (Tuesday) – Stated Communications. Dinner at 6 pm and lodge at 7 pm.

Oct 14 (Tuesday) – Lodge fellowship. Dinner at 6 pm. Presentation by MW.: John Carter.

Oct 21 (Tuesday) - Stated Communications. Dinner at 6 pm and lodge at 7 pm.

Oct 28 (Tuesday) – Lodge fellowship. Dinner at 6 pm.

Oct 30 (Thursday) – District 12 – Tulsa 71 - 5925 E. 9th St., Tulsa 74112. Dinner at 6 pm program to follow.

November 7th and 8th (Friday & Saturday) – Grand Lodge in Guthrie, OK. Open to all Master Masons. Come and participate in the governance of your Grand Lodge and meet Masons from all over Oklahoma.

Hope you all have a great weekend. See you at the next meeting!

Sincerely, 

W:. Scott A. MacDonald, Treasurer and Membership Calling Chairman