Ebb and flow

Action and contemplation
go hand in hand together
in mutual recipriosity
so much so
we should not try to part them

feeling and thinking
doing and being
outer and inner
mind and heart
above and below
we are, they are, all is
co-related,
it's not so much that they are interconnected
it's more that they are inseparable

ok now we know this
the question is
how do we experience it?
how is the apparent dualism transcended?
after all it is an illusion
these are only words
that can seem as real to us
as the warm rays of the sun on a summers day

whichever door we go into first
feeling or thinking
it will lead to the other,
because they take you into the same room
they are like different ends of a sandwich
or different points on a circle
all paths lead to the other
if we let them
they are mutually inclusive
and feed one another
like the serpent eating its own tale

and yet they can become blinded
blocked from one another
like a pendulum that is caught and stops

what is then missing is awareness
an awareness of the other
of the others existence and how to welcome it in
we all have an inherent preference
socially the west educates towards thinking
and yet to not embrace feeling
is to miss the whole experience
and those of us who are all feeling
lack an appreciation for logos
being stuck in one place
is to miss the need for flow
the movement
the dance
the completion.

Transformation and change,
as Richard Rohr says, are everything;
"When prayer is authentic
it will always lead to actions of mercy;
when actions of mercy are attempted at any depth,
they will always drive you to prayer."

Riding the wave

Throughout January I have heard numerous metaphors using water as a reference for understanding the meaning of life. Water is one of the four elements, some say it represents our emotions. Even the commonly used phrase - still waters run deep - shows how water is used to describe a persons state of being.

Here in the UK talk of water in the context of our climatic state is an almost daily occurence. Having just experienced a week of snow fall the thaw is setting in which brings with it floods. Nothing new anymore and yet floods are devastating for those whose livelihoods and/or homes are caught up in its path. Really there is no such thing as floods. What we have is high water levels and too many homes and other developments built on lowland and flood plains. Whatever happened to building on hilltops?

Today I was listening to storyteller Michael Meade, he was talking about the way water terms are used in our vocabulary to describe qualities associated with money, for example, curreny comes from a term for water flow. We have fast currents and slow currents. One thing about currency is it is rarely, if ever, constant for very long. Flow is dynamic, ever changing and in constant flux and relationship with all it comes into contact with.So why are we always wanting, expecting even, money and currencies to rise, when we know from life itself that currents ebb and flow. They go up and they go down. They swell and recede. You can't have one without the other. We are now learning even where there is drought and desertification it is possible to revive and rejuvinate water supplies.

Tonight I read about the surfer Garrett McNamara who off the coast of Portugal is riding the biggest waves I've ever seen. 100ft monuments to wind and water form these skyhigh walls of sea that Garrett seems able to hold his surfboard onto while the water is breaking behind him. The sound alone must be immense not to mention the weight of the crashing wave. It's daunting and inspiring to see this tiny human being dancing with the elements in this way. He looks to be having fun. Like he's out there for the challenge and for no other reason than it's the most exhilirating feeling in the world.

It makes me wonder about my awareness of water and what waves I am choosing to ride ... ?

Go with the flow

Life, love, happiness are often spoken about using the metaphor of flow. The idea being to find your way through life, to discover depths of love or happiness what you need to do is let go of the edge of the river and go with the flow.

There is a well known book on finding lasting happiness called Flow written by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. I have not read the book myself, although I have heard much about it. Looking up the title on amazon.com it say's that Mihaly's studies have revealed that what makes experience genuinely satisfying is 'flow' - a state of concentration so focused that it amounts to complete absorption in an activity and results in the achievement of a perfect state of happiness. This sounds similar to what sports stars describe as getting into the zone when experiencing peak performance. All of which may have an external manifestation but also speaks to an inner journey and understanding.

Last night I went to the very last open evening at Schumacher College. The speaker was Minni Jain and the title of her talk was 'Flow'. Minni spoke about projects she was involved in back in India that were reviving and then protecting defunct rivers. Through the revival of rivers life, vegetation and greenery were being brought back into desert lands.

This very real reconnection with flowing waters has lead Minni on to further inquiries into flow in other forms. For example, how do we revive flow in the dry barren lands of education, health care, politics, economics and communities?

In words inspired by those of Minni Jain

Let it Flow

I don't really make decisions
I just go with the flow
Don't resist
Go with the flow

Flow is everywhere
The river is everywhere
Don't resist
Let yourself go into the flow

There is a flow within us
There is a flow in the universe
Don't resist
Go deeper into the flow

The flow within, the flow without
They get imbalanced
Don't resist
Find the flow

Are you willing to work?
Are you willing to do anything?
Don't resist
Let it flow

Traditional wisdom was being ignored
Modern engineering had failed
Don't resist
Listen for the flow

Slow down, walk the land and know
Ask, what you can do to find the flow?
Don't resist
Be with the flow

Building the new ...

I saw this quote recently and was struck by how it aligned so well with two of Joanna Macy's three dimensions of the Great Turning. She speaks of three ways to contribute to the shifts that are taking place within each of us and within our socities, cultures and institutions. For more detailed information check out Joanna's amazing website. 

In brief the three dimesions are:

1. Actions to slow the damage to Earth and its beings

• Documenting and the ecological and health effects of the Industrial Growth Society;
• Lobbying or protesting against the World Trade Organization and the international trade agreements that endanger ecosystems and undermine social and economic justice;
• Blowing the whistle on illegal and unethical corporate practices;
• Blockading and conducting vigils at places of ecological destruction, such as old-growth forests under threat of clear-cutting or at nuclear dumping grounds.

Work of this kind buys time. It saves some lives, and some ecosystems, species, and cultures, as well as some of the gene pool, for the sustainable society to come. But it is insufficient to bring that society about.

2. Analysis of structural causes and the creation of structural alternatives

• Teach-ins and study groups on the Industrial Growth Society;
• Strategies and programs for nonviolent, citizen-based defense;
• Reduction of reliance on fossil and nuclear fuels and conversion to renewable energy sources;
• Collaborative living arrangements such as co-housing and eco-villages; 
• Community gardens, consumer cooperatives, community-supported agriculture, watershed restoration, local currencies...

 3. Shift in Consciousness

These structural alternatives must mirror what we want and how we relate to Earth and each other. They arise in the resurgence of wisdom traditions, reminding us again that our world is a sacred whole, worthy of adoration and service.
The many forms and ingredients of this dimension include:

• general living systems theory;
• deep ecology and the deep, long-range ecology movement;
• Creation Spirituality and Liberation Theology;
• Engaged Buddhism and similar currents in other traditions;
• the resurgence of shamanic traditions;
• ecofeminism;
• ecopsychology;
• the simple living movement.

These activities help us cope with our fear and rage, stop us from sticking our heads in the sand or pointing the finger of blame at others. They help us overcome feelings of panic or paralysis.

Spacious

For the last few years I have experienced a phenomenon whereby a word appears toward the end of the year to inform, frame and guide the year to come. So far these words have included dance and freedom. For 2013 the word that seems to be appearing is SPACIOUS.

What does spacious mean to me?

It means an expansion of freedom, dance, flow and connectivity.
Spacious provides room for movement.
Spacious provides a place for the unknown, for uncertainty and for the mystery to be present.
Spacious has an open inviting feeling to it.
It suggests exploration.
It is playful.
Spacious is a deep breathe.
In hale.
Ex hale.
AAAAhhhhhhhh .... !

Spacious implies limitless opportunites.
I am looking forward to being spacious.
I am curious as to what spacious will bring.

As 2012 comes to a close, tonight seems like a night to walk the labyrinth and to sit by a fire with friends telling stories to one another and enjoying the quality of being together. This year had much to live upto with expectations of paradigm shifts, consciousness deepening moments and Mayan prophesies. In all it has been a year of preparing the soil, planting seeds, setting intentions for a life to blossom and grow. The old growth has to be redug into the land to replenish the soil for what is to come. There is a lot of letting go that has had to happen to get to this point. Emptying out of the vessel of life. To travel lighter. In the winter time mulched soil may not look like much and yet it is rich fertile ground, we underestimate it at our peril. What can't be seen underneath the surface maybe invisible to the eye yet it is doing it's magical alchemical thing creating the new that will eventually reveal itself oneday in all its glorious beauty. And that sums up what has been going on through 2012 and hints at the potential of spacious for 2013 and beyond.

2013 is for me about creating a spacious quality in my life to allow and invite the new to arrive from the dark into the light. 

Happy New Year
Everyone
Feliz Ano Novo
Para Tudo Mundo

Theory FUN!

The idea is that by making something fun we can change peoples behaviour. I seriously hope this is true and not another internet hoax. I want to believe in theory fun!. Intuitively it not only feels right, it feels good. And if it is true the question is, how can we use theory fun in so many more imaginative ways? Take a look at this to illustrate the effect of theory fun!

Winter Solstice 2012

Holy cow, sometimes the cards are too spot on for my comfort, more of this later. It's been a challenging year in some ways and a blessed one in others. The challenges have been life purpose related. Having taken the step away from job security to search for a path that is more authentic and meaningful I am still waiting for a greater sense of clarity and a clearer sign of momentum. Of late it has too often felt like I have been taking two steps forward followed by one step back. To say my patience is being strecth is an understatement. Holding true is what I am trying to do, and yet the desire for the uncertainty to be over is strong. I am learning many lessons. One of which is that living with not knowing is likely to become a more normal activity and that instead of expecting the uncertainty to go away what I need to do is find better ways to live with it.

Today is the winter solstice up here in the northern hemisphere. Two years ago we were held in by waves of snow and freezing temperatures. Today it is almost balmy and quiet unseasonally warm. Today is also the long await end of the Mayan calendar. Well, the end of many epochs. A grand shift is upon us as we move to a more loving, connected and harmonious age. I surely hope this is all true. earlier today on our way from Surrey to Devon we drove passed Stonehenge. The setting was beautifully backdropped by an azure blue sky and crowds of people were thronged around the ancient stones. More people were making the long walk back to their cars having spent the earlier hours of the solstice honouring out shortest day of the year.

It's the time of year for quiet and reflection, for sitting in circle around burning fires and for intention setting now a new age is upon us. I had the honour of standing in a hand-held circle with some lovely people from Schumacher College. Afterwards I meditated alone and before me were angel cards set out in the symbol of the infinity. I chose two cards, one from each half of life. My angel from the first half of life was Grace and the second half of life was Humour. Great angels to have present.

On returning home we chose tarot cards and mine was spookily accurate. Up turned the seven of pentacles. For which the reading said the card depicts; "A farmer leaning on his spade gazing at pentacles that grow on a bush like fruit. She has done all the work, planted, planned, toiled. Now, all she can do is wait. And wait she has, for so long that she's growing impatient. She's beginning to doubt that the fruit on this tree will ever be ready to harvest and sell. In all four Sevens, the challenge presented cannot be won unless the questioner is determined to succeed and will not let themselves give up. The challenge in the solid, earthy Pents emphasizes this the most. Sometimes called "Failure" this is a card where one's patience is beginning to wear thin. You may be tempted to announce that it's all a failure and walk away. Or, weary of waiting, you could make a mistake, assume that the fruit is ripe when it's not.

This is an especially hard card (and challenge) for someone who has been out of work for a while, or has been trying to get back their health. They have to be told that, hard as it is, they must extend their patience. They must also be careful to recognize real opportunity from false opportunity. It's all too easy to act out of frustration, thinking that doing anything is better than doing nothing.But acting out of frustration can lead to failure. Real opportunity is on its way. Hang in there and use all you've learned to recognize it when you see it.

aaaahhhhh ... so more patience is called for - and the good news is that the future is about finding new ways to use my exisiting skills. Good to know writing and education are part of my future afterall. In a big way this is a relief. And patient I can be, for a little while longer.

Celebrating 12.12.12 @ 12.12pm

What a way to mark the moment of 12.12.12 @ 12.12pm !!!
Very British and very Schumacher all at once.
My favourite part is the actions some are making to match the words of the song.
A great memory.

What if money didn't matter?

Alan Watts tells it how it is.
And yet why is something so simple so challenging ???
It's stupid doing things you don't like.
Oh yeah !!!

What do I desire?

Happiness
Love
Relationship
Friendship
Food
Warmth
Shelter
Poetry
Music
Play
Exercise
Trees
Dogs
Cats
Rivers
Canoeing
Mountains
Hills
Fields
Hugs
Flowers
Bees
Owls
Chocolate
Family
Bike Rides
Art

Thought for this 'favourite' day

Remember on this day

Today

Pooh's favourite day …

We do not become healers.

We came as healers.

We are.

Some of us are still catching up to what we are.

We do not become storytellers.

We came as carriers of the stories we and our ancestors actually lived.

We are.

Some of us are still catching up to what we are.

We do not become artists.

We came as artists.

We are.

Some of us are still catching up to what we are.

We do not become writers, dancers, musicians, helpers, peacemakers.

We came as such.

We are.

Some of us are still catching up to what we are.

We do not learn to love in this sense.

We came as Love.

We are Love.

Some of us are still catching up to who we truly are.

~ Clarissa Pinkola Estés ~

The Contemplari Manuscript ©2001

Thanksgiving

To day is thanksgiving in the USA. This spurred a friend  to ask me what I am thankful for ... my immediate response was to think of loved ones and one grand love in particular who has come into my life and transformed it beyond recognition ... however, my friend invited me to be more imaginative and go further than that ... I ummed and ahhed for a few minutes as my mind whirled through a wave of blankness.

I was reminded once again how poor I am at showing gratitude and thankfulness. It's not that I am incapable of expressing words of appreciation. My issue goes deeper than that. It's more that I don't feel very grateful very often. If I don't feel thankful then I can't express it with any authenticity or generosity. I pondered why this is so ... and it did not make for pleasant thoughts or feelings. Was I blocked by my own hubris, arrogance and pride? Or is the cultural expectation of giving thanks sticking in my throat? When gratitude is expected it seems less genuine. To me, thanks that isn't real is meaningless.

Fast forward one hour and I am standing outside the front of the building I am working in and there is a beautiful leaf sculpture by the door, which is seemingly being made by eddies of wind circulating before me. The wind is constantly shifting the pattern of leaves into new and natural shapes. Watching the  movement of the leaves was like looking into the flames of a fire. There was something innate and primal in the dance of the leaves. A group of us observing this display chimed in words of magical appreciation and there was my thanksgiving for all to see, including me. Later in the day I came across this image of a cartoon character I really love and it summed up my experience for me. Maybe I am not so ungrateful after all. I simply need the immediacy of experience to connect into it.

How will we feed 9 billion people?

The believe tree

After a rollercoaster of a couple of weeks with lots of learning edges traversed and no doubt many more still to come I am now in an old stomping ground to find some completion and closure to this part of my life. Up on the moor there is a special Alder tree that has seen me through some tough times. Trees are beautiful creatures full of wisdom and comfort. Just like the one in the picture above. I'm off to get me some tree time :)