The issue is beauty, wisdom, love. If there is a better time for this than now, I'd like to know. This year has been a grinder for pretty much everyone we know. Some days, what we value the most can seem very far away, hidden.
As we stand on the cusp between what has gone before, and what is before us, known as 2012, I am hard-pressed to imagine a greater opportunity.
To "carpe diem," to seize the moment without a stifling hold, however, requires mustering all the clarity of mind, courage and genuineness of heart that can be garnered, particularly when you feel, at times, your shoulders are not big enough for what is asked of you by life. Nevertheless, regardless of the weight you've been carrying, now is the time to release worry, frustration, anger. It does not solve a thing. Yes, this means letting go even those thoughts about the people who bug you the most. As Terry Cole Whitacre wrote long ago, "What you think about me is none of my business!"
2012, a time for our times. So much has been written about the end of the Mayan calendar by scholars and scientists that there is little I could add. For the main, I leave that to them. For those of you wishing to hear a provocative discussion, however, you might want to check out The Mystery of 2012: Predictions, Prophesies and Possibilities. Published by Tami Simon of Sounds True, the list of contributors is extensive: Arjuna Ardagh, Jose Arguelles, Gregg Braden, Jean Houston, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Ervin Laszlo, Jay Weidner, to name but a few. So many facets are named in this work, that it can be overwhelming. At the risk of oversimplifying, suffice it to say that a shift is on its way.
The real question is what does this mean to you and me? Taking it down to our everyday lives in the "trenches," how does this affect the way we live? The reality is that not only do we get to choose, but the way we choose has never been more important. Simply put, whatever you choose for you gets accelerated. Now, when you know the "biggie" is coming, how do you prepare?
By way of analogy, let's look at pregnant mama. She prepares by paying attention. She is a comfort-seeking creature, doing all that she can to feel more comfortable in her expanding body, be she human or otherwise. She prepares the way. She readies her nest. She eliminates distraction, for growing and delivering new life requires all her "juice." If she is wise, she drops down into her being, making deep and profound connection with what is so for her, her authentic nature. She reclaims her authenticity. Pregnant mama is an evolutionary agent in the lives of others. She is as strong as Mt. Rushmore, for the elemental is with her. All nature is with her.
The natural world evokes the mysterious. So, as in pregnant mama's case, it is best to hold the pregnancy of what is coming with a spirit of awe. Regardless whether religious or not, as a story, consider Mary when she said: "Yes Lord. Let it be done unto me. I am the handmaiden of the Lord." The spirit of these words has inspired artists of every genre through the ages to usher in their own rebirthing, their own vision of the "Magnificat" alive in the world today. This, of course, is the meaning of art: to bring forward into form what has not existed in this way before. As Rollo May said long ago, however, it takes "courage to create."
There has never been a greater opportunity for creating the lives we wish to live than now. That may sound overly optimistic if you look at the state of affairs of the world in our collective and individual lives. But the soul of every artist knows that the creative breakthrough always comes through the darkness, through creative tension that chaos brings. Always. As an artist myself, I know that the key is to trust the process, to "stay with it" regardless of the tension, and know that what is coming is much more than I'd planned. When the plan is surrendered, when the "baby" is coming, the art has room for its labor and delivery.
This is where we are. How do we prepare the way for birthing what is beyond what we can fathom into our own lives? Perhaps it would help to look into our "broom closet" and notice what has been overlooked or has been hidden because it threatens the ego to remember that it controls very little.
It is a remarkable thing that the very expression of love, beauty and wisdom can turn out to threaten the collective, the corporate mind, be it in business or organized religion. A colleague of mine, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, illustrates this. According to Dr. Estes, in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, North Denver, a magnificent painting of the Guadalupe, by mural artist Carlota Espinoza, in 1975, was mysteriously covered over. Attracting and giving comfort and inspiration to many to rebirth more meaningful lives, in 2009 the painting "went missing" behind a faux wall. No explanation was forthcoming from priest or archbishop, despite the people's pleas, marches, insistence... (see last week's post: "The Art of Creating Something Beautiful This Holiday Season.") Eventually, the mural itself was defaced, as she stood behind a wall, in what Clarissa calls a broom closet.
This is a perfect statement for where we are in terms of soul consciousness. As a human race, we have allowed what gives nourishing care to be vanished, disappeared by those who are scared silly by the Sacred Feminine, known as wisdom. No, I'm neither talking about gender nor religiosity here, but rather our right and our duty to cultivate a listening heart for our own inner truth, and live freely in ways that do no harm to our spirit, person or others. There, however, in the metaphorical broom closet, are the utilitarian tools we need: the broom to sweep up the mess, the mop to clean it up, the sponges and soap to purify what's grown fetid, dirty, dangerous. Surely this is the time to clean up our act, our world, not out of fear, but out of joyful respect for the gift of life we've been given. Now is the time to remember we are not alone. As Guadalupe said to Juan Diego: "Am I not right here, who is your Mother?" Although we may not be able to "see her" as did he, or even believe there are things afoot in the world that cannot be explained rationally, surely, when in the holy presence of someone we love, or something we cherish, be it the poinsettia this time of year, or the early "snowdrop" flower, or the warmth of the hearth, or a shared cup of coffee with a friend, surly when we hear the voices of children singing in the square, or the jingle of bells on the street corner, then surely we, too, can find her here. Our hands are her hands. Our hearts are her hearts. Our care for one another is not ours, but comes through us from that which is the "Great Mystery." Surely we are under the protection of that which is greater than our fear, each and every time we decide to reclaim our worthiness, our connection, our compassion for not only others, but for ourselves when we would love to "do more," but are facing apparent limits. Surely each time we forgive a wrongdoing on our own part, or on the part of others, we make a leap in soul consciousness and ready ourselves for a shift beyond our capacity to see what lies ahead. All I know is that each time we do this, we are better for it. In the meantime, let us practice the following:
Seven Simple Steps
1. Don't put anything out there that you are not proud of.
2. Surrender to what is within you that wants life.
3. Cultivate the Soul of an Artist. 2012 is all about new creation.
4. Don't be afraid to be picky. Surround yourself with what fans your creative fire.
5. Take time for the solace and restoration of nature.
6. Balance, balance , balance the demands of your outer world with the requirements of the inner.
7. Be not afraid.
Your turn: What evidence of love, beauty and wisdom would you like to find that has gotten "hidden from view" in this world so preoccupied with distraction, politics, indifference? Where would you like to find it? What do you believe is so threatening about demonstrations of the good? I'm listening! May the "reason for the season" be lived out each day for you and yours, this 2011.
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What a blessing. The Practical Mystic is my kind of gal,
Cara
Thanks for this encouraging article, which gives optimism and cohesion. Knowing that something new sprouts below the surface, ready to face a new day and a new future. We are many, and we believe.
You are so right, WEFT: much, and many forms of new life is with us, in the Great Below, whether we can see it or not. We are not alone. For one, you are here with us!
So many blessings your way. Do drop by again!
Cara
As for 'our Shirley Carr,' no doubt about it. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, here, alive on this earth, in multiple forms, as we reach out to one another in care, without judgement. Both Shirley and you, and those of your ilk, remind me, each time I sing "Joy to the World" that a new born Soul Consciousness is at work in the smallest niches, apart form the public eye, but ever on the move in the Way of Compassion.
What a blessing. The Practical Mystic is my kind of gal,
Cara
I took a bad fall last tnight, took my pup out casually and who knows where I was looking. I stumbled and fell flat on my head on one side. Checked my vitals okay and saw blood oozing off of my head. Luckily I still had the leash secured in my hand. Then did another dance, found whatever I could to stop the blood flow, scrambled for ice to my head and called my hubby who was fast asleep. Then emergency and 7 stitches, and today my husband is tatting to all.
So I am being questioned and monitored and what not....Have a great one.
Was I looking at the moon? Big LOVE,until our next dance......Gypsy
With that vision and knowing reincarnation is the law governing life on earth, my wisdom suggests everyone live the life they are, we are doing what our lives require although often not to the liking of others. Being metamorphosed [reborn] out of Christianity I realize "gospel" has to be good for sinners and saints alike and that vision shows us it is, therefore, I seek only to help others realize how their lives are necessary preparing them for evolving to the next plane of existence.
There is an old saying that 'the devil is in the details.' It might also be said that so does the 'angel.' You are so wise, Elijah. The minute details, the not yet realized give rise to the dawn of new life each moment, each day. May we be good stewards of the vision that dwells in our hearts in this moment.
Your words remind me of Shirley Carr's in one way. (see post that was added from gypsy, above.)
We are here to grow, for this is our nature. May we cultivate the soil for a bounty harvest on all dimensions, not by striving but through our very Being.
Bless you,
Cara
of course your posts are very rich indeed. my brain is in park today as i let my nieghbors 3 yr old "help" me put the christmas village up last night. i spent the rest of the evening fixing it. thank gods for nail glue. but i am so thankful the little fella wanted to "help" and spend some time around me having giggly fun b4 he gets older and too cool to do that lolol...i am coming back for a better run thru but i didnt want you to think i forgot about you or your articles. xxx's
You are in my heart, Pema with great love,
Cara
This paradigm shift is a reversal of figure and ground. We don't need to hate global corporations, but only add 'process' to the search for logical, left-brain 'answers'. The obsessive-compulsive striving and territorial nature of the brain stem ('reptilian') will be added to by the 'growth' of the other two 'higher' globes of the brain. The selfishness of the 'inner child' is replaced by the 'heart' ('feminine' warmth gestating the seed of the universal child) as the symbol for the subconscious 'mind' we all share.
May your hearth warm you as needed!
Cara
For this in novel form, see Wesley Striber's '2012' book. The reptiles symbolize folks who have regressed to using their brain stem (bankers accumulate 'more' and want 'control'). The 'door' between the lower, middle, and high worlds stands open from 1987-2012, but few make the trip from the 'hell' (brain stem) to the 2nd world (middle brain), and few 'fail' and go down to the lower world. Some intellectuals and failed Zen folks hide in the forebrain, the 3rd world, and equally 'fail'.
The utopian wants a perfect world in the future; thus hating this world and the people in it. He seeks to make mankind into one entity to simplify his task, using propaganda and financial enslavement (credit) to simplify his task (communists in old Soviet Union). One trick is to misuse 'love' your neighbor and to spread the 'democratic' idea that all have equal power (which is wrongly equated with all being equal in manifested abilities)--this results in diffuse power which is centralized into a dictator or the banking elite. Groupthink ‘1984’ doctrines of self-abnegation and unselfishness are used to enforce uniformity. The only solution, as hinted in your most recent article, is to 'love' the confusion and the imperfection without seeking to change it—this is realism.
Paracelsus
What wisdom in the above words, what beauty and though written eons ago by a very wise man, still relevant today and I would say very needed today.
Hi Cara, I haven't picked up my copy of The Courage to Create by Rollo May in years and here you are mentioning one of my most inspiring books ever. I was in the Strand Book Store in NY on one of my earliest visits when I spied it on a shelf. I can't remember how many times I've read it though it shows with the yellowed pages and well worn cover. I don't know how many copies I've given to friends across the years and even gave a copy to my mom who gave copies to all her friends. Now I'm going to reread it this day it's cold out and perfect to cuddle up with a hot cup of "white" green tea and read this beautiful book which I have the wisdom to appreciate and value and put into practice especially during this season when I am in need of a refresher course desperately.
Great, article Cara. Thank!
Don't be surprised if I quote you! This Paracelsus quote is timeless, true, beautiful, poignant. Not unlike yourself. I am so glad you know Rollo May, for what he says, as well, is timeless, wise inspiring, real. Were there ever a time for a good cuddle up with white tea and a meaningful book, this would be the day!
Gratitude and joy out to you,
Cara
Have you read his Man's Search For Himself? I haven't so just ordered it. Here I am just having ordered my third book of the day though the other two are research material although Man's Search qualifies as research on oneself doesn't it.
White tea is cooling here on my "tidy desktop" so off to cuddle up and read for awhile.
ps: I found The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm beside The Courage to Create! Talk about books in good company!
pss: I remember reading a passage in a book long ago about a patient who took to her therapist a painting and she gave it to him saying, "I don't give you the best, however I give you MY best." I shall never, ever forget those words. And isn't this what is so important in life?
Well, there will always be the Scrooges and Bah Humbugs in the world - Dickens' 200 centenary coming up next year.
However, I remain in awe of the immense capacity we have as human beings to deliver to ourselves an even more remarkable world than we now have. It is really in our hands and hearts, to engage, to connect, to make probable what has so far only been dreamed about.
I see beauty, love and wisdom all over the place, but then I am choosing to see it - and what I look for, I find.
The freedom of choice - what a great thing! How very blessed we are to have this choice.
Many blessings and much love to you,
Anne
Thanks for your reminder about the Scrooges and Bah Humbugs. It does go with the territory of being in this world, and taking a stand, doesn't it???
In this Global Theatre of ours known as the world, we do have the power of choice, for good, bad or ugly. I'm hoping we decide in favor of the former!
For your choices, Anne, for your way of 'showing up,' and reminding us of goodness in the world, how grateful I am.
A Merry Christmas your way, and to your mama,
Cara
Thank you for your sweet caring words! I so appreciate you.
Mama welcomes all good wishes at the moment as she adjusts to the absence of my Dad - they would have been married 67 years on Friday.
A very Merry Christmas to you and all blessings for the New Year
Anne
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1) Wisdom teachers are the source of not only that which they inherited from their predecessoÂrs but make up the source of these lineages. Who, for instance penned the UpanishadsÂ? Wisdom teachers of course.
2) These teachers either lived on the gifts of others who valued their presence or have pursued their own vocations only to teach when time allowed.
3) Wisdom can never be commodifieÂd. What many of us value monetarily is mistaken for deep knowledge and is thus an illusion.
4) We must start with ourselves in order to grow but as you have accurately observed and stated all too often we remain caught up in this preoccupatÂion of self.
5) UltimatelyÂ, one learns and then forgets. Then one becomes fully a unique expression of Tao.
f and f.....
That is one of my favorite sayings; although I had to fake it until I believed it. I found it incredibly difficult to let go of any and all investment in the oppinions other's related to me, about me. Of course, just because it is none of my business doesn't mean I don't get curious once in a while. (Particulary if my wife is chatting with several of her women friends in Thai and they keep giggling and glancing over at me.)
I have found myself looking for more connectedness, as of late. I have an ample amount here in Thailand without language, but my old English thinking mind keeps proding me to expand its interaction. I am using a cyber approach.
I have a blog, which is an outlet for my ideas and recounting of experiences. I promote it across many social networks. I like Twitter and put videos on YouTube. Recently I have begun offering people space for guest posts. My blog is the same as my Huff handle – Gems via Thailand. I like that word via. I hope to attract a cadre of international contributors.
I have a few thoughts about," What … is so threatening about demonstrations of the good?" Not enough space…… , but a nice segue.
Here's my holiday card. http://bit.ly/vCbfCK
Oh, my! What a marvelous 'holiday card. The imagery, color and languaging are a true gift throughout the year. You are so right. This is a 365 day celebration.
Many thanks for posting your blog. You have a way with your gift that should not be missed!
Cara
Cara
wisdom might be scary for some because it does require some alone time and really delving into ourselves. it's a beautiful thing, but i think many get too caught up sometimes in trying to please everything outside of them or try to fit into a construct that doesn't really exist.
Your comment about 'trying to please' really hits the mark. Good for you. Would love to see you back again.
May I wish you and yours a truly joy-filled holiday season,
Cara