And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. -- Anais Nin
In the streets of Cairo today, the collective human drama and the personal human story of the Anais Nin quote are being played out in front of the world.
The uprising in Egypt is a result of decades of repression of people's basic human rights and freedoms living under the dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak's show has had a long run on Broadway, but it looks like the final curtain is about to fall. No one knows for sure what will happen, but we all have a front row seat in this drama.
Dictatorships in general, and Mubarak's in particular, survive because fear tactics; violence and inhumane actions are very effective methods to render people incapable of taking action on their own behalf. Instilling fear in people's minds keeps them off-balance, uncertain, in a psychically, emotionally and physically contracted, and thus, infantile state, easily controlled.
Perpetual Threat Level Orange.
But even the longest running Broadway shows eventually come to an end, and after 30 years of living as indentured servants, the people of Egypt are having an "Anais Nin Moment." Life, as it is, has become not worth living, and the risk of losing everything has become an acceptable one to take.
In their collective moment of awakening, the Egyptian people have emerged from their tightly closed buds -- blossoming into the streets, proclaiming their right to freedom and risking their lives by doing so. According to Human Rights Watch, approximately 300 of them have already paid the ultimate price, and the journey to peace and freedom has only begun.
The road ahead is a long one, fraught with enormous challenges for the Egyptian people. The revolution may be put down, but people's hearts and minds cannot be. Transformation is afoot.
But it's not just the Egyptians who are undergoing this time of chaos. We're all living in the collective chaotic field. What happens in one part of the field impacts the entire field. Our lives will also be changed by what's going on in Egypt. We don't even know yet what that means, for we cannot yet see its full impact -- except, perhaps, at the gas pump. You can be sure that the ripples from this event are already making their way to a life near yours, but don't be afraid -- be encouraged.
Looking at these events through an enlightened awareness opens the possibility of seeing them as an opportunity -- one to be supported and embraced, not one to be repressed and put down. Even though the road to liberation may be rocky, anything worth having is worth "fighting" for. But what's really at stake?
What's Worth Fighting for in Your Life?
Any war you might be waging is never about what's going on "out there." So often, we point to things outside ourselves as the source of our problems; therefore, we think the solutions also lie "out there." You might think your problems would be solved if only "they" were different or if "they" aligned with your way of thinking. But the outward manifestation is only a reflection of an inner conflict. We must look inside to discover the source of the conflict and, thus, the road to peace.
What's worth fighting for in my own life is the imperative to be true to myself -- to honor my personal mandate to stay awake and be present to my own unfolding. What's worth fighting for is my commitment to be continuously open and be at conscious choice in my life, 100 percent of the time.
What's worth fighting for in my life is the mandate that I live an authentic life and remain true to my soul's journey. What's worth fighting for is that I honor the voice of my soul -- that I trust in its wisdom and guidance.
But what am I, are we, really fighting? What war is really being waged? It's the war we wage within ourselves against the voice of our own inner dictator -- that voice of the ego that keeps our personal threat level continuously at orange. It's the voice that attempts to convince us we're not worthy, not capable, not deserving to have the life we desire, do the things we want to do or be the person we came to be.
Under the threat of our inner dictator, in a perpetual state of fear, we fall asleep and forget who we are or why we're here. When we're asleep, we fall deaf to the call of our Beloved Self. Asleep, we settle for living under a perpetual threat level orange and become accustomed to being afraid. The fear state becomes our new normal. Sound familiar? Isn't that what's been taking place in a neighborhood, in a country near you? Near me?
But all who sleep eventually will awaken. An inner uprising will occur; life will force upon us the imperative to awaken. In our awakened state, we come into an aware presence of ourselves as who we truly are: sacred, sovereign, holy beings -- worthy of the glory of our noble souls.
The Egyptian uprisings invite us all to stage a personal revolution, overthrow the inner dictator, proclaim our personal freedom and celebrate our liberation. Are you ready to begin waging peace with yourself?
We have moved into a time of eruptions. It is not about what is right or wrong; it's about correcting balance. Don't get caught up in them with fear, ego or intent. To empower the greatest Good, send out Healing, Love and Peace. We are now completely immersed in Divine time. The truth is howling and the dimension of alchemy has arrived. We have never been powerless, and now we are coming to know it.
-- Lori Barbaria, "Abracadabra: Create As You Speak"
One of the most riveting aspects of the uprising in Egypt is the peaceful intention of the protestors. Whether we know it or not, we're all involved in this drama. We have the power to wage war on each other. We have the power to wage peace. We have those same powers to use against ourselves, or for ourselves.
What Are You Waging: War or Peace?
In the coming weeks, we'll be exploring this topic in greater depth. I welcome your thoughts, comments, links, etc. Please join our community discussion in the comment section below.
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I had to think for a while about your article. I believed I was fighting for kids and families, and I really am, but your words about what is worth fighting for in my life re-aligned my thoughts, and made me take aim, evaluate my inner conflicts, and focus on my unfurling personal mandate.
I found a wavering, a dip in attention, that makes my efforts less than worthy, and caused great dissonance as I realized the declining nature of my commitment to myself, my purpose… my authentic life.
Your words…
“What's worth fighting for in my life is the mandate that I live an authentic life and remain true to my soul's journey. What's worth fighting for is that I honor the voice of my soul -- that I trust in its wisdom and guidance.”
… were a shot across my bow, warning of the dangers of drifting off course and settling for less than my best potential, failing to mine my passion, accepting fear's normality. My heart is not ready for what my head was doing: resisting change.
But now, a moment of awakening is upon me; the inner dictator is banished from the palace, replaced by my liberated soul, a free mind, a worthy purpose: each reflective of my Anais Nin moment.
In her words: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
A humble thanks!
Lawson
The youth of Egypt are showing the way. A collective transformative event, brought about without guns or violence, a declaration of intention and then standing in solidarity as one. Hope lives!
The same applies to each one of us with regard to our own inner dictator. How long will we deny ourselves freedom? Chris Matthews of MSNBC said today, "Freedom cannot be handed over, it must be taken."
Freedom, as a possibility, exits at all times. We must claim it.
Bowing to your liberation,
Judith
"May all beings get a taste of freedom from fear/ego, and win that revolution.".
Freedom is ours for the claiming........
I hadn't thought of the magnificent, tragic, triumphant events in Egypt in something I said the other day, but after reading this I see that it really is connected.
I live about an hour's drive from Tucson. As you know, after the heartbreak there on January 8, the news was full of debates (and flamewars, to be honest) about the role violent talk and images played in causing such events. I doubt many would deny that there IS a great deal of hatred and ugliness in this world. I try, consciously, to counteract these poisons by small applications of love and appreciation. Okay, I'll admit I do nothing earthshaking. But I keep my eyes open, and will compliment a stranger on a lovely dress or glorious hair; I'll smile and make eye-contact with a parent after grinning at a toddler or baby; I'll tell the cashier to have a great day before she can utter the store-mandated "have a nice day"; I'll hold a door open for someone. (It's always fun to do this for men; they often look so startled!)
Tiny, insignificant things. But I hope (actually, I *believe*) that these small antidotes to hatred help balance the negatives. I do know that these little things can brighten a person's day. So I suppose this is my way of waging peace, or at least trying to.
Nothing is tiny and insignificant when it comes from love. Your acts of love land hugely in the world, not only for those for they're intended, but for the planet as well. Think of the energy released (What the Bleep) when you smile or extend kindness and the ripple effect it has. Imagine the grocery story checker receiving your goodness and then passing it on to others. Seriously, not just going through the motions.
I'm so glad you shared your experience! Keep on being Love and spreading it around wherever you. Tucson and the rest of the planet is sorely in need.
Many blessings,
Judith
Just returned from a very long, three leg flight, and am pooped. So, before turning out the lights, I checked out your piece, and laughed out loud (in a good way). On the plane, something came to me in meditation for next week. You will read it and say 'of course.' We are, as always, in synche.
Let me say, however, that what you have written is beautiful, engaging, and cause for real reflection on many levels. I'm spending a great deal of time these past months asking myself these very questions. My hope is that in the coming weeks and months, what comes from the reflection will be a bridge for rich discussion.
My love is with you as I turn out the lights,
Cara
Welcome back! As always, it's a delight to see you here and know that your energy is working its way through whatever is going on in the world.
Time for catching up soon, I hope?
Much love,
Judith
Love your courage and your commitment!
And I hear the very same coming from you, so no wonder you easily resonate with the echoes of your own being happening over here.
It's so good to be affirmed in this way, yes? Yes!
Blessings to you,
Judith
Right in line with my curious observations of today actually. Observing myself observing the two other women in the house and I was flabbergasted to realise how much we war with ourselves and each other, when we refuse to accept the present.
I used to be like them - still am sometimes - then I fell into my murky pond and saw myself listening to one of my old tapes of "maybe I should..." when suddenly the thought - DROP IT. I did too - it was that loud!
What's worth fighting for is staying on my true path, I will not be diverted. I have no idea where it leads but I'm going - not that I have much choice!
Staying true to this wonderful love I feel which cannot be caged is worth fighting for. My determination to grow in awareness and expand in wonder and share it is worth fighting for. I intend to stand my ground; after all, I have peace on my side. Hard fought but I did it.
Ed and Deb say it best and these are now my daily watchwords - May you be well, May you be happy, May you be filled with loving kindness.
Those words light me up and buoys me through the days and nights which is kind of weird when you think about it because I've heard it for years but I guess, I'm only now listening.
I Peace you today, Dear Judith.
Cathering
You put a big smile on my face! I love your unquenchable thirst for wisdom, found in the depths of the "mishigaz".......
Keep listening my dear.......
Peacing you right back,
Judith
Go back and read Judith’s blog from Jan 12, “Our Collective Awakening: A Story for the New Decade. Specifically, para. 8 and 15. They start with, “The chapter that just ended led to this part.” And, “The time has come for us to pick up the bat.”
We are 1 month removed from that article but we are not going back to the ways of the decade past.
See, I know when Life Change Starts…..
You are a mighty warrior for truth.......... I love the stand you are.
Judith
To clarify, I do know what I want and it is clear in my mind every single day and I am taking all steps to get there and things are finally moving. I'm learning as I go in this new world and new place.
My fave paragraph is highlighted, the next to last which begins "And when the part in the story comes where you wonder if it all was worth it..." YES!
Hell man, I'm never going back there. That's over but I admit that phrase of mine is over-used so this is the last time.
See, I'm a simple gal with simple wants. Going with the flow feels right to me. I am very conscious that something is happening to my life. It's just below the surface, just out of sight and it is bigger than I am. That's what I mean about no choice.
Now, I am new, steadfast, rock solid and conscious. Never been here before, ever. I'm still getting used to it all and my experiences to date have shown me how much I do control, influence and impact.
I'm blown away by my command and getting used to it. Feel better?
BUT...
...And you are going to continue to show the rest of us how to do so. EH! Me? J&C You out of your mind or something. You better stop drinking man!
Rainy humid cool here. G'nite!
Catherine
A starving, freezing Jeremiah was befriended by Bear Claw Chris Lapp, who began to teach the young mountain man how to survive in the Rocky Mountains. One night, Lapp motioned toward Jeremiah's Army uniform pants, and said, "Looks like I missed another war down there"; to which Jeremiah replied, "Didn't miss nothin'."
There are few world events that change our lives, despite our hopes on the one hand and fears on the other. Wars and revolutions are waged by those who would give their lives for a cause, and the cause always winds up being the acquisition of power by those who want it but don't know what to do with it. It's always the same. World Wars 1 and 2 were basically the same conflict – if you ask 100 people what started WW1, I doubt you'd find 10 that know the answer. 80 million people dead and a continent destroyed and less than 100 years later, most people don't know why. What was that cause we were fighting for, again? I can’t quite remember…
People want the power to tell us what to fear and who to hate – the Earth quietly whispers what to love, and life is so good. In the brief moment since God breathed life into me, and just before it’s taken back out, I can live in peace and know I’m not missing nothin’.
I expect that by the time you leave this place, you will have squeezed the last drop of juice out of life, savoring it as you do. I love that here, we get to be the beneficiary of your quest for "juice".
I love your spirit,
Judith
I found this beautiful video which talks just about this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTePR_8jluw
Wonderful video! Thanks so much for sharing it here...........
Blessings,
Judith
'Instilling fear in people's minds keeps them off-balance, uncertain, in a psychically, emotionally and physically contracted, and thus, infantile state, easily controlled.'
and so hard to live by that knowledge when it comes to our own inner dictator? Very good question indeed.
Probably because sometimes we can't take the chaos that would ensue without the pseudo-order imposed. But in every case where we DO have the understanding to deal with what only the dictator paints as potential chaos (to freak us out) - we will blossom and not remain tight in the bud.
We know lots of things we don't live by, don't we? Like, do you always eat your spinach? Or broccoli? Do you always use your turn signals? Or think twice before you speak?
Knowing is one thing, following what we know is another. On the other hand, sometimes a bud is more beautiful than the open flower. What do you think?
And then, as you say, sometimes it can even be right to not follow what we know. And wait and see instead.
But about egypt, I am not so sure that Mubarak is well advised if he chooses that route. It seems like he is well past the times of blossom, to say the least.
The peace I am waging relates to the loss of hearing in my left ear. A friend mentioned to me recently that deafness sometimes comes to people who have not felt heard. It rang a bell for me. There have been people in the past, close to me, whom I have felt bully me out of my point of view. I did not react. I sold myself out.
Fast forward to today and I have a dispute with a professional who did not serve me professionally. A sum of money is at stake. But it is less the money than that I stand up for my point of view and obtain an objective judgment on the dispute. Fortunately, life has presented me with a good friend who is assisting me with my process. It is much inner as outer as I put together papers and establish my case.
Taking this action without being emotionally "against" the other person will be of value to me. Perhaps this is my Egypt. I shall be heard.
With love and appreciation as always,
Anne
You said: "Taking this action without being emotionall y "against" the other person will be of value to me. Perhaps this is my Egypt. I shall be heard."
And so you shall! Your point is so important though, that being, to wage peace without waging war against another. The truth is not found in what we're against, but rather what we're for.
I so appreciate you sharing your process and honor who you need to be to have the result you desire.
Here's to being heard!
Much love to you,
Judith
There is power in being guided by your authentic self in the face of all that is counter to it. So yes, remaining true to yourself, having the presence to awaken your mind beyond your self is, making peace with yourself.
Breathing in, breathing out, know the truth. In spite of appearances, all is already well. Live in that knowing and your mental well-being will reflect itself as the brilliant state of peace and love.
And so it is!
The best of everything to you dear friend,
Judith
Here's to chords of truth being struck!
Best to you,
Judith
PS- consider me your newest fan.....
Yes, freedom is definitely messy! The streets of Cairo only echo what's going on inside. It's important to know where to look for guidance. To our inner Authority (not the dictator), that is Love and Wholeness.
How's the Birthday Girl doing? Hope you're celebration continues long after the fact........
Love and blessings to you,
Judith
You have stated a potent truth in very few words. "A continual examination of intent keeps it closer to balance than not." Beautiful! Thank you......
I peace you,
Judith