Healing the Heart of Democracy

How Not To Be Discouraged

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. . . it is important that awake people be awake, or a breaking line may discourage them back to sleep; the signals we give–yes or no, or maybe– should be clear; the darkness around us is deep.   –William Stafford, A Ritual To Read To Each Other For many of us these can be discouraging times. Then again, I doubt any of us get through our lives free of discouragement. Like me, you may be discouraged by the outpour of support for Trump. Or you may be in a job or relationship that undermines you. Or you have experienced a great … Continue reading →

What’s Trump Got to do with It?

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“What we name it matters little to me, since the origins, nature, and destiny of call-it-what-you-will are forever hidden from us, and no one can credibly claim to know its true name. But that we name it matters a great deal. For “it” is the objective, ontological reality of selfhood that keeps us from reducing ourselves, or each other, to biological mechanisms, psychological projections, sociological constructs, or raw material to be manufactured into whatever society needs — diminishments of our humanity that constantly threaten the quality of our lives.” Parker J Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness Our self-hood, true nature, integrity, or, self-esteem (call “it” … Continue reading →

Imagine

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Imagine…. “Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” –John Lennon   Imagine… “One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it.”   ― Clarissa Pinkola Estés   Imagine…. “People want to lead peaceful lives. The terrorists are short-sighted, and this is one of the causes … Continue reading →

Here, Take This Gift

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Everything gets down to choice. We live a storied life. Be in the moment. Forgive. Trust is fundamental to forward movement. Living an intentional life brings happiness and fulfillment. Rely on spiritual principles. Remember life is precious and short; therefore, consider what is truly meaningful. Everything points to your belonging. Offer your gifts to the world without need for recognition. We transform the outer world from within ourselves. Live life from your side. (Take responsibility for your life). Know what you are in agreement with. Spend time in nature. Learn to let go. These are fundamental principles that most of … Continue reading →

Healing Heartbreak (and . . . Can This Democracy Be Saved?)

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In a dark time, the eye begins to see. —Theodore Roethke, “In a Dark Time” For decades, I have relied on Parker J. Palmer as a guide and mentor. He is an author, educator, and activist whose work focuses on the issues of education, community, leadership, spirituality, and social change. In Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit (now in paperback!) he starts with: “I began this book in a season of heartbreak—personal and political heartbreak—that soon descended into a dark night of the soul.” This is particularly meaningful to me right … Continue reading →

Talk To Me: Family Gatherings & Sacred Dialogue

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Many of us will gather with family this week. Artful conversation with our self and others can make for a safe and uplifting experience even in the more edgy encounters. Here I share with you an excerpt from my book, The Zero Point Agreement on sacred dialogue. It’s the stories we tell and the conversations we hold, and how we hold them, that determine our experiences of each other. In each conversation we hold with someone there is a story being told. When we let our conversations be more an exchange of stories rather than of ideas–something beautiful happens. “Everybody … Continue reading →

The Greatest Experience

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Staying true to a message of living meaningfully by bringing together the creative, spiritual and communal selves can be a challenge. The word “spiritual” works like a spell, casting assumptions and questions over people. People often assume when I say “spiritual” I mean religious. I do not. There are times I want to forfeit the word “spiritual” and exchange it for something more universally user-friendly. Then, any other mystical word invites similar responses. Transcendental? Divine? Metaphysical? Sacred? Should I go more secular in my efforts to express my enthusiasm in living a creatively meaningful life? — Secular humanist perhaps? How … Continue reading →

Seeking A Higher Consciousness

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We talk and write about raising our consciousness, and becoming more conscious, the consciousness of nature, the evolution of consciousness, the development of consciousness—all valuable discussions but when lacking action they are not truly sustainable concepts. Seeking higher consciousness can act like an opiate if we forget what really matters – our actions. Sending love to the earth is good but doing love is better. Sitting on the meditation cushion is good but compassion in action is better. Too often I hear superiority within this concept of “higher consciousness” – we humans claim a particular variety of it and then … Continue reading →

Six Signs of Suffering

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  “As long as we live in the misperception of being a separate entity, we encounter frustration, confusion, difficulties and turmoil.” –Ken McLeod, Wake Up to Your Life All of our suffering can be linked to the illusion of separation that we experience on a personal level. Every separation we “see” in the outside originates in some inner belief of separation. Although this original belief took root from some life experience (a narcissist parent, a trauma, a lack of intimacy or bonding as a child, abuse, neglect, etc.,) it has now become part of our inner landscape. When our history teaches … Continue reading →