Love does what love does...

Saturday, November 29, 2014

For the last few months, I feel like I’ve been in a state of silence.  I watch the world around me – especially the political realm – and I only feel frustration.  I’d like to help… I’d like to be able to assist our representatives in moving beyond the stalemate… the rock throwing… the complaining… the blaming… the unwillingness to create something new… I listen to the President speak… and I feel his frustration… almost begging Congress to do something… yet to no avail… as it’s still more acceptable to complain and throw rocks… than it is to work together creating solutions… I find this frustrating… as well as depressing… Honestly, I’m not sure they know how to transcend the patterning… Perhaps many of our representatives would really like to be a part of something different… but have no idea how to make it happen?…

This morning, I realized that there’s really only one transformative force… and that’s love.  Perhaps, it’s too many Hallmark movies (tis the season!)… but the message is clear… when it comes to moving hardened hearts… or softening blockages between souls… love is the only answer.  Nothing can withstand the force of love… There’s nothing more persevering… more tenacious… more irresistible… more healing… than love... And anything that love has a hand in… is always spectacular!

I also realize… that love is uncontrollable… What happens… what it brings about… is beyond my control… Love does what love does… and whatever it does… is always in alignment with love… So perhaps I can calm my anxiousness… and feel like I’m doing something… by lighting up the ethers with love… no strings attached… Trusting… knowing… that love is going to do what love does… and there’s nothing better than that.

Much love,

Karrie  

In regard to ISIS...

A couple of years ago, I had a phenomenal healing experience as I was out for a walk in my neighborhood.  In fact, I had left the house because the energy I was feeling was so intense…and I really wanted to relieve myself of it.  The intense discomfort I was experiencing had a lot to do with my own suppression of that which I really didn’t want to feel.  However, as those on a “healing” path know, the acknowledgment and release of these things we’ve buried – whether things we don’t want to remember or our own dark feelings we don’t want to own – is vitally important.  Well… I was feeling some things coming to the surface… and part of me was panicking… attempting to push them down… while the rest of me was ready to acknowledge and release… ready for “healing”.

As I walked in this rather intense emotional state, I asked for help… I asked for assistance in releasing whatever it was that needed to be released.  It wasn’t long after my request that I felt – and saw in my mind’s eye – an energy force separate from me… It was still tethered to me… but I could see it… and feel it… as if it were separate.  Anyway, it was beyond-words-ugly.  It was so ugly I couldn't look at it.  In my mind, I was thinking “OMG, what am I going to do?!... I can’t take that energy back!”  Yet I knew as long as it was attached to me, I couldn’t release it.  Suddenly, I turned to it and I said “I’m so sorry.  Please forgive me.  I love you.  Thank you.”  I repeated this prayer several times… and felt the angst of the energy release until the “ugly” finally dissipated… and what was left was a little girl… me, as a little girl.  It was a phenomenal experience.  And what I learned from this was that anytime I have the feeling of suppressing something… something that’s attempting to be “seen”… I call it up… claim it… and use this very same prayer.

This morning, it occurred to me that the group ISIS which is terrorizing Iraq is a similar representation.  ISIS is something most of us would like to very much suppress… and not acknowledge even exists.  However, it came to me that in the same way that Marianne Williamson suggested holding ISIS in the light and love of Consciousness… we could go even deeper… to the root… using the Ho’oponopono Prayer… “I’m sorry.  Please forgive me.  I love you.  Thank you.” with the intent of supporting a much desired healing. 

There are times when physical force (more masculine in nature) may be necessary… and there are times when the more nurturing force of love (the more feminine) is necessary.  And in many cases – if not all - it’s a both/and.  There is no contradiction.  And for those not called to participate in physical force, we can most certainly assist by calling on – and applying – the love and forgiveness of the feminine which goes to the core of Humanity’s being…  

Today, I sit in the healing energy of this prayer… claiming all that I am… loving all that I am… shadows and all.

Much love,

Karrie

Releasing the Dominate Culture

I’ve been feeling an underlying depression for a while now.  At times I experience sadness… and grief… a very deep grief.  At other times, I feel angry and frustrated… wanting to strike out.  This morning I decided to really feel into these emotions and sensations… I wanted to know where they were coming from… What is it I’m grieving?  As I allowed myself to feel… it became very clear that what I am experiencing is in response to death… Something inside me has died…

As I delved into my feelings… I began to realize that the pain… the depression… the grief… is related to my release of what I refer to as the False Façade… the man-made illusion of rules… regulations… obligations… and expectations… My connection to this dominating illusion has died… and I’m grieving it.

Frankly, I was shocked by this recognition as well as the depth of emotion I was feeling… Internally, I was sobbing… the type of sobs which accompany deep loss… and letting go. I was shocked by what I was experiencing… because I’ve been consciously separating from the “traditional” for quite some time… Railing against it due to its narrowness… Its exclusiveness… and because I no longer fit in… I’m excluded from its membership… no longer acceptable because of who I am… I’m not a member of the “dominate culture”… and to my tremendous surprise, at a very deep level I’m grieving the loss of my connection to it. 

As a child, the “dominant culture” was my “home”… It was what I knew… It was where I played… felt safe… The structure of the “dominant culture” was something with which I was familiar… and therefore, it felt secure.  Somewhere along the line, however – and to my unconscious as well as conscious horror – my “membership” began to unravel… I didn’t belong to this culture… and I wasn’t accepted by it either… I became more and more conscious that I no longer could support the culture I grew up in as the “dominant culture.”  I became aware that the world – and America – was made up of lots and lots and lots of people who didn’t fit this “dominant culture” either… and who also had unalienable rights to their Life… Liberty… and pursuit of Happiness…   

As I step back and look at what I’ve written… what I’m really saying… I can see – and more compassionately understand - what’s happening in America today… and why there’s so much angst… particularly politically, where one party doggedly perseveres to represent the dissipating “dominant culture”… doing what it can to hold onto what it had, “by any means necessary.”  What’s happening is what used to be the “dominant culture” is losing its place as “dominant”… and those who are attached to this culture feel like something is being taken away from them… and they’re afraid they will lose their rights to live how they want to live… In some ways, they believe they’re fighting to survive… not realizing that other cultures also want their right to exist… a right they/we have had to fight for… When in reality, under an enormous umbrella of freedom and equality… all cultures have the right to exist… but not the right to dominate…

So today, I acknowledge… accept… and honor the grief I feel.  I honor and release the “dominant culture” from which I came… and begin to honor and claim a new culture… a culture that claims us all.

Much love,

Karrie

Heartbreaking...

I feel heart-sick today… I went to bed last night feeling a deep sadness, a sense of hopelessness… wondering if we as Americans (or even as humans) will ever get it together.  I saw a picture on Facebook of the President interacting with his dog… Unfortunately, I made the erroneous choice of looking at the comments from people.  I’ve made the same mistake before.  I’m sure some of you have as well.  The hatred… the blatant racist remarks… the misrepresentation and misuse of God… is heartbreaking… I have no other way of describing it.  It’s heartbreaking.

I realize that arguing… debating… attempting to convince… trying to make a point… is many times fruitless.  It doesn’t matter anymore what someone has to say in conversation with a person of an opposing viewpoint – no one wants to hear it.  Each person believes they’re right and that they’re in a battle for their own survival. 

We are so used to a “survival of the fittest” mentality in a world where only “winners” are respected that we believe we have to “win” some imaginary battle of philosophies or face extinction ourselves.  We totally miss the boat when it comes to an understanding of freedom… and equality.

The beauty, uniqueness and divine nature of the essence of America is found in the understanding that the umbrella of freedom and equality… is all-inclusive… Everyone is included… every person… ethnicity… religion… gender… sexual orientation… language… philosophy…etc …is included beneath this infinite umbrella.  And when we truly understand this… a dominant culture does not exist.  All “cultures” are respected and none dominate.  This in truth is the essence of America.

The transition from a “survival of the fittest”… “dominate culture rules” mentality… to one more in alignment with America’s essence includes things like acceptance… respect… co-existence… acknowledgment… co-creativity… coming from a sense of the whole… rather than only a part of the whole… sharing to be understood… listening to understand… as well as a deeper understanding of the ideals the United States of America was founded upon. 

This transition is not for the weak of heart.  It’s for the courageous… the persevering… the resilient… the determined.  It’s not about beating each other up so one way dominates all others… but instead, finding the way that allows everyone their own unique existence.  

   

I realize that much of my sadness can be attributed to the constant infighting… the “war”… the immaturity… the attacks… the revenge… the hatred… the rudeness… and the disrespect… all that which fuels a never ending cycle of destruction.  And I’m sad because I realize how ridiculous it is to fight over our differences… when we live in a nation founded in freedom.

Much love,

Karrie

Looking for the Humor...

Monday, June 30, 2014

This afternoon I left my home in order to run a few errands.  I planned a route that in my mind was the most efficient… and was making note of my brilliance as I pulled into stop #1 – the recycling kiosk.  Just as I got out of my car, the young man in the kiosk, yelled “Sir, I’m going on my 30 minute break after I assist this person.”  First of all, it’s 95 degrees… and I’m menopausal… Just opening my car door started “Niagra Falls”… and Niagra Falls is accompanied by a rather snarky temper!  Second, are you kidding me?  The last time I came to this particular recycling center, the young man in-charge told me the same thing – he couldn’t help me because he was going on his lunch break!  What are the chances?... and third, “Sir?!”…

Now, if I were of the masculine persuasion, I just might have used this opportunity to jump out of my monster truck with the oversized wheels… rip off my shirt… flex my enormous biceps… and smack the guy… Instead, I gave my best “Are you kidding me?” look… accentuated by a visible heaving huff… and climbed back into my 1999 Honda Accord!  And as I drove away… I threw a mental tantrum…vowing in some way to get even… by taking my business elsewhere (like he cared!)… all the while making my case with the part of me which was rolling its eyes at my ridiculousness.

Anyway, I drove down the road to another recycling center.  As I got out of my car, the man said, “I’m going on my lunch break.  I’ll be back in 30 minutes.”  To which I replied, (I had made the mistake of getting out of my car… heat… menopause… snarky temper!) “Really?!  The guy down the road told me the same thing!” and I got back in my car, obviously displeased.  I felt like a “donkey” when the (really nice) man came over and gave me directions to another center.  When I asked why I should go there, since the operator at the next site would most likely be on his lunch break as well (Obviously, Temperamental Tina was still my spokesperson), he told me that the operator at the next stop had already taken his break.”

So… off I went.  By this time, I was still feeling a little snarky, however, the more mature part of me was gaining a little ground.  After all, I am a former union representative as well as an understanding human being… I know how important the 30 minute break is to people.  When I reached the location of the 3^rd site… there was no center to be found.  I circled the area for several minutes before heading to my partner’s office to drop something off.  I shared my experiences and she shared the location of a 4^th site which I could try.  (By the way, the “sainthood” for which I was going to nominate the nice man at stop #2 was promptly pulled.)

As I drove into the parking lot of site #4, I noticed it was definitely not open.  The sign said, “Closed on Mondays”.  Of course.  I thought I might be able to use the automated redemption “thingy” but it wouldn’t take crunched up bottles.  (My partner has been pushing everyone in the house to crunch up their bottles to save room.  Of course.)

So… It had now been over an hour (so much for my brilliant plan of efficiency) and I’m headed back to site #1.  (I was sure the young man operating the center was not only back from his lunch break but well warmed up with the other customers he has helped since I squealed my 1999 Honda out of the parking lot!)  I finally decided it was time to make the best of it… so I basked in the sun…whistling “Every day’s a Holiday” (from Mary Poppins)… while waiting for the 2 customers ahead of me to turn in their bottles.  As I moved closer to the kiosk, I noticed the sign clearly stating the employee’s lunch break and made a mental note.  (I hate it when I have to eat “recycled crow”.)  The young man obviously didn’t remember the “Sir” he turned away… and was very polite and helpful.  In the end, we exchanged a smile… and I got my $11.  As I drove away I thought… "I can see the humor in this"… and that deserves an ice cream cone.

Much love,

Karrie 

Sending a Message from the Middle

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Recently, I enjoyed a trip to visit my family in Iowa.  In addition to the perks associated with this type of journey, I also received many an insight regarding the importance of relationships, conversation and the acceptance necessary for people to speak their mind safely.  I had wonderful conversations with family members as well as people sitting next to me on the flights of which I was a part.  In several cases the conversation surprisingly turned “political”.  And many times, it was revealed that our “party” affiliations were in opposition…yet our concerns were similar…the issues we saw as needing attention were the same…and the space held for listening to one another was jointly reciprocated.  It was eye-opening not only for me…but for the other participants as well.  There was a connection made at a “unity” level that allowed each to hear and share – seemingly without fear.  These conversations were primarily between women but I had a similar conversation with my dad.

Through the gift of these interactions, it became evident to me that when we talked “party”, we began to point fingers, defend positions and attack.  There was an underlying and bubbling anger…and a need to make ourselves “right”…and the other, “wrong”.  When we talked about our concerns, we found that we agreed.  There was a shared nodding of the heads…and in listening to the views of those from various parts of the country…there was an expansion in an understanding of the issue.  I found that differing perspectives really are necessary, if we are to get the “big picture” in order to create solutions.

It is apparent to me that we as a nation have become unconsciously taken hostage by a belief that we only have 2 choices (and the choices have become, in many ways, extreme).  Therefore, we have to choose one or the other – neither of which has all the answers.  Through these conversations, I found that there is a huge “Middle” that remains silent and unrepresented.  We remain unrepresented because the two extremes controlling party decisions have nothing in common (while those in the “Middle” seem to find much in common).    

We complain about our representation but we vote for the same people.  We want something different but we give our permission to the same philosophies…because we don’t know what else to do.  How do we shift something so stuck in the old ways? 

We the People need to send a message.  We need INDEPENDENT THINKERS; People loyal to finding solutions rather than a “party”; People focused on working together rather than the selfish battling for “power”; People willing to give voice to the “Middle”… where solutions are possible.    

So what can we do?  It occurs to me that perhaps one small step which may lead to something bigger – and in the least, it may begin to send a message that we want INDEPENDENT THINKERS, not “party puppets” – is to begin registering en masse as Independents or “not-affiliated” (or some similar choice).  The number in this category is already on the rise but why not make it a mission?  Why not make it a part of a proactive movement to affect change?  Why not take our attention and power away from political parties and place it on the issues, multi-perspective based solutions and those who are willing to THINK INDEPENDENTLY? 

This doesn’t mean we can’t vote for anyone party-affiliated…but it does mean that we start to demand…and send the message…that parties must begin appealing to the majority “middle” rather than forcing a nation to choose between extremes – or risk extinction.        

Many of us may already be registered INDEPENDENT…or perhaps we’ve been silently protesting by not registering at all.  I sense that a mass movement to register INDEPENDENT may be one small way for the “Middle” to begin demanding the attention it deserves.  Solutions are not found in the extremes - though these perspectives should not be ignored.  Agreement and creative answers are found in the “Middle”…and it’s time for the “Middle” to make itself known. 

In Love with the Essence of America,

Karrie

We the People and the Final Word

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Yesterday morning when I started my car, I was met by National Public Radio and the voice of a man giving a report to a “Madame President”.  The report was regarding the distribution of wealth in the United States.  The more I listened, the “snarkier” I became.  I’m going to share what I heard on the radio but you may want to do your own research to get verification as well as perspective.  (I found a webpage “Who Rules America?” by a Professor William Domhoff at the University of California at Santa Cruz which shares all sorts of data and graphs.  The article presented, entitled “Power in America – Wealth, Income and Power” gave me a better understanding of a problem that isn’t new.  What’s new may be the disappearance of the “middle” as well as a growing inequality of political representation.)

The report I stumbled onto via NPR gave the following statistics (numbers may not be exact – please do your own checking!):

            The top 1% owns about 38% of the wealth.

            The bottom 60% owns about 2.3% of the wealth.

1 family owns more than the bottom 50%. (Walton Family $147 billion -2013)

                        (2^nd - The Koch brothers  $100 billion)

            95% of new growth goes to the top 1%. 

The report (via NPR) was not only sharing statistics regarding the inequality of wealth distribution but the impact this inequality has on the political process and representation.  

I have to admit, I was beside myself with outrage when I turned off the radio.  And…I noticed my initial rage was directed at the “have’s” for “having”.  (Which is interesting because I'm not sure I really care about "having"...I think it's more about power.)  However, I could feel my blame was misdirected…that it didn’t match what I really believe regarding freedom, responsibility and claiming my power.  After all, who supported this imbalance?  Who allowed the political system to become so biased?  I (we) did…… 

Most of us live our lives on automatic pilot.  We follow our routines, make the same choices, do the same things as we follow some unconscious patterning that resides in our subconscious.  We don’t like things…in fact, we disagree with things much of the time…but we continue doing the same things anyway.  We rush, rush, rush…too tired to make choices to our liking…choices that might shift the path of our experience…but we’re just…too…tired.  And because we’ve been just…too…tired…(exhausted from resisting our own truth)…we have what we have today.  Luckily, we’ve awakened… 

It seems essential that we begin to take responsibility for what’s happening.  The only way to shift “inequality” and bring about a sense of balance is to claim our own power.  (No one can give you power.)  We have to make conscious choices.  If we don’t like the way things are then we have to choose differently.  We have to support things which align with what we really know deep in the core of our being.   

When we support companies that don’t treat their employees “fairly”…companies which make billions of dollars in profit while paying their employees the least possible…we support the growing chasm in wealth distribution.  When we vote for representatives who are owned by the money that supports them…who are not “independent thinkers”...we support inequality.  When we don’t do our homework before we “vote” – as a consumer or as a citizen – we help support and maintain that which we probably complain about on a daily basis.  All of this is absolutely “ok”…but let’s make it a conscious choice…let’s know what we’re supporting…and own it. 

If we really want “something different” then we have to behave differently.  We have to claim our power which means taking responsibility for our choices.  In the end, it is We the People which have the final say.  We are not owned by a government or a small group of people.  We always have a choice where we place our “vote” and what we support.  The only way balance is reached and sustained is if each person claims their own power, consciously makes their choices and takes responsibility.  When each person follows their own inner “rightness”, a new system is created and a natural set of “checks and balances” is inherent.  We have reached a time when the “veil of ignorance” has been removed.  We no longer have excuses.

 

Much love,

Karrie 

 

Free Jesus Now!

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Happy Easter!  This is a day for real celebration because it’s the day of Christ’s ascension, reminding us that death is an illusion and life is eternal.  According to our cyclic traditions, Easter is the only day we allow Jesus to come down off the cross.  Tomorrow, he goes right back up….

Isn’t it interesting that we focus on the crucifixion and the suffering…over and over the cycle repeats itself…year after year.  It’s been 2000 years and Jesus never gets off the cross…there’s never one. last. time. 

Does anyone else hear Jesus weeping?  Like many teachers, he probably wonders if any of his students heard what he said.  HELLO!  I DIED FOR YOUR SINS!  WHY WON’T YOU LET THEM GO?  DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAID?  YOU’RE FREE!  AND BY THE WAY, I’M GETTING DOWN OFF THIS CROSS WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!  IF YOU WANT TO STAY HERE, FINE…BUT I’M MOVING ON.  SUFFERING IS SO YESTERDAY’S NEWS.  THERE’S A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF POSSIBLITY AND LOVE TO EXPERIENCE.  COME ALONG OR NOT, IT’S TOTALLY UP TO YOU. 

So how about beginning a new cycle?  How about making Easter the starting point rather than the culmination before falling back to ground zero?  How about starting bare bones with the concepts Jesus exemplified…compassion, forgiveness, authenticity, acceptance, freedom, balance and love…and releasing the old ideas of mandated suffering and martyrdom which no longer serve humanity?

It seems to me, there’s a whole new life to which Jesus (and others) was pointing.  He wasn’t asking to be worshipped…he was role modeling the way.  He showed us our potential as well as how to create “something different”.  After 2000 years of mulling it over…it seems we might be ready to be on our way.  Let’s free Jesus from the cross…and celebrate Easter each and every day.

Happy Easter!

Much love,

Karrie

Snarky Alert! "Fitting In" to the Economy - or the World for that matter!

Saturday, April 19, 2014

(Warning:  This may sound a little snarky…but in reality I’m just passionate (and probably doing a little venting)!  I love you…I love me…and I love what our souls are “up to”!  I’m just impatient…. J )

This morning I’ve been pondering many things - (I had an extra-large Circle K cinnamon coffee with lots of french vanilla creamer and felt inspired!) – most having to do with the recognition of the disparity between the current world reality and the one I sense is possible.  There are so many “programmed” beliefs underlying our experience as a collective.  Yet these synthetic building blocks are almost in direct opposition to the life we would really like to experience.  Those in government think they are doing everyone a real favor in governmental and corporate job creation…creating jobs for people to fit into…allowing the economy to drive lives.  I guess on one-hand it’s the thought that counts but I desire a new reality where my gifts, talents and genius and the gifts, talents and genius of my fellow humans drive the economy – not the other way around.  I desire to live my own Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness - not that devised by someone else.

Of course, the collective reality is created by those who are part of the collective.  As long as we continue to support synthetic systems which don’t align with the nature of who we are, we will continue to get more of the same.  As long as we don’t claim our opportunity…our freedom to choose…and pay attention to that which continuously calls us to happiness…we will continue the same experience.  We’re in charge of this creation as well as any transformation that is to unfold.

This brings me to education, children, test scores, etc.  (Public education is an example of government interference and heavy-handedness at its most harmful.  All those involved are held hostage by the system – at least until they decide differently.)  What right do we have to be party to the suppression and burial of someone’s “God-given” gifts, talents and genius?  By what universal law, do we have the right to stand in the way of divinely-implanted tools and dreams?  In the land of the free, why aren’t we teaching Life…Liberty…and the pursuit of Happiness?  Why aren’t we helping people to know who they really are…to claim who they are…to bring who they are into this world?  Why aren’t we cultivating these true gifts, talents and geniuses?  Don’t these real things make test scores and national core standards look small?      

I don’t think I’m alone in my desire for “something different” nor in the recognition of the ridiculousness of that which we seem forced to live.  Many of us feel the same and yet have no idea what to do about it.  From my point of view, it seems essential that each of us claims our vision and goes about being it.   If we want a more authentic system then we have to de-program ourselves and be authentic – not just at home where it’s safe and cozy but out in the world.  We have to support ourselves – and each other – in claiming our life.  We have to uncover and cultivate the gifts and talents kept safe in the core of who we are…and support others in doing the same.  The world reality shifts one courageous individual at a time.  If we really want something different then we must harness our courage, claim who we are and walk forward creating anew as we go.  This is the way to lasting happiness…and this is the way to the world of our dreams.

Much love,

Karrie

Chasing Blame

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Well, it’s the dreaded April 15^th…the day taxes are due.  I just watched a video created by a well-known reform activist regarding the unfairness of the current system.  (I’m not sure too many would disagree with the fact that our tax system has some major issues.)  The video was focused on the point that the system favors the “super-rich” and that we need to ban together and go after the infamous “one-percent”.  Evidently, they’re to blame.  I thought it was the system…. 

There are so many causes these days focused on blaming and going after another group of Americans or those desiring to be Americans.  Besides the “one-percent”, we’ve also labeled welfare recipients as the scourge of society…and of course, there’s those pesky people crossing the border without documentation – people who have a dream and desire to be part of a nation where pursuing your dream is a part of the founding principles. 

We’ve pitted welfare recipients, immigrants without documentation and even people desiring healthcare…against military veterans and other groups we’ve judged as more deserving.  We’ve labeled, scorned, judged and negated other humans...like our unhappiness is their fault.  When in reality, a system has become outdated….a system needs to change.

Part of what needs to change is our way of thinking.  We don’t have to destroy other people just to “win” and have things our way.  It doesn’t have to be an “either/or”.  There’s no reason we can’t create from a “both/and”.  There’s nothing keeping us from creating solutions, structures and systems which support the whole…that support freedom…co-creativity… balance…respect…and independence.  But it takes each of us shifting our own mindset from the old “warring” mentality to one which comes from and supports co-creativity, respect and love; that sees the problem and looks for solutions rather than blame.

As a collective, it’s evident we’re looking for “something different”…that we don’t like things the way they are…and on this, we can most likely agree.  Yet part of “something different” has to include how we look at each other , speak to each other and treat each other.  We can’t create “something different” using the same old, unconscious, divisive tactics.  I’m ready to be “something different”…what about you?

Much love,

Karrie

Claiming God, Vision & Me

Thursday, April 10, 2014

The last several days, I have really been feeling the power of claiming my vision.   Vision can mean many things and in this case, it pertains to my beliefs, values, desires and dreams.  Let me just say right up front that I don’t propose or pretend that my vision is any more valid than another…but it certainly isn’t any less – and this is the insight that’s important. 

This movement to claim my vision seems to be permeating many areas of my consciousness.  In fact, it’s propelling me to re-claim some things as well.  For instance…

God….Since I was very young I always had a very close relationship with God.  However, due to the beliefs of many a mainstream religion, I got to the point that I didn’t even want to hear the word God…or Christian for that matter.  I would cringe when I heard either word.  (Sad when you think about it.)  However, I was able to keep my relationship with the One and Only by re-naming God as the much more expansive, non-judgmental, unconditionally loving, Consciousness.  It was just in the last year that I realized that I had the right to my God.  No one holds the market on the One and Only.  Now, I use the words Consciousness and God almost interchangeably.  I have re-claimed God and that feels really good.  Claiming my beliefs has also helped me accept the rights of others to their beliefs.  This is part of freedom of conscience as Thomas Jefferson might say.

Vision…. In the same way that I have re-claimed God, I have come to the realization that I can re-claim my vision.  This is really about recognizing that there’s nothing wrong with my vision – just as there was nothing wrong with my understanding of God.  I don’t have to support or buy-in to that with which I don’t agree.  I don’t have to go to battle against it.  I have the right to my own vision.  I just need to take responsibility for it and go about being it.  Right now, I am claiming… my vision…my perspective…my voice…my sense of equality…my love…my freedom…and my opportunity!  (This is so empowering!)

Me….I am taking this opportunity to claim me as well.  I like me.  In fact, I love me.  I am perfectly me.  There is no other me.  I am the one and only me.  I am happy being me.  J

Claiming the right to my vision – and all that includes – seems to be part of the process on the way to living from wholeness.  Making the commitment to acknowledge my vision…be my vision…stand in my vision…and feel my vision…seems like a powerful step in the transformation of my experience and my reality. 

 Much love,

Karrie

The Right to Something Different

Sunday, April 6, 2014

I have really felt some anger coming up as of late.  It’s that type of anger that comes from somewhere deep inside, origins unknown, and therefore difficult to remedy.  I have a sense that this “rage” has been simmering for a while…hidden beneath layers of unconsciousness…habitual suppression blended into ignorance.  However, this anger has risen and found its way into my awareness…from a place where dreams are hidden, seemingly put on eternal hold…yet not forgotten.

I finally got it as I was intimating in a conversation the differences between my values for my life’s experience and those values which rule the world’s expectations, assumptions and structures; the values that herd humanity in directions with which we may not be in agreement but unconsciously support and maintain.  I heard myself say “I have the right to my reality!”  I don’t want to support or be governed by systems based in greed, imbalance or promoting the exhaustion of oneself just to “survive”.  I don’t want to buy into a societal false façade that perpetuates inequality and holds “money” as its highest value.  I don’t want to be a part of an economic system which decides and drives my career choice.  In some ways, I feel the majority of humanity is held hostage by systems and structures which no longer benefit the whole.  I don’t want to be governed by these types of structures anymore.

I don’t think I consciously realized what a “downer” these systems, structures and expectations have become for me.  There’s a whole new world on the horizon and much of what I just shared is not a part of it.  I see a reality where the highest value is love…where freedom and equality aren’t just words but ideals we aspire to and live with the greatest of integrity…where the gifts, talents and genius of the people drive the economy (which is therefore always expanding)…where systems promote self-actualization and authenticity as well as unity…where balance is inherent as people are driven by their heart and inner guidance…where each individual is acknowledged and valued just for his/her existence…and where we come together as an orchestra, each playing our unique part while uniting in one divine melody…

For some reason, it seems important that I acknowledge the fact that I have the right to my reality.  I don’t have to buy into and support a reality with which I no longer agree.  In fact, I don’t like the way it feels when I support something I can’t really stand.  Therefore, I’m claiming the right to something different…planting a homesteading stake somewhere in my dreams…clearing conflicting beliefs…and allowing the manifestation process to do its thing!  Girl, do I feel better! 

Much love,

Karrie

Regarding the Feminine...

Friday, March 14, 2014

This morning I had one of those insights that probably fits in the category of “Master of the Obvious” but for some reason I received it as a shock to my consciousness.  One of those “aha’s” that the more you think about, the greater the intensity of “snarkiness”.

I was contemplating the emergence of love…the type of love that is pure…whole…without intent…and I began to realize how I (perhaps we) have kept this love that resides in the core of our being, hidden…protected it might seem.  We’ve built a wall around it.  It feels so vulnerable…  Then I realized that that which I was attempting to protect was the essence of the feminine…the great nurturing force of unconditional love...As I felt more into this it began to dawn on me that perhaps I wasn’t really trying to protect the great feminine  -after all it is eternal- perhaps I was really trying to protect myself! 

I’m sure this seemingly innate need to protect this great love and vulnerability originated in some pretty horrific experiences…There are memories – some very old and others not so old – of suffering due to the expression of anything that might be considered remotely feminine.  The human body (mentally, emotionally and physically) has suffered great pain in the expression of this feminine energy.  So walling it off so to speak, isn’t without cause. 

In this moment I am being flooded with memories of all the times I have given a workshop in a public institution and someone or a group of someone’s has complained or stated that they could do without the “touchy-feely” stuff.  Some would roll their eyes or cross their arms over their chest in silent but poignant protest while others had no problem voicing their disdain.  Now, I realize that this really was an unconscious act of desecration regarding the divinely feminine - something that has been going on for centuries and something we have just come to accept.  As one of those “touchy-feely” types, I have firsthand experience with the negativity and judgment associated with any expression of feeling or vulnerability in meetings or settings.  One learns to put up with it.  Yet realizing these acts for what they really are, now brings greater understanding and perseverance regarding that which is meant to emerge after centuries of “hiding”.       

Now, I realize that building a wall around this beautiful, loving, nurturing and expressive energy was about me.  It doesn’t need protection…and quite frankly neither do I.  The world desperately needs the feminine.  And now that I know what I know, I can stop any patrols…tear down any walls…and consciously allow this divine energy to once again emerge, untethered.

Much love,

Karrie

What if there's nothing wrong?

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

On more than one occasion as of late, the question “What if there’s nothing wrong?” has dropped into my awareness.  Whether applied to the world at large…our communities…our families…ourselves….our current circumstances and situations…What if there’s nothing wrong?

What if everything is in divine order?  What if the chaos, confusion, destruction and falling apart is as it should be?  What if beneath the negativity, shadows and darkness now coming to light…rising to the surface…is the budding of the new…the construction of that which is more in alignment with the Cosmic flow?

What if that which we resist so strongly because it defies our traditions and past understanding, is really the beginnings of tomorrow?  What if those characters, plots and plans which have ruled the world in darkness are now being truly seen so we can make a conscious choice for something different? 

What if we knew there is nothing wrong with the processes which are transforming our world today?  What if we trusted that something greater had this?  What if we knew that we could trust our own connection to the guidance within us, our connection to something greater?  What if we had faith that each of us plays a part in the transformation of our world reality whether in the seeming shadow or in the light?

What if we knew there was absolutely nothing wrong with us…and that the real struggle was whether to trust or not to trust?  What if we understood that everything we are, is perfect?  What if we knew that it is our resistance to who we really are…that which shall become…that causes suffering and heartache? 

What if there is nothing wrong? 

Much love,

Karrie

 

The Unwitting Co-Conspirator

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Whether through the television, internet, radio or propaganda from an organization, one can easily be swept away by the fact that the world is “going to hell in a hand basket”.  Stories surfacing about super soldiers, monopolizing economic dictators, massive but silent troop movement, the threat of nuclear warheads, radioactive material, pulsating bombs, chemicals in our water, attacks by rogue nations or other crises which appear lesser in magnitude in comparison, can wreak havoc in our subconscious, waking conscious as well as the collective conscious.  Now, more than ever, it is important to remain vigilant and tethered to a sense of higher truth and guidance from our own Higher Consciousness.

As a trained union organizer and student of human behavior, I am well acquainted with the use of fear as a mobilizer.  It’s one thing to be aware of movements…presences…activities…and outrageous behaviors…then there’s the playing out in our imaginations of possible outcomes and the use of fear to convince, persuade and mobilize others to a similar opinion – not realizing that as we join in fear…we become co-conspirators in creating that which we are afraid of in the first place.

Because of the “enlightened” and loving energy of the times we’re in, anything that has been in the shadows is going to be revealed.  Illusion cannot stand in the presence of love and truth – and it is love and truth that we carry at the core of our beings.  For each of us to be that love…be that truth… is not only the greatest “defense” but the greatest creator. 

I believe it’s a good idea to be aware of what’s going on around us…while consciously tethering ourselves to love and truth…choosing to give our attention to desired outcomes and experiences. The only place we will find truth as well as trustworthy direction in any moment is inside us…where our connection to Consciousness remains untainted by the illusions of the world.

Here’s to an exciting 2014!  May the force be with you!

Much love,

Karrie