The Data Monster

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

This morning I am pondering “data.”  There seems to be such an enormous emphasis placed on the importance of data.  Organizations, institutions, individuals can’t seem to make a decision if the data doesn’t show that it has a good chance of being successful.  My question is, why do we need statistical or scientific data to prove something we already know to be true in our heart?  The obsessive need for data in order to make a decision or to make program choices is almost archaic when we understand the incredible on-the-spot-in-the-moment guidance system we each have within us.  Our dependency on data isn’t just training wheels on a child’s first bike – it’s become the full blown tires on our state of the art 3-wheeler adult-sized trikes! 

There isn’t anything wrong with getting the numbers and comparing statistics.  It’s great that science is finally beginning to prove through quantum physics the truth of “metaphysical type” knowings that many have professed for eons.  However, the truth about science is that it will always be attempting to catch up with Truth.  Science attempts to prove or discover what already is – what we already know to be true if we take the time to listen and trust.

When we understand and trust what we already know to be true, we can pick up the pace in our creativity.  In fact, we can become creative again.  We can bring forth the genius that lies dormant within us.  We can re-connect with our own internal guidance which is a heck-of-a-lot faster and incredibly more accurate.  It can take us to places data won’t even be able to show exist for 100 more years – if then.  We can re-claim our independence and become the creative force each of us is meant to be.

Quite frankly, I really don’t care about data.  As far as I can tell, it keeps me trapped in whatever someone else says is important.  I have come to a place where I trust that which I have been gifted with upon birth more than I do the “trappings” of the false façade.  I believe in miracles and the creative spirit, and I have witnessed awesome and beyond impressive creations by those who didn’t wait for or depend on the statistics.  The human spirit and its innate guidance system are far ahead and incredibly more powerful than statistics or data will ever show.  Each of us knows this.  We only have to believe it.

Much love (no data needed!),

Karrie      

Undoing the Battle

Friday, August 17, 2012

For the last week or so, I've been contemplating "battle."  There are many times when the words or actions of a group, organization or an individual can flip an internal switch and immediately I'm ready to go "toe to toe" with them.  I can feel such anger and angst over a comment or a philosophical stance that opposes my own. I don't like feeling such strong emotions - especially if one of my characters gets the jump on "me" and shares its "two cents" before I've had the opportunity to "filter" it!

I finally decided to take a look at what existed beneath these passionate emotions.  Why did certain comments or "stances" really tick me off?  Why do I feel threatened?  It had been suggested to me that an external battle is really a mirror of a battle within myself.  What was I arguing about inside?  At one point, I realized that the inner battle I was experiencing was between Trust and Doubt.  For the most part, I can honestly say I trust my inner guidance and what I feel/sense to be true, however, the recognition of this little tug-o-war within me awakened me to the fact that there were still parts of me that had doubt.  Why?  Because many times there is no material world/physical sight confirmation that what I'm doing is the "right" thing.  In fact, a great deal of the time the feedback from the outside appears to oppose what I'm doing or there is absolute silence - which I don't take as supportive.  Therefore, doubt is birthed.

Going a little deeper, I realized how much I have depended on "direction" from the world around me.  I recognized that when I don't receive external confirmation I immediately begin to "second guess" or may even become defensive and angry.  Without the recognition of "rightness," I assume I am being told I'm "wrong."  The internal battle that ensues seems to be between "what I feel/sense to be true" and what my physical sight and senses are experiencing.  I doubt "what I know to be true" because I don't see others doing or hear them saying the same as I am doing and saying.  In other words, I'm not seeing   evidence that what I'm doing or feeling is "right."

This is an important realization on my journey toward true independence and completeness.  I believe that each of us is really complete.  We have our own gifts, talents, feelings, thoughts, experiences...and guidance system.  We intuitively know what's right and what isn't right - for us.  And this is the key.  We intuitively know what's right and what isn't right - for us.  We are independent beings capable of unique and incredible things.  We battle others outside ourselves in order to prove ourselves "right."  Others do the same thing.  We just need to know that "right" for each and every one of us is unique.  The only question we really need to be able to answer is, "Is this right for me?"  We can't choose or determine what is "right" for someone else.

As I worked through this, I realized that as a complete and independent being I don't need to "go to the mats" to prove myself "right."  I don't need to get angry.  I don't need to get everyone else to go along with me.  I don't have to battle the world's systems for change.  I only need to understand within myself that I am "right" - and so is everyone else.  This is the essence of understanding and living from unalienable rights.  In this understanding, I can find peace.

Much love,
Karrie  




   

A Crucial Vote Casting Measuring Stick!

August 15, 2012

This morning I am pondering politics again….I was attempting to ignore the whole thing (I find it incredibly irritating) but I found myself curious about Paul Ryan – Romney’s chosen running mate.  From the one sound bite I heard, he sounds good….but for me, the pivotal decision-making issue underlying who I will support in November is gay marriage.  Why?  Because I have only one measuring stick for any representative of this great nation and it comes from the Declaration of Independence:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”    

Whether or not someone agrees with gay relationships/marriage or not doesn’t really matter.  It is the premise that each of us has the right to live our lives the way we see fit….in Liberty and in pursuing our own Happiness that is the issue.  Unalienable rights do not only belong to those with whom we agree but to those whom we don’t agree with as well.  This is the foundation on which our founders rallied in 1776.    

Obama has come out (no pun intended) in support of gay marriage.  When the president of the United States of America takes a stand on such a controversial issue, he has my respect – as long as he follows through.  Taking a stand for same-sex marriage is taking a stand for Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  It is putting the unalienable rights above the standardization of opinion and dogma. 

On the other hand, where do Romney and Paul Ryan stand?  Back in the 1990’s, Romney supported making it illegal for employers to discriminate based on sexual orientation.  In 2006 he reversed his position.  Romney has also signed a pledge opposing same-sex marriage.  In 2007, Ryan voted in favor of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act.  However, Ryan supports the Defense of Marriage Act, voted for the Marriage Protection Act, voted against repealing the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy and voted against expanding the country’s hate crime legislation to protect gay people.

I cannot vote for a candidate that is “wishy-washy” in their support of the unalienable rights.  Honor, integrity and a fundamental understanding of the principles this nation was founded upon are integral in protecting the unalienable rights for each and every one of us.  The minute Ryan and Romney make it clear they understand this crucial measuring stick, they are back in the mix for my consideration.   This is the number one deciding factor for me. 

In love of Liberty….

Much love,

Karrie

 

Down Tiger! Ending the Battle

Monday, August 13, 2012

Today, I conclude my trip to my home town in Iowa.  This past weekend was the 100th plus National Hobo Convention, a treasured tradition to those who live - and have lived - in Britt, Iowa.  This is the time year when many a graduated class has their reunion.  My reason for coming back to Iowa was another type of reunion and celebration - the honoring of my former high school basketball coach as well as the game of 6-on-6 basketball.  (Yes, I said 6-on-6.)  This was the game I grew up with and will always "hold near and dear."  Six-on-six is a fast-paced, split court game of 3-on-3 where everyone is limited to 2 dribbles during each individual possession.  A team consists of 3 defensive players and 3 offensive players.  It's an awesome game which came to its conclusion in 1993.  Girls basketball (as well as other girls' sports) has always been a "big deal" in Iowa, drawing more people to the state tournament than the boys (at least back in the 6-on-6 days).  The reunion of the coaches and classes from 1971 to 1993 was incredible.  It was one enormous family reunion - and I mean family - one big 22-year-expansive team!  It seemed like only yesterday...  The foundation built through our experiences is almost unshakable - meaning that even after 30 plus years of not seeing other participant, one can reconnect to that "bond" immediately.  An amazing experience that I will treasure always.

It was interesting chatting with a few of my relatives in Iowa regarding politics.  I'm not sure how the men feel exactly but as for the women, there is a reoccurring call for "bi-partisanship" or even "non-partisanship."  No matter the current registered party, the women in my family are tired of putting party ahead of what's "right" and not working together to get things done.  I'm starting to believe this really is a common desire among Americans - especially women.

Last week, I had the pleasure of having a "reading" with a woman in Mt. Shasta (www.raydawn.com).  She has always been incredibly accurate and the information I received, transformative.  The theme of the reading was "ending the battle."  I had to take some time to ponder this notion and what it meant.  On one level, it means the obvious - stop the fighting (inside and outside).  We don't have to do battle to transform the system.  We each only need to end the battle within us and begin retraining ourselves to converse, focus and step toward that which we desire.  This means supporting that which we desire and lessening our support for that which we have outgrown.  Instead of arguing about why our viewpoint is right and the other wrong, we can co-create solutions by stepping away from our opinion, listening to each other and looking for new and innovative answers.  As long as we are stuck in a right and a wrong, there are no solutions.

For me, this idea of "ending the battle" also meant becoming aware of the character(s) inside me that felt it was responsible for changing the system single-handedly.  This particular character rides a white horse and carries a very big sword!  It desires to eliminate those who can't seem to "get their rears in gear" (according to its standards) - an enormous job indeed!  This brings me back to the recognition of my own "battle within".... and the truth that I am only responsible for my own creation - and for that, I don't need to do battle.  A great awareness - I give thanks to Ray Dawn in Mt. Shasta.

Today, I am feeling more at peace - and excited more than passionate.  I've combined my weekend stroll down memory lane with the invaluable information I received from trusted friends.  I'm thinking in terms of "team," co-creation and the love of a challenge rather than "vigilante," battle and a never-ending and out-grown "job."  I'm looking forward to changing the dialogue within - and without - while witnessing the birth of new creations.

From the Great State of Iowa...
Much love,
Karrie  

   

    

 





   

Structures of a More Truthful Nature

Monday, August 6, 2012

A week or so ago, I awoke with a brief but seemingly important “statement” on my mind.  It had to do with creating “structures of a more truthful nature.”  I could see where this applied to almost everything going on in the world today.  We see the collapse of some structures and we sense the falling apart of others.  Many times we do our “darnedest” to hold on to what we have as fear of the unknown is extremely powerful and paralyzing.  When I step back - and “up” - to get a more “hilltop view,” it seems clear that we don’t really have a choice in the coming changes.  This is the way the Universal Will is moving – and any argument or resistance only proves to bring suffering upon ourselves.  The real question is what do we need to do in order to fall into alignment?  Where is this Universal Will pushing us?  This brings me back to “structures of a more truthful nature.”

The fact that old institutions and structures are collapsing doesn’t mean they’re “bad.”  It just means we’ve outgrown them.  They’re collapsing because they no longer have the support needed to maintain them.  We are all updating our belief systems to something a little more “truthful” – which of course will happen continuously until we reach a new “plateau” for collective experimentation.  This “plateau” (which continues to evolve as well) is “solidified” by our new collective beliefs, systems and structures which present a brand new opportunity for experience.

With this in mind, it seems important for each of us to consciously connect with our inner most desires as well as the “knowing” of where we’re going.  What is it we really believe?  What is it we really desire to experience?  What are the beliefs and “structures” that will support what it’s time to build?  Where is our faith needed but lacking?  This takes some pondering, deep soul searching and disciplined awareness.  It takes each of us “walking our talk” and summoning the courage to step differently than we have for the last 20 years (or more).  It requires us to move beyond the fear of change and look forward in excitement and awe to that which we have the opportunity to create together.    

For me, one of the structures we have outgrown is “hierarchy.”  Hierarchy does not support independence, equality or the notion of unalienable rights.  It seems to me, it may have some value in a “crisis” but in general it has become “outdated” – at least in its present form.  What seems to be missing from “hierarchy” (and needed as we move forward) is respect and honor for the knowledge, experience, talents, “life-force” and spirit of a person.  There doesn’t appear to be any acknowledgment of what a unique individual soul brings to an organization.  Doesn’t that seem “stupid” on the part of an organization?  I mean, shouldn’t this be common sense when we think about it?  Just contemplate for a moment what might be created if an organization was fluid, trusting and honoring of these “resources?”  Wow…..can you imagine?

So what are the “ingredients” necessary for us - and organizations - to move in this direction?  Respect…honoring of the spirit and soul in ourselves and each other...a co-creative perspective where everyone has something to offer toward a solution…taking a “higher view” and releasing attachment to right and wrong when it comes to solutions…conscious participation….speaking our truth…following our intuition and “gut instincts”…taking responsibility for our voice, actions and decisions…  How do these things feel?  For me, these are “ingredients” to aligning my life and work experiences with the values which are important to me – independence, equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.  Once we begin to think, see and act from this “lens,” we begin to create structures in our life and work that support life via this new perspective – we can’t help it.  That’s how it works.   

My point is that it’s imperative that each of us determine our real priorities and values – then step up the conscious courage to take action toward creating the reality around us that supports them.  We are living in an ideal time for updating our beliefs, taking conscious action and creating “structures of a more truthful nature” that will support the new world as we desire to live it.

Food for thought….

Much love,

Karrie

KtR (Karrie the Revolutionary!)

GoTI Moving Forward!

Friday, August 3, 2012

Amidst some cycling “snarkiness,” I am pondering the GoTI (Group of Tremendous Influence).  The idea of forming another “party” isn’t appealing at this time.  (Did you know there are over 50 registered political parties?)  I seem to be more interested in a “philosophy” aligned with the principles mentioned in the previous post: 

·        Equal Rights

·        Individual Freedom

·        Independence

·        Truth above tradition, party, religion or culture.

·        Fiscal Responsibility, and

·        Less Government.

One person who commented on the last post said, “Who could not support those ideals….we just need a party that will embrace them.”  Wouldn’t that be nice?!  It occurs to me that each of us may be registered as a particular party supporter but how many of us take the time to engage this party with what we really want?  There obviously are people and organizations which do interact and lobby but it seems the rest of us sit back and vote for a party regardless of what their “planks” have become – and many times because we just plain refuse to vote for the other party.  (I don’t like admitting it, but I have become one of these!) 

There are a few initiatory ideas coming to mind that I hope they will evolve (with your input) as we get going. 

1)     Write, call, fax, e-mail, etc (social media?) those running for election with the principles you expect to be supported by the person you choose to vote for.

2)    Write, call, fax those, e-mail, etc. (social media?) those running for office with questions such as: “Are you willing to vote for what you know to be right rather than following party line?” or “Are you willing to go beyond your party in order to truly listen and co-create solutions that really should be non-partisan?”

3)    Begin to integrate the same principles we desire in a political party or representative into our own lives.

4)    Begin to step above “party lines” – political or otherwise – in order to look for solutions aligned with the principles outlined above.

5)     Be willing to consider candidates from either party who support these principles. 

6)    Tell candidates why you are voting for them – which things you support and which things you do not.

I know some of us have issues that carry a great more deal of weight than others.  Some of us are educators….some of us have same-sex partners….some of us like our guns….some of us want healthcare for all….and some of us are opposed to some of these issues while supporting others.  However, it doesn’t seem we are going to get anything different than what we have if we don’t change the characters we have to work with or start effectively communicating with them in order to align their focus with what we want.  Therefore, it seems we have to start uncovering – one-by-one- those who align with the principles we truly desire.  The party system just doesn’t work anymore.  We need people personally dedicated to supporting the principles this nation was founded upon – issue by issue – beyond a party line.

Enough for today….your thoughts?

Much love,

Karrie 

Forming a Group of Tremendous Influence!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Have you ever had a conversation with someone you know really well - like a family member or friend - that politically supports the opposing political party?  I don’t know about you, but I can get incredibly “snarky” if I’m not on my best conscious behavior.  “They” can’t stand Obama and I can’t stomach the Religious Right.  “They” feel a vote for the Democrats is a vote for “communism or socialism” and I believe a vote for the Republicans is a vote against Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness as unalienable rights! 

When I finally took notice of the intense political-party-polarization in this country (mainly because I became very aware of my own!), I became aware that co-creative solutions, Truth seeking and collaborative efforts of any kind were almost impossible.  Many might be shocked by the numbers of people that are really getting to the hostile level which has them entrenching themselves even deeper into their party - leaving no hope for improvement.  This is scary to me.

Because of this, I decided to do some research on the party I don’t like so much.  I was encouraged to find a group within the party that supports “fiscal conservatism and social inclusion.”  I also found a “conservative-liberal” counterpart.  However, both of these groups have all but disappeared with the increasing polarization.

As I thought about this a little more, I began to question whether the “winning” party in any given election really knows why they received somebody’s vote?  What if a person supports same-sex marriage but doesn’t support Obamacare?  What if a voter supports fiscal responsibility and less government but believes in greater gun control?  This led me to question a couple of people close to me who are adamant supporters of the opposing party.

What I found was that we actually wanted the same thing.  We believe in the founding philosophy as stated in the Declaration of Independence – that we are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights – and we believe in fiscal responsibility and independence.  This piqued my curiosity even further….what if the majority of us really believe in the same things but have gotten caught in the dynamics of this incredible polarization just because we don’t talk to each other?  Are we willing to take a step back beyond a party, look within ourselves and courageously voice what we’re really for?  I AM!!!

In this moment, I am proposing the idea of forming a “Group of Tremendous Influence” (GoTI) which supports and promotes the following:

·        Equal Rights

·        Individual Freedom

·        Independence

·        Truth above tradition, party, religion or culture.

·        Fiscal Responsibility, and

·        Less Government.

In essence, I am speaking about aligning with the Declaration of Independence.  This requires courage, discipline, honor, integrity and a willingness to align with Truth at the highest levels of consciousness. 

What do you sense?  How does this feel?  Are you interested?  Let me know!  I’m also interested in ideas for what we might call this GoTI.  If you feel so inclined, leave a comment at the bottom of this post or contact me directly.    

I AM Excited! 

Much love,

Karrie