Beyond the "Mayan Cliff" - Yahoo!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Well, we’re still here!  We have survived the “Mayan Cliff”.  I don’t know about you but I am releasing many a “Yahoo!” and “Woohoo-kachoo”!  I feel like we’ve entered a time of great promise only limited by our self-created boundaries. 

The past several years – and especially this last year in particular – have been marked with radical purification processes.  From politics to human-initiated tragedy to natural disasters and more, our hearts have been ripped open time and time again, making room for the love, light and promise of a new eon.

Last night, my partner and I hosted our weekly program - Daring to Live Outloud! - on Blog Talk Radio.  Our guests were 4 young women, ages 14 to 23.  The topic was “next steps” as we move forward after the shooting tragedy in Connecticut.  All I can say is “WOW….”  I smiled through the entire show.  Oddly, I felt an enormous sense of “relief”.  As I went a little deeper with this feeling, I realized it was coming from “relief” that the world was in such good hands.  In fact, tears are coming to my eyes now as I remember it.  I invite each of you to listen to the show if you haven’t.  (www.blogtalkradio.com; search: konsciouskonnection; click on the most recent show) It’s inspiring to hear such wisdom and authenticity in the voices of those whose time has come. 

It becomes clear in listening to our young people that love, respect, communication and support for our uniqueness are among the guiding principles as we move forward into the new world beyond the “Mayan Cliff”.  The question becomes how do we create systems that support these principles?  The old systems do not.  Many of our current systems are based in shadow competition…right/wrong…. good/bad…and a “success” that is defined by forces outside ourselves.  It seems imperative that in order to assist with the prevention of tragic life-extinguishing violence initiated by those who feel excluded from the narrow definition of “acceptable”, we must expand our consciousness and celebrate the unique gift each human being is to this world.

I don’t know about you but I am absolutely ecstatic about the possibilities for 2013!  I wish each and every one of you a peaceful, relaxing and joyous end to the infamously transformational 2012 and an invigorating, love-filled, dream-made-manifest 2013.

Much love,

Karrie

From the Fire of Heartbreak....

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Heartbreaking…..the word I heard and saw repeatedly regarding the horrendous school shooting in Connecticut.  I saw the headline on the internet and mentioned it to my partner but didn’t open the article to read it.  I thought “Good God – another school shooting” and went on to the next of my morning activities.  It wasn’t until my sister called me and shared that 20 elementary aged children had been gunned down that my heart broke and the sobs emerged.  On one hand, I find it alarming that I might consider any school (mall, theater, mosque, hotel, etc.) shooting an event not out of the ordinary.  (How did that happen?)  On the other, I am now awake – painfully so.

This “slow to demand change” patterning seems to be a part of human nature.  Within the Declaration of Independence is the statement, “mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”  It’s horrendously unfortunate that our seeming willingness to endure evils while sufferable has resulted in a cosmic two by four fitted with shards of broken glass, nails and a machete or two, ripping at the hearts of humanity.  Many are crying for more stringent gun laws which may be part of the solution.  However, for me, the problem goes much deeper.  How do our children become young adults filled with such hatred, pain and disdain for life?  I see the appalling event of December 14, 2012 as a catalyst to address what’s missing in America (the world).  Where are we going “wrong”?  From politics to education to everyday life, where has all the pain, hatred and anger come from?  And now that the “evils are no longer sufferable”, what are we willing to do about it?        

Pondering change....

Much love,
Karrie

That which calls us....

Thursday, December 13, 2012

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.  (The Declaration of Independence – 1776)

 

Though I have contemplated this statement from the Declaration of Independence for several years and written about it on various occasions, my passion and soul-initiated desire to enter a state of oneness with its enlightened meaning have yet to be satisfied.  The deeper I go, the more enthralled I become.  For me, the never-ending journey into the depths of this statement has become a path of enlightenment facilitated by a faceless guru infinitely prodding the curiosity and expansion of an awakening consciousness.

 

As a result of many a pondering, I came to the recognition that these unalienable rights are “inseparable from my being” because they are characteristics of Consciousness – the One and Only – and since I am Consciousness, these attributes are innately and inalienably mine.  Through continued and in-depth contemplation, life has become an opportunity.  As long as I am breathing….I have an opportunity.  In the same manner, I have come to know Liberty as the freedom to choose.  I am always choosing – consciously or unconsciously - and as long as I have breath…I have the freedom to choose.  Looking back, connecting Life and Liberty to their unalienable nature was natural – it made sense.  However, the pursuit of Happiness wasn’t quite so clear.  I wasn’t able to make the same connection with the same clarity.  I wasn’t certain as to how this particular “right” had made the unalienable cut.  I wasn’t sure what Thomas Jefferson meant when he inserted “the pursuit of Happiness” into the Declaration of Independence. 

 

A few days ago, I began reading a book by Jon Meacham entitled, Thomas Jefferson – The Art of Power.  The book includes excerpts from many a letter of Jefferson’s as well as family members, friends and others.  These writings have brought Jefferson to life for me.  It is through these personal correspondences that I have come to the conclusion that Thomas Jefferson meant exactly what he wrote.  I sense that he believed each and every person had the right to pursue that which called their attention, excitement, curiosity, passion or love nature.  After reading a large portion of this book, I believe this is the way he led his own life…pursuing – with great intensity – that which called him….he was constantly in the pursuit of Happiness. Though he came from an affluent background which perhaps more easily supported his many callings and desires, he truly believed that each and every person had this right – why?  It seems clear to me that to Thomas Jefferson - one of the more enlightened Americans in our nation’s history – the pursuit of Happiness may have been unalienable because it is natural to pursue that which calls our attention.  We’ve just been trained otherwise.  We are called constantly to something via excitement, curiosity, love, passion, etc.  It’s quite natural.  And because it’s natural for each and every one of us, it is therefore unalienable.

 

It seems to me that as we re-connect and awaken to the opportunity, the power inherent in the freedom to choose as well as the inner “happiness” compass pointed toward that which calls us – the world will continually become a much different place.  I sense that much of my own unhappiness has been due to “forgetting” the “set-up” I’ve been gifted.  Perhaps NOW is the perfect time to remember….. 

 

Much love,

Karrie

Contemplating Equality....

Thursday, December 6, 2012

I went to see the movie Lincoln for the second time a couple of nights ago – and I may go a third.  It really is an incredible film and for some reason I feel called to it…connected to it in some way.  Perhaps it’s Lincoln’s contemplative depth…his determination – as well as anguish – to do the right thing as aligned with the ideals this nation was founded upon.  Maybe it’s his connection to the Declaration of Independence and his belief and evolving understanding of equality…and freedom.  Perhaps it’s the realization that as in the day of Lincoln, we are in the midst of a great shift in paradigms….expanding the umbrella of freedom as well as the archetype/definition of “American.”  It could also be the recognition that the pain and suffering that often accompany “unconsciousness” are still alive and well today…as in many ways we continue to persecute those who are different – or believe differently – than we do.  I sense another commonality may be the greatness and history-making that is afoot…if only we have the eyes to see.

At one point in the movie, Lincoln uses one of Euclid’s “truths” to understand equality – If two things are equal to the same thing…then they are equal to each other.  For me, this is equivalent to the fact that each and every one of us is enlivened by the same life force.  We are each individualized expressions of the One – therefore, we are equal to each other.  Equality is not affected by experiences, circumstances, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, financial situation, decisions, right or wrong or any other “consequence” of life.  The fact that each of us carries the sacredness of the One and Only within is enough….and deserving of a sacred respect no matter the “wrapping”, experiences, beliefs or circumstances.  When we see the face of another…or our own face as we look into a mirror…we are seeing the face of the One and Only….and that is cause for celebration and honor, isn’t?  This reminds me of another movie – The Blind Side.  There is a scene in the film where the main character’s two moms meet….one affluent and one much less affluent.  Yet there is respect….regardless of circumstances or choices…whether there is agreement or not….there is respect.  Yes, we must learn to respect ourselves….AND we must also open to respecting each other….for we are the faces of one and the same. 

In equality…

Much love,

Karrie

All is Well - Always

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 – Thanksgiving Eve!

This morning, I am pondering a thought that “dropped-in”….If All is Well at all times then the feelings that are in conflict with this fact must be due to my own illusory beliefs.  As I felt into this statement, I recognized that I really do believe it’s true that All is Well at all times – AND it is also true that I seem to take on some form of amnesia when outside circumstances or opinions don’t match my own desires and beliefs!

As I allowed myself to experience the feeling of All is Well….then compared it to the feeling of experiences I don’t enjoy or cause worry….I heard laughter.  It was very, very subtle but it was there….laughter.  When I followed it inward, I found that it was a part of me – a part of me that saw the humor of the human experience.  I thought, “Who is that?”  Though the who wasn’t immediately clear, the why was.  It was obvious that this part of me was connected to the truth of the matter.  It saw the comedy of the human experience.  It was laughing at the fact that I considered the drama and experiences as real.  It wasn’t making fun, it just found it funny.  It recognizes the comedy of life…the “play”…the “stage”…the fact that life is an experience.  Through its eyes, life is like a child’s first trip to Disneyland or a House of Mystery.  It knows that All is Well – always and that these experiences are just that - experiences.     

I remember hearing this laughter before.  I was in a labyrinth and focusing on the second petal – surrender.  A question had popped into my mind related to surrender – “What’s the worst that can happen?”  I had heard the laughter then, too.  When I followed it, I found that the laughter was in regard to the idea that I would choose not to surrender all the beliefs, rules, etc. that were clearly not contributing to my happiness.  It found my angst, fear and stubbornness extremely funny.  And when I saw and felt things from Its perspective, I found it funny too.

I’m not specifically sure who this part of me really is….but I love the fact that it is tethered to Truth.  I have connected it to the very Consciousness that animates my being – my particular droplet of the One.  The One who knows Truth – that knows All is Well – always.      

When I remember this, life becomes a smile.  Nothing is out of order, therefore, I can sit back and enjoy.  I can have my experiences and not attach to any outcome as a judgment of me, the process or the event.  There’s no need to get angry or frustrated – everything is as it should be.  When I truly recognize that All is Well – always, I can see the humor in my over-reaction – and I can laugh, too.         

I sense this recognition plays a part in my journey toward realizing my own completeness.  There is nothing wrong with me – or my experiences.  The same goes for everyone else in the world.  All is well – always.  Now, this is something to be Thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Much love,

Karrie

Moving Forward!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Since the election, I have been contemplating moving forward.  For me, this particular election was an incredibly personal experience.  It was a catalyst for an even deeper understanding of who I am and the work I need to do personally in order to help us move forward collectively.  Over the past several months, I did a lot of meaningful (and sometimes unpleasant) soul searching in order to surface my own polarized beliefs.  For instance, I strongly believe in and promote collaborative processes which require respect, integrity and listening.  However, I discovered that I was refusing to give one particular party even one iota of respect or understanding.  I held them in complete contempt and was not interested in hearing what they had to say or offer.  I had to deal with a lot of unpleasant feelings – anger, frustration, betrayal and even “hate.”  My search for “relief” took me to a greater understanding of freedom as well as my own fear-based need to control.  I came face-to-face with the real battle which is within me and mirrored by the battle without.  The election of 2012 was indeed a “super storm” when it came to uprooting, uncovering and baring many an outdated, undesired and polarizing belief.  I give thanks…..and will pass on any offers to repeat it.

So….how do I move forward?  How do I support getting beyond the “right and wrong,” the opposing ideologies and the bruised or “puffed up” egos?  First, I have to take care of my own inner “polarization.”  I have to be aware of the battle within me – mainly the unconscious battle to not be me.  I have to be aware of my own automated system focused on being, acting or looking like something I’m not.  When I make the conscious choice to be Karrie and accept how Karrie feels, looks and thinks, I don’t have the angst of battle – and this is reflected in my outer experiences.  Second, focusing on what needs to be addressed and viewing it is a creative project takes away the angst or need to put on my armor.   When I am interacting with others, I can focus on listening, understanding and the possibilities rather than opposing ideologies and differences.  Buckminster Fuller once said, “You don’t fix the old reality.  You create the new reality.”  To me, this means I’m not going to get anywhere focusing on what’s wrong and who’s to blame.  Instead, I can give my attention to a creative endeavor intended to bring about new solutions and “realities.”  I can assist with this new way of collaborating by focusing on the issue creatively - rather than defending, defining or denying according to premeditated plans. I can stay open to listening and building upon ideas presented - rather than closed, demanding or blaming.

For me, this is going to take some awareness and discipline.  I will need to stay conscious of keeping the issue and possible solutions as the focus.  I will have to keep reminding myself of the process of co-creation which is synergistic, synchronistic and constructive.  This being said, I am willing and ready to release the “battle”, the “sides” and the destructive stubbornness.  I am committed to doing my part in creating a new “standard” of interaction, problem solving and co-creation.  I am dedicated to being a part of the solution.

Today is a new day comprised of an infinite amount of brand new moments….I’m excited about the possibilities….

Much love,

Karrie 

 

After the Election....

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

I’m sure I’m not the only one with Election 2012 on her mind.  In my opinion, this election is historic in the level of polarization – an evenly divided citizenry supporting 2 almost totally opposite platforms.  Emotions are running high and I have even heard people on both sides of the fence say “I will kill myself if ____ is elected” or “I’m moving to Canada if ____ is elected.”  The intensity is incredible - and perhaps unprecedented.     

This morning I find myself pondering my possible responses to the results later this evening.  I realize I have my own depth of feelings and attachment to who I would like to see “win.”  I recognize the anger I may need to deal with and have to ask myself whether or not I can be “part of the solution” no matter the winner?

When I step back and attempt to feel into the nation’s response to the results, I become acutely aware of the fact that whoever wins, 50% of the voting citizens will be angry.  With this awareness, I realize that it’s going to be tough either way.  The extreme nature of the party platforms and the deep divide within the electorate make it difficult for agreement and collaboration.  No matter the winner, it appears the battle will continue. 

A couple of months ago, I listened to a channeling of The Divine Mother during which she spoke briefly in regard to the intense polarization and the 2 major parties in general.  She referred to the idea that there was a 3^rd choice - the Heart.  At that time – and until now – I wasn’t sure what she meant.  (There wasn’t a box on the ballot for “the Heart!”) Now, I understand.  With the recognition that 50% of the people are going to be intensely upset regardless of who wins this election – and the fact that this brings more destructive battling – it becomes clear that the only choice in order to move beyond the battle is to begin doing our thinking with the Heart.   The Heart is the only way to go beyond “right and wrong.”  As long as we are stuck in “sides” and a “right” and a “wrong,” there can be no solutions.  In order to assist our nation in moving forward, each of us is going to need compassion to hear the heart of another; patience to take the time to really listen to ourselves and others; courage to speak and act; and a committed focus forward toward what we really desire to create together.  

With this recognition, I believe I can be a part of the solution.  This doesn’t mean compromising values but it does mean making greater efforts to listen and understand in order to find the creative direction essential in collaboration.  It means continuing my own deepening of understanding in regard to freedom, and it means doing my best to respond from my heart knowing together we can create anything.

So here’s to Election 2012…and my own hopes and desires for a new beginning.

Much love,

Karrie