For days I heard Sarah Palin’s voice in my head. “How’s that hopey changey thing workin’ for ya?” I feel taunted, but not daunted. Some may long for simpler, nostalgic times of bygone days, but to me it seems even more daunting to go backward, even if that were possible, than to move forward. I believe that everything is in perfect order, AND we’re perfectly ripe for change, for positive transformation.
Positive transformation originates within each of us as we awaken, evolve, and generate both energetic and practical solutions to our challenges. In the process of change, we may find ourselves releasing our hold on dogma and personal stories that have caused division between ourselves and others, along with much suffering from within. Without judgment, first we just notice the stories we carry and that we may allow to define us. We may then re-create our stories with a more positive focus to empower us as conscious creators of our own experience. For example, SunBear, our young Australian Shepherd had a challenging beginning in life. As long as we shared his story to help excuse and explain his fear and shyness, we continued to feed his fear and shyness. When we released the story, focusing instead on his courageous heart and actions, he began healing at a much faster rate.
There’s another type of story we may wish to release, involving ego’s desire to divide all beings into “me” and “not me.” When we feel uncomfortable, compassionate, or passionate to offer aid when we see a homeless person, we may choose to witness our own sense of separation from the land, family and community. When we think of those in prison, we may ponder the ways we’re imprisoned by our habits, relationship patterns, beliefs or stories. In the process, we may realize our essential wholeness along with the inter-connectedness of all-that-is.
The truth you believe and cling to makes you unavailable to hear anything new. ~ Pema Chodron
Our stories reveal our shadows within. When we learn to love and embrace our own shadows, through the process of looking deeply within, we no longer need judgment. We no longer have to hide or deny the existence of anything that IS. I freely admit that I continue to enjoy the growth and expansion progress, and that I have yet to release all my dogma, stories, judgment, shadows. When I feel them dance into my awareness and life, I offer them space, and I welcome their transmutation IF they do not serve the greater good. I choose love of self and love of others as my highest value. I believe this is the path to that “hopey changey thing,” at least for me. Awareness creates space for conscious evolution, celebration, love, bliss, and a better world. The more we bend into our own lives, with complete acceptance of who we are – both light and shadow – while embracing all that shows up in our lives, the more we are able to BE the love and to BE empowered to create positive change!
When we recognize the common source of our humanity, the common origins of our dreams and longings, our hopes and fears, we are able to see that we are all joined together in the great miracle of existence. When we can combine our tremendous inner wealth to create a treasure of love and wisdom that is available to all, we are linked together in the exquisite pattern of eternal creation. ~ Osho
Taking this one step further, as we transcend our stories, shall we collectively dream a new reality into being? Do we dare to remain courageously aware of all the pain, dissention and war in our world while consistently holding our attention on the love and beauty and art? Do we dare to bravely open our own hearts, to love all our relations, including all life on this planet? Do we dare to embrace all our political leaders in a huge energetic hug, seeing them all as virtuous, wise, and altruistic, even if it’s a huge stretch for our imaginations? Do we dare to love and bless them all, even as we choose to vote consciously and to advocate for our rights in whatever way feels right?
Bestow your love even on your enemies. If you touch their hearts, what do you think will happen? ~ Rumi
I’m happiest when I dream this into being for All-of-Us: access to healthy food, health freedom, peace everywhere, love, respect for all life, thrival vs. survival mentality, sustainability through kindness to Mother Earth, prosperity, awakening, evolution, beautiful lives full of bliss and joy. May we all know our worth and honor our paths, each and every step, as we BE love and create the change we wish to see.
We’re living in a time of great challenges that call for bold, authentic, and creative responses. We must imagine life without fossil fuels or without cars. We must fathom how we might let go of the old relationships, behaviors, institutions, and systems—and dream something entirely new. Audacity requires us to question everything, even all that we know about ourselves… Transformation always requires death—the death of dreams, of old ways of doing things, of pride, of reputation, and of personal importance. ~ Alberto Villoldo
Some life-coaching questions for you to ponder today, if you wish:
What stories am I willing to release today?
What shadows within me seek acknowledgment and light?
Who do I trust to witness and support my transmutation?
What vision am I holding for the world to come?
I hope you enjoy Wayne Dyer and Abraham as they discuss the power of collective intention:
