Shifting
It is a clear and cool morning, with the skies wide open. The temperature is at 58 degrees fahrenheit. Today is Friday.
How does it feel to be in the midst of shifting tides? That's what's happening now in the world, in communities, among individuals - there are lots of things in motion. The feeling is like standing in the ocean and feeling the tide come in, lift you up just enough to let go of the sand below the water, and then put you back down, gently. The waters are cradling our bodies as our vision looks to the horizon where the sky and earth meet.
When big shifts happen - at times they can be jarring. The earthquake is a kind of shift that we experience these days. All over the world, the planet is sharing the energy that comes from somewhere deep in its core, wanting to release the pressure that has built up over time. This is like us humans - we need ways to release the pressures that build and sometimes it's a healthy release - like when we go to the gym or out into the grove of trees or maybe into a pool of water - just to move vigorously enough to give our muscles and hearts a push. Other times, the release can be explosive, as when we go to harsh words, physical destruction, and confrontation.
Society here is shifting and it's anyone's guess as to what will happen next - but the "next" is really a great opportunity to build something different. How do we do that when there isn't really much to inspire people to envision something entirely unattainable, but necessary for being a part of the shared discourse? Elections are fun because they symbolize a kind of shift and the candidates have to put forth a "vision" for their anticipated leadership. What we see in this country right now is a pretty stark choice - and it we will get to know how the collective thinking among those who have a franchise in the voting process - will decide.
The outcome of course, will have other impacts and shifting will occur at all levels, with varying degrees of trauma. Some may leave the country for places that call them. Others may commit themselves to joining the victorious. We all will have the chance to think about how our own shifts, if we choose to assert our energy into the mix.
As these words are coming, the travel that is currently a part of the week is illustrating how space can shift mood, which in turn can shift thoughts about all manner of things - what is beauty, what is chaos, what is time? If we are to make something of our lives - it seems we have to develop this skillful way to use shifting tides as the chance to work with something a lot of people are talking about right now: change.
Since ancient times, humanity has experienced that change is the only constant in life.