We exist in an unprecedented time in history when the way humans live and the stories that guide us are threatening all of life, calling on the emergence of a new level of human consciousness. This is the Great Awakening, also called by some The Great Turning. These times were prophesied in many traditions and stories, like that of the Eagle & Condor story of indigenous peoples. The Tibetan Buddhist tradition speaks of the time of darkness when Shambala Warriors will use the inner weapons of insight and compassion to courageously subdue the forces of ignorance, grasping and fear that are crippling the Earth–becoming bodhisattvas, or those motivated by compassion and dedicated to the welfare of all.
Some claim this great awakening is happening on all levels–cosmic, Earth, societies and individuals. This blog will help us reflect on how that emerges in our lives, relationships as well as world events. Having been a family therapist and now a teacher of teachers, I also have a special interest in how the new integral consciousness–experiencing that we are connected to everything–can and is informing teaching and parenting as well as how we live our lives.
The about Mike Seymour link (left) tells more about me.
Explore the Categories menu on the left to find what interests you, and feel free to write your responses.
We need a new story and a new presence to ourselves, each other and the Earth, and I look forward to the dialogue with you about how that is arising in your life.
Mike Seymour
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Yvonne
Meditation Is Your Awakening…
What is the point of a beautiful sunrise if you are asleep?
What is the beauty of a rose if you are asleep? Mind is your sleep.
Meditation is your awakening.
The moment you awake, sleep disappears and with it all the dreams,
all the projections, all expectations, all desires.
Suddenly you are in a state of desirelessness, non-ambition, unfathomable silence.
And only in this silence, blossoms flower in your being.
Only in this silence the lotuses open their petals…
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Gatelessgate Magazine
Assignment 3
Nolusindiso “Titie” Plaatjie’s film about teaching HIV/AIDS awareness through the discipline of soccer showed hugely successful methods for creating awareness about this devastating health crisis. The ‘showing and not telling’ tactics always engage students and the idea of giving them the tools to make their own choices, not attempting to make a choice for them is also a lynchpin to the success of the Grassroots Soccer organization.
The last interview I chose, Smile Cards, was incredible. To sit with a group of people and puzzle through the prank issue and come up with such an impressive alternative. The ‘good’ in their conversation just kept getting better. The ‘Love All, Serve All’ Seva Café was equally wonderful. Cooking and serving with love—talk about being present, those people are ‘right there’ each day. Both interviews reminded me of a picture book, The Little Brutes, who have this similar experience with good—once it’s started, it’s irrepressible.
Roots of Empathy is a noteworthy program. I would love to observe the lessons taught in the classroom. Mary Gordon’s curriculum to teach children ‘emotional literacy’ seems a hopeful tool in ending the cycle of violence. It is encouraging to know that our brains can be retrained to identify emotions correctly, enabling us to feel our own emotions, and then recognize the feelings of others to respond accurately. Children of all ages would respond with joy to having a baby in the classroom. Mary Gordon herself strikes me as a fearless woman who teaches always with a present vision of her goal.
As a fifth grade teacher I feel certain that I will show some of these films to my students although the soccer film is out due to the mention of prostitution (darn!). It’s so important for children in a small town to see how they are similar to people all over the planet. Our staff at large is also in need of an injection of hope on a regular basis as we are all overworked and like all teachers, continue to get loaded with more responsibility each year. Generally speaking, the undaunted optimism of these people can only buoy up one’s spirit and either inspire others to teach from their hearts, or validate and energize those who already believe in this approach.