I love this Charles - as always, your clarity and wisdom in saying what so many of us feel, is on point...thank you. Like the below person I am curious about how you are feeling on the RFK front also. Not for the purposes of arguing - just curious because I respect you so much. I was right with him until the Israel thing - and I know this isn't about one person being a saviour - but in terms of people voting - I still think he is great on so many levels. There is no-one else with a chance who would do so much around health and the lobbyists but his association with zionism leaves me flabbergasted. I am hoping that he can come round or explain his position better showing more compassion for the Palestinians as human beings in their plight. It seems hard to believe that with the whole world now turning, he isn't waking up on some level around it. I guess it is hard for you to talk about and I do remember your essay saying you hope RFK will be the best version of himself in this election. I never close the door on anyone and know that the worst person on earth could wake up at any moment - but curious to know how you might be navigating this one personally? Sorry if this opens a can of worms you'd rather not focus on. Much love and appreciation for you Charles - you are one of the few who has helped keep me sane through everything over the last few years...altho those voices are increasing now - there is a lot of sanity and compassion in amongst the chaos.
"If you attack the symptom without addressing the cause, you are in a state of endless war." -- so, so true, on every level. This also applies to health and health care, which is why we see the results (or lack thereof) in our current health care system -- and why it is so important, as you often point out, to understand that it is the deeper, underlying assumptions that we make about the world that matter. Our ideas and tactics are useless unless they reflect an underlying truth, which is bigger than any individual problem.
The war on our own biological processes, and even our emotions and thoughts reflects the external wars we wage. And so healing the external will require a complete realignment of our perspective. We have to start seeing symptoms -- internal and external, individual and global -- as intelligent communications of a system out of balance, and addressing them foundationally, and compassionately, rather than seeking to violently eliminate their most superficial expression.
The problem isn't that 'they' control the information, the problem (as I see it) is that we are not in touch with our own bodies and hearts, just our heads! Our bodies and hearts could tell us a lot if we knew how to listen to them. But most of us stopped listening to them before we were cognitive, and then just slipped into mostly/solely cognitive knowing, after all that's what got us good grades in school, then good jobs, then money, then happiness! Except that's not where happiness comes from!
"Compassion is basically feeling what it’s like to be somebody else." It is also the realization that we are all different and this does not have to be threatening. We are all doing the best we can with what we have in a very difficult time. We must realize that if we cannot show compassion to ourselves, we cannot show compassion to others. This is something that we are not taught.
“Every choice that we make individually and collectively is a kind of prayer that aligns us with a certain reality and a certain future.”
I really love this idea but I’ve been doing shadow work for a while trying to escape some of my lesser qualities and wonder how this applies and also changes the idea of fixing root problems? Often, our shadow makes choices for us but I don’t want to present this in a victim mindset. I take ownership of these choices regardless of where they come from, while also knowing that some choices are simply reactive. It’s something I am continually trying to be better at and to heal from. At midlife, hours spent listening, reading, engaging in healing work I wonder if there will ever be a time when all my choices will ever truly be mine and assume this is true for many other people as well. How can we address root issues when one wrong action done in youth, or one early life trauma can lead to a lifetime of reaction?
Randall, I do not like the term "trying"--you are doing. We all have our "demons" and trauma is very prevalent in our society. First, one must be aware of how the trauma effects our choices throughout life. In my opinion, this is a process. I don't believe that there is a "wrong" experience because everything has benefit in some way. It may take some time to realize how this all fits, for life is like one large puzzle that we always placing pieces. We certainly are not victims and all choices come from us, it is just that we are not present enough to realize this in the moment. I believe the key is to learn to respond rather than react automatically to situations. This takes presence and breath. And acknowledge all the "victories". Be compassionate to yourself. Lending energy.
For me, shadow work is not a quest(ion) of eliminating our shadows (or double), but rather to understand their messages to us, and consciously including them, which makes our soul more spacious, and helps us understand other struggling people. From the perspective of a whole (healed) soul, it may be possible to respond rather than react (as in the other response to your comment)!
In my current (limited) understanding, our "work" here might be
* To bring to light ALL that is unconscious. To illuminate the patterns/beliefs/conditionings in us (and perhaps also in society, but firat and foremost in ourselves) which are currently in the dark
* To be the allowing non-judgemental Awareness/Presence and the loving Heart where that which is hiding in the dark (in us or in sociery) has the freedom and safety to unravel, un-clench and return to natural Flow/Love..
That which is hiding in the dark does NOT want to be fixed/healed, but to be held...
Thanks, Charles. I think #4 is the most important. The best diagnosis of our "war mentality" I know of is given by Walter Wink, who traces its origin to the Babylonian creation myth Enuma Ellish, ca 1200BC, and points out how that "Myth of Redemptive Violence" has become the real religion of our time. Helps I think to understand what we're up against. Just search for Myth of Redemptive Violence, it's a not too long essay.
We agree wholeheartedly. That’s why we’re bringing Life Independence Project to the world: as a remedy for the insanity, a means for a whole lot of us to co-create an oasis of sanity in our world. That is the promise of LIP. 🙏🏻💗✨🌎✨🕊️🌱
Aahhh this speaks RIGHT TO my own heart, and doesn’t just cause the common thread to resonate in tune with this.. but to actually feel strongly and deliberately plucked with intention.
Charles, again you speak to my heart and soul. One point is that my beautiful husband and I moved my parents in with us when my mother ended up with Dementia from mini-strokes attributed to heart surgery. Dean's son said, "but you can't go anywhere, take a vacation..." and I answered, "It's an honor, Devin, not a chore and it's a choice for the betterment of each of us, although not always easy, we loved and hugged and shared. Daddy gave Dean & I a Christmas Card one year. It said, all I want for Christmas is you. He lived a long life and was loved and honored greatly until June of 2013 when he took his last breath at the age of 90. We were a family of love.
Something off the grid, however I've been hearing more about RFKjr. Are you still supporting him for president?
What do you say to your subscribers Charles...Are you still a senior campaign advisor?
Love this post. Bravo. And thanks for the brevity!!! Creates more clarity!!
I love this Charles - as always, your clarity and wisdom in saying what so many of us feel, is on point...thank you. Like the below person I am curious about how you are feeling on the RFK front also. Not for the purposes of arguing - just curious because I respect you so much. I was right with him until the Israel thing - and I know this isn't about one person being a saviour - but in terms of people voting - I still think he is great on so many levels. There is no-one else with a chance who would do so much around health and the lobbyists but his association with zionism leaves me flabbergasted. I am hoping that he can come round or explain his position better showing more compassion for the Palestinians as human beings in their plight. It seems hard to believe that with the whole world now turning, he isn't waking up on some level around it. I guess it is hard for you to talk about and I do remember your essay saying you hope RFK will be the best version of himself in this election. I never close the door on anyone and know that the worst person on earth could wake up at any moment - but curious to know how you might be navigating this one personally? Sorry if this opens a can of worms you'd rather not focus on. Much love and appreciation for you Charles - you are one of the few who has helped keep me sane through everything over the last few years...altho those voices are increasing now - there is a lot of sanity and compassion in amongst the chaos.
"If you attack the symptom without addressing the cause, you are in a state of endless war." -- so, so true, on every level. This also applies to health and health care, which is why we see the results (or lack thereof) in our current health care system -- and why it is so important, as you often point out, to understand that it is the deeper, underlying assumptions that we make about the world that matter. Our ideas and tactics are useless unless they reflect an underlying truth, which is bigger than any individual problem.
The war on our own biological processes, and even our emotions and thoughts reflects the external wars we wage. And so healing the external will require a complete realignment of our perspective. We have to start seeing symptoms -- internal and external, individual and global -- as intelligent communications of a system out of balance, and addressing them foundationally, and compassionately, rather than seeking to violently eliminate their most superficial expression.
Can't wait to see the exploration that comes from these points. Thank you, Charles.
The problem isn't that 'they' control the information, the problem (as I see it) is that we are not in touch with our own bodies and hearts, just our heads! Our bodies and hearts could tell us a lot if we knew how to listen to them. But most of us stopped listening to them before we were cognitive, and then just slipped into mostly/solely cognitive knowing, after all that's what got us good grades in school, then good jobs, then money, then happiness! Except that's not where happiness comes from!
"Compassion is basically feeling what it’s like to be somebody else." It is also the realization that we are all different and this does not have to be threatening. We are all doing the best we can with what we have in a very difficult time. We must realize that if we cannot show compassion to ourselves, we cannot show compassion to others. This is something that we are not taught.
“Every choice that we make individually and collectively is a kind of prayer that aligns us with a certain reality and a certain future.”
I really love this idea but I’ve been doing shadow work for a while trying to escape some of my lesser qualities and wonder how this applies and also changes the idea of fixing root problems? Often, our shadow makes choices for us but I don’t want to present this in a victim mindset. I take ownership of these choices regardless of where they come from, while also knowing that some choices are simply reactive. It’s something I am continually trying to be better at and to heal from. At midlife, hours spent listening, reading, engaging in healing work I wonder if there will ever be a time when all my choices will ever truly be mine and assume this is true for many other people as well. How can we address root issues when one wrong action done in youth, or one early life trauma can lead to a lifetime of reaction?
Randall, I do not like the term "trying"--you are doing. We all have our "demons" and trauma is very prevalent in our society. First, one must be aware of how the trauma effects our choices throughout life. In my opinion, this is a process. I don't believe that there is a "wrong" experience because everything has benefit in some way. It may take some time to realize how this all fits, for life is like one large puzzle that we always placing pieces. We certainly are not victims and all choices come from us, it is just that we are not present enough to realize this in the moment. I believe the key is to learn to respond rather than react automatically to situations. This takes presence and breath. And acknowledge all the "victories". Be compassionate to yourself. Lending energy.
For me, shadow work is not a quest(ion) of eliminating our shadows (or double), but rather to understand their messages to us, and consciously including them, which makes our soul more spacious, and helps us understand other struggling people. From the perspective of a whole (healed) soul, it may be possible to respond rather than react (as in the other response to your comment)!
In my current (limited) understanding, our "work" here might be
* To bring to light ALL that is unconscious. To illuminate the patterns/beliefs/conditionings in us (and perhaps also in society, but firat and foremost in ourselves) which are currently in the dark
* To be the allowing non-judgemental Awareness/Presence and the loving Heart where that which is hiding in the dark (in us or in sociery) has the freedom and safety to unravel, un-clench and return to natural Flow/Love..
That which is hiding in the dark does NOT want to be fixed/healed, but to be held...
How do we create the bridge towards a way of living that guarantees a reliably strong social structure of belonging and healthy connection
Some great wisdom, thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Charles. I think #4 is the most important. The best diagnosis of our "war mentality" I know of is given by Walter Wink, who traces its origin to the Babylonian creation myth Enuma Ellish, ca 1200BC, and points out how that "Myth of Redemptive Violence" has become the real religion of our time. Helps I think to understand what we're up against. Just search for Myth of Redemptive Violence, it's a not too long essay.
We agree wholeheartedly. That’s why we’re bringing Life Independence Project to the world: as a remedy for the insanity, a means for a whole lot of us to co-create an oasis of sanity in our world. That is the promise of LIP. 🙏🏻💗✨🌎✨🕊️🌱
are you still part of RFK jr Campaign?
Aahhh this speaks RIGHT TO my own heart, and doesn’t just cause the common thread to resonate in tune with this.. but to actually feel strongly and deliberately plucked with intention.
So SO feeling this too!
Sounds great Charles -- looking forward to the full paper!
Me too
Charles, again you speak to my heart and soul. One point is that my beautiful husband and I moved my parents in with us when my mother ended up with Dementia from mini-strokes attributed to heart surgery. Dean's son said, "but you can't go anywhere, take a vacation..." and I answered, "It's an honor, Devin, not a chore and it's a choice for the betterment of each of us, although not always easy, we loved and hugged and shared. Daddy gave Dean & I a Christmas Card one year. It said, all I want for Christmas is you. He lived a long life and was loved and honored greatly until June of 2013 when he took his last breath at the age of 90. We were a family of love.