Alignment with our true values provides path for change

The entire path of Western civilization has taken humankind and the planet on a trajectory of initiatory transformation, into a state of spiritual alienation, into an encounter with mortality on a global scale from world wars and holocausts to the nuclear crisis and now the planetary ecological crisis. . . . It is a collective dark night of the soul, a deep separation from the community of being.

This is a leaderless revolution—a self-organizing movement where people are consciously taking charge of their lives. It is a clear and promising example of people growing up and taking responsibility for how their lives connect with the Earth and the future. . . . To live out of our deepest sense of purpose—integrating and balancing the inner and outer aspects of our lives—is an enormously challenging and continuously evolving process.

The promise of a new year! But once the celebrations are over and the resolutions are made, we still find ourselves in crisis: war and rumors of war persist, precious resources are put toward development of newfangled weaponry, the devastation of our environment continues unabated, and obdurate men threaten world domination.

Yet despite the chaos, confusion, and uncertainty there is cause for hope. According to Paul Ray and Sherry Anderson, authors of The Cultural Creatives: How 50 Million People Are Changing the World, there is a growing number of folks in our nation and around the world who are refusing to live “divided” lives. Millions of men and women are getting in touch with their true values—personal growth, service to others, caring for the environment and others—then choosing to live these values, taking responsible action rather than merely speaking the words. (more…)

Saturday, January 4th, 2003