“I don’t recommend asking how you can be of service if you insist on having a plan for the path ahead” this part! If everyone grasped this? And the mission statement of “not helping poor people get rich but rich people be in voluntary impoverishment” so much this! I know a bunch of people (in “leadership” on social media) who I wish with all my heart would be open to this wisdom for *these times*
My African teacher, Malidoma Somé, continually surprised me with his knowledge of British culture. Improbably, one of his favourite books was ‘Jane Eyre’. He used to liken me to Robin Hood, for my capacity to liberate top dollar from the Machine and channel it into something more interesting. Alas, my wiring has changed and that particular capacity is currently diminished… I dream that others will find creative ways to face off the various Sheriffs of Nottingham and bring bags of gold to where they can be beautifully deployed.
I imagine and plead for a scenario whereby the sheriffs and the barons reach the end point of the story of enclosure through utter heartbreak over what became of us. The gift can do this, if we acknowledge it as a subtle, nonviolent insurrection.
Yes, Corrie!!! Exactly the part that hit me in the gut, “I don’t recommend asking how you can be of service if you insist on having a plan for the year ahead.” The hardest work (for me) is suspending my great and grand plans for the path ahead, the way it is all going to work out, where and how I am going to serve/help and how I am going to be supported, in turn. I haven’t quite stopped worrying about ME!!! What about ME!!! Still working….And, I am
having a great many “divine appointments” along the way. Those I am saying YES to without hesitation. “Please instruct me how I may best serve, that I may build my capacity to be a support in courageously meeting this great unravelling.”
What a worthy adventure! You get that it’s not in the knowing, it’s in the caring, and moving forward however you can on a hard-to-see path. Your feet know the way. You may come across a bent tree indicating someone has walked it before. Whether divine appointment or Don Quixote, your words and example inspire this Sancho Panza. With all the overwhelming loud drumbeats for war, retribution against the poor, hate-mongering against immigrants, designed to keep us from suspending disbelief and seeing that there is another way, you follow that hard-to-see path. You see it, and share it.
This is a big question, and more than I can answer here. When people ask me weather the work is spiritual, I'll usually point toward the root from which that word grows: breath. The work is breathing, which means it is alive, which means that all who are involved--animal, plant, wind, weather, human--are precious beyond measure.
Thank you for sharing this story. I now better understand the importance of starting each day with a clearer intention of finding how my life can best serve this world and a desire to start crafting a suitable objective. I'll let you know what I come up with... 🧡
“I don’t recommend asking how you can be of service if you insist on having a plan for the path ahead” this part! If everyone grasped this? And the mission statement of “not helping poor people get rich but rich people be in voluntary impoverishment” so much this! I know a bunch of people (in “leadership” on social media) who I wish with all my heart would be open to this wisdom for *these times*
Hi to Maizey the corn dog 🐾
Thank you for this, Corrie. I'm glad to hear that these phrases stir the pot there. Best to you, Adam
My African teacher, Malidoma Somé, continually surprised me with his knowledge of British culture. Improbably, one of his favourite books was ‘Jane Eyre’. He used to liken me to Robin Hood, for my capacity to liberate top dollar from the Machine and channel it into something more interesting. Alas, my wiring has changed and that particular capacity is currently diminished… I dream that others will find creative ways to face off the various Sheriffs of Nottingham and bring bags of gold to where they can be beautifully deployed.
I imagine and plead for a scenario whereby the sheriffs and the barons reach the end point of the story of enclosure through utter heartbreak over what became of us. The gift can do this, if we acknowledge it as a subtle, nonviolent insurrection.
Yes, Corrie!!! Exactly the part that hit me in the gut, “I don’t recommend asking how you can be of service if you insist on having a plan for the year ahead.” The hardest work (for me) is suspending my great and grand plans for the path ahead, the way it is all going to work out, where and how I am going to serve/help and how I am going to be supported, in turn. I haven’t quite stopped worrying about ME!!! What about ME!!! Still working….And, I am
having a great many “divine appointments” along the way. Those I am saying YES to without hesitation. “Please instruct me how I may best serve, that I may build my capacity to be a support in courageously meeting this great unravelling.”
Good stuff, David.
What a worthy adventure! You get that it’s not in the knowing, it’s in the caring, and moving forward however you can on a hard-to-see path. Your feet know the way. You may come across a bent tree indicating someone has walked it before. Whether divine appointment or Don Quixote, your words and example inspire this Sancho Panza. With all the overwhelming loud drumbeats for war, retribution against the poor, hate-mongering against immigrants, designed to keep us from suspending disbelief and seeing that there is another way, you follow that hard-to-see path. You see it, and share it.
Thanks!
Never a dull moment here. Thank you, Sally.
A more lovely and humble request for support I could not imagine. Many blessings and thanks for your work Adam.
This is very kind, Laurie. Thank you.
Im curious, it sounds like from this conversation you decided you should keep out the parts related to your spiritual/theological roots, why?
This is a big question, and more than I can answer here. When people ask me weather the work is spiritual, I'll usually point toward the root from which that word grows: breath. The work is breathing, which means it is alive, which means that all who are involved--animal, plant, wind, weather, human--are precious beyond measure.
Thank you for sharing this story. I now better understand the importance of starting each day with a clearer intention of finding how my life can best serve this world and a desire to start crafting a suitable objective. I'll let you know what I come up with... 🧡
This is lifetimes of learning, what you have described. I am taking tentative first baby steps.