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Posted: February 15th, 2008 at 2:44am By: Anne E. Ulvestad
"Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears, while we all sup sorrow with the poor; There's a song that will linger forever in our ears; Oh, hard times, come again no more."
— Stephen Foster
Everyone, without exception, is struggling to be happy. We all yearn for many different physical, substantial things, things that can be bought or obtained by hard work and effort, or deceit and treachery. Some people would want a larger house; others would prefer a more powerful car. Some would just be content with clean water or a seat in the shade. We all want things, including the end of hardship and struggle.
Now, let us say we got that house, and are seated in the backyard, in the shade of the flowering tree, drinking a cool glass of water. That is the time when we feel safe, when we can "let our hair down" and be ourselves. That is the time when we can allow ourselves to encounter the deeper connection that names "me" as an individual and yet a real part of a vast wholeness.
The purity of the connection comes from the lack of distraction. Distraction can come from a lack of the minimal necessities of food, clothing and shelter. It can just as easily come from a need for simplicity, silence and reflection time. In this crowded, noisy world, in this "concrete jungle," finding beauty that calms and engages the soul is challenging.
I feel that this scenario is relevant to most of us. We are frustrated, if not discontented, with the ways of the world. Despite the scientific and technological advances of the 21st century, we are still at war with each other and perhaps feeling guilty that so many are still going hungry and being abused. As Parker J. Palmer puts it, we have turned "wisdom into information, community into consumerism, politics into manipulation, destiny into DNA — making it increasingly difficult to find nourishment for the hungers of the heart."
And yet, as I wrote last week, we are definitely expanding our consciousness. We are naming our desires — a chance to live an improved lifestyle by demanding healthier food choices; an improving educational standard for many of our women and children; an increase of humanitarian aid throughout the world, with a growing number of non-governmental organizations advocating for human rights, the environment, and social programs.
Where does the wave of expansion begin? The mighty river is set in motion with a single drop of water, our collective consciousness with a single idea. That inspiration or design is then given a direction, and a purpose. An intention is declared, defined and presented. A foundation and common base is laid, utilizing tradition and, in this day and age, because of our hubris, reconciliation. Our technology allows us to be creative and think outside the box. This is how we can hope to accomplish great things in a minimal amount of time.
And our leaders must be willing to yield. A holistic solution, one that reflects the "web of life," is based on humility, not power; depth, not acquisition, and it seeks to support the other rather than the self. I believe it begins with a single individual naming a goal — a goal that engages his or her soul. Tired of the atmosphere and the climate of our times, tired of the emptiness and superficiality, one individual can reverse the self-destruction and choose/declare a life of connection, resilience and love.
Reflect on it. What is one thing that you can do, that you are doing? What is one goal that you can name that shows an ethic of caring, that you can celebrate in your daily life? What are you engaging in that supports an environment that encourages the root connection in yourself and others who are also searching for a compassionate and caring way of life? Name it, and then tell your story to someone.
— — —
Anne E. Ulvestad is a free-lance writer residing in Maryland. Having gotten her MA in earth literacy, she is now embarking on the further adventures of a Ph.D. in Wisdom Studies. She is available for public lectures and group presentations and rituals on Spirituality and the Environment. Anne can be reached at {email anne@ourplaceintheuniverse.com}anne@ourplaceintheuniverse.com{/email}. © Copyright 2008 by Anne E. Ulvestad.
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"Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears, while we all sup sorrow with the poor; There's a song that will linger forever in our ears; Oh, hard times, come again no more."
— Stephen Foster
Everyone, without exception, is struggling to be happy. We all yearn for many different physical, substantial things, things that can be bought or obtained by hard work and effort, or deceit and treachery. Some people would want a larger house; others would prefer a more powerful car. Some would just be content with clean water or a seat in the shade. We all want things, including the end of hardship and struggle.
Now, let us say we got that house, and are seated in the backyard, in the shade of the flowering tree, drinking a cool glass of water. That is the time when we feel safe, when we can "let our hair down" and be ourselves. That is the time when we can allow ourselves to encounter the deeper connection that names "me" as an individual and yet a real part of a vast wholeness.
The purity of the connection comes from the lack of distraction. Distraction can come from a lack of the minimal necessities of food, clothing and shelter. It can just as easily come from a need for simplicity, silence and reflection time. In this crowded, noisy world, in this "concrete jungle," finding beauty that calms and engages the soul is challenging.
I feel that this scenario is relevant to most of us. We are frustrated, if not discontented, with the ways of the world. Despite the scientific and technological advances of the 21st century, we are still at war with each other and perhaps feeling guilty that so many are still going hungry and being abused. As Parker J. Palmer puts it, we have turned "wisdom into information, community into consumerism, politics into manipulation, destiny into DNA — making it increasingly difficult to find nourishment for the hungers of the heart."
And yet, as I wrote last week, we are definitely expanding our consciousness. We are naming our desires — a chance to live an improved lifestyle by demanding healthier food choices; an improving educational standard for many of our women and children; an increase of humanitarian aid throughout the world, with a growing number of non-governmental organizations advocating for human rights, the environment, and social programs.
Where does the wave of expansion begin? The mighty river is set in motion with a single drop of water, our collective consciousness with a single idea. That inspiration or design is then given a direction, and a purpose. An intention is declared, defined and presented. A foundation and common base is laid, utilizing tradition and, in this day and age, because of our hubris, reconciliation. Our technology allows us to be creative and think outside the box. This is how we can hope to accomplish great things in a minimal amount of time.
And our leaders must be willing to yield. A holistic solution, one that reflects the "web of life," is based on humility, not power; depth, not acquisition, and it seeks to support the other rather than the self. I believe it begins with a single individual naming a goal — a goal that engages his or her soul. Tired of the atmosphere and the climate of our times, tired of the emptiness and superficiality, one individual can reverse the self-destruction and choose/declare a life of connection, resilience and love.
Reflect on it. What is one thing that you can do, that you are doing? What is one goal that you can name that shows an ethic of caring, that you can celebrate in your daily life? What are you engaging in that supports an environment that encourages the root connection in yourself and others who are also searching for a compassionate and caring way of life? Name it, and then tell your story to someone.
— — —
Anne E. Ulvestad is a free-lance writer residing in Maryland. Having gotten her MA in earth literacy, she is now embarking on the further adventures of a Ph.D. in Wisdom Studies. She is available for public lectures and group presentations and rituals on Spirituality and the Environment. Anne can be reached at {email anne@ourplaceintheuniverse.com}anne@ourplaceintheuniverse.com{/email}. © Copyright 2008 by Anne E. Ulvestad.
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