[Dialogue] [Oe List ...] Spirit of the 20's

Thu Aug 29 19:26:48 PDT 2019

The interior council or meditative council is interesting relative to issue of separation.  Last week I was leading a conversation on exploring our interior council of voices who affect who we are and what we are about.  One woman suddenly said"  my goodness becoming conscious of my council really puts an end to seeing myself as self- contained and separate , an ego unto myself.  I had never thought of that exercise in that way but wow it deepened the conversation for everyone.  The pearl if you like.Jeanette StanfieldSent from my Bell Samsung device over Canada's largest network.
-------- Original message --------From: Robertson Work via OE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net> Date: 2019-08-29  9:13 p.m.  (GMT-05:00) To: Jo Nelson <jnelson at ica-associates.ca>, Colleague Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net>, Ellie Stock <elliestock at aol.com>, oe at lists.wedgeblade.net Cc: Robertson Work <warkers at msn.com> Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] [Dialogue]  Spirit of the 20's 

Yes, Jo! So much is needed now. Everyone has a piece to give. Where ever you are, you are at the center of the world and your actions ripple outward to the whole. This is not a time to give in to tiredness or despair. This is the time to give it all you've
 got where ever you are, whatever your resources or relationships. And as Jack Gilles reminded us, the roles and actions of elders are unique and powerful. I for one have recently shifted from consulting and teaching to writing, climate/justice activism and
 grandparenting. 

What about you? What are you doing these days to save the world, person by person, community by community, organization by organization, network by network?     

................................................................................................

Recent book: A Compassionate Civilization: The Urgency of Sustainable Development and Mindful Activism - Reflections and Recommendations https://www.amazon.com/dp/1546972617

Blog: https://compassionatecivilization.blogspot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertsonwork/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionatecivilization/ 

From: Jo Nelson <jnelson at ica-associates.ca>
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2019 8:35 PM
To: Colleague Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net>; Ellie Stock <elliestock at aol.com>; oe at lists.wedgeblade.net <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
Cc: Robertson Work <warkers at msn.com>
Subject: Re: Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] Spirit of the 20's

I think that facilitating respectful communication in workplaces and communities to bring people together, to create a multifaceted worldview that they are part of rather than a divided us/them worldview also addresses the contradiction
 of separation. 

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Outlook for iOS

From: Dialogue <dialogue-bounces at lists.wedgeblade.net> on behalf of Robertson Work via Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2019 8:19:56 PM
To: Ellie Stock <elliestock at aol.com>; dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net>; oe at lists.wedgeblade.net <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
Cc: Robertson Work <warkers at msn.com>
Subject: Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] Spirit of the 20's

Beautifully, powerfully stated, Ellie. Thank you. 

So if we are on target with the vision and the contradiction, what are the strategic directions that would deal with the contradiction and move toward the vision? As you say, love/compassion, and an understanding of the interconnected nature of all reality
 and of the self. In Buddhism this would be called waking up to the realities of interdependence, impermanence and suffering, and vowing to relieve the suffering of all sentient beings. In Christianity it would be experiencing grace or reunion with self, others,
 and the ground of being, and dedicating your life to love the neighbor (all neighbors) as yourself. And in my view this must be done in an integral manner: changing individual mindsets and behaviors, and transforming collective cultures and systems. 

Other views?

................................................................................................

Recent book: A Compassionate Civilization: The Urgency of Sustainable Development and Mindful Activism - Reflections and Recommendations https://www.amazon.com/dp/1546972617

Blog: https://compassionatecivilization.blogspot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertsonwork/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionatecivilization/ 

From: Ellie Stock <elliestock at aol.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2019 7:53 PM
To: dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net>; oe at lists.wedgeblade.net <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
Cc: warkers at msn.com <warkers at msn.com>
Subject: Re: Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] Spirit of the 20's

From a Christian perspective, Tillich was a good next step in articulating the reality of "sin".

For me another definition from the Christian perspective makes more sense:   The reality is that everything is connected and interrelated.  "Sin" is thinking, acting, living "as if" we were separated from the primal Energy of Life, humanity, and all creation
 which leads to destructive patterns of behavior towards all life.

Love/compassion is the antidote.  The call to demonstrate inclusive, unconditional love through our knowing, doing, and being is based on the interconnectedness/interrelatedness of All and therefore builds up rather than tears down.

Ellie 
elliestock at aol.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Robertson Work via Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net>
To: Order Ecumenical Community <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>; dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net>
Cc: Robertson Work <warkers at msn.com>
Sent: Thu, Aug 29, 2019 06:20 PM
Subject: Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] Spirit of the 20's

Dear A.M.,

Now that is a deep question, friend. Thank you. Would love to hear your and other's answers. 

A few of my thoughts: If a contradiction is that which is blocking a vision, what is the vision? If the vision is of humanity realizing its full potential to love all beings (all people and all nature), then what is blocking that from being realized? From my
 point of view, the human contradiction is the illusion that the self is a separate, independent, unchanging entity that must be protected and promoted at the expense of any and every other reality. This is based on ignorance of the true
 nature of the self as interdependent, impermanent, and in a state of suffering. That statement is from a Buddhist perspective. A Christian perspective on the contradiction seems to be very similar. Human beings are in a state of sin, which Paul TIllich clarifies
 as: "sin is separation from self, others, and the ground of being." This fundamental error of perception of the self is that which pits the self against all others and even its own nature. This is a tragic ontological narcissism
 and solipsism - the belief that "I" am all that matters or even exists, and therefore I can and must do whatever I need to do to subjugate other beings to my will and my glory.

What do you think? 

In solidarity,

Rob

................................................................................................

Recent book: A Compassionate Civilization: The Urgency of Sustainable Development and Mindful Activism - Reflections and Recommendations https://www.amazon.com/dp/1546972617

Blog: https://compassionatecivilization.blogspot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertsonwork/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionatecivilization/ 

From: OE <oe-bounces at lists.wedgeblade.net> on behalf of A.M. Noel via OE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2019 8:01 AM
To: Order Ecumenical Community <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
Cc: A.M. Noel <anthonymarianoel at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] Spirit of the 20's

We always knew when we are able to articulate the contradiction. We could come up with what is possible, Are we willing to articulate what is the human contradiction?

A.M. Noel

On Thu, Aug 29, 2019 at 7:31 AM Jack Gilles via OE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:

John and Colleagues,

You have laid out the classic analysis of the existential crisis the world is facing very well. Indeed, the collective threat to our human and planetary existence is before us. What is obvious is that the pain will increase; for all of us. There will be
 no escape. We will all weep at the destruction of the planet and the dehumanization forces react to the fear they feel. Let these tears cleanse our hearts and clear the dust from our minds. We will rejoice at the signs of possibilities that so many will demonstrate
 daily, even though they also face the wind that can blow out the candles of hope. Cruelty will grow, greed will flourish and the beast will roar. Courage will be in big demand. 

So many years ago, amazingly we saw it coming, although we had no idea of the particulars. You can remember and resonate to the words of wisdom that were spoken then. “Without a NRM there will be no NSV”. “Although we are engaged in the campaigns of Awakenment
 and Demonstration, the day after tomorrow we will only be doing the Third Campaign, Caring for those who Care.” “Discerning the Contradiction is the key to creative change”. “Never attack directly, indirection is the way”. And wow, all the learnings we amassed!
 We failed at replication, but now we know why. We failed at expanding Religious Houses, but now we know why. We failed at renewing the historical Christian church, but now we know why. And that wisdom needs to be collected and shared. Thus the mission of the
 Living Archives. It is now time to share that wisdom, but not just everyone, but with the newly awakened ones, those who discovered the Second Mountain, as David Brooks describes it. With those who have discovered the primacy of the local but have done so
 in partnership with the living Earth. We can trust the Mystery to raise up stones in amazing ways. New life will fill “dem bones”. New poetry, stories, songs and symbols will left hearts and strengthen spines. 

Enough of the words. Practically what do we do? Most of us are long-in-the tooth, so we must discern our elder role and develop the strategy to make it happen. Time is short to do so. Maybe the ICA’s is the vehicle, maybe not. We lost something when we
 shifted from Global language to National language. The nation state is a social vehicle that will not work, it is dead, but sure does look at act alive (I mean it doesn’t represent the way life is anymore). So start with our Grid. Watch the TED talk on the
 50 Urban Nodes that have emerged (these are the Areas from our Grid). Listen to the wisdom of Larry Ward and Peggy Rowe (see Larry’s short TED talk). Become fluent in speaking of what we called the NRM. See how it is indeed the absolute requirement to lead
 in the creation of the NSV. Understand the dynamics of the creative process and how our Socilal Process work reveals the wisdom of how it happens and review the Pressure Points and Whistle Points for their relevance today and have they shifted? Grasp the dynamics
 and forms of The Wayside Inn and how it can function. And so much more. Perhaps we need a forum to 

On Aug 28, 2019, at 16:36, John Epps via OE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:

The Spirit of the 20’s
John Epps, August 2019

The categories for determining the spirit of a decade supposedly come from Kierkegaard: An External Situation creates an Internal Crisis which raises an Existential Question from which we try to Escape. I’ve used them in trying to assess the situation since
 the 60’s. Here we go again:

The Prevailing Spirit:
Our External Situation is best characterized as one of THREAT. Economically, health care costs are rising astronomically, the move away from fossil fuels and the trade war with China have put markets in turmoil and talk of recession is in the air. Politically,
 we have cut off alliances and find Russia, N. Korea, and Iran all upgrading their nuclear capabilities. USA Congress seems unable to act. Culturally, we are besieged with increased numbers of immigrants and mass shootings now appear commonplace. And encompassing
 all this chaos is the Earth’s environment which appears to be undergoing dangerous changes due to global warming.

All this has generated or contributed to an Internal Crisis of FEAR. We increasingly fear those who differ from us, whether by race, gender identification, nationality, or ideology. Everything different seems a threat, and we fear the changes already
 in progress. Compromise seems weak, and we’re increasingly in a black or white situation: agree or fight.

The Existential Question in this situation is HOW CAN WE SURVIVE? With the environment collapsing and threats at every turn, what can we do? Problems seem too big to tackle, and local action, while effective, remains local while the issues are larger.
 Institutions we developed to address larger issues appear paralyzed: CONGRESS, UN, NATO, NAFTA, ASEAN, Treaties with Iran and the Paris Accords for Climate all appear ineffective in providing remedies. Attempts to inact gun control legislation, despite agreement
 from both parties, cannot move through Congress. 

We Escape through BLAMESTORMING; we look for scapegoats for each issue, then cast them as enemies toward which hatred is the only suitable relation. We demonize NRA, GOP, “Moscow Mitch,” Trump, Kim, Putin, Refugees, Democrats, Immigrants, Socialists,
 and many others. Extreme hostility takes the guise of radical nationalism attempting to band “us” against “them” or in too many cases, mass shootings aimed at eliminating “them.”

Towards an Authentic Response:
This is where we meet the question of God today: wrestling with the question of responding to threats to our existence.

Local action may be the most we can do, and since that makes a difference, should be pursued with vigor. Maybe, over time, the mass changes needed can come from local people.

The threats are real. The status quo cannot and will not survive. The future is really open and unpredictable. We can, however, have a hand in inventing it.

Your comments, additions, corrections, and insights are most welcome. 

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