“Turning and turning in the widening gyre, the falcon cannot hear the falconer; things fall apart; the center cannot hold; the ceremony of innocence is drowned; the best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.”
‘The Second Coming’ ~ William Butler Yeats (1919)
To be honest, in our heart of hearts we’ve always sensed it would be a race against time – a gnawing knowing that the waves of change set in motion by our polarized beliefs and behaviors would eventually reach the shores of daily life and cause massive disruption.
That time is now upon us and many are wondering if it is too late to stem the tide and ward off the inevitable results of collective choices made over the recent decades. Viewed from one perspective, presented to us through the global media, it appears our society is in free-fall and very soon will hit the rocks. In this likely scenario, I can see three possibilities and all three may be present simultaneously.
Depending on the degree of spiritual resiliency acquired and embodied individually and as a community, we will either, “Bounce, Bruise or Break.”
Bounce – as a result of our lives already having an upward trajectory toward living spiritual values and embracing soul qualities…
Bruise – because, although full of aspiration and a measure of goodwill, we remain somewhat attached to material and emotional needs and less-than-flexible belief systems. Thus, a bumpy ride is guaranteed…
Break – whenever personal identity, security and survival are tied up with the preservation of form over the liberation and expression of the indwelling Life, it is inevitable that we will “go down with the ship…”
So, do we have the necessary skill and time to arrest or slow down the rate of free-fall and counter the downward trend driving us into the ground? We may not be able to mend the broken weather patterns but we do have it in our power to mend the fractured body of our human family – one broken relationship at a time.
What will make the real difference and help turn things around? At Meditation Mount we firmly believe there is a tipping point that happens when we shift our focus from investing energy in the survival of the separated self and make the needed re-investment of life-energy in serving and supporting the Common Good.
This is more than a belief – it is a knowing founded on a deep understanding and appreciation, over many years, of the three Principles of Essential Divinity, Goodwill and Unanimity with their Pathways of Spiritual Approach, Right Human Relations and Group Endeavor. The Pathways help lead to a realization and application of the three spiritual Principles in the daily round of life. These Principles and Pathways stand as pillars at the heart of the Mount’s Mission and work in the world – forming a solid foundation upon which a more just and joyful society will arise.
Choosing to serve the Good of the Whole is a benevolent act-of-will that places a wayward society and our wandering feet firmly back on the path toward health and wholeness where the part does not exploit the whole but adds to the wellbeing of all. Basically stated, the saving force needed right now is loving kindness, unconditional cooperation and daring.
Groups of citizens around the world are working hard to live in harmony with each other and with the whole multi-dimensional eco-system of Gaia to create a society that is truly sustainable. We are busy exploring what sustainability means from re-cycling, harnessing solar power and reducing carbon footprints to cultivating plant-based proteins, employing earth-friendly farming methods and strengthening our sense of community.
There is, however, an element often overlooked because it is invisible to the naked eye but, thankfully, not to the caring heart. We are talking of Love. Love is the most powerful sustaining force in the Universe and, according to the Ageless Wisdom teaching, is the pre-existing and prime motivating force behind Creation.
And if we are to believe that, “In the beginning was the WORD” then this original ‘intentional sound’ forms the sustaining note of loving intent that guarantees the continuity of Life and provides cohesion among all elements of creation. If Love were to stop Her singing, the world would cease to exist.
Our clear task in the coming months and years is to create the resilient heart wherein the inextinguishable flame of the Fire of Love may burn brightly and provide the needed inner security and assurance during these times of testing, turmoil and transition. As one era passes and a new one takes its place, it is vital to our survival and ‘thrival’ as a species and a planet that the resilient loving heart fully awakens and becomes the guiding and governing force on Earth.
May we each play our part with joyful resolve in this urgent global project to ensure that the love of power is swiftly replaced by the power of love. So be it!
“Thank God our time is now when wrong Comes up to face us everywhere, Never to leave us till we take The longest stride of soul we ever took. Affairs are now soul size. The enterprise Is exploration into God. Where are you making for? It takes So many thousand years to wake, But will you wake for pity’s sake!” ‘A Sleep of Prisoners’ ~ Christopher Fry
Michael Lindfield Board President Meditation mount
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