Those of us who are students of history, and others of us who are walking around with our eyes wide open and something resembling a long view, can clearly see what is happening all around us right now. The crumbling of empire; the excruciating death-throes of a centuries-old cultural mythology. So it’s not very original of me to say that we’re in a time of crisis. Crisis in one of the original meanings of the word: from the Latinised form of the Greek word krisis, meaning ‘the turning point in a disease’. The point at which the sick person could get better or worse. It’s a critical moment, a choice point. And that’s where it feels we are now: at a turning point in the disease of modern Western civilisation.
A turning point, rather than an end point. The apocalypse isn’t now. That isn’t to say there won’t be a reckoning, but difficult as the times might be, we’re not quite there yet. Right now we’re caught between the old world, trying desperately to salvage its family jewels and heirlooms as the house burns down around it, and the faint glimmer of hopeful light on the far horizon that might point to the new. The dice haven’t yet fallen; there’s everything to play for.
Which is where we come in.
The oldest recorded European philosophies and cosmologies – dating back at least two and a half thousand years to Ancient Greece, for example – offer up a view of human potential and of our place in the world which is both beautiful and compelling.
We’re not here to be safe, those texts tell us, but to risk everything. We didn’t come here for the purpose which contemporary Western society seems to want us to believe we’re here for: to aspire to accumulating sufficient wealth so that we can ‘retire’ at the age of 60 or thereabouts, to a nice house in a nice safe neighbourhood, to stop work and play golf or go on round-the-world cruises, to stop being useful and wait to die. It’s not that we shouldn’t hope for safety and pleasure in our lives – but these things shouldn’t be our primary motivation. We’re here to risk everything to fulfil our calling, to walk wholeheartedly along the path which leads us there, even if that path sometimes is dangerous, or hard.
Plato most clearly expressed this idea in his ‘Myth of Er’. He suggested that before each of us is born, our soul selects a purpose for us to fulfil during our time on Earth. Each soul must pass under the throne of the goddess Ananke (‘Necessity’) – the mother of the Fates, and the one who, Plato said, helps establish what is necessary for each soul to do or to be before it enters the world. After what we intend to accomplish has been agreed, we travel to the Plain of Oblivion where Lethe, the river of forgetfulness flows; once we’ve drunk from its waters, we emerge into life completely ignorant of the fate we’ve chosen. But we’re not abandoned by the gods: we’re accompanied into this life by a ‘daimon’ – a spiritual companion who acts as a ‘carrier of our destiny’, and helps to remind us to fulfil it.
And so, these old ancestral beliefs tell us, we bring into this world, and carry inside us, a unique, innate vision – a kind of concealed invisible potential – which we are intended to express during the course of our lives. We came here to bring to this world a unique gift that only we can express in this world, in this place, at this time. That agreement which we made with Necessity – the mother of the three Fates whose spinnings and weavings and snippings keep the world in balance – is our link back to the Divine, the Beloved, the Source.
That gift isn’t just about the unfolding and growth of our own individual soul – it’s about serving the unfolding of the cosmos, and participating in its journey of becoming. It’s the source of our unique capacity to transform the world, to become an eager participant in its becoming.
At turning points like this, the soul’s purpose is not about survival. It’s not about playing it safe. I repeat: it’s about risking everything. It’s why we chose to come – every one of us – to this world, in this place, at this time. We’re living in alchemical times – each one of us immersed in a crucible designed for the forging of souls. And in true alchemical fashion, by the application of heat, a strange kind of transformation occurs. A purification. If we can hold still there in the face of the fire, we become more essentially who we always meant to be. The dross is burned away. It’s time now to let ourselves be forged, even if the flames sometimes hurt and the blaze feeds a longing for which there’s no cure.
The first thing we have to do, to allow this process to unfold, is to stop all this despair. Stop writing the world off. Stop writing ourselves off. That’s hubris. Because we know nothing about what is going on here – other than the necessity of going on. As Samuel Beckett writes at the end of his novel The Unnameable: ‘where I am, I don’t know, I’ll never know, in the silence you don’t know, you must go on, I can’t go on, I’ll go on.’ But in order to go on, we have to wake up.
So it’s time for each one of us to evaluate how we can step forward now, and step up to the challenges of the times. Those of us who have been more comfortable, or who have felt safer, hiding in the shadows. Those of us who have hogged the light for all the wrong reasons. Those of us who have been lost and haven’t known which way to go. All the exiles, the edge-dwellers, the non-belongers. The world needs us now; it’s why we chose to be here. Haven’t you always known it somehow, all along? Somewhere on the edge of a myth; somewhere in the deep forest of a story, somewhere in the drowning pool of a dream?
We have to become the tradition-bearers for a changing world. And the beauty of it is our diversity. There is no single way to do this; no dogma, no One True Path. My way is no better than yours, any more than your way is better than mine; it just settles more easily into the heart-chambers of a different group of souls. This isn’t a competition. Competition – and dogma – got us into the mess we’re in now.
For some of us, stepping forward will take courage. We might wonder if we’re ready, if we know enough. We probably don’t, and I’ve always believed that a little honest humility is everything. None of us has all the answers. But we each have a little piece of the puzzle, and together we can make a whole. Because we can’t do this alone – even those of us who are natural loners. No matter how difficult it might be, we have to build alliances, create community – focus on feeding friendships and not defeating foes.
We are – each one of us – a necessary part of this world’s becoming; we were intended to be here, and now. But we’re not here to coast. We’re here to show up. It’s what, quite literally, we were born to do.
Moved to the depths of my soul. Thank you for this insight. Blessings
On the path, artist, activist for political change, given up on mainstream.
Stick with people who are real now and look for community, that way a new nation can be foeged
Dear Sharon what a beautiful piece of writing,, so inspiring and stimulating hope. Thank you. I hope you are happily ensconced in your new home.
Best wishes,
Blessings.
Terri Conroy
That was wonderful, and I hope it was helpful to those who read it. I don’t know where or when I read the idea but have believed it that we know before we are born why we are here and then have to forget it so we can carry it out. My own life has developed into being an instrument, empty of obstructions. I have practiced and read Hinduism for 70 years–had a remarkable Swami as a teacher. I just do what arises in front of me, letting people get whatever they get from me. I live in a retirement home, go nowhere, and keep attracting people who come–younger people, not residents. Safety–I have been cared for always.What I need is supplied almost before I know I need it. I’m blessed with love from others, and dearly love these who come to me. Thanks for your wonderful words.
As I read this narrative I am crying . There are times when I feel so lost .. and overwhelmed by this material world I live in … As a single mum with a teenage daughter struggling to cope with the difficulties this world is expecting her to manage .. I am exhausted by the effort of supporting.. I’m a care worker also .. the feeling to run away … come home .. hits me like a tsunami sometimes.., I just want to be me … ?
Couldn’t have said it better myself ? the time is now and it is exactly what is going on ?
Gratitude!
Yes it is, Natalia. It is now.
Thank you so much
Thank you Sharon… this is exactly what I needed to read right now.
I have been recieving your emails for a while now.
I love your thinking and this article in particular.
Its so honest.
Your words always resonate with me ….thankyou
Divine.
Your voice so resonates for me.
I delight in your capturing and expression.
Unpacking the word ‘competition’ we find its true meaning— “seeking together”. Com = together. Petition = to seek, ask, beseech. So our times are about competition. What do we seek together?
Thank you! You’ve completely nailed it… I will share this with the 24 women in my 8-month webinar series, Intuition, Alchemy and the World Soul. Everything you say here is in completely resonance with what is unfolding in our gatherings. Deeply appreciating your beautifully articulated perspective.
How deeply this article resonated with the deepest party of me and a dream I’ve been carrying in my heart for decades. Thank you for this! I retired early from teaching (at age 61) so I could dedicate the bulk of time to writing. I believe it was what I was born to do. Yet, interestingly enough (at least to me), I’ve continued to teach in various ways since retirement. I just finished teaching an online set of workshops on writing ekphrastic poetry, which was wonderful but kept me from writing for several weeks. After reading your article, I’m thinking that it isn’t really my place to figure out what my purpose is. The important thing is to keep doing the next thing that seems right, seems risky, whether it’s taking on a new writing project, showing up to the page each day, or teaching something new.
Exactly. Sometimes we can overthink it; I know I can. I’ve learned a lot about slowing down and giving up control this past year. A salutary lesson!
But what? Like Judith I gave up everything to be a writer – of fantasy but with green messages and grandmother wisdom. But it is impossible to get a publisher interested despite the positive comments they give me, asking for contributions of thousands of pounds that, as a pensioner, I do not have. What is the point of wise and wonderful words, if no one reads them?
I’m tired, disabled, and covid-afraid. How do I carry on doing something that no one wants? Your words are all, more or less, what I believe and am saying, in different words but the mythic messages are similar.
How do I know I’ve got my life purpose right? and therefore what do I do with it? I can barely walk and have minimal funds. Sorry to moan but I am so lost – which is why i’ve decided to follow your course This Mythic Life. X
Lynne, you said ‘What is the point of wise and wonderful words, if no one reads them?’ The point is that you wrote them down. I know writing can often feel hopeless and thankless, but I would encourage you that if you are finding pleasure in writing stories, that is enough. Of course, selling books and hearing that people enjoyed them would be wonderful, but do not overlook what positives you get from the telling, the positives that have nothing to do with end readers. You learn, and you learn about yourself when you write stories. I wish you much luck, hope, and happiness.
Lynne – have you considered self-publishing? Your writing sounds like something River Sanctuary Publishing in Felton, CA does. They have published three of my self-publishing books, two of which are on Amazon. Give Annie Elizabeth Porter a chance to see your stuff and give you a fair arrangement.
As the “first wave” of COVID-19 was making itself known and experienced throughout the world, there was a substantial current online, on TV, in print, and in more-or-less serious discussion, of how the pandemic was giving us an opportunity to “do life” in new ways.
The behemoth was halted in its crushing path, at least for awhile.
I actually hoped that some major re-evaluation could take place and that some creative changes would be developed that fundamentally put us on a path of more respect for our planetary home and its many inhabitants beyond ourselves. Such changes would require learning to live more respectively among ourselves. We would need to stop the perpetual competition between nationalities and cultures, between faiths and religions, between political systems and economies, between person and person. We would need to live beyond our habitual practice of exploitation.
I hoped for that, but did so with little belief that it would take place. What we have seen instead has been a headlong rush to do exactly what we have been doing before and “to hell with the hindmost.”
Look how well that is going. Maybe, just maybe, we should give refocusing another try.
Thank you, Sharon, for your excellent writing and your deep understanding. It is truly inspiring.
Lynne
My sense is you simply let go of all the practical issues and keep writing and asking your
Divine Self to provide. I find that as I ask for what I need and then fully let go it somehow comes. Be open to receive and let go of all fear – the more you do this the easier it gets.
Thank you, Sharon. Perfect. Concise. Validating. And thank you Judith Sornberger. “keep doing the next thing that seems right, seems risky, whether its taking on a new ………” I would add, it doesn’t even have to be risky. It’s just pay attention to what shows up. Follow the guidance. That could or not be risky. We don’t have to have a grand plan any more. In fact jumping too far ahead may be mistake. Which we learn from. But, instead of jumping ahead, be present with intent to pay attention. Feel the fear when it pops up. Name it and, with compassion, brush it aside. Forgive ourselves and others. Move forward one step at a time with Radical Trust. We are ready.
That was so beautiful!! I’ve never been one to shy away from risk, but I don’t know how to run a non-profit and need to find a team that can help manifest my vision. I guess I’ve been afraid to share my vision because some people might say it’s impossible. I want to help create a beautiful and artistic community where people can grow/raise most of their own food and make most of what they need themselves with shared shop space/ tools/ resources to use creatively for income generation as well as personal needs. The only criteria for living there would be that you provide some product or service that the community deems desirable, by vote of residents (pottery, gardening, cooking/baking, childcare, sewing, medical/ dental, entertainment, carpentry, plumbing, etc) AND that you sponsor or care for (not necessarily in your home) someone who is unable to make a substantial contribution themselves (elderly, handicapped, someone who’s not fully functional due to trauma and/or substance abuse). This is important to attract people who care about others. I’ve seen co-housing communities in the Seattle area where I live, but they all seem to require a large buy-in which limits it to people who are stuck in high paying jobs. I want this to be available to anyone, rich or poor, and provide a way out of traditional employment. Also, I envision a much larger scale – like a whole town – but small enough to get everywhere by foot or bicycle if you’re able. There are plenty of towns that are practically empty but as soon as people start moving in, real estate prices go up. That’s why it requires good funding and a coordinated strategy. Sorry for going on and on! Hopefully it’s inspiring to someone and if anyone wants to be involved, please reply. ? ?? ?
Thank you.
Bless you, Sharon, for your clear sight and beautiful words. I am a loner, an edge-dweller, shy around people, uncomfortable speaking up and out.
I was in our local diner a couple of weeks ago, the gathering place in our tiny community, even in these times. The owner was very upset and dragged me into a corner of the kitchen “Do you know Bob Bobson? He says we are all going to be shooting each other by November!”
And out of my mouth “We are all going to need to love and take care of each other to make it through this winter and beyond.”
So very much not my usual persona speaking there. I have, since that moment, been listening for more from where-ever in my mind/soul that little tidbit emerged. Uncharted territory to explore!
Kathleen, I like you, are an edge dweller. And find myself doing the same as you describe. With humility, I am sometimes astounded with what comes out of my mouth. It’s like I have been accumulating wisdom that has been stored within and it’s now coming forward. Im no longer afraid to speak.
Thank you Sharon for articulating so clearly. Building community & connection is exactly what is needed right now
Thank you Sharon, especially appreciated the definition of krisis..the turning point in a desease that can go either way… I am thinking of our elections in two weeks and how much hangs in the balance. Which ever way it turns out we will have an enormous task ahead of us. Nothing short of a adopting a new world vièw is going to get us on a path of salvation from ourselves.
Thank you Sharon.
Everything that has been swimming around inside, so powerfully and beautifully articulated. Thank you for the infusion of excitement and clarity!
Warm greetings These previous writers say so beautifully , of the power and life in your writing Sharon. I write to also say I too am turning up, eyes opening and offering my being, my belonging here and my longing to ‘be’
Thank you, Sharon! A beautiful, timely post. It arrived right as I finished writing up a very encouraging dream with a similar message. Just linked to it from my blog. Blessings to you and yours!
Dear Sharon, I am deeply moved and in some way redeemed by your writing. I love the way you say that there is no single way to do this; no dogma, no One True Path. As a person working with indigenous people who are working towards restoring old ways, old women’s wisdom and agro-ecosystems, saving seed diversity and healing the wounds in the community and on land, I can feel deeply when you say – “the myths in the deep forest of stories” and “drowning pools of dreams”…Perhaps you meant it in some other way but please let me take refuge in your words, metaphors and expressions…I am seeing the “tradition bearers” in so many women, old and young and in children who usually fail in formal education but who during lockdown are finding joy and meaning in sending roots into the heart of farm lands and forest landscapes…All my love and appreciation to you, dear Sharon
Thank you. And yes, ‘the times’ are bringing out the best and deepest in so many women. It’s heartening.
A time for the blossoming of potential- why then do we so fear opening out our petals, when it is far better to be a cut bloom than a withered bud? Especially in this period of such abundance, if all were lost we have learnt so much about resilience from our predecessors. Can there be purification without crisis? Does our path always have to involve suffering? Perhaps not. Though separation helps no-one and unity benefits all.
You might easily be a member of a small group of Elders (works in progress each of us!) I belong to. We were talking along very similar lines this week. We so need to connect with each other right now. Thanks for being “out there” with these things. I believe it’s time for us to stand up and be counted. Right now. xxx
“Stop the despair…” Yes! People actually beLIEve Life can end?? Impossible. Just onward forward to next manifestation, adventure, quest into the mystical mists. Would be pretty boooring, strumming’ a harp, floating above the ground on a magic cloud carpet. I mean, that might be kinda fun for a little while…especially if you could gather together some interesting souls into a little astral band––but not eternity!
Thank you. This touched me in ways that will keep unfolding, as I will keep coming back to it. There is a Greek quotation, supposedly from Pompey, “It is necessary to sail, it is not necessary to live.” It seems to speak to what you are saying.
Thank you for your wonderful words that spoke to my soul.
“We’re here to risk everything to fulfil our calling, to walk wholeheartedly along the path which leads us there, even if that path sometimes is dangerous, or hard.”
Answering the call is not easy. But now more than ever, we are called to be courageous. I feel ready to answer the call. Thank you.
I don’t remember how I first heard of you, only that one day I had a copy of If Women Rose Rooted in my hands and the next I was signing up for the Voices of the Wells course. During these last four difficult years, I have continued to follow and learn from you, and the ‘soul sisters’ I have met along the way have become dear friends.
I am so grateful to have met you and come to know you and your work. If I had not, there would be something missing in my life and I wouldn’t know what it was.
Thank you, Sharon.
Thank you too, Rosalie. It’s lovely to see the same name popping up, even if we’ve never properly met! – makes me feel like part of a community, too.
Thank you. Perfectly expressed. Have passed along on the newsfeed of the divine feminine app.
Sharon, as always, your clarity and mastery of language explains the dilemma, and then wraps it in hope. Thank you so much for this inspirational email!
Ah, now that would be a good epitaph 🙂 (Not that I’m planning on needing one for a while!) Thank you, lovely.
That is the best piece of writing of truth that so resonates with me EVER. I have felt lost and didn’t know where and what had happened, (even though I’m “educated” and my souls knows ) but this is my first time feeling lost and “in between” worlds . I totally understand what your writing about the “fire”. Now after reading this I know exactly what I need to do. I know I have to walk through the “flames” and finish what I have started …all part of the journey ..but this last piece I have to complete .
Thank you for these words, Sharon. A great inspiration and confidence boost too!
Thank you Sharon for your wise observations! You are an amazing woman! The time has come for all of us to “speak truth to power” through, guidance, healing, and service to others. Xoxo
So inspiring and helpful to read this now!
I cannot express how much this resonates with me today. Many thanks for your profoundly beautiful perspectives! ??
I feel the truth in this to my core. We are being called to rise up and let life force express itself uniquely through each one of us. And together we give each other courage to stand in our truths. Thank you for your words.
Thank you, Sharon, as always, for capturing the essence of your beautiful message. As one of the men who follow you, I appreciate your powerful messages for our mythological times.
Thanks again as always, Julian, for sticking around! Greetings to you there in beautiful Taos.
Ahhhh… Relief! You touch the gold, Sharon. Deep listening to the rhythm that is calling now; each one of us with heart-ears tuned to what is ours to hear. What an amazing time to be eldering! More, please, Sharon!
Sharon,
Reading you speak your truth so eloquently inspires me to find my voice! Here in this darkness at the age of 70, letting go of my expectations for the “good life” and taking up a mantle of eldership, I look forward to your messages. And I am keeping watch for my witch to come in the coming month. Blessings on all we do!
I wish I could hear Dr. Blackie’s voice while reading her words. Reading is one thing, but hearing her glorious softness goes directly to my heart.
Thank you for your wisdom.
It is truly a liminal time we are living in. The path is obscured, dimly lit and yet I go on; in the face of fear my soul will triumph.
Let us all therefore take hope from this that the tipping place into healing can happen soon. Let’s each be bearers of light and love to our suffering Earth and her creatures, lets hang on in there!
Dear Sharon, I hear your words strongly. Working in the NHS I am in the midst of some of the crisis, stepping in every day is tough. I know in my heart I am not doing what I really need to be doing. But as a newcomer to your work and words, I am gradually seeing I can take a different path, finding my courage, discovering who I am… doing more of the creating with fabrics that I love, growing native plant dyes, dyeing the fabrics and threads, I write with an ink pen then hand stitch my writings onto the fabric. Old ways…in a new way… Thank you
Thank you so much, Sharon! Your wonderful essay reminds me that despair is a choice, and I can choose otherwise. Really really appreciate your wisdom and your gift of seeing the big picture in a way that inspires and empowers.
Ahhh Kathleen – you have it in you to point the way – so inspiring xXx
Wonderful words, much needed. It feels like we must be half way down a very large birth canal, with all that that implies. Thank you Sharon.
Dear Sharon,
Thank you so much for writing this, I felt truth stirring, and even courage rising as I read it. Thank you for speaking to us, the edge-dwellers, and calling us forth. Our work is before us now as never before. There are no maps, but there are paths…
Sharon; Reading your latest offering comes to me in such a timely way. In the last 8 or 9 months there has been so much information crossing the links in social media and gatherings through zoom. What resonates so deeply for me are your words spoken from a female perspective. There have been so many voices coming from the male perspective and sometimes in a language that circumvents what I need to hear. I appreciate all their offerings, but this is what I resonate with in a deep way. Thank you for this because your words support where I have been in my stillness connecting and defining what I am in service to, and now positioning myself n where my action and showing up will emerge. Warmly Barb
Thank you so much for this…it is perhaps the best work I have encountered so far dealing with this global mess we’re in. It gives context, roots, and encouragement, with no easy outcome offered. It is, perhaps paradoxically, an antidote to despair. So thank you, again…diolch yn fawr.
Beautiful words well spoken. Thank you. I’m about to come out of my comfort zone, where everything is safe, as ships aren’t meant to stay in the harbour, they go out into the open sea, into the unknown. Im being pushed in some way now to make a move.
So eloquent, wise, beatufil and moving. Thank you for articulating the beauty of the truth out of the mist we may get occassionally lost in.
Thankyou for this. It feels very timely. I was just today thinking that we are here to learn a deep collective lesson and so the coming together of many disparate souls is a great chalkenge which we can only achieve or understand through Love. Still working onthese ideas!
Thank you Sharon. I quite literally found a piece of a jigsaw puzzle on the step of my new art studio a few hours before reading this. I think I should continue making art therefore! love your insights expression of them, and timing xo
Oops forged
I read this immediately after a violent episode with my 82 year old dad with dementia. .I’m safe- but trying to figure out “what do I do with him, and where can he go so he’s not in my home? There do not exist many solutions for someone who’s penniless, elderly, and without any other support system or safety net. In the US, female caretakers are the norm, and the elderly are forgotten when they are placed with family, “all settled”, while the family member gives up home, job, safety, social life, freedom, to care for the ailing parent. We female caretakers account for far more of the economy than the money spent in the “assisted living” industry.
If this is my calling, it was certainly unwanted, but maybe that’s partly the point, to be pointed in a direction I wouldn’t have gone down any other way, not by following my bliss or anything pleasant, but it’s a profound lack in our society. . Maybe part of my calling is to push for a different way of caring for our elderly, using community instead of an individual. Not putting them away in a home, but involving community to keep them/us engaged as we age. . We’ll all be elderly, if we’re lucky. This is what I grapple with as I read about “calling”. How voluntary is it? Is it following our bliss, or being compelled? The article has raised an interesting train of thought in the wake of what just occurred in my life.
Janet, it must be so difficult taking care of a parent with dementia, or with any disability for that matter. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I agree, but would extend that to anyone with a physical or mental disability as well, since they require so much care. I’ve been working on a village concept that would support all people, even those with physical or mental disabilities and even substance abuse issues. It’s similar to the One Small Town idea which you can read about at UbuntuPlanet.org. My plan differs in that more volunteer hours would be required (maybe 6 hrs/week for each able-bodied adult) and any hours not needed for community projects would be used to help neighbors. Neighbors could sign up to get help with whatever they needed. Volunteer hours could be traded or used as barter. This concept puts more value on time and less on money. Time is the only thing we all have the same amount of every day, so this system assigns the same value to each person regardless of their skill level or the type of work they do. Someone providing childcare (or elderly care) would be valued the same as a doctor or a farmer. Some people believe that without money as an incentive, nobody would go to the trouble of becoming a doctor, but I think this is false. I think humans who are taught to care for each other will step up and answer the call to become whatever is needed. Also, it’s about time to bring back apprenticeships and not rely on institutions to teach us everything. I learned a lot of stuff in college and got an engineering degree but I used very little of it in actual engineering jobs. I learned all the practical stuff from my mentor.
If anyone is interested in this village concept, I can be reached at [email protected]
I’m in the Seattle area, but it could probably be done anywhere. Blessings!
Is this the crucible or has that been the years of doubt we’ve all lived, seeing the fear and damage? I trust that this is the moment of emergence that is terrifying, after all how do you fly when you’ve never done it before? I’m no longer doubtful of my path and I will do more and from a place of stronger relationships from this time as I’ve recognized unexpected kinships. The music these women make (String Sisters) is an excellent accompaniment to your writing and my growing. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=6xrQAiTvbpM&feature=share
Ah and the ‘Kelley’ take away is that we are here to risk everything!
Gorgeous. Love to you sweetness. I am happy to think of you tending sheep and hearth. xo
Your words burn away the fog and filters to bring a remembering of who and what we are here to be and how to show up. A remembering of an ancient agreement and bond that transcends time and space.
A knowing that the forge of this life has prepared us to show up fully for what is now and what is to be. Much gratitude for your sword of truth.
I’m going to store this article safely away and read it at least once a month as a reminder to stay true to the path I’m on! Thank you, Sharon
“The apocalypse isn’t now.”
?
The apocalypse (i.e. “unveiling”) is now. And quite the unveiling it is. Truth, love and beauty are surging up all around and within us. Question is: do we have the eyes to see and the ears to hear?
Thank you for this Sharon, I felt a deep stirring at your words and a keen sense of need to come in from the edge. I am reminded of my forgetfulness! ?
You are such a deep wonderful person…I feel blessed that I have crossed paths with you.Your reflections make my heart fly
Thank you frkm Argentkns
These beautiful words just lit up my whole being. Thank you! Over the last few years I have been called deeper and deeper into the skills that are being forgotten… farming by hand, herbalism, midwifery, and now storytelling as medicine. So often I have let opportunities to serve pass me by because I feel I don’t know enough… will never know enough. I feel deeply inspired to step into my calling as I read this. I’ll be printing it off and carrying it with me, so when I find myself hesitating or wondering ‘if I dare…’ I can meet those thoughts with a ‘yes! I dare! I must!’
For the past 3 years in the deepest part of my core I’ve been hearing my name been called over and over again. I’ve been searching for that voice and I finally realized that it’s me asking myself to open and look into my true nature my life. I am a work in progress I am learning my own inner dialect and you are absolutely right it is calling me to show up and speak up is calling me to find those who are willing to listen who are willing to open themselves and listen to their own native tongue. It is calling me to read and research my heritage where my ancestors come from and to learn to teach others. It is time to not be quite anymore. Thank you, this article is absolutely beautiful, it’s what my 100 year old Crone grandmother says, “speak your truth”. Thank you!
This makes so much sense to me. I realize many things about my ‘not fitting in’ as a chosen pathway for me. And it helps me to understand my son in a much clearer light. Thank-you so much for this clear-eyed view of the world as we are living in it at this particular time.
I cannot tell you how much this piece resonates. Thank you for so eloquently conveying the direction my life is taking.
Love the ideas and sentiments expressed in the article and comments. So many older women living alone and wondering what to do, me included, finally simply doing what delights us and what is at hand, and doing it well and with awareness and love. No doubt this IS the answer to the “New crazy” we see swirling around us when all normal cultural moorings have been swept away. Sometimes the best thing we can do is to simply be aware.
I don’t know if any of you follow these wonderful ladies, Cory Morningstar and Alison McDowell but, in my opinion they bring some insight into what is going on in the globe right now of which we need to be aware and resist…by doing exactly what is suggested and exampled in this article and comments. Much love to you all, Tricia Oliphant
https://wrenchinthegears.com/2020/10/27/who-voted-in-davos-how-data-driven-government-and-the-internet-of-bodies-are-poised-to-transform-smart-sustainable-cities-into-social-impact-prisons/
http://www.wrongkindofgreen.org/2020/10/28/its-not-a-social-dilemma-its-the-calculated-destruction-of-the-social/
Thank you, Sharon, for your precious offering. A sense of harmony in movement in your words, your invitation really. Belle fin d’après-midi.
A beautiful and evocative piece, Sharon. We are in the process of turning our business upside down by shifting the focus to building community and incubating new applications of our work. What we teach serves what others want to become and do, not the other way way around.
David