TURNING TO FALL

On September 21^st, the Medicine Wheel turned to fall, and according to my mentor, Angeles Arrien, this time of year puts an emphasis on telling the truth of our experience without blame or judgment. This is a tall order and something I’ve been giving some thought to as the season changed. What will it mean for me and whoever is my audience if I simply speak about the truth of my experience without blaming or judging? And, how about when others are telling me the truth of their experience? Can I receive the information without taking on blame or feeling judged? Can I simply accept their perception of “the way things are,” and let it be? Can I let go of convincing others that my perceptions are the “right” ones?

A wise teacher said, “Sacrificing truth for harmony leads to dysfunction.” We have all experienced the dysfunction that comes from avoiding the truth. I am learning to be more truthful with myself and others, and I’m finding that this practice is leading me to more intimate conversations and relationships. But, it doesn’t always lead to immediate peace and tranquility.  If I am to be more truthful and encourage others to do the same, I have to be ready for some challenging conversations. And, of course, I must always check my motivation before I launch into some difficult topic or opinion. What is it that I am hoping to accomplish? Is this a time to speak or to keep my own countenance?

But, I am not only trying to be more forthcoming about difficult truths. I am also trying to be more outspoken in my honest compliments, affirmations, gratitude, and the sharing of my personal joys and triumphs. In other words, I am trying to be more authentically seen. These are important challenges and ones I hope you will join me in.

As we approach Halloween and All Souls Day, take time to recall relatives and/or friends who passed to the world of spirit. Remember the best things about them that you can carry forward in your own life and being, and forgive and root out their shortcomings that may have shown up in your life in some way.

Fall is also a time of “gathering in,” or harvest. Take inventory of the things you have learned in the year thus far that nourished you and will sustain you throughout the winter? Notice what you have accomplished and what is yet to be done.

As you know, I provide workshops, trainings, and retreats throughout the year that are meant to be experiences in diversity, spiritual development, and positive psychology. This summer I had the joy and honor to present Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of “Sweet Honey in the Rock,” for a day of learning African American history in oral tradition through story and song. What a magnificent day it was! Dr. Ana Nogales of Nogales Counseling Center and La Casa de la Familia in Southern California offered an opening prayer dedicating the day to mutual understanding and the richness of diversity. Fifty-seven people of all ages had gathered that day and struggled at first to keep a cadence and sing a simple song together. We just could not do it! By the end of the day, this same group of mostly non-singers was singing seven-part harmony Spirituals and Gospels and songs of the Civil Rights movement and sounding GOOD! We had learned so much in that brief time, and we had such fun doing it. We had learned to tackle something new and difficult, and to be patient with ourselves and others. We learned to be exacting, and that voices that might not sound great alone, sound magnificent when joined with others. We learned about community and working with people similar and unlike ourselves to accomplish a goal. We dropped some of our inhibitions and danced.  It was an unforgettable day that ended with a man in the group spontaneously singing a Lakota chant to Dr. Barnwell in thanksgiving for the gifts of the experience. John Malloy gave us that beautiful ending.

Though everyone at the event enthusiastically requested that Dr. Barnwell make a return visit, I thought it was unlikely due to her extensive tour schedule. But, as it turns out, she will return for another training on August 21, 2010. Save the date! It will be unforgettable. If you want to see her in performance with “Sweet Honey in The Rock” they will be at Zellerbach on April 22, 2010, and not to be missed!

If you are a woman reading this newsletter, set aside Saturday, January 30, 2010, for a women’s retreat to be held at The Institute for Noetic Sciences on the Marin/Sonoma County line. Luisah Teish and I will help you “Awaken From the Dream of Winter” and set your intention for the year that will have just begun. Teish and I have already begun planning a deep and joyful day. It is quite likely that Dana Patterson will come from Tucson to provide intuitive guidance. More about that later. . .

Finally, as we move into the holiday season, take time to plan occasions with friends and family that are meaningful and mindful, rather than rushed and stressful. The holidays are meant to be magical and filled with awe. And they can be.

Many Blessings on Your Journey,