Climate Change: Humanities Greatest Opportunity

Climate Change: Humanities Greatest Opportunity.

A Scientists' Take

"The primary cause of global warming is from humans, mostly burning of fossil fuels to drive cars, generating electricity, and operating our homes and businesses. Within the next fifty to one hundred years, the Earth may be hotter than it has been in the past million years. As oceans warm and glaciers melt, land and cities along coasts may be flooded. Heat and drought may cause forests to die and food crops to fail. Global warming will affect weather everywhere, plants and animals everywhere, people everywhere." ~ Ashiq Hussain

"The throwing out of balance of Nature throws out of balance the lives of men." F.D.R.

How have we gotten to the point where we are looking at the possibility of human extinction? We have tried to control life on Earth. Yet, by the results, we see that we've failed miserably.
In our attempts to control life, rather than recognizing that everything we need is provided, we perpetuate the belief, that just to survive, we have to struggle.

"In complete control.
Pretending control, with dignified authority
We are charlatans...
Or maybe just a goats' hair brush in a Painters' Hand" ~ Rumi

I believe this poem has answers for us. I believe that being the "brush" means that we are the "tools" through which this "painter" creates their art.  We are like Pinocchio and Gepetto is the universal force beyond us, pulling the "strings". And when we let go of control and align with this infinite force we feel expansive, alive, and inclusive.
 We've all felt it.

"There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.

Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water. See who is in there with you and celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.

Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary.

All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we've been waiting for. ~ Hopi Elders, Arizona

There is a flow to life of great beauty, where synchronicity and magic are the norm. To align with this "flow", we must know how to recognize it.  Lean into the voices of inspiration, intuition, and love. Abandon all investment in the thoughts that tell you that to get by you need to push, lie, manipulate, hide the true you, or become rich or famous. These fear-based concepts have no place in this flow.

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."                         ~ Howard Thurman

The balance of our planets air, water, and soil has been trashed. As we are moving closer to the "precipice" of environmental destruction (and our very existence), we are seeing beyond our perceived differences, to recognize that we are one family. We are learning that each person has skills, gifts, talents, and ideas, unique to them that can be a contribution to the well being of life on this planet. We are stepping out of fear and isolation, into Love.

Gossiping/Complaining/ Venting: Any Value?

Do you ever just want to express your angst, your anger or frustration unedited in the presence of someone who fully accepts you? But, do you prevent yourself from doing this fully because you believe that by expressing these feelings you're perpetuating them, maybe even making them (and whatever issue you're dealing with) bigger? Do you then keep them to yourself? When feelings are not expressed, they become nagging annoyances. They fester and grow into dis-ease. Think of emotions as "energy in motion." They gotta be expressed. They need release. It's HOW we express them that makes all the difference. When we share them with the intention of getting others to agree with us, to support our position, we are gossiping. The more we look for collusion from others, the more intense and all encompassing these feelings become. You could see gossiping as one end of a spectrum. Next along this spectrum is complaining. When we complain, we may not be looking for collusion or even agreement. But, we may be indulging ourselves in our victim story or our righteousness. Here, the feelings may not become all encompassing as rapidly as gossiping. But they will continue eating at us. At the healthy end of this spectrum is venting. Inherent in the word is the idea that we are releasing. When venting, we aren't looking for agreement. We want to be witnessed. Our intention is to have whatever is within us expressed. Without venting, we as the pressure cooker, will explode (very messy). To vent with someone simply witnessing me feels awesome! I feel stronger and I gain insight as to how I can more deeply feel my emotions and express them. If you want to vent in a safe, supportive environment, where you are seen and accepted just as you are, contact me. I have a coaching practice in Sebastopol and in Novato. Follow this link for more details on my work with my beloved Ronit: http://www.communityacupunctureofmarin.com/blog/mindful-coaching-for-individuals-and-couples May the venting be with you, Sahar