We Need A Paradigm Shift

The dictionary defines a paradigm shift as "an important change that happens when the usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way."

Maybe we can all agree that our way of living with the earth is not working (as illustrated by the world-wide devastation, flooding, fires and drought). With all the bad events we've been having, our ancestors would have known that the earth was not happy, and would have devised some kind of charm or ritual to try to bring us back into balance, and prevent further catastrophe.

We have the advantage of science and the internet, but all but the best thinkers are confused about what to do. It's overwhelming. We can each only do what we can do. So, we each need to define for ourselves the change that needs to happen, and our specific calling to help create that shift.

Agenda:

1. Read "The Earth Path"

2. Set sacred intentions

3. Open to help

1. Read "The Earth Path":

I'm reading Starhawk's book, The Earth Path (2004), which is all about how to connect to nature. I'm just finishing Chapter 3, The Sacred: Earth-Centered Values, where she outlines her framework for her earth-based spirituality. When I left off, she was discussing systems theory cycles and energy patterns.

The last subsection in this chapter is Making Beneficial Choices: She explains that though these concepts may seem abstract, they can inform our choices; if we have a basic understanding of how consciousness, energy, and matter work, we can apply these principles in our daily life, like when deciding whether to spend extra money for the organic tomato, or calculating the value of growing your own. 

"The hundreds of consumer choices we make are each an opportunity for affecting the greater balance of the whole."

But there are two errors we can fall into: Becoming obsessive purists (allowing our values to become a guilt-filled impediment to joyful living), and believing we can change the world. 

"Making small choices that align with our values is important. It helps give us a sense of integrity, and it gradually transforms the whole of our lives to be in better balance. ... (but) we live in a system that is currently so destructive, with so many large scale self-reinforcing cycles at play, that only collective action to change the larger system can hope to stay the damage and restore health." 

Starhawk goes on to discuss bioengineered foods, Roundup, world hunger, and policies that might correct the system we are in. She asks the question: How do systems change?

"Systems change in response to forces that disturb their equilibrium. External forces, changes in conditions, new energies, and new challenges can shake up self-regulating cycles. So one way to change a system is to stir it up. That's the role of protest and direct action ... Wherever we are, we can look for those fertile edges of systems, those places where unusual niches and dynamic forces can be found." She compares it to the rich tide pools at the edge of the dunes and ocean.

"The most overarching change comes from paradigm shift, a change in the basic premises that underlie the system. ... To change a paradigm, we must be able to express clearly what the new paradigm is."

2. Set sacred intentions:

Starhawk has an exercise called Sacred Intention that helps you to discern the particular work you are called to do. I've been using a similar process for years now, and over the summer I set these Earth Care intentions, 

because all life on this earth has the right to a safe and healthy environment, and our children need us to make change happen

:

I intend to facilitate earth care support and growth in my Meeting community, and 

grounding in earth spirituality, 

using my leadership, research and writing skills, and my optimism and resilience,

 because, 

though our individual actions help us each to align with our testimonies, only collective action can hope to stay the damage.

I intend to work as part of the Climate Revolutions by Bike team to grow a city that values and supports bicycling as a radical climate action, using my organizational skills to keep us on track, and working to grow my media skills, and my courage to speak truth to power, because this is a team that will help to bring a paradigm shift.

I intend to continue to write a guide to a Medicine Art process for how to practice everyday creative activities in a reverential way that will help to heal our self-focus and sense of overwhelm and re-connect us to the earth and nature, because this draws on my strengths as an artist, writer, and teacher (utilizing all my tenacity and courage in order to share this with a wider audience), and promises me a uniquely proactive response to climate change. 

3. Open to help:

"Each time we act in service to our sacred intention, each time we align our energies and our actions with what we most truly love, we gain in personal power and ability. The path before us becomes clearer, and the help and allies we need come to us. So ... when you feel daunted or overwhelmed or afraid, just breathe deep and ask for help."

Starhawk calls on the great powers of creation and transformation, ancestors, allies, and all beings who love the beautiful diverse dance of life, to say she is open to, and thankful for, their help, and for the great opportunity of being alive in this crucial moment. 

I've decided to add a short prayer to my morning practice, as I ground myself on the earth and expand to the sky: 

"Spirit of Love, Truth, and Creation, guide me, and open me to the help I need on this path. Amen."