Coherence

Coherence is the ability to be clear, consistent, harmonious, and laser-focused. I long to be coherent in thought, act, and word.

 

Agenda

1. Read "The Earth Keeper's Handbook"

2. Love cycle

3. Gratitude meditation

4. Proaction and reciprocity plans

1. Read "The Earth Keeper's Handbook":

I'm reading this book by Loren Swift (2019), subtitled "Assuming Leadership in a New World." The premise is that lack of care for each other (people) results in lack of care for the earth. "This book details the practical steps to shift the paradigm internally from conflict to cooperation and to make the same shift in relationships and in group endeavors." Well, that is the work I need to do this winter.

I'm just beginning Chapter 4 -  Coherence and the Coordinates of Presence."To be present is a very resourceful state. ... When our doing is imbued with our being, we can operate at high capacity. Our creativity is maximized. Our access to coherent states is seamless. We have the ability to utilize every skill at our disposal, to wield our personal power with the clearest of intentions."

Coherence is the ability to focus my energy and streamline my efforts - all the forces at play are lined up, in the same way that photons of light are lined up to make a laser. And I can design my approach to life to intentionally create these coherent states of being, specific to the outcomes I seek. It is my consciousness - my attitude - that determines my state of being.

The practice in this chapter is to learn how to embody the quality of life (Universal Need) I want to experience.

2. Love cycle

Years ago I wrote this month-long meditation on love, with a daily reading and work. Day 17 is Act with Truth:

Along with the integrity of speaking honestly and listening well, I hope to have the integrity to act with truth, with love, with honor. Truth is a continual revelation, a constantly unfolding series of insights about how my mind works, how the world works, and how I might best act with more love, compassion, generosity, justice, and peace. Truth expands my understanding of life to give me clarity.

But there I am often stuck- I struggle sometimes against apathy, and sometimes against mind-numbing fear. Here is my growing edge; every day presents an opportunity to get on track. I hope to have the courage of my convictions- to follow the life path I know I need to follow. My anxiety and resistance is wasted energy: I KNOW my path, and I need only relax into the love of the Universe to act on my knowing, to take the next step.

“But however Truth comes, it bears with it just enough of its own sense of rightness to overcome the fear of risk taking. While genuine risk plays a crucial role in all of the Habits of Love, it is perhaps most keen in the Habit of Truth. At too many forks in the road, anxiety stops us from following Truth's suggested direction. What will happen if I say yes to Truth as I recognize it? That question can arrest us in our tracks.” ~Ed Bacon

Write about the choices I face in my life, and the paths I am resisting. Which path leads to love, peace, joy, and generosity? What are the risks? What are the benefits? List some small steps I can take this month, and create an anxiety-defeating plan.

3. Gratitude meditation:

Every month after the full moon, in the quiet-energy yin time of the waning moon, I practice a love meditation that progresses from receptivity, to gratitude, to generosity:

Day 2: Practice a love meditation, and end by feeling and expressing gratitude - send a prayer to the universe of thanksgiving for all I have in my life. 

During this month when I am opening to receive, I take some time to thank the earth for being the model for patient, eternal receptivity.

4. Proaction and reciprocity plans:

On Wednesdays I often journal a bit about the future, and my dreams and goals: What GREAT things do I want to accomplish? How will I serve people? How will I use my talents? How will I stretch myself? How can I become an “island of excellence”? What is essential?

Then I try to define achievable, meaningful goals and prioritize the goals and tasks with the greatest long-term impact.

This next week I hope to:

• Write about Reciprocity: Become an advocate for air, soil, and climate; Be a a creative force; Help other bipeds too
• Send information out about the Super-fund bill.
• Write report for peace and justice;Define possible report for Feb. meeting re: plant library and clean water bill.
• Work on blurbs for clean water bill discussion and a tree walk.
• Work on an Interfaith Earthkeeper calendar, and communicate with faith groups to advertise it.
• Write about Sanctuary: Prepare for late winter seed starting.
• Make a squirrel baffle and set up bird and squirrel feeders.
• Set intentions for teaching and craftivism, and a possible E-Book blog for sale.
• Finish the online foster dog training and perhaps visit Greenhill to talk to someone.
• Share a copy of my book introduction at Meeting - write a note to explain myself, and set out a journal for comments and questions.
• Take part in the third  "Return to the Earth" event, to "come to understand the cultural lens through which I see the world."
• Write about Awareness: Study soil health; Celebrate Imbalc.