Retreat Mountain View - A Change of Scenery
Everything is working according to a plan. The earth and its elements were not just thrown together. There is an established order of existence in creation, and as we carry on with the continual process, we can see the value from the natural outgrowth of what has gone on previously before us. … The Universe, in its progression, brings to the planet what already exists. What we are experiencing is the natural pathway for what already exists in the Universe. Gregge Tiffen (The Language of a Mystic: Change)
As I moved about building a morning fire (winter weather is paying these mountains a visit) and opened to what wants to be shared this blog day after a retreat last week, I thought about change. The abundant (some would say ‘overwhelming’) change we are both witness to and participants in around the globe in every aspect of life. The changes on our planet, some visible and felt, others subtle yet profound in their impact. Changes in each of us, physically, mentally, spiritually, that aggregate into our consciousness and our experiences of life.
That led me to remember that we’re in the 5th month of the year, and that the number 5 represents change. Wanting to revisit his words and wisdom, I pulled a couple of Tiffen’s booklets off the shelf.
As I thought about myself and the changes I’m experiencing – yes, physically, mentally, and spiritually – questions emerged: What are these changes asking of me? What am I to observe and how am I to BE with change? The questions didn’t ask for answers, rather they invited me more deeply into awareness and exploration.
In our noisy, busy, speed addicted world, I wonder if we are willing to invest time and energy being with such questions. Questions both personal to us and those of our world, our consciousness. And I wonder if we have lost some of our capacity to do so as we’ve handed many aspects of our lives to ‘experts’ and systems to manage. What have we lost and what may we be losing as we turn to artificial intelligence for answers and guidance? What have gained and what might the potential upside be?
I wonder if we are turning away from Life, from our connections with one another, from Nature, and from Mother Earth who birthed us.
Or perhaps, as Tiffen’s words remind me we might ask whether all this change that is unfolding is indeed the logical, sequential expression of a benevolent Universe that is simply showing us our way home? Guiding us to the next iteration of humanity on the planet?
In our changing world, what questions are you beholding?
Retreat Mountain Sunset