I got back not too long ago from our Boulder instantiation of the Global Gaia Gathering Day. What can I say? It was wonderful. And Kelly is a wonder. She managed to not just secure us an entire park for the afternoon, but provided a miniature, zero-waste barbecue, notebooks and pens and invitations to contribute thoughts and hopes to a wishbook, plenty of food and drink, and (perhaps best of all) music--Jackson came with his band and we were treated to hours of dance-able sound. Some of us (certainly me) sat in small circles and talked (and talked and talked and talked); others bounded barefooted on the grass; others danced with their children and puppies; others colored dreams on the picnic tables. It was a beautiful afternoon and certainly the liveliest gathering I've been to. (I'm used to these events being more of the warm-dialogue-over-warmer-cups-of-tea sort, and it was a treat getting to experience something more sparkling and entertaining.)

I think my favorite part of the evening was meeting those members who really felt connected with Gaia but who, at the same time, weren't the most active online participants. It was a treat to get to engage with those beings who felt more comfortable shining in person than through words on a page, and a treat, too, getting to share space with so many bodies who embodied the energy of this virtual community. I came home feeling renewed--unusual for introvert me, who usually gets drained in busy social settings--and happy. There are such amazing and intelligent and hopeful and kind and generous people in this world.

Anyone feeling wise and insightful? ;)

Ooh. Gael found a wonderful little tool for self-reflection.



My result follows. And goodness... I had no idea this was even a category of thought. I suppose it makes sense. After all, someone has to dream up all those QaRs. ;)

Existential thinkers:

• Like to spend time thinking about philosophical issues such as "What is the meaning of life?"
• Try to see beyond the 'here and now', and understand deeper meanings
• Consider moral and ethical implications of problems as well as practical solutions

Like existential thinkers, Leonardo questioned man's role in the universe. Many of his paintings explored the relationship between man and God.        

Other Existential Thinkers include
The Buddha, Gandhi, Plato, Socrates, Martin Luther King

Careers which suit Existential Thinkers include
Philosopher, Religious leader, Head of state, Artist, Writer

I loved the final question of the introduction, too. "Do you think your education allowed you to develop your true potential?" I loved it so much I stopped on that first page to sit and think about what that implied, both for each of us and whatever education system we were tossed into. And I'm now tempted to ask it of the whole community... both that, and what sort of education would allow for an easier unfoldment.

Existential thinker, though. I suppose it fits. I'm curious, though, as to how constant these things are. If I take the survey again in a year, will it still be the same?

One of my friends recently shared this with me...

How do you know if you are significant? This question lures us the wrong way, it invites us to judge ourselves on some criteria of importance - do we escape the ignominy of insignificance, it seems to ask. But no-one is truly insignificant. The worst that can happen is that you are unaware how important you are to the people in your life, and this is a far greater tragedy than not achieving notoriety, especially since fame (as any celebrity will attest) is a double-edged sword.

We strive sometimes, quite vainly, to prove to people how significant we are. To validate our intellect, our skills, our looks, whatever narcissism we have foolishly allowed to matter to our happiness. And when we are seduced by such vainglorious pursuits, we will certainly become unhappy since despite the unwavering message of the advertising industry, happiness is something that can be found only within, and all that the world of things can provide are temporary rewards and distractions.

The Jesuit priest, Anthony de Mello, whose spiritual thoughts drew upon many different traditions, said in his final meditations:

Contemplate the crowds of people who are striving might and main to become, not what Nature intended them to be - musicians, cooks, mechanics, carpenters, gardeners, inventors - but somebody, to become successful, famous, powerful; to become something that will bring, not quiet self-fulfillment, but self-glorification, self-expansion. You are looking at people who have lost their innocence because they have chosen not to be themselves but to promote themselves, to show off, even if it be only in their own eyes.

Nothing could be more irrelevant than to contemplate your significance. Let future historians argue over what was significant, it means nothing in the here and now. What makes you important is that you are you, and to your friends, to your family, to everyone who loves and values you, nothing could be more significant.

- Chris Bateman

... and I, apparently, felt compelled to share it, too.

I posted this to our Ambassador's Group earlier today, but it seemed something I should say here, too.

Yesterday was one of the more difficult days I've had here so far.

Our company is going through a bit of a structural reshuffle and part of this corporate shudder involved a significant number of layoffs. This particular division (meaning our Gaia Community team) lost far, far fewer people than some areas, but it hasn't felt at all as though we're suffering any less. As of yesterday, Rommel and Jake are no longer working on Gaia, and dear Kelly is no longer with the accounting deparment.

I thought about sharing this yesterday, when it happened, but there was so much else going on, and I kept struggling about where to start… especially because it feels unfair to complain when so many of other areas of the business are trying to catch their breath as well and because we're all still trying readjust to our smaller size.

I was lucky enough to spend most of yesterday evening hanging out at Jake's last night and reminiscing, and that alone was so sweet. Our whole group has been such a family to me and we've been through so much together, and even though I know quite well that–given their skills and their hearts and their wisdom–there's brilliance ahead for each of them, it's still strange to think that we won't be working on the same project anymore.

And part of that is just me being selfish. There are others in the world (other businesses and people and jobs!) who need those three more, but I want them HERE.

Anyway. I know the remainder of our immediate crew (Chris and Ryan and Francois and Jessica and Matthew and Jodi and Dave, as well as the many others who work to support this company) will keep filling the community with all the heart and love we can muster, and I know that those who come join the site will continue to do the same, and I know that we'll keep focusing on our next steps and our streamlined rehaul and continuing to grow the most amazing space online, and I know that all this will continue to unfold as it will and must and has. I trust in the future; there is always that.

Still. Ow. I wish someone could fix our economy. Barring that, lots and lots of of love and positive thoughts and hugs to everyone who was affected by this (including those who had to make the hard decisions) would be wonderful. Goodness knows I could use a hug.

.

Rommel's been blogging up a storm about the upcoming election, but so far I've been silent. Ironic, I suppose, as the DNC is in Denver this year, only a quick drive from where I live, and the of course I've been feeling the impact of this. So I thought I should cast in my two cents, and contribute my recommendations for the election... but I found a poem by Hafiz that puts things far better than I ever, ever could.

Cast All Your Votes For Dancing

I know the voice of depression
Still calls to you.

I know those habits that can ruin your life
Still send their invitations.

But you are with the Friend now
And look so much stronger.

You can stay that way
And even bloom!

Keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From your prayers and work and music
And from your companions' beautiful laughter.

Keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From the sacred hands and glance of your Beloved
And, my dear,
From the most insignificant movements
Of your own holy body.

Learn to recognize the counterfeit coins
That may buy you just a moment of pleasure,
But then drag you for days
Like a broken man
Behind a farting camel.

You are with the Friend now.
Learn what actions of yours delight Him,
What actions of yours bring freedom
And Love.

Whenever you say God's name, dear pilgrim,
My ears wish my head was missing
So they could finally kiss each other
And applaud all your nourishing wisdom!

O keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From your prayers and work and music
And from your companions' beautiful laughter

And from the most insignificant movements
Of your own holy body.

Now, sweet one,
Be wise.
Cast all your votes for Dancing!

Can you imagine? Politics as dance, rather than war or argument. I'm a bit clumsy with some of the steps, but no matter... enthusiasm and heart, in the realm of dance, can oftentimes make up for skill. :)