“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
~ J.R.R.Tolkien The Fellowship of the Ring
See the YouTube video of this scene here:
https://www.facebook.com/jeremyBROEKMAN/videos/10163650188760529
Years ago I loved using (and still do today) a divination card deck called The Sacred Path Cards by Jamie Sams. There’s a card in that deck that feels important today. It’s #18, the Whirling Rainbow card. The Whirling Rainbow is the promise of peace among all Nations and people. The Rainbow Race stresses equality and opposes the idea of a superior race that would control or conquer other races. When all pathways to wholeness are respected by all cultures, this prophecy from our Mayan ancestors will be complete.
As this new time unfolds … “Many will remember their purpose for being on this Earth Walk and will learn to develop their gifts to assist the whole of humanity. Truth will shatter the bonds of separation. Everyone will trust their personal vision … to assist the whole.” That vision always brings tears to my eyes.
The prophecy also warns us that this transition from the age of power and greed to the age of heart-centered consciousness is not going to be easy or quick.The dawning of the Fifth World of Peace will be like a wobbly pony that on being born would try to use its legs.”
I always felt hope when I drew this card. I had spent my teaching career working with kids from many diverse cultures, income levels, special needs — and seeing the gifts each one had, it was impossible for me to grasp that anyone could reject people based on being different from who they were.
The idea that one day we would realize that we are all one tribe and what we do to another we do to ourselves resonated at a soul level for me. The prophecy excites me! It makes me feel deeply connected to something bigger than meets the eye.
I just didn’t know it was going to be this hard.
I didn’t know the changes would be initiated with a virus that would divide people into maskers and non-maskers, hate and compassion, or greed and selfless service. Ayurveda teachings from 5,000 years ago tell us that this is exactly what happens in epidemics, though.
I didn’t know the pain of being witness to the institutions that create stability — economy, education, healthcare, democracy, the environment – crumbling right before our very eyes. These institutions have made up the global root chakra. The root chakra is about foundation, both personally and collectively. No wonder there is the prevailing sense of anxiety, fear and instability both in and around us. Read my early 2020 post about the Root Chakra here: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2582973698627328&id=1518974468360595
I didn’t know the unknown would swirl around us day in and day out, generating much anxiety about losing control, anger towards those who think differently, and fear of the future.That division is playing out today in a tight presidential race because of a country so divided.
So what’s the point of this? Yes, I needed to vent rather than watch the election results start to color a map of the United States.
So per Gandalf’s comment, and what keeps me sane is the truth that this is what we signed up for when we chose to incarnate at this time. This is the time to do the work we came here to do — the work that creates change, expansion and empowerment for all.
That work will look different to each of us. For some it may be all internal; for others it may be about providing security and safety for their family; some may choose to help others see the beauty of who they really are; and for many it is just being centered and present and grounded in the day to day unfolding of what is to come.
We do have a choice; we can weave strands of caring, compassion, and joy. Or we can weave strands of anger, fear, judgment, and greed.
Daily routines help us center, stay grounded, present and connected with our own inner wisdom though the chaos of the world swirls around us. When we’re able to come back to center, then those close to us sense it. It’s like being in the center of a spider web and each strand of the web flows out to the people and situations to which we’re connected.
So I’d love to know:
What kind of strands do you choose to weave in this time that is given to you?
What practices and rituals speak to you, help you ride the waves of uncertainty?
How do you want to show up in the world?
iRest Yoga Nidra is a trauma informed style of yoga nidra. It gives us tools to shift our way of meeting what is happening that is frightening, unknown, and unstable. Consider joining us on Mondays at 5:00 Mountain time. If this speaks to you, please send me an email, and I will get you the Zoom link. It’s free for this wobbly pony phase. Email: dian@dianshirley.com
Also, if you would like to have a conversation about any challenges for you right now, or if you would like support in creating a routine to stay grounded and present, I’d love for you to connect with me.