Sarah Whiteley's Posts - The Art of Hosting2024-03-29T08:22:47ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteleyhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2654268355?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://artofhosting.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=37wug5fscylm4&xn_auth=noTrip-switch Overlaptag:artofhosting.ning.com,2013-10-27:4134568:BlogPost:859502013-10-27T18:22:32.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">A young electrician called Scott came to remedy a fault in the electrics of my kitchen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">After two solid hours of ‘trouble shooting' – tracking wiring from source to service – re-wiring tired lines, untangling confused energy pathways, exploring roof spaces to reveal invisible circuitry of this particular energy system to find the point of…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">A young electrician called Scott came to remedy a fault in the electrics of my kitchen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">After two solid hours of ‘trouble shooting' – tracking wiring from source to service – re-wiring tired lines, untangling confused energy pathways, exploring roof spaces to reveal invisible circuitry of this particular energy system to find the point of disconnect - he finally hit his limit of bemusement and rang his boss, for advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> ‘It has a ‘neutral’ but doesn’t have ‘live’ – everything’s connected … it shows 12 volts but it doesn’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Never seen it before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Doesn’t make sense’.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">No other information was added to help.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Through talking more about the house over a cup of tea – I mentioned that this was a converted annexe, adjoined to the main house next door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Scott then thought, perhaps this one ‘circuit breaker’ socket was next door too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Three phone calls to track the owner and access was granted. One flick of a switch later … and the electricity was back on!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Two hours of searching revealed the point of systemic overlap and the location of the ‘tripped’ switch.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Sourcing our own ‘tripped’ switches that disengage our power takes responsibility and diligence. Sourcing interconnected ‘tripped’ switches within webs of relationship is another – and are oftentimes more difficult to track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> To locate what is ours to tend and re-wire is tender and timely work; but equally, having an expanded awareness to source the ‘circuit breaks’ beyond our selves, but that also affect us, is crucial. Both have the capacity to empower and dis-empower the system as a whole.<br/></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Timely advice perhaps during this time of <strong><a href="http://www.mysticmamma.com/mercury-retrograde-in-scorpio-october-21st-2013/">Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio</a></strong>, October 21st, to November 10th 2013 ~</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">It's a time to:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>empty out the excess, extremes and floating debris within the mental energy body, mind and thought process.</strong></span></em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>examine which perception, thought, idea, concept and information is empowering</strong></span></em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>Wait and be patient</strong></span></em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>Allow healing to take place through shifting perception</strong></span></em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #808080;"><em><strong>Be clear and direct in our dealings</strong></em></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>Shed perceptions, thinking and limitations within the mind</strong></span></em></li>
</ul>
<p><br/><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>More at: <a href="http://www.mysticmamma.com/mercury-retrograde-in-scorpio-october-21st-2013/">Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio</a></strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>More Blogs at: <a href="http://www.conscious-evolution.net/author/blog">http://www.conscious-evolution.net/author/blog</a></strong></span></p>
<p></p>Saying YES and taking flighttag:artofhosting.ning.com,2013-10-01:4134568:BlogPost:856222013-10-01T21:00:00.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p><span class="userContent"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671646?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671646?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="435"></img></a> When sensing is understood … feelings are tempered … practicalities tended … intention clear … and trust strong … so that we finally are ready to say yes to our YES and step off the cliff… what do we do when unforeseen 'emergent' events cre<span class="text_exposed_show">ate the possibility and even reality that the 'movement' may be stopped in its…</span></span></p>
<p><span class="userContent"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671646?profile=original"><img width="435" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671646?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="435"/></a>When sensing is understood … feelings are tempered … practicalities tended … intention clear … and trust strong … so that we finally are ready to say yes to our YES and step off the cliff… what do we do when unforeseen 'emergent' events cre<span class="text_exposed_show">ate the possibility and even reality that the 'movement' may be stopped in its tracks? How do we not 'fall' - physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually - perceiving the step forward to be ‘wrong’ or even, the real-time 'flight' impossible? <br/> <br/> When the YES is expressed and starts ‘traveling’, how is it even possible to stop its potential unfolding? <br/> <br/> If this be true, how do we stay open and continue inviting Life to contract with our YES and 'meet' its potential fully ... trusting enough ... that we can navigate unforeseen 'turbulence', and even find safe ground if necessary, in ways we could not have seen before taking flight? <br/></span></span></p>
<p><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">A YES is a subtle Elegant Step ... <strong><a href="https://soundcloud.com/sarah-whiteley/elegances-step" target="_blank">LISTEN to POEM, Elegance's Step.</a></strong><br/></span></span></p>
<p></p>Navigating in Times of Transitiontag:artofhosting.ning.com,2012-02-17:4134568:BlogPost:518062012-02-17T22:00:00.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p>At home at Axladitsa Avatakia this evening, I find myself entering a depth writing weekend with the intention of completing my second book, and sending the draft to my copy-editor for the first wave of reflections and re-patterning, Monday morning. </p>
<p>* Available in April</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As <strong>The Order of Creation</strong>, A Book of Poems <a href="http://theorderofcreation.org/">http://theorderofcreation.org/</a> continues to move out in another wave today (30% off promotion…</p>
<p>At home at Axladitsa Avatakia this evening, I find myself entering a depth writing weekend with the intention of completing my second book, and sending the draft to my copy-editor for the first wave of reflections and re-patterning, Monday morning. </p>
<p>* Available in April</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As <strong>The Order of Creation</strong>, A Book of Poems <a href="http://theorderofcreation.org/">http://theorderofcreation.org/</a> continues to move out in another wave today (30% off promotion until Sunday 19th February) - I know for myself, I am consciously inviting in all intelligences that can assist my navigation in these times of intense change and transition. This is the nature and intent of this Book of Poems.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tonight I wrote a piece that will most probably be part of the second book and speaks to some of the patterns that I see right now in our world - a experience gifted to me during a sea-kayaking trip I co-hosted in 2005 on the island of Alonnisos in the Northern Sporades, Greece.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671773?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671773?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" height="279" width="373"/></a>"The Winds had changed the course of our trip on the islands and yet had opened a space of profound beauty that none of us could have planned, but each one of us relished. The experience had offered a powerful reminder that to stay open and adaptable within a shifting landscape - whilst staying connected to key reference points and embracing new ones - was crucial. To be witness to this navigational art form in action - that embodied a profound mastery - was perhaps the deepest learning for all. This time, coming from a fisherman, his dog and the Aegean Sea - a most deeply indigenous and humbling teacher-triad."</em></p>
<p><em><br/></em></p>
<p><em><br/></em></p>Stopped Dead by Death on 'Burnt Thursday'tag:artofhosting.ning.com,2012-02-16:4134568:BlogPost:515652012-02-16T17:03:21.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<div class="postbody"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I finally took my walk with Freddie – my sweet kairos protector - who stood in front of the Apothiki looking directly at me as I sat at my computer – saying it was now time to go. He had not had his morning walk. I was in no mood to go – and anyway, he had gone hurtling out of the door to visit the neighbours. It was after all an hour later than his usual excursion as I had overslept due to finally getting to sleep in the early hours of…</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postbody"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I finally took my walk with Freddie – my sweet kairos protector - who stood in front of the Apothiki looking directly at me as I sat at my computer – saying it was now time to go. He had not had his morning walk. I was in no mood to go – and anyway, he had gone hurtling out of the door to visit the neighbours. It was after all an hour later than his usual excursion as I had overslept due to finally getting to sleep in the early hours of the morning. It was time to get some spring water too – so off we went to Kaseni – a 5 minute walk into neighbouring lands. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>As I walked down the path in front of the house to where it touches the corner of the streambed leading to the well – I faced death on my pathway.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671756?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671756?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" height="219" width="333"/></a>A dead badger lay curled on the edge of the streambed and stopped me dead in my tracks.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Just before I took my walk, I had a short, impromtu skype chat about the importance of tending and protecting times of transition with care. Somehow this was connected.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What was the Totem-meaning of Badger – and what did it mean that it now lay dead at the front of my home? I knew badgers roamed the remas (streambeds) at night, along with the Boar. Perhaps they had met and a fight ensued, who knows.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As I walked to the spring, the image was clearly etched in my mind. On returning to the house I felt compelled to capture the image. As I walked the same pathway, just to my right – now directly in front of the house - another image of death greeted me. Our sweet Zimbabwean cow was laid upside down in the grass, with one foot bitten off. Freddie?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Both these poignant images sent my mind in a spin. What did they mean – at this time?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Certainly death seemed to be present f<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672115?profile=original"><img width="300" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672115?profile=RESIZE_320x320" height="222" width="333"/></a>or many on multiple levels. People I knew spoke of loved ones lost. Many were also going through deep transitions at personal and professional levels, including increasing health issues that required careful tending. Nations were too. Systems were shifting towards this threshold too – some ready to die perhaps - but most not sensing it was their time, quite yet.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Death is a part of life. A natural evolutionary cycle of planetary existence. And yet, why does death shock us so much that it stops us dead in our tracks?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I needed to understand the meaning of the Badger to see if the totem offered some insight. </p>
<p>I found a <strong><a href="http://www.whats-your-sign.com/badger-animal-symbolism.html" target="_blank">website</a></strong> and a quote by Goethe at the top of the page that struck me deeply: <em>“those who are firm in will, mold the world to themselves”.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It also said: <i>According to Native Americans, the sighting of badger tracks was very auspicious. Seeing badger tracks was a message that all things are possible when we tap into our inner creative powers.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>The badger stops at nothing to get what it wants, and this is a lesson for us to be persistent in our pursuits. Specifically, those with the badger totem often attract this creature because he/she has difficulty finishing what is started. The badger will help with this aspect in life. You can call upon the stubborn, strong-willed nature of the badger to help you complete any project you start.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>The badger is also fiercely independent and can be quite aggressive when threatened. This is a lesson for us to stand our ground and make our presence known when the situation calls for it. Although smaller in stature, the badger commands attention from friend and foe alike. We can do the same, but we must be mindful that we do so in a healthy, constructive manner.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>[ ] Animal symbolism of the badger is: Determination, Eagerness, Strong will, Focus, Strategy, Tenacity, Defense, Protection, Independence, Confidence</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>The badger is connected to the earth, and therefore is a grounding totem for us. When we feel out of touch, or confused the badger can help us get rooted, and anchor us to what is important in our lives.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>When the badger comes into our lives it is time for get busy with projects, speak up and ask for help if we need it in our lives. The badger is also a sign that it is time for us come out of hiding - it's time for us to let the world know we are here, and we mean business!</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Lastly, the symbolism of the badger also includes individuality. The badger is a unique creature, well equipped to meet all the challenges it faces. It lives its life quite effectively. And although its methods might seem unorthodox, the badger doesn't care what the rest of the animal kingdom thinks about them. This is perhaps the greatest lesson the badger imparts to us. In short, the badger tell us to "walk your own path at your own pace." Never mind what others may say. Have faith in your own abilities and know that you are well-equipped to take on whatever challenge faces you.”</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p>Multiple messages to find meaning in…<i>Walk your own Path at your own pace</i>. YES! Perhaps the Badger this day was a warning…of what would happen if we did not.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But what about the Zimbabwean cow – that seemed to have somehow sacrificed herself? I immediately thought of Africa and the people I knew and loved who had walked their own path, most certainly and ceremoniously their own way. I wondered if something was perhaps happening real time in the country real, that unbeknownst to me, I was now being alerted to. I hoped not,. but must check</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672452?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672452?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" height="221" width="333"/></a>But today was also Tsiknopempti or "Burnt Thursday” marking the threshold to a period of celebration and <strong><a href="http://gogreece.about.com/od/carnivaltime/a/carnivaldates_2.htm" target="_blank">Carnival / Panagiri</a></strong> - inspired, in part from the <strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysian_Mysteries." target="_blank">Dionesian times</a></strong> where wild sacred rituals honoured the life-death-life cycle with. Tsiknopempti was also marking the movement towards Lent and a time of conscious purification and reflection of what needed to be lived more into and that which perhaps needed to die...and our own honouring of the sacrifice that had offered. And now <strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter." target="_blank">Easter</a></strong>, <i>the central feast in the Christian liturgical year</i> being the ritual and religiously sacred time of honouring the life-death-life cycle of the human spirit. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>After <strong><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17011452" target="_blank">recent events in Athens</a></strong>, there has indeed been much burning - buildings, anger, passion, love. Perhaps today was a day to mourn the losses once again – burn off that which was no longer needed - and begin to embrace all that had been forged in the flames.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The upturned cow was a powerful image of Death though – and also, for me, that many rituals at this time failed to honour the depth of the transitions there were there to represent - becoming empty rituals - ‘sacred cows’, with little or no service at all.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Perhaps these events and the practice of reconnecting to the roots and rituals of this Tsiknopempti day, was calling me to face some of the death that was happening in my own life too – and sense more deeply what was being released and to tend and protect the transitioning with this utmost care - by honoring it in ways that were sacred to me. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>When we do come to the point of facing death – of any kind – be it thought-form, value, person, place, relationship, etc - it shocks us to our core. Yet, as we embrace the death and start to move beyond this – there awaits the presence of Compassion, Universal love and a connection to knowing and insight only available from being stopped dead by death. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672648?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672648?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" height="221" width="333"/></a>I knew I would continue ponder these icons that had graced my pathway this day – and so in my own way, blessed them both - the badger and the Zimbabwean cow, thanking them that they had awakened much newness in me. </p>
<p>As after Death, there IS Life.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And in my final walk of the day – circling round to the rema and the badger – I noticed that it had been moved closer to the house. </p>
<p>Freddie?!</p>
</div>
</div>Dare Step into the Fire of your Heart's Songtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2012-01-16:4134568:BlogPost:496472012-01-16T23:00:00.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p align="center">Bridging Now and Then</p>
<p align="center">Holding</p>
<p align="center">All that is still to be</p>
<p align="center">And has Become</p>
<p align="center">The Song</p>
<p align="center">Sung with Heart-full breath</p>
<p align="center">Beyond the Self</p>
<p align="center">Blessings’ wealth…</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671685?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="221" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671685?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="330"></img></a></p>
<p align="center">Bridging Now and Then</p>
<p align="center">Holding</p>
<p align="center">All that is still to be</p>
<p align="center">And has Become</p>
<p align="center">The Song</p>
<p align="center">Sung with Heart-full breath</p>
<p align="center">Beyond the Self</p>
<p align="center">Blessings’ wealth</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671685?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671685?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" height="221" width="330"/></a></p>
<p align="center">Life wishes for Trueness</p>
<p align="center">For Newness</p>
<p align="center">While Time turns its Face</p>
<p align="center">To meet Love</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center"> ~</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center">Dare you step Dear</p>
<p align="center">Into the Fire of your Heart’s Song</p>
<p align="center">Sung Loud</p>
<p align="center">Into Night’s Sky</p>
<p align="center">Brilliant stars</p>
<p align="center">Shining patterns</p>
<p align="center">Mapped across Aeons Face</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671831?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671831?profile=original" height="330" width="330"/></a></p>
<p align="center">Lighting shrouded places</p>
<p align="center">Lost In Mists</p>
<p align="center">Thought to be</p>
<p align="center">Gone for Good</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center">~</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center">Bridging Then and Now</p>
<p align="center">How Time turns</p>
<p align="center">To face a New so True</p>
<p align="center">So Blue in Skies</p>
<p align="center">That Dance</p>
<p align="center">Towards the Horizons</p>
<p align="center">Beckoning You</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672069?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672069?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" height="219" width="330"/></a></p>
<p align="center">To Trace the Tides</p>
<p align="center">That Turn and Yearn</p>
<p align="center">Until you see what’s True</p>
<p align="center">For you, for Now</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center">~</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center">Not judged as Better</p>
<p align="center">But Shelter</p>
<p align="center">For the Tides</p>
<p align="center">To rise and fall</p>
<p align="center">That Call the Ships</p>
<p align="center">To return to Shore</p>
<p align="center">Nestled, Settled</p>
<p align="center">Until the dawn Awakens</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672138?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672138?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" height="220" width="330"/></a></p>
<p align="center">And Beckons You</p>
<p align="center">Once again</p>
<p align="center">To venture</p>
<p align="center">Into Bright Adventure</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center">~</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center">Photos by</p>
<p align="center">Sarah Whiteley</p>
<p align="center">Richard Moreham (Moon)</p>
<p align="center">Kamyar Houbakht (Horizon)</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~ Sarah Whiteley - 15 January, 2012 ~</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A New World of Poems</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> ~ The Order of Creation ~</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A Book of Poems By Sarah Whiteley</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.theorderofcreation.org/">http://www.theorderofcreation.org/</a></p>Parallelstag:artofhosting.ning.com,2012-01-14:4134568:BlogPost:495402012-01-14T22:00:00.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p style="text-align: left;">We – human Beings, humanity – are at a crossroads that holds profound choice. Do we go this way or that? Do we stay on the path we are on… or choose another? Do we let go, open up, walk out… walk on?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">All are possible. All are choices. Yet what choice provides the greatest flow, the greatest service, the greatest potential? How do we discern? How do we find the courage to say YES – and move… in order to place ourselves well?…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We – human Beings, humanity – are at a crossroads that holds profound choice. Do we go this way or that? Do we stay on the path we are on… or choose another? Do we let go, open up, walk out… walk on?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">All are possible. All are choices. Yet what choice provides the greatest flow, the greatest service, the greatest potential? How do we discern? How do we find the courage to say YES – and move… in order to place ourselves well?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This poem speaks to some of the choices, I believe, we face.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Parallels running along the <i>edges of Time</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Travelling between the shores of the new World</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And this one being <i>transmuted</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How will we transit?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By Swimming – or sinking?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The latter…if <i>un-committing</i>…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Come - the edge IS <i>crumbling</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What will WE choose?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655754708?profile=original"><img width="330" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655754708?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="330"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Parallels running along the <i>edges of Truth</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Travelling between the shores of the new World</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And this one being <i>bridged</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How will we tender?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By Loving - or Fearing?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The latter…if <i>uncaring</i>…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Come - the edge IS <i>wavering</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What will WE choose?</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655754729?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655754729?profile=original" height="219" width="329"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Parallels running along the <i>edges of Trust</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Travelling between the shores of the new World</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And this one being <i>trampled</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How will we relate?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By Honoring - or Mis-deeding?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The latter…if <i>non-believing</i>…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Come - the edge IS <i>cracking</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What will WE choose?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655755167?profile=original"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655755167?profile=original" height="220" width="330"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Parallels running along the <i>edges of Beauty</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Travelling between the shores of the new World</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And this one being <i>neglected</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How will we attend?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By Creating - or Negating?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The latter…if <i>non-cultivating…</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Come - the edge is <i>captivating</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What will WE choose?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655755043?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655755043?profile=original" height="219" width="329"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Parallels running along the <i>edges of Hope</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Travelling between the shores of the new World</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And this one being <i>dreamed</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How will we participate?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Joyfully…wantonly</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The latter…if <i>not wholeheartedly</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Come - the edge is <i>beckoning</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What will WE choose?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655755467?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655755467?profile=original" height="220" width="330"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What will WE choose?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~ Sarah Whiteley - 14 January, 2012 ~</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A New World of Poems</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Order of Creation</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A Book of Poems By Sarah Whiteley</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theorderofcreation.org/">http://www.theorderofcreation.org/</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>Cracks in the Icetag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-12-01:4134568:BlogPost:459292011-12-01T19:42:37.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p>"There are Cracks in the Ice!!"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Don’t worry, we’re fast climbers!”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>~~~~~~~ </p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had seen the forecast and knew we needed to get to the base of the ice climb early.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As a staff team of Outdoor educators, we were in training in the Scottish Highlands learning the winter arts of ice-climbing, skiing and winter mountaineering. We were excited as this year – 1985 - held the best conditions for years. Glistening, thick snow, cold…</p>
<p>"There are Cracks in the Ice!!"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Don’t worry, we’re fast climbers!”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>~~~~~~~ </p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had seen the forecast and knew we needed to get to the base of the ice climb early.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As a staff team of Outdoor educators, we were in training in the Scottish Highlands learning the winter arts of ice-climbing, skiing and winter mountaineering. We were excited as this year – 1985 - held the best conditions for years. Glistening, thick snow, cold conditions and bright blue skies. We were blessed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So here we were – journeying to the base of Oui Oui before dawn – a notorious ice-climb deep in the mountains of Glencoe. Climbing ropes lassoed over shoulders, rucksacks filled with ice equipment – ice screws, belays, harnesses – and metal crampons – devices that had spikes on the bottom and the front of each – that would eventually be strapped tightly onto the base of each leather boot, plus ice axes strapped to the outside of each rucsac.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As a team, we had climbed in the Lake District – but Scottish climbs were another level altogether and would test our skills and courage to the limits.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p> </p>
<p>At the base of the climb, we divided into teams of two’s and three’s – with accomplished lead climbers and less experienced – myself included – seconding.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We slowly and meticulously prepared the ground – uncoiling ropes, donning climbing hats, attaching the climbing equipment methodically to lead-climbers harnesses. We were ready to scale the heights of this huge column of ice glistening in the early morning sunlight.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Slowly and sure-footedly, we started our ascent. The tingling sounds of the tap-tap of the ice screws being placed deep into the ice to then clip the rope into a webbed strap and a metal karabina at the end, was interspersed with the light ice-showers that fell in response to our human interventions. As the rope was threaded through, the climbers potential falling distance, lessened. Without this safety line, either by ill-placed steps and the ice itself cracking – the climber would hit the ground. Reducing the risk was a crucial part of the art.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>All of us had practiced many times, including free-climbed in the Lake District – feeling the exhilaration of each trusted step, each move, each placement of axe or foot – reaching the top of less imposing climbs with the deep sense of elation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Oui Oui was a long climb and three hours into our ascent we noticed small water rivulets running behind the cracks in the ice shield as the heat of the rising sun warmed the day. At the same time, we saw another team of climbers making their way up the boulder field, clearly coming the base of this magnificent climb.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It’s starting to melt…” one of our team called down to the three people starting their own preparations as we had, hours before.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Don’t worry – we’re fast climbers!”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our team increased our speed of movement, paying attention to technique, but equally, to the shifts and sounds in the ice. Adrenaline flowed – sharpening our efforts – breathing precision into every placement of ‘gear’ – ropes tightened swiftly by the belayer – the safety rope holder that tracked the climbers every move.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Finally, we transitioned beyond the edge and stepped onto solid, rocky ground – tired, relieved and with a deep sense of our individual and collective accomplishment.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The other climbers started their ascent. It was 11 am. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>We traversed the edge of the huge cliff face and descended the steep pathway that circumnavigated the ice wall. As we progressed further from our climb, we heard the familiar calls of the climber ascending and the belayer tucked behind a huge bolder, anchored securely to prevent them being jettisoned into the air should the climber fall - but with a clear line of sight of the steady ascent and the tap-tap of the ice axe alongside the silent witnessing of the mountains.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Suddenly there was a deep, distant rumble and sheering shouts of anguish. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The bottom third of the huge column of ice was peeling away from the cliff face. Our team spun round to see, in horror, the climber falling through the air - being hit by falling ice and ricocheting hard again and again against the rocks. The human form was as fragile as a rag doll – as the ice rained down in shards, shattering on impact on the ground below.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The belayer and their team mate – tucked deep behind their safe boulder, tightened the rope hoping to prevent ground impact – yet fearing the worst. They had to protect themselves and the other climber without visual contact, as they undoubtedly must come to their aid – so simply had to wait and suffer the deafening sounds of the ice fall and the cries of their friend.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Silence</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our team re-grouped. Those who had mountain medical training moved swiftly back up the boulder field – whilst others of us began to make swift progress to the nearest village to call out the mountain rescue team – a time before mobile connection.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Incredibly, the climber was still alive – yet receiving severe head injuries and several broken bones.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>With immediate medical care in place – in time, the rescue team arrived – and the various climbing and rescue teams moved the injured climber, in one coherent unit down the mountain to safety – sharing the stretcher carrying – and, eventually returning to base camp, food and showers and a debrief.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Suffice to say, we went skiing during the coming days…until stepping once more into the shadows of an even bigger climb, No 6 Gully – soaring hundreds of meters high into the Scottish sunlight. After hours of fear-raising climbing – and returning to the ground – I knew th would be my last ever ice climb.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>~~~~~~ </p>
<p> </p>
<p>How bold we are as human beings – believing that we have the ability to transcend conditions that clearly ask for a different response.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In this situation, the conditions were clearly shifting and council had offered its wisdom through direct experience - and knowing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yet they still decided to climb. Why?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This memory re-appeared in recent weeks – and has been playing in my mind over time. It was a dramatic example of moving beyond limits that Risk, himself would not recommend. The most significant flaw was that Right Timing was not in alignment – and indeed, that the conditions increasingly unfavourable. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Instead of shifting to another pattern – in this case - moving to a less exposed or even shorter climb, the team decided to proceed with the one they intended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>How dogedly we proceed, when all the signs – the cracks in the ice - suggest another approach, and even aborting an intended pathway altogether.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>How quickly we ignore Right Timing’s Knowing, Intuitions’ wisdom and Risk’s council - our own and other human beings? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>What are we choosing to ignore – when all the signs suggest otherwise? What do we believe we have the experience, expertise and courage to conquer? What sound advice are we misreading – or ignoring completely.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>How open are we to listening to the wisdom of others who have travelled the pathway before – and have certain knowing that it would be in our interests to adhere?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What are we ready to rescue – to bring down the mountain – to shelter – to allow more life to course through?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What are we ready to say “thank you - this is not mine to do…I have another path to walk” knowing that some might see this as uncourageous and bailing out. Taking another route – and admitting this is not ours to do - is perhaps one of the most wise and courage acts of our times. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Where are the <i>cracks in the ice</i> that we need to notice at this time on the Planet – that ask for a more measured response?</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Structures liberated to host the Wild at the Hearthtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-10-23:4134568:BlogPost:418042011-10-23T14:05:42.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671742?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" height="169" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671742?profile=original" width="254"></img></a> Dear Freddie, our dog, slept in front of the fire - the first time he has been dowstairs in the house all night on his own. Lily, his sister - who sadly went missing in the spring - used to jump on the chairs and chew things, so it was never possible to leave them at night. Freddie slept soundly and in the morning greeted me in his usual sweet, excited way until I let him…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671742?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671742?profile=original" height="169" width="254"/></a>Dear Freddie, our dog, slept in front of the fire - the first time he has been dowstairs in the house all night on his own. Lily, his sister - who sadly went missing in the spring - used to jump on the chairs and chew things, so it was never possible to leave them at night. Freddie slept soundly and in the morning greeted me in his usual sweet, excited way until I let him out into the garden. I then heard him - from my nestled space in the house - running wild and barking as other hunting dogs - moving as a pack - traveling through the land.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671908?profile=original"><br/></a> </p>
<p>Freddie had been hosted into this fire-side space by Vanessa - as last week she was sleeping on the sofa bed downstairs with Freddie nestled on his rug close to the fire during the recent cold nights. Perhaps it was this that allowed him to feel safe enough to settle – as in other instances – he simply could not rest and had to be returned to his outdoor pen - or he was mature enough - and it was simply right timing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>The wild, in trust, in closer connection...sleeping – being held and hosted at the hearth – then running wild as others hunting as a pack, travel through...</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>In this time of <strong><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/profiles/blogs/liberating-structures" target="_self">liberating structures</a></strong> and trusting in new ways, dear Freddie is both guide and teacher. He too has liberated his enclosure...<i>at least when we are home...</i>even now sleeping soundly on his ‘penthouse pillow’ in the outdoor kitchen. Yet, somehow, there is newness and closeness present – as if he knew he was trusted implicitly.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">~~~~~</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p>Later this morning, I had a conversation with Kamyar in connection to me hosting a new website for SoL Greece. Friday night, in our meeting in Athens at Anna’s house (Maria’s sister) where the SoL team – Anthi, Odysseas, Maria and I - we were hosting Anna into the exploration of being the SoL convener. The space was now open for Anna to step in was on two levels (1) She no longer worked for the shipping company she had dedicated her working life to for over 25 year – her structure of work and the ensuing patterning of life, of a 5-day a week working life, now dissolved. (2) Odysseas – who was the current SoL convenor - was now stepping into his draft responsibility, with the Greek Army this coming Monday…a dissolution of a life structure on a grand scale – civilian to serviceman – at least for 9 months. In honoring this transition (including not wanting to stand out) he embodied this shift by going to have his long hair cut and his beard shaved off (after 10 years) - marking this transition on ‘face value’ – in order to step into this new phase and into a distinct operating system – the Services - with his own ground and integrity.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, during our conversations at Anna’s house, we realized we needed to create a new website for SoL to allow easeful, self-editing - and enliven the existing format. Maria immediately skyped Kamyar, we connected in 20 minutes, Odysseas passed on the relevant history and information, and with Kamyar graciously suggesting that his knowledge and time be exchanged for participating in the future. Yesterday, Kamyar redesigned the site by moving all the information into a new, more flexible, adaptable online structure – and today, we talked through the content management of the new site. Structures too constraining for self-organised expression were reconfigured in 2 days!! When the right people, right time, right place are aligned, the wheel turns…!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>It seems to be a massive time of liberating all structures - too small, fixed or ill-equipped to navigate the new landscape - to graciously crumble and evolve - so that the spaciousness of the new can be lived fully. It sounds so simple – yet in reality – especially if structures have been lived in for some time and are familiar and safe – the thought and practice of liberating them – either by choice or by circumstance - is extremely destabilizing, highly emotive and utterly disorienting. Yet, at some point, new order emerges and life continues in a newly re-patterned way. The art is staying present and discerning - within the massive fallout - to that which does not serve to be liberated, as in the confusion and ensuing debris, it is often difficult to discern. It seems that some prerequisites for the liberation of structures are relationship, hosting, right timing, safety and trust. Principles also seem to hold clues to what is necessary to keep and provides anchor points for mature navigation. <em>Yet in time, the dust settles and the new dawn arrives - recognising the gift of the shift and the new pattern can take form – until the next time of liberation!! </em> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Finally, a poem, sent when Maria, Vanny and I called the world to hold the land and people of Greece speaks of the liberation that is at play in humanity’s evolution…sent by Marcello Lacroix</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>When you come to the edge of the light you know</i></p>
<p><i>And are about to step into the darkness of the unknown</i></p>
<p><i>Faith is knowing one of two things will happen:</i></p>
<p><i>There will be something solid to stand on</i></p>
<p><i>Or you will be taught how to fly”</i></p>
<p><i>~ Patrick Overton ~</i></p>
<p><i><br/></i></p>
<p>Perhaps at the heart of the shift in our world right now is returning <i>the wild to the hearth - so long held at distance or isolation - and liberate any structures that prevent this. </i> Perhaps if we enabled this, the soul would then run free and respond - in right timing – with the instinctual life force that bids its energy forth.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com">http://axladitsa.ning.com</a></p>
<p> </p>Balancing the Edge with Beautytag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-10-14:4134568:BlogPost:405332011-10-14T01:23:39.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
The Edge is really here in Greece – and the call for transformation resonating at all levels. Despair and Outrage are rising as the injustices become more visible – <i>and equally</i> Responsibility and Resilience are arising also.<br />
<p> </p>
<p><i>As Maria wrote in an email a day ago: “I am in Athens right now - and the disintegration of the old system is really strong - everything is coming to a standstill here - garbage is not being collected, general strikes about two days a week on average,…</i></p>
The Edge is really here in Greece – and the call for transformation resonating at all levels. Despair and Outrage are rising as the injustices become more visible – <i>and equally</i> Responsibility and Resilience are arising also.<br />
<p> </p>
<p><i>As Maria wrote in an email a day ago: “I am in Athens right now - and the disintegration of the old system is really strong - everything is coming to a standstill here - garbage is not being collected, general strikes about two days a week on average, kids are striking and not going to school because books are not available for them, more and more people begging and knocking on doors saying they are hungry, 175,000 households have had their electricity cut off a month ago and 60,000 are still cut off. We now have a 10 day petrol strike - so movement might just cease all together.” </i></p>
<p><i><br/></i></p>
<p align="center">~~~~~</p>
<p> </p>
<p>At the same time, people are turning to one another and sharing what they are experiencing, practicing, dreaming – in pursuit of discovering ways to respond and engage in profoundly new ways.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This weekend we hosted our first ‘friends and family’ circle at Maria’s family home in Athens – called by Maria, Maria Bakari, with Anthi, Odysseas and myself – inviting people we knew and people we had only heard of, but had been connected to via other relationships. We were 22 in all – and with us were Newness, Possibility, Despair & Parea (good company!). It was a powerful evening of sharing and being in community – with food prepared by Maria’s sisters’ Anna and Stella and our circle witnessed by Kosta and Yianni on the balcony – with the Circle being the difference from most evening gatherings such as this. It strengthened the connection within and between us and called forth Courage – planting the seed that this way of being was important and must continue. The next conversation already has a new home to be hosted in – filoxenia – hospitality at the core of the Greek spirit.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">~~~~~</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Days later, we were in our car, waiting in a petrol queue for over an hour, as the 10 day strike takes hold. Maria Bakari, Maria and I witnessed the systemic challenges of these times – and the responses that unfold – somehow balancing the edge with beauty….</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>An elderly woman walks slowly to get her medication, and on her return – tries to navigate past a car parked on the sidewalk. She balances precariously on the edge of the pathway, until Maria runs across and assists - holding her arm for perhaps 10 seconds, protecting her steps - rather than see her fall into the road as cars whip past at speed. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Next, uncontrollable Anger rises in numerous people as they challenge Injustice with people not waiting in line – accusations flying that the others are just like the government. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Next, a pregnant woman yells at the garage attendants, that her child has wet themselves in the car, having waited in line for 2 hours – and she, incensed that the attendants are not stewarding the process of vehicles entering the forecourt in right timing. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Next, a man pushes in the queue, saying he is ‘local’ to this garage – not appreciating that he too has to wait his turn, rather than assume the ‘right’ for business as usual. Maria steps forward again and stands patiently in front of his car, gesturing that he move back and wait his turn and the car next in line move forward – always with a smile. He backs off and leaves. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Next, we prepare to leave after being served with petrol – by a non-Greek attendant – engaging in interested us in conversation about where we are from. We then realise our car won’t drive properly. Thankfully reaching Maria’s family home, we receive the mechanics verdict from Maria’s cousin that the clutch has broken and we cannot drive home to Axladitsa. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Calling council in the street, we see if we should leave immediately to catch the last bus of the evening, and Maria B travel home to Rhodes – realising our time in the petrol queue has made this impossible, and not supported by Right Timing. So we decide to stay another night. We embrace the opportunity to make sense of what has unfolded, inner and outer...as the edge becomes manifest in its wide-reaching, multiple ways. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>We circle up – Maria, Maria and I – and call in Vanessa, who is at Axladitsa – and pass the talking piece, whilst sipping wine and eating éclairs from the gathering. We speak of witnessing the disintegration and well as the newness arising from the edges of reality. We recollected iconic images of vulnerability in the young and old - men and women – local and non-local; as well as the images of power over, power with – and the powerless: real and mechanical – the edge of resources and the edginess of sharing amidst the tension of scarcity; the gift of family relationship and the gift of a stranger – the gift of right timing and the gift of synchronicity.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I relate a blog <strong><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/profiles/blogs/repatterning-a-gift-from-the" target="_self">Re-patterning: A Gift from the Edge</a></strong> that is part of my book – that just yesterday I was editing…about the petrol strike from 2010 – and offer these excerpts into the circle:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“…<i>And yet, deep within us and this land, we all knew that the re-patterning must continue. The need to re-pattern at a fundamental level was here, now. Somehow, and I had always known this - this little place in Greece on the furthest edge of Europe and on the edge of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with it’s relatively low infrastructure ground pattern was a fundamental reason of why we had come here. We were off the local and institutionally resourced water grid, electricity grid, and even monetary grid. We were even under the orthodox radar of what was viewed as the ‘systemic shift-work leading edge’ – and yet, here we were, somehow forging a groove into the leading edge of shifting perceptions, mindsets, realities, practices, infrastructure, leadership, mastery…world-view….”</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“…<i>We simply could not wait for the pressure to rise again in our micro-cosmic system – that seemed to be a clear pointer to the pre-wave of something much broader, deeper and more long term, both here and elsewhere. We could not wait for the fallout of another crisis to it usher in the tension of creating re–pattern and flow between Source and Service…”</i><br/> <br/></p>
<p align="center">~~~~~</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And later, as we sat together – the three of us – in the family home, we connect with the world via email, Facebook and Internet – sharing insights, jokes, quotes between us…and for me, a compilation – without knowing why, until a day later - <i>images of beauty at the edge</i> from the <strong><a href="http://../photo/albums/southern-pelion-coastline" target="_self">Southern Pelion Coastline</a></strong> - my own way of balancing the precariousness that exists here and in many places around the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672001?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672001?profile=original" height="322" width="483"/></a></p>
<p>In these few, yet power-full days in Athens, we witnessed the power of the edge evolving in its many forms – and the power and beauty that is inherent. Crucially, we were able to see it, and call it forth if not present. Crucially too, we sensed the edge of ebb and flow, rise and fall, chaos and order - and cultivated the consciousness and presence to ride the waves with Ease and Grace and other times, Overwhelm and Confusion –all offering insight and meaning.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">~~~~~</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>And as we travelled home on the bus, I remembered the Article I wrote for the Powers of Place, Perspectives: <b><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs061/1102568752440/archive/1106692150589.html" target="_blank">Power of the Evolutionary Edge:</a></b></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>“If you want to understand the power of the evolutionary edge, simply recall the fragility of a stalactite catching the newness of a droplet forming at its tip, having journeyed from ground level - through moss, stone, soil, rock itself – a miraculous slow-motion subterranean journey taking months, years or even thousands of years to create. Equally, recount the violent yawning of the earth’s shifting powers, creating mass destruction, violent tremors and immense tidal waves sweeping through the fineness of human creation, balanced precariously on the shoreline.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><b><i>The edge is a place of power and potential – that evolves with tremendous potency.</i></b></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>But, what of the edge? What powers do edges hold, particularly as we attempt to navigate these times of unprecedented change? What gifts of wisdom do they offer with respect to our own nature – and our own need to intentionally evolve?</i>”</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">~~~~~</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We are living and learning this…real time…</p>
<p> </p>
Balance Point of Truthstag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-09-15:4134568:BlogPost:369662011-09-15T19:00:00.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
Today, a dear and trusted friend voiced a concern of me having posted the <strong><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/video/nigel-farage-greece-under-commission-ecb-imf-dictatorship" target="_self">video of the UKIP MEP, Nigel Farage</a></strong> – a UK public servant who’s political party, according to Google is ‘<i>Libertarian, non-racist party seeking Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.’</i><br></br>
<p> </p>
<p>I <i>replied, “Yes, I (we) know he is of the Right. He simply offers a…</i></p>
Today, a dear and trusted friend voiced a concern of me having posted the <strong><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/video/nigel-farage-greece-under-commission-ecb-imf-dictatorship" target="_self">video of the UKIP MEP, Nigel Farage</a></strong> – a UK public servant who’s political party, according to Google is ‘<i>Libertarian, non-racist party seeking Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.’</i><br/>
<p> </p>
<p>I <i>replied, “Yes, I (we) know he is of the Right. He simply offers a (strong) perspective. I am not aiming to ‘profile’ him as such, neither do I get overexcited or concerned about his ‘radical’ nature. Yet he is a voice that somehow speaks in opposition to and counter-balances some of the opinion of ‘others’, who are causing Greece and its people much pain…” </i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>It’s interesting they are against Europe (the word derived from the Greek word Eurōpē (Ευρώπη) often voiced as “the one that sees”…perhaps Nigel’s perspective might transform the emptiness of the current term and practice.</i></p>
<p><i><br/> Perhaps also it would be helpful if I qualify my addition of this video to the Ning. I hear your caution and welcome it...”</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p align="center"><i>~~~~~</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>What I value – and why I chose to post the video - is that, for me, Nigel <i>was speaking his truth -</i> and in the current climate offers a fundamentally different perspective to others. Whether I believe his viewpoint or not, I honour it. I know his ‘radical’ perspective will wave a red flag to many – <i>and perhaps even his perspective is fundamentally wrong</i> - but for me, his (and others) voice of ‘truth’ holds the possibility of catalyzing the discovery of what I/<i>we DO believe</i> – even if counter to his/there’s.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>There is immense power when we ‘<i>speak our truth’</i> – not <i>the</i> truth, but</strong> <i><strong>our truth.</strong> It represents our belief</i>, <i>our sense of something</i> – <i>our opinion</i> – <i>our passion</i>. The challenge is not to get stuck in ‘our truth’, become ‘opinionated’ or become unable to hear other ‘truths’, especially those in polar opposition to our own. Can we sit in the space of many truths? Can we find the balance point between them? <i>And, what happens if 'a truth' IS fundamentally ‘wrong’ – ethically, morally, societally? What happens then?</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">~~~~~</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I remember going to Israel for the first time in March 2005 and in the final circle check-out with 25 or so people – people’s of the conflict, plus many Internationals – I heard an entire kaleidoscope of ‘truths’ - multi-levelled, contradictory truths. <strong>It was the first time I recognised the power and presence of many truths co-existing. <i>All voices held a truth</i>. </strong> The first point of balance was being willing to hear them all – in this case, possible because of the safety and trust we had cultivated in a two-day hosted process. These qualities, plus the willingness to share and be vulnerable, enabled the space to stay open, in what, culturally and traditionally would normally have collapsed, if indeed started at all. The second was to allow the many truths to catalyze and coalesce into new collective intelligence - the unwavering unity of humanity and the desire for peace.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Only just last week – one of the participants from this very time, 6 years ago - was one of the core hosts of the <strong><a href="http://artofhosting.ning.com/forum/topics/1000-table-world-cafe-in-israel-interview-inspiration-invitation" target="_self">1000 table world café in Israel</a></strong> – another living testimony that the space of many truths remains alive - and the call to co-create newness is widely being sought by many.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Holding space for the many truths to co-exist is perhaps the prerequisite for the generation of new collective intelligence, in fact, a core condition</strong>. Without it, we generate more of the same, or at worst, nothing at all. Our truths and opinions remain diverged and polarised and we retreat into our opinion ‘camps’, shooting perspectives from arms length – with the possibility of cultivating new collective intelligence diminishing to nothing<i>.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">~~~~~</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This interaction over the innocuous act offering out this video, and then receiving a dear friend’s cautionary advice has been a deeply significant experience for me. I have seen more as a result of my own practice of speaking my truth - of which this, and indeed all my writing is an act of. With this I have also become conscious of my deeper motivation to act in the first place. And I know that to be true of my friend too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I <i>still</i> believe we need to hear these ‘radical’ perspectives – especially now. And, <strong>we need the processes in which we can individually and collectively hold the tension between these ‘truths’ – in the pursuit of opening the space for interaction, that will transform and illuminate the balance point between them - so that new collective intelligence can be generated</strong>. This is, in part, also the reason why I was called to write this blog – since the polarities reside in me too…and I wish to seek the wholeness of my own knowing – acknowledging always that the truths may remain distinct and unintegrated. Yet, this time, I seem to be have been able to hold the paradox of both - and generated newness and consciousness.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Crucially, the act of uncovering motivations and deeply held assumptions underpinning these <i>radical</i> perspectives needs to be tended with inordinate sensitivity, as this is perhaps where the tru(th) power resides</strong> – often unknown, more often too distant for us to travel to – yet if questioned generatively is a journey of discovering our own ‘radical’ roots.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And…as I said, <i>some things are just wrong</i>. How do we hold space for these too?</p>Safety nets for learningtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-09-08:4134568:BlogPost:365032011-09-08T14:28:50.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Inspired by the conversation, on <strong>Democracy Rising in Greece</strong> <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/democracy-rising-in-greece">http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/democracy-rising-in-greece</a> - about our sense of co-creating a place in Athens, I found this great video on National Geographic: <strong>on…</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Inspired by the conversation, on <strong>Democracy Rising in Greece</strong> <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/democracy-rising-in-greece">http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/democracy-rising-in-greece</a> - about our sense of co-creating a place in Athens, I found this great video on National Geographic: <strong>on</strong> <a href="http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/?source=NavAdvHome">http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/?source=NavAdvHome</a> & <strong>Adventure Sports: The Next Wave: Free Soloing With a Net</strong>. </p>
<p>See: <a href="http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/fringe-elements/adventure-sports-videos/#/matt-maddaloni-boulder_33763_600x450.jpg">http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/fringe-elements/adventure-sports-videos/#/matt-maddaloni-boulder_33763_600x450.jpg</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Its an incredible video of a young guy committed to climbing harder rock climbs without a rope - and yet wanting to stay safe as he learned. He innovated by learning over rivers, so that if he fell, he would fall into the water. Yet, in wanting to take his learning inland...he innovated and engineered a <strong>huge, highly responsive safety net</strong> that he precisely positioned under the climb!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This speaks to me of the spaces such as Axladitsa, the space we are seeking to create in Athens...and the temporary tent villages that rise and fall, based on need and right timing - to be <strong><em>the places where we can learn safely. </em></strong> As the caption says below the video...<em>"the consequences of a free solo fall reverberate through families, friends, and the greater community. Which camp do you fall into? Can an act be both beautiful and foolish?</em></p>
<p><br/><em>As Maria's testimony from September 3rd, so powerful speaks</em> of the <strong><a href="http://www.walkoutwalkon.net/2011/09/violence-at-syntagma-on-3-september-2011/" target="_blank">Violence at Syntagma on September 3 2011</a></strong>, her final paragraph here speaks of the call to create a place in Athens...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Now some days later, I am still feeling the shock of the violence and holding even deeper resolve (with Sarah, Anthi and Odysseas) to keep <strong>witnessing and creating space and processes for the interdependent evolution of diverse creative expressions in Hellada</strong>. Specifically, we are dreaming of a physical space in Athens – where we can begin to meet, learn, exchange, dream, experiment, incubate and be in good parea – where we can transform ourselves systemically and create life as it flows through us. A place where artists can meet with architects, where business people can drink coffee with activists, where young people can talk to Yiayias and Papudes (Grandmothers and Grandfathers), where mothers can be together, etc. Who would like to join in creating this fest of beauty – we will need your help – financial, time, love, talents, songs, art, cooking, etc. If this speaks to you – please get in touch by emailing me on <a href="mailto:maria.scordialos@virgin.net">maria.scordialos@virgin.net</a></em></p>
<em> </em><br/>
<p> </p>
<p>We need the safety nets to break our fall as we <em><strong>learn to scale new, challenging heights</strong></em>...and perhaps these spaces and the ways they are hosted are these nets...and as the young climber / innovator said in his video...<em>i<strong>f you're not learning, you're not living...</strong></em><strong>"</strong> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.axladitsa.ning.com/"></a><a href="http://www.axladitsa.ning.com/">http://www.axladitsa.ning.com</a> <a href="http://www.axladitsa.org/">http://www.axladitsa.org</a> <a href="http://www.walkoutwalkon.net/author/sarah/">http://www.walkoutwalkon.net/author/sarah/</a> <a href="http://www.artofhosting.org/">http://www.artofhosting.org</a> <a href="http://www.powersofplace.com/">http://www.powersofplace.com</a><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.powersofplace.com/"></a></span></font></p>Wholeness of Economytag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-09-08:4134568:BlogPost:360242011-09-08T11:08:56.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
Yesterday I received a question from someone on a Ning network, who had clearly read my profile page and blog entries….“ Sarah...How are you systematically shifting your own financial system...or is that a question too far...?”<br></br>
<p> </p>
<p>To which I replied…”Fundamentally - thank you for asking...x”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Sarah...fundamentally is a big call, where do you start or where did you start...?”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It got me thinking, that perhaps I needed to become conscious and harvest…</p>
Yesterday I received a question from someone on a Ning network, who had clearly read my profile page and blog entries….“ Sarah...How are you systematically shifting your own financial system...or is that a question too far...?”<br/>
<p> </p>
<p>To which I replied…”Fundamentally - thank you for asking...x”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Sarah...fundamentally is a big call, where do you start or where did you start...?”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It got me thinking, that perhaps I needed to become conscious and harvest my learning journey to date.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>I always knew that part of the journey of coming here to <strong><a href="http://www.axladitsa.org/" target="_blank">Axladitsa</a></strong> was fuelled by the desire to come into relationship with this question of systemically shifting – including my own financial system - and to re-pattern my life from a state of living fragmented to living wholeness. For this I knew I needed to step over a threshold that would change <i>everything from the roots up</i> – as that is the nature of fundamental transformation. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I knew that how I was relating to money was misaligned with the energetic that was its origin – for me, <i>to make visible the value of the subtle and tangible aspects of life</i>. To allow the nature of the relationship with a person, a service, a real thing to be consciously named and framed – and given real value that is societally understood and agreed - whatever the size and nature of this society. The notion of “trading” emerged and expanded over time, with goods and services moving between family, village, town, region, country, Region – and eventually the entire globe. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The notion of ‘concentration currencies’ also emerged – the ‘precious’ entities that had recognised value became cornerstones within trade agreements and the ‘gold’ of the region became the new currencies, and in time, quite literally: Gold, the precious metal; Olive oil, the liquid ‘gold’; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum">Petroleum</a> (Greek: petra (rock) + Latin: oleum (oil)). These became the <i>power broker</i> currencies, manufacturing the modern life.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Over time, the relationship within the boundaries of real exchange, the mutuality of one having a ‘something’ that could be traded, the reciprocity of gifting both ways was slowly distanced and gave rise to <i>a concentrated form of relationship</i>, that seemingly had the power of shift relationship and eventually started to create itself. Money. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It became a prime symbol of wealth and a core mover that drove many towards an unknown, unreal destiny – sometimes cascading without a safety net, over the edge. Wealth was less about how many camels, cows, jewels, goats, oil, trees one owned, but how much you could own, consume and buy with the cash accrued. Neither did wealth mean how much love, beauty, knowledge, happiness one had, but what one could possess – in many cases bypassing the entire web of the social field. The nature of our relationship to wealth became slowly dislocated from the roots of origin and growth took on a power of its own, no longer held with Integrity. Like a traveller, who sets off on a journey, becoming distracted and confused along the way, eventually losing site of any defining landmarks – money dangerously lost its way, no longer able to navigate its way towards a meaningful destination. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>And so here WE are as a Humanity and Economy, a ghost of her former self.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I speak this not from a place of blame, but from a place of experience. I too have lived this journey – and I bow my head in shame. I too became seduced by the power of this presence – drugged by the need for more, and disorientated by the emptiness I eventually felt. Until, finally not knowing how to rebalance my reality, my relationships, my bank account, I decided to try and find my way again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And so, I decided to journey – with as much consciousness as I could muster. My desire was to breathe life back into the fullness of my relationship all of life – of which money / economy was an important factor was my focus. Within this, I wanted to embrace the fullness of what <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/profiles/blogs/economy-s-claim-re-examining-our-relationship-to-money" target="_self">‘economy’ truly meant for me</a> - from being <a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=ebacm6fab&v=001b3MRj4D6bdp9v51J1dVL3ZtCwX-gZBcSR3a6XOVpl1GDy3AwfboOCjiQGBx7DTaczAf7Ruk2Ltj3c4zXp6vmGiA5lFoMwh4eiOV9yhQZ1tXjTKuyaqe7CcHnyw0u3FKBonly">frugal management of resources in a geographical region</a> adopted in the 19th century <i>to a life-given, healthy practice of</i> <i>tending our hearth and home</i> – and amplify all the implicit energies of mutuality, reciprocity, exchange and cash, that made up the wholeness of economy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">~ Economy’s Claim ~</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center">How was I reduced</p>
<p align="center">To the perspective of money</p>
<p align="center">When my original calling</p>
<p align="center">Was "Keep order of Home"?</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center">Mutuality, Reciprocity</p>
<p align="center">Exchange And Cash</p>
<p align="center">This wide bless-ed bounty</p>
<p align="center">Inspired with Intent</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center">Let the pendulum swing</p>
<p align="center">From Scarcity to Abundance</p>
<p align="center">Re-claiming the Magic</p>
<p align="center">Roots to High purpose</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center">Economy’s Debtors</p>
<p align="center">Chalked up over Time</p>
<p align="center">Claim “Come & re-pattern”</p>
<p align="center">Re-member to the Hearth</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>But how to journey, especially when the landmarks were few and far between? Simply start…start exploring….</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Questions for me are always a good start. <em>What is the wholeness of economy? What are the qualities of it? What does it look like? How does it move?</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>These questions became part of my inquiry – initially playing part-time with them for a while until taking the decision to journey consciously and deeper into foreign lands. Literally.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Stepping into guardianing this 24 acre piece of land was the defining decision to be a student full time. We only had one third of the amount needed to purchase and so became precariously balanced on the threshold between Trust and Complete Madness. Yet, I could not, not take this step forward towards Destiny!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And, I knew that Not having Enough was a crucial companion in the inquiry – and somehow held the doorway to new insight. The trusting relationship of the previous owners of the land – through family connections spanning both geography and time - met our own Belief and Hope with their own – and were inspired to accelerate our journey to Home and inspired about how we sensed this special place might become a place of learning and perhaps even beacon of hope in the future. The act of signing over the legal ownership at this early stage and agreeing a payment plan was a sign of the previous owners’ absolute <i>declaration of trust</i>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yet, Not having Enough, who’s middle name was Scarcity had a power that could crush the life of these fragile seeds that Belief and Hope held – especially when the nature of need within Not having Enough was REAL. The call for how to bring balance and release Tension’s grip was met with trusted relationships going deeper – those able to bridge Need and Not knowing - as the inquiry to understand what was truly present here, was still being understood. Integrity and Discernment were crucial allies – holding the line of what was useful resourcing and healthy relationships of support and what were not. Better to go without than receive that gifts that created undesirable side-affects with the dis-eased crew of Dependency, Misalignment and Fragmentation. These kinds of gifts of those bearing them were thanked – and sometimes unceremoniously set packing - or simply fell away naturally. In times of drought where the lack of rain has the power to crack the ground open, and the patient waiting for the monsoon ensures, so too are the lessons learned with Resilience as our teacher.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Other gift-bearers also showed up, granting their lessons to inform the future and re-pattern the whole: Subsistence, the teacher of <i>making do with what you have</i>; Resourcefulness <i>- the seeker of giving and being gifted in life-giving ways</i>; Fear of Lack - <i>the constrainer and gatekeeper</i> shadowing a most significant teacher, Abundance <i>–the iridescent cornucopia of life.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also the teachers of Diligence and Truthfulness were present as relationships were tended. Disappointment and whispers from Judgment came often when Reality could not give what was promised – as a result, Letting another Down sank quietly into the depths with Despair. Resilience and Determination rode the waves of Fear with the white-water-paddlers companions, allowing the fine navigation through the maze that Turbulance had set up, in part by Destiny and Life itself. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also on the river were trusted Re-Sourcers, proficient white-water paddlers themselves who became the responsive support-crew, throwing Life-lines, bringing necessary support and sustenance to fed the newness, hold the space and gift in so ways through silent and present witnessing, and allowing the flow and the paddlers to continue, preventing the cataclysmic descent into a whirlpool that would swallow everything…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In time, the cycles of ebb and flow forged the new groove of insight and shifted the trajectory of what it truly meant to be alive. Walking the edge was no longer a distant memory from outdoor education days, holding space as the young and the older navigated to the dizzy heights of a rock climb, neither when sensing the edge of wind and sail – or even crawling between the edges of rock-formation of lifetimes in a cave system – but <i>the edge of existence and consciousness – of what it TRULY meant be alive.</i> Not simulated, illusionary – but REAL. The gift of Caring Enough – otherwise known as Unconditional Love was probably the most powerful teacher of all – for their presence called forth the bounty of what it meant to be living the wholeness of life – for doing whatever it takes to live generatively – to keep tending the hearth and Home day by day. For these lessons and this experience, I am truly grateful. </p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">~~~~~</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This inquiry is still ongoing – but what I do know is that <i>Relationship is key</i>. <i>Invitation is too</i>. <i>Willingness</i> <i>is also.</i> And of course <i>Love of Life</i>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To explore <i>all</i> these aspects mentioned here, within the breadth of currencies available to us is, in part, a necessary act of keeping them vibrant, alive, meaningful and connected – and perhaps these acts of exploration – <i>acts of kindness</i> - may eventually heal and restore of the roots of Economy back into its Integral self. With this, it is to listen out for when there is time for mutuality, reciprocity and exchange present. It is to listen out for when cash is needed. It is to listen out for when to respond and when not to. It is to listen out for when to be the receiver and when to be the gift.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The art is to keep these energies acting as one coherent whole <i>– through the movement</i> that keeps them alive and dynamic – whilst at the same time, being acutely aware of what needs amplification to maintain the balance of relationship within life and the living of it. As I see it, this is the wholeness of economy – and is the practice I am cultivating real time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yet, the nature of the full compliment of energies within the wholeness of economy requires the interaction of others. It simply cannot be done alone.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>And so here WE are as a Humanity…perhaps ready to explore the wholeness of economy together.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>So – PQ, as I said, in my answer to your question on the <strong><a href="http://thefinancelab.ning.com/" target="_blank">Ning</a></strong>, about how I am systematically shifting my own <strong><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/profiles/blogs/economy-s-claim-re-examining-our-relationship-to-money" target="_blank">financial system</a></strong>...<i>it was not a question too far</i>…and with the gift more consciousness…I still reply...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“ Fundamentally - thank you for asking...x”</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>All is not losttag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-09-07:4134568:BlogPost:360202011-09-07T08:00:00.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">On the face of it, its hard not to lose heart. Yet, in a sense, the situation here in Greece is getting more real – with the deeper layers of culture exposed through the events these past months. It has informed our conversations within our local field here and shown the nature of the real challenges ahead.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><br></br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">So we,…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">On the face of it, its hard not to lose heart. Yet, in a sense, the situation here in Greece is getting more real – with the deeper layers of culture exposed through the events these past months. It has informed our conversations within our local field here and shown the nature of the real challenges ahead.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">So we, Anthi, Odysseas, Maria and I met these past weekend – sensing into the call for our work here – now.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">It is taking slow, deliberate effort and regular connection – both in person and virtually – exploring the edges of our own passions, trust, safety, fears – our own operating systems, practices, forms, blind spots, wounds. Also, and importantly, we are sharing knowledge of cultural nuance of place and people – as indigenous citizens and ‘others’ who now see this land as home. <em>Perhaps we are prototyping the learning journey necessary to re-weave the fabric of a highly creative, powerfully influential, proud and relational people</em> – now shamed and demanded to conform – and as a result, losing hope in themselves and their own abilities to re-balance their own lives – a wound that runs deep.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Within our conversations as a four, I am beginning to understand the interrelated issues at hand, captured in their bold essences here: an organising pattern that has not changed since Byzantine times; an underlying, debilitating fear of creativity and innovation – unless expressed in pre-defined, socially acceptable forms; a weakened, almost obsolete sense of self-author-ity; a preference for monological interaction; a monopoly/biopoly political power-base between two dynasties; dysfunctional social/educational systems that control its citizens via corrupted ‘operators’ and monolithic bureaucracies; a history seeped in the fear and reality of the collaboration of <em>others</em> consistently dictating measures that aim to override the natural; a religious state that governs its people.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">And yet, throughout history, these are a people who have created immense beauty and grace through the artistry, songs, architecture, democracy – whose home is the magnificant, pristine, abundant nature. They have had the ability to be in strong relationships that have kept the deeper social fabric strong, resilient and for the most part, intact. Yet, somewhere in time, <em>evolution became disconnected</em> and the people started fearing the power of learning – started fearing the foreign, the foreigner, the unknown – the mystery.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">And so in the recent days in Syntagma – where the two ‘distinct’ camps of people power – the Left chanting in front of parliament and the People’s Council hosting monologic-style democracy, not too dissimilar from the official ruling powers, clothed in riot gear, a priest who chanted his prayers until unceremoniously moved on and the eventual degeneration into chamos, until the clamp-down through force and again, the people dissipate into the clusters, trying to find the next best step. Yet, <em>doing something</em> is reconnecting the fragmentation of the dream to reality. For now, there are no arenas to explore the options. And close by, the historical default that hangs menacingly low, ready to close the door of possibility once again: the change that civil unrest escalates into civil war.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">And beyond these acts and actors…what? <em>How do we harness the innate life force that exists here – and thrives when beyond its own geography, yet craves it’s home always?</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><em><br/></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Yet – <em>the re-patterning time is here</em> – and we are doing our best to position ourselves. Not that it will be easy – but the sense of futility is seeping into the hearts of many. Hope is dimming and fear is increasing. <strong>And yet, hope and the deep love of this land and people is easily ignited when inspired with beauty – when mystery is made manifest. <em>Maybe this is the crack – and the doorway to re-claim and re-frame the new world.</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><strong><em><br/></em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">There are many who still believe its right to keep doing something – perhaps they will be the ones who will be willing to sense into the new – and the unknown. Better to act, than fall asleep again.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><br/></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">In tangible terms, we are planning a virtual global world café at the end of September and will send the invite shortly. We are looking at venues to try out a monthly evening conversation space and in December, calling a three day gathering on systemic change and also hosting a one day conference – both hopefully part of an established conference here. So all is not lost.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">See <strong><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/video/pushing-back-syntagma-square-3-sept-2011">Video</a></strong> from events in Syntagma Square, on 3rd September, 2011</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Read also <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/profiles/blogs/witnessing-the-evolving-edge"><strong>Witness. Chronicle. Share</strong>.</a> – the personal, collective and universal story inspired from Syntagma Square</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Join Axladitsa <em>living wholeness</em> Ning: <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com">http://axladitsa.ning.com</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">WOWO: <a href="http://www.walkoutwalkon.net/author/sarah/">http://www.walkoutwalkon.net/author/sarah/</a></span></p>Waves of a New Worldtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-08-01:4134568:BlogPost:307162011-08-01T13:42:09.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671821?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" height="195" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671821?profile=original" width="293"></img></a> Maria and I are back in Greece, after spending a week co-hosting the first <strong><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/events/archinool-collaborative-making" target="_self">Archinool</a></strong> gathering in Israel, with Vanessa (co-founder of the Living Wholeness Institute), Yitzhak, Elder of LWI, and Meni Rosenberg, passionate caller and inspirer of Archinool. Our 2-day…
<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671821?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671821?profile=original" height="195" width="293"/></a>Maria and I are back in Greece, after spending a week co-hosting the first <strong><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/events/archinool-collaborative-making" target="_self">Archinool</a></strong> gathering in Israel, with Vanessa (co-founder of the Living Wholeness Institute), Yitzhak, Elder of LWI, and Meni Rosenberg, passionate caller and inspirer of Archinool. Our 2-day gathering - with 30 others from the region - explored the collaborative creation of power communal places and welcomed the expansion of the Archinool core team as one of its many outcomes.<br />
<p> </p>
<p>Our gathering was powerful – and Archinool breathed with more life - so that together, we will continue our work in the coming months in Israel.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Just around the corner from our second day gathering space was Rothschild Street, one of the most affluent areas of Tel Aviv. This had become a powerful communal place also – with over 500 tents pitched in the first two weeks of the <a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672009?profile=original"><img width="471" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672009?profile=RESIZE_480x480" height="196" width="294"/></a>movement, calling for <em>affordable housing</em>. Place and people had exactly the same feeling as the arising in recent months <strong><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/democracy-rising-in-greece" target="_self">Syntagma</a></strong>. There are many other ‘tent villages’ emerging across Israel.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>As Maria wrote into the <strong><a href="http://www.artofhosting.org/home/" target="_blank">Art of Hosting</a></strong> listserve today: “The wave of a new world has now hit Israel - where like Greece, Egypt, Tunisia, Spain and Portugal - people are standing up and calling for a new order. Again a financial need has triggered this - high rents - however, it goes much wider.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Standing with the Israeli people who are now</i> standing <i>up for a new world democracy.” </i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Last night, the gatherings were widespread. See Article by Bernard Avishai</i> <b><a href="http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/07/31/160156.html">Protesters on the Streets of Israel: Bursting Netanyahu's bubble?</a>,</b> forwarded by Vanessa, who was part of the <i>Mothers and Children</i> protest in Jerusalem, with Yitzhak and his family.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">~~~~~</p>
<p>In May 2009, Holly Mastruzo opened a Ning Forum: <b>What does <i><a href="../../forum/topics/what-does-translocal-practice">Translocal Practice</a></i></b> <b>look like in your part of the world?</b>, with the question: <i>How do we behave, mindfully and fully, as local practitioners and as people connected to global movements? </i> Holly continued to pose other questions<i>: What facilitates us finding flow and synergy, and what contributes to conditions that feel more like imbalance?...I am curious to hear how you work simultaneously to ground locally - to really be in it where you are - as well as to sustain the energy and connection of the largeness of some of our 21st century "surfacings," these rich communities of practice that sometimes are on the other side of the world, and/or sometimes are not in any one place at all…How may we engage in presencing with more than one place?”</i></p>
<p><i><br/></i></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672121?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672121?profile=original" height="195" width="292"/></a>I sense these questions from Holly, 2.5 years ago, are highly related to the <i>wave of a new world</i> that Maria spoke of. Only this morning I received this link from Anthi in Athens, about the <strong><a href="http://justgroundsonline.com/forum/topics/convoy-of-no-confidence-in-the">Convoy of No Confidence</a></strong> in the Federal Government, taking place in Australia. <em>The wave is already big and it’s spreading</em>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It seems to be a time for looking ourselves in the mirror and asking ourselves, our communities, our families, our governments, etc, "do we like what we see - or do we need to change it?"</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">~~~~~</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a recent e-bulletin from The World Foundation for the <strong><a href="http://www.disciplineofpeace.org/Home.html">Discipline of Peace</a></strong>, a Global Expression of <strong><u><a href="http://www.ehama.org/">Ehama Institute</a></u></strong>, Indigenous Elders, WindEagle and RainbowHawk spoke of a specific period, starting <i>March 9th and extending to October 28<sup>th</sup></i>, 2011; 234 days where our collective human consciousness can make a difference. This 234-day <strong><a href="http://www.calleman.com/content/articles/Mayan_Calendars_NineNine_dayCount.htm">Nine + Nine Day Count</a></strong> emphasises Unity Consciousness, Conscious Co-Creation. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>“This is a period in which the energies coming to Mother Earth from the universe make possible for humanity to collectively co-create significant energy changes to help shape the new world beginning in 2012.”</i> wrote WindEagle and RainbowHawk.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Today, August 1<sup>st</sup> is the first day of the step known as <strong><a href="http://www.calleman.com/content/articles/Mayan_Calendars_NineNine_dayCount.htm">budding</a></strong>, continuing until August 17<sup>th</sup>, after which we enter a phase called <strong><a href="http://www.calleman.com/content/articles/Mayan_Calendars_NineNine_dayCount.htm">destruction</a></strong>, then <i>flowering</i> and <i>fruition</i>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672331?profile=original"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672331?profile=original" height="196" width="294"/></a>It is clear <strong>we are living in deeply significant times</strong> – widely acclaimed by many traditions and cultures around the world to be so. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It therefore seems imperative that when seeding aligned intentions, making informed decisions and taking wise actions, they must be taken with the utmost caution, as their affect are more important and have greater significance, perhaps than other times, less historically potent times. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>It also seems crucial that we, wherever possible, evolve our local and <strong><a href="../../forum/topics/what-does-translocal-practice">translocal practices</a></strong>, connect our local movements and share our wisdom, so that individually and collectively we play our part in cultivating Unity Consciousness, so that the wave of a new world has the greatest opportunity to be as bold and as coherent as possible - and <strong>has the power and presence as if from One Collective Voice.</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Keep Building the New....tag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-06-30:4134568:BlogPost:263092011-06-30T08:56:37.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Look what too place yesterday...with the <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/collaborative-space-making-at" target="_blank">Collaborative Space Making</a> at Axladitsa...</span></font><em><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br></br></span></font></em></p>
<p> …</p>
<p></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Look what too place yesterday...with the <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/collaborative-space-making-at" target="_blank">Collaborative Space Making</a> at Axladitsa...</span></font><em><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br/></span></font></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671548?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671548?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span></font></p>
<p><em><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br/></span></font></em></p>
<p><em> </em> <font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;">I went up at 7.30 am this morning to see what work had been done...and found 7 guys working!!! They are placing the frames to create strong grounding anchor points for the floor structure and the metal stakes and frames to be embedded in – as the structure gets built. <br/> <br/> Given what took place yesterday and the austerity approval...<em>I wonder what structures we need to continue to be laid...energetically and through the actions of the people in Syntagma. What needs to be continued to be grounded...?</em> </span></font></p>
<p> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Significant times...I can’t help see the parallels with what we are creating here and what is taking place in Athens...<br/> <br/> The guys on the hill continue now – so I will take more photos later.<br/></span></font> <br/> <font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671548?profile=original"><br/></a></span></font><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671548?profile=original"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></font></a></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805673919?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805673919?profile=original" width="640"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805674126?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805674126?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span></font><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805674195?profile=original"><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br/></span></font> <br/></a><font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br/></span></font></p>Sacred Act of Hospicing the Dyingtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-06-30:4134568:BlogPost:264032011-06-30T08:53:50.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
I was privileged to know Tony Scordialos, father of Anna, Stella and Maria.<br></br>
<p> </p>
<p>I was even more privileged to be part of his care, in the final years of his life. He had multiple and conflicting life-threatening health issues that required the skills of a number of specialist physicians to come to his aid. In essence, they all clearly worked for the good of Kyrie (Mr) Tony – yet, they worked in medical ‘silo’s’ – and so their diagnoses were mainly coherent, yet sometimes…</p>
I was privileged to know Tony Scordialos, father of Anna, Stella and Maria.<br/>
<p> </p>
<p>I was even more privileged to be part of his care, in the final years of his life. He had multiple and conflicting life-threatening health issues that required the skills of a number of specialist physicians to come to his aid. In essence, they all clearly worked for the good of Kyrie (Mr) Tony – yet, they worked in medical ‘silo’s’ – and so their diagnoses were mainly coherent, yet sometimes disturbingly conflicting - sometimes exacerbating the issues for another Dr to attend to – and certainly for the patient health as a whole. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>One particular morning, to the family’s utter distress, two Dr’s debated heatedly how they should proceed across the bed of the increasingly distressed patient. The family demanded that them to leave - and to continue their discussion outside. The sacred space of care and hospicing was being violated and needed protection.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</p>
<p>Conflicting diagnoses are clearly at play in the economic arena of our world – even at present, ‘over the bed of the patient’. Specialists from the different ‘health departments’ are offering their expert opinion – giving recommendations to how the system should be brought into balance. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Part of the issue is that some experts believe the system should be brought back to life – fed with drugs and <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/06/29/ap/world/main20075326.shtml" target="_blank">measures</a> that to some see as utterly ludicrous to contemplate, let alone administer – while others believe that the system is at the end of its life, and simply needs to be allowed to die with dignity.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</p>
<p>Kyrie Tony <i>knew</i> when he had entered his final weeks and days. He softened – became almost translucent. He had fear <i>and</i> deep calm. In the final days, Maria and I were in Germany, hosting an Art of Hosting in the mountains of Bavaria. It had been a difficult decision to go, but we discussed it with our hosting team and with Stella and Anna – knowing that the time was close. One morning, Maria rang Stella, and heard that their father had asked for Maria - where was she and when was she coming back? It was time. We said our farewells and headed back to the airport, our flight to Athens and then straight to the hospital. Anna was there, with her father. Maria went into his room and stayed for a while – stroking his head – saying how much she loved him, that all was well – we were all here - and that it was time to go. He woke and said how happy he was she was there, and that he loved her.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I too went into his darkened room – held his feet as he laid curled on his side - said what an honour it was to have known him - and that I loved him too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Next morning he passed away. Stella and Maria were on their way to see him – yet it had been his time. His dignity perhaps asking for him to go on this part of his journey alone, knowing that his family was close by. He was being attended by a Dr who was a dear family friend. He grieved along with them.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</p>
<p>The time of passing is profound. Emotions are mixed. Powerful waves of grief and loss – mixed with the celebratory joy of a life well lived. The mark of a life leaves an indelible imprint and the legacy remains.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yet equally, there is a fundamentally new landscape present. A core anchor point is now gone – gone forever. What now? Fear, loss, regret, pain, possibility…all become present, and more. The Void is here. Yet at some point, knowing emerges and life continues.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So <i>how do we move towards a coherent, agreed diagnosis of the issues at hand?</i> I personally believe our economic system is on life support and has been for some time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Yet how do we, with compassion, hospice a system of such magnitude to die with grace? How do we also stay compassionate with those who are fighting with all their might, saying that it simply isn’t true and wish to keep pumping the system with measures that, seem in the long run, completely unsustainable - and indeed, inhumane? How do we help them see that this is perhaps the case, and it is time to let it go? We may not have experience to know how to do it, but it is human nature to care.<br/></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>And, where are the forums that can hold the depth of this dilemma – and who are the ones who can hold it? This, I feel is one of the many experiments happening in <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/democracy-rising-in-greece" target="_self">Syntagma</a>, and in many places around the world. They might not identify themselves as hospice care workers, but perhaps that is what they are.</i></p>Right to be Heretag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-06-30:4134568:BlogPost:264012011-06-30T08:51:47.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
Yesterday we had our inaugural core team conversation about the <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/collaborative-space-making-at" target="_self">Collaborative Space Making</a>. A sweet, flowing, organic, focused and practical call…seeing the next steps for our ongoing work together.<br></br>
<p> </p>
<p>During our time together, we spoke about how it seemed particularly significant that <i>this</i> build was happening at <i>this</i> time. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>As the actions of this…</p>
Yesterday we had our inaugural core team conversation about the <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/collaborative-space-making-at" target="_self">Collaborative Space Making</a>. A sweet, flowing, organic, focused and practical call…seeing the next steps for our ongoing work together.<br/>
<p> </p>
<p>During our time together, we spoke about how it seemed particularly significant that <i>this</i> build was happening at <i>this</i> time. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>As the actions of this <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/democracy-rising-in-greece" target="_self">nation are converging right now</a>, to call for the need of structures and measures to house the new - actions that are bringing a renewed sense of hope to the collective. The same symbolic optimism seems to be emerging for this build on this small peninsular.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yesterday, I had lunch at Julia’s & Georgios’ taverna at Kastri beach. On my arrival, they met me with welcome’s ‘Yassou Sarah, ti Kanis”, kia…and then Georgios asked me questions about whether the land being built on was <i>our</i> land. Neither of them had realised that Axladitsa curved over the hill from the main house to rest at the road edge. He then asked further questions about the building: how big, where was the access, one floor or two…then continued to affirm how nice the people were who came to be at Axladitsa. Both of them were happy that this was happening and wished us well. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Before, I might have hesitated or even felt protective of the culturally inquisitive questioning – but my deep sense here was a motivation from a place of genuine curiosity, excitement and optimism that people were <i>still being drawn</i> to this area – <i>life was still coming here</i> – and even perhaps, that the ‘crisis’ was something that could be navigated with less fear and concern. In fact, I felt welcomed, held, supported.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, as this local creation becomes visible – I have slowly begun to realise the significance of a threshold that I have personally stepped over, in relation to <i>this</i> Land and <i>these</i> People – in the parallel processes of the local and national context. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>In the check in of our call with Linda, Valerie and Maria, I realised that the act of showing up in Syntagma last week awakened a connection in me around my own active citizenship here in Greece. I realised I deeply CARED about this land. I <i>cared</i> about the people. I <i>cared</i> about what was happening here – and how people lived. And I <i>cared</i> about the dignity and purpose people lived by. I <i>cared</i> about their sense of pride and power they offered in an attempt to make a difference. I cared about my own. I SAW that personally in Syntagma - on 15 June – in the eyes, in the faces, in the actions of the many I stood beside. I was there WITH them – people indigenous to this land, people who call it home, now myself included – and people who are simply passing through. I took my place in the gathering as strongly as the rest. I am with them now as they gather for <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/events/48-hours-in-the-streets" target="_self">48 hours on the streets</a>, even now that the vote for austerity measures has been approved.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Through this experience, I have felt my own citizenship awaken – as a <i>resident of Greece</i> – and have been compelled to bring my voice and my actions felt alongside others’. I became conscious in Syntagma, and now in the build here, and the conversations on the beach with Julia and Georgios - that I was somehow claiming my <i>right to be here</i> AND it being RIGHT TO BE HERE, 5 years on.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i><strong>Through the act of stepping forward in service of the whole, I now felt able to claim my right to be fully present here as an individual.</strong> Not the other way round.</i> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Interestingly, my desire – and ability - to speak Greek has also emerged. In recent days, I have made agreements with people that, we speak the indigenous tongue only. <em>As a friend once said, “language is the unwritten rules of a cultural”. Perhaps I have embraced the rudimentary rules of this culture enough, and am now ready to practice them. Perhaps I too have been embraced by the culture, and so the conduit is open.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Therefore, the timing of this building project is 100% right. I have somehow <i>claimed</i> this land and people, at another level deeper, and vice versa. I have earned the right to <i>create something new, in accordance within the local tradition, but also…most importantly, with their blessing</i>. Curiously, only days before, I had also received a phone call the previous, previous owner, who lives at the beach, wishing us well, only at the time, I had not understand the significance of this witnessing. In a sense the original <i>landowners</i> are accepting and affirming our actions…a most important, honouring and critical ‘stamp of approval’. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Knowing that the Guardians had welcomed us years before...and <em>called us home.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The creation of this physical space – the <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/forum/topics/collaborative-space-making-at" target="_self">collaborative space making</a> – is another act of being present in this local community – the next level of visibility. Implicit for me is the intention of <i>bringing more</i> <i>creativity, passion, meaning, beauty</i> to this home place. It is as much a gift to this local area as it is a gift to all those, who I sense will be called to be here, rest here, live here.</p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>The foundations are in place and the structures of belonging are strong and centred.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>This project for me is, in a way - a BEACON of HOPE – a symbol that, as our structures edge towards the possibility of fundamental shift, we CAN co-create the new at the same time – <a href="http://www.democracynow.org/2011/6/29/inside_greeks_general_strike_video_repor" target="_blank">as are the actions in Syntagma</a>. <em>It simply takes some intention, some purposeful digging – and then some bold actions of creativity and practical application. It is right that WE be here!</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And as our worlds shift – as people act on what is truly meaningful to them - systems shift – cultures change. Connections deepen. Alignment happens. Life flows.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com">http://axladitsa.ning.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Dancing the Space Opentag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-06-18:4134568:BlogPost:247452011-06-18T19:43:38.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p>This evening I am back at Axladitsa – having left Athens at 5.30am this morning with Maria to travel 5.5 hours back to Pelion for an important appointment. Maria is now back to Athens to journey to Brussels tomorrow for work. A busy day - hence the delayed account from last night’s events in Syntagma Square.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671514?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671514?profile=original" width="640"></img></a></p>
<p>We were scheduled to host a World Café…</p>
<p>This evening I am back at Axladitsa – having left Athens at 5.30am this morning with Maria to travel 5.5 hours back to Pelion for an important appointment. Maria is now back to Athens to journey to Brussels tomorrow for work. A busy day - hence the delayed account from last night’s events in Syntagma Square.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671514?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671514?profile=original" width="640"/></a></p>
<p>We were scheduled to host a World Café last night at 11pm. We had sensed right timing the day before – both by members of the assembly core team in Syntagma and by ourselves – Maria, Anthi, Odysseas (not present to host this night – as he is hosting 250 children at summer camp for 6 weeks) and myself. We were scheduled to follow a series of speeches, starting at 7.30pm, by a Panel consisting of well-respected Greek professionals offering different perspectives to a seated crowd – assembled in rows in the centre of Syntagma Square. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>In addition to the 3000+ assembly this night, thousands of others encircled the space – including those gathered in front of the parliament building, waving flags, beating drums and singing – continuing the enigmatic presence of the masses gathered two days earlier, 15<sup>th</sup> June; plus those others simply hanging out, being in <i>parea</i> (good company), being part of the scene, ongoing for 25 days now.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Earlier in the day, Anthi had met with one or two people from the core assembly team – as well as the artists group, who would be helping to harvest the World Café. Collectively, the preparations were made. In the meantime, Maria and I drove from Axladitsa - having just returned the night before - not knowing if we had been given the ‘green light’ to hold and host the space for conversations inviting and amplifying the intelligence of the collective. The ‘yes’ had emerged – and so we were on the road again – informing various networks that the conversations in Syntagma were perhaps about to go to another level.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Before travelling to central Athens, I sent out a call for those around the world to participate – and join us in conversation around real / direct democracy. This was our focus and this was our question: <i>What is the Real Democracy we are dreaming of, what does it look like and what are the key~questions that we need to ask in order to move forward...</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The network is activated. Wishes of hope, love, holding, protection – <i>the time is now</i> – <i>we are holding you all</i> came flooding in through email, text, posts on nings and list-serves. It was incredible.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So – at 8.30pm – Maria, Anthi and I finally meet in Syntagma - and speak to one of the artists. Vasilis is excited about our work – and the artists group are also ready to be of service this night. With logistics in place, we name our time to reconnect, 30 minutes before the conversation commence.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805673341?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805673341?profile=original" width="640"/></a>Meanwhile, the Panel presentations are in full flow – with microphoned voices booming and applause of the gathered crowd resonating throughout the space.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We speak together – the three of us – about how we will host and hold the space; how to language the process that is new and fundamentally different in resonance. How to speak as Citizens, Greeks, people who care.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Connected, we go in search of food and water – and then return to join the seated crowd, to hear the presentations – and sense the field from within the field.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Disturbance & Questions come…</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Is it really right timing? Can we bridge the presentation process with ours, so that the people remain engaged?</i> <i>What language, tone, detail and presence is needed to call those present to offer what they know? Have the people been listening too long – and is the process/paradigm transition too big?</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p>At 10.20pm, we go in search of Georgios, the core team member who is our contact. Spiros, another core member invites us to gather just behind the speakers’ Panel - where Georgios is seated - to sense the <i>field</i> energy and clarify our steps <i>and</i> to ask the question again: <i>is it right timing? </i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805673567?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805673567?profile=original" width="640"/></a>It seems that the core members are not feeling confident that it is right timing to go ahead. We sense this together and agree. They feel that people are tired and low in energy and so might create more disruption to change the form to something people do not recognise. They also inform us that they want to bring another process of questions to the panellists and opinions from the ‘floor’ to go ahead instead. I<i>s this final intent not what we to be hosting…whilst also weaving these perspectives into newness together?</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>I ask why are they now doubting us stepping forward this night – and also pose the possibility that perhaps people were tired – of listening. Other questions reverberate between us. We also sense our own timing as hosts, as practitioners. What is really of service here? </i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805673754?profile=original"><br/></a></i> We dance back and forth.</p>
<p>Anther suggestion is to advertise the conversation tonight and host it before the Panel tomorrow. <i>We cannot.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The clarity emerges that the timing is simply not right – the conditions are not in place - and that the process shift is too great at this stage in the evening. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>We say goodnight – with the possibility that it can happen another time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The three of us step away – and find a place on the pavement behind the speakers’ Panel, that continues for another 45 minutes or so. We circle up to reflect on what might be at play here<i>.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We sense into the possibility that the operating system of the movement here in Syntagma is becoming <i>established – formed</i> – <i>finding its groove</i> – <i>confident</i> and wonder if the existing hosting system is simply not ready to host the next level of newness / fresh perspectives – growth – with processes different, and perhaps unknown, to their own.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We also wonder if the process form contains a stronger ‘patriarchic’ presence at this time in its evolution. Certainly the groundwork to call in and then practice daily an overall self-organising pattern is deeply at work here – and an incredible act of leadership and self-responsibility. Yet there is a danger that the process may limit what emerges. We muse as to whether the assembly actually holds the known process form and <i>quality</i> held within the current political arena, albeit fundamentally different with it being hosted in this place, in this way, by these people – and engaging so many others. A potential danger could be to stay with a more mono-logic process and limit direct dialogic democratic inspiration to emerge, the primary intent to the overall process unfolding in Syntagma.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805673754?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805673754?profile=original" width="640"/></a></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>So, we finally ask ourselves…where is the crack - and how can we open it more - to serve the conversation space – and invite people to participate at another level?</i> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Is it in the assembly team? Do we need to spend more time with them – and even host a process for them to experience directly?</p>
<p>Is it in the people assembled and their readiness to engage in another level of conversation – new in form – yet serving the emergence of collective intelligence?</p>
<p>Is it with the artists? Do we host a conversation with them for those people who are ready to gather?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>When do we start?</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p>Tomorrow? <i>Not possible –Maria and I are not in Athens</i></p>
<p>Next week? <i>Same issue</i></p>
<p>Beginning of July? <i>Possible – needs planning</i></p>
<p>Now? <i>Why not!!</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>The conversation is happening on the online space. Maybe we need to offer this back into Syntagma – to show that others are interested in this dialogue, that new patterns of organising and being together are already in motion.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p>So – up we get. The seated crowds has now disbanded since an ambulance had to drive in to assist someone – and it was clearly simply time to move!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We go to check in with those in the Artists area to thank them. They are busy with other things. So we pick up the small sign that had advertised the World Café – <i>To Café Tou Kosmos</i> and find ourselves a place to sit in the centre of the square. <i>Why not answer the question we were calling others to answer ourselves?? Ma</i>y<i>be others might join us…</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p>Our friend Vasilis the artist comes over! He is inspired and ready to work with us and to look at the beginning of July…to call a conversation, to see who wants to show up, to harvest what we see together – and perhaps to continue hosting others in the future. We exchange phone numbers and email addresses. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The space is open…in a different way than expected or envisioned, but it is open all the same. We can feel it!! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>And finally, the music team belt out songs from around the world – and about 250 of us dance in the Platia - where the 1000’s were seated earlier – sending the energy out into the city and beyond - with 1000's of others enjoying the parea, that is the magic of this culture.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is beauty in the air and people are still dancing when we leave at 2am…and get a taxi home.</p>Dialogue in Syntagma Tonighttag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-06-17:4134568:BlogPost:250042011-06-17T10:29:35.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Dear Friends, <br></br> <br></br> So - this is how it is. We are going back down to Athina - hoping Maria will make it from Rhodes - and we do not know what will happen.<br></br> <br></br> From 7:30 tonight - there will different perspectives being offered through speakers - in Syntagma. Based on a conversation that we had with one of the folks holding the space in the square - Giorgos - <em>it feels like good timing to host a conversation…</em></span></font>
<font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Dear Friends, <br/> <br/> So - this is how it is. We are going back down to Athina - hoping Maria will make it from Rhodes - and we do not know what will happen.<br/> <br/> From 7:30 tonight - there will different perspectives being offered through speakers - in Syntagma. Based on a conversation that we had with one of the folks holding the space in the square - Giorgos - <em>it feels like good timing to host a conversation afterwards - to bring in more voices and begin to speak with one another</em>. Will it happen - will be a world cafe - will we create something different - God knows.<br/> <br/> But - we will be there - ready to serve and bring in some of our practice in service for what is wanting to emerge. We might serve by simply holding space - in silence - we might host by speaking and inviting others into conversation.<br/> <br/> If you wish to let people know that the perspectives and conversation are happening tonight starting at 7:30 - please go for it.<br/> <br/> Packing and getting ready to leave soon.<br/> <br/> Freddy - Mish Mish, Nerantzi, Willow, Max, Mia, Louis, Rosie, Taloulah and Cleo - will be holding space for us all from Axladitsa - we are in good hands<br/> <br/> Love<br/> <br/> Maria and Sarah<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497492?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497492?profile=original" width="640"/></a></span></font>One View of Syntagma - 15 June, 2011tag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-06-15:4134568:BlogPost:247042011-06-15T23:17:04.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<div class="postbody"><p>We leave the house at 1pm</p>
<p>WOMEN</p>
<p>Sisters, Partners, Friends</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On the Tram, we travel</p>
<p>OTHERS</p>
<p>Preparing to be together</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Syntagma is buzzing</p>
<p>THOUSANDS</p>
<p>Gathering in hope</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805681645?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://1.1.1.5/bmi/storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805681645?profile=original" width="640"></img></a> Chanting and cheering</p>
<p>HOSTS</p>
<p>Support, connect the flow</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Air is clear, troops are…</p>
</div>
<div class="postbody"><p>We leave the house at 1pm</p>
<p>WOMEN</p>
<p>Sisters, Partners, Friends</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On the Tram, we travel</p>
<p>OTHERS</p>
<p>Preparing to be together</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Syntagma is buzzing</p>
<p>THOUSANDS</p>
<p>Gathering in hope</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805681645?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://1.1.1.5/bmi/storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805681645?profile=original" width="640"/></a> Chanting and cheering</p>
<p>HOSTS</p>
<p>Support, connect the flow</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Air is clear, troops are ready</p>
<p>STEADY</p>
<p>Democracy arising</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mood shifts, time slows</p>
<p>BOOM!</p>
<p>GAS, people move together</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805681926?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://1.1.1.2/bmi/storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805681926?profile=original" width="640"/></a>Coughing, sneezing, TEARS</p>
<p>MOVE!</p>
<p>The swelling of the tide</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bemused and Confused</p>
<p>CALM</p>
<p>Water flows as hands are held</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805682287?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://1.1.1.1/bmi/storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805682287?profile=original" width="640"/></a>GET DOWN – Don’t Move</p>
<p>SURROUNDED</p>
<p>Frightened faces – shaking hearts</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805682552?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://1.1.1.3/bmi/storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805682552?profile=original" width="640"/></a>Are we being Driven Out?</p>
<p>STOP!!</p>
<p>Today here is OUR place</p>
<p> </p>
<p>News moves quickly</p>
<p>STAY!</p>
<p>Trouble NOT OUR creation</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805682573?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://1.1.1.3/bmi/storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805682573?profile=original" width="640"/></a>The Movement swells slowly</p>
<p>BACK</p>
<p>Towards the Centre</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805687123?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://1.1.1.5/bmi/storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805687123?profile=original" width="640"/></a>Time expands and Life is ON</p>
<p>MUSIC</p>
<p>Singing, dancing, GAS!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Police stand strong by gates</p>
<p>HOLDING</p>
<p>The talks inside to happen</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805687388?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://1.1.1.4/bmi/storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805687388?profile=original" width="640"/></a>The Drum beats and the sun drops</p>
<p>PEACE</p>
<p>We sit together in Beauty</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Food, water relieves the weary</p>
<p>POWER</p>
<p>Present in resolute faces</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Chants begin and whistles blow</p>
<p>SONGS</p>
<p>Echo through the thousands</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805687635?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://1.1.1.1/bmi/storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805687635?profile=original" width="640"/></a>Night skies frames the Scene</p>
<p>ECLIPSE</p>
<p>The Presence of the Sacred</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Life was truly lived this day</p>
<p>HISTORY</p>
<p>Holds the breath of all.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805690566?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://1.1.1.3/bmi/storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805690566?profile=original" width="640"/></a>Witnessing a Movement</p>
<p>PRECIOUS</p>
<p>Tender seeds are sown.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>A place and people calling for Real Democracy - Syntagma, Athenstag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-06-14:4134568:BlogPost:245232011-06-14T22:16:34.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p><b><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771496827?profile=original" target="_self"><img alt="undefined" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771496827?profile=original" width="640"></img></a> BOOM…!!</b></p>
<p>The System Shift is On…!</p>
<p>In the Conversations</p>
<p>In the Hearts</p>
<p>In the Eyes</p>
<p>In the Hands</p>
<p>Of those who Care</p>
<p>To Dare</p>
<p>To Face</p>
<p>Full frontal</p>
<p>The Need for Change</p>
<p> …</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497023?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497023?profile=original" width="640"></img></a></p>
<p><b><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771496827?profile=original"><img alt="undefined" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771496827?profile=original" width="640"/></a>BOOM…!!</b></p>
<p>The System Shift is On…!</p>
<p>In the Conversations</p>
<p>In the Hearts</p>
<p>In the Eyes</p>
<p>In the Hands</p>
<p>Of those who Care</p>
<p>To Dare</p>
<p>To Face</p>
<p>Full frontal</p>
<p>The Need for Change</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497023?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497023?profile=original" width="640"/></a> </p>
<p>To Rearrange the Matrix</p>
<p>So that the Basics</p>
<p>And the next level</p>
<p>Can find its Place</p>
<p>Of Balance</p>
<p>And Service</p>
<p>To Turn It Around</p>
<p>Like a Liner</p>
<p>On Course</p>
<p>Yet the Course has Changed</p>
<p>And the Movement is still Moving…</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497254?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497254?profile=original" width="640"/></a> </p>
<p>So the Pilot Boats are Out</p>
<p>With thick ropes and Strong Shouts</p>
<p>To Bring this Baby to Rest</p>
<p>So that the New</p>
<p>The One Who</p>
<p>Knows its time</p>
<p>Is Now!</p>
<p>Time to Anchor</p>
<p>The Banter that this cannot be done</p>
<p>‘Cause BOOM</p>
<p>The River has claimed its Course</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497247?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497247?profile=original" width="640"/></a></p>
<p>And the Source that Inspires</p>
<p>The Route is Now Clear</p>
<p> <a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497410?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497410?profile=original" width="640"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Fit for a Planet</b></p>
<p>Who makes the Blue Prints for the new World</p>
<p>Who are The Draftsmen? The Architects? </p>
<p>The Artists?</p>
<p>The Visionaries?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Look! There they are!!</p>
<p>Stooped over the Drawing Board</p>
<p>Slide rule and pencil in hand</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tricky Business making Blue Prints…</p>
<p>Needed in Scale and Stature</p>
<p>The size of a Planet</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Still – someone’s got to do it</p>
<p>Got to start</p>
<p>Drawing the base-lines – scoping possibility</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Otherwise, we stay with the same Model</p>
<p>The same Ground Plan</p>
<p>The same Design</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But the Design <i>is</i> Shifting</p>
<p>To house the Newness calling</p>
<p>To be lived and Loved into Being</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So the Draftsmen, the Architects and the Others</p>
<p>Stoop studiously late into the night</p>
<p>Crafting the Ground Plan</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fit for a Planet</p>
<p> </p>
<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497492?profile=original"><img alt="undefined" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2771497492?profile=original" width="640"/></a>Later today...Wednesday 15th June - we gather with others in Syntagma, to encircle the Parliament - to call for real change and real democracy. We invite you to hold the space with us - and to call in wise action, integrity, caution, protection and consciousness to encircle us all - people of Greece, People's living in Greece, people around the world, gathering together...The System Shift is ONtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-06-07:4134568:BlogPost:242172011-06-07T11:02:02.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Dear Friends<br></br> <br></br> As Maria and I prepare to travel to the UK this afternoon – I find myself sitting with the question...<b>how can I/we be of best service when the <i>movement</i> is moving?<br></br> <br></br></b> I wrote this rap/poem a while ago, in connection to the work the Finance Innovation Lab UK work – that many of us are in right now...and the Art of Collaborative Leadership gathering is the next step we gather around…</span></font>
<font face="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Dear Friends<br/> <br/> As Maria and I prepare to travel to the UK this afternoon – I find myself sitting with the question...<b>how can I/we be of best service when the <i>movement</i> is moving?<br/> <br/></b> I wrote this rap/poem a while ago, in connection to the work the Finance Innovation Lab UK work – that many of us are in right now...and the Art of Collaborative Leadership gathering is the next step we gather around these coming days..in the UK. <a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com/events/the-art-of-collaborative.">http://axladitsa.ning.com/events/the-art-of-collaborative.</a> Join us...!!<br/> <br/> These words apply for me right now too...for the peoples of Greece and for so many people places around the world.<br/> <br/> BOOM!<br/> <br/> The System Shift is On…!<br/> In the Conversations<br/> In the Hearts<br/> In the Eyes<br/> In the Hands<br/> Of those who Care<br/> To Dare<br/> To Face<br/> Full frontal<br/> The Need for Change<br/> <br/> To Rearrange the Matrix<br/> So that the Basics<br/> And the Next Level<br/> Can find its Place<br/> Of Balance<br/> And Service<br/> To Turn It Around<br/> Like a Liner<br/> On Course<br/> Yet the Course has Changed<br/> And the Movement is still Moving…<br/> <br/> So the Pilot Boats are Out<br/> With thick ropes and Strong Shouts<br/> To Bring this Baby to Rest<br/> So that the New<br/> The One Who<br/> Knows its time<br/> Is Now!<br/> Time to Anchor<br/> The Banter that this cannot be done<br/> ‘Cause BOOM<br/> The River has claimed its Course<br/> <br/> And the Source that Inspires<br/> The Route<br/> Is Now Clear<br/> <br/> Much love,<br/> <br/> Sarah</span></font>Is it time to Wake Up?tag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-03-09:4134568:BlogPost:100042011-03-09T07:44:07.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<em><strong>“Is it Time to Wake Up?”</strong> Humankind asked, rubbing sleepy eyes, stretching arms wide, as the Earth sat quietly at the foot of the bed.<br />
</em><br />
<p> </p>
<p><em>“I think so, but it’s not up to me”, The Earth replied with deep compassion. “I’ve tried to help you understand that we are intimately connected – and influence each other daily - not always positively I might add - but its only when Disturbance shows up that you hear me. And when he does show up - and he has done so…</em></p>
<em><strong>“Is it Time to Wake Up?”</strong> Humankind asked, rubbing sleepy eyes, stretching arms wide, as the Earth sat quietly at the foot of the bed.<br />
</em><br />
<p> </p>
<p><em>“I think so, but it’s not up to me”, The Earth replied with deep compassion. “I’ve tried to help you understand that we are intimately connected – and influence each other daily - not always positively I might add - but its only when Disturbance shows up that you hear me. And when he does show up - and he has done so before - it is always for the best. But it takes Courage and a whole load of Others to be able to be on the Journey together and face Reality. Yet, you wake up for a little while, and then always seem to fall asleep again. I don’t understand it.”</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>As this point, Humankind looked down, slowly winding the thick blanket round and round Conscience’ and Embarrassment’s fingers, who had surreptitiously snuggled closely under the bedcovers too.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>“I believe its time to be in real partnership, face Reality together and co-evolve our lives in a way that is real and joyful. But as I said, Life and I cannot make you wake up.”</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Humankind considered the Earth’s wisdom. “Mmmm, well – I guess when you put it like that, Disturbance has been hounding my dreams recently –and I can’t rest easy at all. Maybe it IS time…!”</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>As Humankind slipped carefully out the bed, followed swiftly by Conscience, and leaving Embarrassment feeling exposed, who quickly dragged the bedcovers over his head, two faces popped quickly around the doorway.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>“Great!! You’re up!!!” the smaller one said, shimmering with excitement.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>“Who are YOU?” Humankind asked.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>“I’m The Pattern and my partner is The Work! Pleased to meet you…finally!! OK everyone, its time to get to work!!!”</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>And with this, they turned sharply on their heels and waved Humanity and the Earth to follow.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>~Excerpt taken from Is it Time to Wake Up? - The Chronicles of Living Wholeness, a Book-in-progress</p>
<p> </p>
<p>by Sarah Whiteley</p>
<p><a href="http://axladitsa.ning.com">http://axladitsa.ning.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Today marks the beginning of the Universal Wave Movement</strong> - Wind of Unity Consciousness</p>
<p>Solving the Greatest Mystery of Our Time: the Mayan Calendar, Dr. Carl J. Calleman</p>
<p><a href="http://www.calleman.com/content/articles/dawn_of_the_unity_wave.htm">http://www.calleman.com/content/articles/dawn_of_the_unity_wave.htm</a></p>Power in the Backgroundtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-03-04:4134568:BlogPost:90242011-03-04T15:06:07.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p>Recently in the final check out of a circle conversation, I was framed as having been ‘…in the background’. The others in the circle were each thanked by name for offering such insight in the conversations…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What’s the big fuss about, you might ask? Remember, Power in Making Tea…? Its tricky business being in the space of holding all that goes on in the <i>foreground</i>, and that those of us ‘back stage’ could be deemed less important, or even immaterial. Certainly, we’re…</p>
<p>Recently in the final check out of a circle conversation, I was framed as having been ‘…in the background’. The others in the circle were each thanked by name for offering such insight in the conversations…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What’s the big fuss about, you might ask? Remember, Power in Making Tea…? Its tricky business being in the space of holding all that goes on in the <i>foreground</i>, and that those of us ‘back stage’ could be deemed less important, or even immaterial. Certainly, we’re <i>less visible</i> – and maybe that’s where the tension lies. Our mastery is simply unseen – and therefore often, misunderstood.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Remembering my theatre days with the family - my Dad, Auntie Biddy, Uncle Keith, Grandpa, my sister Ginia and brother Mark, were <i>all</i> on stage – with all but us children taking the leading roles. Mum was playing the piano in the ‘pit’, with the rest of the orchestra and Grandma was the Director. But this onstage role was not my preferred option, even though from the age of three, I with Mark and Ginia were Whitby’s version of the Von Trapp Family Singers…and we were good!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So slowly I retreated into the wings and hosted the props department, assisting the actors entering stage left of stage right with ‘things’ – be it a glass, a dagger or anything else that animated the play appropriately. So, in reality, I was more comfortable in the background – and in fact I <i>placed myself well, to be of best service.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yet, crucial to the health of the theatre company – and the power of the performance – was that <i>all</i> roles were <i>seen as vital</i> for the show to go on. Even the back stage manager was heartily pushed on stage on final performance night to receive his just deserved applause. <i>It was as if this witnessing allowed us again and again to take our places of power to enable the whole performance to unfold – and most importantly, for the stage actors to give of their best.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p>It is therefore heartening to honour the gifts of one another too – and perhaps the edge, is being able to <i>see</i> all of them, including the ones less visible.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I too believe that all these aspects found in a theatre company <i>also</i> reside in each of us – not just as we form different constellations. So it is important that <i>we recognise our own field nature</i> – sometimes without the need for recognition or applause – and <em>simply know where our power-preference and presence exists.</em> Sometime, though it is not always easy to do…!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So I am grateful for the edge that I understood in the recent call…and the gift of insight offered – now, <i>centre stage</i>…!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Burn for Somethingtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2011-03-04:4134568:BlogPost:84602011-03-04T07:38:11.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
This morning – as is my practice these days – I tended the fire. Another cold, rainy day here at Axladitsa – now totalling two weeks. So, last night I placed more wood to make sure it would still be hot in the morning – and easily refreshed with logs. Yet, as I tended the embers this morning, to took more effort than usual to get the fire going again.<br />
<p> </p>
<p>Blowing hard, placing small sticks, opening and closing the bottom grill to bring more air – the conditions simply did not re-heat…</p>
This morning – as is my practice these days – I tended the fire. Another cold, rainy day here at Axladitsa – now totalling two weeks. So, last night I placed more wood to make sure it would still be hot in the morning – and easily refreshed with logs. Yet, as I tended the embers this morning, to took more effort than usual to get the fire going again.<br />
<p> </p>
<p>Blowing hard, placing small sticks, opening and closing the bottom grill to bring more air – the conditions simply did not re-heat the heart strongly enough.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Finally, with three small logs in a row – balanced on top of the small white-hot sticks, I left the door open and place another one on top of the three. IT BURNED.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tending the <i>fire</i>’s <i>heart</i> is deep work, patient work - and cannot be rushed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We often speak of aligning <i>head, heart and will</i> – a presencing practice necessary to become fully present and then <i>to burn for something</i> of true service. And this morning, I had my lesson, that most probably this is true. Yet, <i>this</i> fire also needed air - space – an open crack in the door to draw the energy from deep within the burning centre. <i>Otherwise it had nothing to burn for.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p>Unless we <em>BURN for something</em>, we cannot live our destinies – be fully present – be of full service. For me, it seems a prerequisite to being alive!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I KNOW that unless <i>my</i> embers stay strong overnight too – I cannot step forward in life’s service each day. And I see there is MUCH that <i>I burn for. Perhaps too, the three logs were not necessarily me alone, but those I stand alongside – who’s edges and passions ignite and nurture my own - ready to burn more strongly – naturally - in service of Life.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><b>Unless</b></p>
<p>Unless we engage our authentic selves, we cannot live the future now</p>
<p>Unless we engage our fullness, we cannot take the leap individually and call in collectively</p>
<p>Unless we tremble collectively, we cannot presence the new</p>
<p>Unless we take a leap together, we cannot access and live the next level of our humanity</p>
<p>Unless we are willing to hold the space open long enough for our collective clarity to emerge, we cannot shift our systems and behaviour for the better</p>
<p>Unless we fuse the streams of practice and inquiry, we cannot see what else is possible and be prepared to meet our chaos</p>
<p>Unless we acknowledge our collective identity, we cannot co-create our real work</p>
<p>Unless we unlearn our complicatedness, we cannot find the simplicity of the next elegant step</p>
<p>Unless we share our new insights immediately, we do not serve evolution</p>
<p><i>Unless we BURN for something, we cannot live our destinies</i></p>
<p>Unless we live through our collective identity, we cannot become whole</p>