Women of Wisdom: Midwifing Conscious Change

“There’s never been a better time to be a woman,” affirms Jungian analyst and author, Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D.  At a time when the planet is at a precarious crossroads, her words are bittersweet. Conscious women recognize the imbalances in our environment, our social structures, our families and ourselves. We see the destruction taking place and often feel powerless to stop it. While trying to make money, take care of loved ones and squeeze in time for ourselves, the thought of “being the change” can seem overwhelming. The million dollar question becomes, “Do we have time to steer the planet in another direction, and if so, how?”

Some of the great activists of our time, i.e., Joanna Macy, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Jean Shinoda Bolen, etc., remind us that our feminine power lies in our inter-connections, specifically, joining together in community. Right now, we are the most educated, empowered generation of women in history. We have opportunities as never before. And some our greatest opportunities are contained in our ability to create circles that allow us to express our innate wisdom and strength.

At the September 2009 Vancouver Peace Summit, the Dalai Lama affirmed: “The world will be saved by the western woman.” As women are waking up and answering the call of their soul, we are witnessing how much change we can evoke. We don’t have to quit our day jobs, neglect our families, or ignore our own needs, we simply take one step forward—together—supporting each other’s potential, successes and contributions. The probes we must ask ourselves are:

What is my highest capacity?

What can I best contribute?

How might I be a conscious co-creator in shaping the future of this world?

As a way to support women and the healing of our planet, I felt inspired to start an annual women’s symposium where I reside in Central Coast, California. On March 12, 2011, more than a hundred women came together to become more empowered, connect and create. Everyone left feeling inspired and much to my delight (and surprise), the majority of women wanted to continue the momentum that began on March 12th. It seemed natural that we would co-create through “circles” since women thrive in circles and our non-profit is called the Circle of Grace.

Here we are, in 2012, and we have a choice: we can either live in fear and pessimism, or rise up to the challenge in hope and trust. While some are choosing to be afraid of the “cataclysmic warning” of the Mayan calendar, many women are standing tall, stronger than ever. And the conscious men in our lives are supporting us along the way. Instead of feeling threatened, they understand the need for women of wisdom to midwife conscious change on our planet.

At our 2nd annual women’s symposium on March 10th, Jean Shinoda Bolen will be our keynote speaker. Her presence and wisdom will remind us why women are determining the fate of our planet, how we can take a more active role (without burning out), how to harness our potential and create positive change, and together, how we can create the future we desire.

In 1870, Julia Ward Howe wrote the first Mother’s Day proposal. It was directed toward bringing women together to create peace and harmony to humanity. After witnessing the devastation of the Civil War, Howe’s intentions were to unite women so they could bring peace where war and conflict had reigned.  Here are the final words of Howe’s proposal:

“In the name of womanhood and of humanity, I earnestly ask that a congress of women without limit of nationality may be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.”
– Julia Ward Howe, Boston 1870

I hope to see you at the Second Annual Women’s  Symposium.  If you would like more information about it, please visit the Symposium site by clicking here.

Namaste,
Laura V Grace

The name “Gandhi” is synonymous with non-violence. His ability to unite the people of India in their search for control is unparalleled. The name “Mahatma” in Sanskrit means “Great Soul.” This great soul’s wisdom shines through the ten quotes I have selected from Gandhi’s library of wisdom.

Why am I sharing them with you?

Because navigating the waters of our daily life is sometimes challenging, and during the holiday season, they can be downright choppy. So below are some of the “Great Soul’s” greatest quotes. May you find direction and comfort in them as you sail through this holiday season.

1. Freedom

Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.

2. Happiness

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

3. Humanity

You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.

 4. Forgiveness

 An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

 5. Strength

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

 6. God

God has no religion.

 7. Life

Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.

 8. Change

We must be the change we wish to see.

 9. Self-Help

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

10. Unconditional Love                                                                                               

Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love.

Another Day of Loving

Even the thought of giving, the thought of blessing or a simple prayer has the power to affect others.
~Deepak Chopra

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. How will you approach it?

For the past several years, my husband and I have celebrated this day of gratitude very simply: hiking in the morning, feeding the homeless in the afternoon, enjoying a candle lit dinner on our deck which faces the Pacific Ocean. Yes, we are very blessed. And yes, we appreciate our amazing ocean view. But more importantly, despite our OFG’s (challenges disguised as “opportunities for growth”), we are grateful for our life together.

This Thanksgiving will follow the same course. As we sit down to savor dinner, we’ll share praise for the life we’ve co-created; the ups and the downs, our children, beloved pets, home—everything that comes to mind in that precious moment.

Kahlil Gibran once affirmed: “Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.” I don’t know about you, but for me, doubt and fear rear their heads most easily upon awakening. When I wake up, I can either lie in bed for a few minutes letting these creepy characters control my day—OR—I can choose to focus on what I appreciate. The latter sets the tone for my entire day.  Just this morning, after having spent 15 minutes reflecting on all of the good in my life, my heart continued to expand with gratitude as I hiked around my funky sea-side town:  I saw a caring dog owner hug her aging retriever before getting into her car; a man bent down to comfort a crying child at the beach; an elderly woman who is almost blind thanked me for taking the time to stop and chat with her.

Would I have witnessed as much love had I simply jumped out of bed instead of taking time to count my blessings? Probably not.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us practice giving thanks so we may create another day, another week, of loving. Here are some steps for extending today’s love into the rest of this week and beyond:

Wake Up with Gratitude

Each morning, before you get out of bed, call to mind everything—anything—that you appreciate. This is not a time to be picky. Silently (or out loud) say “Thank you!” for your body, comfy bed, beloved pets, people who deserve gratitude…etc.  I love how my Zumba instructor, Sally, ends every morning session with the yoga sun salutation “hands-up” pose.  As we stretch our arms and hands to the sky, I am given another opportunity to say “Thank you, thank you, thank you” for my life.

Slow Down So You Can Count Your Blessings

Between interruptions from our personal communication devices, running errands or simply having to stand in line, moments like these can raise our blood pressure, create anxiety and trigger irritation. But these can also be the best times to practice shifting from aggravation to appreciation. Try this: the next time you’re running late and your heart rate quickens, take a deep breath and call to mind one person that you appreciate. Just one memory of kindness can trigger an instant that “All is well.” Practice maintaining that feeling so the “instant” expands into an “experience.”

Share Your Great-Fullness

This isn’t about bragging. It’s about telling one person what you’re grateful for—today. There’s a good chance they’ll catch your “great-full” vibe and pass it on. If not, you’ve still spread some gratitude and that’s always a good thing.

Bookend the Day with Thanks & Giving

Did I mention how Thomas and I end our Thanksgiving dinner? Simple: with intention. Since we begin the meal with thanks, we love to bookend it by setting our intention until the next Thanksgiving. It usually entails something that smacks of hope, discovery, creativity, vision, faith and trust. What better way to create another loving day?

May you enjoy a Thanksgiving filled with infinite moments of love and joy.

The Awakened Glimpse

In the 2000 film The Family Man, Jack Campbell (Nicholas Cage), a successful and talented businessman, is happily living his single and lavish life in New York City.  From outward appearances, he has everything—or so he believes. One day he wakes up in a new life in New Jersey where he’s married to Kate (Téa Leoni) and has two kids.

As the story unfolds, Jack discovers the power of love surpasses all the wealth and supermodels he used to enjoy.  Because Jack is happy but confused, an earth-angel named Cash (Don Cheadle) explains that he is being given a “glimpse.” The glimpse is what could be—depending on Jack’s choices from this point forward.

I love this movie and have seen it at least 5 times. It’s a powerful reminder of the beginning stages of our own spiritual journey.  When we first step onto the spiritual path, it feels as though we are being lifted higher, almost effortlessly.

Marianne Williamson once described the first steps of our spiritual excursion as “…being lifted to the top of the mountain.”  From way up here we can feel the winds of love caressing our skin and see the rays of light illuminating the sky. Like falling in love, we are alive with excitement and anticipation. No longer asleep and dreaming in black and white, it’s as though we’re awake and witnessing everything in Technicolor.

But as Marianne also explained, we don’t get to stay there. We must start at the bottom. And there are no short cuts.

The top of the mountain is the preview and motivation that our higher self provides.  How else could we possibly remain inspired when we slip or fall from the rubble of projections, resentments and negative patterns?

I remember witnessing my own zenith of zeal 18 years ago.  I could feel the heavy load from a lifetime of veils being lifted from my vision. Signs from the universe were everywhere; “random” coincidences in the form of billboards spoke to me, certain license plates affirmed a deeper truth and radio lyrics answered my deeper questions.

I was positive that I was on a special “spiritual fast-track” and nothing was going to stop me.

But a year later, the miraculous mission began slowing down. It didn’t stop but the effortless momentum definitely dwindled.

At first, I didn’t realize that, like Jack, I had been given a glimpse of what could be. As I continued my trek into the light, I began to understand that in order to sustain the pinnacle of joy I would have to acquire a lifelong practice of dropping my judgment, forgiving old resentments and facing some very tenacious dragons.

My daughter, Alexis, is getting a glimpse of the summit right now.  She is experiencing universal synchronicities daily and tasting the divine elixir of BEING AWAKE. Like young Tabitha in the TV series “Bewitched,” Alexis is beginning to harness her inner power and cast her spells of healing, love and light.

So what’s the point of this blog?

Simply this: The glimpse is the persistent reminder to KEEP GOING.  At times, the ascent may feel very steep and we may become cynical—or worse—tempted to give up.  During such trials, REMEMBER THE GLIMPSE. Whether you’ve been spiraling up the spiritual mountain for 3 weeks, 3 months or 30 years, the Glimpse, like the North Star, is the consistent, radiant light, guiding us, one step at a time, back “Home.”

(Dedicated to Alexis.)

Relationships: Mirrors for Transformation

What is it that we as human beings want more than anything else?  Well, despite the focus on accumulating more “stuff,” what we truly want is quite often the very thing that we push away the most: happiness, creative work and fulfilling relationships.  The bottom line is we want those intangible things that fulfill our heart and honor our soul.  And, meaningful connections are right up there at the top of the list.

While we may have moments of loving freely, it is often hard to sustain particularly where it matters most—in our closest and personal relationships. So, why, if love is so mighty, are human relationships fraught with so many challenges?

Well, the phenomenon of “projection” is often the culprit. Relationships, as challenging as they may be, are perfect “mirrors” for us to become more aware, grow and evolve. They are classrooms for us to explore where we unconsciously block love, intimacy and authentic connection.

Our first relationship always begins with ourselves. From there, our relationships with others allows us to see how we treat ourselves. Until we can accept all aspects of ourselves, it’s impossible to truly accept and love another. In the East, spiritual teachers remind us that, “The world is as you see it.” Here in the West, spiritual teachers and psychologists have shared it another way, “It’s all done with mirrors,” which speaks of the experience of projection.

For example, if I’m a perfectionist, I will criticize someone who is comfortable making mistakes, or be attracted to someone who is more laid back than me and enjoys the journey more than the outcome. However, with the latter, once the attraction has died down, I may find it irritating that they are not “trying hard enough” to get the job done or are not doing it “right.”

Can you relate?

Human relationships are a significant part of our emotional and spiritual journey. Through relationships, we are given the invaluable opportunity to recognize and resolve issues around trust, intimacy, projection, forgiveness, commitment, insecurity, jealousy, and projection.

What might someone be “mirroring” back to you?

Namaste,

Laura V Grace

Last Sunday, Thomas, our beloved dog (“Guru”), and me, opted for a spontaneous journey on a very gray day, forecasted for rain. As we headed south from Cayucos toward Santa Barbara, instead of precipitation, we encountered a series of unforgettable, or, momenti magici as they say in Italy meaning “magical moments.”

While stopping to enjoy the art galleries in Los Olivos, I encountered an outgoing artist named Lou who exhibited brightly colored photos of the Amalfi Coast, Italy. My favorite photograph was of Positano where cheerfully colored houses were stacked on top of each other and a slightly worn ristorante was perched below. An intimate park sat next to it with geraniums bursting with red leaves, growing in wooden planters displayed on sturdy picnic tables.

After perusing the art, we stopped to listen to a soulful musician share his music (and some boogie-woogie much to my pleasure and surprise!). While sitting outside, taking in the music, I peered up at the robin egg’s blue sky, and to my right, I saw flowering tree tops and remembered that no matter what OFG’s (opportunities for growth) may be happening in my life, this moment is truly magical.

As we left Los Olivos and began making our return north, I noticed myriad yellow wild flowers adorning the banks of Highway 101. They reminded me of the sign I had seen earlier that day on a brightly colored house named “Papagallo” which means “parrot” in Italian. The petals of the flowers were as bright as a parrot’s beak and again, despite the fact that we were dealing with a challenge in an area of our lives, I sighed and thought to myself, “Here is yet another moment of pure magic.”

Our mini road adventure ended at Laetitia Winery where we sat basking in the early evening sun on a couple of comfy Andirondack chairs. Enjoying the freshly made artichoke and tomato bruschetta I had bought at a farmer’s market near Santa Ynez, I kicked off my sandals and dug my toes into the thick grass. Again, a feeling of profound gratitude flooded my body and mind and it dawned on me that exactly one year ago from this day, the Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment began its transformation into the Circle of Grace. As much as I still miss seeing my Circle-family every Sunday, so many moments of magic have happened this past year and I have much to be grateful for.

Returning home, the flavors and influence of Italy continued as I created a meal of grilled tomatoes, asparagus, leeks, olives and garlic, served over a bit of pasta, and arugula, accompanied with some amazingly long and luscious fennel fronds I bought at a roadside stand.

As Thomas and I sat on our deck overlooking the Pacific, not only the largest ocean in the world, but so beautifully named from the word “peace,” we indeed, felt a deep sense of inner peace. The stressful situation that had been zapping our energy for the past few weeks still existed, but it no longer had any power of us. As I savored the meal in front of me, I looked again at the sky and after so many days of cloud cover and fog, I witnessed small, cherub-like clouds, a true painter’s delight. Each one was shaded lavender on top and pastel pink on the bottom. Thomas and I looked at the sky, then at each other and agreed, this was the best momenti magici.

May you witness the momenti magici everywhere you are…

Namaste,

Laura V Grace

I feel no need for any other faith than my faith in human beings.
–Pearl S. Buck

It often seems that we have faith in “things” more than each other. When we want more light we flip a switch expecting light to appear. When we want to take a breath we automatically inhale assuming oxygen will fill our lungs. We do not question where the light or breath comes from, we simply expect it to be there.

However, our faith in one another is not always as strong.

How many times have we overreacted to someone because we lacked faith in that person? Perhaps we believed they wouldn’t follow through with a promise or we perceived they wouldn’t do the best they were capable of? So often we judge another through the eyes of distrust, suspecting the worst rather than the best.

Faith in each other requires trusting that people are not innately “bad,” but inherently “good.”

If we want to be positive agents of change in our communities, I believe we must practice having faith and trust in each other. We cannot possibly hope to have others trust us if we do not trust others.  Trust is a way of cooperating with each other. Can you imagine a sailboat where the crew members do not have faith and trust in each others’ ability? The boat would soon stop functioning because of the chaos. In our community, we live in close quarters, like a boat crew. Faith and trust in each other creates order and balance.

It’s in our human relationships that we are able to witness the amount of faith and trust we possess. In our relationships we are presented with opportunity after opportunity to be open, honest, authentic, and to trust.

On Saturday, August 27, 2011, the Circle of Grace is hosting its’ annual relationship conference for both couples and singles. This year’s theme is “Relationships: Mirrors for Transformation” and David Richo, Ph.D., M.F.T. will be our keynote speaker. His most recent book is titled Daring to Trust: Opening Ourselves to Real Love & Intimacy and he discusses how some of us tend to trust too much while many of us do not trust enough. And at the core of all intimacy is faith and trust.

So as you go about your day, who are you willing to place your faith in today?

Namaste
Laura V. Grace, Spiritual Director

Greetings Wise Women!

On March 29, 2011, we posted a blog inviting women to share their feedback regarding “co-creation circle for women.” On the heels of the excitement generated by the women’s symposium on March 12, it seemed like a good way to keep the momentum flowing.
However, like many good causes that generate excitement, once an event is “over,” enthusiasm tends to wane, and this is understandable.

As of April 13, we have received thirteen responses from eight different women. And though several good ideas have surfaced from the responses, there is not enough interest to support the vision behind “co-creation circles for women.”

The suggestions that have been shared are a wonderful platform to start with and they include the following:

• Sapphire Grace has suggested Book Club Circles, Writer/Author Circles, Artist Circles, Feed the Homeless Circles, Preparedness Circles, Exercise Circles, Cooking and Gardening Circles, and Prayer Circles.
• Lisa Shinn is offering to sponsor gatherings in her home in Atascadero.
• And Lynne Levine is interested in gathering with “…activist women who want to discuss and publicly act on world, state, and/or local issues.”

These women, as well as some others who have commented on the Circle’s blog site, are interested in moving forward and “gathering the women” so to speak. So if you would like to be a part of what they want to co-create, I encourage you to stay connected with them through the Circle’s blog site, the Circle’s Facebook Page, or to contact them directly. You are always welcome to comment and share your ideas.

I look forward to co-creating some more with you at next year’s symposium on March 10, 2012.

Namaste,
Laura V. Grace

Terri Quinn, Ph.D., a dear friend, had a powerful vision during the symposium workshop I taught on March 12th, titled “Conscious Feminine Leadership: Embracing Your Role as Co-Creator in Shaping Our World’s Future.”

Her vision entailed each of us sharing our gifts and capacities and how we would like to express them. This is very much in alignment with the co-creative effort that Barbara Marx Hubbard is proposing on a planetary scale. And the good news is, this approach will allow us to start the process right here in our own community. Also, it will keep the momentum flowing that was ignited at the symposium.

Terri and I both believe it’s important that we have a base to touch-in with one another about co-creation and evolutionary consciousness while holding each other accountable for the steps we want to take. The Circle of Grace can provide the home base in which to support this vision we are calling “co-creation circles.”

Having co-creation circles will be a pathway to coalescing and integrating our ideas. This will involve small circles of women who share similar gifts/capacities and support each other in taking small steps.  In order for our gifts to be expressed, it’s important that we be loving and empowering guides and mentors for each other as we are paving new roads.

Barbara Marx Hubbard stated that “Our talents are restricted by our space.” We believe this to mean that if we all share a larger platform together we can expand the impact each of us can make collectively. Together, shifts will happen exponentially and as Terri affirmed, “The co-creative energy will be magnified!”

Your feedback and input is crucial in co-creating circles for women. Based on your input, we will determine the next step in this amazing journey of co-creation. Thank you for sharing. 

Earlier this month, Barbara Marx Hubbard stated that “People will either change or die.” Her vision is that we’re not moving toward death, but toward a new birth. She so beautifully expressed her vision for this planetary shift to more than 15,000 people in 120 countries on her tele-seminar titled “Birth 2012, Co-Creating a Planetary Shift” on Tuesday, March 22, 2011.
Barbara is calling everyone who is committed to sharing their gifts to take their place as “agents of evolution,” the highest possible purpose of a change agent. This “call” is an integral part of the process and system she is building as we get closer to December 22, 2012, when she foresees a new planetary birth taking place.
And as with any new beginning, the path must be cleared of old beliefs, behaviors, and choices.  We are witnessing this right now as we watch systems and structures that have been in place for hundreds of years collapse.
It’s crucial that the “stories” we tell ourselves and our loved ones about what is happening is not based on hopelessness and fear, but on the fact that every crisis precedes an evolutionary shift, both individually and collectively. As Barbara reminded us of this truth, you could almost feel a collective sigh of relief that despite the waves of pessimism, we’re moving forward.
Barbara shared a few “memes” that will help us evolve the stories that we tell. A meme is a self-replicating idea and when it reaches a certain stage, it has the power to change an entire populations’ behavior and re-create their culture.  A couple of memes that Barbara focused on included:

1. OUR CRISIS IS OUR BIRTH.   Any crisis that we’re facing, whether it’s in our personal lives or on a global level, we can begin to notice what is emerging. There is always something in us that wants to move forward to higher ground.
2. EVOLVE BY CHOICE, NOT CHANCE. There was a time in history that we grew by chance, not choice, simply because we were not as conscious about the choices that existed. This is the first time in the history of humanity that we are clear about what is happening on this planet and have the choice as to how we’re going to proceed, or even if we’re willing to change and evolve. It is the difference between being reactive and co-creative. It is truly operating at the level of cause and not effect.

Today we can be an agent of evolution. Begin with you. Accept yourself. Love yourself. Forgive yourself. Be compassionate toward yourself. And then let that compassion extend to those you encounter today.
Finally, get involved. Barbara is giving you and me a life-changing opportunity to answer a higher calling. If you feel inspired to join Barbara and thousands of others in co-creating a planetary shift, you may learn more and become involved at: Birth 2012.

Namaste,
Laura V. Grace