Predictive question:

[yellowdawgdem]

I've heard people compare our current political conglomeration to Nazi Germany, to the Soviet Union under Stalin, to the Lord of the Rings. I've also heard people make reference to the idea of history repeating itself, and this goes as far back as Atlantis, Lemuria, etc etc. My question is, which of these scenarios do you envision, and why is that. Or do you have another favorite comparison. And how do you see this whole thing resolving, er, I guess the better question would be, what is our best effort, our best placement of energies to change the course of history?

[DemExpat]

1. Interesting question.....

with my little old brain I envision it - if left to continue in the direction it is going - as a fascist global takeover - I see "1984" scenarios - the "Handmaid's Tale".....stuff like that. Eventually having it all under 'control', or all-out global war- again - sparked by religious zealots ......Islam/Christianity, or maybe a war sparked by fighting over dwindling resources (water or fuel) involving other world areas like China...

How do I see it being resolved?

More people in the US having the balls to confront what is going on with the Neo-cons and Fundy Christians - taking back at least part of the Media.....

Perhaps if the rest of the world - especially Europe- refuses to tag along this path - the US will become more and more isolated economically and politically which will force more people within the US to open their eyes to what is going on.

I like entertaining ideas about Ascensions and global changes in consciousness, but I am not certain that this will play out as many of us hope and long for.

What is our best placement of energies to change the course of history?
I like to think that keeping our personal lives sane and healthy is on top of this list, followed by any activism and communication of ideas (I feel driven to help out here on DU for this purpose of keeping communication and ideas somewhat open)....and any other support of democratic principles.

I also keep part of my energies for meditative activity focused on global consciousness and possible Ascension processes.


I would love to hear what others think about this too!

DemEx

[cliss]

2. Some comments:

I think as far as Nazi Germany, I don't really believe we're there yet. We don't have point-blank shootings in the street by the Nazis, nor are people hiding out in their homes like Nazi Germany. We're still a long ways from that hideous scenario. However, with that said I believe we are sliding in that direction. Our freedoms are being dismantled one by one, our "free" press is no longer free (see: LBN on the News Week story).

I do believe that history has a tendency to repeat itself. I've read that on a spiritual level, mistakes made by the previous generation have a tendency to crop up again, in particular if the lessons are not learned. In the US's case, this was Viet Nam. We should have learned that guerrilla warfare is very difficult to win, in particular if you are on "enemy turf". For many reasons (too many to list here) the US is simply unable to win the guerrilla war in Iraq. We're going to get hammered on this one.

Now as far as your question; what is our best effort to change the course of history?

I would say that we're already on our way. Bush and Cheney represent the worst of humanity; they stand for the extractive mentality that just wants to steal and plunder other countries' natural resources and keep people tied to the awful age, the Kali Yuga. Mankind in general wants to move forward to a better age, but these people have their claws in humanity, holding us back, refusing to give way to a better existence.

I was never more convinced that we really want to embrace the New Age, the Dwapara Yuga, when I saw millions of people standing up for Iraq, holding protest demonstrations all over the globe.

Believe me, it's a majority of the people. I've read that as our planet moves forward, we are being bombarded by beneficial spiritual rays from another planet (our stellar twin).

Exciting stuff.

[Nancy Waterman]

3. Good questions

Some thoughts:

My biggest hope is that the radicals will overpaly their hand and people will start to get really upset with them and get rid of them. We can probably nudge it along by showing how really extreme and bizarre they are. This Christian nation they want to create is something people should start to think about. What will that will really look like? That should scare the bejeezus out of people.

One of the big unknowns today is globalization. Not just the economy, but communications are globalized. The corporate ownership is global not national anymore. This feels to me like a wild card. It changes things. One positive example is that when European countries have environmental laws that cover what products they buy, American corporations have to abide by them even if our government hasn't signed on. This is already happening. So the power of the whole is pulling our government along in spite of itself, at least in some things.

The other big issue is energy and global warming and the peak oil issue. When I think of these I wonder about Atlantis and a whole civilization with the potential to self destruct. We can turn it around, but the window of opportunity is narrowing. We really need to put the resources that we pour into our military into creating alternative energy answers. This will create world peace and a future for the planet. The pain we go through over increasing oil cost in the next few years will hopefully be enough to wake people up.

[devinsgram]

4. Very good question, indeed.

When I view the way the world is coming about today, two big moments in history come to mind. The first the Roman Empire and the next, Napoleon. Both where seen in their own time as the best the world had to offer, just like the United States right now. They had the best armies and the best weapons again for that time.The problem is when you reach the top of the pile, so to speak, there is always someone in the wings waiting to topple you and take your place. That is just the way the world works and time has proven that.

Now we are going around like a big bully, pounding our chests and spouting off how great we are, and there is the mistake we are making. The more we try to push others around, the worst for us it will become. Every day we lose more friends and find more enemies.

I am not a religious person, in no way, but I do think it would be advisable to keep the story of David and Goliah in mind.

[Dover]

5. Crrrrrrrrrrrash!

I think the events unfolding now easily accomodate chapters
from each of those stories and myths that you have mentioned. I can think of several others to add to the list that could provide meaningful metaphors. The sheer speed and complexity of events is overwhelming! And such a paradox.

I am hesitant to predict the future because I am of the belief that so much depends on how we respond in the present...and that is ripe with possibility in every moment. These are momentous times, for sure, not only for the U.S. but globally...so no one will likely be untouched by unfolding events. But we also all know from history and personal experience how quickly things can change course...just when things seem to be headed in one direction, a single event or person or idea can have a profound effect. So if I could extrapolate out into the future it would be an exercise in nonlinear thinking and awareness. For me, dreams have been my most reliable prognosticator, and Astrology as well as Tarot have provided a symbolic language for understanding the energies at work.


If one believes, as I do, that we have 'chosen' to be here and that Earth is a "school" for our soul's journey, then one must also believe that we've all chosen to be here now during this major transition, to play our unique roles. For some that may mean playing an antagonists role, while others may be protagonist. One person the victim, the other the hero, one the activist the other establishment.. but of course it's not so black and white. We all exist in those complex grey areas where we keep slipping on the mess we know as our humanity...and always just when we think we've found a sure footing. And a growing awareness of our common humanity in all its subtle complexity will be one gift offered by these tumultuous times for those who can receive it. I just saw the movie Crash which illustrates this so beautifully

I do hope we can stop fighting and picking over the bones of defunct systems and lifestyles and begin envisioning a broader picture of the kind of transformation and innovation that is necessitated by the times. It's difficult to hurry the grieving process, however, and to get the necessary distance for that kind of vision when things are upon us affecting us so directly in our personal lives and are unfolding in such quick succession. That is where meditation can be such a powerful tool for establishing a root connection with ourselves and the collective because it allows us to step into "no time" or present time which, puts things in suspension.

I think there are and will be pockets of people who see, within this apparent chaos, an opportunity to strengthen and use their inner resources and further deepen their connection to self/others and their consciousness. Conscious or not of the bigger picture, they are already beginning to build the "new" world...both within and without...even in the midst of apparent chaos. Those who experience this transformational energy as a creative cauldron of potential they can draw on will pioneer the way and not get caught up so much in the events swirling around them. I would, for example, associate those invested in developing models for sustainable living as one such group, but there are many more and varied areas of new growth sprouting from the ashes in many areas. The challenge is to envision and develop all kinds of new models for global laws and trade, governance, infrastructure, life style, healing, etc. By constructively focusing on the world we want to live in, I think this transformation will have a greater chance of success.

So ultimately I think we, as individuals, can be most effective by making that important connection with our source, our authentic selves and with Life and simply do the thing that calls to us. This may be something radically different or it may be some path we've been following since we were young.

I am not diminishing the very real problems that occur when opportunistic corruption finds a free reign within a weakened structure, and the ruling elite hold onto to their old wealth for dear life, or the very real violations against humanity are perpetrated upon the innocent...
If my dreams have been a guide (at least for my own life) then there will indeed be a complete ending of some kind, followed by the necessity of beginning over with new "tools". Of course that can be interpreted on so many levels, but I'm sure that the change will be evident both in my inner AND outer experience.

My point is that we must learn to find our center and distinguish our own truth and place, lest we become overwhelmed and get caught in the undertow. When the magnetic poles shift, the earth establishes a new magnetic north. And that's what we must do.

It's especially essential when so many of our familiar points of reference and identity disappear or are revealed to be an illusion....be it the role we played at a job which has now disappeared, or a belief system which has failed to answer our current spiritual needs, or dependence on a government that no longer provides us with a sense of security, order and leadership......

[DemExpat]

6. I just love your post, Dover, as it covers many aspects of this

situation we all find ourselves in!

My thoughts dwell on finding new models for schools for young children and teenagers, and more natural birthing/ baby/child care - which are the areas I focussed and centred myself on when I had my babies and raised them to young adulthood. Along with complementalry health care with orthodox medicine, and new spiritual paths outside organized religions.

I feel very good about the work I did as a Mother and for myself (overcoming acute and chronic mental health problems).....and feel I am still looking at the moment for the "niche" to pour my "self" into now....besides my studies and DU Moderating....:-)

One person cannot possibly concentrate on all the vital areas as noted in your post.

It is up to us to find our own truth and place, as you say.

DemEx

[Dover]

8. Thank you DemEx. I agree, we desperately need new models in all the

areas you have mentioned....and I'm so glad that you and others feel a calling to nourish and educate our young people in new and holistic ways. I'd love to hear some of your thoughts along these lines. I too am still somewhat in search of "my place" or "places" to focus my gifts, though I am beginning to sense that though I'm not yet fully perceiving the big picture, I'm stumbling in the general direction of my new magnetic north. Or rather it seems to be drawing me along like a distant beacon of light.

We can draw such strength from our own experiences...both the successes and failures...and do such a service when we bring that hard won wisdom to the table. The more connected we get with ourselves and others, the more we discover how much our own experiences, though unique, also mirror the same core issues that others are struggling with. We must learn to value our experiences differently as they are such an important resource to be shared with the collective....even on a cellular level we are contributing to the biological intelligence of the greater body when we share our unique gifts. Our perceived isolation is one illusion that needs to go....as is the feeling that by offering ourselves in this way we somehow lose a piece of our prized individuality. We, in fact, feel whole when we find our place amidst the collective. That is one of my own hard-won lessons.

[DemExpat]

10. My horoscope chart shows that my

task in this life is to share all that I have learned in this life with the world.

Your post stimulates that buried little thought/idea once again.

And that is how we stimulate and support each other....

:kick:

:hug:

DemEx

[DemExpat]

12. To nourish and educate our young people in new and holistic ways....

How I tried to find my way with my passionate intentions and choices! (NOT the answer for everybody! Just my story feeling good about my work.)

1) natural birth methods where the mother is taught to connect with her child in her womb and her own power to get the process to a positive end. (more of a teamwork process of mother and baby than something happening to you and the baby) STILL very overwhelming, this natural occurrence!:-)

No drugs, no inductions, no forceps or other tools unless absolutely necessary.(not for convenience) Birthing in a comfortable and homey atmosphere to the mother's liking (people attending at her choice as well) I stayed in my warm bathtub for hours with my second child's birth through the painful contractions up to the actual birthing, and the difference this made to my comfort (and to the speed of the opening of the cervix) was enormous.

I did several years of Primal Therapy regressive therapy before I got pregnant which taught me much about feelings and senses/consciousness of newborns, babies, and little kids. Many sessions even took me back into the birth canal during my traumatic and drugged birth, some took me back to being in the womb. (and a couple to pre-conception and past life flash images)
From this experience I KNOW what a baby can feel and sense from people and atmosphere (people's feelings, moods, intentions) around him/her - hence my burning desire to try to offer my children a different experience that could give them a basis (and hopefully help them retain a connection to their REAL selves) for independence, love, and a more positive life attitude.

2) Baby care - basic guidelines of La Leche League and other breastfeeding advocates, along with exchanging of experiences and ideas to help new Moms. Lots of good books on the subject.
I never punished my kids when little - I always found creative ways to show them an alternative to their behavior as well as WHY....even when they were tiny. It wasn't until later when I started getting into conflicts with them, and I never stepped away from confronting them on their negative behavior when I felt very strongly that something was not "right"! Except for my son's problems with not wanting to go to school, my kids sailed smoothly through the teens...:bounce:
When you lay down a intimate basis for loving, trust, joy and sharing when kids are tiny, this really pays off much later as this trust is just "there" - even when there are angry disagreements and conflicts!

This is the key to childcare IMO.

One sentence in a baby book stood out tremendously to me:
Make sure that you show your baby that you enjoy them, delight in them, that they are a welcome presence - for this is the greatest gift you can give them!
I agree!

I read Jean Liedloff's book "The Continuum Concept" while nursing my babies, and found that the book, even though difficult to transpose all of the ideas to modern societies, gave me plenty of tips on how to make the environment as natural to the human animal baby as possible. Now that I have read Michael Sharp's books, I know what Lemuria means, and this book felt like a very Lemurian book on child care to me!

I also read Joseph Chilton Pierce's book "The Magical Child" which gave me new insights and remembered insights :-) on a child's (and all humans) deeper consciousness and how to try to preserve a child's contact with their "knowing" for as long as possible.....schools do a good job of closing this openness down if not done already by the parents. IMO.

Books by Anthroposophic (Steiner - Waldorf schools) writers also resonated deeply with my deepest feelings about babies and children - and how to shelter their awakening spirits very gently in an overpowering world of sensations and warped sense of time.

Books by Bruno Bettleheim like "A Good enough Parent" along with so many other books gave me ongoing guidance with my children to counteract my own upbringing with its generally negative (and traumatic) effect.

3)Schooling:
I loved John Holt's Books on Childhood education - and he became the forefront of the Homeschooling movement in the US until his early death. From what I gather now on DU, homeschooling has also been hijacked by religious fundies to justify their own reasons for keeping their kids out of schools. But John Holt was not into isolation, but into better social structures/institutions than we have to offer kids more natural ways to see what adults are up to every day and to learn in real life settings, not in "prison-like" schools.

Ivan Illich also had visions of a world without schools in his book "Instead of Education".....

My oldest daughter always loved school and school learning, and I did my best to pick schools where the teachers were wonderful people who loved being with kids all day and giving them a sense of excitement about learning....while my youngest son had a real aversion to school from the very first day of kindergarten.....even though he was well-liked and smart enough, - he just HATED being forced to go there every day and sit most of the day and do things that people told him to do.....it really was deadening to his spirit in some way, so school for him was always pretty tortuous.:-(

Living here in The Netherlands has been wonderful for bringing up my kids too, with much more relaxed and open norms about nudity, sex,sexual preferences, drinking and soft drugs, stuff like that. I would have had a more difficult time in the US, I'm afraid, from the stories I heard regularly from my 2 sisters - one in Denver and one in Dallas. Drinking and driving there would have made me a nervous wreck, while here kids can take public transport or their bicycles, and usually not for such long distances as in the states.

That's about it for now.....just off of the top of my head stuff from my experiences and learnings.

I would never say that my experiences are the only way to do things, but the journey learning and doing and being taught me much about trying to keep authenticity, openness, love, joy, and trust at the forefront while bringing up new little humans! :loveya:

Thanks for asking, Dover, its good for me to review things like this once in awhile! :D Sometimes it seems so long ago and my kids are just in their early 20s!

DemEx

[Dover]

13. That's a remarkable amount of knowledge and experience!

And I can only imagine that the Netherlands are more advanced regarding many of these issues. How did you happen to move there?

I think the adults in my life that had a loving vibe and impacted my growth were those who really "saw" me....they "got" me. That's surprisingly rare and is such a gift. I think many adults see children as empty vessels that need to be filled, but how many actually take the time and invest themselves in discovering the child's inherent qualities, needs and gifts?

Have you thought about ways in which you can pull all these threads together and put them to work?

There is a wonderful organization started by a woman that is helping children who have been traumatized or left in difficult life circumstances due to global wars and upheaval, called the Global Children's Organization. It's very hands on healing type work.
http://www.globalchild.org/ . She's someone who saw a great need and put her skills to work.

Here's some info on her from their website:


Judith Jenya, Founder, is the International Humanist of the Year 2001. She has been working for 32 years as a teacher, social worker, family and art therapist, attorney, and workshop leader in all aspects of child development, care and advocacy. Mother of two grown children, she has graduate degrees from Harvard University, University of California at Berkeley, and University of Hawaii School of Law. Judith has worked with groups in Russia, Japan, Ireland, Norway, Canada, Jordan, New Zealand, Bosnia, Croatia and the U.S. to help change conditions for children. Judith has conducted training through out the world. Developed by GCO, our training materials are used by volunteers, educators, courts and mental health professionals. She has won numerous awards and recognition for her work with GCO, including International Humanist of the Year, the Temple Award for Creative Altruism 2001, the Giraffe Award 2001, and University of California at Berkeley Alumna of the Week, 2002. Read an excerpt from Judith Jenya's story.


I will be off the computer for a few days, so won't be around until next week. Hope to continue this conversation then.

:hug:

[DemExpat]

15. Thanks for the link, Dover.

Appreciate it!

DemEx

[cliss]

7. Dover......

Awesome post. Are you a writer? If not, you should be.

Beautiful use of language.

[Dover]

9. Thank you cliss. Your encouragement is more important for me right now

than you know. I've sort of been rediscovering my love of writing and language. It's one of those things in my personal bag of gifts that was stored away in the attic for quite some time. I've really only recently gotten it out of the moth balls and am dusting it off and looking at it again.

I put it away because I became very frustrated with the limitations of this medium of expression.
I felt it failed to communicate or illuminate the potency and dimension of what was rumbling around in the vast internal caverns of my psyche and soul. So I became interested in symbolic languages. But then one day I heard a poet speak his words with such elegant simplicity and truth, and everything began to change. So it is interesting for me to return again, after so many years, to discover how I might use language more effectively within these inherent limitations. In fact, that is a metaphor for my own journey....dealing with my own internalized perception of limitions and transcending them through creative forms of expression.

[loudsue]

11. Sometimes I feel so humbled, and honored to share a forum

with such amazing people.

:loveya: You guys leave me speechless. :grouphug: O8)

[loftycity]

14. Why do meddling Eurocrats want to ban your vitamin pills?

http://www.alliance-natural-health.org/index.cfm?action=news&ID=140
(Codex the FDA of Europe will vote on this in Italy the first week in July.
The FDA will go along if the EU votes for banning natural products--5000 different supplements are on the list to be banned.
I live in Sweden and Echinchea is about $17.00 a bottle, Zinc is around $35.00. It is a nightmare for the people in Europe...the pharmacutical companies are going to try and ban it all.
And there is no choice like there is in the US..here it is about 20% of the prodcuts you have in the US. I miss my US Co-ops.
I hope France and The Netherlands vote "no" and get out of the EU.)

But in just six months, our favourite pills will be outlawed by diktat of the European Union, aided and abetted by Tony Blair's Government with a little help from the pharmaceutical industry, which sees a golden opportunity to take control of a lucrative market.

We are heading for an Alice Through the Looking Glass world, where, in Chris Grayling's words: 'It will be illegal for a grown adult to buy vitamin tablets but legal for a teenager to purchase cigarettes.'

More than 40% of us take mineral and vitamin pills; a third of us take them every day. Like all alternative medicines they provoke controversies, some stirred up by a medical establishment and drug companies who fear that people will prefer them to their expensive drugs