APRIL 2025 BLOG - REFLECTIONS YARO

 

BEING RESILIENT

The greatest challenge has always been the risk of becoming our genuine selves in a world that tries to turn us into everyone else or scare us into believing things that are simply untrue. Genuine resilience begins in the depths of the individual soul, and this is the struggle that we came here for.

 Qualities like courage, compassion, wisdom and creative vision tend to manifest more fully when something challenges us at an existential level. Human resiliency involves a capacity to awaken further and grow wiser precisely amid a crisis.

 More than the ability to withstand adversity, true resiliency involves a creative vulnerability that allows us to both “spring back” and “leap forward.” To avoid overwhelm and find meaningful ways forward, we need to tap the resources of our souls which connect to the timeless roots of imagination and the endless energies of creation.

 

 

The Nature of Inner Resilience

Dynamic, not fixed: Resilience can change depending on life stage, experiences, and support systems.

Rooted in self-awareness: Knowing your emotional responses and limits helps regulate stress.

Connected to meaning-making: Resilient people often find meaning or purpose in adversity.

Intertwined with vulnerability: Being resilient doesn’t mean being invulnerable—it means having the courage to face emotional pain and still move forward.

Supported by relationships: Even inner strength is nurtured through connection with others.

 

How to Achieve and Strengthen It

Here are practical ways to build inner resilience:

1. Develop Emotional Awareness

2. Recognise your feelings without judging them.

3 . Practise mindfulness or journaling to stay in touch with your inner experience.

4. Cultivate a Growth Mindset. See setbacks as opportunities to learn, not as personal  failures.n Ask yourself: “What can this teach me?” instead of “Why me?”

5. Build Self-Compassio 

- Be kind to yourself in moments of suffering.-

- Speak to yourself as you would to a close friend.

6. Strengthen Support Systems -

- Stay connected to people who uplift and understand you.

- Share your experiences—resilience grows through shared stories.

7. Practise Acceptanc

- Accept what cannot be controlled or changed.

- Resilience grows when we stop resisting reality and start responding to it with clarity.

8. Take Care of Your Body

-Physical well-being deeply influences mental strength.

- Sleep, nutrition, movement, and relaxation are foundational.

9. Develop Meaning and Purpose

- Engage in activities that align with your values.

- Service to others, creativity, spiritual exploration, or personal growth can help anchor your sense of purpose.

 

MARCH 2025 - FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

 MARCH 2025 BLOG

 

 

The name of March comes from Martius, the first month of the earliest Roman calendar. It was named after Mars, the Roman god of war, and an ancestor of the Roman people through his sons Romulus and Remus. This month - Martius was the beginning of the season for warfare, and others mirrored the festivals held in his honor. During the month of October, when the season for these activities ended, Martius remained the first month of the Roman calendar year perhaps as late as 153 BC, and several religious observances in the first half of the month were originally New Year's celebrations. Even in late antiquity, Roman mosaics picturing the months sometimes still placed March first. In the northern parts of the world, March is the month that announces the coming out of winter darkness and rituals were common to bring light like building fireplaces on the land to announce that from darkness comes the light.

The Wisdom Within Darkness 

Darkness is often feared and misunderstood, associated with negativity, danger, and the unknown. However, darkness is not inherently bad; it is a space of transformation, introspection, and hidden wisdom. Just as the night sky holds stars and the depths of the ocean conceal vibrant life, darkness contains light and insight that can lead to growth and understanding. 

In many philosophical and spiritual traditions, darkness symbolizes the journey inward—a time for reflection and self-discovery. When we embrace darkness, whether in the form of challenges, solitude, or uncertainty, we often uncover truths about ourselves and the world. For instance, in difficult times, people develop resilience, empathy, and wisdom that they might not have gained in perpetual comfort. Darkness, in this sense, is a teacher, guiding us toward deeper knowledge and inner light. 

Moreover, light and darkness are not opposites but partners in balance. Just as the dawn follows the night, insight emerges from the struggle. The yin-yang philosophy illustrates this duality, showing that within darkness, there is always a spark of light. Without contrast, we would not appreciate brightness, joy, or clarity. Even in nature, seeds must first be buried in the dark earth before they can grow toward the sun. 

Ultimately, darkness is not something to be feared but embraced as part of the human experience. It is within the unknown that creativity, resilience, and wisdom flourish. By recognizing the light hidden within the shadows, we can transform fear into understanding and challenges into opportunities for growth. At this time, when politics and wars are dividing and destroying places like Ukraine, we need experienced Elders to guide our youth.

Wisdom, Not Just Knowledge: Guiding the Young

Elders play a crucial role in shaping the lives of young people, but their greatest gift is not simply knowledge—it is wisdom. While knowledge consists of facts, skills, and information, wisdom is the deeper understanding of life gained through experience, reflection, and insight. Young people today have access to vast amounts of knowledge through technology, but they truly need wisdom from elders to navigate life's complexities. 

Wisdom allows elders to offer guidance that goes beyond mere instructions. It helps them teach young people about patience, resilience, and the importance of values. For example, an elder may not just tell a young person how to achieve success but also teach them the importance of integrity, balance, and purpose. Wisdom also enables elders to listen, understand emotions, and provide meaningful support rather than just giving directives. 

Moreover, wisdom helps elders adapt their teachings to the unique struggles of each generation. The world is constantly changing, and young people face challenges different from those of the past. Instead of simply passing down old ways of thinking, wise elders use their experiences to offer relevant insights, helping young people apply timeless lessons in a modern context. 

Ultimately, young people do not just need answers—they need perspective, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of life. Elders who lead with wisdom rather than just knowledge can inspire and empower the next generation to make thoughtful choices and build meaningful lives.

SOULCRAFT

The Power of the Soul: Strength and Guidance in Life

The concept of the soul has long been a source of strength and guidance for people seeking purpose, resilience, and inner peace. While physical and intellectual abilities have limits, the soul represents a deeper, limitless source of wisdom and strength that can help individuals navigate life’s challenges. Recognizing and connecting with the soul allows people to find meaning, make ethical decisions, and develop an unshakable inner foundation. 

The soul is often associated with one’s true essence—the part of a person that is not defined by external circumstances but by inner values, purpose, and connection to something greater. When people feel lost or overwhelmed, turning inward to their soul can provide clarity and direction. For instance, during hardship, the soul reminds individuals of their deeper purpose, allowing them to endure difficulties with grace and resilience. Additionally, the soul fosters a sense of inner peace and self-trust. In a world full of distractions and pressures, people often seek validation from external sources. However, by listening to the soul’s quiet wisdom, individuals can find guidance from within rather than relying solely on societal expectations or fleeting trends. This inner guidance helps people make choices aligned with their true values, leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life. 

Moreover, the soul connects individuals to others and a higher purpose. Many spiritual traditions emphasize that the soul is not just personal but also linked to a greater universal energy. This understanding fosters compassion, empathy, and a sense of belonging, giving people the strength to support others and find meaning beyond personal struggles. 

In essence, embracing the concept of the soul empowers people to draw strength from within, make wise choices, and live with greater purpose. It serves as a guide through life’s uncertainties, offering resilience, peace, and a profound sense of direction.

 

 Dear reader, welcome to make your comments, please.

Yaro Starak

 

Embracing Change and Growth and Defending Liberty - February 2025

 

Introduction

February, often seen as a month of transition, bridges the gap between the harshness of winter in the north and the promise of spring and summer in Australia. It is a time for reflection, growth, and the embrace of new beginnings. We also celebrate the Chinese New Year, the year of the Snake.

Personal Growth and Reflections

February provides the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on our personal growth. February allows us to look inward, evaluating our goals and the progress we've made thus far. It's a time to acknowledge our achievements, no matter how small, and to reassess our plans with renewed clarity and determination.

Setting Intentions

Setting intentions can be a powerful tool in guiding our actions and decisions. Take a moment to write down what you hope to achieve this month. Whether it's focusing on self-care, building relationships, or advancing in your career, clear intentions can serve as a roadmap to success.

Embracing Challenges

Challenges are inevitable, but they also present growth opportunities. As we encounter obstacles, it's essential to maintain a positive mindset and approach each challenge with resilience. Remember, it's often through adversity that we discover our true potential.

Acts of Kindness

Kindness has the power to transform not only the lives of others but also our own. This month, make a conscious effort to perform acts of kindness, big or small. From sending a thoughtful message to volunteering your time, these gestures can have a profound impact on our collective well-being.

Celebrating Love

February is also a time to celebrate love in all its forms. While Valentine's Day often highlights romantic relationships, it's essential to recognize and appreciate the love we share with family, friends, and even ourselves. Take time to express gratitude and affection to those who bring joy and meaning to your life.

Finally, as we navigate through February, let us embrace the changes it brings and the growth it fosters. Reflect on your journey, set clear intentions, and cherish the connections that enrich your life. By doing so, we can fully appreciate the beauty of this transformative month and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

 

Here is a statement by Michael Meade - as we approach the new year with challenges about Justice, Liberty and Diversity being damaged by TRUMP.

This episode of Living Myth looks at the misuses of power, the dangers of arch narcissism and the ways that the dream of America is now being severely tested. An old proverb states that: Power lacks morals and principles, it only has interests, and the interests of the powerful are often at odds with the genuine principles the truth, and the kind of understanding needed to create community. The troubled times in which we now all find ourselves are the crucible in which we need to learn more about the psychology of power in order not to become discouraged and disempowered and fall under the rule of those who only see power as a force of dominance to be used in the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of the human community.

Before he was elected the first time, Donald Trump declared that he could shoot a person on Fifth Avenue and pay no consequences even for such a violent act. That was not simply an offhand statement of personal inflation, but rather a psychological revelation of an underlying sense of being above the law and beyond being accountable for recklessness, cruelty, and even violent crimes. Having been elected to a position of great power again causes him to further identify, not just with being a dictator or a king, but with being like a vengeful deity who can create and destroy at will and being god-like, he cannot be restricted, can do no wrong and cannot be held accountable.

Because arch narcissists are psychologically undeveloped, they tend to use black-and-white thinking and binary codes. Thus a person is either a winner or a loser, and you must either be blindly loyal or you are declared an enemy and can be considered evil. In that sense, the use of political power is always personal for Donald Trump. He may use the playbook of dictators and autocrats, but he does it in a dangerously personal way because narcissism is literally his personal signature as well as his fatal flaw.

This kind of imperial narcissism and threats of vengeance and retribution for disobeying were what the founding fathers fought against. And at this critical time when the delusional power seekers and the self-inflated oligarchs seek to replace the dream of unity through diversity with the sad old rule of "to the winners go the spoils," it becomes our calling, as those who seek freedom and justice for all that find ways to unite in diversity, reject the would-be dictators and petty tyrants who carry the flag of the false self in favor of the genuine dream that is always trying to re-awaken and become more conscious in the hearts of “We, the people.”