REFLECTIONS YARO - OCTOBER 2024

 

 

                                         REFLECTIONS ON MY MASTERS

Dear Reader,

October is my favourite month of the year.  In the northern hemisphere, where I studied and worked (Canada), this is when the leaves turn red and golden, and we pick lovely mushrooms in the forest. In the southern hemisphere, we greet springtime – a time to watch the flowers bloom and seeds germinate in my garden and my birthday is on October 30^th.

 

Therefore, it is time to reflect on what I have learned from the many great Mentors, Wise men, and guides in my life. Here are some I have particularly learned from, and they had a deep influence on my life:

 

1.      Jorge Rosner, my gestalt teacher and mentor for over 20 years. Jorge was a student of Dr.  Fritz Perls in Chicago and then at Esalen Institute CA. Jorge established the Toronto Gestalt Institute where we studied for about four years.

 

2.      Alejandro Jodorowsky: Jodorowsky spent almost a decade reconstructing the original form of the Tarot de Marseille. From this work he moved into more therapeutic work in three areas: psychomagic, psychogenealogy and initiatic massage. Psychomagic aims to heal psychological wounds suffered in life. This therapy is based on the belief that the performance of certain acts can directly act upon the unconscious mind, releasing it from a series of traumas, some of which practitioners of the therapy believe are passed down from generation to generation. Psychogenealogy includes the studying of the patient's personality and family tree to best address their specific sources. It is similar, in its phenomenological approach to genealogy, to the Constellations pioneered by Bert Hellinger.

                                                

 

 

3.      Osho: He was an Indian godman, philosopher and founder of the Rajneesh movement.He was viewed as a controversial new religious movement leader during his life. He rejected institutional religions, insisting that spiritual experience could not be organized into any one system of religious dogma. As a guru, he advocated meditation and taught a unique form called dynamic meditation. Rejecting traditional ascetic practices, he advocated that his followers live fully in the world but without attachment to it. In expressing a more progressive attitude to sexuality, he caused controversy in India during the late 1960s and became known as "the sex guru".

 

 

4.      George Ivanovich Gurdjieff (c. 1867 – 29 October 1949) was a philosopher, mystic, spiritual teacher, composer, and dance teacher. Gurdjieff taught that people are not conscious of themselves and thus live their lives in a state of hypnotic "waking sleep", but that it is possible to awaken to a higher state of consciousness and serve our purpose as human beings. The practice of his teaching has become known as "The Work"(connoting work on oneself) and is additional to the ways of the Fakirs (Sufis), Monks and Yogis so that his student P. D. Ouspensky referred to it as the "Fourth Way".

IMAGINATION AND THE MODERN WORLD - JULY 2024

                             

IMAGINATION IN OUR MODERN WORLD

 Dear reader,

In this July section of my blog - reflections Yaro, I am inspired by the word IMAGINATION. We all think that this word if worth knowing (the meaning) but few people really know about this amazing principle. So I am quoting,below, my Mentor Michael Meade and offer to all readers his wissdom and his mythology. So, reflect now - WHAT IS IMAGINATION?

Imagination is an essential component of human existence, a driving force behind creativity, innovation, and progress. In our modern culture, where technology and information dominate, the need for imagination has never been more critical. It is imagination that allows us to envision a future that transcends current limitations, fosters empathy and understanding, and nurtures the creative problem-solving necessary to address the complex challenges of our time.

At its core, imagination is the ability to form new ideas, images, or concepts not present to the senses. It enables individuals to visualize possibilities beyond the immediate reality, to dream, and to innovate. In the fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape of modern society, this capacity is indispensable. The rapid advancement of technology, while beneficial, also brings about new challenges and uncertainties. To navigate this dynamic environment, we must harness the power of imagination to foresee potential outcomes, anticipate needs, and devise innovative solutions.

One of the most apparent areas where imagination is crucial is in the field of technology. The digital age is characterized by constant technological innovation, from artificial intelligence and machine learning to virtual reality and biotechnology. These advancements stem from the imaginative minds of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs who envision new ways to solve problems and improve lives. For instance, the creation of the internet, smartphones, and social media platforms all began as imaginative ideas that revolutionized the way we communicate and access information.

Moreover, imagination is not only pivotal in creating new technologies but also in ensuring they are used ethically and responsibly. As we develop increasingly powerful tools, we must consider their potential impacts on society, privacy, and the environment. Imagination allows us to foresee possible consequences and devise frameworks for ethical use, ensuring that technological progress benefits humanity.

In addition to technology, imagination plays a significant role in the arts and culture. Art, literature, music, and film are all products of imaginative thought, reflecting and shaping the human experience. These creative expressions offer more than just entertainment; they provide insights into the human condition, foster empathy, and encourage critical thinking. In a world where we are often bombarded with information, the arts offer a necessary respite, a chance to reflect, and an opportunity to explore different perspectives.

The importance of imagination in education cannot be overstated. Traditional education systems often emphasize rote learning and standardized testing, which can stifle creativity and limit imaginative thinking. However, fostering imagination in students is essential for developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence. By encouraging curiosity and creative exploration, educators can cultivate a generation of innovative thinkers capable of addressing the multifaceted problems of the future.

Imagination is also vital in the realm of social progress and human rights. Many of the advancements in civil rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability have been driven by individuals and movements that dared to imagine a better world. Visionaries like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Greta Thunberg have inspired change by articulating powerful, imaginative visions of justice, equality, and sustainability. These leaders demonstrate that imagination is not just a tool for personal growth but a catalyst for collective action and societal transformation.

In the business world, imagination fuels entrepreneurship and economic growth. Successful entrepreneurs often possess a unique ability to envision new products, services, and business models that meet emerging needs and desires. Companies like Apple, Google, and Tesla were built on the imaginative ideas of their founders, who dared to think differently and challenge the status quo. In a competitive global market, the ability to innovate and adapt is crucial for long-term success, making imagination an invaluable asset for businesses and economies.

Furthermore, imagination enhances our ability to connect with others on a deeper level. By imagining ourselves in someone else’s shoes, we can develop empathy and understanding, which are essential for building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community. In a world that is increasingly interconnected yet often divided, the ability to empathize with others and appreciate diverse perspectives is more important than ever. Imagination allows us to bridge gaps, overcome prejudices, and work collaboratively towards common goals.

Environmental sustainability is another critical area where imagination is needed. The pressing challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss require innovative solutions that rethink our relationship with the planet. Imaginative thinking can lead to the development of sustainable technologies, green energy sources, and conservation strategies that mitigate environmental impact and promote a harmonious coexistence with nature. By imagining a sustainable future, we can inspire action and create a path towards environmental resilience.

In addition, imagination is a vital component of modern culture, underpinning creativity, innovation, and progress across various domains. It empowers us to envision and create a better future, navigate technological advancements ethically, enrich our cultural and artistic expressions, foster empathy and understanding, drive social and economic progress, and address environmental challenges. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern world, nurturing and harnessing the power of imagination will be essential for building a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous society. Imagination is not a luxury but a necessity, a fundamental human trait that enables us to transcend our current limitations and reach for a brighter, more hopeful future. Michael Meade, my mentor wrote an article about imagination that I am quoting here:

 

“ It is the ancient idea that nothing exists until it passes through imagination. Imagination is not simply a subjective inner capacity; rather, it is a genuine force of life. In this old way of seeing, the increase of conflicts and intensification of hate in the world can be seen as a loss of soul and a lack of genuine imagination.

At a time when modern cultures can be seen to be unraveling and the sense of the shared suffering of humanity so quickly turns into hatred for whoever can be deemed as the “other,” genuine imagination is not just increasingly important, but can be seen as the redeeming factor for both the individual human soul and for human culture as a totality.

Although viewing life in literal terms has become a habit for many, it ultimately gives us a false sense of security and keeps us blind to the knowledge we most need when the world around us keeps changing. In the ancient world, myth could mean emergent truth, and mythic imagination was understood to be the primary way in which the human mind and the human heart could connect or reconnect to the universal truths underlying all of reality.

Lacking a renewed sense of genuine imagination, the modern world will continue to divide and fall apart. For what is missing in most cases is not simply a lack of the resources needed to change things, but a tragic lack of the imagination required to awaken to a greater, more inclusive visions of reality. For, it is the intermediating function of imagination that makes it possible to unite otherwise opposing states, such as the objective and the subjective, religion and science, or any pair of antithetical ideologies.

Imagination has always been the unifying force in the human psyche, the inherent function that precedes thought, but also follows the body's inner ways of knowing and being. Imagination is the key that opens us to all that is immeasurable, creative, and healing in life. For that reason, imagination has been called the deepest power of the human psyche.

The power of imagination, which is part of the natural inheritance of each soul, has surprising and indelible capacities for creativity and renewal. By the virtue of imagination, we see with penetrating insights and creative vision, not the delusions of fantasy, but the surprise of revelation. The point is to allow the immediate powers of myth and imagination to give us a poetic grasp of our own lives and the events of the world. Without such a mythic sense, the world becomes increasingly divided, and we can become overwhelmed by conflicts both inner and outer. As the collective sense of unity collapses, the uniqueness within each person's soul becomes the essential source of the unifying imagination needed to sustain and renew life.”

 

 

Let us be creative!

MARCH 2024 BLOG - SACRIFICE

 

Alexei Navalny - SACRIFICE

Introduction

The concept of "sacrifice" holds different meanings in the realms of human relationships and politics.

• In Human Relationships: Personal Sacrifice: In interpersonal relationships, sacrifice often refers to an individual willingly giving up something for the benefit of others. This could be one's time, personal desires, or even material possessions. It is often seen as a selfless act aimed at nurturing the well-being of others, demonstrating care, and building stronger connections.

• Compromise: Sacrifice in relationships may also involve compromise, where individuals make concessions for the sake of harmony and mutual understanding. This could involve finding middle ground on differing opinions or adjusting personal preferences to accommodate the needs and desires of others.

• Emotional Sacrifice: Emotional sacrifice in relationships may entail putting aside personal emotions or needs to support a partner, friend, or family member during challenging times. It reflects a commitment to the overall health and happiness of the relationship.

• In Politics: National Interest: In politics, sacrifice is often associated with the greater good of the nation or community. Leaders may make decisions that involve personal or collective sacrifice to advance the well-being of the larger population. This could include economic policies, security measures, or diplomatic actions.

• Leadership Sacrifice: Political leaders may be called upon to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of their country. This could involve risking their own safety, reputation, or popularity to make decisions that align with the long-term interests of the nation.

• Social Sacrifice: Political movements or revolutions may require sacrifices from individuals for the sake of social change. Activists, for instance, may endure personal hardships or put themselves at risk to advocate for political, social, or economic reforms.

In this blog I am reflecting about the great Sacrifice how the Russian Opposition leader has contributed not only to the people of Russia but to the whole world and I note that his death is not in vain, and his spirit will live forever.

 

NAVLNY:    June 1976 – 16 February 2024) was a Russian opposition leader, lawyer, anti-corruption activist, and political prisoner. He organised anti-government demonstrations and ran for office to advocate reforms against corruption in Russia and against President Vladimir Putin and his government. Navalny was founder of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). He was recognised by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience and was awarded the Sakharov Prize for his work on human rights.

Through his social media channels, Navalny and his team published material about corruption in Russia, organised political demonstrations and promoted his campaigns. In a 2011 radio interview, he described Russia's ruling party, United Russia, as a "party of crooks and thieves", which became a popular epithet. Navalny and the FBK have published investigations detailing alleged corruption by high-ranking Russian officials and their associates.

Navalny twice received a suspended sentence for embezzlement, in 2013 and 2014. Both criminal cases were widely considered politically motivated and intended to bar him from running in future elections. He ran in the 2013 Moscow mayoral election and came in second with 27% of the vote but was barred from running in the 2018 presidential election.

In August 2020, Navalny was hospitalised in serious condition after being poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. He was medically evacuated to Berlin and discharged a month later. Navalny accused Putin of being responsible for his poisoning, and an investigation implicated agents from the Federal Security Service. In January 2021, Navalny returned to Russia and was immediately detained on accusations of violating parole conditions while he was hospitalised in Germany. Following his arrest, mass protests were held across Russia. In February 2021, his suspended sentence was replaced with a prison sentence of over two and a half years' detention, and his organisations were later designated as extremist and liquidated. In March 2022, Navalny was sentenced to an additional nine years in prison after being found guilty of embezzlement and contempt of court in a new trial described as a sham by Amnesty International; his appeal was rejected and in June, he was transferred to a high-security prison. In August 2023, Navalny was sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison on extremism charges.

In December 2023, Navalny went missing from prison for almost three weeks. He re-emerged in an Arctic Circle corrective colony in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. On 16 February 2024, the Russian prison service reported that Navalny had died at the age of 47. His death sparked protests, both in Russia and in various other countries. Accusations against the Russian authorities in connection with his death have been made by Western governments and international organisations.

Another article by Quilette:

https://quillette.com/2024/02/23/alexei-navalny-1976-2024

GRIEF AND PRAISE - FEBRUARY 2024

 GRIEF AND PRAISE

Painting by Martin Prechtel

Dear reader,

In the world as we know it today, full of conflicts, sufferings and so on, it is enough for most people to feel depressed, sad, and helpless. But what is needed, urgently is, for the more courageous, to be more proactive. This means to be able to praise the many suffering and dying and not to praise those who sit and feel good for being shut off and hide from the truth.

But in the collective human soul, there is a profound radiance where individuals are coming out and conquer the banal disappointments about the future and pretend that all is OK and that  there is no need to suffer grief all the time. That is not necessary. Others tend to avoid the pain of being compromised and ridiculed by the heartless and hide their grief.

It is necessary to show the courage to BE and to imagine what would be needed to create a soul that is that shines more light. It is necessary to inspire the heart and join others in the experience of grieving. Inspiration is that light to the world indicating as to what it means to be human and to taste the freedom and capacity to participate in a culture that has the courage to speak up. Each one of us is a “nation” - we are a Nation under ourselves and as a Nation, meaning a soul, we do have the power to create change.

I am inspired by the great shaman MARTIN PRCHTEL. This is how he is described by others:

 “Inspiring hope, solace, and courage in living through our losses, author Martin Prechtel, trained in the Tzutujil Maya shamanic tradition, shares profound insights on the relationship between grief and praise in our culture--how the inability that many of us must grieve and weep properly for the dead is deeply linked with the inability to give praise for living. In modern society, grief is something that we usually experience in private, alone, and without the support of a community. Yet, as Prechtel says: 

"Grief expressed out loud for someone we have lost, or a country or home we have lost, is in itself the greatest praise we could ever give them. Grief is praise, because it is the natural way love honours what it misses."

Prechtel explains that the unexpressed grief prevalent in our society today is the reason for many of the social, cultural, and individual maladies that we are currently experiencing. According to Prechtel:

 "When you have two centuries of people who have not properly grieved the things that they have lost, the grief shows up as ghosts that inhabit their grandchildren." 

These "ghosts," he says, can also manifest as disease in the form of tumours, which the Maya refer to as "solidified tears," or in the form of behavioural issues and depression. He goes on to show how this collective, unexpressed energy is the long-held grief of our ancestors manifesting itself, and the work that can be done to liberate this energy so we can heal from the trauma of loss, war, and suffering.

I am in tune with the story of how Martin learned through LOVE. He states:

“Love is always a matter of learning how to live in an unknown land. It is not just translation or about being secure in what one knows, but about learning how to give a true gift to what one loves by learning what it loves. Love is always about learning the Nature of things.”

He adds:

“Because the world is a boundless compendium of stories told in as many languages as there are things to know, the language of galaxies, of rocks, the languages of weathers, plants, and rivers, languages of animal and human cultures, I have never understood knowledge as a finite possession but more like a corral of wild language horses, with an ongoing responsibility to sustain and maintain them, upon whose unruly backs we must learn to ride; sometimes into the heart of twelve layers of holy stone, or into the heart of an old Jewish steel vendor in Armenia, or into the language of the tears of the Divine Female whose ever-birthing womb is a mouth that speaks this natural teeming earth and universe into tangibility at every present moment.”

I must say that Martin has inspired me to be able to recognise my own Soul learning in the many years as therapist and teacher at the university of Queensland, Australia. I both heard and told stories to many students and also involved in Men groups and am still enabling and supporting Australian military veterans and their wives in counselling sessions.

I highly recommend his books and particularly his book on GRIEF AND PRAISE. This is what we all need to study and practice NOW!

 “The Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise” Here is a short description:

Inspiring hope, solace, and courage in living through our losses, author Martín Prechtel, trained in the Tzutujil Maya shamanic tradition, shares profound insights on the relationship between grief and praise—how the inability that many of us must grieve and weep properly for the dead is deeply linked with the inability to give praise for living. In modern society, grief is something that we usually experience in private, alone, and without the support of a community. Yet, as Prechtel says, “Grief expressed out loud for someone we have lost, or a country or home we have lost, is in itself the greatest praise we could ever give them. Grief is praise because it is the natural way love honours what it misses.”

 

 

Drawing by Martin Prechtel" -  Grief and Praise