03 Nov Joanna Macy: Uncertainty sheds a bright light on the power of intention
Uncertinaty, when accepted, sheds a bright light on the power of intention. That is what you can count on; not the outcome, but the motivation you bring, the vision you hold, the compass setting you choose to follow.
Our intention and our resolve can save us from getting lost in grief. This is the gift of the Great Turning.
When we open our eyes to what is happening, even when it breaks our hearts, we discover our true dimensions, for our heart, when it breaks open, can hold the whole universe. We discover how speaking the truth of our anguish for the world brings down the walls between us, drawing us into deep solidarity. And that solidarity with our neighbors and all that lives is all the more real for the uncertainty we face. When we stop distracting ourselves, trying to figure the chances of ultimate success or failure, our minds and hearts are liberated into the present moment. And this moment together is alive and charged with possibilities.
~Joanna Macy
Any healing requires these words from Joanna Macy, the Buddhist author and teacher. The more we allow our healing to be motivated to live in alignment with goodness the more our healing takes places with inner serenity, kindness and even a bit more ease.
What visions do you hold for your healing? What motivation do you bring? How do you want your healing to shape not just your life, but those around you, and ultimately, the world? I’d love to hear from you.
~ update from Deirdre: I first posted this with the first two sentences. Then I went back to re-read what Joanna had written. The context was about global warming which is something Joanna is a huge activist about. I added some more without the global warming piece, not that global warming isn’t important but to keep a narrow focus — for the moment.