necessary on a very fundamental level, I am ready for a reality that includes all of us with equal care, consideration, and respect all of the time. When we connect with our deeper, more natural human motivating factors—our core values—or universal human needs, we are empowered to make conscious choices that are life affirming and life serving in each moment.
Who would you be without
the story that there is an external power judging what is right/wrong, good/bad, deserving of reward/ punishment? Or the story that one of us must compromise, give in, or lose in a discussion, disagreement, or conflict? These learned assumptions are transformed gracefully and naturally when our deeper values and true human natures are elevated, lived fully and shared with others in a pool of mutual understanding and connection. It is a matter of remembering what these deeper values are and reacquainting ourselves with the personal power available to all of us all of the time to choose our own stories based on our own truths. This self-remembering gives us access to another aspect of our human nature: one that is compassionate at the core and whose actions are consistently founded in life-affirming choices. There is passion for life in making such choices and the courage (meaning “with heart”) to live with authenticity and veracity. Simply put, this is what is now required of us to midwife the next phase of life on earth into existence. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
The Unity Consciousness
Communication approach is based in the understanding that human nature is divine in essence, that human beings experience satisfaction, meaning, and joy when contributing to the well-being of others, and that our natural state
than either aggression/domination or submission/oppression to solve differences.
What allows this shift in focus
is one of deep connection, care, and respect beyond apparent differences. Although this is a quantum leap from our current set of social assumptions, it is unquestionably a more desirable and, I think, a more accurate and complete version of who we really are. Ultimately, this shift rests in one’s willingness to live deeply self-connected and aligned, or in integrity, with the values that matter most to one. Some core values that come to my mind are acceptance, respect, care, consideration, integrity, authenticity, inclusion, and choice. Others may come up for you. I believe that most of us would prefer to include others’ well-being in our choices (actions) if we just knew how to do so. And I believe most of us would greatly prefer peaceful conflict resolution
to occur is giving priority above all else to peaceful resolution in every dialogue, disagreement, and/or conflict—in every moment, even internally. This level of commitment is called for to actually live in a state of kindness and compassion, as the Dalai Lama invites us to do. Practically speaking, what exactly does that mean? This highly acclaimed state is simply a matter of stretching into the willingness and ability to care fully and equally for ourselves and others at the same time. As simple as that sounds, it is the great challenge of our time. To achieve internal and external peace, and for the survival of our species, nothing less is required. As Joseph Campbell said in his
last interview with Bill Moyers, “We need a new, global mythology, one that includes everyone.” The skill I am speaking to is in effect the creation of a new mythology, a global story, one that, rather than pitting us one against the other, includes every single person with equal care and consideration and serves all of life. It is the story of power-with relations and the transformation of power-over relating. It is a huge internal stretch into a fuller, deeper, more complete version of being human.
Stretching in this way makes
evolution a conscious endeavor, and it can be learned.
Continued on pg. 35
Peaceful Pines Center
Retreats, Workshops, Reunions, Gatherings & Celebrations
"Nonviolent Communication Certified Trainer"
Loren Swift, Director
(530) 272-5422
Nevada City, CA
www.lotusguide.com
www.PeacefulPinesCenter.com info@PeacefulPinesCenter.com
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