nectedness, cooperation and interde- pendence in all human endeavors. It can come about if a significant portion of hu- mankind develops this new understand- ing and incorporates it into our individual and societal belief systems. Science can bolster this advance by providing reliable and credible empirical data that supports it as a basis for public education. The hypothesis of interconnected-


ness, proposed by ancient sages from many pre-scientific cultures, has never been rigorously explored or tested by modern mainstream science. Achieving a truly sustainable civilization requires us to apply a more holistic view to the mac- roscopic world, one that encompasses living systems and social phenomena.


What is IONS doing to encour- age the desired transforma-


tion of consciousness? Worldview Literacy (WVL) for high school students and beyond is IONS’ latest consciousness-based educational program. Its curriculum explores the pivotal role that our personal and cultural worldviews play in how we perceive and process information, act and behave. WVL works to increase people’s


awareness of our own largely uncon- scious worldviews by opening a con- versational space of exploration where diverse views are welcomed with curi- osity and wonder. Such recognition and joint engagement deepens individual and collective understanding and helps students better navigate life when they encounter differing perspectives. Such education can help people


of all ages discover critical connec- tions between lived experiences and assumed habits of mind. It can help us develop greater cognitive flexibility, comfort with unfamiliarity, appreciation of diverse perspectives, ability to hold multiple points of view simultaneously, creative problem solving and a capacity for discernment that relies equally on intellect and intuition. It changes the human paradigm.


For more information, visit Noetic.org.


Linda Sechrist writes and edits for Natural Awakenings and is a student of noetic sciences.


inspiredcommunity


one hundred dollars at this point in time?” I asked. I then came up with a laundry list of valid and logical reasons for not being able to part with the mon- ey and convinced Brad that we would be better off waiting until another time when we could more easily afford to go.


One month later, Brad died sud- MAKE TIME


for Play Time! by Elaine Torrance-Gingrich


some fun? I know what you’re saying, “I have a job, I have a family, there’s no time to just play. We have things to do and bills to pay. When are we supposed to make time for fun?” I understand. I was there and thought that way too. Several years back, my husband,


W


Brad, and I had some rare free time all to ourselves. The kids were away visit- ing with their grandparents and summer was in full swing. Brad brought up the idea of visiting a casino. Brad had never been to a casino before, and since this one was less than a three-hour drive from our home, he wanted to take advantage of this time together and do some- thing adventurous. “Let’s just do it,” he implored. “We can take one hundred dollars to gamble with, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.” He could tell by my expres- sion that I wasn’t buying it. “Come on honey, it will be a lot of fun!” he assured me. But I didn’t think it was a good idea. “Can we really afford to just throw away


ith the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, how often do we take the time to just have


denly and unexpectedly. There would be no later. Had I known there would not be another chance, I obviously would have said forget the cost and off we would have gone. But I didn’t and the real point here is that none of us do. Tomorrow is never guaranteed which is why it’s so important to live in the now....not the past....not the future.... now!


Adding Fun to Your Day Of course, I’m not suggesting that we all become irresponsible with our money or our time. What I am sug- gesting is that when we make having some fun a priority in our day-to-day life, we will find the time for it and it doesn’t necessarily have to cost money either. Perhaps adding fun to your day could consist of having a family picnic, running around the backyard with your children, lying in the grass and gazing up at the stars...you get the idea. Life is supposed to be fun. Some-


where along the way we have been conditioned out of the “fun” and we take life way too seriously, always plan- ning to reap the rewards of our hard work and sacrifice at some later time. It’s time to say “no more!” and make fun a priority. While there are no guarantees about our tomorrows, we always can guarantee ourselves more fun today.


Elaine Torrance-Gingrich is the founder of Avalon- ian Moon and the goddess of laughter and possibili- ties. She can be reached at Elaine@avalonianmoon. com. or 692-7322. For more information, go to Avalon- ianMoon.com.


natural awakenings December 2011 31


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