One could say that we’re living in the best of times, the worst of times, the end times, or simply “intense” times. Depending on your perspective and experiences, all these descriptions would be accurate!

For me and several others, these are evolutionary times; the late Barbara Marx Hubbard says: 

“We are moving from unconscious evolution through natural selection to conscious evolution by choice.”

“There has always been a longing in the human heart for a more just, free, loving and creative society. But it was never before possible to fulfill these aspirations, because we had neither the evolutionary drivers and global crises to force us to change, nor did we have the scientific and technological powers that can free us from the limitations of scarcity, poverty, disease, and ignorance. This is the time of awakening for the social potential movement.”

“I believe that the thought that women together can change the world is emerging into the minds and hearts of many of us, and that the vessel for personal and planetary evolution is the circle with a spiritual center.”

– Jean Shinoda Bolen

I say, “We’re experiencing a personal and collective rite-of-passage that is impacting every aspect of our lives so that degrees of resistance, agitation, resolve, and resilience are common responses.

• What do you think?
• What have you to say?
• How do you feel? 

At our recent Deepening Dimensions of Community Dialogue, we discussed Soul Care and Self-Care Practices, Expressive Arts, and Sacred Ritual, recognizing that each of these tools is instructive and healing in BodyMindSpiritSoul. Each tool is also necessary as we move consciously through these (r)evolutionary times!

A couple of days later, I participated in the Spirit, Sound, Silence Retreat of the OneLife Institute. Inspired by a few visioning prompts, I created the image below; starting at the center and spiraling out with purple sprouts. With the river flowing, grass and tree growing, plus the huge rock mound, a lively nature scene emerged. Although the overall look and feel is energizing and uplifting, I later noticed there were no fish in the river, no animal or human life in it. Later, I wanted to at least add a butterfly. But I thought of the disappearing monarchs and decided that perhaps I could just leave the image as initially conceived… representing JOY in nature!

• How do you experience it?
• What do you see in or hear from it?

I’d love to hear your responses by return email or in the comments section below:

Beginning in August, I’ll be teaching a 6-week course on Wednesday mornings, 

Women’s (R)evolutionary Leadership, designed for spiritual women entrepreneurs, managers, activists, and changemakers. Registration is now open for the “beta” group. If you’re interested and/or want to learn more, please respond by return email or schedule a time to chat asap at Women’s Leadership: https://www.schedulicity.com/scheduling/TWRUM8

“Women of every color, ethnicity, cultural, spiritual, social and educational background throughout the world are rising up as soul-filled and soul-fueled leaders, visionaries and agents of change to heal those they serve and help restore balance, peace, and justice in the world.” – Harriet Tubman Wright