Measuring up

In the first of a series during the coming year, the Newsletter presents some musings on the Millennium. Looking back, we try to comprehend in larger terms the passage of time itself. Moments and events stand out as signposts, milestones, tombstones. Prospectively, we imagine how we can draw on all that has led up to now, to affect what comes next. [Ed.]

Perspective: Qualitative Focus

from Meryl Joseph

I trust that with the coming changes, society can begin to look at the world less in terms of competitive analysis (better, best) and more in the light of qualitative focus. The aboriginal tribes understood (and understand) what true democracy is all about. Survival depends on the equality of every member of the community - everyone contributes their particular gifts to the benefit of the whole. We are all members of the Earth Nation, and that includes the earth, sea and sky, and all the creatures. Until that is recognized anew, and we begin to re-emphasize the importance of intuition and earth connection (as did the Native peoples) and integrate that with all the intellectual information that is available to us, we will remain imprisoned by materialism and competition, roads that lead to darkness.

When I consider my life's journey, and the most extraordinary moments, I think in terms of influences and perspective. Who were the people, or what works of art radically changed my own vision of the world, at a particular crossroad. It would be impossible to say, "This is the best sculpture," or "This painting is the absolute best" or "This is the most brilliant person." On this earthpath we encounter definitive experiences that are life-changing - if one is open to receiving the information, then one is changed.

So, as we all look toward the future at a new century, and back at herstory, it is important to be cognizant of 'position' - that at any given moment, our 'perspective' is one of being the climber approaching the plain, as well as being surrounded by the forest as we make the ascent. What we are open to seeing and experiencing along the way is what affects our lives, influences our choices. And, always, we are part of an entire community of plants, flowers, lakes, oceans, four-leggeds, winged-ones and two-leggeds who are accompanying us on that journey.

Happy New Year

Meryl Joseph