Day Seven

"When the forms of an old culture are dying,the new culture is created by a few people who are not afraid to be insecure." ~ Rudolf Bahro

Papa don't preach, I'm in trouble... ~ Madonna

The day was mostly about being ready for yoga class. This one special to me because it was part of the gathering up of DYC community before Lauren returns East. For me being ready is aligning with the Divine - or at least showing up for that, and creating a sequence, of posture, music, breath, meditation. A theme of circles emerged - community, full moon and all. Got it done in the a.m. Tried the sequence, and was a good practice for me - even felt some tears. Bringing it out of the little spot next to my bed where I practice at home and into the studio nearly takes my breath away (good thing I'm a yogini ;) I don't assume it will "work" for others, and it's what I have to offer. Wonder if it's like this for an any artist when they show their work - that part of the process of art, the art itself is in how it's received? I think this work I'm doing only comes fully into form with cooperation.

Ah, yes, playing well with others....

Meanwhile, at school things went more smoothly than they have for awhile - kids seemed calmer. Or was is me? . Go figure. And more about circles. On Monday, a student told me that he and some others tried a talking circle - during a fire drill- and they got shussed. Talked with the teacher to get his perspective - "yeah, now that you mention it they were sitting in a circle...." Time and place for everything. I'm encouraged to think they wanted to give it a go. Will be giving it a try with teachers at school this week, and next week in with a group of teachers, parents and students. So more to come. This thing has been three steps forward and 2 1/2 back all the way for nearly four years now. I'd like to really reach into these next steps - Hanuman leaps!

Yet, I'm feeling uncomfortable - the voices of "mind your own business" are in a frenzied chorus of "You are too ____________! You are at risk!" And I wonder about it - what are they so worried about? Am I assisting the birth of a change here? Or is this zealotry? Is this the insecurity that Rudolf Bahro describes?

It seems surprisingly risky to show up for meaning, interdependence, and shared power in the context of the current paradigm. Maybe I'm doing it wrong :) Worried I'm being received as preachy. Are my motives pure?

My daughter and I were just talking about focusing on what we want, and how sacrifice can be (always is?) a part of that. Sacrifice that feeds you - like the Yule Goat. What, if any, sacrifice is necessary for living in a world of meaning, interdependence, and shared power?

Mmmm. There's some clarity for what to bring to practice on Day Eight.