This Is the Time; We Are the Ones: How to Thrive in a Challenging World? It almost seems, despite all the good that is happening, and all the uprising and speaking out that is occurring, that the situation in the US, and in several other parts of the world keeps unravelling, exploding, imploding. Yet/and/if/when we ground and return to ourselves, we might be able to grasp, even embrace, that these are the very crucial times that are needed for The Upshift that Erwin Lazlo and many others have been talking about, preparing us for…. And we are the very ones who can help our communities and our civilization survive and thrive through these challenging breakdowns and breakthroughs. Our thoughts and actions help make it so.Alice Walker is one of many who have written about this: We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For. Her version is called Inner Light in a Time of Darkness. And Barack Obama has used the phrase recently as well, this year, at the close of Black History Month. And this from the great Czech playwright, dissident, and president, Vaclav Havel, “History is not something that takes place “elsewhere”; it takes place here; we all contribute to making it.” This is the time; we are the ones: thriving in a challenging world
Various versions of the following saying are attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, Bill Widener, Arthur Ashe, and an African student. Let us make it ours, as we move through the days, weeks, months, years of these transition times together:
“Do what you can,
in the place where you are,
with what you’ve been given,
in the time that you have.”
And in this time that we have, the earth turns and unfolds: Spring, or Vernal, Equinox is here, with its vibrant explosion of daffodils, crocuses, flowering trees…at least where many of us live. We take joy, deep pleasure, in the hints of buds and leaves, more daylight and bright sunshine. This half way point between the Winter and Summer Solstices is an important marker on the Wheel of the Year. In the Celtic tradition, Spring Equinox is Ostara and became linked to Easter. It is the official first day of Spring, and a time of ineffable miracles of birth, renewal, growth…and awe, wonder and beauty. Oh my!
Skillful means to help us along our way? Beauty is one! Here a reprise about these wonders. We are transformed if we pay attention to the inner and outer manifestations of beauty in our lives. Here a Daily Om that is all about Beauty. Have a look, and let it sink in. “All we have to do is look for beauty and she is there all around us at any given moment.” And “Beauty speaks to us in soft whispers or bold declarations. She calls on us to gaze in awe at her splendor…” I also love the suggestions from the Berkeley Great Good site about finding beauty in our everyday lives; it is there even when there is much that is harsh and hard. This is the time; we are the ones: thriving in a challenging world. Beauty can help!
Forms of beauty high on my list are stunning sunsets. I feel expansive, grateful to be alive; sunsets fill me up, 
create joy and relaxation in my heart. I love the beauty in a child’s smile. In any smile, for that matter… a stranger’s, that of a loved one. Thich Nhat Hanh says “Smile a lot.” Inside and out. Giving and receiving a smile is sooo beautiful.
create joy and relaxation in my heart. I love the beauty in a child’s smile. In any smile, for that matter… a stranger’s, that of a loved one. Thich Nhat Hanh says “Smile a lot.” Inside and out. Giving and receiving a smile is sooo beautiful.Where do you notice and feel beauty and how does it affect you? I’d love to hear. We’re in this together.
Wishing you a beautiful spring, unfolding, blooming. May you enjoy health and wellbeing, experience joy, awe, and take some time to notice and celebrate beauty, large and small, close and distant. I invite us to let beauty transform and brighten us, soften and delight us.
In closing, here is a quote I like from Amit Ray: “Give space to life. Give time to sprout your potential — the potential to awaken the beauty in you. Awaken the beauty of your heart — the beauty of your spirit. There are infinite possibilities.” And they can help us through these times.
Warmly,
Jill
PS For those new on this list, a reminder that you should feel free to share anything in these Seasonal Notes, they are part of our widening circles of connection, awareness and awakening. And please let me know of you’d like to be removed. The posts should gladden not burden your inbox!
Posts since the iast seasonal note early February, or relevant to today’s note include:
Embracing the Unknown: Cultivating a Growth Mindset. May this new Year of the Fire Horse herald fortuitous developments — in our lives, for people and our planet. May we seize the many opportunities to help bend that moral arc toward justice and kindness, compassion and good will — toward ourselves and others, as is possible in our spheres.
Our words, thoughts, and mind have power: Where are we putting our attention? What a powerful image to visualize our words and thoughts sending energetic waves out into the world, our world, the whole world, the universe! The/our world continues to be richly, amazingly miraculous, as well as troublingly and challenging. What is the role we want to play in the unfolding? Whatever our personal answer, our words and our thoughts feature significantly.
International Women’s Day. Honour this day and those who hold up half the sky! Check out Today I Rise. Take the few minutes to delve into new worlds.
Jill Schroder is the author of BECOMING: Journeying Toward Authenticity. BECOMING is an invitation for self-reflection, and to mine our memorable moments for insights, meaning, and growth. Check the website for a sample chapter, or see the reviews to get a flavor for the volume. Your feedback, forwards, shares, likes are most welcome.
