Awareness and empowered action

Well this is my first official blog post, thanks to Molly for inviting me to join in :)

I've been an environment and animal advocate for a few years now, and have met some of the worlds most amazing humans along the way. We're always discussing ways to be more effective, trying to make sense of the insane world we live in.

In light of some recent disturbing issues [massive and continued oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the video footage of psychotic dairy cow abuse...just to name two], those on the front lines find themselves wanting to rip their hair out in frustration. Anger, rage, dismay, depression, or even apathy are common side effects. But where do these feelings get you? And can you control it!?

Below is an excerpt from author and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now", which discusses our current state of consciousness....as individuals and as part of the collective. Our level of consciousness has a profound impact on the living world around us, and by seeing the part of you that gets angry, resentful and even giddy or depressed, you can change your trajectory through that enlightenment, which resonates in the world and with all that you do. Struggles and stress be gone....

Anger begets anger; hate begets hate; etc. We all know it but it's easy to lose sight of it when the proverbial shit hits the fan.

By resisting what "is" by saying "How dare they?" "Who does these things?" "You're wrong and evil!" "I can't believe this is happening!" creates negative energy, and that is where our ideas, decisions, perceptions will come from. Definitely not a powerful place for having a positive influence. Taking ACTION will be far more powerful and effective if we accept - without judgment - the way things are now, and focus on solutions versus name calling and resentment. Our natural and creative instincts will come up with ideas and solutions that address what "is". From a place far deeper and riddled with compassion....way more effective for substantive change.

Many of you probably already know and live by this, just figured I'd revisit it now while the coals are still hot.

Thanks and peace :)

Pg. 203 [emphasis mine]
"All evils are the effect of unconsciousness. You can alleviate the effects of unconsciousness, but you cannot eliminate them unless you eliminate their cause. True change happens within, not without.

If you feel called upon to alleviate suffering in the world, that is a very noble thing to do, but remember not to focus exclusively on the outer; otherwise, you will encounter frustration and despair. Without a profound change in the human consciousness, the world's suffering is a bottomless pit. So don't let your compassion become one-sided. Empathy with someone elses pain or lack and a desire to help need to be balanced with a deeper realization of [*unconsciousness and it's involvement in our present collective] (*written different by me). Then let your peace flow into whatever you do and you will be working on the levels of effect and cause simultaneously.

This also applies if you are supporting a movement designed to stop deeply unconscious humans from destroying themselves, each other, and the planet, or from continuing to inflict dreadful suffering on other sentient beings. Remember: Just as you cannot fight the darkness, so you cannot fight unconsciousness. If you try to do so, the polar opposites will become strengthened and more deeply entrenched. You will become identified with one of the polarities, you will create an "enemy", and so be drawn into unconsciousness yourself. Raise awareness by disseminating information, or at the most, practice passive resistance. But make sure that you carry no resistance within, no hatred, no negativity.

Once you get involved in working on the level of effect, it is all too easy to lose yourself in it. Stay alert and very, very present. The causal level needs to remain your primary focus, the teaching of enlightenment your main purpose, and peace your most precious gift to the world."