Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Alchemy and the clearing in our woods

We had a glimmer of gold last Saturday at New Horizons’ second community buildingday.  Though we are still beginners  at applying the art of “community alchemy” in our updated ways (i.e. the “new” New Horizons’ methodology), we did take our next determined steps; metaphorically traveling the road of that Bus Ride Story Adventure we’ve been introducing.

Thus, we returned, again, to New Horizons’ clearing in the woods, our New Horizons Harpers Ferry Retreat Center, for a one day event.
Together we build
body, mind and spirit.

 (“Old” New Horizons had its own, tried and true pathways and practices that, without fail, brought us consistently to “awe.” Now we are learning advanced ways of creating “community alchemy” through Murat’s guidance. And, we are not yet as skillful with these.)
Alchemy defined:
 "the turning of base medals into gold."  Also, “divine chemistry” or the manipulation of life and consciousness in matter to help it evolve or solve problems of inner disharmony. Murat Yagan, Ahmsta Kebzeh: The Science of Universal Awe
With a hand-picked group, limited to participants of our Possible Human, Possible Society Study, we set out on this day’s adventure, featuring informal discussions on contributing our best to that “Possible Society In Motion, ” in the U.S.A. for which we yearn, volunteer remodeling projects, good ole hangin’ out and potluck dinner.

We didn’t quite make it to the peak. However, we did successfully gather the elements needed for the climb:

·         A group of willing travelers;

·         The intention and determination to reach for that peak;

·         A commitment to turning snags into synergy;

Synergy defined:

“the harmonious working together of all parts of a system; the creative energy  which is released or reflected when the goals of individuals within a group keep in unison…” (Ahmsta Kebzeh: The Science of Universal Awe by Murat Yagan)
What we accomplished wasn’t really BIG, but it really wasn’t small either, if you pay attention to the significance of systemic subtleties which we definitely do.  (Noticing and transcending subtle negativities are one of the keys to New Horizons’ success as a personal and collective systemic transformation approach.)
Here are some of the trifling yet impressive deeds we accomplished as a budding “new” New Horizons community.
·        We made good use of our community building time in our sohbet (“informal discussion with a purpose” per Murat) as we patiently awaited the arrival of two participants; a man and a woman, both nearing ninety years of age who got lost on their way here.
Imagine our good fortune to have, not only one but two Elders of this class!
·         Dug deeply into our personal and shared assessments of the fourteen main attributes we have come to honor as keys to developing a community of excellence in order to raise ourselves up individually and communally;

·         Compassionately and patiently responded to a participant who, offering himself in kind, felt a need to leave early. We did not polarize or hold resentments but  engaged in meaningful, win-win dialogue with him though we had asked all to stay for the entire event. Synergy won out again.
·         When rain scattered our volunteer property remodeling efforts, we gathered indoors and read an inspiring “student” contribution to Murat’s new book, poignantly reflecting how the principles he offers from his ancient traditions contributed to the supreme synergy of a diverse group in the Middle East.
Writes Lisa Talesnick, the author of that piece titled, “No Good Can Come To Me Unless It Comes First To My Brothers and Sisters” --
“…..Jews, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sufis, Africans, Rastafarians, Indians and traditions I could not pronounce.  We sat at his table laughing, sharing food, songs, stories and prayers from all nations.

We thought, if we can celebrate together here, we can celebrate anywhere.”

If they can achieve that in the Middle East, so can we here in the U.S.A.!

Our “new” New Horizons’ community building project is not yet that mighty but neither are we insignificant.
We are the lead turning to gold at our clearing in the woods.

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