Vol. 3 No. 1 March 2004
Greetings!!
After a period of silence, The Path e-mission of Syntony Quest is back! Thank you to all our friends who have expressed their desire to continue to receive inspiring and thought provoking ideas related to our common journey to create a peaceful and sustainable world.In this issue, Marcelo Guerra -- a world traveler and syntony quester from Monterrey Mexico -- shares with us his views on what he calls "the cosmic dance." This dance is the interplay among three forces: the wisdom of our ancient traditions, the dominating agenda of the political and economic establishment, and the voices of awakening humans. This cosmic dance, full of tension and potential, is preparing the ground for something new to emerge. The real possibilities of renewal bring us hope and the energy to keep on working, learning, and living in ways that embody social and environmental integrity.
We are very pleased to announce our newly redesigned website! Check it out at http://www.syntonyquest.org. (See the Syntony Quest spotlight section below for more information). Syntony Quest is beginning a new stage that involves outreach activities to catalyze and facilitate learning and human development in communities interested in transitioning into a more sustainable and simple way. So stay tuned to learn more about the opportunities to participate, contribute and connect with others on this quest.
In friendship,
Kathia & Alexander Laszlo
The Cosmic Dance
Evolutionary Learning Conversation
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The Cosmic Dance
by Marcelo Guerra
mguerrar@attglobal.net
Moved by both joy and pain, here are some reflections from my heart.
What the world is living now, even when it is not new, is for me the edge of total madness, lies and unstoppable ambition. It is the clearest manifestation that the models upon which we base our existence are no longer suitable and cannot assure our permanence in the future as a human race. The models of destructive competition, control, separation, accumulation ad-infinitum - more is better without any conscious limit; the continuous search for comfort; of vampiric living - countries sucking the lifeblood out of other countries like in colonial times; and in general, the manipulation of the masses to favor imbecilic consumerism.
We should not be very surprised, I believe, by what the US is doing with Iraq - and has done to a great number of countries. It is the same thing that a prominent industrialist would have done with the families of dirty and ignorant peasants who happened to live in the land where a new shopping center or a new residential area was to be built. Or it is the same thing that big corporations do to smaller enterprises, their employees and even their customers. The pattern is the same on the small scale and the large: taking advantage/exploiting the 'weak' for the benefit of the very few, the elite. More than a mere moral issue, this type of behavior has its roots in the way our brain works, or better yet, in what part of our brain we use most.
Our brain, say the neuroscientists, is configured in three distinctive structures: The first structure is the most primitive brain. It allows the instincts to function, the seeking of pleasure and avoidance of pain, 'fight or flight,' and is called the reptilian brain. The second structure seems to be a more complex pattern of tissues associated with cooperative behavior - as some mammalians show, it is also associated with emotions and even with the capacity to love. That brain is called the mammalian or limbic brain. Then we have the third and most modern structure. How it operates is to a great extent unknown, and some argue that it may even have some transcendental functions waiting for us to use when we evolve to that level. This is called the neo-cortex.
It may seem evident then, that as species, we still operate from the oldest brain structure. That despite of all these years of our presence in this planet, and despite all of our bedazzling technological advancements, we still have not grown internally. Duality dwells as the singular Weltanschauung, or WorldView, in our reptilian brain, and that is what we live: we seek pleasure and avoid pain, we attack the other or flee when necessary, we care only for our own personal 'benefit.' There are no more options in this reptilian brain.
So it should be clear that there is a tremendous distance, a great evolutionary step, a literal quantum leap between this mode of operation that is completely ego-centered and has disregard for the rest, to a more cooperative mode of operation that is homo-centered and has regard for the rest. In the same manner, Love - true Love - seems to be at a very distant place on this continuum.
So then, do we humans have any hope at all? Are we doomed to perpetual self-annihilation? How can this quantum leap be achieved? Where is the energy needed coming from?
First, I would like to say that, thankfully, there are more and more voices trying to reach the deeper places in the human 'cave of consciousness' and make us become aware, even for a small instant, that something is fundamentally wrong with this modern WorldView. The voices can be heard in the Arts - in music, painting, cinema, and so on. For instance, there are movies like The Matrix, The Fifth Element, Instinct, Mr. Scrooge, and even some cartoons like Ants, Fern Gully, Mom I am a Fish, and Monsters Inc., to name just a few that do show some messages that could be seen as truly illuminating! But beyond that, we have an emerging ancestral force that seems to be doing its part in seeking and assisting us with this tremendously needed evolutionary step.
As you know, the Spring equinox, is 'celebrated' every year on March 21st. This is the date on which a lot of indigenous cultures North of the Equator, celebrate the return of Father Sun - Tonatiuh - the return of Life. We can feel that moment clearly if we stop and see how the leaves and flowers return in front of our very noses! The vital energy of the season is abundant and overwhelming! On this date, in many places of Mexico and the rest of the world, ceremonies are made following the old traditions, thanking Father Sun for being present in all life. In the Mayan places such as Chichen Itza, or in the Mexica/Aztec places like Teotihuacán, there are ceremonies guided by elders and shamans. Each year, increasing numbers of people attend to these ceremonies. Last year, at Chichen Itza, the fifth international gathering of Elders and priests coincided with the Spring equinox. To this meeting came elders from many ethnic groups of the American continent, such as the Mayan, Cherokee, Tayta, Xingue, Hopi, Inca, Seneca, Inuit, and Mapuche, to but a few. On March 21st, there was a ceremony where these elders celebrated the return of the Sun and prayed for the proper emergence, the dawn, of the Sixth Sun. According to their tradition, the consciousness of humankind 'evolves' or 'awakens' in stages. The world is currently living under the Fifth Sun of consciousness, and we are on the verge of the Sixth Sun, where a new consciousness will emerge and a fundamental transformation will take place.
It was fascinating to see that while the equinox ceremony was taking place, operation "Shock and Awe" was deployed by the US in Baghdad. Ironically, this is a place that was the cradle of our 'current' civilization, the origin of what we are today, where cities like Ur and Babylon once stood. It is the place from where Abraham departed to have 'more descendants than the stars in heaven.' It is the place where it is thought that man made a quantum leap from a hunter-gatherer society to an agriculturally based society. It is the place where the oldest writings yet known to man were found - the stories of Gilgamesh. It is the place where advanced mathematical and musical theories were formulated long ago.
And parallel to these two forces battling for the next step in human consciousness there is a third force. The voice of thousands and thousands of people all over the world protesting and manifesting their disagreement with the current 'war.' The voices continue to come from countries like Egypt, Mexico, Jordan, Palestine, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Greece, Germany, Japan, Australia, Argentina, Ecuador, the United States and others. The voices of thousands of people that seem to be saying "we don't believe the lies of the establishment." "We don't believe in this war." "The establishment does not have friends, it has self interests." "We do not want to perpetuate domination through oppression." "We do not believe the official media," and so on. The voices come from the hearts of many people. Tired and pain-filled hearts seeking to reach the heavens with their cry. It is so human a plight - the slave biting the chains that holds him back. Yet it is also the seed dying, cracking up, and new life emerging... it is humankind awaking.
And it is these three forces that seem to be performing a cosmic dance. These three forces - the natives, our connection with the ancestral natural world, praying to the Sun God for humanity's awakening; the establishment, like Ourobouros - the snake biting its tail, trying to maintain its supremacy; and in the middle, enslaved humanity that seems to be waking up.
Perhaps we are indeed moving into the era of the Sixth Sun... Perhaps we are beginning to learn how to use our other more advanced brain structures... Perhaps we will finally make that long awaited quantum leap and learn to serve, to cooperate, to respect and to love...
Perhaps the time is drawing near...
Evolutionary Learning Conversation
An Evolutionary Learning Conversation is a dialogue in which people join as equal partners in the exploration of ideas that help us to understand the interconnected nature of our world, the social and ecological impact of our individual and collective choices, and the meaningful roles through which we can contribute to our communities. Each participant brings his or her perspectives, experiences, and knowledge, shares them with an open heart, and listens with an open mind. The interaction is respectful and focused on expanding our awareness and response ability so that together we can empower ourselves to be more effective social change agents wherever we are.
If you found the ideas in this issue of The Path interesting, please join us in an asynchronous virtual conversation about the 'Cosmic Dance' and our role in it. Alexander and Kathia Laszlo will facilitate the conversation, with Marcelo Guerra joining in to the extent that he can.
- When: From March 6 to 13, 2004 whenever you have a moment to log in!
- Where: http://www.communityzero.com/syntonyquest
(you need to register in order to participate, but there are NO
strings attached - you won't be put on any lists or sent junk mail!)
Wisdom cultures have myths, rituals, and beliefs that can provide insights and guidance for the changes that we are experiencing in today's world. As Marcelo reflected in his contribution, ancient traditions have a role to play in this 'cosmic dance' of renewal and transformation. We want to share a little bit more about the cosmovision of the indigenous peoples of South and North America - and our role in this transition. This is an excerpt of a text written by Kathy Doore and reproduced here with her permission. The full text can be found at http://www.labyrinthina.com/elders1.htm
The Emergence
of the Fifth World
«Ancient prophesies worldwide point to this
time as the transition, or emergence into what is known as the Fifth
World. (Prophecies from different traditions have divergent theories on
which era we are entering at this time. Native American's believe we
are now entering the fifth WORLD. And the Mayans and Aztecs are
counting SUN'S; from the solar perspective we are entering the sixth
SUN.) This predisposes that there were four previous worlds before,
which were all believed to have evolved to a point of high technical
civilization, followed by a total and profound cataclysm, and global
collapse...According to the oral histories of the indigenous peoples of North and South America, we are now in the "great purification," a time when the world clears away the old clutter to allow for new growth. Before the emergence into the New World can happen, a purging of all that is out of balance will take place to restore the natural cycles of the planet, and of Life itself....
What are we, the good people of planet Earth, to do?
Perhaps we can learn from the caretakers of our Planet, the Native Elders of the Americas, who silently and diligently have cared for our planet throughout these intervening years, and who have themselves, through their ancient prophecy and teachings, prepared for this time.
The Elders see this not as a time of despair, but one of birthing and bringing about a new, and better world. They see this as a time to release the old ways, and to embrace a global spirit of cooperation. A time to set aside our difference, and to join together for our highest good. They tell us; together we can make a difference...it takes the first drop to create an ocean.
The solutions are before us, if we have the eyes, and wisdom, to see.
We begin in our own homes and communities by ending our unabated consumption of the planet's limited resources. We read and learn, and inform ourselves. We begin to replenish and give back to the land, that which we've taken. We adopt new lifestyles and, restraint. We become involved...
We must become caretakers of our planet, and value the sacred in all things if we are to live this philosophy courageously, and make our stand....
The Elders speak too of the "heyoka," a person who... assists humanity in its exploration into the new worlds.... The heyoka is a wayshower....
Not all heyokas are indigenous peoples; many are living here among modern society. Perhaps you are one?
Modern day heyokas are charged to live as witnesses against the corruption of the Fourth World, and to assist the shift into the Fifth, as planetary midwives. If you see yourself in this role, recognize who you are and why you have come here at this time. Take your power, and walk your talk now, because time is of the essence.
The hallmark of the Fifth World is the positive life giving Feminine energy expressed in love and nurturance, cooperation and assistance, harmony and balance, giving and receiving. It is the absolute balance of both the female and male. It honors the gifts of spirit, and psychic vision; it is one of confidence in a new way without fear, aggression or dominance.
It is the planetary midwives who, in raising their own consciousness, will raise the consciousness of the whole. In so doing, a planetary healing takes place, a birthing begins, a restoration of the soul is enacted, a New World harmoniously unfolds.»
Here it is!
We are happy to announce the launching of our new website.
www.syntonyquest.org
Our new website has been designed as a vehicle to advance our mission by providing ideas and resources for individuals and groups interested in 'being the change they wish to see in the world' - as Gandhi said. This is just the beginning and we look forward to improving and clarifying the ideas, tools, and resources to be found on the website through your feedback and participation.
Syntony Quest is not a regular organization. Our mission is broad and we are committed to not only articulate a vision of possibility -- a world in which humans can live in harmony with each other and in partnership with our home planet -- but also to develop the tools and means for this vision to become a reality in as many ways as possible. As a result, our activities seek to bridge scientific research with citizen participation, human and spiritual matters with social and environmental initiatives, individual transformation with socio-cultural evolution. So, on our new website, you will get a sense of this embracing effort.
Here is a brief tour to our new virtual home...
* General Information
On the top left you will find the main navigation tool to get to the information you expect to see on any website: who we are, what we do, what we offer, and how you can help. You will also find some useful FAQs, our contact information, and a site map.
The distinction between what we do and what we offer is a useful one. The first refers to the way we organize our areas of focus and prioritize our activities. By combining lifelong learning, community development, and ecosystemic design, we are able to create initiatives that are at the heart of our mission and that represent in various unique ways the whole of our work.
What we offer is a way reach out and co-design with individuals, organizations, and communities of all kinds. Our work model is of partnership, so when Syntony Quest is invited to facilitate or consult, we always do it in a way that honors and brings forth the knowledge and gifts of the groups we serve -- co-creating projects that come from the core values and culture of those involved.
* Advancing our mission - in cyberspace!
On top of each page you will also find additional links. The first one is for The Path -- this electronic newsletter that we affectionately call our e-mission. You will find all the issues of The Path listed in reverse chronological order.
The second link is to "EL C" -- the Evolutionary Learning Center. EL Center is a mini-website on its own! It is full of rich information, resources, links and opportunities for you to learn and play with. When you click on the EL C link you are taken to an image of a tree which serves as navigation map to this area of our website when you move your mouse over various parts of the tree.
The third link takes you to Network for Good which allows anyone interested in supporting our work to safely Donate online.
The trunk of the tree has ideas, activities, and resources to assist you in learning how to learn and in developing evolutionary consciousness, literacy, and competence to enable evolutionary praxis. You want to learn more about this process? Start from the bottom ot the trunk at "learning to learn."
The roots of the tree includes a Resources section which is a growing knowledge base with lots of articles and links that will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about evolutionary learning communities, evolutionary systems design, evolutionary development, sustainable business practices, and systems thinking, among other topics. Coming soon, you will find a bookstore with books relevant for the syntony quest.
The branches of the tree represent concrete Syntony Quest projects and initiatives that draw from the knowledge base (roots) and that use the evolutionary learning framework (trunk) developed by Syntony Quest. These branches include a youth empowerment program (Future Makers), a consumers education program (ConSiDER), a community development program (A Better World), a community of artists (Art with Conscience), and a KidZone with lots of links to engage children of all ages in playful learning about ourselves and our planet. These projects represent the "unity in diversity" of the work of Syntony Quest.
EL Center is home to this living virtual tree of activities, and new branches with juicy fruits and opportunities for you to embark on or refine your own syntony quest -- either with us or on your own -- will be growing there from the work of Syntony Quest.
Syntony Quest means the search for social and environmental integrity, the inquiry into creating a sustainable, peaceful, compassionate world. The website is just one dimension of our work, and as with any natural process, it is a work in progress. Please join us!
A practical suggestion...
There are so many paths, so many ways, so many opportunities for us,
individually and collectively, to join the quest toward a world of
peace, environmental sustainability and increasing opportunities. As
members of modern societies, we have an important opportunity to affect
positive change through our role as consumers.
We need to clarify our values and participate in the economy with these
values in mind. What we buy (or don't buy), what we eat, how we live,
what we learn, how we play... all these decisions involve important
choices that define our present and influence our future.
Syntony Quest has developed a program called ConSiDER - Consumers for
Sustainable Development and Ethical Responsibility. On our new website,
you will find many informative resources to help you make choices that
are good for you, your family, your community, your environment, your
future. We all want the best for ourselves. Let's expand our sense of
self and start considering not only those directly related to us but
also humanity as a whole and future generations -- of all species.
Click here
to learn more about ConSiDER. Talk with someone in your family,
community, or work about what you are learning and thinking. Share with
us your reflections. We want to learn with you!
Your financial support is one simple and important way in which
you can make sure Syntony Quest continues to nurture the possibility of
a better world. In North America, you can send us your gift by mail
(checks or money orders made payable to Syntony Quest, 1761 Vallejo
St., Suite 302, San Francisco, CA 94123). Or you can donate
safely online using your credit card. Thank you! :-)
Volunteer with us! Check out our current volunteer opportunities
at Volunteer
Match
Involve us in your organization or community. We look forward to
joining your staff or community members and co-designing the
conversations for learning, design and action that will take you to the
next level: more efficiency, more simplicity, more meaning, more
positive impact. For a free consultation on how we can support
your goals, contact us by email info@syntonyquest.org
or phone 415-346-1547.
Recommend us to a friend or colleague! Or just forward this e-mission
to those in your network who might find it interesting. ;-)
Do you buy books, groceries, office supplies or gifts online? If you
do, learn how you can do all that in a way that supports Syntony Quest
at
http://www.iGive.com/SyntonyQuest
(Syntony Quest receives $5 when you sign in and shop within 45
days of your registration)
http://www.buyforcharity.com
(Search for Syntony Quest at http://www.buyforcharity.com/SearchCause.asp
and then begin shoping)
Please email us with your comments, questions, or suggestions. If
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Syntony Quest is a 501(c)(3)
educational nonprofit organization
dedicated to designing new ways of living, working, and learning that
embody social and environmental integrity. To this end, we work
with
organizations and communities of all kinds.
USA: 1761
Vallejo Street, Suite 302, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone/Fax: ++415/346.1547
Mexico: Cardenal 1310, San Andres - El Barrial, Santiago NL 67300
Phone/Fax: +++81/8266.2186
info@SyntonyQuest.org
http://www.SyntonyQuest.org
Phone/Fax: ++415/346.1547
Mexico: Cardenal 1310, San Andres - El Barrial, Santiago NL 67300
Phone/Fax: +++81/8266.2186
info@SyntonyQuest.org
http://www.SyntonyQuest.org
The Path: Action-sparking ideas of today for tomorrow
is a publication of Syntony Quest © 2004.
The ideas expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of
the organization,
but rather of the individuals who contributed to this issue.