Just when I thought the situation in N. America, could not get worse, the situation got worse. All over the planet, we are seeing disturbing developments. If you have been reading my blog for a while, you probably know what I am about to say. So, I will let Van Jones say it:
“Humanity’s most consequential decade is now upon us. Your permission to play small has been permanently revoked.”
I can help.
First off, I have been harping on you for a long time to accept you have a rainforest mind, to heal any family legacy burdens you might still be carrying, and to find how best to use your particular creative, smart, sensitive voice to create a better world.
It is as simple and as complicated as that.
For your family legacy burdens, I recommend No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz. You may have heard about Internal Family Systems therapy. It is a powerful structure for healing from childhood trauma. Ideally, you work with a therapist. But a good therapist can be hard to find, or afford. This book gives you a creative structure for examining your inner world and healing and accepting all of who you are. There is a particular emphasis on connecting with your higher Self. I have used this with clients and myself. It works!
Another book I recommend is Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in with Unexpected Resilience & Creative Power by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. You may know Joanna Macy has been working on climate issues for many years. She says, “…each of us needs to find our place of greatest fit…where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Not only does Macy provide guidance for how to grapple with the climate crisis but she also suggests, as I do, that an action plan would include the combination of your favorite talents dancing with what the planet needs.
In other words, you do not need to be the next Greta Thunberg. (although you could be) You do not need to single-handedly get all banks to stop financing fossil fuels. (although you could switch to green banking or join The Dream Corps ) You do not need to run for office. (although you should definitely vote)
Your job is to figure out who you are and what makes your heart sing. And yes, I know, many things sing because you have a rainforest mind. That is good. You have choices. Using your creativity and intuition, then, tune into the deep knowing inside that tells you what particular contributions YOU might make to improve life on planet earth.
Start with these two books. Oh, ok, one more. Bittersweet by Susan Cain. There is a lot to love in this book. So much heart. Plus the question: “What are you longing for?…Have you asked what is the thing you long for most, your unique imprint, singular mission, wordless calling?…”
Use your fabulous book-nerdiness, then, to help you find your way and support you on your journey.
And hey. You now have an excuse to be your biggest self. You are being called to stop hiding, stop shrinking, stop pretending to fit in. You no longer have to worry the other kids will feel bad if you are as smart as you are! “Your permission to remain small has been permanently revoked.”
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To my bloggEEs: Are there books you have loved that you recommend? Podcasts? Websites? How does it feel to imagine not having to shrink or hide? It might be a bit challenging at first if you are not used to it. Sending you love!!
And here is the latest interview of me from the Netherlands. If you stick around until the end, you will hear things getting up close and personal!
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