ABUNDANCE CIRCLES
About the ‘She’ in ‘We’
As there is an asymmetry of power in our public and private realms we now need to redress this dangerous imbalance. To remedy this disparity and to begin to diminish the polarized masculine power structures we have had for millennia, an important discussion needs to be set in motion in which we explore what constitutes feminine attributes and values … and as we ask ourselves:
‘What exactly does feminine power look and feel like? What are its themes? And how might we upload the feminine value system into our societal structures?’
As we begin to envision a world in balance, we need to ask how we might infuse the qualities of the ‘she’ into our decision-making processes and seek out the adaptions necessary.
If we are to transform our workplaces, our health and education systems, the worlds of commerce and government, and so on, in tune with feminine values, how might we facilitate this outcome?
Setting up abundance circles (much like the simplicity circles that educator and author Cecille Andrews speaks of in her book Circle of Simplicity) involves organising groups of individuals to meet in all the nooks and crannies of our lives. People in our neighborhood, street, or apartment block; friends meeting for a regular meal after yoga class, before keep fit class; meeting at a local cafe, or time spent before work with our work colleagues.
Let’s crank up and revitalise our book clubs and empower our meeting places as we move to re-invigorate the discussion around pressing local and world issues, with the fully uploaded feminine values to draw from, alongside the healthy masculine.
In Australia we have an organization that can assist interested parties in this endeavor. The Australian Study Circles Network uses Dialogue to Change (D2C) programs to foster and support a community dialogue that helps people explore complex issues, make important decisions and take action. It begins with community organising and is followed by facilitated small group dialogue that leads to change. It’s important to note here that study circles don’t advocate a particular solution. Instead, they welcome many points of view around a shared concern.
Sweden has a tradition of Study Circles. Introduced in the 19th Century study circles have been credited with helping create modern Sweden, so much so that it has become known as a study circle democracy. Denmark has a similar mechanism called Folk Circles. Each tradition allows for a diversity of truths in which the vitality of the connections made are central to the success of the group. For a short history of the study circle movement go to: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ952241.pdf also https://participedia.net/organization/493
Educator Cecille Andrews writes that whilst conventional education focuses more on careerism and seeing education in the narrow role of helping people get jobs, study (abundance) circles focus on self-realisation and social transformation, by encouraging participants to blossom and to thrive as individuals.
We can draw from these various traditions and ideas to fashion our abundance circles to be both rewarding and energising meeting places with the opportunity to enrich our community and our personal lives.
The Institute of Noetic Sciences (www.noetic.org/experience/community-group/) provide free online training for those individuals and groups who wish to be part of the “personal and collective shift in consciousness” many of us feel called to participate in. These groups set their own purpose and direction consistent with the overall mission of IONS. The training is titled Community Group Facilitator Training at https://elearning.noetic.org/collections
Since IONS was founded on the premise that both traditional science and “direct knowing” (noetic science) are valid means of understanding the universe, groups usually draw on both principles for their get-togethers.
Noetics is the discipline that arises from the confluence of outer-space and inner-space research. It is the ultimate frontier in humanity’s attempt to understand ourselves and the nature of the universe
Edgar Mitchell, ScD, PhD, Apollo 14 Astronaut,
Founder of IONS
GROUP PROCESS
Here are a few of the meeting tips I learned from the IONS Study Guide ( a supplementary text provided for the documentary What the Bleep Do We Know? Down the Rabbit Hole)
Have food! Never underestimate the power of food
Choose a host
Choose a facilitator
Start and end on time
Meet at the same time and on the same day of the week
Schedule as many meetings in advance as possible
It is helpful if the group agrees to some ground rules for the discussions. Here are some suggestions that IONS has made:
When someone is talking, maintain a strong intention to be present. Practice not interrupting. Incorporate a Talking Stick if that appeals, or a throw ball
Speak and listen from the heart
Make sure each voice is heard
https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/first-nation-talking-stick-protocol
The Talking Stick is an ancient and powerful “communication tool” that ensures a code of conduct of respect is followed during meetings. Used in many Indigenous cultures the participant holding the stick, and only that member of the group, is designated as having the right to speak, and all others must listen, quietly and respectfully. When the speaker is finished, they then hand the stick to the next person in the group who wishes to speak and the process repeats itself.
ABUNDANCE CIRCLES
Uploading the Feminine into our World. An Asset Based Approach
KEY QUESTION: What would a world infused with the feminine be comprised of? What might it look and feel like?
General Trends for the feminine value system might be attention to small scale, human scale, people centred approaches, with a systems focus to problem solving. Moving towards the holistic viewpoint with big picture thinking in context, and personalized systems that focus on integration and synergies. These are much needed feminine values for our complex troubled world. Re-establishing our sacred covenant with the earth in the recognition that we live in an interdependent, interconnected world will help us to re-establish a culture of care, for all of life and this will be feminine led. Consolidation rather than expansion is the main focus, with an asset-based approach to solutions that will benefit the public good rather than a few individuals.
Place healthy masculine and feminine examples here (table format?)*
Step 1. CULTIVATING SELF-AWARENESS AND AN INFORMATION GATHERING SESSION
Break the larger circle into groups of 2 or 3. The topic is Masculine and Feminine qualities. Discuss the qualities we feel we have and perhaps, those we recognize in each other, and begin a list for each gender. Place those qualities within those two lists.
Consider what might be neutral qualities. For example, strength and courage comes in many forms - and is evident in both the healthy masculine and the healthy feminine characters. Write up a neutral list of qualities.
Think about when we might need to bring forth aspects of the masculine within and when might we need to call forth from the feminine within: What aspects of each energy form will assist me to be more effective in my life and in the world, in any given situation? eg In an emergency we might need to call forth the qualities of masculine self. These might include the need to be decisive and have complete focus on the task at hand. To act quickly, stand firm and speak with authority.
Step 2. SHARING
Bring all the participants of the group back together. Draw up a master list on a white board - all the masculine qualities we have come up with and all the feminine qualities or attributes, plus the neutral list.
Now consider making up a second list of what yang qualities and what yin qualities we would need for a specific situation, such as the example given above
1. In a medical emergency
2. First day of school for our little one
3. Making timetable decisions for a family starting out in a new suburb
TALK THROUGH WITH STEVE FOR EXAMPLES.
Step 1. CULTIVATING SELF-AWARENESS AND AN INFORMATION GATHERING SESSION
Break the larger circle into groups of 2 or 3. The topic is Masculine and Feminine qualities. Discuss the qualities we feel we have and perhaps, those we recognize in each other, and begin a list for each gender. Place those qualities within those two lists.
Consider what might be neutral qualities. For example, strength and courage comes in many forms - and is evident in both the healthy masculine and the healthy feminine characters. Write up a neutral list of qualities.
Think about when we might need to bring forth aspects of the masculine within and when might we need to call forth from the feminine within: What aspects of each energy form will assist me to be more effective in my life and in the world, in any given situation? eg In an emergency we might need to call forth the qualities of masculine self. These might include the need to be decisive and have complete focus on the task at hand. To act quickly, stand firm and speak with authority.
Step 2. SHARING
Bring all the participants of the group back together. Draw up a master list on a white board - all the masculine qualities we have come up with and all the feminine qualities or attributes, plus the neutral list.
Now consider making a list of what yang qualities and what yin qualities we would need for a specific situation, such as the example given above
1. In a medical emergency
2. First day of school for our little one
3. Making timetable decisions for a family starting out in a new suburb
TALK THROUGH WITH STEVE FOR EXAMPLES.
Step 3. INFUSING THE FEMININE INTO OUR COMMERCIAL WORLD
How might we upload the feminine principles into our business world? What might they look like? What sort of economy will we have?
Examples we might draw from are Anita Roddick’s The Body Shop, the Quaker Business model and the Grameen Bank. Reading essay Business in the 3rd Millennium: A case for fundamental change might help here.
Perhaps we might also begin formulating the steps towards dismantling the power of corporations, and re-establishing them as a people’s tool using feminine values to structure and facilitate this. Moving towards profit for purpose ideals might be the general direction of our marketplaces. Social business frameworks embody these characteristics. How on Earth draft by Donnie Maclurcan and Jennifer Hinton available online is a great resource for reimagining our economies
Step 4. INFUSING THE FEMININE INTO OUR HEALTH MODELS
How might we infuse our health models with the feminine? How would we bring the feminine values into these areas to enhance and complement the healthy masculine aspects of these structures?
Moving towards a holistic approach to health and away from allopathic treatment styles. Health professionals working as integrated teams in which the client is an active participant in their own health journey. Mental health concerns and treatments would be embedded into all areas of health care.
3. Social prescribing as per NHS in Britain will become the norm alongside, or in place, of pharmaceuticals (formalising the prescription for social, environmental needs of the patient to undertake activities such as forest bathing, time in nature, creative and social pursuits etc. as tools to promote health and alleviate illness). Expanding our health system to integrate alternative modalities such as Reiki and Pranic Healing. Western style medicine is complemented by Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurvedic treatments
Step 5 UPLOADING THE FEMININE INTO OUR EDUCATION MODELS
How might we bring feminine values and structures into our education system?
2.Generally more personalised and less rigid class schedules. Equal value placed on schooling of Emotional, Physical and Intuitive literacies alongside the Intellect. Each student has a hand in setting their own curriculum as they age into mid and upper levels of schooling. Students are assisted to work on real world problems that mesh with their passions and interests. Formal exams and subjects are optional. The aim is to help individuals navigate the world, find their place, and find the best means for them to contribute according to their passions and values.
3.We would retain the current combination of instruction and socialisation that makes people functioning members of society as academic author Michael Meade writes, (but this should be in a much reduced capacity) and focus on the awakening and education of one’s genius (through mentoring) and being in the world. Alternative schools such as Rudolph Steiner and Montessori perhaps, Noam Chomsky’s Open Paced learning, such is the author’s experience. The Mosaic Voices Genius Project, with founder Michael Meade at the helm, is based on the idea that each of us has our own genius with unique gifts and a life purpose waiting to be discovered. Assisting students to build a picture of their life’s work from the inside out is the general tone. /////
Step 6. HOW MIGHT WE APPROACH OUR POLITICAL SYSTEMS IF THE FEMININE WAS UPLOADED?
What would parliament be like if it were governed by both masculine and feminine values? What would happen at the council, state and federal levels?
A focus back to real participatory democracy, perhaps moving towards strengthening councils' reach, smaller is best. Empowering local self-governing institutions with a major shift of resources as has happened in the state of Kerala in India. The canton subdivisions in Switzerland also come to mind. There is much wisdom in the ways many indigenous and ethnic groups have run their affairs for millennia. Author Helena Norberg Hodge’s description of the way Ladakhis in India administered their communities (for 3000 years) pre-development is inspiring.
Dismantle the ‘boys’ club’ in parliamentary office and administration and upload the feminine alongside the healthy masculine as suggested in essay one Business in the 3rd Millennium. Gender equity in parliament is not negotiable and needs to happen quickly. The aim is for more consensus building, less combative, adversarial practice. Equal representation will deter bullying, in the first instance
Step 7. THE GENERAL TRENDS FOR STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT
How would our government departments operate when infused with feminine values? What will happen in the day to day running of the various departments?
Customer care is central - people are viewed as rich resources to be engaged rather than managed in a paternalistic manner. Leaders place their best employees in these positions, whilst providing all front of house workers with training and on-going support. Departments are smaller and information is shared between departments. Integration is key.
Moving away from a paternalistic approach means engaging people in their own healthcare, housing, education needs. Co-operation between govt department employees and client users is vital, so that information flows freely. Every government department has a consumer council filled with current and past users. Consumers become participants. Participants take responsibility, in co-operation with government workers in the upkeep of their schools, government housing, local parks and surrounding streetscapes.
Step 8. RECOGNIZING OUR OWN POWER to CHANGE and INFLUENCE THE WORLD AROUND US
Using the asset-based perspective and methodology introduced at the beginning of Section 3 let’s frame a series of questions that will assist those gathered to begin to make changes to our own personal circumstances and in the immediate world around us.
Let’s galvanise conversations around what we can do to effect change and help each other to formulate tangible steps that we can then take home and action. This might help participants begin their journeys to become key Abundance Warriors in their own lives building sufficient self-leadership skills to more readily chart the course of their lives and then strong enough to participate in the larger community //// Consider adding to this
Since many people in Western Culture are ‘time poor’ I have suggested in the Transforming the Wasteland essay that a reduction in work hours is a vital contingent for moving forward. Moving towards a better work/home-leisure balance involves the feminine value of time over money and quality over quantity. This will involve running a razor-sharp eye over the monthly outgoings so as to simplify and winnow out the superfluous, as we free up time to nourish and heal our fractured communities.
Step 9. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION
Ask each participant to choose one small doable task that they might complete before the next meeting. Make a note of these commitments and begin the next meeting with sharing the outcomes amongst the group.
ABUNDANCE WARRIORS: Sharing in a Common Dream
Abundance Warriors seek a life filled with passion and purpose. Their fight is the one against the perils of ignorance. Their aim is to galvanise the masses to action as they hold a vision for a better world, and a more leisurely, connected life.
Abundance warriors are neither Luddites nor navel gazers; nor do they shirk from the hard work that is before us. They seek to live the change, embracing simplicity as they rally others to champion the same.
The modern day warrior comes from all sections of society.
They are healers and scholars, writers and futurists, artists, mothers and ‘creatives’.
They are scientists and social entrepreneurs, environmentalists and climate changers; bloggers, carpenters and mystics.
And yet… these champions of the abundant life all share in a common dream.
They seek a revolution in consciousness in which the self-actualising goals of the individual, and the nurturing of family life, come together to create the healing environments we all need in order to move forward.
Lighting the pathway to the rich abundant life that is to be found in the seeking of material simplicity, and toward the infusion of the soulful feminine into all aspects of living.
It is within such a framework that the warrior prepares us to embrace the indelible wisdom that enhancing the non-material aspects of our lives… must become our sacred priority.
Ultimately, abundance warriors know in their hearts that a world brought into balance is one in which we recognise that the ‘she’, which resides in all things and in all people, the ‘she in we’, must be fully understood and restored.
Indeed, it will be a journey in which we are given cause to derive ourselves from a sense of unity with others - a spirituality or an ethic without dogma that is grounded in our essential connectedness.
This is our road map to a healthy biosphere and a more leisurely and vibrantly connected life.
Are you a modern day Warrior?
