Holding Vision

Dear friends, 

Recently I've been in several conversations with people who have expansive visions of how their life, their community, our world could be. The words used to describe these visions, and maybe preliminary steps toward them, are often buoyed by a sense of awe and wonder. They indicate possibility beyond what a mind can contain. They are not of the mind, but of the All.  

What if he follows a calling that has been with him for years, maybe decades? 

What if they explore what a new collaboration would look like? 

What if enough people playing a game could heal that which divides us and create Peace on Earth? 

What if...

What if... 

What if...

And I believe... Each what if that we wish to move toward is birthed from, or perhaps births, an I believe. 

While I am writing this, a friend sent me a message referring to some of my own core beliefs:   

I believe in the power of community. 

I believe that each of us has a role in bringing our world closer to wholeness. 

I believe that every person can be both teacher and student and that when we embrace both roles, our world becomes richer. 

I believe in the importance of engaging with complexity. 

I believe that healing happens when we see the beauty of our experiences, our lives, our hearts.   

I believe that compassion, truth, gratitude, beauty, and rest are all manifestations of Love. 

When I live into them, these beliefs do broaden my vision and hope in the what ifs. When I forget them, my sight narrows and my trust falters. 

Lately I've been leaning in. I've been exploring. When Fear comes around, I've been practicing trust, taking Fear by the hand, reassuring her, "we'll be ok," as I receive glimpses from the Universe of bright possibilities if only we, Fear and I, take the steps foward. We're taking the steps. We've been ok. The brightness feels warm.  

I'm also turning back toward my own light and warmth. Earlier this year I had the immense joy of recording for an episode of the Conscious Mental Health podcast. The episide has finally been released! In the conversation, Laurel Sims-Stewart and I get into Nonviolent/Compassionate Communication, Cards for Remembering, Heart Portraits, and more. As I listened to the recording, I thought, "This is pretty good!" I hope you'll give a listen and let me know what you think! 

I'm also excited to guide several of Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion's 12 Days Toward Peace events, including two Peacemaker Conversations with wise ones- Carla Wallace & Pam McMichael in one and Charles Booker in another- and facilitating a discussion about a wonderful documentary, "Pray the Devil Back to Hell." I also have a few other events coming up that you can read about below. It is wonder-filled work. 

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As I turn to wonder about my own life, I also turn to you...

What are the What ifs that lead you to joy and hope? 

What are the beliefs that light your path and warm your way?

I'd love to know. 


With gratitude, 
Cory