ChoicePoints December 2005

"Our greatest challenges are rooted in our relentless insistance on our own mediocrity
and our commitment to incremental change."  _{Louise LeBrun}

This issue released: Wednesday December 14, 2005

Spotlight On - people, products and pronouncements
Today's Thought
Coming Attractions!
Quick Updates
Thought Waves

Spotlight On — Evolution by Intention

I am both moved and disturbed by the completion of yet another year, coupled with the realization that not much has really changed. As much as I would like to share with you thoughts that inspire and uplift; thoughts that give the reader a sense of comfort and hope for the unfolding future; thoughts that would be much more in alignment with the expectations of the season, they simply are not there to be expressed. What is there is a recognition that as seasonally incorrect as it may be, I cannot bring myself to ignore my own observations and pretend otherwise. I am unwilling to not see what I see, hear what I hear and know what I know.

It may well be that given what many of us already see, we have reached a point in our history where we will not be able to “OM” away the deeply disturbing trend in the evolution of our humanity and our species. Meditation, prayer, a positive attitude and a deep and abiding faith in a god that will save us all may no longer be sufficient to save us from ourselves. Not because I say so but because the reality we are creating says so. And, like it or not, we are indeed the creators of this reality – and much of it is ugly.

For all of our intensity for and commitment to the search; for all of our willingness and determination; for all of our research and exploration of the evolution of consciousness and advancement of the species, my suspicion is that our report card would not be very appealing nor compelling as evidence of our capacity to ‘get it’ in a way that allows us to engage differently. We continue to live in a world that appears mindlessly committed to its own demise. Like punching a pillow, just when we think we might have made a difference in one place, we find ourselves bearing witness to another gaping protrusion that has formed itself elsewhere. And on and on it goes, a constant stream of the same problem played out by an endless variety of players, all with the same script. Our willingness, like our hearts, may be in the right place but our ability is lagging pitifully behind.

Like myriad pieces of string rolled into a giant ball, our problems and challenges continue to accumulate and increase in their variety and size, becoming impossible for us not to see. As much as we can discern the color and texture of the threads closest to the surface – planetary upheaval as Gaia manifests her outrage, expressing through increasing density and intensity of earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, mud slides, forest fires; violence toward self and other; decay and collapse at the highest levels of our often decorated and publicly rewarded so-called leadership; political and economic erosion beyond repair; etc. – we continue to be unable to name and claim the ones much closer to the core that allow the ball to maintain its formation. We go about our lives, every cell in our body bathed in and formed by the numbing effects of generations of mindless, habituated thinking, asleep to that which crumbles around us, hoping that someone else will take care of it all. . What will it take to awaken the giants that we are from the intergenerational slumber that has now become a coma? What will it take for us to call up the courage to find out?

For several generations, we have more and more been convinced that we must rely on our intellects to solve our problems. We have surrendered the truth of our personal experiences to the so-called wisdom of the collective believing that in doing so, our needs would be better served. From this approach has come, I believe, the creation of a collective incapable of internal referencing and mindlessly compliant to sets of external directives from the forces that mold and shape who we become (i.e. parenting, education, work, etc.)

We have trained ourselves to look outside of ourselves for guidance and direction; for answers and the 'right' questions, in the hope that somebody, somewhere, would lead us out of the state of decline in which we find ourselves. And here we sit……not just pondering our future but wondering if we will have a future to ponder!

As I write this, I can already see the rolling eyes and hear the murmurs: "Must we do the 'doom and gloom' thing???? Can't we focus on the positive and what's working in the world???" I'm not suggesting that we should all stop meditating and/or praying and/or anything else we have chosen to do, with the hope of creating change. However, what I am suggesting is that doing so is not occurring on a scale and at a pace that will exceed the existing rate of decline and its increasing momentum. The jury is in: it's not enough.

And I wonder inside myself – will we ever find another place to stand? I'm not suggesting that what we have done in the past, to create change, has not had an effect. I am suggesting that in order to affect the change that we now require, we must find a new way of engaging that is not an incremental shift in what we know/do but a massive leap into a new way of BEING rather than a change in how or what we're DOING. The immensity of the problems we face, and their collective and cumulative effect, has moved far beyond our ability to resolve them, no matter how willing we may be, with what we already know and, more importantly, who we have always held ourselves to be. As Einstein has already said – the problems of today cannot be resolved at the same level of thinking that created them. It may well be that in raising our level of thinking, we will be required to discover that what must evolve is WHO we are as human beings and not HOW or WHAT we do. Continuing to run the strategies we know and engaging the behaviours that are familiar to us will only get us more of what we've got!

It occurs to me that we cannot give away that which does not belong to us. Having said that, I can't let go of my misery until I claim that it's mine to let go of, that it is my own creation, and step fully into it and discover all the genius that it offers, before I can integrate its discoveries into who I can become – so that I might create again, differently.

This is not a complaint or a plea, it's an invitation. An invitation for us to get honest with ourselves about what works and what doesn't. Truth be told, we already know that and often silence ourselves rather than step fully into the stark terror that comes with this realization. It is an invitation for us to consider what else is there, beyond the old familiar fallback of the intellect, that we might consider as a new approach to problems we have faced throughout the history of mankind. How else might we consider ourselves in relation to these problems such that an awakening occurs – one that allows us to reclaim and engage ourselves in different ways – giving us BOTH willingness and ability at the same time.

• Our intellects aren't working! For how long have we relied on reason and good measure; on the rational, linear thinking way of solving our problems; and on our ability to define a problem, analyse it (which requires that we look back at the 'facts' which are always historical) and then, come to the only reasonable thing to do? As familiar as this approach may be, it's not working. It is linear in nature and the problems we have and continue to create are expanding exponentially.
  
• Our rigor with and brutality toward the body is not working. Our long history of religious requirement to silence the body and defer to dogma is leaving us a people wracked with diseases of the body, mind and spirit. As we continue to do 'the right thing' and deny ourselves what is 'right for' us, we move more steadily into decline. Cut yourself off from your body and you cut yourself off from the truth of your own experience. This schism is essential to our continuing to do what others tell us to do rather than doing what we know is meaningful for us.
  
• Our willingness to rely on the underlying drive of survival of the fittest is evidence of our mindless belief in random mutation – which we have known for some time is no longer an absolute 'truth'. Perhaps we stay so committed because we don't know what to do instead.

I believe we stand at a threshold – a point at which we must mindfully and consciously choose who we will become or prepare ourselves to disappear. Evolution by intention! Not an unfolding based on our past; not an unfolding based on our research and practice and historical preferences; but an unfolding based on our having chosen to do so, in a particular way. Evolution by intention stands in an autopoietic framework and recognizes that there is genius in it all; that at the moment of having chosen, it was the right choice to make. The question now is NOT "How do we hold on to this creation" but becomes "What have we learned about ourselves from this creation?" and "Who do we now have the potential to become? " It requires that in moving to levels of thinking beyond that which allowed us to create what has now become the problem, it includes a realization that it is not sufficient to change what we do; we must transform who we are.

Evolution by intention does not just require but demands that we recognize that our body is not what we've been taught to believe it is – it is so much more. The human body is not a mechanical device; it is a living, organic, quantum biological processor. And what is it processing? Signals – energy/information that is there for one purpose only and that is to guide us through the process of our own evolution and take us home.

Evolution by intention demands that we surrender the intellect to the body and let the body lead. As the signals move through the body and the body stabilizes, we come to know both the willingness and the ability to engage for transformation rather than continue to struggle for incremental change.

Evolution by intention demands that we both recognize and claim the organic nature of the collectives of which we are already a part as well as the ones we anticipate creating. Far more powerful than our existing frameworks of command and control is the power of an awakened organic collective and its capacity for contagion. We are powerful beings –living expressions of the god-force in a physical Universe. All we need do is awaken to the truth of our own potential

As much as we are perched at a pivotal point in our own evolution, we cannot get there by brushing who we have been under the rug, along with all of its effects. Evolution by intention requires that we stop lying to ourselves and each other; that we uncover and embrace the ugliness of many of our creations; claim them, metabolize them and from the genius they carry, become who we are destined to become.

We are running out of time. Not because such is claimed in ancient texts but because our decaying social structures, our imploding educational, corporate and religious systems; and the state of wellbeing of our own bodies tell us so. I see what I see; I hear what I hear; I know what I know – and so do you. How much longer can we defer to external references and deny the truth of our own intuitive knowing? We will not evolve by speeding up and going faster and faster, all of which takes us further and further out of and away from the experience of our own bodies. The paradox is that acceleration of consciousness – and its attending evolution – will come from slowing down, re-entering and reclaiming the territory of the body. The only thing you can trust without question is that your body will never lie to you.

As we move into the coming year, may we find within ourselves the courage and the willingness to live every day awake and aware, choosing a meaningful life over a familiar one, from one breath to the next. The time is now.

Today's Thought

"Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives."

A. Sachs

Today's Thought is dedicated to my dear friend and art teacher, Jerry Spicer, who lived large will paint no more with us on this plane.

Coming Attractions!

We are pleased to offer you the following seminars, workshops and programs. Each one designed to provide thought-provoking and life altering experiences for your on-going personal and professional development.

WEL-Systems Experiences: December to April

The listing above only shows the first scheduled date for Ottawa Ontario. For more details and the complete program schedule, see www.WEL-Systems.com/schedule.htm

Quick Updates

WEL-Systems Change Agent Certification

Every so often something comes along that makes a profound difference in our lives even though it takes precious little time and effort on our part. The WEL-Systems Change Agent Certification series workshops are just such an opportunity. Whether taken individually for your own growth and evolution or taken as a series for certification, you can be assured that you will leave with a fresh and useful way of considering how you are engaging your workplace (and your life). Time and again participants of the Change Agent series or individual modules remark on how differently they experience their world in as little as one, short day.

The next offering of the WEL-Systems Change Agent Certification series is in March, 2006. You can take the modules individually or sign up for the core Power of One module and two optional one-day modules and become certified as a Change Agent. In today's world we are all required to deal with change on a regular basis. For some of us, helping others deal with change is a job requirement. If you'd like to deal with change more effectively, if you'd like to use change as an opportunity to leverage larger results or if you'd like to support others in engaging the constant changes in their lives, this opportunity is one not to be missed.

The Power of One	Mar 14/15	www.progenerations.com/programs/PowerOne.htm
Business in Changing Times	Mar 17	www.progenerations.com/programs/TCB.htm
Communicating with Intention	Mar 21	www.progenerations.com/programs/CWI.htm
Connecting with Confidence	Mar 23	www.progenerations.com/programs/CWC.htm
Your Self Directed Career	Mar 28	www.progenerations.com/programs/YSDC.htm
From Survival to Thrival	Mar 30	www.progenerations.com/programs/Survival.htm

To register or for more information, call Gwen at 613-254-7218 or Gwen@WEL-Systems.com

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AWAKENING the Senses!

On November 26th, many of our friends and clients joined us at the Cafe Henry Burger for an afternoon of great food, great wine and great conversation! The creation of Noreen Mejias, a WEL-Systems® Catalyst-to-be and Financial Planner extraordinaire with Scotia McLeod, this was an opportunity to hear the stories of what motivates and influences six powerful individuals to live, thrive and flourish in their fields and, in doing so, consider: what do you discover about yourself and your own potential to take action in your life, to contribute and to make a difference?

Listen to Louise's presentation, recorded live at the event, and discover what insights into your own genius might come your way! To listen go to: www.WEL-Systems.com/articles/mp3/051126.htm

Magic and Miracles

Lucy H. of Ottawa sure got her money's worth from Igniting the Self! She shares her experience with us:

“ I entered not knowing what to expect really, but open. I fitted the client profile of a woman who felt vaguely/hopefully that there must "be more". I was relieved to learn that this yearning's not 'terminal'. I learned why and how to help myself (re-)discover ME and "more", and learned of the vital importance of choosing to live on the cause side. During the 'process' and/but right from the beginning, it was wonderful to feel safe and supported, no matter what, by 'total strangers'. My 'body' and my 'self' took on many new meanings, and relationships (not all understood, as yet). I left feeling enriched, curious, grateful, eager and optimistic, even confident. Lighter and brighter.. . . and all in one week!

(ITS) has shown me that "it" (life, living, and even health) is all up to me . I actually move faster, and have lots more energy; no 5pm chills and lack of umpf etc. I accomplish dumb jobs more quickly with less resentment/thought, and 'challenges' seem/are much more manageable. I've dealt with a huge backlog of postponed (but important to me) issues - things I hadn't had the 'backbone' to take on, or the patience to deal with. I 'm able to be decisive. As well, I'm noticeably easier on myself (often!) , and in my mind at least, on others . . . I'm less worried about what others will think; I'm practicing and enjoying actually saying what I'm really thinking. It feels strange, but great. I certainly Feel Better (alive and with energy) than I have in years.

The visualisation and induction experiences were terrific (and new to me). I'd been afraid of them before, of what might happen and/or if I'd even be able to 'do' it (visualise anything). Actually FEELING stuff, and then feeling it move, was amazing (a little scary at first).

The whole "concept" of letting energy move, freeing up space and allowing for new neural pathways, creating something new, is exciting, empowering. I'm still amazed that I signed up for ITS (Proof of my body's intelligence!) Thankfully "there's no going back". Your prediction was right: "people around me have changed" since ITS! ”

The next scheduled offering of  Igniting the Self is April 24 - 28, 2006

Thought Waves

Changing the Dance
and creating a stress free Christmas

by Cathy Carmody

For many years, the Christmas holidays felt like a mixed blessing to me. There would be that familiar rush of excitement through my body as I thought ahead to the holidays, while at the same time I would feel my shoulders, or lower back begin to ache on a regular basis, my stomach begin to ‘act up’, and a sense of weariness come over me. Having no awareness of the connection between my body and my thoughts, I would carry on as usual and by the time the holidays were over, I would often be exhausted, stressed out and disappointed. This behavior was the ‘dance of insanity’. I kept repeating the same patterns over and over, while at the same time hoping for a different result!

I now know that those feelings (or signals) in my body hold information that can be useful for me - if I am willing to stop, quiet my body, breath deeply, allow energy to flow throughout my body and get curious about what might be going on in my inner thoughts. I’ve found that if I am willing to bring those thoughts about the holidays to my conscious awareness, I have the potential to create a stress-free holiday season. If I am willing to explore questions such as the following, I can consciously allow my mind to choose differently, and change that dance of insanity.

The Meaning of the holidays

I could ask myself what the holidays really mean. Not what holidays may have meant to my family of origin, but what they mean to me, now, in the present? Does Christmas represent a special time of the year for ‘giving’? Is it a religious holiday? If yes, do I still find meaning in the religious traditions of the holiday? Is it a ‘fun’ holiday? Is it a time for traditional parties and good times? Do I find joy in the multitude of good times? Is it a time to just escape and get away from everyone, including my family? Or, is it a time to be with my family? Is it a time for deep reflection? Or is it none of the forgoing, and something else entirely? Perhaps if I take the time to sit quietly, breath and relax my body, inner sights about the questions for which I yearn for a response, will appear.

To Give or not to Give

When I find myself wondering what to buy for my family or friends, how much I feel like spending, or even if I want to buy at all, I can feel my body begin to react. At that point, I need to STOP, breath and notice the thoughts that enter my consciousness - being mindful of what is true for me. Perhaps I could ask myself if I really want to spend a lot of money on gifts this holiday. Could there be another way to consider ‘giving’? For example, I’m begun to notice over the last couple of years that my shopping list and the amount I spend on Christmas is getting smaller - and I notice that my thoughts are turning more to how I can be generous and caring throughout the whole year, not just at holiday time!

Family Gatherings - Free Will or Obligation?

I’m now paying more attention to whether having holiday celebrations with my family resonates a sense of positive energy and happiness throughout my body, or thoughts of obligation, commitment and ultimately resentment. I notice that my body feels a lot more relaxed when I do not push or prod my family members to get together, or attempt to make them feel guilty if they don’t visit. If my children and their families wish to be with my husband and I, wonderful, if they choose to be elsewhere, so be it. I invite and allow. Consider that where there is energy to be together it will happen.

Another definition of Family

As an extension of the above, I’ve come to believe that ‘family’ doesn’t always have to be family of origin. “Family” for me can be a family of choice – it can be those people I have attracted into my life. Over the years I’ve had many an enjoyable holiday with friends who are dear to me – friends who now can be described as part of my ‘family of choice’. Ask yourself which definition of family holds meaning for you.

Regardless of everything else, it’s all about Choice

I’m aware that stress shows up in my life when I choose to believe that I am powerless to control my life including - in this instance - what happens at Christmas. And yet I know, in the deepest part of my being, that while I cannot control the lives of others, I have absolute control over my own life. I know that I can choose moment by moment how I want to live my life, including choosing every action I take, every morsel of food I put into my mouth, and every word that comes out of my mouth. I know that I can create a wonderful, peaceful holiday, or a miserable, unhappy holiday. We are all at choice – once we are aware that we have choice! So, if we were to choose consciously to experience Christmas differently this year, who might we become as a result? How might our lives be different?

As this Christmas approaches I plan to let every twinge, ache, or pain, be a signal for me to STOP, BREATHE, AND let energy flow throughout my body. I will allow myself to get curious about what might be creating the discomfort in my body, and invite myself to be open to the insights that well up from deep within me. I will change the ‘dance of insanity’ and allow the wisdom of my body to be a gift to myself for the holidays. Perhaps you will consider doing the same.

Cathy Carmody is an author, WEL-Systems® Catalyst and a Certified CODE Model Coach™, living and working in Halifax. Her recent book Out of Hiding: Reclaiming My Voice and Taking my Life Back can be ordered directly through Cathy’s website at www.CathyCarmody.com

The WEL-Systems® Institute
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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada  K2L 3H1
Tel: (613) 254-7218
info@WEL-Systems.com