Angeles Arrien

Power and Possibilities of Historical Moments

Historical moments are powerful events that generate openings and possibilities that:

• Uplift and validate the deep values of the human spirit and enhances our desire to be and do better.
• Invite everyone to a deeper collective engagement; to serve, volunteer, support, and problem solve what is needed for the good of all.
• Remind us that the power of interdependence is far greater than fierce independence or excessive dependence; which is powerfully demonstrated in the way nature and the environment manages itself.
• Offer opportunities and possibilities not seen before.
• Restore hope, reinstates courage and bravery, and diminishes fear.
• Challenges us to step into the better natures of ourselves.
• Move us to connect and collaborate to work together in order to make the world a better place for the generations of the future.
• Show us the importance of building bridges across any divide: whether it is intergenerational; economical; multi-racial; multi-cultural or multidisciplinary.
• Challenge us to be flexible; encourages our ability to disagree without being disagreeable; or without breaking bonds of affection.
• Reminds us to let go of what does not work and open to what is working.
• Inspire us to become a part of the solution; and to be a creative, unifying force in the world; rather than a separating,factionalizing force in the world.
  (Continue to add your own bullets that may not be mentioned here):_____________________________

Monthly Practice:

Add to the list above about what a historical moment has provided for you; and take an action to support this learning for you in tangible ways in your work, relationships, health, and community; or choose several of the bullet topics above that move you to take action or get more deeply involved in your family, organizations and community.

As we approach Thanksgiving, practice expressing gratitude for the Blessings, Mercies, and Protections you have received or extended to others in this year.

Resources:

• Peter Block’s book, Community, a Structure for Belonging.
• Patrick O’Neill’s workshops on Extraordinary Conversations, www.patrickoneill.ca
• Frans Johannson’s book, The Medici Effect
• Fetzer Institute’s Campaign for Love and Forgiveness: www.loveandforgive.org
• Frances Vaughan’s article, “Spiritual Intelligence” www.francesvaughan.com
• Meg Wheatley and Deborah Frieze’s article on “Using Emergence to Take Social Innovation to Scale” www.margaretwheatley.com/articles/using-emergence.pdf
• President–Elect Barack Obama’s website: www.change.gov

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