No longer can I avoid writing about what’s happening politically, environmentally, socially and legally right now.
The momentum is so fast, it’s like a fireball gathering more and more negativity and destruction. Whatever our political views, I think most of us are appalled at the reactivity, aggressiveness and chaos our new administration is handing us on a daily basis. The dishonesty, mystery, covertness and confusion are creating anxious uncertainty for many.
I know nothing is permanent, and we all must deal with change. But there seems no longer any order. There is no trust that certain things will be taken care of that we’ve all depended on, like civil liberties, a clean judicial system, fair checks and balances on the government, care for others and the earth, decorum with foreign leaders, the inclusion of all people as citizens of our country, basic civility and respect, and fundamental health and banking systems. To see this confusion and disorder after so many decades of somewhat dependability is quite something.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the churn of conflict, the divisiveness and the them-and-us thinking.
Astrologically, it’s a time of “transformation.” There is a new order coming because the old one wasn’t working. It may not happen in our lifetimes, and chaos will rule until then. This all has to do with Saturn, Pluto, and Uranus – “radical external change in opposition with Jupiter, who seeks balance.” Lynn Goldberg, an astrologer in Bayfield, refers to it as The Great Reset.
“May you live in interesting times,” says the old Sufi curse and blessing. This couldn’t be more appropriate today.
I’ve found the peaceful protests and recent marches to be very powerful here at home and in the greater world. What is heartening are the new generations of people who are taking up so many causes. For us, it was black civil rights, the ERA and Vietnam. Now, it’s global human rights, wars on a completely different and scarier level, and the acceptance of people of all nationalities, colors, political views, religions and sexual identities. Plus, now there is the destruction of the environment to rally against. It’s encouraging to see these next generations stand up for justice. Thank you, Gen Xers and millennials!
So what can we do as elders? Bill Plotkin’s Nature and the Human Soul suggests at this age, we are trying to “be” rather than “do” so much. We are moving away from trying to orchestrate everything and being so in control. More allowing, less push. Our intuitions are expressing themselves more, and we are evolving on a deeper level. Our sense of individuality is being worn away, and we are now more interested in community, country and earth. He recommends councils of elders that can help guide what’s needed now, a sort of wisdom-sharing.
Perhaps this translates into joining some of the local or national groups that are questioning what’s happening. There, we can share some of our seasoned knowledge and experiences from years ago. Or, we can follow our own instincts and do what we think is appropriate. The younger folks are leading these movements, but maybe we can help guide them. Many already are!
I am sitting still with much of this. The stillness and centering help me know what moves me. I’m calling and writing and talking with others. I’m donating to nonprofits that work on the issues I’m concerned about. The energy is wonderful and very positive. I still think good change comes from within, from the people and principles of our country.
May we all be conscious and strong in our values through this Great Reset, or whatever name you have for it. May we be brave enough to act, yet, as Pema Chodron says, “soften what is rigid in our hearts.”
Martha McClellan has been a developmental educator in early childhood for 38 years. She has moved her focus now to the other end of life, and has written the book, The Aging Athlete: What We Do to Stay in the Game. Reach her at mmm@bresnan.net.
