>> Is it better to stiffle negative feelings, let a lot of things just go by and always try to feel appreciation for everything? The two philosophies are at odds. I find it hard to relax when there is so much work that needs to be done. Is this the half-full, half-empty conundrum or is this a change of emphasis from accomplishing things by doing to accomplishing things simply by feeling good and staying plugged in to your Guidance?.....I think this question applies to what is happening in the world today that we are all thinking about all the time...how DO you turn it aroundóby having fairbooths about it in enemy territory or simply by having strong good feelings about how you would like things to be and enjoying life?<<
Unfortunately Merla, you are one of the ones who sees what is happening, and you can't ignore it!!! And also, you are doing work for all of the millions of people who know something is happening which is destroying our environment and human health, and are too lazy to do anything about it. And the inner struggle goes with the territory. Don't give up Merla, we need hundreds of you! My guess is that all of your work and activism is a result of plugging into your guidance and feeling good, as you said above. Gandhi and the Dalai Lama come to mind, two examples of human beings who seem to be wise, joyful, positive and patient in the face of extreme political and social adversity. I feel it to be a matter of having the ability to maintain an inner perspective through a strong spiritual faith that will give us strength to be part of a desperately needed outspoken minority. I think we have to be cautious about regarding these Monsantos as 'our enemy'. They are corporations comprised of individuals who have lost their way, and bought into a social system that happens to be destroying cultures and environments. Each is a divine individuality with potential to grow. If we can move in truth, with out judgment, our efforts will be pure and strong. So find what you love, if your passion is to be a revolutionary Earth Firster, burning down subdivisions, then so be it. If your passion is to raise beautiful gardens and never leave your place, then so be it. Each is a valid effort to usher in a just world. The bottom line is that there is no denying that we are up against something HUGE in our times. Rudolf Steiner described these times as 'standing at the grave of civilization'. Personally, Chris and I grapple with this all the time. Most of our efforts are focused on promoting the positive alternative, yet it is so connected with speaking out against the opposition, that we many times can't avoid it. We have had the police search our green house for pot as a result of speaking out against factory farming in our county. At a spiritual health fair in Nashville recently, a man told me I was killing people by passing out literature against genetically engineered food, he believes that people who were once starving are now fed as a result of this technology. And on and on. Go Girl! Christy
