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Shared Teachings: One by one, together

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As the dire forecasts of Super Storm Sandy enveloped us, I became unnerved, inviting fear to creep in.

The unpredictability of wind was the source of my concern. My indigenous friend of the Amazon rain forest calmed me with his youthful wisdom, by stating a simple truth, “After every storm, the sun returns.”

Sandy did inflict tragic losses, yet the sun returned, and here we are.

Currently, wild winds are howling in all directions, environmental, political, and moral, all pressurized and unpredictable. Nothing is anchored or tethered. The destruction, loss, and pain, is both figurative and literal.

What I have witnessed is when endangered, we humans join together. The wedge of separation gives way to our default, spiritual DNA of empathetic connection.

Instead of slipping into old patterns of fear, I now await the sun. It returns because I, and others choose to embody it through our deeds. Together, we part the clouds as we wring out the wetness and dampen the fires. Human beings are hardwired to care for each other.

Although these frightening storms will continue to rage and intensify, we are actively rebuilding as we become more heart-centered, seeking to serve all beings at a higher level. More voices are being heard. More feet are standing. And most importantly, more youth are rising and being respected for the wisdom they carry. The truth of who we are, is rising to the surface.

Each perilous storm threatens us with our own humanity, presenting opportunities for change, correction, and re-creation. Given these opportunities, we re-define what is in our highest and best interest both individually and collectively. We reject what impedes our growth.

A Hopi prophesy states “When the Earth is ravaged and the animals are dying, a new tribe of people shall come unto the Earth from many colors, creeds, and classes. And who by their actions and deeds shall make the Earth Green again. They shall be known as the Warriors of the Rainbow.

We are here, and more are coming. Our actions will define us.

I’ve also heard it said, “ If your actions don’t live up to your words, you have nothing to say.”

Storms will continue, inviting us to let our lives speak, defending our humanity through our humanity, and simply treating all beings as we wish to be treated. I lift you, as you lift me. We are the sun, shining through storms of change, each of us, one by one, together!

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Patricia Walsh-Collins is a 41-year resident of Bucks County, with a 26-year career as a professional educator. She is creator and owner of Art of Spirit and Art of Spirit’s Earth School.


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