Getting to Know the One in Me that Reacts.

Getting to know the One in me that reacts.

One day I was walking along a crowded street in India. It was my first time visiting this country and I was shocked by much of what I was seeing. It all seemed so chaotic and the condition of some of the people was deeply disturbing to that part of me that wants everyone to be fine.

I was getting hooked by it all; my defenses were closing me down. When those particular defenses go down I get what I call tunnel heart. I am seeing it all and I am not allowing it to impact me, I am not allowing it to get in. It is a defense for a very sensitive, empathic heart. As I noticed my reaction to the experience of walking through this sea of intense humanity I wanted to learn how to walk with an open heart. How could I allow all this to touch me and still maintain, I wondered.

I choose a perspective that went like this: Imagine that every person here represents an aspect of who I am. Notice who and what is hard to look at. Notice what hurts. Notice who or what causes me to get angry or sad or happy. First – just notice.

I was opened from this and suddenly around myself I saw five thousand faces of my self. Every one became a part of me and I of them.

And I then allowed each person that I was noticing to represent a part of me. The beggar allowed me to face the beggar in me. The Sadhu became the Sadhu in me, the taxi driver the same and even the policeman, and on and on for each one that came to my attention.
As I experienced each one I also got to experience that part of me that reacted to the sight, sound, smell or touch of these individuals.

When we say, “I am uncomfortable/angry/happy here.” We are not really being accurate. It is more accurate to say that an aspect of you is uncomfortable/angry/happy here. Then it is possible to get the paradox of the moment - that one part of you may be angry, another part of you sad, and yet another part of you excited about any given situation.
The more we can learn about these aspects of us the more we can heal and integrate them into the wholeness of who we are.

The next step is to get curious with the one in you that is reacting. For example, if a beggar approached me and I felt uncomfortable I then got curious with the one in me that was uncomfortable.

I would ask to that part of me:
What is it about this beggar that makes you uncomfortable?

What is it that you are afraid of?

What is needed to stay open here?

Pay attention to any thoughts that occur during this process.

This is helpful in any day of our life. Perhaps someone at work pushes your button a lot. It is really not about him, it is YOUR button that is getting pushed, not his.

Instead of making others wrong for pushing your button try this:

Bless them first with loving-kindness. Open to that person, AND to the one in you that got triggered. And ask yourself:

- What is it that bothers me here?

- How am I creating this reaction?

- What does this part of me need in order for it to be healed?

Anytime people trigger us, it is never about them. It is about what is waiting to be revealed in us. So in my mind I say to those who trigger, “Thank you for triggering my anger/sadness/frustration and for showing me where my work is.”

At times like this, ask yourself – What is it time for me to heal/let go of/forgive?

It is great to be a human. We have so many opportunities to grow ourselves.

No one said it was going to be easy.

Patrick Ryan
Chief Waker-Upper

Awakened Wisdom in the Middle East

January of 2009 was a most interesting month. Among many other events, I was blessed to be able to present the Awakened Wisdom work to two incredible groups of people in the Middle East - in Israel and Dubai. Both gatherings were filled with extraordinary people who really allowed themselves to touch deeply into the questions of what is needed for we humans to live Awakened lives. Blessings to all who attended.

When I was preparing to go to Israel as the first stop on my trip to the Middle East, the military action in the Gaza strip was full on. I left with a prayer that the fighting would stop when Awakened Wisdom was there and thankfully that is what happened. On the day I arrived a cease-fire was announced and the day the workshop started all the troops had pulled back. May this blessing continue!! As a backdrop to the event the ceasefire added a preciousness to the experience. I found that I was especially grateful that all those who attended could have a time of dreaming into a future that would be filled with peace and hope and love for everyone. Thank you Einav for your amazing energy and for holding the ground and making this event possible.

From Israel I headed off to Dubai where I was once again blessed to be able to work with another group of creative and open, hearts and minds. The people who attended this event were from a wide variety of European and Arab countries. Once again we journeyed through the Awakened Wisdom process and moved closer and closer to each other and by extension to all humans everywhere. The people dreamed, cried, hoped, and planned how to move forward in a more Awakened way. Thank you to Lina for her magic in gathering in the people for this event.

I love diversity and all the beauty that comes with it. I still marvel at how at the end of the day we are all so much the same. We laugh, we cry, we love, we get angry, we learn, we grow, and we move our lives forward one day at a time. Every one of us wants to live a fulfilled life and each of us will navigate our own way through a myriad of challenges and opportunities. As for me I am grateful for the tiredness I feel in this moment. It is a tiredness of being well used in these last few days. Stay tuned, as the next few months will take Awakened Wisdom and I to the USA, Canada, Spain, Egypt, Laos, and Cambodia for a more growth and exciting adventures.

And please do join us at an Awakened Wisdom event near, or far, from you.
Rumor has it that the magic is real.

Awakened Wisdom Heads to Israel

So here we are entering 2009 with so many mixed signals coming in from around the world. Most recently we have an escalation in the challenging situation between Israel and the Palestinians. We have an on-going economic crisis (or opportunity, depending on how you view it) and we have new leadership taking over the United States of America, which wields a powerful global influence. It is a most important time to be staying resourceful and awake.

As a new level of violence in the Middle East breaks out again, Awakened Wisdom is scheduled to head over to that region. As I believe everything in our journey is synchronous, I ask what is the reason AWE is going to the Middle East at this time? What part can I play according to my wisdom? What contribution can AWE make? It is with great humility that I will intend to bring the spirit of peace and reconciliation to the people of these troubled regions.

In general I prefer not to tell people what they “should” be doing, or thinking. I prefer rather to remind people that we are each amazing beings who need not be afraid if we stay resourceful, flexible and willing. If every one of us can stay out of blame and judgment and instead keep our intention of creating peace, beauty, and life giving energy then the seeds of such violence would not have soil in which to take root. What is needed to make this happen? We need to be awake.

To be awake means to be grounded in your highest wisdom or Divine Self, and to respond to the unfolding of the world around you in ways that are wise, resourceful, and creative. Being awake does not mean that life is easy or that it goes the way you want. It means that you develop yourself through the experience of the moment you are in. As we respond to life’s challenges we continually shape our character. The one we are now, in this moment, is the result of who we were in moments past. And who we are now in the moment sets up who we will be in future moments. It is never too late to set a new course or to bring out the best of who you are. What is important and oh so challenging, is to bring the best of who you are forth into each and every moment of your life.

What is needed to be fully awake?

1) First what is needed is the willingness to forgive. As long as the actions of the past are used against people in the present then the opportunity for peace is slim. It is easy to cite the past as a case for present moment actions, as justification, as rationale. It is easy to judge and blame. What is more challenging is to set all that aside and ask, what is needed now for us to live in harmony here and then truly listen for the wisdom to reveal itself. Divine Self is always willing to forgive. Divine Self is always willing to live in harmony.

2) Second what is needed is the willingness to listen. Both sides of any conflict have “good” reasons to justify their feelings and behaviors. And, it’s easier and feels more solid to act from a defended position. What feels more risky is to act from the Divine Self to be willing to listen, to really listen to each other and see where our pain and grief are common. Witnessing each other in our pain, in our grief, is a powerful step towards healing. Even if you think you have “heard it all before” that is not the point. It is the act of listening, with open ears and an open heart that is so powerful. To listen without defending your position, to listen without a position at all, is a courageous act.

3) Third, what is needed is to look into the situation and ask your self, what have I contributed to creating this situation? We all have an impact and we all contribute to what is going on right now. The more willing we are to own our part of the situation, the more likely it is that something different will become possible.

4) Fourth, what is needed is the willingness to be flexible. The more firmly positioned we get on a certain point, the less likely it is that we can find a solution that is workable for everyone involved. The last thing to get stuck on is principle. Stay willing and flexible and ask, what is needed here for the best outcome for everyone?

No matter where we live in the world, as we each stay willing to examine the wounds we carry in our own souls and heal them, the brighter our contribution will be to issues that seem far away and so much bigger than us. As you sit here right now, in this moment, you are having an effect on worldly matters. Are you willing?

Patrick Ryan
www.AwakenedWisdom.com

We Each Have the Power to Create

Even in these strange and trying times, we are each blessed with the opportunity and the responsibility to live consciously and create powerfully. Even as global economic and social systems are being redesigned before our very eyes, each of us can step up to make a difference. Today's wealth was created through old systems that are giving way and new ideas and opportunities are emerging. The ideas that will carry us into the future will have to offer sustainability for all involved - including our planet.

This transition is shaking up all the old ways of thinking; yesterday's experts are today's beginners. People's lives are turning upside down; old jobs are being lost as new ones will be created in more sustainable, people and earth-friendly industries.

Now more than any other time we are faced with the truth of our connectedness to one other.

There is no self-serving policy - for any nation - that can hold out much longer. We are inter-related in every way. And, while this will one day be recognized as the most amazing blessing, in the meantime it terrifies some. (Love to you!) The days of "Us vs. Them" will eventually play out its time.

Terrorism is an extreme example of a destructive "us-them"ideology. Terrorists strike out with misguided actions, using old ways of force and destruction to attempt change. Though this time of such intense violence will pass, it will likely be a painful time for all until it does. When we learn of terrorist action, we grieve both for loved ones we've known personally and those we may only read about in the news. When terrorist actions erupt, we all become victims of the violence, of broken hearts, and of the desperate thinking of people who have become divided and disconnected.

Thankfully, in even greater numbers and at the same time, good people are doing amazing things in the world. They are creating beauty with open hearts, supporting the development of new ideas, and showing others how to find their way in to a fulfilling life. Overall I am finding that hope and resourcefulness are prevailing and believe it is possible for each one of us to take a role to assure they will prevail. Together we can set a course for recovery, not just for ourselves but also for others.

Here's how it can work. You can start each day, by recovering your own connection to the resourceful One you are, the intelligent One you are, the beautiful One you are. I call this One the Divine Self in you. You can begin a daily practice of moving from judgment and doubt to beauty and possibility. In order to do this it is helpful to create some practice that opens up your mind, your heart, and your body to the beauty of this and every moment and to the truth.

Take time each day to review your behaviors. Are you often slipping into doubt, criticizing our self or others, or assuming a victim role? Each of these behaviors distorts what is really going on around us. It turns what we are experiencing into lies, and then we use those lies against others or ourselves. Any idea or thought that puts you or someone else down is a lie. Falling into this way of thinking happens all too easily when we aren't paying attention and taking the responsibility to move past such lies. When we are connected to our Divine Self, such lies do not take hold.

From our own place of Divine connection and grounding, we can more easily look out into the world and assist others as they discover their own path - their gifts and genius that take them closer to their own unique expression of the Divine Self. It is important to note that in this work of getting reconnected to the Divine Self, we need never find ourselves alone. Alone is yet another lie. It is created from an aspect within us that uses the illusion of aloneness to hold us down. In truth, we are never alone.

From the place of personal recovery, look out into the community of your choice and ask, "What is needed here?" and "What part can I play in providing that?" Something, however small or large, will occur to you when you ask these questions from your Divine Self's point of view. Ask these questions with friends, family, and colleagues, and ask from a place of openness. Notice who resonates with your ideas and who would like to join you in creating new ideas from the inspiration of Divine Self.

Next move from the inspiration of those ideas to the creation of what is needed. It may be as simple as calling people and having brilliant conversations, or it might require the gathering of resources and leadership to build something new in response to what the world needs now. Whatever the case, allow yourself to move towards it with ease and delight and trust that you have been gifted with a part to play in this new unfolding story of the world today.

We each are blessed with the opportunity and the responsibility to live and create according to Divine wisdom. We must learn how to walk this life in ease, delight, and joy. That is our Divine purpose.

So walk on and I look forward to hearing more of your stories about how you are creating your own most amazing life.

Patrick Ryan
www.AwakenedWisdom.com

Thank you United States!

Thank you United States!!
Can you feel the sense of relief from all around the globe since the US election? There is a beautiful opportunity now, to recreate the way the US will be in relationship with the rest of the world. I trust that now is the time, a new time for all of us. A time for healing. It's a time for all of us to look out past our immediate interests and consider what is needed for the greater good of all.

One good thing that may come from the global economic situation is that we get to see in an undeniable way, how we are all so connected and interrelated.
I believe that we now have a world leader that will be able to bring the planet together rather than blow it apart. Barack Obama is that leader. Obama will need all of our support because the problem is not his, it is ours. It will take all of us, globally, to turn the tide around into waters that create healing and openness rather than the fear and separation that has been flowing for the last eight years.

In a strange turn of events, the State of California has voted on a clause which, if followed through on, would take away basic human rights from a minority group of people. It is the right for gay and lesbian people to get married. I was stunned that this proposition passed. One step forward, two steps back. That conversation will now be front and center, at least in California. What can we do?

It is very difficult sometimes to understand another person’s point of view when it is so different from our own. It is even more difficult when we get afraid and shut down our willingness to hear one other. The willingness to listen deeply and fully is one sign of an awakened human. So, lets stay open, remember to breathe deep, stay grounded in our resourcefulness and out of fear, and lets discuss this.

As Rumi so beautifully stated...
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing
and rightdoing there is a field.
I'll meet you there.

We must all be willing to meet there, please join me.
Patrick Ryan
www.AwakenedWisdom.com
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Patrick Ryan
Chief Waker-Upper

Who is doing your voting?

Hello!

Well here we are again, about to choose the next generation of leadership in the United States. As a Canadian residing in the US, I do not get to vote so I have a unique perspective on what is unfolding. It’s an interesting time in the world right now, and as I’ve been traveling about the world lately I appreciate the opportunity I’ve had to hear so many different perspectives on the changes taking place. The current global economic challenges are trading headlines daily with the US election process, and the entire world is keeping an eye on the United States as it all unfolds.

Obviously running a presidential election campaign is stressful. One gauge of a great leader is how he or she responds to stress and how he or she continues to manage a campaign under pressure. After all, if you can’t manage your own campaign in a good way, how could you be expected to manage the role of President of the United States of America and its attendant global responsibilities?
Consider, both candidates in this US election said very clearly early on, that they would not stoop to the pressure to include negative campaign ads In their strategy.
Low and behold, both have. Why is that?

Election strategists tend to agree that negative ads can and do work, and some might insist the use of such ads is necessary to win. But what do we gain in a campaign that’s “won” with negative ads? Negative ads do “work” in that they prey upon our often-present underlying fears and cause us to doubt our deepest voting instincts. The fearful side in each of us is always on the look-out for things to be afraid of so, yes, negative campaigns can “work” if they gain power as THEY feed on our fears.

During the presidential debates, groups of undecided voters are hooked up to electronic equipment, which indicates when they are either attracted to or repelled by a candidate. The meters flip quickly into attraction when candidates speak about solutions from a resourceful and wise aspect of themselves; when a leader is able to stay clear and grounded in his or her wisdom, this in turn activates the wisdom of those observing. If an undecided voter were to stop right there, and vote from this place of wisdom, we’d likely end up with a candidate who has some pretty sound ideas.

However the converse is also true; when candidates start bashing their opponents, approval indicators start dropping as undecided voters start to feel conflicted. The candidate who goes down the road of negativity is counting on this, for negativity is contagious. If a candidate can get voters to cast doubt on his rival’s character and abilities, the vote may sway. When candidates campaign from this lower aspect of their nature, they activate it in others. And those who are not grounded enough in their own wisdom may get pulled down the road of negativity.

We can hope, but not expect that our candidates will always refrain from using negative ads. When one candidate starts, another may feel obliged to respond and defend – a seemingly inevitable and vicious cycle of negative ads ensues.

So what can we hope for in a voting nation when negative ads are calling out to us? We can hope for discernment.

We have two basic inner aspects of our selves through which we can choose a candidate. Awakened Wisdom teachings describe these aspects as the Divine Self and Distorted Self. Simply put, Divine Self is the resourceful, creative, empowered aspect of who we are, while Distorted Self is the fearful, critical, judgmental aspect of who we are. We each have our own personal version of these two aspects lurking within us.

As you step into the voting booth you have an important choice. You can vote for what you believe is the highest and best solution or you can vote from fear.

Whichever aspect you put in charge of your voting will determine what you’ll create in this election and in your life. If you vote according to your Divine Self, (a choice based on your best wisdom given all the insight and information you have) it is likely to attract positive results for all. (FYI - Making a Divine choice can also still feel risky. It may include agreeing to short term risks in hopes for long term, or more broadly reaching benefits, not just for yourself, but for others.)

If you allow fear to guide your vote, you are choosing to put your own Distorted Self in charge. Such a fear-based choice would continue to create more fear, resentment and scarcity. It would attract a leadership style that would be operating through the same fearful energy that has empowered it. If a presidential candidate wins through fear and negativity, these energies will no doubt overshadow the entire presidency. We have been trudging through a long stretch of fear-based leadership; we have a choice to shift this energy. The world is watching the United States as it chooses its next leader.

I cannot tell anyone which way I think he or she should vote. I am however, reminding people to choose well - through wisdom rather than fear.
When you do vote, ask your self these two simple questions:
What is most needed in the Leadership of this country at this time?
Which candidate is most likely able to create that?

I will state that it seems time for all nations to learn to create again from wisdom, trust, courage, and openness. To do this now, Americans must be willing to let go of creating from fear. That doesn’t mean being naïve, it means operating from Divine wisdom. This is the kind of wisdom that knows real, from imagined dangers and is willing to hold out for long-term sustainable prosperity versus short-term gain.

Any idea or action that does not add beauty to the next generation is not a good idea for the day at hand.

Thank you for hearing this Canadian’s two cents,
Patrick Ryan
www.AwakenedWisdom.com

Awakened Wisdom at work in London

Hi Everyone,

The London Awakened Wisdom workshop took place this last weekend. It was a fulfilling event set in the beautiful grounds of the Maria Assumpta center in Kensington.

I found it very interesting to have an opportunity to apply the Awakened Wisdom teachings against the backdrop of the financial crisis that is especially hitting Britain now. We got to look into this situation according to the Awakened Wisdom philosophy, and through that perspective a general sense of well being and optimism prevailed.
Everyone in attendance reported their delight, about being able to renew their relationships to their Inner Wisdom and to check in on their life dreams and purpose.
And what fun - to gather with people that came from as far away as South Africa, Denmark, Dubai, Switzerland, and then of course there was the marvelous UK contingent. Time and again, these teachings hold to be cross-cultural, so everyone is able to relate and find their own Awakened Wisdom within them.
One of the most frequent pieces of feedback I get is about the simplicity of the ideas and that despite the simplicity, they still create a deep and profound shift in how the participants learn to live their lives.
Thank you to Pemma, Sue, Karen, and Kate. Without your help this event would not have been as successful.
The next Awakened Wisdom event is in Toronto in November. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
Check out the Awakened Wisdom website for details.

Patrick Ryan
www.AwakenedWisdom.com