For several years I have been longing for the wisdom of elders. Recently, while sitting in a circle of women ranging in age from 30-something to 60-something, I heard a similar longing voiced by all. In my own self-absorption I failed to realize that women older than myself were also feeling the ache of the lost elders.

In general, I think our society has forgotten the value of elders, and in so doing, many elders have forgotten, or never realized, their own value. In a world where youth is privileged is it any surprise that elders have forgotten their value? Without our listening, encouraging ears, elders are unlikely to share their wisdom with us... and in this present world, we desperately need their voices.

When I speak of elders, I do not only mean people older than myself, but people who, through deep self-exploration and the overcoming of hardships, have gained a level of wisdom, strength, and clarity of sight so that their presence in the world serves as a guiding light  for future generations.

An elder I am friends with recently said, "We are all elders to someone." Those words resonate deeply, and are an important consideration. Often the term "elder" connotes someone much older, but the truth is that anyone, either chronologically older, or experientially older, can be considered an elder. And so, we all have insights and wisdom to share; some simply don't recognize their value, or are not given the opportunity to share their wisdom. That being said, I think it is important to value those older than us, and listen deeply to their heart song. There are many songs to learn, many skills to be preserved, many stories to be shared in those who have lived for many moons.

Today, we stand on the threshold of a world disintegrating at the hands of pollution, corporate greed, and wide spread apathy. Even so,  many are beginning to wake up, and I think those awakening are doing so because of the support of ancestors (seen and unseen) and elders. One reason we have fallen so far from a place that honors the earth, human life, and personal interactions is that we have devalued our elders, and in so doing have failed to allow them to convey their wisdom. Arrogance has told us that our stories are more important; our desires are more valuable; our insights more significant. We have lost their stories, their songs, their wisdom. We have forgotten that though a body changes, the spirit is eternal, valuable, and wise. I believe when we turn our attention to listening, encouraging, and honoring our elders' wisdom we will see that our elders will flourish with a vibrance ready to sew their seeds in the fertile soil of our hearts and lives; and from these seeds a new earth will begin to rise up.

So, how do we call the elders forth? How do we remind them of their value? How do we encourage our elders to share their wisdom with us? 

We can sit with them in circle. A circle of two perhaps. We can sip tea, or coffee, do artwork, or ask them questions about relationships, children, our fears, our dreams. If we listen, if we share, if we make time for them, I believe the world will shift, our hearts will open, and a world in harmony will spring up stronger and more sustainable than ever.

 "...it is up to us learn how to sing again in that ancient way, so that we might be the ancestors that our descendants will sing to."    ~ Craig Paterson of Temple Wind Flute

As I was driving into work today, I saw a new place where they have cleared a space to build another concrete structure. I live in the city, but I work in a town outside of the city that is pretty rural. The concrete mixers were going, and trucks were gathered around... and I just started to cry.

Concrete has been a trigger for a while. I know, it sounds crazy. But I see it everywhere--buildings, sidewalks, streets--and for a long time it has represented for me this structured society working against nature.

I have seen concrete as a symbol of the suppression of nature for a long time--taming the wildness--controlling-- even as a symbol of the oppression of women, but today, I saw concrete as a symptom.

Collectively, we walk around wearing masks, and these masks take many forms (clothing, education, possessions, long hair, short hair, the way we talk, the things we know, etc). Ultimately, we hide behind these masks to show we are part of a certain "tribe." The only problem with this is that it creates rifts, barriers--us and them mentality.

After I let the tears out today, I felt the force of wild Kali. In my mind's eye, I was picking up a giant sledge hammer and smashing the concrete to bits in order to release the earth from her bondage.

With this vision came the realization that it is not the concrete that needs to be broken up, it is our masks that need to dissolve. We think we are protecting ourselves with these masks we wear, but really we are creating separation. With our masks we know what to expect, we know what to do. Without our masks we feel naked, vulnerable--the outcome of our interactions feels unpredictable.

But really, without our masks we see that we are one human family. Without our masks we see ourselves more clearly.

And as that vision came, I realized why I am so passionate about circle work--it creates a space where the human family can take off their masks and feel safe. Eventually, after continuing to feel the safety of intimacy that comes with truly being "seen," then we can walk into the world vulnerable and powerful realizing those two qualities are not contradictions, but instead interdependent forces necessary for authenticity.

As more people begin to walk around "emotionally naked," vulnerable, authentic--as more people begin to stop hiding behind their masks, and start showing their souls--I believe concrete--the symptom of our barred hearts--will crumble and fall, allowing the earth to be free. It will occur with grace. We are reflections of each other, the Earth and us. We will heal the Earth because we will be committed to healing ourselves.

May all beings be healed and whole.

With love,
Suzette

Tonight I was blessed to sit in a virtual sacred space with women and feel the empowerment, love, and support of sisters.  It was a great honor to be trusted with their heart sharing, and a true gift to feel that my truth was heard and valued. 

As the energy and excitement continues to pulse through my spirit, I am again reminded of how sacred circling gives me the permission to speak from my highest self, while simultaneously being able to be honest and vulnerable about my weaknesses and longings. Tonight, I was blessed to be a witness to heart openings, mutual support, and love between women who barely know each other, but trust in the power and vitality of intimacy and truth.

Listening to my sisters' needs, and their dreams, I "saw" that the universe truly wanted to bless them with their hearts' desires. I saw their gifts waiting for them; they need only open up to receive. And as I was given the sight to see how attainable their dreams were, I realized that the universe wants to bless me with my dreams too; that my dreams are simply waiting for me to open up to receive. 

Like magic, I was again able to trust that my dreams were attainable.

 Tonight, I was inspired and moved to live from my highest self, to walk through this world with grace, and call upon the power of love.  

Tonight, we stood holding hands in eternity, agreeing to the guidance of the universe. Tonight, we sat circled as queens mirroring our highest selves in each heart sharing.