by Rick Paine
Having just returned from the Avatar Professional Course in Holland, I am integrating my experiences as I ponder the meaning of the Avatar commitment statement: To create an enlightened planetary civilization.
In the 60’s I was a member of the radical left, marching, demonstrating and calling for the revolution. “Off the pig,” we yelled at club-wielding police who were trying to maintain order. From our perspective they were protecting the established order, the military industrial complex, which was intent on oppressing the poor and accumulating the wealth for the capitalist few. We were passionate and committed to bringing justice to the world. Yet, I always felt a little uncomfortable yelling at policemen who were obeying orders, trying to do their job. I wondered how these policemen felt when they returned home to their wives. (There weren’t many policewomen in those days.) Was the world going to change and become more enlightened if we won or does everyone need to participate in an understanding of justice, humanity, and mutual relationships? That question bothered me in those radical days, but I felt lost in rhetoric and without answers.
My life path led me off into alternative life styles of communes, psychedelics and then into humanistic psychology, expressive therapy and spiritual seeking. I learned to identify, own and express my feelings. I became more acquainted with my body, as a connection to emotion. The question of “who am I” was answered by “I am what I feel.” We were a subculture, convinced that we had finally discovered the path to wholeness. If the rest of the world would understand and join us in our new-found wisdom, the world would be one, an enlightened civilization. Certainly it was hard to imagine how we could have planetary peace without their joining us. However, their joining us seemed like a pipe dream.
Somewhere along the line I became more and more discouraged about planetary healing and change. I saw areas of the planet dying and felt pessimistic about our having enough time to reverse the process. Violence is increasing in our cities. Youths are dark and negative without creative options. Trends toward selfish individualism, self protection with the biggest gun you can buy, intolerance of differences are cancers in society. How could I possibly change all that? I had already tried and failed.
So my first reaction to the Avatar commitment statement was, “Whom are they kidding?” “No way, Jose.” “Give me a break.” “You and who else?” “I’ll just work on my own happiness and let the Avatars dream their unrealistic planetary visions.”
As I relax into myself after the Professional Course, I am bathed by the memory of brilliantly colored tulips that surrounded us in Holland. I am excited by the many friends I met from around the world. Was what happened there about creating an enlightened planetary civilization? How?
The course seemed so gentle and expansive. I remember my saying, “I contribute to the creation of an enlightened planetary civilization.” It felt true at the time. But what does that mean? “Intensify your attention. Place it outside yourself.” “Attention, attention,” I repeat softly inside myself. That is the key to this work.
A particular reality is created more real by my attention on it. If I perceive you with appreciation, I feel open, trusting, and connected. If I perceive you with judgment, I feel constricted, afraid, and separate. “That seems too simple,” I think to myself, feeling skeptical and cautious. Of course, it’s true, that my attention is the starting point. I can return my attention to doubt if I choose. When attention is fixed, as with a judgment, I feel stuck energy. When attention is free, it is available for the next moment. I remember the trust and connection I felt in the Professional Course. Surrounded by strangers I focused my attention outward, with appreciation and amazement, on everything and everybody around me. I felt confident and present. Previously, when I focused my attention on my internal feelings, I felt cautious and withheld.
“I contribute to the creation of an enlightened planetary civilization.” “The planet is dying and there is no hope.” Is placing my attention on the first thought just naive, superficial positive thinking? Is the second the “real” truth? Does my attention change the outcome?
I try another possibility. I place my attention on my beloved: “She is my perfect mate who loves and cares for me.” Then I place my attention on: “She is probably not the right one, but I’ll keep trying.” I learn that the first creates a loving, dynamic, creative relationship, and the second has me feeling lethargic, discouraged and frustrated. This is real, not naive, superficial positive thinking.
Maybe the planet works the same way.
I contribute to the creation of an enlightened planetary civilization.
Rick Paine, Boulder, Colorado
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