[embed]https://youtu.be/D9-g4mDTOAY[/embed]Here’s episode 38 of ‘Turning Towards Life’, our weekly, live 30 minute deep dive into the bigger questions of human life, in which I'm joined by Lizzie Winn as part of thirdspace coaching.This week 'Practicing Radical Self-Responsibility', a call to action from activist Taj James of the Movement Strategy Centre, an organisation dedicated to "lead a transition from a world of domination and extraction to a world of regeneration, resilience, and interdependence... To put love at the centre, reimagine possibility, navigate into the unknown, and step into the new future that is calling us forward.".In this conversation, Lizzie and I consider the balance between strictness with ourselves (so we remember our responsibility to act) and kindness (so we can draw on our goodness and capacity, and not collapse into shame or self-righteousness). It's a tricky and life-giving act of paying attention that's called for in any of us who want to actually take care of the world and not just talk about it. And we celebrate the ordinary everyday acts of responsibility that can inspire us to rise to the bigger acts of taking a stand that our times are calling for.You can join our members-only facebook group for live conversation and community here.Here's the source for this week's conversation, written by Taj James.
Practicing Radical Self-Responsibility(notes to selves)I can only speak for myselfI can only change myself.There are some things about myselfI can not change.They are aspects of who I am.I need to learn to accept and loveAll aspects of who I amAndI am notwho I think I amI Am EverythingAndResponsible forevery little thingi amIntentions matter andI am fully responsiblefor ALL of the impact I createWithout consciousnessThere is no choiceResponsibility is Complete.Weather actions or impacts flowfrom conscious or unconsciousaction/non-actionChoosing unconsciousness,knowing it is a root sourcefrom which harm flows,has specific consequencesCultivating consciousnessrequires healing, supportgreat courage and spiritual disciplineSelf-harm, isolation, shame and regretperpetuate the cycles of of harmand prevent healing, repair and restoration.Dare to be freeShame and silenceare the most harmful forcesin the multiverseHarm flowsfrom the shadowswe have not embracedfollowed close behindby certaintyYes, Loveis the onlygenerativecertaintyAnd, all other forms of certaintyare onlydomination and hubrismasking fear and adesire for controli have been harmedi have caused harmthat makes me a humanFocus on the love you have sharednot just the harm you have causedCelebrate and soak inthe gratitude andDo your best to acknowledge andclean up the messes you makePay your debts andpay all the debts you can payeven those you may not be responsible forAcknowledgement, connection, an apology and a smiledon’t cost anythingSome debts can never be repaid.If you owe a debt like this,spend each day of your lifegrateful for the opportunityto fail everydayat repaying it.Reconnect you to your bigger self.Regret, self-hate, guilt only deepen the harm generated byyour unconsciousness and disconnectiongenerated by your fear, thoughtlessness or delusionborn from the harm and traumas that flowed into youWhenever I forget any of this truthPlease, quickly, firmly and gentlyremind me.-- Taj James movementstrategy.org