Presenting the Circle
Childhood trauma, social anxiety, lack of belonging and the general sense of being a misfit in a society that does not value old souls: these are some of the concerns I've dealt with during the course of my life as an artist. Perhaps some of you can relate?
This "Earth Circle" is meant to gently gather those of you who have experienced a similar telescoping of solitudes as I have around the themes of time, nature and ecological awareness. Amongst other concerns, I am particularly interested in exploring how one should learn to ground oneself in one's life as an artist and writer and, more generally, as a North American living on unceded land.
How does one transcend these various states of social, emotional and psychological alienation? How does one think through them? What I propose here is to offer a compendium of resources I have found to be truly salutary in helping me overcome these obstacles in my own life. Beloved books, poems and artworks: all of them bringing a unique perspective to the problem. I sincerely hope they might be of help or at least of some consolation to some of you, as well. Warmly, Caroline
Advancement to Wholeness
This first book suggestion is my biggest "coup de coeur"... Originally published in 1986, the essay proposes to survey different modes of self-actualization: "The Western tradition has few role models for those going through the turmoils of inner growth, Sinetar writes, even though common sense tells us that whenever anyone extends themselves into the farthest reaches of his own awareness, awakening to what is deepest and most sacred within (...) he may suffer a subtle and a devastating level of unexplainable stress. (...)
The person who desires self-transcendance (...) faces a good deal of pain. (...) Fortunately, increasing attention is being given to thinkers who acknowledge the difficulties faced by those undergoing this most sincere and radical transformation." (p. 111-2)
What I love best about this book is the detailed analysis she gives of the self-actualizing mind and the many case studies she examines of people who have gone down that demanding path... A wondrous book!
