January/February 2011 Editor's Blog
Editor's Journey 2011: Open to the Balanced Heart
by Vicky Thompson
Editor's Journey 2011: Return to Balance
Step 1: Open to the Balanced Heart
The coming year will not be average, ho-hum or typical in terms of spiritual growth.
We’ve been building toward a spiritual rebirth for quite some time. Some have pegged 2012 as a momentous year, but to me, 2011 will be the year when things change, when women and men come into their spiritual power. For me, 2011 is the year of the rebirth of feminine balance.
The divine feminine has been emerging since the feminist movement for suffrage began in the early 1900s. The feminine emerges with great power to shift entrenched attitudes in society. We’ve already experienced three feminine energies that are still working to change the world’s mindset: compassion versus domination, nurturing versus betrayal and strength versus corruption.
For compassion, think of Mother Teresa serving the poor rather than exploiting and dominating them in sweatshops. For nurturing, think of Hay House publisher Louise L. Hay helping people understand spirituality and illness rather than betraying them with old disconnected thinking that downplays the power of the mind and body to heal. For strength, think of one tough mother: Columbia Sportswear chairman of the board Gert Boyle, who used her strength to create a successful company that bypasses corporate corruption and benefits all company employees.
In 2011, a fourth divine feminine energy is emerging: balance versus power. In this new world of balance, connection to the self and others is valued more than power over others. Seeing both sides, listening with an open heart, and coming to a resolution that meets the needs of all parties is the new way of doing business in personal and professional relationships.
If you choose to live in balance, you will not become a yogi on a hill. Balance requires a fresh fierceness — a willingness to keep your ill will and good will in harmony, and live in integrity with others. It also requires you to bring your masculine power into alignment with your feminine balance.
During the coming year, we’ll focus on returning to balance in six simple steps. In January/February, open to the balanced heart. In March/April, affirm your commitment to peace. In May/June, remember the inner warrior. In July/August, create a new personal balance paradigm. In September/October, practice the way of compassion. And finally in November/December, celebrate the reunion of the masculine and feminine.
Today, your task is to open to the balanced heart by assessing where you hold onto power in your belief system. Ask yourself: Do I have to be the “winner” in a situation to feel satisfaction? When I feel threatened, do I instinctively lash out at others? In what situations do I feel the need to dominate others?
In a power-based system, we have to win over others. If we feel threatened, we automatically put up our guard and try to take out the opponent. We learn that domination is valued over sharing responsibility.
To open to the balanced heart, ask yourself: How can I create a win-win situation? When I feel threatened, what would love do in this moment? How can I elevate others in this situation to create the highest and best outcome?
The balanced heart is fiercely devoted to allowing the best in others to shine through. During January and February, pause during difficult situations and look deeper for a balanced solution. Be firm when things need to change, and lovingly move forward with integrity. The balance-oriented person has a deeper response, and a commitment to living in accord with the divine way.
Open to the balanced heart by affirming: I act in good faith for myself and others. I am fierce in my commitment to truth. I act with integrity for myself and others. I am open to the energy of balance.
I invite you to join me on this journey as we remember who we are.
Join editor Vicky Thompson on this year-long journey to balance at www.newconnexion.net.