Shine on you Crazy Diamonds - A Note to the Lunatic Fringe
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? ..........as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Marianne Williamson
"All that I'm hearing from you is white noise, white noise" - The Living End
One of the most rewarding things I've done in the past year is to become a member of this community. There is such openness, empathy, support and spirit here. I have made friends never met; I have reveled in your sharing of wisdom; I have pondered your questions; I have been rewarded by your support and contributions to my journey.
This community is self-sustaining, bound together by a common need to explore alternative thought and models of understanding and as such has become tributary in which flows the same energy as that of the mainstream, but diverted, reinterpreted and (to my mind) filtered of many impurities. Whereas the great river runs deep and slow at times, whilst at others deluging over rapids and carving great canyons in the arid soil of our society, our babbling brook is shallow, clear and leaps over pebbles worn smooth by time, wind and water. Our voices, individual and collective are often drowned out or howled down by the mainstream who often regards us with skepticism and derision, if they regard us at all. As with all expansive or alternate thinkers we are generally regarded as the lunatic fringe. So we often secrete ourselves in enclaves of liked minded people and chat amongst ourselves – gentle folk involved in massaging each others’ intentions, theories, insights and beliefs.
I read recently that reading many offerings of alternative thought is like eating Fairy Floss – very sweet at first bite but ultimately so lacking in any substance or nutrition it is in the long term just sickly and unsatisfying. I quote from Lawrence Carson’s recent succinct and impassioned reply to Jeffery’s post on Debt Assets, “During the last few months I have not spent much time here on this site. I read so much "nicities" posted here and very little mention of all the crap we are swimming in.” Perhaps we are in danger of becoming nothing more than a mutual admiration society. Perhaps the views and philosophies expressed here so frail they will not bear the weight of close skeptical scrutiny (apart from Oprah’s). Do we have the faith and belief to parade our philosophies, methods and intentions in a hostile environment?
You see I believe many will soon need to hear the things we know for it seems storm clouds are gathering and it may soon be the waters of the great river will become fatally polluted by contaminants which have long lined its murkiest depths. When the people who have entrusted so much and bet their lives on the strength of “free markets” and capitalistic doctrine lose homes, livelihoods and self-respect because their legislators and financial gurus failed to provide sufficient fiduciary safeguards to stop them being fucked, raise their eyes from the rubble – who will look like the lunatics then? Where will they find hope? These people will need to know how to rebuild. These people will need to know about intent. These people will not need to be prostrating themselves before God seeking mercy and forgiveness. These people will need to be made aware of their brilliance and that they are powerful beyond measure.
Will they need to find us here, or will we be there embracing them? I repeat the beautiful Marianne’s words, “.....as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
Touch someone outside the circle everyday - be magnificent!
From my heart
Chris
