Vision and Proposal for the Small Peer Group
by Jane Ilene Cohen, copyright © September 16, 2000
I'm interested in the transformation of the world from the perspective of the source of how we are manifesting our experience here, not from within the forms which are already in existence. This is a proposal that addresses how we can participate in transforming that source.
As we are presently experiencing it, our global challenges appear to be beyond the point where we can deal with them in a linear way. I believe it will take a complete shift in consciousness to bring about the level of change needed. New perceptions and fundamental changes can't emerge while we are leaning on the way we already have things set up, from the place where we are controlling things according to our current understanding. The focus or point of reference needs to shift to something that is larger than and includes all of us, and is controlled by none of us. Out of that will emerge new perceptions and resources that will precipitate new forms and new solutions.
To me transformation originating from ourselves is the foundation for everything, the basis for global transformation. This is not a side issue, but is crucial because it leads to changing our relationship with the world and to the world. It affects the whole framework of any form for action we might come up with. Without it we have no foundation for any significant action.
This means being on the cutting edge, exploring new territory and going into the unknown. It is changing the ground on which we are standing. If we don't start from where we are in the here-and-now and our own personal process, there is no foundation; it is pure speculation, preaching something before being it.
Where I want to end up is making love with the whole world. I think what we want, and intensely need, is to come together with each other. We want intimacy. But, at the same time, we are also pushing each other away. We are afraid that in order to come together we will have to lose or compromise the essence of who we are, what we have come here for. But our collective and individual survival (on many different levels) depends on us coming together in closer intimacy than we've ever before allowed. We need unprecedented cooperation, communication, understanding, openness, agreement, alignment, and unconditional love. We need to really know who each other is. We need to solve the dilemma of how to both come together with each other and also remain in integrity with ourselves and our purpose for being here on earth.
I think small peer groups are the foundation and vehicle for solving this dilemma.
I'm thinking of the small group as an Ashram. I see an Ashram as a group an individual is aligned with and meant to come together with, where the pieces of the puzzle they each represent, when brought together, catalyzes transformation from the perspective of the larger Divine Plan. The members of the group must be significantly awakened in order to effectively participate in this process.
Preliminary Parameters for the Particular Peer Group I'm starting:
1) Orientation and overall framework toward the Divine: Creating a sacred space and becoming an open channel for Divine inspiration and guidance. Positioning ourselves and setting up the conditions for us to enter the game, the great adventure, to participate in the Divine flow of energy, in which we are connected with and are participating in the Divine Plan. I see bringing this about as a major overall focus of the group. And I see this as precipitating a continuing transformation of how we experience our life experience. This would provide the foundation from which effective action, as part of the Divine Plan, could emerge.
2) Dialogue: Exploring what real dialogue is and how we can be in effective dialogue with each other. I see being in true dialogue with a peer group, in which we are affected by the live material that is coming through each other, as an essential key for the group process. It brings in an understanding of the piece of the puzzle each person is bringing in, and is a part of experiencing full connection and communication with each other.
Transformation is experienced when we are in the awareness of what is. An essential element in being in that awareness is revealing live material. Live material is what we straightforwardly and truthfully feel, think, and see in response to our inner and outer environment, especially including other people. Live material contains both the problem and the solution, and can release incredible resources. (See "The Significance of Dialogue and Revealing Live Material" for more of my thoughts on this topic.)
3) Exploring the precious pieces of the puzzle (the unique experience and resources) each of us brings in, and how those pieces fit together with each other without compromise or distortion: This addresses the question: "How can we both come together with each other, and also remain in integrity with ourselves and our purpose for being here on earth?" I see us as uncovering processes that allow the piece each of us brings in to transform the whole, bringing in essential information and experience. This means being willing to go into the unknown and letting go of old forms that no longer serve. It means being willing to hang out in formless places as new forms emerge, and being willing to let go, at least provisionally, of what we think we already know.
4) Exploring and sharing each of our visions. I think we need to keep defining and redefining the concept of "vision." I see vision as having to do with what we desire on the deepest level in any situation, beginning with the here-and-now in the Group, and expanding globally and beyond. I see us as sharing this on deeper and deeper levels and therefore becoming conscious of, on deeper and deeper levels, what really matters to each of us. Starting with our vision in relation to the group is essential because to do that means connecting with the here-and-now where the living material is. "What is most important, for each of us, to happen in this moment?" "What is our most passionate desire?" We must always keep that in focus. It is how we stay connected to the essence of why we are together and what our purpose is. This is how the Divine can speak through us. This also puts us right in the middle of where the apparent dichotomy lies between coming together with each other and remaining congruent with ourselves so we can shift onto new ground.
5) Uncover how we are aligned, or working out a process in which alignment can occur. I see this as leading to the continuing unfolding of common vision, and/or an alignment of visions. The result of alignment with each other and the Divine is extremely powerful. An aligned group can lead to a major impact on each other and the larger world community.
We can't find alignment unless we share our unique worlds with each other, so we experience what each person's actual experience is and uncover avenues of connection, understanding and resources. To do this takes willingness to reach a place of great trust, vulnerability, and undefendedness with each other.
Cutting edge leaders can't align with each other by just deciding to agree with someone's particular vision. They must be participating with each other in the here-and-now, and connect with common in-the-moment experiences. How to achieve that would be a focus of the group, and takes a great deal of goodwill on everyone's part.
6) Create conditions for transformation, changing the ground on which we are standing, from which more effective relating and contribution can emerge. Explore what ground we are on that separates us from each other and how do we get off it? Each person brings in their unique gifts, which can contribute to this exploration. (For example, I bring in a highly mental/intuitive perspective. Others may bring in a more visceral, kinesthetic gift.)
7) Intimacy and support: Moving toward completely being present in the moment, complete communication, trust, love, united with the Divine and each other and the knowledge of our Divinity. It is the beginning of community.
8) As the group forms its identity, we could open up to dialogue with other groups, as part of a global inter-relationship.
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I'm looking for other people who feel aligned with these preliminary ideas and want to come together to explore them and explore forming a small group with each other. I'm looking for cutting edge leaders who have dedicated themselves to a larger vision for global (or beyond) transformation.
I welcome input from those I contact regarding these ideas.
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(760) 753-0733 - JC@janecohen.net - Encinitas, CA
