In Search of the Gleaming Way

“With brilliant effectiveness, they navigated the knife’s edge of the linear present and triumphed over it – finding ways to re-build their societies. Their world view guided them along pathways of action and wisdom and enabled them to reshape their world without bending or breaking under the pressure of linear time.”

The quote comes from a book entitled On the Gleaming Way, written by John Collier. It is one of the books I’ve been using in my research for Ahote’s Path.” This quote really struck me, especially because of the times we find ourselves in now. Our linear present has become so rapid and intense, and our people have become so divided, that often it feels our society is reaching a breaking point. But unlike the indigenous cultures John Collier is describing above, main stream America has never truly known any world view other than a linear one. If you asked most Americans which organ is the command center of the body, most would likely answer the brain. But among many indigenous communities it is not the brain but the heart that commands. They believe it is the heart that has the power to change our bodies, the power to heal our lives, our families, and our communities.

I think somewhere deep in all of us we know this to be true as well. We express this intuitive understanding of the heart all the time. When we want to know the truth, we speak of getting to the heart of the matter. When our government decides to tear families apart at the border as a deterrent to illegal immigration many of us cry out that this action that lacks heart. When our country is run by people who place personal profit over the care and nurturing of humanity and of our earth, once again it is our hearts that are heavy. When more news happens in a day than used to happen in a month or perhaps even a year, our minds become numb. But even when our minds are exhausted, it is our beating heart that tells us we can endure more.

In Collier’s book, he describes the Hopi as a people who believe the universe by nature is a harmonious, integrated system that is shaped by the way we perceive it. It is our own creative impulses that set the direction. The Hopis concluded based on these beliefs that it was ideal to live your life for the benefit of your society. It was important to be morally and physically strong. It was important to have a balanced heart, free of anxiety, so that your mind could focus on thoughts that went beyond your own personal wants to encompass the needs of the many.

As I thought more about Collier’s words, I realized that I have experienced exactly what Collier is describing through my Reiki practices. The heart is where I feel the power. It is the center through which the energy flows. And when I send this energy outward to others I visualize it going from my heart to theirs. What I have seen over the years is exactly what the Hopis described to Collier. I have seen this energy heal my body and improve my relationships with my loved ones. It has changed me so profoundly that it impacts the way I relate to everything, everybody, the world. My words and my intent create ripples that I can see subtly influencing everyone and everything around me.

So, of course, I had to reflect on how the opposite is also true. If my words and beliefs have power to affect everything around me, then it follows that words that aren’t meant kindly, or compassionately, or with the best interest of others in mind can also shape the world.

Collier’s description of the Hopi world view reminded me of a song that I really love. I’ve mentioned this song before in an earlier post. It is Five For Fighting’s 2006 hit, “World.” It’s the chorus that keeps running through my head:

What kind of world do you want?
Think anything
Let’s start at the start
Build a masterpiece
Be careful what you wish for
History starts now

The question has even more meaning for me now. My grandson, Jordan has just turned one. Avery, at ten months, is close behind him. Looking into their innocent faces, I can see what they see, they have faith that the world is something magnificent to know and explore. I want the world they will come to know to live up to that faith. I want it to be a better, safer, kinder world. This is something I pray for every day, but up until now it is something I have done in the desert silence, alone. Now I’m putting it out there so you can know what kind of world I want.

I want for all the people of the world to love and respect one another, to nurture and protect each other and our earth. I want us all to treat each other with kindness and generosity and build a happier world for our children and grandchildren. #whatkindofworlddoyouwant?

I’m hoping that others of you will join with me. Use Facebook and Twitter and let the universe know what kind of world you want. Start now 😊

Got a package full of wishes
A time machine, a magic wand
A globe made out of gold