Is It Real or Illusion? Is Anything?

From: Pluto
Sent: Monday July 19
To: Emma
Subject: illusion

Emma

I had an "interesting" encounter with illusion this weekend. As I told you, I received the dragonfly medicine card the other day. The root of the dragonfly's meaning has to do with recognizing the things in your life which are illusions. I was sitting in my backyard yesterday when a dragonfly began to fly back and forth in front of me. I thought, well, that's an interesting coincidence (knowing full well that there are no coincidences...like the bicycle built for two!) Anyway, I went inside and sat down to watch a movie with my son...which, of all things, turned out to be 'The Truman Show'. Here's a guy whose whole life turns out to be one enormous illusion, and he finally musters the courage to confront it and transcend it...by holding tight to the memory of the only taste of reality he ever had, and turning it into a quest for truth.

I couldn't help but see myself (our group???) as Truman. Having to decide between the safety and security of his false world and the fear and unknowing that goes with it. So, I wonder...which part of my world is the illusion here? Where does this "soul group" fit in? Are these questions that all of us in the group are dealing with? I suppose that is why the question 'what's next?' comes up so often. It is really the question 'is this real?' in disguise.

I guess I have to remember this quote: "When you have come to the edge of all of the light you know, faith is knowing one of two things will happen--you will find solid ground under your feet, or you will be taught how to fly."

Love, P

From: Emma
Sent: Monday July 19
To: Pluto
Subject: Re: illusion

Pluto, your thoughts and insights are profound. I will need to spend some time reflecting on "Is this real?" I have been talking with a few others about the group, because my life is pretty much an open book and it is uppermost in my mind. My silent witness observes some reluctance (fear?) about the group. I wonder if it is because it is something I really want (and the wanting, in itself can cause things to go away from us rather than approach us). Maybe the group should talk about that question and talk about what does “real” look like when it comes to this group.

I think the connections between us are real, and I think our visions are real. You know, believing is seeing, so what is it that each of us sees? That might get to what we believe which would get to what is real for each of us. And then, if we create our reality, what is it we are creating? (This is almost getting a little too Gertrude Stein for me!!!)

The Truman Show is a great metaphor for the blindness with which we accept our surroundings, our blindness to the truth. He had that ache to know the Truth and didn't let anyone dissuade him from his search. There was something inside that kept him seeking. You know, the Buddhists say, "That which you are seeking is causing you to seek." Something is causing our group to seek one another and to seek community. My horoscope for this week talked about "dream your dream home (designing my life?), feed your roots, build your community (the soul group?)." I also believe we are in a time of deep introspection and are being called to let go of everything that holds us (mercury is in retrograde right now and my numerology chart says that's what I get to do for the next 18 months.) [Silent witness: as I read over that, it sounds way to woo-woo, AND I think there is truth to it.]

I see us meeting face to face. I will likely go to Denver in late September - early October to take care of some business and visit with my mom. I'm also very hopeful at continuing training with BCAL in the next year. I did an I Ching reading this morning about successfully bringing DALS into my agency and I got #9 Small Influences (Wilhelm/Baynes calls it The taming power of the small) but it seemed positive in that if I am watchful, don't try to push the river, but quietly work to incorporate the principles of DALS into MY work and my department's work, I'll have the opportunity to influence the outcome slowly. If I try for big changes, it will all fail. It changes to #61, Centering in Truth - I get from this a willingness to "see" not just "look." Interestingly, I have been affirming for the last 2-3 days, "Just for today, I will let go of my judgment of everything which occurs."

I found a used copy of the Wilhelm/Baynes book Third Edition in perfect condition. I also got the workbook. This is awesome stuff.

I want to go work in my yard for a bit. I'm feeling the need to be in nature and feel the richness and abundance of those gifts. It's also time to water some plants :-)

Take care, dear Pluto. I look forward to the time we meet and talk face to face. Even voice-to-voice would be good.

Love....................Emma