Communion Members' BLOG
Communion Blog Postings on Chapter Five of The Quest of Rose Heather writes: The evening of sharing was woven together in diversity of opinion yet connected by the same thread of thoughts as each one of us shared our feelings. How interesting the ritual once again of the different photographs of women and how some of us were drawn to the same picture but for different reasons at that time. I think this just adds to the mystery of discovery and wonder of how one can be drawn to the same thing but with a different perspective. There is such an evident yearning in all of us to really get it right this time. To crossover into that future of becoming , future human. To embrace this new beginning without prejudice or judgement, to simply be an instrument of love, to be able to understand humanity by the art of listening. To listen to each other's journey and what has made us become who we are or in the midst of becoming who we are meant to be.
I love these passages from page 127:
"Real change starts small, by living intentionally through the daily interactions of our lives. The ultimate goal is not to save our world from collapsing but to be the world we wish to live in."
"Through consistent love and care, our world will transform, as will each of us."
"Life renews itself every minute, and so can you by being part of its renewal." Communion Blog Postings on Chapter Four
December 2, 2021
Ruth writes: The joys and reverberations of this chapter continue to grow this morning after a fruitful discussion in last night's Zoom Room. Our discussion around the subject of suffering/brokenness seemed to me to bring us to a new level of collaborative searching. It reminded me again of the new path upon which Matthew Fox set us with his theology of Original Blessing. At the time of its publication it was a radical departure from the approved narrative, but now seems to me at least, to be the most faithful representation of the underpinnings of the bright future to which we aspire. Unlike Original Sin, which requires making someone wrong (thus duality), Original Blessing affirms the goodness and worth of all Creation at its inception. It makes possible the Peaceable Kingdom of the animal world, many examples of which are becoming more and more evident in the “strange” friendships among species. It provides the framework for the formation of Beloved Community based on the common created worth.
All of Creation is in harmony because all are blessed and all can be a blessing. This is the vision which excites and calls me, and to which I wholeheartedly commit. Finally, I would share this poem of Hafiz, which came to me serendipitously at the end if the call, while I was looking for something else:
You, that come to birth in order to bring the Mysteries back to life;
all of you who came to life to bring the wonder back;
your Voice in song makes all the creatures very happy.
So please sing from your soul and tear the veil off
this moment of becoming.
Heather writes: I want to thank everyone once again for the shared pearls of wisdom in this quest, our quest journeying with Rose. Our quest for a future becoming!!
"Somewhere over the Rainbow"... how selectively chosen was this piece !!!!! Rainbows present themselves after a storm, turbulence, chaotic weather systems and they come in beauty, displaying colours in perfect harmony. They are segways into a more tranquil time in nature. They announce a new beginning. So it is with this present day quest, this travel with Rose. There is a symbolic ark of the covenant, rainbow-like connections that will help us from the old into the new.
I liked the chatter about turning inward to our own internal compass, to reflect on our moral and ethical attributes and beliefs. To sit quietly and review what needs changing so we can be armed with the love, compassion and hope to move forward into becoming that future human. To take with us the very fabric of principle and integrity weaving the old tapestry into the new. To ignite the inner flame that will guide us out of darkness, as quoted from Rose:
"invoke our moral passion for doing what is right and necessary by guiding us to our own architect power"
" a common Polaris that can guide us through this difficult time”
Till we meet again, let the blessings of the Universe keep us focused.
Clara sends us this poem by Jan Phillips:
Think of yourself as a thought of the Infinite One
made flesh by your sheer desire to see and be seen.
Think of yourself as nature looking upon nature
in awe at its grandeur, in tears for its wounds
Nature loving itself, healing itself, speaking out for itself.
Think of yourself as a vessel of stardust and clay,
a child of the cosmos evolving and transforming
every minute of the day
matter into energy, particle into wave, mortal into Immortal.
Think of yourself as a soul who took on a body
to be of use, to radiate love and receive it in return—
Think of yourself as a shaman whose hands heal whatever they touch;
as a storyteller whose words fall like rain on a drought stricken land,
whose stories are medicine---miracles—
that heal the sick and raise the dead.
Think of yourself as a circle holding yin and yang,
as unity cradling the dualities in your arms.
Think of yourself as thought leaning toward radiance,
an early dawn rising into daylight.
Think of yourself as necessary—purposeful, here for a reason—
remember, you came here to light the world.
Deep inside you the fire of creation burns day and night,
atoms from the Big Bang spin and swirl in your blood and bones,
your lungs and your legs.
Like salt in the tear, joy in the laughter, the Holy One is in you,
being scattered like seeds across the land as you speak and write
and reach out to touch.
You are the hands and feet, the eyes and ears of the Great Beloved
It is time now that each of us say what happened
and what we learned.
To reveal ourselves is to heal ourselves—
and to heal ourselves is to heal each other and the world entire.
From our revelations of intimacy and truthfulness,
vulnerability and generosity, the future takes shape and enters into us---
OUR words made flesh, OUR thoughts made real.
Yes, think of yourself as a creator…
the peace you desire, the justice you cry for ---
these will come as we speak them into being.
As the cosmos is being created by the Mind of the Infinite One,
this world is being created by the minds of the finite ones,
by us.
Let us be mindful and full of care for the words we speak,
the thoughts we think,
the stories we tell…for these are the tools
with which we build tomorrow.
The Quest of Rose BLOG for November 25, 2021
Heather writes:What a sacred journey we have embarked on!! Thank you all for accompanying me into new frontiers, not clearly defined yet... with each step forward and the individual wisdom shared, it is making this quest so much more precious!
How insightful Anne Kathleen in your creative nature to begin with the emotion cards. It drew me into the picture that described my emotional state and caused me to reflect deeper on its meaning for me and the symbolism that paralleled my day.
As well the re-reading of the Reflection "The Holy Grail of Communication" sparked a common theme as well in the words that fit our gathering so appropriately last evening: "co creating systems and cultures, a partnership where taking care of our planet and one another is the most natural and obvious thing to do " and again from Chapter Three: "most of the old systems are unable to guide us into the future or prepare us for who we are to become."
In our vulnerable moments, newness is unleashed in the sharing of our woundedness. In addressing my own woundedness and in sharing this in a private space, I can finally put words to the hurt, the sorrow, the brokenness that, once emptied, makes a room for new beginnings. Like Mother Earth, she is exposing the wounds produced by so many years of abuse, neglect and disrespect, of suppression held till the continuing of the old can only lead to death. Internal combustion needs an escape and once untethered gives way to a brighter outcome.
I am fuelled by the sharing amongst us and inspired at a deeper level, a soul connection that is birthing a collective love. Thank you...Thank you!!
I picked up my copy of "To Bless the Space Between Us" by John O'donohue and it opened up to this page and so I end with what I feel may be so apropos for us and the journey we are on.
“When you travel,
A new silence
Goes with you.
And if you listen,
You will hear
What your heart would
Love to say.
“A journey can become a sacred thing:
Make sure, before you go,
To take the time
To bless your going forth,
To free your heart of ballast
So that the compass of your soul
Might direct you toward
The territories of spirit
Where you will discover
More of your hidden life,
And the urgencies
That deserve to claim you.
“May you travel in an awakened way,
Gathered wisely into your inner ground,
That you may not waste the invitations
Which wait along the way to transform you.”
Suzanne writes: Thanks to you Anne Kathleen for bringing your deep insight into Rose’s reflection “within every challenge there’s a potential solution that requires a new or different state of consciousness.” Who was it who said the consciousness that created the problem cannot be the same consciousness that solves it. So, heartfelt knowing is not limited to humans but is a partnership with the intelligence of the planet, indeed of the cosmos.
Heartfelt reflection, Anne Kathleen, “on to Mombassa “
BLOG: for November 18th on Chapter Two of “The Quest of Rose”
Heather writes: My thoughts of last evening lingered long into the night and this morning and really got the better of me so here I have put it on paper once again.
Wow! What an epic night of truth revealing, of vulnerability and honesty in our sharing as we attempt to continue this journey of discovery into a new way of thinking, of being, into an awakening we really can no longer ignore. The shifting is being signalled by Mother Earth, being heard in the gentle breezes and the strong winds as our grounding and rootedness is being shaken and nature announces this turbulence.
As I reread notes from Chapter Two and from the sharing this is what resonated:
"keeping some of the old, what brings you joy, as you move on to a new reality "
"your view of your life as a story often determines how life will treat you"
"if you see life as a trivial story, you may fall into inertia and defeat"
"seeing your life as a great story can fuel you with passion, grant codes, give you a mythic life and higher purpose"
Imagine the hesitancy Rose experienced while in her coma: Should I leave or should I say "yes" to a new way of living? We know what seed Rose chose to plant, the choice she made.
Perhaps, that is where our hesitancy lies as well, can we leave the old that does not serve us well anymore and carry the memories that fan the flame as we step over the threshold into an awakened awareness that change is happening and there is a place for us in this new level of existence?
The intensity we speak about is trying to stir us out of complacency. Are not our hearts burning with a desire we cannot put words to?
Many times in transformation, we don't know what is ahead of us and in the struggle with change we miss seeing the new self we are becoming. Our very being is being pried open and yet we can't behold what it will become once opened.
And then a break in the heaviness as "Mama Mia" propelled us into dance and yes in the clever words of the song "Mama Mia, here we go again, my my how can I resist you?" A bit of the old reassuring us we are ok and we can rewrite the messaging without fear and negativity.
"a rebirth of the self, "
“hold in your heart the intention of abundant creative goodness"
As we continue our journey under the direction of Rose and her grandmother, let us be each other’s voice of wisdom, insight, encouragement and love. Holding you all in blessing, Heather
Suzanne writes: Some musings from last night's reflections on Chapter Two: As Anne Kathleen pointed out, this is not a Ph.D. Course, no grades given. Sooo, relax, savour.
Having said that, "the future self already exists as a cosmic potential within your own imaginal self which activates the possibility as well as the transformative powers, for realizing these possibilities. The Universe renews itself from the imaginable realm of consciousness, and you can do the same."
How to do this? Therein lies the rub. I believe it was Mary Ellen who commented that we are already sending out goodness and abundance.
This Communion is a remarkable thoughtful group sending out abundance. What is the next step? Anne Kathleen quoted Julian, "speak to us as each heart needs to hear."
In Gratitude, Suzanne
Ruth writes: Thank you, Suzanne. I agree that we have a wonderful, thoughtful group of friends gathered for this endeavour. One thing I have been thinking about this morning is how to keep moving forward as most seem to want to do, but still allow for deeper thought and sharing on certain chapters. Thus far my process has been to read the chapter and underline what stands out for me. Then a few days later a second reading takes me deeper and I see new things. On the day of our meeting, I reread again and by that time the message for me personally has come together. Perhaps something of the same sort could work for the group. This first time through we are hitting the highlights, but we might make note of those areas which need more exploration. One such area which both Carol O-B. and I found in Chapter 2 was The Holy Grail of Communication. It could take us into many side streets, not the least of which is interpretation of scripture itself. Blessed day to all, Ruth
Communion Blog November 11, 2021
Karen Holmes writes: We have begun our Quest with Rose. Rose, the woman, who has dared cross the threshold and remember it. Rose, the listener who bears the name of a sacred flower whose five-fold curves have often been compared to the shape of a human ear. Rose who “holds all things in her heart.”
I picked up this book because of the word Rose. I thought maybe Jean Houston and Anneloes Smitsman might be going to tell me something about the Mystic Rose Compass, or the Feminine Mysteries of Chartres, or even the Rosicrucians. (Roses have always been my favourite flower: I have planted a garden of them and I eagerly await their unfurling each spring.)
Instead, it’s not really about knowledge ‘out there’. It’s about what’s in us: how we contain the entirety of the cosmos within; and how the cosmos ‘out there’ calls to us to realize our beauty, vocation and majesty. A seed has been laid within us – long, long ago. We were born into this Earth, carrying this seed. We often forgot it was there. It was laid in us in the past; and it calls to us from the future as a magnet that could align all of the seemingly disparate ‘iron filings’ of our soul.
It takes Rose being in a Covid-induced coma to create the cocoon through which she can awaken to the new aligned life. This cocoon is her place of Resurrection and Transformation. In the cocoon, she becomes aware that her body is not its physical shape, but the process of Life that created it (p.20). In this womb of rebirth, she encounters the force of Life who gives her many images and truths. With her friend Sophie, she is not about to forget these truths and just “let things get back to normal.”
We could forget what we have been given over these past 20 months of Covid. We could decide that that was just an unpleasant dream; an alternate reality that we can now set aside. That would be amistake. We have been invited into Rose's cocoon. Do we want a still-birth so that all can appear normal upon exit? Or do we take up the images of Life which have been given to us – truths of Life that have become more intimately near to us through the proximity of Death – and seek the Butterfly that we are, dancing in union with the Universe?
Like Rose, we have chosen to journey together. Rose turned to Sophie; she shared openly with her grandmother and with the male nurse who attended her while unconscious. This to me is a call for all of us to share openly; to share abundantly of the heart – to not keep the individual and collective experiences we have had locked away somewhere in a drawer (or in journal pages).
I am touched how people’s memories speak in and through present encounters – with a leaf, with a song. One image speaks of a caring mother who brought a special book to a sick child; another speaks of a beloved sister whose inclusion in a family gathering was so important that she drove 3 hours to get her. These are seeds laid in the ground – deep in their soul-spirit – and the future – Rose’s future – calls us to activate them in the love-song of the universe. They will express themselves in new and wondrous ways.
Many years ago when I worked as an ESL teacher, a man who I ‘taught’ shared with me an old phrase he had learned in the old country of Sicily. I can still see him now, speaking to me with a kind smile upon his lips and a sad-joyful wisdom in his eyes. I was just about to get married. He said, “Se vuoi cogliere la rosa, non temere la spina”: If you want to pick the Rose, fear not the thorn. His words --in him and in Rose -- are calling me into a future of beauty, abundance, courage.
Carol Ohmart Behan writes: With a conflict last Tuesday, last night's gathering was my initial one with my Sister Questers. Our hour and a half together was rich and delightful on many levels. And there was a certain sense of celebration in our mutual agreement to "set off" together on this metaphysical Adventure-Quest. The "dance break" to ABBA's "I Have a Dream" sure added to this! I wish to thank everyone for their wonderful sharings--not unlike other Zoom calls--but I felt and sensed a new level of openness of heart and soul in what "came through" last night. The powerful portal of 11.11 is tomorrow as I write this....another lovely affirmation of the portal we've entered joining Rose on her Quest.
Heather McGuinty writes: I so enjoyed our gathering (Tuesday) evening as women seekers sharing their thoughts and reflections, insights on chapter one. Meeting Rose in chapter one has touched all of us in different ways yet there was a common thread of desire to know more, to be lured into an unknowing yet knowing we are being called to a new universe. We are the chrysalis of transformation holding space in a womb that is preparing us for birthing, rebirthing. The resounding statements that confirmed our yearnings:" the choice to renew your life from a new cycle of time"; "Universes shedding their old skins, periods of renaissance"; "You cannot renew your life from old realities, enter the consciousness of your future potential"; "If part of your life is dying or sick then something inside you is seeking to be reborn."
The words "trust and surrender" became a mantra that was expressed by more than one. How fortunate we are at this time in our lives to be called, to answer the calling with a "YES.” Let's do this together, let's hold each other recognizing our growth as separate but collectively supporting our transitional moments. This ongoing conversion confirms our soulful integration in unity and love that will be filled by grace fulfilling moments, no doubt. My heart is filled with gratitude for the journey I am embarking on…travelling with companions filled with wisdom, warmth and unconditional love.
“The Quest of Rose” Week One: BLOG for November 4, 2021
Colette Writes: Here is what I have to say about our first Zoom coming together in this new phase of the Communion of Creative Fire.
I was eager and happy to see the companions who presented on screen for the journey: some familiar faces and two new ones I was happy to meet, two I know already who are yet to come.
I was happy to hear about the intensive weekend some of them lived with Jean Houston and Anneloes Smitsman. They provided context for us to enter into the experience that lies ahead. Something like an initiation. After reading the introduction and the first chapter, I get a sense that this will be about EXPANSION for me as well as a big time ADVENTURE in the company of beautiful engaged women. I am grateful for the opportunity and the challenge that lies ahead.
The ending ritual we were invited to participate in was very meaningful as well as an excellent way to bring our time together to closure
.
Carol Zickell writes: Last night I was touched by our group's sincerity and generosity of spirit. I have always loved the beach and I'm fortunate to live by the ocean. The guided beach practice (p. 190 in The Quest of Rose) is very powerful for me. This time I felt the ocean waves coming ashore with an ease in the flow of understanding. For me it hinted at less grasping and pressure with its usual demand to understand and know and more related to the natural order as a way of being and understanding.
I'm excited to enter this material of heart, mind and soul with a group that is so willing to explore it together.
Heather writes: The gathering last night was a coming together of women sharing the same desire and willingness to let go of any barrier that might hinder the birthing of new horizons. Newness, awareness that we are a collective consciousness wanting more. I felt a deep yearning and steadfast focus from everyone expressing an anticipation of wanting more and wanting to be part of this internal compass that will direct our ways. This bigness that is greater than us but that we are so much a part of. A new spirituality or enhancing of the old is igniting in us "a powerful Yes" to a consciousness of the higher emergence of these times. Friends of like minds wanting to see more deeply, to look at life and spirituality from a different dimension, to fulfill our life's purpose in this life time, a unique and beautiful, intense, and delightful way forward, to be a healing presence in this world. I like this poem from Rumi: There are ways of being born twice, of coming to where you fly, not individually like birds, but as the sun moves across the sky with its bride.
Mary Ellen writes: Thanks to the Spirit in all of us who led us to a new moment in our journey together. As I listened at our Zoom gathering last evening, and as I spoke, it seemed more and more clear to me that we are experiencing the evolution of the Cosmos; we are part of it. Anneloes and Jean have been deeply engaged in that evolving consciousness all their lives, and so has each of us in our own ways. There has been an energy preparing us for this "new moment" of "Yes", of courageous, trusting commitment to a Future calling us, and yet not visible to us. We are called to remain open to everything within and without which will be the "compass" for our path. And we are held in Love as we take our first steps.
It is interesting to me that I find myself sensing a congruence with spiritualities and wisdom which are already part of my life. And it seems as though this can be an integration of wisdoms for all time, recognizing where they are leading now in our evolution. They will all help us to heal, to become freed from what hinders us from moving on. Gradually, in freedom and drawn by great Love and Wisdom, we can become the "butterflies" we are created to be. And deeply meaningful to me is that such personal evolution can never be for me alone. With the interconnectedness and interrelatedness of all, each of our journeys is one with the Cosmic Journey and so for the good and healing and freeing into wholeness of all. What a magnificent Calling! I am immensely grateful for my companions on the Journey.
