Chuck’s Place: Initiation

Rites of initiation are painful transformations…
– Photo by Jan Ketchel

Initiation is instinct. Instinct is nature. Nature is the collective unconscious. The collective unconscious is the greater part of all that we are that we don’t know about.

We are born of egg and seed, the program of who we are set at conception. Nature provides initiation to reshape us at our necessary transitions in life, those important moments that are necessary to completely fulfill who we are.

Jung pointed out that our conscious attitude has the choice to submit to fulfilling who we are. On the other hand, if we choose incorrectly the collective unconscious will confront us, first in dream, next in neurosis and, ultimately, if we miss those calls, in the events we encounter in our lives, which will be fashioned to enforce our initiation.

Ancient tribes were closest to nature’s imperative. The great transition from childhood to adulthood was required by all through participation in initiations of severe torture and deep mystery to enact a shedding of the immature child self and the solid formation of a mature adult self capable of taking proper care of self and other.

Our modern world has long lost its connection to and respect for “primitive” initiation rites. On a global scale the results of this lost connection are evident in the puer aeternus leaders caught in the immaturity of their preadolescent sex and power games.

As a world, we are increasingly engulfed in a world of addiction. Ultimately, addiction is preadolescent fixation on dependency and power and, at the same time, an attempt to challenge the self to transform by going too far. Sometimes that leap is fatal. Sometimes it leads to consequences that awaken spiritual transformation and transition into adulthood.

One thing is certain, though we may refuse the call to initiation it will find us in some form in this modern world of ours. Our leaders are definitely creating the conditions for worldwide transformation right now, though they have no idea what nature has in store for them.

As individuals, if we search the truth that resides within us we will identify the initiations we are ourselves in the midst of. If we can join our intent with nature’s intent to become who we truly our, we free ourselves from the victim mentality that rages against the harshness of our initiation and solidify into the mature adult beings we truly are meant to become, marching toward fulfillment at last.

No easy road to freedom,

Chuck

Soulbyte for Friday December 30, 2016

Life is full of disappointments, changes, unasked for trials, but rather than wallow in self-pity stand up tall and ask, “What is the reason, the meaning, the why in this?” Like a warrior take on life, no matter its trials and tribulations, with a fearless heart, a strong mind, and a firm conviction that there is meaning in everything, and then seek it out. For indeed, that is life’s unfolding, a constant deepening into the meaningfulness of it all. It’s where life takes you whether you want to go or not, into the deeper meaning. Grab onto life as it comes and wring the living gifts out of it, for they are there to be found even in the most devastating of happenings. Take life one day at a time, one step at a time, one heartbeat at a time, staying always on the path of meaning. It’s the right one.

-From the Soul Sisters, Jan & Jeanne

Soulbyte for Thursday December 29, 2016

Let generosity never go out of fashion. Kindness should never become a rare gem. To please another is to please the self. To bear the tension of times of change without malice is the epitome of loving kindness. That’s where your energy should go now, into staying humanely respectful and respecting, full of generous spirit, though you must also bear the pain of transformation because that’s what’s happening now, real transformation in the world. Get ready. Stay steady. Be loving, always.

-From the Soul Sisters, Jan & Jeanne

Soulbyte for Wednesday December 28, 2016

Reflective, receptive, open minded and open hearted, letting in and letting out, these are the appropriate workings for this time of year. A year soon ends, a new one begins. Time to empty and begin anew. Time to reflect on the past and be receptive to the future. Time to let old stale thoughts go, old yearnings too, and let new fresh ideas and new truths emerge from deep within the self and take their rightful places. Time to be of new heart and new mind. Time to ascertain the power of the self to change. It’s all in your hands. It’s never too late!

-From the Soul Sisters, Jan & Jeanne

Soulbyte for Tuesday December 27, 2016

Every intention is infused with energy. Every thought has power behind it. Remember this when you intend harm. Remember this when you think negatively. Turn your life around and perhaps that of another by intending good and thinking positively. Real power lies in what and how you intend and think. Do a good deed and use your power wisely for yourself and others. There is no harm in doing good!

-From the Soul Sisters, Jan & Jeanne