We're in troubled times...

Although we may feel a strong sense of urgency and a compulsion to act, what's needed right now is to slow down so we're able to connect and embody both WISDOM and COURAGE.

The temptation to 'take a side' or make a stand may be strong; yet, what we need is to take a 'Systemic Stance' - a place to stand that's 'Beyond Right or Wrong'.

This takes both courage, discernment and wisdom.

Wisdom is a much higher state of consciousness. We often relate it to age and experience; however in the 'Other World' it's connected to what's called 'Sophia Wisdom'.

It's SOPHIA WISDOM that Elder's can hear within the Deeper System...

I, the fiery life of divine wisdom

I ignite the beauty of the plains,

I sparkle the waters,

I burn the sun,

and the moon,

and the stars.

With wisdom I order rightly.

Above all, I determine truth.

- Hildegard von Bingen

'Sophia' Wisdom is little known or understood in our world, yet it's an ancient form of wisdom which dates back 2,500 years.

Sophia is an Ancient Greek word that means wisdom and is the central image of Greek philosophy. You can find it in the word "philosophy"

(philo-sophia), which literally translates to "love of wisdom". - Toko-pa Turner, The Dreaming Way

"Wisdom is the KNOWER in you" - J. Gary Sparks

Rather than the idea of wisdom being:

"To make one's beliefs and values cohere with one's actions"...

- Valerie Tiberius - The Reflective Life: Living Wisely with Our Limits, Oxford University Press (2008).

..."In the Wisdom writings of the ancient Hebrews, this quest for meaning wasn't an intellectual pursuit so much as a spiritual effort. The goal of wisdom was to come into communion with the divine order of things, written into the nature of life...

When we say we are following our calling, it is Sophia's voice we are hearing" - Toko-pa Turner

This month we're going to explore Sophia Wisdom, how this relates to the function of Eldering in the System and the Call to Culture Change.

We will begin with a short presentation of the subject and then open it up to the group for a wider discussion.

Cameras will be expected to be on; however there is never any pressure or expectation to speak or contribute to the discussion.

Image: Statue of Sophia in Sofia, Bulgaria