Lorenna’s Musings

Thomas Berry, cultural historian and scholar beautifully addresses our global situation and the shift in consciousness that is needed, and, is happening in his remarkable book ‘The Dream of the Earth’. His respect for Indigenous wisdom and insights coming from forward thinkers in the fields of physics and system theory, invites us to take seriously the possibility that we are entering another phase of human/earth evolution. One that will require what he and others refer to as the ‘creating of a new human’. I have pondered this deeply and the challenge that this offers me.  We have all developed our sense of reality based on the ‘cultural story’ we were born into. One culture might say that ‘success at any cost’ is the highest achievement of a culture. Another may say that ‘care of the Earth at any cost’ is the highest achievement. One’s life is then fashioned after these beliefs. But what is YOUR truth? Charles Eisenstein in his great book, ‘The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible’ speaks to the stories of the Industrial age that are destroying millions of years of evolutionary wonder in a remarkably short period of time. We are all so aware of the … Read more

She came into the world the spring of 1998 as cherry blossoms announced – ‘It really is Spring!’ I’m not sure which one was her mom. Both Shana and CC had litters within days of each other and saw no reason to claim ownership, rather, they shared their nourishment with whomever was in need. A barn all to themselves –except for the odd racoon – two healthy, loving moms and us loving them at every chance – well – it was a good life.  When it came time for solid foods, which their moms would bring them in the form of mice, chipmunks or rabbits, and I would bring them in the form of kibble, they all robustly attacked the bowl – except for one. She seemed always to looking at something that I couldn’t see and without rush or need would wonder over to the bowl when she was good and ready. By 7 weeks she was in our home and by 8 weeks she had learned to climb our 8 foot  ladder up to our bedroom in the attic and soon make our bed hers.  We were all in love. Even Shantree, who’s family tradition only allowed for … Read more

Here I am in my 70’s and still the healing from childhood isn’t finished. Not that I ever expected it to, but it shows me the depths of healing that is needed in this dysfunctional industrial culture. In the beautiful world that is coming children will not have to deal with society-invoked traumas. That will be something of the past and incomprehensible actually.  In the meantime this is the work that my and younger generations have been gifted with as we move through what Joanna Macy calls – The Great Turning. And I am serious when I say ‘gifted’. To be called to do this deep inner work of transforming the generational patterns that are inherited or passed on by culture or trauma so that future generations no longer have to deal with this is for me, a privilege that I take seriously. There is not one phobia that I have worked with in myself or with thousands of clients and students that does not stem from the culture we have created. Therefore, when I heal myself, it’s a drop in the collective consciousness that supports the healing of others and the transformation to a more beautiful world. I share … Read more

Advertising is designed to make you feel small and inadequate. Essentially dislike who you are so that you will buy their product to make you feel big and adequate. “I can give you something that will make you feel like the powerful, self-assured and radiant being that you know is the truth about who you are. But you need ‘this’ to feel this way.” Today, everywhere you turn something is telling you what will make you happier – this car – this hair do – this healthy food – being part of ‘this’ activist group – these exercises – this way of living life – from materialistic entrepreneurship to ‘save the planet’ entrepreneurship. Each advertisement speaks to some aspect of human need, and touches on different aspects of truth, such as the desire to love and be loved; feeling vitally alive and abundant is also natural, as is our innate desire to care for our planet. It’s, of course, the underlying motivation of an advertisement that I call to question. ‘You ‘need’ to buy, (fill in the blank)______, or do________ to make you feel good about the person you are.’ Advertising – and remember, advertising is everywhere – is designed … Read more

The first time I went to Costa Rica, 25 years ago, I had the opportunity to travel alone for part of my visit. While I loved journeying with my friend, there’s something special about traveling alone. More doors open for magic to happen.  I went to Costa Rica to experience a ‘tropical vacation’. I actually hadn’t been on a vacation since I lived with my parents. My attention was on holistic health and spiritual growth, so if I did any retreats, it was along these lines. I wanted to do something different. Let’s try a ‘vacation’ to a part of the world I was never drawn to. I had never even heard of  Costa Rica, so this was going to be an adventure. What I thought was going to be a traditional holiday turned out to change my life – forever. There’s something about the tropics and how it awakens one’s sensuality. Everything is so alive, fresh, green, lush and downright sexy. Yes, my body came alive. Dancing by the river, those brilliant starry nights and hot days, the power of each element, and oh yes, the beauty. Everything so new. I never imagined that there could be so much life in one place. … Read more

We are in a tight situation on planet Earth – our home. We need a new story. Not a tweaking of the old story, because it isn’t working – but a New story. The old story is born from a consciousness of separation. Humans over nature – each other and anything else we can think of. The new story has to be about Interbeing. Many of you will agree with this statement. Some will wonder what in the heck I’m talking about. After all – ‘Hasn’t it always been this way. Man versus nature?’ I say No – these are simply choices we’ve made based on beliefs that have turned into ‘truths’  It hasn’t always been man versus nature. Human’s used to live in harmony with nature, and some cultures still do. Honoring the cycles and respecting the limitations of Her bounty. Always aware to give back when you take. So what has happened that we have become so disconnected that we are destroying the very life systems that we depend upon? If an alien was watching us, they would say that this reeks of ‘insanity’. Yet, we see our actions as normal. The quest for power over & acquisition … Read more