Oil spill and the power of love
The oil spill in the Golf Coast reveals we are at a critical moment in time, a crossroads. We can continue to pray, hope and wish our world would go back to being the way it was or we can decide to change and make cocreate a new world. In order to do so I believe we have to transcend the physical world.
Albert Einstein once said, "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it."
We need to "rise above the battleground" and work together towards spiritual solutions. Please join me.
1. Think, be and do everything in love. Scientists say 2.5 million gallons of oil leak daily. Instead of reacting with blame, anger, fear and judgement what if we daily counteracted the oil spill with 2.5 million acts of kindness and loving energy? What if we invited other countries to do the same?
Love is the answer to all of our problems. When we collectively align our minds in love we become happy, healthy human beings. From a loving state it becomes impossible to harm ourselves or others and destroy our planet. Create feelings of love for yourself, family, friends and life itself.
2. Expand on that love. Focus mindful compassion, love and prayers on the thousands of fisherman, restaurant owners, volunteers participating in the clean up and the geniuses, engineers and technicians around the world involved in the solution.
If you want to submit ideas for a solution, go to the official Deepwater Horizon Response website.
3. Bless and pray for BP, the oil industry and all it's employees. Surround them in love and light. BP wouldn't exist without consumers (me and you). See them successfully stopping the leak. Unite in spirit with them.
4. Shift your perception of the oil spill from fear to love. In your mind fill the hole with loving energy. Feel the ripple of your love and positivity surrounding people, plants, and wildlife.
5. Focus your mind on love, beauty, kindness, generosity, light and all that is good about our planet and take your mind off the photos of destruction.
6. Have faith in our ability to change and cocreate a solution. Is your faith in the power of the destruction of the oil disaster or in the power of God to transform the disaster and destruction? (Marianne Willaimson)
7. View the oil spill as a learning opportunity for your soul. Accept what is happening and decide to respond to it and all those involved with a compassionate heart and a loving attitude.
8. Take a personal inventory. If you find yourself projecting anger on BP, the president or another, ask yourself, "Where have I acted irresponsibly? What have I destroyed? Where have I cut costs? What disharmony have I caused? How do I waste? When have I been dishonest? What are my personal lessons in this disaster?
9. Take personal responsibility and effective action to reduce the use of oil. Oil comprises the raw material for containers, bags, bottles, fertilizers, makeup and household products. Cut down on your personal consumption of oil and oil based products. Purchase green products from companies that respect nature and humans and aren't dependent on oil.By changing our individual behavior we become the change we want to see in the world.
10. Give up your insane wishes of accumulating more, bigger and better. The United States uses 75% of the worlds resources. Practice gratitude and appreciation for all that you own.
11. Live in the present moment. Living in fear of the future robs you of positive connection, synchronistic support and peace of mind.
Solutions are found in embracing the catastrophe, accepting responsibility for our part in the problem and becoming part of the solution.
12. Meditate fifteen minutes a day and ask for spiritual clarity and inspired solutions. Take action on your answers. Invite others to do the same.
13. Create more peace and less busyness in your life. A calm mind will create a calmer and more peaceful world.
14. Become more cooperative and forgiving in your relationships. Doing so will create a ripple effect that embraces all humans.
15. See the sea turtles, pelicans, fish and other marine life fly or swim safely away from the oil spill.
16. Volunteer to clean up the beaches or help with the wildlife.Volunteer opportunities are also available in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. Please visit this website for more information if you are interested in volunteering to support cleanup efforts.
17. Expect a Miracle. Over fifteen years ago I spent a week learning experiential therapy in Tuscan Arizona. There was a large sign at the entrance of the center that stated, "Expect a Miracle." Only after the training ended, leaving the compound could you see the other side of the sign, "You Are The Miracle."
Know that you are the miracle, you are the solution. Together we each are a piece of the puzzle that contains the answer to a new world. Without you, your part or piece, the puzzle will never be complete. Let's join together and create the change we want to see…our time is running out.
Advice from mentors I follow:
Thich Nhat Hanh
In this excerpt from his important new book, The World We Have, Thich Nhat Hanh offers us the guiding principles for a new ecospirituality of mindful living.
"The American dream is no longer possible for the Americans. We cannot continue to live like this. It is not a sustainable economy.
We have to have another dream: the dream of brotherhood and sisterhood, of loving-kindness and compassion and that dream is possible right here and now. We have the dharma; we have the means; we have enough wisdom to be able to live this dream. Mindfulness is at the heart of awakening, of enlightenment. We practice breathing to be able to be there in the present moment, so that we can recognize what is happening in us and around us. If what’s happening inside us is despair, we have to recognize that and act right away. We may not want to confront that mental formation, but it is a reality and we have to recognize it in order to transform it.
Close your eyes and send healing, loving and peaceful thoughts for the recovery of the gold ecosystem."
Marianne Williamson
Spiritual author, activist and lecturer, Marianne Williamson has begun a global prayer chain for a miracle to stop the oil spill She asks that we collectively spend one minute at noon daily envisioning the oil leak plugged. She also advises offering atonement for our personal addiction to oil and the part we play in creating a society dependent on oil. I've set my cell phone alarm for noon to join in prayer.
Micheal Beckwith
Founder and spiritual director of Agape International Spiritual Center, Micheal encourages us to stand in the vibration of God and feel the bliss in it, even now in our world of war, poor economy and oil spill. Send out blessings and appreciation. Notice who is swimming around you in life. Tell them:
"I see you. I see your potential. I see the beauty all through you. I see the power and the poise moving through you. God has blessed you. Let your life be a blessing. Come on out and play. I'm willing to play with you."
He also encourages us to untether ourselves from the material world and see with our heart instead of our senses. We have a soul commitment to wake up and see the love and potential in all. God is everywhere.
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I love this, Tess! I especially like the part about praying for BP. Yes, they made a huge mistake, and yes, they have done a great deal of damage to the world, but they *are* trying to fix it as quickly and efficiently as they can, they *are* taking steps to make things right with the local populations that have been affected the most. In short, they’re doing the best they can.
I understand that people can easily get mad at a faceless corporation, but we need to stop and realize that those are real people, with homes and families and bills to pay and dogs that like to go for walks and everything else. They deserve our love and compassion just as much as anyone else. Just as much as the commercial fishermen, the hotel owners, the vacationers that like to visit the sandy white beaches that might be lost forever.
If you’re not praying for a solution, expecting a miracle, then you’re not helping. I believe it was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: “It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Light a candle for BP, for the government, for the people, for the animals, and for the whole planet.
.-= Jay Schryer´s last post…Against the Wind =-.
There is no miracle about it: saving the world takes personal commitment and hard work.
.-= Eduard @ People Skills Decoded´s last post…Stop trying to control your emotions! =-.
Absolutely, incredibly powerful post, Tess. I’m almost speechless after reading it. It is wise in a way that stirs the Divine within me. Your words are poetic, heartfelt, and yet practical. Practical spirituality; practical healing.
Love is our greatest answer in any challenge. Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Love… send loving energy. Set the intention of love, even if you don’t know what it “looks” like or “how” to send it. Just intend it. “I want to send love. I want to BE love.” So it shall be.
My goodness, I will share this awesome post with as many people I know whose hearts, minds and souls will be stirred by your compassionate wisdom here today.
Thank you, my wondrous friend… Thank you for BEING the light!
Excellent! Just blogged about it on my blog!!!
.-= jenn´s last post…computer…woes… and Fathers Day =-.
I love this, Tess. What a great call to action. It is interesting how we all blindly took on a victim mentality when this oil spill struck. When we take 100% responsibility for our lives we can see that we are complicit as consumers. It is so easy to cast BP as evil and we as their innocent victims. When we stop the “poor me” game we can see clearly and take action to help heal this wound. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the great perspective.
Jay,
I’m so grateful to have a friend like you whom thinks like I do. It makes life more joyful and the road less bumpy. I’m so happy we met in person and I know our friendship will deepen along the way. Thanks for your support, Jay.
Eduard,
I think the miracle is our “willingness.” We only need a little willingness and Spirit will do the rest. Thank you for your support.
Megan,
Thank you for joining me in the light. We simply forget sometimes that the answer is the same for every problem: Love! If we remember this we don’t have to spin our wheels so much. I want to remember! I’m happy to have friends who walk the same path and are reminders for me as well. Love ya more!
Jenn,
You are the best and I appreciate your help! And so does the rest of the planet:0)
Rob,
I think at first the problem is so ugly we can’t even imagine that we’re part of it. Once we do we immediately have part of the solution. Thanks so much for taking the time out to comment and join the healing process.
.-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…Oil Spill: Taking Personal Responsibility =-.
Tess, wonderful post. So glad to see someone focused on ALL the levels we can respond, from physical, to social, to emotional, to spiritual. Thank you! – Lisa
.-= Lisa (mommymystic)´s last post…LoVE – Pay it Forward =-.
Tess, those are some sane suggestions for an insane dilemma, but I’ll be honest with you: I get the feeling that most people would sooner point fingers and dole out judgement from on high than do anything. Still, what you’ve said needs to be said, again and again and again and again and… well, until people finally sit up and listen.
Here in Oz, we’ll do what we can. I may even pet a duck (if it’ll let me).
Tess – I second completely all that Megan said and will add that….
…these words from you are just incredible!!! This is, according to me the BEST post you have ever written.
The level of consciousness that you have expressed here is humbling. And the solutions you presented take into account every aspect from a heart-centered approach.
THESE ARE the words, advice and steps of the new world that we have already begun to create. A world where love will be the normal way of life.
THIS IS the ultimate solution!
.-= Evita´s last post…A Special Conversation With God About Inner and Outer Changes =-.
Lisa,
Your welcome and thank you for standing by me in the solution, tweeting and commenting about it. I’m grateful.
Tony,
OMG thanks so much for adding your support and humor to the entire situation. I’ll go pet ducks with you!
Evita,
I consider you one of my mentors so I appreciate your kind, lovely words. Namaste!
Hi Tess, good stuff. I see it as a contest between greed and love. Money feeds greed. If enough people stop feeding the greed machine, it will vanish. Consumers have the power to change everything if enough of them are willing to make sacrifices and to think like responsible citizens of this beautiful planet.
.-= Jonathan – Advanced Life Skills´s last post…5 Ways to Assure Success =-.
Tess, Ho’Oponopono at its best. This is indeed the way to go for a solution beyond the level it is created on. THIS will create a miracle, this is what is possible. Oh my friend, this is beautiful and I can not add anything that people before me already have said. THIS is the way to go forward and you are a shining light. Much love, Wilma
.-= Wilma Ham´s last post…What are your issues with migrating to ‘Heaven on Earth’? =-.
Thank you Tess for your kind comment back
.-= Evita´s last post…A Special Conversation With God About Inner and Outer Changes =-.
Tess:
I find it difficult to sit and watch the live feed of oil gushing into the water. I have also found it difficult to feel any sense of peace regarding the spill/leak. I am no fisherman and live thousands of miles from the gulf, but I feel personally insulted by what has happened. I have wanted to Twitter every angry thought that has filled my mind…and I’ve had a lot of these thoughts.
All that being said, I love your suggestions. I think they are brilliant! Honestly, I would not have thought to pray for and visualize all of these positive vibes…but it makes so much sense to do so. Thank you, as well, for some of the book suggestions at the end of the post. Thank you for this post!
.-= Tim´s last post…Strategic Partnerships: YouTube Play =-.
What a great list. I love the point about taking responsibilty. We are all too quick to blame but without us ‘needing’ the products, BP would not exist!
We all make mistakes – some have impact on us alone, or our nearest and dearest – some have an impact worldwide. But we are all human and mistakes happen so we definitely need to focus on forgiveness.
Many thanks for giving me a different perspective,
Kate
Tess, thank you for creating this from your heart, with your highest hopes and intentions. These are beautiful and powerful suggestions. So often, at times like these, we can feel jaded, bitter, powerless – even rage-filled. You provide us with powerful solutions to counteract all of that. None of us have any “excuse,” really, to do nothing. We each can do something. Even a very small something – one prayer, one email, one decision not to buy. Just one, stacked upon millions of other “ones” can turn the tide. I believe that. But we must begin…Take a step. Blessings to you for inviting us to take that step….xo
Tess,
“God is everywhere”…and we are one….
You have written this beautifully – and through the eyes of compassion – reading here is a completely different feel than we normally hear about this oil spill (or any number of other things that have similarly happened). The truth is that this HAS happened. And there are people working very hard to fix this. That’s not always what we hear.
LOVE is a wonderful thing. And your words shine upon that fact even more. When we focus with LOVE and compassion, we look at the world around us differently…and in a more caring way. And that’s such a good thing.
Tess, thank you for this….
.-= Lance´s last post…Hills of Africa – A Journey Into You =-.
Us
As the brotherhood of man has jumped on and off the shelf,
Mankind has tended the time of blame.
Because he who maintains his happy self,
Can be happy, just the same.
Mankind has always been on the same road,
Forever choosing another trail.
Because, carrying another’s load,
Is like chasing another’s tail.
The soul understanding that mankind shares,
Gives us the opportunity to know;
That he who is separate, continually cares,
And he who is a part, continues to grow.
It is because mankind is separate in perfect order,
That we are allowed to learn to advance.
Mankind, therefore, is never on the border,
And the soul is never lost to chance.
Just as the Biblical memories have been filed,
In order that mankind may come together.
The hearts and minds will go wild,
But the soul will manage the weather.
- Sandra Hendricks -
.-= Sandra Hendricks´s last post…What Motivates You to Take Action? =-.
This was lovely. Thank you. For the first 4 or 5 days of the “spill” I did the “bitching and moaning” thing, blaming BP and all those who quest for profit bla bla bla. That righteous feeling is so satsifying and familiar, isn’t it? But then I remembered what I know. I remembered that nothing happens in the particular. I remembered that prayer works and that there is a silver lining buried somewhere in the ugliness of the circumstances.
This posting is a great “to do” list for everything in life. Thank you for your consciousness and willingness to take the high road where the view is always better and the air is always cleaner.
Hi Tess – These are the most sensible ideas I’ve read since the oil spill. Too many people are just getting angry but as you pointed out, that won’t achieve a thing.
Jonathan,
Yes I see greed yet I think we’re all greedy to a degree. So down with greed and up with love and care for each other and the planet. I appreciate your support!
Wilma,
You are a beautiful friend. I so appreciate your support and love…Let me know if you need any help from me…ever!
Tim,
I think anger is fine but it’s a stage we need to move out of to find solutions. Thanks for appreciating my work. Welcome to the bold life. I’m grateful.
Kate,
You’re welcome and forgiveness for self and others is always on top of my to do list…daily;)
Jan,
Thanks for your visit and support. I’m here to bless and help my readers anything more is a bonus;) I appreciate you!
Lance,
Yes I believe we can move mountains and dissolve oil spills with love, compassion and action. Your welcome my friend;)
Cathy,
Love your avatar. LOL You’re welcome and we all start out in shock, anger etc. We experience this as tragedy and loss. In the end if we learn from it we’ll have more love and compassion in our hearts for each other and the planet. Thanks for your support!
Cath,
Thanks so much for your support and stopping by to tell me this is the best you read. I appreciate you.
Hi Tess,
What a beauty filled post! You took a situation that is quite fear filled and gave us solutions we can use right now as we are to make a difference…
And the Answer is Love…right at this time that I am struggling to keep my heart open to Love–isn’t *that* the way Love truly works…can’t ever feel hopeless, overwhelmed, discouraged…Always have to hold on to Faith and keep on trying…for the BP spill, and in Life…
Thank you for sharing as you do!!!
Loving Post Tess – Thank you a bit of truth in the midst of craziness.
To live in loving-kindness always and always….you have spelled it out and shared it in a step by step manner – now how can we get all to follow through.
Your comments section is full of loving – kindness comments….How wonder full it is to walk here today – Thank you for your generous reminders that we can all do something…
.-= Patricia´s last post…Savannah Blues: A Novel ~Mary Kay Andrews =-.
What I love in your remarks is the focus on self. Rather than blaming, lamenting, pontificating, we can simply focus on creating a world of love and sending loving energy to the world. While focusing on the only thing we can control — ourselves — I think your post provides a blueprint for creating a better place for all of us. Or……maybe we’re all just nuts!!
.-= HappinessandWisdom´s last post…Quote About Happiness: Happiness Wisdom from Abraham-Hicks =-.
Joy,
Yup that’s how it works. When we want to close it the most is the very time we need to keep our hearts open. It certainly is temporarily easier that way. So hang in there I know you will and let me know if I can help!
Patricia,
Your welcome, my friend and yes the old and the young as well can do big somethings…Prayer is big and so is holding a vision and being kind.
H&W,
LOL yes I do think we are all a bit nuts but hey why should we allow that to hold us back??? LOL Thanks for coming by today;)
Sandra,
I think I missed responding to you and your poem is beautiful. Thanks for joining our conversation and leaving your thoughts. I appreciate you.
Brilliant! Thank you for your words.
Hi Tess .. brilliant post – taking a completely different view to so many others .. the blame game is terrible.
It applies so much in our lives .. if we just rethought as you’ve suggested and acted with just so much more compassion and love .. exactly our little 2.5m acts of kindness every day would make a huge difference in so many areas.
Excellent .. and such worthwhile thoughts to read .. thank you – Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last post…Nature in Balance … and the Dark-Bellied Dew Lover! =-.
Tess,
Thanks for sharing this inspiring thoughts. And thanks for discussing about this situation that is happening now, while people check their Facebook accounts pretending that this is not their business.
All the best,
Boris
.-= boris at read-y.com´s last post…Preventing a new BP Deepwater Horizon Spill =-.
So bold Tess, very poignant and I love the AB quote you started this with. That’s a fabulous one to use with kids.
I think when we connect with the world with a higher vision than ourselves we’re always making a difference. We don’t even necessarily need to focus on the pill or other disaster. That higher vision shifts the world automatically and collectively.
Thank you for a beautiful piece!
.-= Amit Sodha – The Power Of Choice´s last post…Friday Fun – Radio Show Wind Up =-.
Hi Tess,
What an inspiring, and humbling post. My feeling is that directing anger, hatred, despair, or other such emotions at this issue is just a complete waste of energy. It won’t solve anything, it just directs more negativity at an already desperate situation. By contrast, if we direct positive energy at the situation – in any one of the many ways you have suggested – then surely that can only contribute to a positive outcome. I believe!
.-= Topi´s last post…5 reasons to wake up early =-.
BBP girl,
Thank you for your support and for stopping by! Welcome to the bold life!
Hillary,
I think I’ll title my new book 2.5 million acts of kindness!
Boris,
You’re welcome. Sometimes we stay in denial because it’s overwhelming or painful. Love isn’t and it’s something we can all share.
Amit,
You’re so right on! We don’t have to think about it or do anything about it. Just keep our spirit high and ego low. And love love love!
Topi,
This is why I love your input;) Thank you!
.-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…Oil Spill: Taking Personal Responsibility =-.
Oh, Tess. Compassion combined with action will always take us farther than finger-pointing and blaming others. It’s an incredibly huge and catastrophic mess. But do we let this serve as a wake up call? Or do we wake up to truly how much power we possess to both create a problem, and therefore work together to create a solution?
Tess,
So wonderful to read words of peace regarding the oil spill. The spewing of hatred is only making things worse. All the many suggestions you give to think loving and positive thoughts will make an energetic shift in the universe. Thoughts are energy…just like prayer!
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Tess!
brendastrausz.blogspot.com last post love made visible
Tess, this is such a courageous and beautiful post, wise with Love. What you’ve outlined here is nothing short of a prescription for living life. Whether we apply these activities to the oil spill or to how to live life “in the day of” you or me or anyone else, this is the way out and into the light. The media is our voice, yet many of us find that voice has become raspy from the bile of blame and hatred. It’s well past time to begin rising up with our own voices, echoing those of thought leaders such as those you’ve highlighted. Thank you for this post, Tess.
.-= Julie´s last post…The Only Thing That Matters =-.
Dear, Dear Tess, this article is why you have become and I know will ever be one of my favorite human beings. I’m tweeting this gem f a wonderful wise and wunderful gift to the world after I post my comment.
Love IS the only answer, the only way, the only truth.
Other than my desire for a good quality camera, I am very very content with what I have. Plus, nice photos are to spread lots of love and joy — so it’s a joy thing.
xoxo
.-= Jannie Funster´s last post…Even More Bigger =-.
Tess,
Your words on the oil spill are so wise. So wise that some of the concepts took a bit for me to understand. Some, I am still trying to incorporate.
Thanks for sending such positive energy out there
Kristie
Tess,
Somehow, during the weeks I was working on my new blog, I missed this post.
Thank you so much for everything you’ve written here. It stirs me deeply as it calls to me to take action.
You’re certainly a lightworker Tess, and I’m grateful there are people like you who want to make our world better, and act upon that desire.
.-= Keith´s last post…Sunday Stillness =-.
Belinda,
Let’s get together and see this as an opportunity to solve it and become better people. Yes!
Brenda,
You’re very welcome and remember I’m a reflection of you! Thanks for dropping by!
Julie,
Yes I think we’re beginning to create our own media and use our own voices;)
Jannie,
Oh yes and you are too and I hope you get your camera soon.
Maybe we should take up a donation and then you can move on! LOL
Kristie,
I’m so happy I can help you grow and stretch. You’re amazing and a leader for your generation and more!
Keith,
You rock. Period.
.-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…Brave- Bold and Daring =-.
Tess, I’m am totally flabbergasted by your post. I also wrote a post on taking personal responsibility for the oil spill, with many ways to reduce oil use and the dangers of getting stuck in anger. What I love about your post though is the incredible infusion of love and joy, acceptance and tolerance into the situation. Tragedy always gives us the opportunity to rise above!
This is my first real visit to your site and I resonate with so much of what you share.
.-= Sandra Lee´s last post…The most important lesson of my life =-.
Yes, Tess, and all of your followers – send out the positive vibes. Disasters and bad things happen to all of us. That is the time to come forth with your love, constructive outpouring of help – not negative, throwing ‘cold water’, criticizing, and shouting BLAME… Do and say what you can and are able to do to help, or go hide.
Hey, look foreword to getting together next year! Yes, only 4 1/2 weeks away.
Prayers going out to Lansing.
Bob C
Bob,
Yikes 4 and 1/2 weeks away. That’s so weird. And they say time is an illusion!
I won’t be hiding anytime soon;) xo
Hello Tess,
Hope this note finds you well. It’s a pleasure to have found your website. I’m reading The Artist’s Way (just started) and in the hour or so since I began reading the book, I’ve experienced several synchronicities…this is one of them. Oh, also, the lady who loaned me the book is called Tess!
Anyway, I sensed a link between the concepts in the book and the writings of Elisabeth Gilbert so I searched both authors and found this website. Then I was drawn to this post. For the second time in the last couple of days I have read the Albert Einstein quote, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” You see, I’ve just finished a book called The Practical Visionary, which suggests that rather than blaming others and drawing battle lines, we should be looking to create a synthesised solution to our mutual problems or challenges. The author used a triangle to illustrate the point that we must evolve. Also, I really resonated with Point 9 and I wrote about on a fellow bloggers website – The Daily Ocean – in relation to the issue of plastic in our oceans – yes we should be the change. I also used the ‘ripple effect’ analogy. Sometimes we feel so powerless to affect any change but, every drop in the ocean can have a ripple effect. From books and blogs discussing The Law of Attraction, to reading the rapper Jay Z’s ‘Decoded’ which led me to read ‘The Seat of The Soul’ to ‘The Practical Visionary’ and ‘The Artist’s Way’ to your website, it seems that each step reveals more examples of an evolution of human spirit or consciousness and this gives me hope for our future. Thank you for helping to further build upon my belief in the power of synchronicity. I look forward to reading more.
It sounds like your having a fantastic time on your journey. I haven’t read Jay Z’s book but have heard about it. I used to teach classes on The Artist’s Way and The Seat of the Soul I read years back. All are fantastic. Thanks so much for visiting and leaving such wonderful thougths behind. I appreciate you!
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