Be the Change

Introduction

Agent of Inspiration

An all-encompassing worldview based in Spirit — this was the vision I carried with me before and during the writing of this book. Like so much of what guides my life, the vision came to me in a dream. I dreamt it during the time when I was thinking about how best to share the story of my recent personal journey of creativity and transformation. I had embarked on this journey with the aim of enhancing my own awareness and, at the same time, doing my best to awaken others to a spiritual worldview.

In the beginning, I was inclined to view myself as an agent of change. But as Gandhi advised, I also recognized that I must be the change that I want to see in the world. For, through my connection to Spirit, I am connected to all that is, and I thus affect all that is. Now, rather than an agent of change, I see myself as an agent of inspiration. And when I dreamt my vision, I knew without doubt that it came to me through Spirit.

I was so taken with the dream that I wanted it to be part of this world, too. With what now seems like a small miracle of communication, I managed to convey the essence of what I envisioned to a deaf artist, who rendered it as you see here:

When he was done, the artist labeled the file “Air Love.” And, indeed, I loved it! Together, the image and the words Air Love convey a vision of a worldview far beyond our current dominant paradigm, sometimes referred to as “scientific materialism.” And the linked hearts suggest the oneness of us all — with each other, and with Spirit.

My experience as a clinical social worker, art therapist, philosopher, writer, and educator has convinced me that we are living in a unique time in history that offers unprecedented opportunities for each of us to grow in personal consciousness. I also believe that by seeking such growth we actively assist the realization of a worldview that incorporates Spirit and a deep respect for mystery.

With these ideas in mind, I set out on my journey of creative immersion, discovery, and, I dared to hope, expanding consciousness. I believed then, as I do now, that the arts and individual artistic expression are a powerful channel through which the collective consciousness of humankind can rise to a worldview of love, peace, joy, and truth. I began my journey with an exploration of the principles of the new science, in order to understand as much as I could about how shifts in consciousness happen. I then applied the concepts to myself as I immersed in a program of fine arts, studying acting for film and television. At the same time, I explored shifts in my own consciousness and also observed how the performing arts can transform others.

Although my story focuses on experiences with performance, readers engaged in all kinds of creative activities will see many commonalties linking their own endeavors and goals with mine. Throughout my program of artistic immersion, I actively engaged with Spirit, regularly using such tools and techniques as journaling, image making, affirmations, and more. Readers will be able to apply these in their lives to enhance individual creativity and motivation, as well as connection to Spirit.

As an individual, I have been, and remain, committed to assisting a shift in worldview. As an agent of inspiration, I challenge each of my readers to undertake the same commitment, by embracing Spirit, creativity, and transformation. Join me on an inspirational journey along the pathways of a worldview that, above all else, honors Spirit.

To take the first step, just turn this page . . .