Page 8 - MidWeek Kauai - Aug 4 2021

8 KAUA‘I MIDWEEK AUGUST 4, 2021
A Mystic For These Times
Mystic: A person who has a deep experience of unity or “oneing” that comes not from the rational but the intuitive mind.
FThe New Working World
A time of crisis and chaos, like the kind a pandemic brings, is, among other things, a time to call on our ancestors for their deep wisdom. Not just knowledge, but true wisdom is needed in a time of pro- found change. At such times, we are beckoned not simply to return to the immediate past (that which we remem- ber fondly as “the normal”) but to reimagine a new fu- ture, a renewed humanity, a more just and therefore sus- tainable culture — and one
even filled with joy.
Julian of Norwich is one of those ancestors calling to us today. After all, she lived her entire life during a rag- ing pandemic. Julian was a stunning thinker, a profound theologian and mystic; a fully awake woman, and a remark- able guide with a mighty vi- sion to share for 21st century seekers. Julian knew a thing or two about “sheltering in place,” because she was an anchoress — literally walled up inside a small space for life.
that can survive the trauma of a pandemic. While others all about her were freaking out about nature gone awry, Julian kept her spiritual and intellectual composure, stay- ing grounded and true to her belief in the goodness of life, creation and humanity — and, in no uncertain terms, inviting others to do the same.
to us today, but to also shout at us — albeit in a gentle way —towakeupandtogodeep, to face the darkness and to dig down and find goodness, joy and awe. To go to work to defend Mother Earth and all her creatures, stripping our- selves of racism, sexism, na- tionalism, anthropocentrism, sectarianism — anything that interferes with our greatness as human beings. To connect anew to the sacredness of life.
Theologian Matthew Fox has authored 38 books on spirituality. His latest, Julian of Norwich, gives us a com- pass on how to live with grace in the time of a pandemic. Visit matthewfox.org to learn more.
Chasing The Light is pro- duced by Robin Stephens Rohr and Lynne Johnson.
lustered folks who sometimes just can’t get things done lament, “I didn’t have time.” Which seems a tinge ironic, because the only thing we really do
have is time. When we officially run out of time, well, the ballgame’s over. How we choose to allocate our time ... aaah, there’s the rub.
Julian’s response to the pandemic, as we know it from her two books, is amaz- ingly grounded in a love of life and gratitude.
COVID-19 has changed a lot of things, including how we think about allocating our precious, irretrievable time — like spending time with family and friends, staying engaged as our kids grow up, and just taking time to breathe fully. Some people thought they’d go stir-crazy, but found out that being in some control with idle time (forced by issues beyond their control) led to self-reflection, recalibration and a realignment of personal priorities.
Julian also knew something about fostering a spirituality
Our sister and ancestor Ju- lian is eager not only to speak
with Matthew Fox
Monster.com tells us that of 650 people recently sur- veyed, 95% said they were considering a job change. OK, but that’s info coming from a job platform site. Microsoft Work Trend says that 40% of people want to change jobs. If everyone simply opts for some other job, one that someone else abandoned, won’t people end up unhappy again later? If a chunk of workers are disenchanted, will the grass really be greener on the other side, where others appear equally disenfranchised? Many appear ready to find out.
Four million Americans quit their jobs in April, the high- est monthly total in 20 years. Accommodation and food sector workers paved the way, but many industries have suf- fered. Post-coronavirus, some have decided that for health, drudgery and/or sanity reasons, they simply don’t want to go back where they were. For those who rationalize that gov- ernment-offered $300-per-week checks are luring droves of people away from the workplace, have you thought about surviving locally on $15,600 annually? Not a well-advised retirement path.
When we set aside our differences and focus on what’s most important, the author believes we can connect to the sacredness of life.
KELLEY
Thoughts now focus on quality of life (rather than just quantity of life), making one’s time count, making a differ- ence, being a part of whatever it is that enlightens you or gives more meaning to your existence. The working world is morphing. Two years ago we talked about possibly driving hybrids, and now we’re returning to workplaces that are hy- brid (without needing to drive to work in a hybrid). Akamai bosses and companies here and elsewhere must adapt and become more empathetic, realistic, encouraging, strategic and engaged with employees than ever before. Maybe that’s actually a good thing to come out of this pitiful pandemic.
Think about it ...
john@thinkaboutithawaii.com