Going Forward with Cynthia Bourgeault

Posted on Facebook April 14, 2020

Going Forward….

For the past four weeks, as many of you know, I have been hanging out here on the edge of the known universe on Eagle Island, taking the time to renew my flagging hermit skills. What little technology I have access to on my two-panel, four-battery solar system huffs and puffs to keep up. On days like yesterday when I sat in the teeth of a gale for twelve stormy hours, the whole system went down by sunset.

Surrounded by mostly time and tide, I have been slowly coming to my own decisions about what is my rightful participation in the virtual community that is being generated and sustained during this great pandemic re-set. I am aware that we are all called to participate in different ways; it’s not a “one-size fits all” solution to the conundrum, and all sincere contributions work toward the common good.

As for myself, however, I feel that the contribution specifically being asked of me is to be extremely judicious in my involvement in live internet community (zoom, skype, facetime, video-conferencing, etc.). Partly because it is so clearly a privilege reserved for the already privileged. Partly because it continues to support both economically and energetically the continued electromagnetic inflammation of the planetary atmosphere and the economy of unabashed economic and moral capitalism that drives it. And partly because the great spiritual traditions all know of a better, deeper, and more powerful means of intercommunication already seeded into the human heart, if we can only remember how to use it.

Repeat: this not a blanket statement, not an assertion of any presumed moral high ground. It’s just the place that seems to be accorded to me to uphold in this global transition.

My decision going forward is to limit my zoom participation to two areas only: continuing periodic board and task-force meetings with groups I am already committed to, and a few larger, “conference style” teaching events, particularly when they replace already contracted on-the-ground obligations.

I will also continue to support my online courses with the CAC currently running or in the works. And I intend to keep a limited but engaged presence on the internet through postings within the Wisdom School Community and through periodic blogs.

I will not regularly be participating in zoom retreats, zoom liturgies, or zoom classes or conversations of an ongoing nature whose primary purpose is to maintain teaching or fellowship. This is very good work, but it is not mine to do.

In general, I am limiting screen time in ALL formats (both online and offline; i.e., writing) to six hours a day. I am relying on the Benedictine rule, with its practical balance of “Ora et Labora,” to rebalance my three-centered awareness and help reverse the atrophy of those inner senses required for clear perception in difficult times.

I am in possession of no crystal ball here, but I suspect as we are able to begin moving about again, that my role is going to shift toward helping to re-open small, on-the-ground events. The human horde has been badly traumatized by its newfound terror of physical proximity, and this trauma will need to be released before truly embodied compassion can begin to take root in us again. Love still lies on the other side of fear, and the bridge will have to be rebuilt from the ground up. I am trying to prepare myself, both inwardly and outwardly for what this may require.

I want to emphasize that I am in full solidarity with the beautiful efforts many of you are making to sustain community over distance, and I will certainly be holding you all in my hearts as these conversations unfold. My decision is to be understood as simply my own way of putting teeth into this solidarity. And of trying to hold myself accountable.

blessings and love, Cynthia