Transcendence and Transformation

By Douglas Bonar

I’m pondering two paths.  One involves transcendence and enlightenment, and the other involves awakening and transformation.  Certainly, there are overlaps and congruence.  And as certain, there are other paths.  Paths to what?  Paths to the conscious evolution of the human species and “the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.”  The dominant human worldview based on separation is clearly outmoded and not working.  An updated worldview is emerging.  I see this, feel this and observe this all around me and within me. It’s a good time to be incarnated!

Here, in my mind, is the difference between the two paths I’m pondering.  One (transcendence and enlightenment) is based on an experience, or experiences, which alter our worldview and our ways of relating to each other and to the planet.  The experience could be near-death (NDE), psychedelic, “the overview effect” (seeing the planet from outer space), or an encounter with soul retrieval. I’ve personally experienced two of these. I could list many other possibilities. The other path (awakening and transformation) involves a gradual journey to understanding and embodying personal and subsequent societal change.  It may take weeks, months or years to “fully” awaken and transform thoughts, responses and relationships. The process is evolutionary and never ending.

I believe both paths are valid and needed.  Personally, in the moment, I’m experiencing the latter path of awakening and transformation as paramount.  At the age of 76, I’ve experienced both paths, but I recognize that awakening and transformation are currently leading me forward.  Neither is right or wrong.  Perhaps, given the present global stage of polycrisis, both are needed more than ever. I’m not judging.  But I am cultivating the awakening and transformation process that grows deeper and deeper within me.  I’m not seeking “an experience” of oneness. I no longer need confirmation of its ontological validity. I’m allowing it to emerge naturally, gracefully and organically. 

And it now occurs to me that perhaps the transcendence, or the noetic experience, is necessary to kickstart the process of awakening and transformation.  My first transcendent experience was over fifty years ago, as a young Marine in Vietnam.  The experience never faded though it took a backstage role for many years while I raised a family, addressed addictions, and pursued my educational and subsequent professional career.  And yet, I now realize that it was there, always, guiding my trajectory.  Even the painful and regretful circumstances were informed by this soul guidance.  Being able to understand this and nurture the guidance, I feel gratitude for my agency and fortune.  I smile at “the shadow” which still pops up occasionally, use skills to recenter myself into the truth of my being, and proceed with the universal support that guides, all of us.

The good news – the emerging worldview is becoming not only more needed, but more accessible.  It pops up in my computer algorithms as often as in my regular synchronicities, which I’ve come to understand as signposts, or the language of the universe.  Or, as my partner (Kya) relates, in Divine Appointments. The universe (God, Spirit, the Tao, or whatever name it may be given) is increasingly evident, in fields as diverse as science, education, land tenure and governance. I invite you to tune into your own field of intelligence, one with this cosmic consciousness, to invite in the synchronicities and support for your journey.

A final note.  This is not the soul musing which I planned for this June newsletter.  I was deeply involved in another writing, which may continue into next month.  But it was not calling me.  It felt stodgy and fragmented. A profound synchronicity showed up and led me to write this.  It is resonating with me.  It is flowing.  And it is incomplete.  Being in the flow, the revelation continues. This is the natural course of awakening.  Know it.  Grok it. Feel it.  Say yes, yes, yes.  Yes, to the transcendent, noetic experience that you may, purposely or by happenstance, encounter.  Yes, to enlightenment.  Yes, to awakening and yes to transformation.  Traverse the paths with confidence, gratitude and joy.  And then witness what comes back to you.  The “cosmic goodies,” the synchronicities, the ease, and the abundance.  May all beings be at ease.  May all beings know justice and peace.