Antonio Gramsci, an Italian locked away in a fascist prison in 1929, writing about what he considered to be a new interregnum (the pregnant time between regimes)– a Europe that was tearing itself apart. He anticipated civil unrest, war between nations and repeated changes in the lines of geographic possession. At that time, he said, “The old world is dying and the new world struggles to be born. Now is the time of monsters.” Now America, tearing itself apart through partisan politics, inept leadership and wide unmitigated fear during this covid-19 pandemic, has monsters of its own unleashed.
Power has always been an interesting intoxicant. True power derives from the soul and our divine nature. When we align our energies for the highest good for all of humanity, the whole universe will support us. Temporary power grabs for personal gain is just another energetic commodity on earth like sex, money and the pursuit of happiness. Pretending nothing is happening and buying more guns is a tried and true American reaction to scary events. During this pregnant time between now and our future, beware of the unique illusions within power, fear and intellect. Infected participants, like those pictured above, often act like drunken sailors on pass with money in their wallets.
Intuitively, most of us know when something feels bad or when we shouldn’t do something. Often times this is our soul exerting its divine influence to help us remember who we are and how to embody love. Unfortunately, the personality likes to spend money and take scary rides to see what happens. The mind is drawn to our deepest unconscious, belief system and unresolved issues. The intellect, until merged with our soul, can make any decision, impulse or unconscious reaction look like a wise path.
Fear is another important player in the playground of love. The more fear we have, the more fear is reflected back to us so we can learn to do otherwise. On March 11th toilet paper sales shot up 845% as compared the previous year. In April of this year, guns sales in America went up 85.3% as compared to the same month in 2019. During this pandemic and paradigm change we can recycle the monsters of our ancestors, which lead to World War II which Antonio Gramsci warned us about in 1929. Many Italians, who were hit hard by this virus, now reference his famous quote today. Our reactions to chaos can remind us that the intellect is a very pliable tool. It can fit any crazy rationale to any activity. Illusions, like any monster, are designed to crash and burn so our soul can exert itself back into our life. This allows better and more informed decisions based upon the soul’s input rather than the devil’s playground within our intellect.
There is just love and illusion to sort out during our life. How does one find love and truth without something else to choose? Throughout time, minds soften and ears open when humanity is brought to its knees. This pandemic, like any problem, acts like sandpaper. It spotlights our illusions and unconscious material so we can rub off imperfections and polish any unfinished wood. The scrapping action of the sandpaper always hurts, but this is the nature of trying to embody our divinity in the midst of chaos.
Hope is intent unrealized, while love is divinity realized. It is important to choose paths which create love. End habits steeped in illusion and fraught with pain. Know where your bread is buttered and where it is not. Power and fear can easily seduce an unchecked intellect and a disconnected heart. Love heals, intellect masturbates and illusion will play with your head like a banjo player. Dance to your heart’s desire but let intellect, fear and power take a backseat until your heart and soul learn to dance together. A year ago, I wrote a piece about the Dark Night of the Soul, but due to the pandemic, I have included a much more detailed description and a meditation on illusion you can use during our new paradigm interregnum.
It is important to remember when biblical events occur, like this plague and economic disaster…spirit is always involved. Surrender to the unknown, be responsible and be totally present to the mystery unfolding. Some will desperately hold onto past paradigms and refuse to accept that the world has already changed. Interregnums and paradigm shifts like the ‘me too’ movement require adaption and growth. Climate change of every kind is really happening. Stop, look and listen…there is a train a coming.
I find the following personality surrender prayer to the divine and my soul useful during troubling times.
Teach me. Show me. Guide me. What do I need to know for the highest good?