We have been living in a nation that is part of a global economy that has been all about "speed" - both in how we "grow" money/wealth and how we "grow" communities. That is not a natural process and although we were very good at this race - the race has now stopped. In the last 60-70 years, our focus has been on "stuff" and how we can pay for "stuff". Middle class got squeezed out because "stuff" actually cost more than most people could really afford. I am as guilty of that as anyone and yet if I looked at my status - I would be considered upper middle class most of my life. I am well educated and have earned high 5 low 6 figures for most of the last 20 years and yet if I look around at how I live - what I own, I bought it with money that was someone else's - mostly banks and credit cards. How can we possible expect an economy to grow and strengthen when the platform that it is sitting on is smoke and mirrors. The platform has finally gotten so heavy that it no longer supports us. We are finally starting to realize that not only can we not afford "stuff", but the natural resources that we are using to make/drive/fuel "stuff" is actually going to have to be paid for - in some form or fashion. This is a huge course correction. Not insurmountable or impossible, but requires a definite mind shift and business as usual will no longer make the grade. Lots of opportunities, lots of lessons - some hard, but not a doom and gloom scenario. Just a big ol' wake up call. New definitions will be created, new business models will be developed and the unconscious "speed" path that we have been on for most of the last 60 years now has to learn how to slow down.

We did not define our interest in purely material terms. We lived in a conviction that there was more to the world than matter and possessions made of matter. The “modern” world, lead by the industrial revolution and technology, has allowed us to have a large separation of thinking and feeling, especially in this country.

Without more evolved consciousness – motivation to change will come through catastrophes and crises. We have forgotten our connections. We are like islands in the sea – separate on the surface but connected in the deep of the oceans.

Some definitions to keep in mind.

Consciousness – a state of awakening – awakened doing

Akasha – the element that connects all things. Also called Ether in Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy. Believed to be the most fundamental of the five elements (air, water, fire, earth, and ether) and the one out of which the other elements arose.

Akashic Consciousness – recognizes connection to each other and to the cosmos. It conveys a sense of belonging, ultimately of oneness.

Syntony – fine tuned – 3 levels: Personal – cultivates intuition and compassion, insight that matches outsight with a willingness to explore and follow our deepest calling.

Interpersonal – involves dialogue and collaboration with people around you, coming together to learn with and from each other and engaging in joint action with empathy, considerateness, openness, and joy. This will be the level we focus on the most.

Transpersonal – learning to listen to the messages of all beings, whether they are waterfalls, animals, mountains, or galaxies, and feeling and acknowledging your oneness with all things in the cosmos.

Syntony involves an embodiment and manifestation of conscious evolution:

Conscious intention aligned to evolutionary purpose = evolutionary consonant pathways of human development in partnership with Earth.

Respect the basic values of life in the community. This means concern with people’s access to adequate supplies of food, water, shelter, and clothing. It means concern with stable relations in family and community. It means regard for the social and cultural identity and economic equity of all the people who share the community. And it means concern with the availability of useful and remunerated employment for everyone who can and is will to work.

Use criteria of sustainability in the allocation of natural and financial resources

Ensure access to energy, water and land to all people at acceptable cost

Increase the quality and capacity of the public transportation systems

Promote cooperation with business companies in the use of alternative energy and resource technology.

Channel funds and provide incentives for the revitalization of derelict areas

Employ strict criteria of sustainability and energy and resource efficiency in licensing new construction

Bring social and ecological responsibility considerations into the system of public education