Posted on by Tenneson Woolf

An Orientation (Rule of Life) to Guide

This is a repost. Originally from November 24, 2020 — so, a year ago. It’s also a post that I spoke into a podcast. Listen here if you like — 18 minutes.

Over the last two weeks I’ve had little time outside. Hurt my knee (in a no-fabulous story way). It’s been painful to walk. So my habit and commitment to be outside / in nature is a tank that is running a bit low. From that, I found myself revisiting this guide / orientation.

For inspiration and clarity.

An Orientation To Guide

If I were thinking computers, this would be a kind of operating system. It would be a few parts that connect other parts, a few algorithms, some impressive engineering, and some remarkable speed.

But today, I’m not thinking computers. I’m thinking about human life. I’m thinking about human life in the 2020s. I’m thinking about the involved circumstance and pressures that are part of everyday life for everyday people.

Since I’m thinking human life, what follows below is more an orientation. A guide. A few rules of life perhaps. A few values that for me have some roots in my grandparents, my parents, my family, and some beloved friends and colleagues along the way.

So, here’s some clarity for this human life, living in November of the 2020s, sorting through the times, the photos, the images, the crazy-making, and the caring that is these days. Words that come to me in the morning, following the gift of overnight slumber, and from the dark of a day yet to be greeted by sun rising.

Simplify. 
There are clearly times when less is kind, and less is more. 

Get outside everyday.
Nature matters, even a short walk, a glimpse of sky, and wind that kisses face.

Pay attention to body.
It is vessel to hold us in the great changing.

Work shorter hours.
Integration requires wide berth, and is itself, important work.

Accept the pain.
It too is real, and denying it is too consuming.

Follow the joy.
It is a reliable clue, particularly upon accepting the pain.

Receive and give gifts.
Human civilization has always been fed by this.

Carry on with Spirit.
I suspect the Guides understand predicaments.

These are personal. But perhaps also, quite universal. To perhaps, guide, even if just for a few days.

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Gifts of Circle - Question Cardsasd
Gifts of Circle is 30 short essays divided into 4 sections: 1) Circle's Bigger Purpose, 2) Circle's Practice, 3) Circle's First Requirements, and 4) Circle's Possibility for Men. From the Introduction: "Circle is what I turn to in the most comprehensive stories I know -- the stories of human beings trying to be kind and aware together, trying to make a difference in varied causes for which we need to go well together. Circle is also what I turn to in the most immediate needs that live right in front of me and in front of most of us -- sharing dreams and difficulties, exploring conflicts and coherences. Circle is what I turn to. Circle is what turns us to each other."

Question Cards is an accompanying tool to Gifts of Circle. Each card (34) offers a quote from the corresponding chapter in the book, followed by sample questions to grow your Circle hosting skills and to create connection, courage, and compassionate action among groups you host in Circle.

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asd
In My Nature is a collection of 10 poems. From A Note of Beginning: "This collection of poems arises from the many conversations I've been having about nature. Nature as guide. Nature as wild. Nature as organized. I remain a human being that so appreciates a curious nature in people. That so appreciates questions that pick fruit from inner being, that gather insights and intuitions to a basket, and then brings the to table to be enjoyed and shared over the next week."

This set of Note Cards (8 cards + envelopes)  quotes a few favorite passages from poems in In My Nature. I offer them as inspiration. And leave room for you to write personal notes.

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asd
Most Mornings is a collection of 37 poems. I loved writing them. From the introduction: "This collection of poems comes from some of my sense-making that so often happens in the morning, nurtured by overnight sleep. The poems sample practices. They sample learnings. They sample insights and discoveries. They sample dilemmas and concerns."

This set of Note Cards (8 cards + envelopes)  quotes a few favorite passages from poems in Most Mornings. I offer them as inspiration. And leave room for you to write personal notes.

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