On some issues, taking a stand may have cosmic implications. I believe that energy exists simultaneously in many interrelated channels: intrapersonal, interpersonal, social, global, universal. Our evolution occurs simultaneously on all these levels, with changes in one spreading to others. Consider, for a moment, the shift from patriarchal to participative values. This is happening simultaneously on the intrapersonal level (we struggle to integrate all the parts of ourselves as we develop), the interpersonal level (in marriage, between parents and children), the social level (think about the shifts trying to occur in the workplace, in social and governmental institutions), global (think of challenges of having the interests of all the species and parts of the globe heard and considered). When I take a stand against autocracy in my personal relationships, I take a stand that reverberates across all the channels. I can’t just act in one: energy, elan, doesn’t work that way!
My second personal pattern of elan is a connection of humor. I’m not a naturally funny person. But, I do find that when I take myself less seriously, when I admit to and celebrate my foibles, when I somehow tap into the flow of life that is truly funny and takes me and us off guard to see the conventional in a new light…..it’s then that bursts – laughters – of energy break loose. Connections spontaneously occur – combust. We all go into a different zone of consciousness where there is no time – only energy and insight. I want to spend more time in these elan spaces. I sometimes think I’d like to spend a day in Robin Williams brain to experience the world that way for an extended period rather than in blips. Perhaps this is what more of the planet needs to keep us in a space where we can deal with issues and opportunities unencumbered by our personal programs and conventions.
Then, there’s the beautiful elan of touching others’ lives – sparking insights, courage, confidence. We truly can play a role in stimulating and amplifying new life in others. Sometimes, for me with my own unique skills, I just say things and “am” a person that others take courage from. At other times, my attention helps others see that they are valuable and important. Things I say that are caring – even when critical – also unleash elan. We all do this. I am just thinking about the signals I see and hear. Others’ eyes light up for an instant. They tell me years later that something I did (and maybe don’t even remember) made a profound difference in their lives. They thank me for being there. This is an amplification of energy that is very subtle, but profound. The energy baseline of the earth changes.
Next, read about the purpose and existance of elan in institutions.
