Friday, March 26, 2010

Cosmic symphony

Ages ago, a Facebook friend encouraged me to write a blog post about online friendships.  I tucked that thought away with intentions of revisiting it when the timing was right.  Since then, I have read many blog posts of fellow blog authors discussing this same concept.  My own interpretation of this phenomenon is uniquely mine and may stray further from the basic premise than you might expect at first glance.

I look deeply into everything...people, occurrences, music, art, unusual happenings, those breathtaking moments that, should we not take care and choose to look more deeply, we might miss, they're so fleeting.  I have been pondering this online gathering of people, looking at it from every angle, nudging with the occasional inquisitive touch, smiling in recognition often and seeing a stunning, crystalline mirrored reflection of strong purpose in the eddying waves that ripple outward from my fingertips.

Each of us is a pebble of sorts in the vast depths of the pools of Facebook and Twitter and whatever new social media forums may be birthed in the future.  The strata of social media, once thought to be a flash in the pan fad that would quickly reach its zenith and die a quiet death, has become so richly and deeply layered that I do believe it is time for us to admit it is here to stay.  We as a country and indeed, as a world, have embraced Facebook and Twitter to such farflung lengths that most of us are able to claim friendships with wonderful people on practically every continent.  I am certainly in this group.

It delights me, this ability that I have to connect with people the world over.  And it is this very happenstance that causes me to stop and, as I am wont to do, ponder deeply.  I am of the opinion that with this astonishing bandwidth of internet presence, combined with a wide range of social media forums, the world is perhaps as small as it has ever humanly been possible in history to achieve.  In mere seconds, we can communicate with someone on the opposite side of the world.  The words flash so quickly on our screen that it negates the need to even pick up a phone to communicate.

As I ponder, my mind thinks that perhaps those who dreamed up the concepts of Facebook and Twitter were led by a Higher Power to create a communication device that would, in effect, connect us to those we might never have the chance to meet otherwise.  Even here in the U.S., where travel is quite a simple thing to achieve, there are friendships I have developed - valued ones that I cherish - with people that I simply would never have had a chance to stumble across if I had been searching for them somewhere out there in the world on a face to face basis.  Yet, in a very purposeful manner, I have been guided with gentle purpose to meet these different people. 

Those of like mind, who "speak my language" with such sureness and clarity that it warms me to the very center of my being have cropped up in seemingly random connections or conversation threads....and the blinding, heart-stoppingly beautiful moment of friendship occurs.  A remembrance of sorts...that, "Oh, there you are!  I've been waiting for you!" kind of recognition that sparkles and shines so brightly that I imagine delicate, yet enduring ethereal threads stretch across the planet to reconnect us.  Some of you will read this and nod, immediately grasping my message.  Others will find this content to be another whimsical dance out there on the edge of what you find yourself capable or willing to embrace.  It matters not how you perceive my words here.

What matters most to me is that I am alive to experience this, and these relationships.  The richness of some of the connections, defying all odds to explain many of them, are so powerful that at times I am simply in awe of the gift.  Yet, part of me realizes that these happenings are of dynamic design.  I have an inner knowing that I will, at some point in the not too distant future, see some of these people, these remembered loves, face to face.  I feel a very strong sense of destiny entertwined in these friendships. 

A Twitter conversation recently with a remembered friend of my very heart spoke of this very thing....the threads of friendship as they weave across the Cosmos.  This dear friend mentioned feeling that Spirit presents a kind of grid for us to interconnect, and I agree with this mindset.  There is a curious kind of precision, an almost mathematical dance that is taking place in my life with many of these friendships.  I have created several Facebook groups and fan pages where individual groups of people are connecting, and here again, I am forced to stop and ponder the why of this.  I have always recognized myself as a facillitator of many things spiritually and energetically related, and it appears that this tendency is making itself known in the cyberworld as well as in everyday Life.  Mystical teachings call these patterns Sacred Geometry, shamanistic designs that open the mind and Spirit up to higher levels of energy and learning. 

I see all of this trickling down to what many would call a very mundane manifestation in social media forums such as Facebook and Twitter.  The beauty and sheer mystery of the connections do not lose a single ounce of unique energy simply because they come together in the flashpoint of social media communication.  Indeed, I think that highlights the beauty of it all....and it transports my Soul to recognize it for what I believe it to be....another pathway to connect with those my heart and Spirit recognize far before I am physically able to set eyes on these people.

In my mind's eye, at times I see it all taking place as an elegant, very controlled waltz, with each set carefully placed on a ballroom dance floor of neverending proportions.  At other times, I hear a wild Irish jig that wails and spins in a frenzy of fiddles and drums, firing each Soul to flash and fly hither and yon, sparking bright connections with such a rapid pace that the human eye and mind simply cannot comprehend.  And then it all coalesces into a physical manifestation of keyboard strokes, mouse clicks, smart phone and laptop screens.  I see fine points of light marking each individual Soul, streaking outward leaving a trail of light that interconnects in intricate Mandala-esque patterns.  I cannot imagine that this dance is without musical accompaniment.  Would that our human ears could actually hear that mystical manifestation that we produce as we whirl throughout this cosmic dance.

We seek, through the medium of art, to create physical interpretations of mathematical and geometric patterns.  Mandalas, such as those found in the Buddhist faith, show beautiful, entertwining circles and lyrically flowing curves and loops, depicting what has become an often quoted "circle of life" work of art.  I have often thought that these artists' renderings might be our Higher Mind tapping into that Universal Consciousness and creating on canvas and paper, in metal, marble and wood, physical manifestations of experiences remembered by our Souls. 

Whatever the inspiration, whatever the Divine purpose behind all of this worldwide connecting of people via social media, I am convinced there is a stronger, deeper purpose at hand than mere entertainment.  From a One World perspective, social media is allowing us as a collective people, to cross boundaries and socio-economic barriers via the internet and find ways to communicate and understand one another in a manner that has never been possible in history before.  That, in and of itself, is mind boggling when you think about it.  The great minds of our modern age spoke eloquently about embracing one another on a loving plane that eschews those barriers and labels.  Perhaps social media is yet another stripping away of needless layers allowing us to simply be ourselves and communicate for the simple joy of connecting.

As I warned in the first paragraph of this blog article, I have strayed quite far afield from my Facebook friend's suggestion to blog about "Facebook friends who haven't ever met face to face".  I could have simply written a light-hearted post about that fun aspect of social media.  I chose, instead, to plumb the depths of esoteric concepts....well, perhaps not the really deep depths, but my own ruminations of how they apply to social media.  If you're still with me as I bring these thoughts to a close, you most likely are one of two things - you are a true friend who loves me despite not always "getting" what the heck I'm rambling on about (and if so, I love you in return, more than you can imagine), or you are a friend remembered who "gets" the concepts I am spinning across the page here. 

Either way, you have engaged in this journey with me and we have produced another cosmic symphony of sorts, as our combined energies stepped across a crowded ballroom floor.  As any proper southern lady would do, I curtsy and spread my skirts in thanks for a lovely moment spent together and cast you a genuine smile as the band strikes up another tune....and the dance continues.

22 comments:

  1. Wow. You have said it beautifully. I love the online world and it has led me to another wonderful person. Nice to "meet you" from Sharni, Down Under
    www.sharnanigans.com

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  2. I cannot imagine that this dance is without musical accompaniment

    You have taken the spiritual broom and brought together all the dust bunnies about social media with one powerful voice! Dance floor is calling.

    And to your curtsy I return the knowning glance.

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  3. Hi Sharni! You and I have brushed by one another a few other places in the blog-o-sphere, because I recognize your name. Most likely we've both commented on the same blog posts of other authors. I always enjoy your comments, so it was a nice gift to read this one here! Now I can trace over to your blog and discover you in a complementary fashion! I will enjoy further, the process of getting to know you on a more personal level. If you're on Facebook, find me at sds2965@msn.com or my name of Dawn Sievers - I'd love to connect w/ you there also!

    Bethie, there's a character actor named Geoffrey Lewis who used to be part of this performance group in the early 80's called Celestial Navigations. One of the pieces they did was with Geoffrey standing on stage, with the other two musicians in the background playing mystical notes, whilst Geoffrey told of being the Cosmic Janitor of sorts, flitting about the Universe, tidying up the various planets. Your "dust bunnies" comment brought it to mind powerfully! I love that you recognize yet another strand of DNA weaving through the melody. Dance floor is definitely calling!

    Namaste', Sharni & Bethie!

    ~ Dawn

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  4. I enjoyed every morsel of this post.

    I began making friendships online in 1999. And I, too, would wish to say to those dear friends that which you have said in this post. Most especially this:

    I am blessed and encouraged by others who have stuck with me and ". . . who loves me despite not always "getting" what the heck I'm rambling on about".

    What a joy it is to acquire friends online who enrich my soul and brighten my days. I am so glad that you and Marty created Authentic Bloggers because by it we have "met" and you have both caused my life to be more pleasant.

    BUT . . . I do often wonder . . . would we know each other if we came shoulder-to-shoulder beside each other in an audience or a crowd?

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  5. Hey Sharon, so good to chat w/ you here! I'm happy you enjoyed this post; it had some layers that I wondered might not resonate w/ everyone. Even if that does happen to be true for some, I'm still glad I posted it. Thank you, also, for the kind words to Marty & I about Authentic Blogger - it remains one of my prouder accomplishments, creating that community for writers!

    Perhaps we might not immediately recognize one another in a crowd, but I have no doubts once we did meet face to face, there would be no awkwardness at all. Nope, probably an immediate marathon gab session that would last into the wee hours over coffee (for Marty) and tea (for me & other tea drinkers) and comfy chairs! Thank you for the wonderful comment, my friend!

    ~ Dawn

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  6. Wow - where do I begin?

    I'm not sure why; but every single time I read your posts I get so choked up that I usually am holding back tears. You seem to always hit the nail on the head and touch my heart so deeply that my emotions get the best of me.

    As a sufferer of dyslexia it is sometimes quite a struggle to read your posts; which tend to be more like reading a novella than a blog post (LOL!)...but I always read them, sometimes twice because I know that the information within will empower my soul.

    In regards to this particular post, I feel that your analogy of the social media universe is completely accurate. As I struggled through grief as well as the loss of many friends & family due to relocation I must admit that social media saved me. With the loss of my mother, and spiritual mentor, I found other mentors through Twitter, Facebook & blogs which filled the large void within. I consider you one of these mentors and am forever thankful to have met you.

    I love the fact that social media puts us all on the same playing field. It matters not if your short, tall, fat, skinny, black, white or asian...the judgement which humans make from a first glance is taken out of the equation. I believe that those of us who interact with others in this format have discovered that we are more alike than different (if you didn't know that fact all ready).

    I thank you for this fabulous post; your wondrous light within and of course, your forever friendship.

    Agape,
    Marie

    http://sallyleebythesea.com

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  7. What an amazing post, Dawn!
    You know I met some of really great friends online. For years we have supported each other and tried to bear our short-comings, cry over our misfortunes and be happy for our achievements. And when we finally met it felt like we have always known each other. And it is the same ever since.

    I guess internet is just a medium and with its help you get a chance to meet people who are like-minded and whom you would not be able to meet otherwise.

    True friendships are born here.

    Lena

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  8. Marie, I am just humbled by your comment. First, let me say that I believe a good 99% of the population has dyslexia to some degree; I know I do. For me, it manifests more with numbers than words, and has proven to be a harsh foe with higher education. I know the struggles you work with daily and am even more impressed with the sheer body of online work that you present on a daily basis - that shows, eloquently, how strongly you choose to conquer your situation rather than let it conquer you.

    I had to laugh at your description of my blog posts as "novellas". I cannot deny it, they can go on for a stretch. Those who know me very well have come to title such posts, be they blogs or email, as Epic Emails/Posts. I sometimes work very hard at keeping blog posts to a shorter length just to prove to myself I can do it, but for the most part, I just write the content until I am satisfied that I have expressed the full range of the thoughts at hand. I am grateful and flattered that you continue to stick with me through the ones that are especially epic.

    I am honored even more that you see me in a mentor capacity; that's a wonderful compliment and nod of recognition! Just know that you are equally wonderful & inspirational to so many of us. Thank you, dear friend, for your thoughts here today.

    Namaste',

    ~ Dawn

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  9. Lena, thank you so much for the equally wonderful comment! It is true that the internet is an amazing tool for connection people all over the world. I have secret dreams to meet those people that I resonate the most strongly with, and hope fervently that the opportunities will begin to manifest for that to happen. I'm so happy for you that you've already had the chance to realize that dream, many times, from the sound of your comment! What a lovely experience that must be! I have met several people locally, of course, but I also hope to connect with friends who span the globe at some point.

    Your final comment of "True friendships are born here" was simply, breathtakingly perfect!

    ~ Dawn

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  10. Dawn is speaking of our relationship. This unlimited, mystical source of recognition through space, albeit a cyber one. Intuition has already served us in following each other's perspective. The content of this blog is representative of the heart warming "out of the box" person she is. I agree that had we awaited a face to face meeting the spark perhaps might have dwindled and the opportunity missed. So fortunate to have had that spark become flame, ultra violet.

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  11. Oh my goodness, thank you, sister, for the wonderful comment! I read your words and admit that I teared up; it is such a curious thing to hear/see/read someone else's perspective of who you are. Even more touching when that perspective rings true to you - you definitely see my true Soul, dear friend. One fine day we shall lay eyes on one another, though, I am determined it shall happen! Thank you for visiting today and leaving this bright comment.

    Namaste',

    ~ Dawn

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  12. I really enjoyed reading this. It is so full of emotion and has really gotten me thinking.

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  13. Hey Sherry, thank you for the kind words! That's always my main goal with any article I write - to open up thought and conversation. I'm happy to hear that I'm achieving that goal and even happier that you enjoyed reading this post.

    ~ Dawn

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  14. Beautifully written Dawn! I've met a lot of great people, especially through AB...& one of those people of course happens to be you :)

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  15. Thank you, Anahid! I never tire of hearing happy comments like that about Authentic Blogger regarding the enjoyment others are garnering from the community! I'm glad you like this post & the thoughts expressed here. The blogging world is a wonderful place, indeed.

    Namaste',
    Dawn

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  16. Really a beautiful post..
    must share that i met the one of my best friend by internet and now we are so close.

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  17. Travelling Rants, thank you so much! I have met many new friends via the internet and blogging who are now very dear to my heart. I can't imagine life without this wonderful, curiously intimate community that exists via social media!

    ~ Dawn

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  18. What a beautiful post. Very inspirational and moving. I really need this for many reasons, most of all to keep me going while caring for my husband, who suffered a brain injury 12 years ago. Will be reading your posts from now on. Thanks

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  19. Judy, thank you so much for your comment. I am humbled by what you deal with on a daily basis, and am gladdened to know that in some small way, my work is making a difference to untold people out there. This is what keeps me motivated to continue writing - the knowledge that what I share does touch others. You may just have inspired my next post, so stay tuned!

    Namaste', my new friend,
    Dawn

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  20. Happy Easter again! (Yes, I know I am so behind...)

    Another great post, of course. I like the direction you've taken in discussing social media and internet friendships. It's a popular topic. In fact, one of my first posts was about it (http://davebuttoned.blogspot.com/2009/07/internet-friendships.html), but you took it, as you said, in a much different direction.

    Even though I'm not that spiritual, I always get a touch of it when I read your blog, and it makes for good reading. I'm glad that we have all found each other.

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  21. Dave, thank you for this comment! It's nice that my work opens up a different perspective for you, and that you enjoy the experience. I've never been one to push my opinions on others. I write my thoughts out and hope that when others read them, they simply enjoy the words, thoughts and moment of sharing it with me. "..it makes for good reading" is a WONDERFUL compliment! I'm glad we've found one another also, my friend!

    ~ Dawn

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  22. Hello :)
    Love the blog! I feel it would suit our Online Magazine, for our mind body and soul section.

    I noticed ...

    "My blog article content is Original copy and as such, is protected by copyright. You are welcome to link back or reproduce as long as you provide proper author recognition and post a hyperlink to Healing Morning blog. Thank you!"

    ...but I thought to get your permission first.

    Would love to contact you about it.
    Warmest Regards,
    Melor
    www.liveandinspire.com
    Melor[at]liveandinspire{dot}com

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