Spring Into -- or -- Spring in Two?

Recently, working in the garden and replanting hanging baskets, I heard a loud buzzing very near.  Thinking it was just another symptom of my life with tinnitus ('a perception of sound when no actual external noise is present'), I was surprised -- and almost fell off the ladder! -- when I noticed a huge swarm of bees circling above the house and a few yards away from me!

With tinnitus, I am learning that I can't always believe what I hear, but this afternoon was a little different!  The buzzing was real!

Group Mind or Hive Mind:
swarming around one way of thinking

With orange trees in our backyard, we are no stranger to swarming bees or the hives that are so quickly created.  On this beautiful Spring afternoon -- with so many sad and tragic stories in the news, my thoughts took an offbeat turn: buzzing distractions, hives, and truth.

For instance, I wonder about the Group Mind that seems to have taken hold around our political and societal polarities.  (The 'group mind' is sometimes referred to as the 'hive mind' which describes individuals linked together with no identity or free will.)  We think the same; we believe the same; and we stand firm against others who might keep us from our goal.

As the bees collectively sought direction, I wondered if the 'buzz' in my head was from tinnitus... or might it be caused by listening only to news sources or friends who think or react like I do?

In recent weeks we have witnessed extreme deliberations and tensions between our political representatives:  listening only to those who act or think the way they do; changing rules rather than seeking relationships that challenge growth and new ideas; going the way of the Majority instead of listening to the Wisdom of the Whole; and seeking Either-Or Solutions rather than desiring more options, a Third Way.  In other words, similar to my situation, has a systemic tinnitus blocked our leaders from hearing beyond their internal buzz?

Spring in Two: sitting together,
listening, and seeing a more expansive view

Spring offers us annual reminders:

• To slow down and notice the new growth and beauty surrounding us.
• To sit with friends, acquaintances, and strangers-no-longer, sharing new vistas.
• To listen and soak in the warmth of developing relationships. 

Spring calls us away from the buzz of noise and distractions and moves us toward voices that respect individual thoughts.  Toward ideas encouraged and shared which will enliven us to think and grow.  Spring challenges us to seek the individual beauty of each flower and at the same time stand in awe at its contribution to the full landscape.

Spring Into: many individual blossoms,
but one landscape

Similarly, Dialogue practiced invites many voices to be heard, contributing to a Collective Consciousness which honors all aspects of the conversation and relationships.  It allows all ideas to be held lightly, with the goal of seeking -- not a majority or a consensus -- but Truth.

Are we ready to Spring Into this week?  Can we slow down first and Spring in Two relationships that value diverse thoughts and a wider vista of solutions?

Questions to consider

• How will I seek the beauty in each person encountered?
• Can I sit with each person and hear the Truth Revealed?
• Where can I sense the warmth of coming together: conscious of Individual and One?

May we learn about and celebrate the many holy days and traditions of our diverse religions and cultures this season!  May we seek solutions that honor us all!  Blessings this Spring!

Larry Gardepie
Dialogue San Diego Consulting