Imagine a future where children are taught by their elders not what to think, but HOW.

Imagine a world where, from an early age, we come to depend upon the inner authority of conscience and intuition coupled with observation and logic.

Imagine what life would be like if we were given tools to strengthen these gifts, and practices for cultivating thoughtful awareness.

Imagine how people would behave if they understood that change is not to be feared and resisted, but rather to be accepted as a natural, inevitable part of life, to be skillfully surfed to reach their intentional, positive destinations.

Can you imagine how relationships would blossom when conducted mindfully, as purposeful energy exchange, intended for the good of all, based on the certain knowledge that ethical behavior is based on the karmic fact that whatever one does inevitably returns in kind?

Or imagine if humans across the globe operated from the common understanding that beneath surface differences we are all shaped by a similar skeletal structure, with energy centers spinning around a central spine, and, deeper still — that we all emanate from ONE eternal source. Understanding that we cannot hurt another without, ultimately, hurting ourselves as well.

Granted, great changes start with small seeds planted closest to home. Choose to live mindfully oneself, relating to those in one’s ambiance respectfully, with understanding and compassion — trusting that every little bit helps. Every humble effort has unseen, unknowable butterfly effects that radiate out across the universe.

Serving as a living example is a necessary, important first start in positive global change. Next steps would include teaching the concepts and methods that undergird the shift to the next generation’s Quantum Paradigm. Actions of still greater influence embrace actively supporting the publication/dissemination/promotion of these materials, enabling them to reach increasingly larger audiences.

I entered the above thoughts yesterday because they came strongly to mind and demanded to be written down. But, at the time, I had no idea of where they were leading.

When I queried the I Ching this morning, as I often do, asking what to be aware of NOW, it resulted in two familiar, often repeating hexagrams. Only after the fact, upon further reflection this afternoon, did I recognize that the reading was leading me back to this post.

The original answer came up as Hexagram 14, SELF-POSSESSION, with two changing lines. I often refer to it as SELF–MASTERY. I especially relate to the lines, “Because they are consciously in harmony with the source of creative power, they express ideas brilliantly.” (I admit, I find the designation “great leaders” curiously uncomfortable — less relatable, more personally challenging, for sure.)

It looks like this:

In this case, changing lines in the bottom and forth places changed to the final result of another frequent friend, Hexagram 18, FRESH START.

I surely find sincerity and hard work relatable. And, in fact, I drink my favorite morning teas out of my favorite mug, imprinted with the reminder logo: “Every Day is a Fresh Start.“

But this message felt like it was hanging in mid-air — like an unfinished thought, waiting for completion.

And here it was. It happened a few hours ago when I opened to a page in the guide book that accompanies the 55 light code oracle cards of Kelly Kolodney’s Master Ascension Light Codes, (She is, by the way, the Real Deal.)

The subject: LEADERSHIP. The advice: Step up.

It reads in pertinent part:

You have walked the path of many lifetimes, tirelessly polishing the gem of your inherent wisdom. The mastery (IC 14) you possess is not a fleeting gift, but a culmination of lifetimes of profound dedication, discipline, and spiritual growth.

You have been blessed with the gift of foresight, the divine capacity to see beyond the confines of the present moment and lead others into a harmonious future. It is now time to awaken the luminary within you, to step forward and gently guide others on their journey.

It continues:

Your presence, radiating with the light of your inner truth, draws others towards you in a sacred dance of unity. They are not followers, but seekers, inspired by your wisdom, thirsting for the sacred knowledge you have gathered over countless lifetimes.

Step forward, dear one, with the understanding that others will follow, not because they must, but because they are inspired by the radiant being that is you.

Food for thought.