Best Of The Aware Show with Dr. Angeles Arrien: Creativity, Myths, and Finding Possibilities

What is important to you? In a world so divided, how can we work together? How can we find creative options? So many of us are so good at chronically complaining, but how can we look at workable solutions? Our guest today is Dr. Angeles Arrien, an anthropologist, award-winning author, educator, and corporate consultant who suggests we focus on what IS working. We can turn our thoughts into “possibility thinking” and creative solutions.  Our humanity is braided through our heart. Our countries and nations are different patches of the quilt of humanity. Our call is to be creative and problem-solve together.  Slowing down will help. When we move at a fast pace, we subject ourselves to burn-out. Nature has its own slower rhythm. We can accomplish so much more if we take time to be present and mindful. Various cultures around the world allow for more time with each other, whether it’s spending time on a meal with family, or simply lingering over coffee with friends when possible.   We can also look toward indigenous wisdom. Dr Arrien discusses different cultures and various ways of using our imaginations as a tool for re-visioning. She explains that if you can see it, you can manifest it. Manifestation takes action and goals. Most people talk about the vision, rather than acting on it. She reminds us that people “who cannot vision will perish.”  The root of imagination is to “image.” If you are unsure, how can you reconnect to your vision? How can you begin to imagine? Start with tracking your dreams and discovering what has heart and meaning. We stop ourselves by saying, “when I have time,” or “when I have money.” We need to bring our dreams forward and not leave them on the backburner. What inspires you? What challenges you? How flexible are you with the unexpected? By asking these questions and listening to these answers, we receive an invitation to grow and move forward.   Dr. Angeles Arrien studies creation myths and how these cross-culturally occurring myths provide doorways to envision and re-dream aspects of our lives. She is the President and Founder of the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research, and a fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. Her work with multi-cultural issues and conflict resolution has been used with the International Human Rights Commission and the World Indigenous Council. Info: AngelesArrien.com