The editorial policy of Kosmos is somewhat different from those of other journals. We invite our contributors because of the quality of their being and their authentic passion for a relevant topic. I am so excited when the articles arrive. I feel life in them and they compel me to expand my circle of concern and to search more deeply. As I read the articles the theme of the Issue emerges on its own. Soon I can’t let it go. I am searching even more deeply and keep circling back to Oneness -- Kosmos -- Alignment. What is this theme as a philosophical principle, a law of the universe, an organizing principle? How does it function at different levels and in different worldviews, in my daily life, in groups I belong to, in the global context, as everything and nothing? I can reflect on this at various stages of development and see it played out within different worldviews.
On a kosmic scale there is only unchanging Oneness within which the universe evolves. Oneness Is. Kosmos is an inadequate name for this ineffable Mystery.
On a global scale nations struggle between sovereignty and the common good, just as individuals struggle between individual autonomy and embracing the whole. Everyone is challenged now, preparing for the birth of a new humanity and a new global civilization based on inner oneness and outer diversity. Latent skills and unrealized capacities awaken when we are challenged simultaneously by new life conditions and expanded consciousness. Now there are enough of us who have aligned with the call of the times to expand our minds and hearts to co-create a new planetary order that will embrace and enhance all Life. Are we being carried on a trajectory towards wholeness? How close are we to critical mass, to the tipping point?
Our institutions and organizations must, like individuals, become autonomous before they can engage with the next organizing principle. Sometimes, like nations or individuals, they stay in the egoic stage too long or over-reach and become a danger to the rest of us. Kosmic alignment involves the radical move of placing intention at the center, rather than individuals or groups. For some it is mastering autonomy that invites, for others it is oneness.
I keep learning more about how to live in alignment with Kosmos – how to say “yes”. When beauty or truth or goodness is present, I can easily go “with” rather than “against”. But still, I am often challenged.
I did a little experiment not too long ago. I like to read my morning paper in front of a glowing fire in my favorite rocking chair at a local inn – where the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth of the fire – do I need to say more? I had just settled in. I was carefully placing my unread newspaper and coffee (decaf of course) on a small table within easy reach when I became aware of an obviously stressed woman walking towards me, heels pounding on the floor. I watched out of the corner of my eye as she triumphantly tossed her pocketbook, teapot and keys squarely on top of my unread newspaper, taking up the entire table except for a small spot where my coffee cup sat. My inner eye simultaneously witnessed anger rising within. Pause. What to do?
Once upon a time I might have met the challenge with an equally aggressive one. More recently, I might have politely asked the stranger to move her things, seething inside with an anger that would have continued to intrude upon my serenity off and on for the entire day. Today, however, I decided not to follow one of those familiar paths. Instead, I chose to draw a wider circle and to offer a gift of love. I quietly removed my newspaper and cup to give ample room for all her possessions. The hard edges of her face softened and she eased into a tentative smile – my face smiled back and we shared a brief moment of oneness. Joy filled my being -- an affirmation that I had gotten it right at last.
Is this what alignment with Kosmos means? Do the seemingly inconsequential things really matter far more than we realize?
