"The New World Paradigm: Living the Vision"
by Rev. Christine
February 27, 2000

This last Monday we celebrated President’s Day; which is a combination of both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. I remember back not too long ago that we celebrated these separately. When I think of these two men, my first thought is Freedom; national freedom and personal freedom.

When people came here to America, it was termed the "New World" where all possibilities lay before them. The "Old World" structure of Europe was so firmly in place that they saw no hope for opportunity of a better life, but to break away and begin anew.

These early immigrants came to have their rights to religious freedom, freedom of expression, and opportunity for a good life. They formed the first 13 colonies which became the United States, and gave national freedom. A new order of government which protected personal freedoms. I’m going over this because we forget the ideals that this country was founded upon. It is important that we keep this vision or else we fall back to the "Old World" paradigm.

During these early years of the country two other elements came: pioneers and slaves. The pioneers were those individuals who found the eastern border too confining and limiting; they wanted their piece of the land and freedom in the pursuit of happiness. Slavery was brought to America out of greed. These people bought and sold were not considered to be citizens and so without rights and personal freedoms. Now we had a class of people, generations being born here that were not given their citizenship and freedom. Although, the Bill of Rights said "all people."

We can see how easy greed, which is based in fear of limitation, can override our ideals and freedoms. Abraham Lincoln, an Aquarian, had the vision and humanitarian drive to set this right. Although, it took many years for most people to accept this change, and still we have those that are of the old mind set wanting to continue racism and prejudice. This country is constantly being challenged to live up to its ideals, or fall back to the old ways. It is up to us, the citizens, the consciousness of this country, to uphold and live the vision.

Are we living in the "Old World" or "New World" paradigm? Are we believing in freedom and prosperity for all, or for just the few. This last week Oprah had a show on the new millionaires. California, especially northern, has the most new millionaires. She quoted 9 million, millionaires in America. People retiring after only a few years work because of stock options given to them from new hi-tech companies. Oprah has also done shows on children that pursued their dreams, their ideas and became wealthy. And, also on women who developed their ideas, and became successful.

There has been a mind set that got us a bit lazy and giving away our power and self-responsibilities. We started to believe that it was for the corporations and unions to take care of us, that it is for our government to take care of us, anyone but our self. But, this is putting our faith and power in the wrong place which will only let us down, and bring forth anger, pessimism, and destruction. We have many today that are in this mind set.

The "American Dream" is not gone. Its having the pioneer spirit, which America is based upon. What is a pioneer? One that ventures out of the normal, has courage, vision and hope. They are Self-governed, Self-responsible, and have Self-authority; meaning they challenge manmade beliefs.

Today I see a new kind of pioneer, a "Spiritual Pioneer." These began along with the development of the United States. These are the ones leading us into the age of Aquarius, the new "New World" paradigm. This time its not to go to another land and conquer, but it is an inward journey that conquers the outer world.

The freedoms of a Spiritual Pioneer are: Freedom in Body, in health and wholeness; Freedom in Mind, in truth, knowledge and wisdom; Freedom in Soul; in creative expression, happiness, joy, beauty; Freedom in Spirit; in living God Self in oneness, continually evolving, expanding, being all we can be. Truly Knowing Thy Self.

When we are not in our freedoms we experience pain; pain in body, pain in mind and soul, and we are greatly cut off from our spirit. We live out of separation rather than wholeness and oneness. This "Old World" paradigm is on its way out. Fortunately for all of us the "Spiritual Pioneers" have been paving the way. Just like the early pioneer settlers paved the way to California for all others to enjoy its beauty, and potential for the new vision.

I would like us today to expand our imagination to glimpse the living of the "New World" paradigm -- the new paradigm for this coming century. A key element would be love; love as a vital energy that runs the entire universe. We would be in tune with this universal love. We will have harnessed its energy to serve us. We will have developed technology that serves and assists us, without harming mother earth. We have developed our spiritual gifts; intuition guides us in all we do, intention manifests at will, materialization of our basic needs, direct communication with one another, ability to send love energy to assist others in their health and evolution.

James Redfield’s latest book "The Secret of Shambhala" writes about a civilization that has risen to a higher consciousness and way of living. These people are invisible to the normal person in lower vibration.

Let’s take a few minutes right now to quiet our mind, and imagine we are there, we are those people living in a Shambhala like community. What would it be like? Look around — what do you see? What is your home like? Your neighbor’s homes? What kinds of technology are in use? What does our earth look like, vegetation, waters, sky? What is the weather like? Look at yourself -- are you old, young? What kind of clothing are you wearing? What kind of Governance?

We will now share some of our visions. Please now, in silence, let us together hold our visions in high thought remembering that we together hold the collective vision and future.