[Oe List ...] trying hard to get real

[David Zahrt]

In a book entitled THE ENGAGED SPIRITUAL LIFE, by Donald 
Rothberg, found in Chapter 4, Opening to Suffering, 
Opening to Compassion, on page 85 is found a section 
entitled Opening to Organizational Suffering: The Work of 
Joanna Macy.

“In 2004 a small, spiritually based nonprofit social 
change organization located on the East Coast of the 
United States was facing considerable turmoil. There had 
been a financial downturn, a common occurrence among 
nonprofits, linked to the aftereffects of the September 
11, 2001, attacks, as well as a number of interpersonal 
conflicts within the organization. Several of the staff 
members had been fired. Tension, mistrust, and 
difficulties in communication were common—between many of 
the staff members and the director, between some of the 
staff members and some of the board members, and between 
some of the organization’s supporters and some of the 
board members. Many of the members of the unpaid board , 
felt overworked, beleaguered, misunderstood or 
unappreciated, and ready to quit. This was particularly 
poignant and sobering for an organization intent on 
bringing about nonviolent change and peace in the world.

After some weeks, the board invited Joanna Macy
to consult 
with the organization.” [the entire section to which I 
refer ends on page 87]

When I read this I was reminded of our situation. No 
surprise! I am of the opinion that the Order and the ICA 
have left a diaspera which History will long remember and 
appreciate. Lin and I are, at the moment, re-visiting 
Australia. The visit has also made it clear to me that 
detachment is of the essence—being willing to Accept our 
Acceptance making no conditions of demand in return.

What is required of the moment? Opening to the Movement of 
the Spirit. How can that be attained? At least one way is 
to have someone as accomplished and objective as Joanna 
Macy lead those involved through a “Truth Mandala”, the 
“Turning”, and the “Going Forth” (Joanna’s terms). Only 
with someone as dedicated to a similar purpose and 
completely detached from the intricacies of our plight 
will ICA, as an organization, have a future.

May the Force be with us.
David Zahrt