Once again, I find myself baffled as to my reoccurring illusory state of mind. How many countless, irrevocable moments have gone by as I have pursued the liberation of my thoughts, fears and inhibitions-- in hopes to "first fix myself, so I can help fix the world"? Tending to my weaknesses, invigorating my senses, revitalizing the awareness within me in hopes of one day effectively transforming some aspect of the outside world. Sequentially, I should care for my inner self as I collect and gather the shredded fragments that consistently implode within. I should become informed and enlightened, and THEN action of paramount effect will prosper in the world. How foolish of an illusion!

"Presupposing that world and self are essentially separate, they imagine they can heal one before healing the other. This stance conveys the impression that human consciousness inhabits some haven, or locker-room, independent of the collective situation -- and then trots onto the playing field when it is geared up and ready."

We routinely "ready" ourselves up, when the healing is interwoven between us, God, and our world. We're not in this world alone, nor can we heal alone.

She proceeds on, "The world itself has a role to play in our liberation. Its very pressures, pains, and risks can wake us up -- release us from the bonds of ego and guide us home to our vast, true nature. For some of us, our love of and for the world is so passionate that we cannot ask it to wait until we are enlightened." (Joanna Macy) Speak it, sister.