I’ve just sent a thank you to some people who’ve become a significant part of my life – part of my help from beyond.

Some of us first met three years ago – the result of meetups set up by Seth Godin as part of his Tribes initiative – whilst others have joined our conversations with purpose that began on the 31st May 2011.

As part of our journey, we’ve all taken steps and leaps forward in making ideas and dreams reality.  The commemoration, though, is not backwards but forwards, into the more of an emerging future as we understand ourselves to be Human Becomings more than Human Beings.

James Carse writes about how we touch one another in a reciprocal way.  It is the surprise for both which comes from a generous act.  I cannot move myself – that would be inauthentic, and I cannot force you or move you to something I have in in mind for you – the surprise is the result of act towards one another with one’s whole heart, (then we ‘ll be surprised by belief or change or action).

Yesterday, I wrote how three exercises enable us to see the emerging future more clearly; here are some questions tying in with how our help comes from beyond:*

Exercise one: Towards knowing who we are and what we can do: What are your talents (try listing ten and ten double this, and then add another ten)?; what are you passionate about (everything)?; What gives you energy?; What do you want to do something about?; What are your top five values and beliefs?; Then, what has time proven you’re not talented at (begin with ten again)?; What leaves you could (the things already in your life)?; What drains you of energy?; What have you tried to do something about but found you’ve not been energised by?

Exercise two: Towards seeing your resources: Who are the most important people in your life and what do they bring to you (e.g., are they a companion, do they open your thinking, do they help you through situations, or work with you)?; Picture your home and how you can use it (who could you invite around, what kind of meals could you share, what could you do with your garden if you have one)?; What are the artefacts you have and how can they help you to produce your art for others (books, computer, equipment, tools)?; What about your finances and/or what can you barter to make a difference or get hold of things you need)?; What’s in your fridge and how could you make something to share (and how)?

Exercise three: Towards habits of activity: Begin mixing the things you’ve listed in exercise one with those in exercise two, coming up with as many possibilities as you are able, no matter how ridiculous you think these are; Begin trying these ideas out, making a space or time or connection (especially the connections as  our help comes from beyond); if you experience failure you’ve learnt something valuable making it possible to try again in a different way.

In each of these I know my help comes from beyond – the complementary passions and talents of others, the questions and contributions others make into my life, and, the conversations with purpose which enable me to action something.

(*Writing these things down will have real benefit for deepening our reflection and creation.)