Turquoise Butterfly

I’ve read quite a bit about Spiral Dynamics (SD). I really like the premise and oddly enough, kinda had some similar thoughts about human evolution prior to reading about SD – although not nearly as fleshed out.

SD helped me to contextualize a lot of things in my life and think forward about my future. As well, it helped me to understand why you feel so strongly that my tenure at my job should be limited. Based on what I’ve read – and I still have a lot more digging to do – I now think that: I personally operate on an Orange Meme; most of my clients are Orange; my upbringing was Blue; and that overdrive is probably Blue.

As I read and learned about SD, and the 2nd tier options available to me, it became clear that the Turquoise level is likely the object on which I’ll be concentrating a great deal creative energy with a good balance of relationship building and task/time management. I realize that I’ll probably be needing to transition through Green and Yellow to get there.

In pursuit of Turquoise, I see the 360 Assessment, the MCMI and the Values Assessment as continuing, sobering reminders of my limitations – as well as reminders of the steps we’ll agree upon to rectify my shadow characteristics. I can see how I’ll be referring to them for a long time, culling new insights and gaining inspirations on how to unlock my potential more. I see the Asset Report and my investigation and pursuit of SD as the beginnings of articulating an amazing vision of my future.

I am convinced (from this information, as well as life experiences over the past few years) that as I evolve, so too will the quality of my relationships. Lasting relationships are deepened, and more ‘together’ people seem to appear in my life. Superficial acquaintances and unhealthy relationships seem to naturally evaporate.

That’s why I joined What Is Enlightenment (wei.org) and signed up for the following event, which takes place tonight: “What is Enlightenment? magazine presents: Andrew Cohen and Ken Wilber in Dialogue: A Living Experiment in Conscious Evolution. These popular discussions are forums for high-level inquiry and focused exploration of the topics covered in ‘What Is Enlightenment’ magazine's articles and interviews. They provide an opportunity to come together with others and engage directly with the cutting-edge ideas and philosophical, spiritual, and global perspectives featured in WIE.For this salon, we will discuss an excerpt of a dialogue between renown integral philosopher Ken Wilber and WIE editor-in-chief Andrew Cohen entitled “A Living Experiment in Conscious Evolution” where the two discuss the meaning and significance of recent developments in Cohen’s work with his students.”

My hope for the evening is to connect with others who operate at higher memes and to learn more about the skills and art of open communication. I’ve subscribed to WEI, and will be looking for more information and networking opportunities going forward.

I must say that I am a bit apprehensive of what might be a safe-haven of magical thinking, but I’ll just keep that hesitation in the background for now. I’ve always said that for change to occur, so too must consistent and positive reinforcement. It’s my greater hunch that WEI and/or this local group can provide that regular reinforcement and modeling of an evolved approach to living.

As well, I’ve continued to notice that I feel my emotions very deeply, and that this has lead to some very unproductive behavior throughout my life. I’ve been doing The Work on things that upset me and will continue to do so, since I’ve been very inconsistent at reading my emotions and applying their lessons. As for timeline, I’d like to be able to have a relatively clear, well-articulated vision of my future outlined in the next few weeks, which comprehensively addresses my community, my family & friends, and myself. Shortly thereafter, I hope to have a well thought-out a game plan for making such a vision a reality.

Naturally, I’ll continue to rely heavily on your feedback and guidance. Metaphorically speaking, our work together makes me think that I can evolve from a caterpillar into a butterfly - especially since I’ve learned that some things the butterfly needs (like wings) are already starting to develop while it is still a caterpillar. Just like my shadow characteristics are latent assets of my future self.