Microcosms and macrocosms: The call for a growth-oriented community

One principle taught in the study of fractal math is "self-similarity." A shoreline from space, for instance, appears jagged. Zoom in 10X and it still appears jagged. Zoom in another 10X and it still seems jagged. Similarly, a fern leaf is composed of leaves that resemble the larger fern leaf. Basically, the same patterns occur at a large scale as occur at smaller scales. With fractals, this regression is infinite.

The self-similarity principle also extends into social groups, I believe. Larger groups (cities, states, countries) exhibit behavior that is very similar to the patterns seen in smaller groups (neighborhoods, companies, and spiritual communities). Ancient wisdom speaks of the microcosm and macrocosm. "As above, so below" is an expression of this principle. The ancients believed that, if we change something in the microcosm it could, under the right circumstances, ripple out to transform the macrocosm.

When we gather in small groups, whether it is a Common Ground circle or community group, a corporate circle or whatever, you might have noticed how the individuals involved seemingly represent various macroscopic groups in the world at large. When we play, clash, or otherwise interact, we individually play out social issues within our smaller tribe that mirror those seen in the larger group.

I believe that, when we personally or collectively overcome differences in our small group and move into a space of greater love and compassion, we meaningfully contribute to healing similar issues in the macrocosm. Finding peace within, for instance, is a prelude to world peace. Likewise, overcoming judgments, resolving conflicts, and other personal or community breakthroughs can ripple out to have lasting affects in our larger world. Looking at it another way, if we cannot get along with one another in our small group, what hope is there for nations to get along? So by overcoming differences in our smaller circle, we contribute to similar behavior in larger circles.

This realization is the key reason for creating Growth Oriented Communities such as Common Ground. By modeling evolved, loving, wise behaviors in our small community, we can literally change the world. If we cannot maintain a loving, caring attitude and pro-actively work through our differences in our spiritual community, what hope is there for our world leaders to resolve similar matters that appear on a macro scale?

Our challenge, if we agree to accept it, is to find peace within, to find peace within our community, and to find peace within our world at large. Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is "right action."

I'd love to hear from others what your personal commitment is to growing and getting past differences with compassion and love, and how this commitment may have already changed the world, and what your vision is for Common Ground being a healing force in the world.

Bless,

Ed