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artful living Business in a More Beautiful World
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do we remember the context of our existence when we do business? Below is a poem I wrote atop a mountain:
the Context
Do we see the boundaryless Earth beneath our feet, That as we walk in Asheville, we walk also in Texas, in China, in the Congo? Do we see the cosmos as we look across the land, That we ride on a spaceship, hurling through the universe at speeds untold? Do we see our human bodies as stardust, That we are the universe, dancing? Do we see the Context, as we stand in line at the checkout counter after work?
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This poem is about the cosmic significance of every moment we inhabit, a significance that is simultaneously larger than this body and intellect, and inclusive of it; writing email, driving to work, eating dinner, etc., happening in unseen synchronicity with all the other parts, like a grand orchestra playing a universal tune. This, for me, is not just a beautiful way to look at the world, it is a theory backed up by evidence. For example, I have observed and noted serendipity throughout my adult life – thinking about someone and then they show up at acupuncture; texting lyrics of a song to a friend and finding out they
just happened to be listening to it; three by niCK andRea independent psychics who don’t know me saying the same thing about my health, etc. These occurrences have become so commonplace that I conclude we are undeniably interconnected. I now believe the universe is a giant synchronicity happening all the time, and it’s changing how I view business. My decisions about how to meet my needs become less ego-centric and more considerate of others, because I am them and they are me. Now, imagine what will happen when individuals, corporations, and even governments start thinking this way…Business In A More Beautiful World will emerge, naturally. So, do you see the Context of existence right now as you read the words on this page? And, how is it speaking to you?
Find out more about the people behind the column and the live events that we host both locally and online by visiting www.businessinamorebeautifulworld.com iF YOU “Business in a More Beautiful World,” a monthly gO networking & education event for those interested in
a collaborative, heart-centered, purpose-driven model of doing business. Every 4th Thursday, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Next event is May 22 at Edna’s of Asheville, 870 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Free to the public.
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‘Art After Dark’ cont’d from page 22
The Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86 will be featuring a show in conjunction with the Haywood County Master Gardeners Volunteer Association to celebrate gardens. The show’s theme, “Artists and Gardens – A Partnership,” will feature gardens, flowers, and crafts suitable for homes, decks, or patios. The Garden Tour itself takes place on June 21, 2014. NC resident, Sarah Sneeden will be showing at Twigs and Leaves Gallery in May. “Paints that Dance” perfectly describes Sarah’s work and her love of painting out of doors, on location, where she can “study first-hand the play of light.” Sneeden will be demonstrating her distinctive style and versatility at Twigs and Leaves Gallery during Art After Dark, Friday evening, May 2, from 6-9 p.m. While in Waynesville, stroll down to Frog Level, to see Grace Cathey’s sculpture garden. Her show, “Metamorphosis of the Butterfly in Steel,” is a perfect blend of nature and art. While in Frog Level, visit our newest members, The Mahogany House and Art on Depot. The Mahogany House represents over fifty artists and has working studios. A must see for all art enthusiasts!
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8 May 2014 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 17, No. 9
iF YOU Art After Dark, May 2, June 6, July gO 11, August 1, September 5, October
3, November 7, and December 5 in Waynesville. For more information visit the Waynesville Gallery Association website at www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com or contact Twigs and Leaves Gallery at (828) 456-1940.