The Infinite Field of Possibilities

Viewing Change Through a Kaleidescope

By: Angeles Arrien

Narrated by: Michael Toms

Length: 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Eastern philosophy tells us that the only constant in life is change. Often there is no warning. We engage in our activities each day feeling secure about the future. Then, suddenly, we are faced with a catastrophe. A new world is born, and our lives are forever altered. In these times of transition, what do we do? How do we move beyond fear and anger to live heartfully in the field of positive possibilities? In the context of 9/11, anthropologist, educator and award-winning author Angeles Arrien shares her deep wisdom and invites us to explore with Michael Toms the significance of change and how to view it in our lives in creative and practical ways. Arrien suggests that the great journey of life is made up of phases and changes, and that there are always signals and signposts to guide us. Says Arrien, "On 9/11, a window was opened to push us to look at the darkness and light. We have been initiated into a time where we need to dim the ego, befriend the shadow, and build bridges between polarity, paradox and opposition."

Angeles Arrien is an anthropologist, educator, and a consultant to the medical, academic, and corporate communities worldwide. She has taught at the University of California, California Institute of Integral Studies, the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, and the Alaya Institute, and is the founder of the Angeles Arrien Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research. She is the author of numerous articles and books, including The Tarot Handbook (Arcus Publishers 1987), The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary (HarperSanFrancisco 1993), The Nine Muses: A Mythological Path to Creativity (Tarcher/Putnam 2000), and The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom (Sounds True 2005).

©2001 New Dimensions Foundation (P)2008 New Dimensions Foundation

Angeles Arrien with Timeless Wisdom

Though seemingly dated, the al-Qaeda attack in 2001 dramatically changed life in the United States. This kind of horror continues to require our attention and response in various forms. Cultural anthropologist and shaman, Angeles Arrien offers deep wisdom, intelligence and compassion in this conversation with Michael Toms. Well worth listening to both for their conversation but also because she is a model for the art of active listening.

9/11 as recovery, struggle, awareness, ramble

Universally recognized deeds and universal taboos, how creativity flows/stifles in our perception of our circumstances.

Little space for Angeles to talk

It’s an interview where the interviewer keeps talking on top of Angeles or gives his opinion. It was a little too annoying for me.