Conscious Media

Hi Everyone,
I just got back from an event co-sponsored by Enlightennext and
Evolutionary Media Showcase at the New York EnlightenNext Center. My
take from it, is that Evolutionary Media Showcase is a group of film
makers, directors, actors and business people interested in what they
can do with their craft and experience to create and bring new
structures of media into being, that consciously inspire others to do
the same and to change culture and the world.
The evening was my first type of event of this kind. It was not a
typical EnlightenNext event and yet I was surprised and touched by the
potential creativity that resonated and connected with a lot of
Andrew's teachings.
That said, for me there was a lot about the evening that I couldn't
help but notice.
First up to present was Ros Bennet, whom I presume most of us know as
the video director/film maker for most of EnlightenNext events and
whom is a long time student of Andrew. She shared with us segments of
some of her 'film work' and spoke of how her work had evolved and had
become inspired by some of the people whom she had met last year with
Evolutionary Media Showcase.
One short film she shared was a compelling look into the desire one feels when one starts to meditate on a regular basis.
 How wonderful it was to see her get the point
across in this film in such a way that was truly creative and unique.
It made you really feel that 'ecstatic urgency' of the 'creative
impulse' that Andrew talks about. Ros of course in her eloquence
seemed to set the context for the evening just because her passion
for evolution beyond ego, definately shines through her work. She
along with the Tim Murphy, a filmmaker who coordinated the showcases
presented last night,really want to create something new and I think
that they are really on to something.
The next presenter was an organization call Karmatube and you can find
them on karmatube.com. KarmaTube in their words is: a collection of
short, "do something" videos coupled with simple actions that every
viewer can take. Our mission is to spread the good. Our vision is to
create and connect a global network of volunteers awake to capturing
these stories, using simple digital video cameras. While the stories
produced may be polished and professional or diamonds-in-the-rough,
the crucial through-line is this: they celebrate the work of local
change agents, demonstrating the ways "do something" moments can be
"tipping point" experiences for individuals and communities. To
complete the circle, KarmaTube offers three simple suggestions for
ways to support the action and spirit shown in each video.

What was great and inspiring about these 'creative' people was not
only their website which is just fantastic, but key to them is that
they do all this work voluntarily, with no pay and there are 'no
strings attached' for the thousands of people who happen on their
website or for the many whom then return the service with some sort of
service of their own. They are truly inspiring because in this world
of cynicism, this pure service creates a trust like no other, possibly
moving us as Gandhi advised to "be the change that we want to see in
the world".
It was interesting that some filmmakers in the room of course found
this idea of volunteer work challenging to say the least. In our world
money seems to make the world go 'round and it created a discussion
around the room about how it could look like if money weren't the
deciding factor. It raised questions about how to do that in a
creative new way so that culture can in fact change. It was great to
witness the dialog and conviction of Silas Hagerty, founder of Smooth
Feather Productions, working on gift-economy films,who was the next
presenter of his short film.
This film he explained was his way of service to a dear friends
family whom had suffered a very severe life altering event.
The 17 minute film along with Silas's other work can be viewed on
www.smoothfeather.com. After this short film Silas and the family whom
this tragic event happened to, got up to the front of the room and
heroically answered questions regarding what they had been through and
how it had changed their lives in many ways.
It was touching to see the family and hear of their experience and I
couldn't help but notice how much suffering can really make one either
change or remain a victim. That the indestructible force of the
authentic self is deep in us all and fights to live life if we let it.

All in all, this evening I know, had the subtle power to stay with me
and hopefully everyone of us in that room for days and weeks to come.
It seemed to have the added power to somehow enact change on a deeper
level that can really change culture and the world.

I have to say one last thing about the EnlightenNext core students
whom attended the event last night. In my short year with the group
it never ceases to amaze me the level of sincerity and inclusiveness
and 'holding formation' that you guys exhibit. You never make
outsiders feel put upon and always seems to re-present Andrew's
teachings in 'action'. That to me is always noticeable and inspiring.

Nancy