top of page
  • Writer's pictureJean Shinoda Bolen

The Process of Evolutionary Change in Individuals and Humanity

One thousand years ago, the unfinished story of wounded Fisher King, the Wasteland, and the mysterious Grail absorbed the storytellers of the eleventh century. The wheel of the beginning of the 21st Century, humanity and planet are in crisis: Chinese pictograph for Crisis combines two characters: Danger + Opportunity. Patriarchy has brought humanity and the planet to the brink of destruction, at the same time that humanity could be at the threshold of evolutionary psychological and spiritual transformation with the emergence of the feminine. When new life is emerging through the birth canal, the most dangerous phase is called “transition.” This is where we are now.

26 views0 comments


Liminal defines the time in-between what was and what next. All of us go through significant liminal times in our lives many times, sometimes alone, sometimes with others. From childhood on, major events happened to us or we made decisions that were life-affecting or life altering. There is no going back to "what was" when significant relationships are disturbed, or family, work, education, health, religion, are deeply affected.


Usually liminal experiences are personal. But In the past two years of the pandemic, “liminal” has affected everyone with differences only in degree. Death, isolation, hostility, loneliness, despair, suicide, addictions—are a range of negative responses. But for others, especially, those spiritual and creative people who are economically and physically safe and are aware of privilege and humility the question of what to do now and what next can be deeply provocative of individuation. In this liminal time it is worthwhile for us to do some inner work to examine if we are becoming who we were meant to be.


50 views0 comments
  • Writer's pictureJean Shinoda Bolen

Recently I picked up my well-read copy of Anam Cara and on reading through my under-linings I decided to share a few of my favorites:


Anam is the Gaelic word for soul; cara is the word for friend. . . a person to whom you could reveal the hidden intimacies of your life. This friendship was an act of recognition and belonging. .. a friend of your soul.”


“The body is in the soul: this recognition confers a sacred and mystical dignity on the body.”. .(and/but)  “It is in and through your body that your soul becomes visible and real for you. You body is the home of your soul on earth.”


“The heart is the inner face of your life. The human journey drives to make this inner face beautiful. It is here that love gathers within you. Love is absolutely vital for  a human life. For love alone can awaken what is divine within you. . . When you learn to love and to let your self be loved, you come home to the hearth of your own spirit. You are warmed and sheltered."


“Presence is the way a person’s individuality comes toward you. Presence is the soul texture of the person.”


“The Celtic mind had a wonderful respect for the mystery of the circle and the spiral.”


“Deep within, there is a gallery of different selves. Each one of these figures expresses a different part of your nature.” 

307 views1 comment
bottom of page