R.I.P Steve Jobs / What is #OccupyingYourHeart?

A couple of weeks ago I discussed how the #OccupyWallStreet movement was going to continue to get more and more attention. I discussed how it was not just a “flash in the pan” demonstration from a bunch of disaffected “hippies”. It is obvious to see this with the upcoming astrology transits that we are on the verge of a big change.

The most important of these transits has to do with Saturn (humility, the dignity of the common man), about to enter Libra (negotiation, accommodation) – for 2.5 years. But equally important is the upcoming 8 month transit of Mars into Leo, aspected by Jupiter in Aries. This shows a powerful, revolutionary spirit about to take hold.

Here is a video where I discuss the astrology of October 6-9 and check in with OccupySF

Questions?

But in the midst of these social changes, you must ask yourself some important questions:
1. What is occupying your heart and mind?
2. Are you occupied by fear of and hatred for the “Wall Street / Corporate oppressors”?,… if so, why the hating?
3. Are you secretly jealous of what they have (because you are living small)?
4. What (or who) are you condemning after all, the people or the system?

The Passing of Steve Jobs
Like you, I was saddened by the passing of Steve Jobs. What an alive, innovative spirit he was. What a testimony to the truth that we are all “occupied” by an undying, unquenchable lust for life. When we embrace the passion and joy in our heart, and serve a purpose and vision bigger than our smaller selves, life is grand and we inspire others to do the same.

Sadly, most of us do not live an inspired life. Instead, most of us fear the risks and heartbreaks needed to excel in life. Many lower their standards, living small, cowardly lives, hoping to avoid the painful disappointments in life.

At his famous commencement speech at Stanford University, Mr. Jobs addressed some of these important themes. Here is what he said: (verbatim)

“My second story is about love and loss.

I was lucky — I found what I loved to do early in life. Woz and I started Apple in my parents garage when I was 20. We worked hard, and in 10 years Apple had grown from just the two of us in a garage into a $2 billion company with over 4000 employees. We had just released our finest creation — the Macintosh — a year earlier, and I had just turned 30. And then I got fired. How can you get fired from a company you started?

Well, as Apple grew we hired someone who I thought was very talented to run the company with me, and for the first year or so things went well. But then our visions of the future began to diverge and eventually we had a falling out. When we did, our Board of Directors sided with him. So at 30 I was out. And very publicly out. What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating.
I really didn’t know what to do for a few months. I felt that I had let the previous generation of entrepreneurs down – that I had dropped the baton as it was being passed to me. I met with David Packard and Bob Noyce and tried to apologize for screwing up so badly. I was a very public failure, and I even thought about running away from the valley. But something slowly began to dawn on me — I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected, but I was still in love. And so I decided to start over.

I didn’t see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.”

We have all been disappointed, rejected and devastated, afraid to reclaim our innocence. That is just a given, once you enter this world. That’s the beginning of the story. The difference is, most people use that as an excuse to play small, while others use it as a catalyst to unfold an inner greatness – like Steve Jobs.

Many of us feel heartbroken and devastated and fearful right now. We all want to run away from what must be done – and many will.

I think the true content of your character will be shown now. You will discover what you are “in love” with now.

More Questions
1. Are you are in love with your failure story, your disappointment, your bitterness?
2. Are you scared of the future?
3. Are you looking to be protected, hoping for revenge and retribution against those who have oppressed you?
4. Are you looking to destroy?

Or

1. Are you in love with the world of amazing possibility in front of you?
2. Are you excited about the new consciousness that is growing and swelling en masse?
3. Are you living creatively in your life, on purpose – albeit apprehensive about the future?
4. Are you looking to create?

Of course, there are many shades of gray, but it is helpful to check-in with these possibilities.

Hopefully, for everyone’s sake, there are more of us “in love” with the amazing possibilities ahead, with the bright future. There is nothing in any credible spiritual scriptures that glorifies poverty,suffering or revenge. We are meant to live in full abundance. Now is the time for global economic and ecological policy to reflect these realities.

May we remember that creativity, passion and integrity can (and must) exist concurrent with themes of wealth and abundance (and generosity). Just as we must come together now around common, uniting themes rather than play into the same old “divide and conquer” mentality, used to control the masses for centuries. We can disagree without being disagreeable, staying innovative, compassionate and on purpose.

What is truly #Occupying your heart?