truth

The Big Sorting

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

I’m day four into recovering from laparoscopic abdominal surgery and I finally have some energy to put some recent observations of the world and my/our place in it in writing.

This is a strange time. To put it into the simplest of terms, humanity is involved in a massive kind of sorting – the likes of which I’m not sure we’ve ever seen. As is always the case with human beings, but even more so now with the reality of global communication, this sorting is happening on both the micro and macro levels. At the heart of this sorting is the question of choice – are we (individually and as a collective) choosing truth or falsehood.

Between our human conditioning, past woundings, and the collective distribution of falsehoods, the choice is not easy. Making the choice even more challenging is the reality that in the dualistic world in which we’ve been living, success and advancement are often achieved through deception; and because human beings find hype and tabloid delivery entertaining and exciting, it is what most commonly sells.

Truth, on the other hand, doesn’t sell.

Case in point: Since the age of 12, I have been a devoted student of the Magdalene. I have read every scholarly work out there, and studied the research of every scholar. What we can discern as plausible truth about the Magdalene is actually pretty boring. Based on available research, the Magdalene was most likely an ordinary Jewish woman who found herself drawn to a traveling preacher and who became enraptured by his teachings. Ancient texts confirm that she was likely Jesus’ most devoted student and the one who most wholly absorbed his deepest teachings. She was taught in secret because she grasped things the other disciples did not. She was the one chosen to be witness to (maybe even facilitated) Jesus’ resurrection and deliver the news to the other disciples. After Jesus’ resurrection, it is possible that she traveled to share Jesus’ message and teachings of Love. Where she went is under some debate though there are enough local legends to support the possibility that she went to Egypt, France, and possibly Ephesus and less possibly Britain. That is not to say, however, that her disciples didn’t carry her message to these far-flung places. It was said that Mary was intimate with Jesus – but whether that was sexual, or merely a beloved spiritual partnership, we will never know. We will also never know if Mary and Jesus had a child. I’m not opposed to this idea, but there is really nothing to prove it one way or another. Like I said, boring. There’s really nothing special here, which is partly why I suspect the version of the Magdalene that I stand by doesn’t sell. I don’t use flashy words or popular new age terminology in reference to the Magdalene because there is nothing scholarly or academic to support it. Are any of those versions of the Magdalene possible – sure.  But until science proves otherwise, they are not truth.

Which brings me back to my point about the big sorting. Together we are experiencing a time of great sorting, and together, it is our choices which will determine the future course of humanity. Will we continue to be a species living from agreements and systems rooted in falsehoods and deceptions, or will we together be advocates of truth?

My choice is and has always been truth. And believe me, truth has cost me. My commitment to truth makes it impossible for me to fit into the current system. I literally become physically ill when in the company of deceivers, liars, and systems that lie. Everything in me wants to scream when I discover corruption or deception in an institution with which I am affiliated. Repeatedly, I have had to leave institutions behind because of the lies they refuse to see for themselves, or for which they are actually proud. As a result, I have had to stand alone in a little place I’ve carved out for myself. The good news is that where I was once alone, I now find myself surrounded by an increasingly growing network of others who find themselves equally unable to abide by the deception and corruption of the dying world and who want only to stand on the side of truth and love.

I also find myself increasingly aware of those who continue to choose falsehood. This is the personal part of the sorting. This part is difficult. It’s one thing to stand in our own truth, it’s another to watch someone we care for choose deception and falsehood because it benefits them in some way. It’s not our job to change their choice.  All we can do is be witness to their choice. Grieve the disappointment we might feel and let them be.

Here’s the nitty gritty of things. For me, this big sorting is all about witness consciousness.  As it relates to the world, I watch, I observe, I wait. I make note of the deceptions and the way falsehoods are delivered and I observe who buys into them. Equally, I watch for those who see through the deceptions and corruptions to the deeper truths waiting to be revealed. I refrain from challenging, confronting, or pointing out that “the emperor has no clothes,” trusting that the system itself is in its own kind of sorting. Humanity is sorting itself out. On a personal basis, it is observing what and who in my life are rooted in truth and what may not be and deciding how I want to engage with that, or not. At this writing, the sorting is still taking place with no definitive answers about what is staying or what needs to go. I’m also aware that the time for decisions is not yet ripe so I continue to wait and watch. The truth will show itself when its time is right and no sooner than that.

To me, the Magdalene was the one who most wholly absorbed the depth of Jesus’ teachings on Love. These teachings, are ultimately about discovering our own Truth and then moving through the inner obstacles to living that Truth. Abraham Maslow called the fulfillment of that journey “Self-Actualization.” It is for this reason that my Magdalene formation program is about personal growth and self-discovery.

Learn more HERE

Falsehoods Being Revealed

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

As for … all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur,

which is the second death.”

Rev 21:8

As we continue to move through the end of the world as we have known it, the burning of the empire, and the death of the patriarchy, I can’t help but be reminded of the Apocalypse of John (aka The Book of Revelation). While this book is indeed timeless and relevant to human beings at any and all times of our existence on this planet, the symbols, metaphors, and imagery used are appropriate for our times. Humanity is being asked to awaken out of the coma of patriarchal conditioning and into a consciousness that transcends separation – realizing and embodying the truth that we are one species on one world and in order for us to survive, we need to come together as one.

A significant part of that awakening (the meaning of apocalypse) is realizing the lies we’ve been sold and seeing the truth beyond the falsehoods.

To me, the truths are evident. Equally are the falsehoods behind which these truths have been hidden. For years I’ve used my voice to point out these falsehoods, “Look, the Emperor has no clothes,” but few have been willing to listen. Eventually I quit pointing out the lies, allowing the liars and deceivers to dig their own graves – because, in the end, they always do.

Truth stands on its own and will eventually reveal itself. Another way of saying this is that liars will always end up showing themselves for who they truly are. Further, those who seek to deceive will eventually find their way to the lake of fire – suffering the consequences of their lies – often by finding themselves deceived.

Deceivers will be deceived. Cheaters will be cheated. Manipulators will be manipulated. Thieves will become the victim of thievery.

I call this Karma. The human part of me relishes in the thought of watching karma mete out its own form of justice while cheering when seeing it done. I don’t feel sorry for the person suffering the consequences of their own actions, BUT I do have compassion for whatever wound in them caused them to be a deceiver in the first place, and my wish for them is healing.

We are at a place in the evolution of humanity where truths are being seen and falsehoods are being called to task. This revelation of truths and falsehoods has been increasing in frequency and subtlety for the past several years. Most recently, the revelations have become a constant bombardment that has left many of us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and a fair bit overstimulated. As soon as we seem to recover from one truth-telling, another bomb is dropped on our heads. Right now, the battle between truth and falsehoods has produced a chaos that many are finding difficult to navigate, let alone manage.

The only way I can see for us to make it through the current deluge of lies is to get out of the way. Universal law tells us that the lies will be revealed, and truth will eventually emerge. Until that time, all we can do is bear witness to the battle, trusting that truth will win out and karma will find its way. The phrase I keep hearing is: 

WAIT FOR IT!  The truth is already here, the liars just need to dig a deep enough hole for themselves and the entire world will see them for who they truly are.

Indeed, the emperor has no clothes.

Truth Stands on Its Own

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

Truth always finds its way to the light where it can be readily seen by those who have the eyes to see, bringing justice to situations where untruths otherwise prevailed.

In one case I was aware of these truths.  Although the revelations of these truths would have provided me with much vindication, I had kept silent about these truths for the sake of others who might be hurt by them.  These truths had been the cause of much pain in my own life, truths that the human part of me wanted to shout to the world as a way of “getting back” at those who had hurt me.  Instead, I chose silence, knowing and trusting that these truths would eventually find their way to the light for those who needed to know in a time that was perfect for them. 

And this is exactly what happened.  The truth came to light bringing healing and closure where neither were previously thought possible.  In addition, the way in which these truths came to light brought empowerment for those, who through their own observations had intuited these truths.  The revelation of these truths brought great validation for me in having taken the “high road” in choosing silence and trust over revenge.

It also serves as a great reminder that no matter how hard one works at disguising, denying or avoiding their truth, truth cannot be hidden for long and the deceiver will always give themselves away, if not directly then by slips of the tongue or getting caught in an outright lie.

This is the advice I offer to students and clients who are faced with similar situations of untruths – where harm has been done to them, and they want to take revenge on the “other” by telling everyone the truth.  I say, “Wait.  The truth will win out in the end.  Those that need to know will find out if and when they need to.” 

Choosing silence, trust, and a patient heart allows us to turn away from the human desire for revenge and toward forgiveness practices – those practices that free us from the resentment, hurt, sense of betrayal, anger and hatred that we might otherwise harbor against the other.  Here we are able to free ourselves of the pain of the hurt while not causing harm to another.  Choosing this path gives us freedom.

As I also advise my students and clients, “Karma is a bitch.”  While I do not believe in a punitive God, I do believe in (and the human part of me takes great comfort in) the law of cause and effect.  What you put out to the world will come back to you 100-fold.  If you (intentionally) cause harm to another, that harm will come back to you.  If you betray another, you will be betrayed.  If you are a liar, you will be deceived.  If you cheat, you will be cheated, etc. etc. etc.  There is comfort in knowing that we reap what we have sown and for those who sow deceit this is what they shall reap.  Truth, on the other hand, always wins.  Choose truth.  

Work with Lauri

Lauri Ann Lumby, MATP, has over twenty-five years of experience as a soul-tender, educator and guide. She has supported hundreds through her one-on-one guidance, books, workshops, retreats, over thirty online courses, and online community.

Learn more about Lauri’s education and qualifications HERE.

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Fear of Honesty

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

I have observed a funny behavior in human beings:

Many, if not most, seem to be afraid of honesty – their own and that of others.

As I’ve come to know myself, my comfort with honesty has grown – especially about my own feelings, vulnerabilities, and weaknesses.  With this, I’ve become more bold in speaking my truth and being transparent with who I am and the journey that got me here.  Funny thing is that many simply don’t know what to do with that level of truth telling.  Those that don’t enthusiastically receive the truths I share,  either run away in terror or project their own dishonesty onto me, making me the enemy.  It seems the adage is true – many human beings simply cannot handle the truth.

For example:

When we share our weaknesses or vulnerability there are three ways in which people react:

  • It’s completely ignored (as people slink away from the sharing that is likely triggering their own unacknowledged vulnerabilities.)
  • It is welcome, and we are thanked for speaking something they may have felt themselves.
  • Some will catastrophize our words and then reach out to ask if we’re ok or if we need help.

When we share our feelings or attempt to name and claim our needs: Again, we are met with one of three reactions:

  • Projection. The recipient turns their own shame or inability to accept difficult feelings or set boundaries on to us – thereby turning us into the enemy.
  • Gratitude. The recipient gratefully accepts our words and if appropriate apologizes and accepts responsibility for any behaviors that may have hurt us or for infringing on our boundaries.
  • Respect. The recipient honors and respects our desire to set boundaries and upholds them willingly.  

When we speak truth to power and point out societal and corporate injustice:

(issues of racism, sexism, corporate greed, white privilege, concerns about poverty, education, healthcare, homelessness, economic injustices, etc.), there are four predictable reactions:

  • Retaliation. This response most often comes from those benefitting from these injustices as they attempt to intimidate or justify their willing participation in injustices from which they benefit.
  • Explanations and excuses.  Ahhhhhhh the corporate Koolaid! (more on that later).  All the reasons and justifications people make for being part of an unjust system (I have bills to pay, they provide me with insurance, it’s a “good” company, yada yada yada).
  • Deaf Ears. This most often comes from those who are either in denial, or who are attempting to ignore the suppressed shame they feel for being part of an unjust system.
  • Agreement. Spoken loudly and clearly from those who also see the injustice and who are willing to risk rejection and condemnation by calling out and working against injustice.

I know!  I’m preaching to the choir! You get it! If you don’t get it chances are you haven’t read this far anyway!  😊  So what’s my point?  What’s the moral to the story?  Why are people so uncomfortable with honesty – whether it be personal honesty spoken or more general honesty about an unjust system?  The reason is simple:

People’s discomfort with honesty reflects their inability to be honest with themselves.

Lauri Ann Lumby

Has over twenty-five years of experience as an educator, facilitator, soul-tender, and guide. She has supported hundreds through her one-on-one guidance, books, workshops, retreats, over thirty online courses, and online community.

Learn more HERE

My Name is Truth

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

My Name is Truth

In my depths, I understand the fullness of my purpose,

and my new secret name is

Truth.

Seeing Truth.

Listening for Truth.

Hearing Truth.

Speaking Truth.

Living from Truth.

The Truth attested by the ancients:

Tao that is the way.

Tav that protects one from death.

Tau that leads us to life.

The Truth that sets us free.

Another name for that Truth is Love.

My second name is Love.

copyright Lauri Ann Lumby

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Longing to Be Seen

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

Some have suggested that one of the greatest longings of the human soul is to be seen – to be really and truly seen for who we are.

As one who has the ability to see, I have found the opposite to be true.  Many (if not most) humans don’t really want to be seen because either a) they hate who they are, or b) they have something to hide. These are the folks who either run from my gaze or turn the shame of being seen back at me by making me their enemy.  I become sad when people do this because while I can see deception, I also see potential.  I see who people are as their most authentic selves if they would only allow themselves to be that.  My purpose is only to support people in becoming their most authentic selves. Sadly, some simply don’t want this – as much as they might argue otherwise.

art by Catherine E. Case used with permission

Those who are comfortable enough with themselves such that they don’t mind being seen; or who have been chomping at the bit to be seen for who they truly are so they might be that more fully, are those who thrive in my presence. I see them and encourage them in their gifts while supporting them in identifying and healing those things that are preventing them from living those gifts more fully. When the going gets rough (which it will – all work of true transformation does) I am there simultaneously holding their feet to the fire while soothing the anxiety and terror that comes when we are allowing ourselves to break free of the chrysalis that formerly imprisoned us.

As the poet Rilke said:

My looking ripens things

and they come toward me, to meet, and be met.

(Book of Hours, I, 1)

Longing to be seen may indeed be one of our greatest desires, but few have the courage to truly be seen, and even fewer have the endurance to allow the seeing to ripen into being. 

Learn more HERE

Lauri Ann Lumby

Lauri’s gifts as a mentor are centered in her ability to see. She sees your truth along with what might be hindering your ability to live that truth fully. By seeing clearly, Lauri can help guide you through the process of identifying, healing and transforming the wounds, fears, traumas and conditioning that keep you from living a life in which your purpose is fully embodied and your mission fulfilled.

Lauri provides this mentoring one-on-one and through her classes and training programs.