Sacred Power - The Creative Tension Between Order and Chaos
And the Wisdom of Silence
Harmonizing Self-Governance with the Divine Balance of Yin and Yang
In the intricate dance of collective coordination, the ‘Sacred Power’ model emerges as a transformative framework. This model guides us in harmonizing the rigorous demands of efficiency with the soulful rhythms of community, respecting the velocity of progress while embracing the gentle, time-rich cadences of natural and indigenous wisdom. It acknowledges and integrates the divine masculine and feminine forces, distinct from societal gender roles of female and male. This framework recognizes that each human being optimally embodies a balance between these two forces. Viewing organizations and communities as dynamic and agile living organisms and ecosystems, the ‘Sacred Power’ model offers a holistic approach to collaboration, co-creation, and regenerative growth.
Centralization: The Blazing Sun of Order
The upper zone of the model, painted in bright yellow, represents Centralization — the domain of order. Here, like the sun, masculine energy shines with intensity, driving efficiency and productivity. However, just as the sun’s blaze can scorch, an excess of this masculine energy risks burning the very fabric of the community, with a Domination Culture leading to an exploitative, unsustainable, and degenerative environment.
Decentralization: The Deep Waters of Chaos
At the other end of the spectrum, in the realm of blue, lies Decentralization — the ocean of chaos. Here, feminine energy flows, nurturing and boundless, like the divine yin. But as water can erode and flood, an overabundance of this chaos can drown the structures necessary for life, productivity, and progress, leading to stagnation and sickness.
The Alchemy of Self-Governance
Self-governance is not simply an organizational objective; it is a sacred alchemy that transmutes individual capacity into collective synergy. This privilege, born of discipline and self-awareness, becomes the cornerstone of a community that values both the lightning speed of decision-making and the slower, deeper currents of shared experience. Self-governance is not an automatic right but something that must be diligently earned through consistent practice and disciplined application of organizational frameworks.
Tools like Scrum and Kanban are instrumental for team self-management, allowing members to manage their own workflows, improve efficiency, and take ownership of their tasks. For broader organizational self-organization, systems such as Sociocracy and Holacracy are vital, as they lay out clear structures and processes that enable groups to govern themselves and make decisions democratically.
Additionally, for managing large-scale projects within agile environments, PRINCE2 Agile proves invaluable. It adeptly bridges the gap between the flexibility of agile practices and the controlled management of traditional waterfall methodologies, ensuring that complex projects can benefit from both adaptability and precision.
The adoption of these frameworks is crucial as they provide the necessary foundation and guidelines that teams and organizations need to earn the ability to self-govern effectively.
Mastering the Creative Tension with Holacracy and Shamanic Circles
At the intersection of the yellow and blue zones lies the verdant expanse of the Green Zone, a landscape where the Sacred Power model comes to life. Here Holacracy introduces efficiency through two distinct meeting types: tactical meetings that focus on operational excellence, and consent governance meetings that employ a rapid integrative decision-making process. Together, they propel organizations toward their objectives, fueled by a harmonious blend of focused action and collaborative energy
In contrast, the shamanic circles — Heart-sharing and consensus-talking circles— spiral downwards, delving into the feminine essence of community and connection. These gatherings are not hurried; they breathe with the rhythms of life, allowing for the emergence of magic and flow. Time is not merely spent but invested in weaving a healing space and a telepathic field, a communal tapestry where intuition and empathy resonate with the whispers of Mother Earth and the patterns of nature.
The Dance of Efficiency and Communion
The “Sacred Power” model recognizes the value of efficiency championed by Holacracy, acknowledging that the essence of productivity lies in its ability to condense time and heighten focus. Yet, it equally honors the slower, more organic process of the shamanic talking circles, where the seeds of the community are watered with patience and bloom in the fullness of time and silence.
This delicate dance between the quick and the deep, between the structured and the fluid, invites a telepathic interconnectedness that can only arise in spaces of trust and openness. It is here, in the heart-sharing and consensus-building, that the unexpected sparks of creativity are kindled, allowing for a channeling of the divine — a connection to the deeper currents of Mother Earth and the Divine Spirit.
Embracing the Full Spectrum
The “Sacred Power” model is an ode to the full spectrum of Ecosystemic life. It is a blueprint for those bold enough to embrace the sun’s fierce clarity and the water’s profound depths. By integrating the swift decisiveness of Holacracy with the expansive nurturing of shamanic circles, we create an environment where true power is not dominated by efficiency nor drowned in chaos but is expressed as the sacred balance of life itself. This model is not a mere juxtaposition of order and chaos; it is a dynamic interplay of the divine forces of yin and yang. It acknowledges that both energies are essential and that their equilibrium is crucial for a thriving community. The model encourages us to recognize and respect these forces, understanding that just as nature requires both the sun’s fire and the water’s caress, so too do our organizations and communities need the balance of these primal energies.
Conclusion
The “Sacred Power” model is more than a framework; it is a living philosophy that honors the twin pillars of progress and presence and is supportive of regenerating life. As we journey through the realms of order and chaos, may we find the wisdom to honor the swift and the slow, the efficiency and the magic, and in doing so, may we tap into the sacred rhythm that moves Mother Earth and Father Sun in their dance, the divine dance of yin and yang that powers the universe.
Lakota Wisdom about Silence
"We Indians know about silence. We are not afraid of it. In fact, for us silence is more powerful than words. Our elders have been trained in the ways of silence, and they have passed that knowledge on to us. Observe, listen, and then act, they told us. That was the way to live.
With you, it is just the opposite. You learn by talking. At school,you reward the children who talk the most. At your parties, you all try to talk at the same time. At your work, you have constant meetings where everyone interrupts everyone else and everyone talks five, ten, or a hundred times. And you call that "solving a problem." If you're in a room and there's silence, you get nervous. You have to fill the room with noise. So you talk compulsively, even before you know what you want to say.
White people love to argue. They don't even let the other person finish a sentence. They always interrupt. To us Indians, that looks like bad manners or even stupidity. If you start talking, I will not interrupt you. I will listen. I may stop listening if I don't like what you are saying, but I will not interrupt you. When you finish speaking, I will form an opinion about what you said, but I will not tell you that I disagree unless it is important. Otherwise, I will just keep quiet and walk away. You have told me everything I need to know.
There Is nothing more to say. But that is not enough for the majority of white people. People should consider their words as seeds. They should sow them and then let them grow in silence. Our elders taught us that the earth always speaks to us, but we should be silent to hear it. There are many voices besides ours. Many voices..."
by Anpétu Wasté Win from “Deer Women and Elk Men”: Lakota Narratives by Ella Deloria (1889-1971)
* The term ‘Indians,’ used to refer to Native American tribes including the Lakota, originated with European explorers who believed they had reached the Indian subcontinent in 1492. The Lakota are a Native American tribe indigenous to the Great Plains of North America. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and strong ties to the land. Their history is marked by a deep respect for the environment and a profound philosophical understanding that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings.
Meeting processes:
Shamanic Consensus Talking-Circle Process (No Facilitator Needed):
Opening the Circle: The circle begins with a collective moment of silence, prayer, or a spiritual practice like chanting “AUM.” This ritual facilitates connection and oneness and sets a respectful and mindful atmosphere. The spirit of Mother Earth is invited, along with other spiritual beings who are supportive of the group.
Use of the Talking Stick: A talking stick is passed clockwise (Sunwise) around the circle, signifying each participant’s opportunity to speak.
Proposal Presentation as a ‘Seed’: When an individual has a proposal, they call for consensus while holding the talking stick. By presenting it, the proposal is metaphorically shaped like a ‘seed’ of masculine energy, ready to be planted in the feminine ‘womb’ of the group’s collective silence.
Absolute Silence for Consensus: The key to reaching consensus is absolute silence as the talking stick is passed around the circle back to the proposer. If the stick completes a full circle without any sound — no words, affirmations like “Aho,” “Amen,” or “Yes,” or any other noises — the proposal is considered accepted. This silence represents the unanimous agreement of the group, spirit, and divine mother.
Option for Open Discussion: If a participant feels an open discussion is necessary, they can place down the talking stick to initiate it, but this is an exception. The primary mode of reaching consensus remains through the power of collective silence.
Closing the Circle: The circle is closed by a call for consensus to end the meeting. This is again determined by the silent passage of the talking stick around the entire circle. If anyone in the group wishes to leave before the official closing, they are free to do so, but the group as a whole remains until a consensus for closure is silently reached.
Shamanic Heartsharing Talking-Circle Process (No Facilitator Needed):
Opening the Circle: Start with a group activity like a moment of silence, a short meditation, or a group chant to create a unified and respectful atmosphere.
Guidelines Agreement: As a group, we agree on the guidelines, emphasizing the importance of speaking from the heart, listening without judgment, and confidentiality. We express our own experiences and perspectives, without directly addressing anyone and we respect time limits for sharing.
Heart Sharing: Participants take turns holding the talking object to share their feelings and thoughts. Others in the circle listen attentively and empathetically, without interruptions.
Passing the Talking Object: After sharing, the speaker passes the object to the next person anticlockwise (Earthwise), who may choose to speak, sit in silence, or pass it along.
Consensual Closing: The circle is closed by a call for consensus to end the meeting. If it completes a full circle without anyone making a noise, the meeting is considered closed by silent consensus. Participants can leave before the official closing, but the group remains until this consensus is reached.
Holacracy Meetings Processes (Facilitator Needed):
Tactical Meeting:
https://www.holacracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Tactical_Meeting_Reference_Card_v5.0.111821_ENGLISH.pdf
Governance Meeting:
https://www.holacracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Governance-meeting-reference-card-v5.0.112921_ENG.pdf
Learn Holacracy: https://vimeo.com/showcase/10072805
Footnote:
There’s a significant risk in conducting a consensus talking-circle without first holding a heart-sharing circle. The consensus circle, intended for governance, may unintentionally become a platform for personal emotional expression. This can frustrate participants who are there for decision-making, possibly leading them to leave the talking-circle. A weakly heart-sharing circle is crucial to addressing emotional needs, ensuring that the consensus circle remains focused on its governance purpose.
Once we use regenerative governance, we can begin to design our regenerative economy: https://medium.com/society4/the-plan-f581875a2404#0241
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do Holacracy and the shamanic consensus talking circle interact within the Sacred Power model? Holacracy provides a structured approach to governance and decision-making through defined roles and circles or “Holons,” enhancing organizational efficiency and clarity. The shamanic consensus talking circle complements this structure by offering a space for consensus-building with deep listening and emotional and spiritual growth, allowing groups to heal and evolve together. It encourages deep sharing and inclusive decision-making, supporting the development of members’ consciousness maturity. This integration ensures that the organization not only functions efficiently but also evolves in alignment with the spiritual and communal values of its members, fostering a balanced and adaptive ecosystem.
How does the Sacred Power model address situations where a member does not fulfill their role’s purpose? First, the concept of time-limited roles can be applied. This means that roles are assigned for a specific duration, with the option for extension contingent on the member’s alignment and contribution. If the member’s performance does not meet the expectations or align with the role’s purpose, the extension of their role may not be granted, facilitating a natural transition process. Alternatively, if there’s a need for a more communal and reflective decision-making process, a shamanic consensus talking circle can be convened. This allows the circle to collectively assess the member’s role and contributions in a spirit of deep listening and respect. Through this process, the group can reach a consensus on whether the role should be removed from the member, ensuring that the decision is made with a holistic understanding of the individual’s impact on the organization's purpose.
Why use the concepts of order and chaos, or masculine and feminine, when these dualities seem outdated and not everything is in polarity? It’s essential to understand that the Sacred Power model incorporates these concepts not to reinforce outdated duality concepts but to acknowledge the dynamic interplay between different forces. The model emphasizes the “Green Zone” or the “Creative Tension Zone” as the third force, which transcends traditional polarities. This zone represents a harmonious blend where the creative potential of combining various elements — be it order and chaos, or masculine and feminine energies — comes to life. It’s a space where innovation, balance, and holistic growth are fostered, illustrating that the model values integration and synergy over separation. The Green Zone embodies the idea that true power and progress arise from the nuanced interplay and balance of diverse forces, moving beyond binary classifications or gender roles to embrace a more complex and interconnected reality.
If you would like to explore this topic further and understand the underlying reasons, you are welcome to read more in this book here: https://karmicmultiverse.org