In Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is one who is "awake" and chooses not to enter Nirvana until every other being is also liberated. I see this is as a mythological rather than a literal standpoint that presents a universal fact - that all things are connected. From this point of view, the Boddhisattva can't leave the rest of us - because they are us. Just as our right leg can't detach and run the other way, we are all connected whether we feel it or not. What affects one affects us all.

In those of us awakening with the primal process, we may initially retreat inward. There seems to be a point, however, where our innate social nature directs us to reach outward to family, tribe, and the rest of the planet.

Science is finally realizing the extent of these interconnections. Chemicals dumped in the tropics end up in polar ice. Everything gets everywhere, because the divisions between things are only an appearance. So it is with people, their feelings and awareness.

When we begin to wake up to life, the drive to avoid the craziness of a sleepwalking society is strong. But just like the couple who moved to the Faulkland Islands to "get away from it all" (and ended up in the middle of a war) there is really no way to escape. We are all in this together.

As social animals, once we clear away the pain that blinds us, there is a natural pull toward others. We want to be close and loving - but we don't want to be enmeshed in craziness and hurt. We can't be bothered talking to people who don't understand, or worse, who ostracize and persecute us for being feeling people. So how do we do it?

1) Get on the Internet. Primal people have been isolated all over the globe - until now. You may be primally alone in your neighborhood, but through email and the web, you can make meaningful connections with significant primal community groups and individuals. Do a search with the words "primal" or "primal therapy" and the main movers and shakers come up. Links from their sites open up a rich world to explore. The Primal Support Group is a strong group, and the IPA offers a world-wide support group called "Ewail" for its members.

2) Start a live support group. Find a space and time to gather, and advertise locally for primal or feeling-oriented people. If you don't have a facilitator or space that can handle deep work, sharing is still very valuable. If you contact the International Primal Association, they are developing peer group guidelines, and may also be able to direct you to a facilitator who can help.

3) If you have a primal or feeling-oriented therapist, urge them to create events such as group intensives, retreats, and social gatherings to get their client base - and you - connected.

4) Join the IPA. Join not just for what you can get, but what you can give. This is the only association in the world that has consistently worked to support and develop primal life and community - for over 30 years. Consider getting involved. There's always lots to do, and it's only as good - and as far-reaching - as we make it. Be a part of the community and support the movement. It's essential.

In the present "Dark Night of Humanism," primal life is being eclipsed by meds, materialistic neurology, and cognitive-behavioural talk therapy. We need to act, let our voices be heard, and connect with others of like mind. Millions of people pour money and effort into a variety of causes from AIDS to Famine Relief, when it also needs to be funnelled toward the root of the problem - emotional repression. In directing efforts like these toward the primal movement, we also help ourselves.

It's time for the Primal Boddhisattva.

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