A core motivation in the Portals mission is to develop and bring to this unique platform a series of practices that can assist any life on the journey of growth, knowledge and transformation in these perilous times.
In this special conversation, Portals friends gather to demonstrate the uniquely human practice of ‘essencing.’ We all have the natural capacity to focus our awareness and inner creative power to generate a spark of energy that carries intelligence and intention. For example, generating the essence of patience, or courage, or love; or with our Portals friends, the essence of care.
The practice of generating an essence with intention and value is asserting an innate human capacity to bring to life the qualities and virtues that should naturally flow between humans and uplift all aspects of our time on this planet. And, unfortunately, are painfully absent in a polarized world.
In the spirit of lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness, and to demonstrate a practice anyone can activate at any time, our Portals friends bring to life the power, depth, and beauty of the simple quality of care. They begin with a centering practice of self-care.
What is connected with care?
- Our unique individual awareness gives us the self-authoring power to bring life to whatever we find important
- Care is being able to feel and know what something or someone needs; not what we think they need
- “You need not climb mountains; you need not search far and wide. For I, Care, am inside, ready to abide”
- If we care about humanity, all other essences will join that care
- You first must take care of yourself to take care of others around you
- Care is generated and brought to the world in visible and unnoticed acts of individuals and groups simply responding at the point of need
This conversation is part of the continuing Portals discovery into what is emerging on the frontiers of human experience in this time of profound change. Information about upcoming special events can be found on the Events page. Also visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
The central element is that the quality, the virtue, the essence we choose to generate and we endeavor to bring to life, we really become that essence, become the voice of that essence, such that it speaks with power through us.
Lisa Marcus
At home, we were always encouraged to ask the more enigmatic questions of life. Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where will I go at the end of my life? And the biggest question of all, What is my part to play in the great canvas of life?
Enchanted by the many different cultures and peoples from around the world, during my youth I traveled through my trusty Encyclopedia Britannica. Then came the wondrous day that I was able to travel by airplane. Committed to being a "Champion of Warmth," I continue my travels and interactions with others from all around the world, as together we create a "bouquet of humanity;" one that connects and offers companionship as we step into the future.
Edward Dowrick
Ed is the founder of Vitamusic, which represents an unfolding organic process in the research, development, and advancement of natural, remedial and restorative methodologies through the medium of music and sound. This has stemmed from a lifelong inquiry and discovery journey into the many aspects of “why is the human on Earth?”, its purpose, and its application into everyday life.
Visit: Vitamusic
Aud Wilken
It has always moved me deeply that the human can process such a myriad of life, so many things, and in so many ways.
To be in charge of the sensitive machinery that can feel, think, listen, absorb, know, and create. To come to know Life more intimately. To offer response - perhaps with music or poetry - to what is being felt and witnessed. How to best tune oneself to accurately translate and be with all of this without shrinking it? To offer it one’s best, with great trust in the senses and by practicing often - alone, and with others - to give voice to Life as it moves in and through and between us all.
Many small offerings, so more beauty, more truth and more goodness can land and grow.
Paul Stone
I started playing piano at 5, having been enticed into practicing by my parents. Throughout my life I’ve been passionately interested and engaged with the domain of music; this has ranged from listening to and studying intently many kinds and styles of music and, as I’ve grown more seasoned (matured), composing, arranging, recording and engineering new music.
I believe that music, and other art forms as well, can offer translation and transference of refined essences and qualities. Helping to create ecologies or atmospheres where a special kind of nourishment, healing, and enlivenment can be experienced. This is the background and context for appreciating my experiments with creating and playing Essence Music. My engagement and endeavor quicken and deepen. I know that there are others similarly compelled and called to these regenerative realms, where everyone involved is enhanced and elevated. I hope our paths may cross!
Aviv Shahar
Aviv is the Founder of Aviv Consulting, helping leaders unleash strategic innovation, and is the author of Create New Futures: How Leaders Produce Breakthroughs and Transform the World Through Conversation.
