As of the rare day of February 29th 2020, I am officially a Dame, knighted into the Orthodox Order of St. John.
The invitation has been on the table since 2013, when I was nominated along with my then partner, don Miguel Ruiz. I'm grateful to finally step into receiving this gift, and I’m honored to be initiated into this many century-old tradition of humanitarians.
The invitation has been on the table since 2013, when I was nominated along with my then partner, don Miguel Ruiz. I'm grateful to finally step into receiving this gift, and I’m honored to be initiated into this many century-old tradition of humanitarians.
My benefactor Doria Gordova asked me on the day of the ceremony, why it took so long for me to accept the nomination… if I didn’t feel worthy back then? Well, maybe that was part of it. But, it was so much more complex than that… and yet, so much more simple.
Maybe I felt that my humanitarian efforts were not enough. Maybe I felt my work wasn’t recognized enough, as if the external acknowledgement makes or breaks the value of the actual work. Maybe I felt belonging to another organization was unnecessary or even irrelevant. Maybe I felt I was too “below”, too “above”, too this or too that. What I do know, is that I still lived in a world of “right & wrong”.
As human beings, we are masters at interpreting circumstances & people, making judgements, creating stories and subsequently making our choices - regardless if it's based in truth or not. I had my own maze of distortions to walk through… as we all do… until the maze falls away, revealing the ever-present Truth of Life itself.
Maybe I felt that my humanitarian efforts were not enough. Maybe I felt my work wasn’t recognized enough, as if the external acknowledgement makes or breaks the value of the actual work. Maybe I felt belonging to another organization was unnecessary or even irrelevant. Maybe I felt I was too “below”, too “above”, too this or too that. What I do know, is that I still lived in a world of “right & wrong”.
As human beings, we are masters at interpreting circumstances & people, making judgements, creating stories and subsequently making our choices - regardless if it's based in truth or not. I had my own maze of distortions to walk through… as we all do… until the maze falls away, revealing the ever-present Truth of Life itself.
This year it felt very natural to accept the nomination to become Dame Eva Charlotte. Not because I have become more worthy, or even more aware of my worthiness. Not because my work is “better” or more impactful. Not because of anything other than the joy of living with an open heart, going where Life takes me. It’s that simple. |
For as long as I can remember, supporting and serving others have been at the core of my being… even though at times distorted by my human beliefs, fears and stories. Pledging myself to humanity is not new to me… and still I was touched by the power of the ceremony.
Taking a sacred oath to serve, witnessed, and honored by my peers, feeling the lineage of Dames and Knights from past centuries aligning in support, was profound.
We are always creating, whether we do it consciously or not. We ALL have the power to make every day infused with awareness, intent and deliberate acts of power.
We are always creating, whether we do it consciously or not. We ALL have the power to make every day infused with awareness, intent and deliberate acts of power.
I invite You to make Your choices in service of the better good of all,
for You and Me, for Humanity and All Beings on this Earth.
for You and Me, for Humanity and All Beings on this Earth.