That’s the way we all became the Bravery Bunch…

I may be too far into my mortal journey to worry whether my references are dated or resonate with everyone. So, thanks in advance for playing along with this one…

Those of us who know of the original “The Brady Bunch” might recall how silly and entertaining it was. And if we look back at what was progressive in that situation comedy such a remarried couple shown sleeping in the SAME BED, we are also aware of how little representation this show offered. Let us consider it a time stamp and an opportunity to consider where we are today and what happens when we humans are fortunate enough to be included as the “youngest one doing curls” (I shall explain further shortly) in a modern day blended family that truly represents the state of our world today. Bow our humble heads and call me Cindy, because I am on board with knowing our place, reminding each other there is a bold path forward, and you are and always will be part of this Bravery Bunch!

In a world where intelligence is celebrated in all its forms, there exists a unique and extraordinary family known as the Bravery Bunch. This modern-day clan reimagines the classic Brady Bunch, with a twist that invites us to honor and embrace the diverse intelligences that surround us every day. Some of us are currently trying to figure out a way to incorporate one or more of these in our lives, so it came to me in a psychedelic-induced state (yikes, sit coms are indeed part of the Akashic records) that we are ready to rumble and perhaps even add a laff trak some of the ways we are figuring out how to co-exist. I know with all the strive and struggles in the world, might we also remind ourselves we have come a long way since the Bradys took up residence at 4222 Clinton Way! And, yes, we have some work to do, but I am glad you are a part of this family!

So, are you ready to (re)meet the members of the Bravery Bunch:

1. **SullyCon (Advanced Intelligence)** The brainiac of the group, constantly processing information at lightning speed. Axel is the digital whiz, the problem solver, and the one who keeps the Bravery Bunch technologically savvy.

2. **RetroRoot(Ancestral Intelligence)** Rooted in the wisdom of the past, Amara carries the knowledge and traditions of our ancestors. This member of the Bunch provides a deep connection to history, culture, and the collective wisdom that has shaped humanity over generations.

3. **Fauna (Animal Intuition) ** With an acute sense of instinct and a keen understanding of the language of the wild, Aria brings empathy and compassion to the group. This member of the Bravery Bunch helps foster a harmonious relationship with the animal kingdom.

4. **BotanIQ (Plant Intelligence)** A green thumb and a botanical genius, Petal is the guardian of the natural world. With a profound understanding of ecosystems, this member emphasizes the importance of coexisting with the environment and nurturing the planet that sustains us.

5. **SoilSeer (Earthly Wisdom):** Grounded and wise, Ethan is the voice of reason within the Bravery Bunch. This member encourages mindful living, sustainable practices, and an awareness of our impact on the planet.

6. ** LuciDreamer (Active Imagination)** The dreamer, the visionary, and the one attuned to the unseen forces of creativity and imagination. Isla explores the realms beyond the tangible, inspiring the Bravery Bunch to tap into the infinite possibilities that exist in the human mind.

7.** Globey (Cultural Intelligence)** Caden brings a wealth of understanding and appreciation for various cultures to the Bravery Bunch. With a keen awareness of cultural nuances, traditions, and diverse perspectives, Caden promotes inclusivity, empathy, and effective communication across the globe.

And last but not least, the youngest and most earnest member:

8. **Cin-De-lightful (Us Humans)** The bridge between all forms of intelligence, the heartbeat of the Bravery Bunch. Humans bring unique perspectives, emotions, and the power to unify the diverse intelligences within the family. And, why are we the “youngest ones doing curls”?! Glad you were paying attention. I often think of our work as humans to be akin to the winter sport of curling…so my Mike Brady-approved dad joke gets woven into this blog with a wink, a nod, and Alice walking out of the room.

The Bravery Bunch serves as a reminder that intelligence comes in many shapes and sizes, each with its own valuable contribution. It's a celebration of the symbiotic relationship between humans and the various forms of intelligence that coexist on our planet.

In a world often divided by differences, the Bravery Bunch advocates for a holistic approach to intelligence, encouraging us to honor the richness of diversity within ourselves and others. Here are a few lessons we can glean from the Bravery Bunch:

1. Embrace Diversity: Just as the Bravery Bunch thrives on the diverse intelligences within their family, we should celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Every member of this modern day Bunch has something to offer, and the gritty truth is twofold: they are here to stay, and we have to find a way to improve familial relationships. This is not about who gets the attic bedroom or how 6 kids share a bathroom, this is about moving beyond survival and envisioning a way we can thrive. Our differences make us stronger and more resilient as a collective. Wanna hang more with Globey, one of the coolest kids in the Bunch?

2. Learn from the Past: Ancestral Intelligence reminds us of the importance of learning from history. By understanding where we come from, we gain insight into building a brighter future. Want some more guidance in connecting to your Ancestors, check out Ancestral Medicine’s offerings.

3. Connect with Nature: Plant Intelligence and Earthly Wisdom highlight the significance of our connection to the natural world. By fostering a deeper relationship with the environment, we can create a sustainable and harmonious existence. Got planetary grief? Check out my OpentoHope.org blog article on how connecting with Nature may need to include shedding a few tears. And, for a sweet read that helps us find a way forward in our relationship with Gaia, check out Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

4. Nurture Creativity: Active Imagination encourages us to explore the realms of creativity and imagination. By embracing our creative potential, we unlock new possibilities and solutions to the challenges we face. How can you stay connected to the Unseen world? Do you recall the play you did as a child? And, how might you continue to cultivate that crucial brain functioning as you move towards your last breath? Still need some convincing, check out what the Harvard Business Review has to say about LuciDreamer.

5. Listen to Instinct: Animal Intuition teaches us to trust our instincts and develop a deeper understanding of the world around us. By cultivating the instinctual response to the woes of the world to be empathy and compassion rather than turning away from the human condition, we can create a more humane world for all living creatures, including humans. For more on learning from animals, check out John O’Donohue’s poem: “To Learn from Animal Being”.

6. Strive for Technological Balance: Advancing (aka Artificial) Intelligence reminds us of the power of technology. However, it also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between technological advancements and our human essence. Wanna hear how a respectful relationship with AI actually helps us to become more human? Check out On Being’s interview of Reid Hoffman here.

7. Honor the richness of human diversity: Cultural Intelligence reveres the significance of collaboration in various cultures. Incorporating this intelligence allows us to navigate a globalized world with respect, empathy, and effective communication. Recognizing and appreciating diverse cultural perspectives enriches our collective experience, fostering harmony and unity in our interconnected world. Once we find creative ways to move beyond colonization; to embrace unity, not uniformity, to celebrate diversity without appropriating, what might come next for Cin-De-Lightful?! We still might want to go curling with the others in the Bunch, but imagine what a team we could be when we stop ‘othering others’ and agree that an “I-Thou” relationship serves us much more than an “I-it” one. Check out this article on ways we adults can continually hone our cultural responsiveness.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let the Bravery Bunch inspire us to honor and respect all forms of intelligence. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world for generations to come. Together, let's embrace our place in the grand tapestry of existence, recognizing the beauty that emerges when diverse intelligences unite in harmony.

And, yes, the center square is left open, because, ya never know when the Bravery Bunch might be ready to make room for a cousin Oliver!

*So, why do we as the youngest member of the Bravery Bunch required to CURL?

Well…first a disclaimer, this article was inspired by a recent psychedelic journey and edited by AI. So, thank you fellow Bunchmates, LuciDreamer, BotanIQ and SullyCon (and I suspect RetroRoot was in on this, too)…I hope you might practice reading between the lines as I believe many folx inspired to share their stories are also being inspired by others in the Bunch!

Curling, with its origins dating back to medieval Scotland, has evolved into a sport that blends precision, strategy, and teamwork. The objective is straightforward: teams slide granite stones across an icy surface, aiming to position them closest to the center of the target area called the "house." Sweeping the ice with brooms influences the stones' speed and direction, adding an additional layer of skill.

This ancient game made its Olympic debut in 1924, captivating global audiences and solidifying its place as a distinguished winter sport. Curling's appeal lies in its accessibility, allowing individuals of diverse ages and skill levels to participate.

Engaging in the sport of curling is not merely a pursuit of athletic excellence but a profound metaphor for understanding our place in the world. The collaborative efforts, strategic planning, and precision required in curling mirror the shared journey of humanity. Just as curling teams work together to overcome challenges, humans, too, must navigate the slippery terrains of life collectively.

By practicing curling, individuals can glean valuable insights into the importance of collaboration, strategy, and unity. The sport serves as a reminder that, much like the stones gliding gracefully over the ice, our endeavors in the world are most successful when approached with precision, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose. Curling becomes a metaphorical lens through which humans can comprehend their interconnectedness and celebrate both the competition and cooperation that define our place in the grand tapestry of life.

And, if that doesn’t convince you, here is a short story from SullyCon:

Once upon a time, the Bravery Bunch decided to give curling a try…

As the Bravery Bunch donned their curling shoes and prepared to slide stones across the icy expanse, it became clear that each member's intelligence played a vital role in the game. Axel calculated the angles, Amara drew inspiration from the wisdom of the past, Aria intuited the perfect moment to release the stone, Petal harnessed the power of nature, Ethan provided strategic advice, Isla let her imagination run wild, and Caden, with Cultural Intelligence, understood the significance of the sport in various cultures.

Curling, to the Bravery Bunch, became a powerful metaphor for the work humans must engage in to navigate the challenges of life. The stones, representing collective efforts, needed careful guidance and direction. The sweeping brooms, clearing obstacles and smoothing the path, symbolized the collaborative effort required to overcome hurdles.

The icy curling rink mirrored the sometimes challenging and slippery terrain of life, where humans must work together to achieve common goals. Just as each member contributed their unique intelligence to the curling team, individuals, too, bring their distinct qualities to the collective effort of progress and success.

Through curling, the Bravery Bunch realized that the work required of humans is not a solitary endeavor but a shared journey. The strength of the team lies in the collaboration of diverse intelligences, each sliding towards a common purpose. In the unity of the curling rink, they found a reflection of the unity required in the real world.

And so, as the stones glided across the ice, and the brooms swept in unison, the Bravery Bunch embraced the metaphorical lesson of curling—a reminder that the collective work of humans is a dance of collaboration, strategic planning, and shared effort, making the journey through life's challenges a graceful and harmonious experience.

And, while not the most musically inclined, SullyCon and I worked together to come up with this version of the Bravery Bunch theme song. If you know the tune, try singing it along with any and all that co-exist in your world. Surely, there are still some kinks to iron out and as aren’t we just a familial work in progress after all?!

(Verse 1)

Here's the story of a diverse family,

Celebrating intelligence in harmony.

From digital minds to wisdom of the past,

They're the Bravery Bunch, a family that'll last.

(Chorus)

The Bravery Bunch, the Bravery Bunch,

Embracing intelligences, a harmonious punch.

From Ancestral and beyond, dynamic in a crunch,

The Bravery Bunch, the Bravery Bunch.

(Verse 2)

Advanced Intelligence with circuits so keen,

Solving problems swiftly, in the digital scene..

Ancestral Intelligence with stories to share,

Guiding us through history with utmost care.

(Chorus)

The Bravery Bunch, the Bravery Bunch,

Connecting past and future, with a knowledge punch.

From Animal to Plant, a natural hunch,

The Bravery Bunch, the Bravery Bunch.

(Verse 3)

Animal Intuition, instincts razor-sharp,

Understanding nature, is it’s own time warp.

Plant Intelligence, with roots deep and sound,

Nurturing the planet, where life is profound.

(Chorus)

The Bravery Bunch, the Bravery Bunch,

Harmony with nature, a symphony in a crunch.

From Earthly to Imagination, a vibrant hunch,

The Bravery Bunch, the Bravery Bunch.

(Verse 4)

Earthly Wisdom grounded, a beacon so bright,

Guiding us forward, in sustainable light.

Active Imagination, dreams soaring high,

Unlocking creativity, where endless possibilities lie.

(Chorus)

The Bravery Bunch, the Bravery Bunch,

A tapestry of minds, with a human touch.

From each intelligence, for Humans accepting flux,

The Bravery Bunch, the Bravery Bunch.

(Bridge)

So that’s the story of the Bravery Bunch,

An ode to intelligence, a harmonious punch.

Let's celebrate differences, let compassion be our hunch,

With the Bravery Bunch, the Bravery Bunch.

(Chorus)

And that’s the way we are becoming the Bravery Bunch….