Kate Solusar’s Holocron

Even though I may have a title and a partially fictionally based online name and avatar, I am the same on and offline. My name is a combination of a diminutive form of one of my given names and Solusar is a name given me in honor of the fictional character Master Tionne Solusar. My avatar is of Master Luminaria Unduli, another fictional character. Interestingly enough, both were chosen by my mentor, Master Derek Thompson. This is not some role I play; the Jedi Path is something I strive to live, every day. Some days are better than others, but when I fail, I pick myself back up again and persevere. I am human. I am a Jedi/walker of the Jedi Path. To me, it’s a distinction without any real difference. My online identity, which keeps me partially in shadow, is meant to preserve personal boundaries and privacy. I am the gatekeeper of my personal experiences. I choose what I am willing to share with others in such an unregulated medium as the Internet. Also, my choosing to walk and live this Jedi way is one that has meaning only to me. My spouse does not like this aspect of my life, so it is primarily a hidden one. That’s okay with me. Believe me, I am not in this for the recognition. I do this to be the best person I can be, living my best life within my circumstances.

I have truly enjoyed exploring the fictional and real-world philosophy of the Jedi Path. Interest in one has naturally led to the other. Not to mention how much groundwork was already laid and prepared for the day I decided this was the path I wished to pursue, due to my studies of history, philosophy, comparative religion and politics in my educational career both as a student and as a teacher, and now as a parent. So how do I apply what I’ve learned into my real, everyday life both on and offline?

I meditate everyday. I need at least an hour, and if I don’t make the time, the Force makes me make the time at bedtime. Seriously. I use my training and the self-discipline I have learned to manage my chronic health issues, including diabetes, which demands that I pay attention to regular, consistent physical training as well. My A1C tests that measure my long-term blood glucose control don’t lie. If I don’t train physically, my control slips. I use my communication skills to help mediate and resolve conflicts between people, achieve consensus in situations like the Autism Task Force committee on which I serve under our city’s school committee, and help bring people and ideas together for mutual benefit. I have done so in both the public and private spheres, in government, in the workplace, and in my family. I counsel people and teach them that the answers they so often seek already exist within them. I help them uncover that knowledge and then use it to move forward in their lives. I use the “heroic” image of our fictional brethren to give purpose and dignity to chores like laundry, housework, toilet training my autistic son, and all the repetitive, hidden parts of my life. I use my connection with the Force to help the healing process in others and myself. That same connection allows me to understand my autistic son when he can’t tell me what’s bothering him or when he needs his anxiety soothed or his pain diminished. My Jedi training and practice makes it possible for me to cope with all that having an autistic child really entails day to day. Believe me, this is not some role I play. It is my life, imperfect and fallible as it is.

I practice harmony with the environment, supporting the local ecosystem and buying from local farmers. That goes not only for fruits and vegetables but butter, milk, and eggs as well. I use no phosphate soap for my dishwasher and have eliminated or severely limited bleach use, hot water use, and antibacterial soap in order to lessen our household’s impact on the environment, which is particularly important when you have a septic system. Energy star appliances have been installed; energy efficient and eco friendly products used to reduce my family’s impact further have been put into use. I have been involved in disaster planning efforts for our region and taken appropriate steps and measures at home for our family and others who may be in need in the wake of a disaster. Respecting life as the Code calls Jedi to do for me means standing up for the rights of the disabled in our schools and society (I have a special interest in handicapped accessibility to public buildings, particularly historically significant ones), as well as engaging in activities to help ensure that those in need get the food, clothing and shelter they need in my local community. It means really examining my relationship to the food I consume, particularly animal products. It means purchasing fair trade coffee and cocoa. It means getting flu shots annually for everyone in my family and questioning antibiotic use when appropriate because it is in the interest of the public health in my community and beyond to do so. It’s about responsible stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. It’s about teaching my children these concepts and ideas, by words and example.

It means watching my speech and words in my dealings with others and myself (our self-talk can be harmful as well). It means really seeking that calm center when emotions spiral out of control so that I can help, not hurt others. Part of my personal Jedi practice involves uncovering the layers and piercing the veil to understand my deepest self and my connection to that all encompassing reality, the Force. I’m a bit mystical and metaphysical and that’s a side of me I share only online with my closest associates and sometimes a student. I take all these ideas and concepts and find ways to share them with others, especially those I teach. Even though Ashla has been down, I’ve had opportunities to continue to teach and share with others on this same path. My primary online activity is teaching and learning and sharing with others my thoughts on these things and personal experiences when I feel comfortable so doing.