So much hard learning and wisdom here. Re the person who is dreaming of a world... I like these kinds of ideas as they are statements of values and aspirations. I also find them utterly hopeless because they ignore aspects of the world that we know have existed forever and which I think have to be faced up to and brought into any proposed plan of action; the existence of power-hungry, traumatised people who don't share these values/ideas; people who have historically experienced or currently experience severe deprivation or injustice who don't necessarily have the capacity or resources to take certain actions; and god knows many more realities like these. We're so conditioned to think that trying to understand ourselves is selfish but as you suggest (I think?), not doing so can just compound the problem of so many unconscious wounded people trying to act in the world without insight etc. I think it has to be local. Knowing what our unmet needs are and how they affect our social behaviour and drives, and acting literally locally, in our own communities. Knowing about vast amounts of world suffering paralyses so many of us because we know we can do nothing. But we can do plenty at the level of our own interactions, and in terms of offering our time to our own communities...
"How can I open my heart and mind to the world as it is?" - gosh, this is so hard. I work in animal rights and the sheer amount of misery I see every day in my work, the absolute worst of humanity and the horrors we inflict on those among the most indefensible, has made me put up some kind of armour of defiant joy when not working. As soon as I clock off, I dive into major FOMO mode, trying to have as much fun as possible to block out the truth of the world. It's like if I pour enough Proseccos on the beach, go on enough scenic hikes, wear enough pretty outfits I can forget the world as it is. I make my world smaller to close myself off to the horrific realities. And I think many people do the same. In my view, the road to empowerment lies in small collective actions. Coming together even in the smallest of ways. Addressing ONE single thing a day, or a week. Taking those blinders off for a minute and engaging in collective goals to feel that yes, we CAN make a change. A small spark that will light a bigger fire. Hopefully.
When I woke up this morning, I promised myself I would only read articles that would bring me hope. Hope never dies. I continue to confront my illusions realistically and to assess the things I can change. It starts with acceptance. That can be really tough, but I won’t give up. I look forward to reading more of your reflections, which are refreshingly grounded in your life experience and your experience of the world.
So much hard learning and wisdom here. Re the person who is dreaming of a world... I like these kinds of ideas as they are statements of values and aspirations. I also find them utterly hopeless because they ignore aspects of the world that we know have existed forever and which I think have to be faced up to and brought into any proposed plan of action; the existence of power-hungry, traumatised people who don't share these values/ideas; people who have historically experienced or currently experience severe deprivation or injustice who don't necessarily have the capacity or resources to take certain actions; and god knows many more realities like these. We're so conditioned to think that trying to understand ourselves is selfish but as you suggest (I think?), not doing so can just compound the problem of so many unconscious wounded people trying to act in the world without insight etc. I think it has to be local. Knowing what our unmet needs are and how they affect our social behaviour and drives, and acting literally locally, in our own communities. Knowing about vast amounts of world suffering paralyses so many of us because we know we can do nothing. But we can do plenty at the level of our own interactions, and in terms of offering our time to our own communities...
"How can I open my heart and mind to the world as it is?" - gosh, this is so hard. I work in animal rights and the sheer amount of misery I see every day in my work, the absolute worst of humanity and the horrors we inflict on those among the most indefensible, has made me put up some kind of armour of defiant joy when not working. As soon as I clock off, I dive into major FOMO mode, trying to have as much fun as possible to block out the truth of the world. It's like if I pour enough Proseccos on the beach, go on enough scenic hikes, wear enough pretty outfits I can forget the world as it is. I make my world smaller to close myself off to the horrific realities. And I think many people do the same. In my view, the road to empowerment lies in small collective actions. Coming together even in the smallest of ways. Addressing ONE single thing a day, or a week. Taking those blinders off for a minute and engaging in collective goals to feel that yes, we CAN make a change. A small spark that will light a bigger fire. Hopefully.
When I woke up this morning, I promised myself I would only read articles that would bring me hope. Hope never dies. I continue to confront my illusions realistically and to assess the things I can change. It starts with acceptance. That can be really tough, but I won’t give up. I look forward to reading more of your reflections, which are refreshingly grounded in your life experience and your experience of the world.
Lovely to hear your voice Catriona, and I really appreciated the message you're sharing here! x