There is a tenderness in the air. A sense of fragility. The old world is cracking, but the new world hasn’t been born yet.
I try to do things the old way, but it’s tiring and feels empty. Almost pointless. Often I try again, wondering vaguely if there’s something I’m doing wrong. But it doesn’t work.
So many things don’t really work anymore. We are being stripped of all traditional forms of support. For years we relied on systems that can no longer be relied on. Inner systems of thinking and believing. Outer systems of organising and governing. None of them hold much authority now.
What are we left with?
Power struggles are being played out in the public arena. It’s hard to know which ones are real and which are covering a much bigger powerplay.
Inside our individual worlds there are questions. So many questions.
In a strange way, this is a beautiful time. It’s so uncertain. Tentative. Emerging in its own way. Uncontrollable.
The direction forward is clear to me. Whichever way I look, I must move towards systems that work for all of us. No longer a world of winners and losers. A place where diversity thrives. This is without question.
But I see so many people who don’t appear to want what is so obvious to me. It’s hard to understand.
Of course, I’m familiar with all the conditions that make us feel insecure. Pain, fear, trauma, ignorance. But what about that inner compass that orientates each of us in our human form?
That natural call towards freedom, or joy, or peace. Simple states so many of us long for.
Is the drama of conflict, or misery, or tyranny really more compelling?
Are people willing to sacrifice the possibility of a natural way of life for the sake of the fantasy of power or wealth without values?
I don’t know the individual stories that sit behind the public positions. If I heard them, I’m sure I’d understand. I’d know why each person does what they do. But is that truly what life is about?
Someone said to me the other day, “I just want to be healthy, wealthy and happy.” It’s vague. But how true at the same time.
If a community of any size were to take on the responsibility to keep improving the health, wealth and happiness of its members, all their lives would work a lot better.
We don’t need more conflict, tyranny or misery. They are limited, compelling responses that are a part of the old world.
The new world requires a richer, more tender response.
With questions before answers.
Curiosity before knowledge.
Love before decisions are made.
