Where should change take place if not in the small individual and in the local perspective? Everyone can do something. The first, and initially the biggest, change lies with ourselves. Make us think a little further than our purely egoistic perspectives with their desire to have more, more and more of everything.
Credits to beasternchen published on Pixabay
The imbalance we humans have created in nature, in economic distribution or in interpersonal relationships needs to be restored to a balanced state.
When realpolitik strikes, consideration for the environment, each other and equality weighs lightly. New jobs, constant economic growth and keeping the budget trumps everything. The short-term perspective, regardless of the motive, always weighs heavier than consideration for long-term consequences. In some cases, mining expansion is allowed into the lands of indigenous peoples, sometimes sacred, because it can provide a couple of hundred jobs. The agreements that have been signed suddenly no longer apply, as does the irreparable damage it does to nature, in both the short and long term. Wonder how we would react if a mining company suddenly got permission to open an open pit mine in Skogskyrkogården in Stockholm? ”We need the very rare earth metal that lies beneath the cemetery” sounds the argument.
Where is the power and potential for change? At least not in the political arena, although there are exceptions. The potential is in each of us. Everyone possesses potential, it just looks a little different. Nothing strange since we are all unique beings, not just us humans. However, the potential needs to come out in manifestation.
We can choose to take a step back and start reflecting on what our ancestors have done for us and what we ourselves can do for those who come after us. Thinking about those who come after us, not just one generation but several, can make us start making different choices than we did before. Choices that take into account those who will take over what we leave to them. What we have chosen to manage, or what we have ignored? What we leave behind will then look very different depending on the choices we have made.
Can you even think seven generations ahead? A time span of about 150 years. What would it look like? My children's, children's, children's, children's, children's children. Both difficult and easy at the same time. Difficult because it is so abstract, easy because it only requires you to put yourself in their shoes and think about what you yourself would like to receive.
Who will speak for the unborn generations? Our politicians, business leaders, multi-millionaires or religious leaders? The answer is quite simple. It is we who brought children into the world, we who are committed to saving the climate and the environment, we who protect the right of all living things to life, we who protect the sustainable use of our planet's resources, we who work for a more equal and gender-balanced society. It is we as individuals who can drive this development. By making decisions that protect the whole and not the short-term fulfillment of an infinite variety of demands and wishes.
I myself have chosen to familiarize myself with the school world and how it works because I have children who go to school. The knowledge of what creates a good education and a good school is well known and supported by research. Yet it does not have an impact in real life because far too few resources are invested in it. There are many fine plans that cannot be implemented because there are a lack of resources.
The tax wallet is not enough for everything, but the money must be prioritized is a well-known mantra. The question is, however, whether there is a prioritization worthy of the name. Before the election, it sounds something like this: we prioritize school, health and social care. If that is true, these would receive the funds they need to fulfill the social contract. The remaining funds can be prioritized for other activities.
So what can you as an individual do? Start small by helping a person you don't know with something. It could be fixing something, driving them somewhere, talking to them, providing financial support or something else that brings both of you joy. Get involved in an association or project around the environment, community functions, sports and health. The list could be long but the commitment starts within yourself. Maybe I can stop the repetitive everyday life, if only for a moment, and think about how I can contribute to a positive change.
Stay Conscious
Ulf