How Much Have We Lost? Can We Create a Better World?
As we enter the fall I like to look ahead to the next year, as well as look back at the recent past to gain perspective to help me consciously move forward. I’ve hardly had time since the onset of Covid – so there is much to review.
I think we can each create a list of things and people, that we have lost over the last year or two.
For me, the list includes losing travel – both for work and for leisure, the loss of work (teaching and clients), loss of some acquaintances, friends, and family to aging, disease and Covid, the loss of using my social skills through face-to-face contacts and of a social life, and what feels like some personal freedoms lost (wearing a mask, washing my hands, worrying about being in crowds, or indoors). The increased alone time or personal focusing time has not been all bad. I do feel less patient with others, but more patient and loving toward myself. I feel less stressed and materialistic. I am calmer alone. I am less rattled in general, but less accepting of others’ behavior – especially if it is of an ‘entitled’ nature. I am happier with myself (internally) but have a general sense of lost well-being in the world (externally). Maybe this is because of the self-focus we’ve had for the last year and a half? Or for those in a service vocation, the still ongoing demand of others’ needs before my own? It feels like we are still learning and adjusting and these lessons could continue for a while.
In the world at large, it feels to me that the US has lost respect among our allies and international governments. I also feel we have collectively lost faith in our government and institutions (media, legal, educational, financial). I see behaviors that demonstrate a loss of respect for others (including other races, cultures, and beliefs), and a sense of ‘entitlement’ (example: MY needs are the MOST important) that I find baffling.
I grew up in the 60s and 70s with sit-ins and protests. The energy and intent of these was predominately to allow a people to be heard and considered, not to be destructive – and the events were largely peaceful. Capitalism has been aligned with violence (worldwide), and I feel this has gotten more prevalent. Protests are ‘crushed’, power (wealth) is supported with an ‘us over them’ mentality, and the age-old ‘Might Makes Right’ are examples.
I want to reclaim a trust, faith, and love for my world that I feel is currently missing, or at least slipping away.
I would like to be able to TRUST our government and systems to work FOR our citizens – not just the wealthy, or the preferred. I want to participate in my world with FAITH in our constitution as a map to equality and fairness for all. And I want the innocence and joy of treating each other with compassion (LOVE) to be the rule – not the exception.
Mantras for a New World
My world presents with TRUST, FAITH and LOVE so I may bring my best self to it.
My voice is of value in creating a world of unity and equality.
Others present the goodness of collective ideals and vision.
I can trust my government to strive for the greater good of all.
When I contribute love/compassion, situations of separation resolve.
I look for the helpers, the lovers, and the voices of TRUTH in challenging situations. They show me the world is changing and growing into a collective of peace and prosperity.
May the force be with us all! Happy FALL!
Janna