We see this in other parts of Europe, the UK, Africa and the US. For so long, America, for all its historic sins and systemic inequities, behaved and was seen as the world’s most successful democracy. But a mere four years of a president who governed like an autocrat and cuddled up to the planet’s top Authoritarians has divided America in ways not witnessed since the Civil War.
CONSISTENCY
It is not enough to take on a cause or project, achieve a modicum of success, then walk away, patting ourselves on the back for a job well done. The exhausting truth is that the job is never done. Constant oversight and adjustments are critical. Tremendous, even modest, advancement must be continually increased and the methods that achieved it must be shared and duplicated.
You may be determined to do civic and civil battle against the rise of 21st Century Authoritarianism. You may strive for human mutuality and seek Islands of Sanity. You may look for strategies and hopeful signs that progress is possible. Yet it’s hard to function in the dark. But slipping into despair, bemoaning the darkness instead of amplifying the voices of light is pointless – and this is where the fifth “C” of Courage comes in. Whether or not you’re religious, the biblical adage “Act as if you have faith and faith will be given to you” applies. I say, “Faith is believing despite the evidence and then working to make the evidence change.” That requires a long-haul view of change – the relay race instead of the marathon.
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In conclusion, I urge you to have faith in the power of Connectedness, even if on first consideration it seems unrealistic or idealistic. Think of the famous Aspen Trees, the largest living organism on Earth, over 106 acres of a single root system supporting hundreds of seemingly separated towering trees spaced out like the columns of the Parthenon (not just in Utah; they continue in Colorado). But take heed: The Aspens are in poor health because they have not been consistently nurtured and guarded.
Humanity may appear to be disconnected – but that’s just the surface view. At our core we are intricately, intimately connected and that relationship is the route to social change. Connectedness gives us the best chance of saving humanity, saving the planet, and cementing political and social systems that help us thrive rather than dividing and destroying us. So, take a deep breath. Figure out what you want to do, then find others to work with you. And as a symbolic reminder, put a plant on your windowsill. Name it. Water it. Feed it. Then act as if meaningful change can be achieved – and it will be.
