Hi ,
This morning after meditating I was reflecting on COVID, #metoo, racial justice, the environment, the immense power large corporations hold, how disappointed we are in many of our leaders.
And I ask myself this (a lot) at the moment: What can I do? What can we do?
It's easy to get depressed, angry, frustrated and feel powerless to make a difference.
And yet - there is power in numbers.We see what's happening as people protest racial injustice - change is happening. Maybe not enough and not fast enough, but a shift is in process.
We must remember that every decision and choice we make has an impact.
Collectively - whether we like it or not - our actions add up. The sum-total of our behaviour signals "the will of the people" to our governments - and corporations.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
So the question I want to leave you with this week is simply this:
- Do your decisions, choices and actions align with your values?
To go deeper, you might like to ponder this, "How far am I willing to go?". Here are some examples:
- If you value community, will you pay more for something from a small local store? (because it doesn't have big business buying power)
- Do you think single parents, or people with mental health issues need more support? If so, how do you feel about paying more on your taxes for mental health services and childcare?
- If you value the environment, will you fly less/holiday locally? Will you switch to natural cleaning products or products with less packaging? Would you be willing to boycott companies that pollute - even if it means going without?
- And if you value racial justice, will you educate yourself on the issues, speak up if a racist comment is made, attend a peaceful rally? Could you write to your member of parliament requesting that all police wear body cameras?
"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals." Martin Luther King
One way to lead a fulfilling life is simply to live - and act on - your values every day.
But what excites me is that collectively, this can also change the world.
Fierce Kindness: Change the world, start with you!
