I am suspended between anticipation and fate, it is an emergent, elemental, place to be.
Together many of us are confounded by the unrelenting fear pervading our society. Fear makes us angry and selfish. It has led us to the very “Tragedy of the Commons” we were warned of by Garett Hardin in 1968. Our social systems are creaking, they were on life support before Covid-19, now we are in the hospice. Our petroleum based global economic framework is in decisive decline. There is no avoiding it. The reality is that without enormous political determination and persistence the transition is unlikely to be smooth. Collectively we are unprepared to consider alternatives, unwilling to give up on what we have known for fear of change, for fear of the unknown; we fear the feeling of fear itself.
It feels almost masochistic to even consider this cataclysm, to delve into the changes that are required to adjust course. Burying our collective heads in the sand will not solve it, the remedy is necessary and the sooner the better.
To really understand a problem you have to consider it, to think about it from a different perspective. Research it, read about it, consider previous solutions and learn from experience. Conduct studies, hey.. make a best guess and accept it may not be perfect! If it is truly thought through, considered and measured then we are moving forward, refining our understanding and updating our models. Staying still is not acceptable, harking back wistfully will not change our present.. moving forward is inevitable. The current direction is not inexorable, we cannot surrender to a laissez-faire attitude that someone else will fix this, “they” haven’t so far.
Sometimes you have to embrace fear to come out the other side, hardened and tempered by the experience. Stand up to the bully, read their weaknesses, consider their motivation and keep an eye on their hands. If you maintain focus you will find the moment of clarity where you realise the power by understanding their fear. Do not be dissuaded by their reactive blind panic, you can affect their unrestrained hysteria by emanating calm. Be sure of yourself, feel the flow of energy as it slows around you, then take control.
There are projects that are working towards a more equitable society, for the common good of all humanity. Look for them, find them, discover those that nourish your emergent optimism as you step into the values that fulfil your sense of belonging, of commitment and joy. By feeding that formative motivation, the reformative and calming promise of an alternate fate can be found. Practice leads to competence, capacity and contentiousness, do not fear failure or mistakes. Practice leads to skilful application of knowledge, intentional action and trust; of your playmates and of yourself.
Being on the edge of developing technologies, systems, philosophies and theories is unsettling; it goes with the territory. The disruptive energy is elemental, it is where actualization evolves, where perception is twisted and intelligence is found. Embrace the oscillation, grasp the anticipation, discover your emergent insight and delight in the game. Hope is there.
Projects which inspire me include: Holochain, ProSocial, Sociocracy, Planetary Health Alliance, Schumacher Centre for a New Economics
All mistakes, misunderstandings and misconceptions are my own, I am an unfinished being who is captivated by the prescience of the Holochain framework and its creators, developers, artists and community. Every day is a learning opportunity, I appreciate discussion and constructive feedback.
Breathe, be present, be kind and never give up — Sx
