The Past – the Future
January 28, 2009
Another year has passed; the Connection celebrates another birthday. When the Connection began – the first issue was put out in December 1982 – Ronald Reagan was president, Bruce Babbitt was Arizona’s governor, McCartney and Wonder were singing “Ebony and Ivory. ” It seems a lifetime ago, (and for those born in the 80s or later – it is). It’s been an interesting time with high points, tragedy, laughter, loss, kindness and villainy – evolution, revolution, devolution, – it all kept life interesting.
However, I’m growing tired of interesting that involves conflict. Perhaps it’s age-related, but I’m ready for some tranquility. Time for reflection and observation – of butterflies and such. I’m bored with the talking heads telling of this or that political scandal. I want “interesting” to be growth related – moving ahead and making progress towards being a sustainable species.
In this new year with the promise of positive change, I am truly looking forward to the inauguration of Barak Obama. Cynics might say that optimism and hope for a bright new day is Pollyanna foolishness. I don’t believe that’s true. I believe we will see the end of the war, strengthening of our social obligations to the young, old and disadvantaged. I believe we will make giant leaps forward in sustainable living under Obama’s leadership. I want to believe that it is not too late.
I was listening to NPR’s Science Friday and Ira started this particular program with, and I’m paraphrasing, “Are you worried about climate change, an asteroid striking the earth, the Yellowstone super volcano erupting, an unstoppable pandemic? Well, cheer up, I have something new for you to worry about – the earth’s magnetic field is collapsing – rapidly. ”
This is the point at which I get as close as is possible to what is called “faith. ” I have faith, (believing something that has no basis in scientific fact) that even though we are in one hellava mess – we will survive if enough of us pay attention to the details. While we may not survive a super-cataclysmic-volcanic-eruption, there’s point in contemplating the possibilities or worrying. It would be a waste of valuable think-time.
I think we need to think about what we can change.
We are not Barak Obama and do not have his power to make changes on a global scale – but we can support him in his efforts. We can take whatever steps we are capable of and change our impact on our personal world and perhaps improve the lives of the people in our community. We can turn our attention to new goals of living deliberately – fully conscious of what we do, and of the full cost and consequences of what we do each day.
Number One Excuse: Too busy. Yes we are. Everyone is too busy to consider each and every action each and every day. Say you’re reaching into the cooler at a convenience store to grab a bottle of cold water. It’s wet and cold – so what else is there to consider? Look at the label – some of it is imported from Fiji. Large carbon-footprint. Bad. Simple act – put it back. Make the change.
Next you’re headed home and stop for the mail. A nice old man is also getting his mail. Do you rush past him or perhaps just nod or do you take the time to say “Hello, how are you? ” You might be the only person that man has had an opportunity to talk to all day.
Recently I was looking back at old Connections – reading of the people who contributed to our community, the businesses that have come and gone – and realized, again, how fleeting it all is. Then, after attending Sabrina’s memorial service, it was clear that although our lives may be fleeting – our actions leave a lasting impression. Sabrina lived lightly upon the earth, she did not tolerate injustice and she knew the power of love, which she shared generously with her friends and community – always taking the time to care. There is no way to calculate the results of her being here – the lessons she taught will be passed on to the next generaion.
Change you can believe in! became the catch-phrase of the past season. But first we have to believe – have faith – in the possibility of cultural, social and personal change. That will only be a possibility when we get over the “me first” paradigm of the past 20 or 30 years. When we care more about the future than the present, we will certainly achieve any goal we collectively work towards.
So, Happy New Year to everyone. Have hope, dream large and may your joy in living be complete. Also, sincere thanks to the readers, advertisers, contributors and subscribers of the Connection.
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