Navigating Our World During a Time of Crisis
“We are born to a dangerous time. Consider that an affliction or consider it an assignment.” – Stephen Jenkinson
We know that countless humans are reeling with climate anxiety and experiencing fear, anger, grief, despair and dread. They are attempting to cope via massive amounts of denial, instead of seeking to thrive by building the capacity to navigate these times with love, open hearts, connection and community.
Referring to the quote above, if we consider these times an affliction, we will either focus on the past or on the future… sometimes toggling between them:
The Past – wishing we had done this or that in the past, living with regrets, guilt and shame, and obsessing over “woulda, shoulda, coulda”… or,
The Future – feeling anxiety, fear, overwhelm, a sense of foreboding and worry that can provoke a survivalist consciousness… taking actions designed to avoid suffering and focusing primarily on ensuring one’s survival.
If we consider these times as an assignment (as crew members on Spaceship Earth assuredly do), we plant ourselves in the present moment. We take a breath. We feel into what is right now, this present moment. We must prepare for the widespread severe weather events that our climate crisis will deliver in increasing frequency. But we don’t have to stop enjoying our lives, our families, our friends and colleagues.
There is an alternative to being consumed with either denial or despair. At its core is the existential issue of climate catastrophe and how to live with compassionate intention. And we must do so in a global milieu in which deeply divided nations and individuals are opting to abandon democratic institutions and procedures in favor of authoritarian models of governance.
No one needs convincing that we are living in an age of crisis. Even those with no understanding of the runaway nature of biospheric and civilizational decline feel the stress. Just to read or watch the news can be daunting. It’s obvious there is a dramatic transition underway.
So… how do we cope? How do we do good in this world? How can we stay positive? Who do we want to be (collectively and individually)? And, perhaps most importantly, how can we be of service to others who are confused, angry, depressed or fearful?
There are a million different answers to that last question. By thinking it through for specific issues, organizations and people, we stop worrying about ourselves and take actions that benefit our communities. We truly become crew members on Spaceship Earth. We work together for a common purpose.
The stability of our biosphere has been in decline for decades. There is ample evidence that it is headed toward failure. There is also compelling evidence that a majority of people will deny this, especially those still benefiting from existing systems, those living in the first world, and those who fear that accepting reality means “giving up”.
The history of 80+ previous boom and bust societies clearly reveals how and why Homo colossus (industrial civilization) is in terminal decline. Paradoxically, acceptance may be the single most important thing any of us can do to live fully, fearlessly and inspiringly.
This is a collective rite of passage, through which we can become who we are meant to be (crew members plus more). We can become “radically present” crew members who are aware of our climate crisis and are working towards acceptance. Or, put another way, “fully available for what is to come.” Michael Dowd
In his book, The Wisdom of Insecurity, Alan Watts points out a separation that can happen within us if we prepare for the future but fail to live today:
So many people understand much more about making and saving money than about using and enjoying it. They fail to live because they are always preparing to live. In other words, using the title of the catchy 1981 pop song by the band Loverboy, we find ourselves, “working for the weekend” instead of living in the present moment.
I invite you to meditate on three vitally important identity and legacy related questions: “In this rapidly transforming world, who do I want to be? What did I come here to do? How compassionately and generously can I live my life?”
And I highly recommend planting fruit trees and vegetable gardens.
