This week something inside me snapped. I woke up inside when I heard Ched Myers talk about 'how domesticated' we had all become.
I interpreted it his comment as saying we had become so passive, submissive and docile socially and politically.
How we had started to prefer thinking hopeful thoughts over acting to promote hope-filled action and outcomes.
For me, the snap is about how I keep waiting for government to wake up and do something really meaningful about climate change.
I keep hoping and signing petitions. I get a compost bin and have spirited discussions about how screwed it all is. I share articles on Facebook. I occasionally go to a protest when I can. I pray for our leaders to wake up, to work for the common good, to lead with love and not fear.
I know that these actions contribute to something but I also know that they feel like dancing around the edges.
They feel safe.
They are actions that speak to waiting for the experts/politicians to make it all better.
They are actions that speak to choosing hope over hope-filled action.
They are actions that are pretty circular, insular and unsatisfying.
They are actions that are done while waiting to be rescued.
They feel like the actions of a well meaning child, not an adult with infinitely more choice, power and agency.
Do you know what I mean? Does this resonate with your life?
It made me think about all the places in our lives that we are waiting around for a saviour or not taking responsibility.
Hoping for the best but doing f*ck all about making a change.
Where are you waiting to be rescued, for an expert to take control or for the 'grown up' to sort it out?
Is it with your health, your career, your city, your workplace, your country?
Is the grown up you are waiting on your boss, your partner, a politician/political party or someone else?
How's it working for you? Are you ready to be an adult yet?
Instead of waiting, what would it look like to be an adult about it?
Well for a start, it would look like recognising that we all have agency to speak up and out. To push for change. To do it in such a way that we don't destroy ourselves in the process.
We can check our thinking and notice that we are blessedly free to take action in almost every setting.
We can stop waiting for permission and give it to ourselves.
We can start small and carry on, one foot after another.
We can seek help when we need it and let community flourish around our inspired action. Because God knows we all want meaning and to contribute - we are YEARNING for it.
For me, being an adult about climate change means I'm going to start visiting politician's offices in person, maybe one a week and saying that it's not good enough, that we need so much more.
I'm not an expert and I'm not waiting for one to have my say.
I am finding and using my voice.
I am not waiting anymore, I want to be with the ones trying to save the world, not the ones on the sidelines hoping.
This is new for me too. It feels vulnerable and small but also important and meaningful and strong.
I'd love to hear other ways to help and please, let me know what action you are going to take today or this week!
Enough waiting!
Big love,
Lara xx
