Shift: The Cultural Change We Have Been Waiting For
Navigating Cultural Change
2020 has ushered in a time of great change: one that many of us have been waiting for. Some believe that the Age of Aquarius began in 2012 and others believe it has yet to arrive. No matter where you fall in that discussion, one thing is for sure: we are experiencing a big shift in the world, one that feels like it will usher in a new era. There are practical reasons for such a point of view: our existing system is not sustainable and has not been for some time. We know that. The ecological crisis we are facing on many fronts makes that apparent.
The novel coronavirus pandemic is causing us to take a much-needed time out and nature is responding favorably. Pollution has declined in the air and seas. The pandemic will eventually end but because it will take time, it is likely that a significant change to culture is inevitable.
This page will explain and help you navigate cultural shift so that as a sensitive person you can make the coming changes positive ones. There is a video on the pandemic, sensitivity, and our cultural transition as well as information and links to several of the most important websites for people gathering to effect this change.
A Window Of Opportunity?
The Peace of Wild Things
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
By Wendell Berry
Cultural Change Resources
Articles
How the Pandemic Will End
This article from the highly regarded Atlantic details and provides important information about what to expect during the unfolding of the pandemic
Like Previous Pandemics, COVID-19 Will Shape the Fates of Nations
Richard Heinberg is one of the most important voices for and about the environment and necessary cultural change. He offers some great perspective here.
Pandemic And Cultural Shift: A Perspective For Sensitive People
This article explores coming to terms with the pandemic. It looks like the earth is closed for cleaning and we can use this time well to make important changes in our lives.
Commoning as a Pandemic Survival Strategy
Commoners and people of goodwill must thwart the many retrograde dangers that threaten to surge forward under the cover of fear and demonstrate the feasibility of new forms of partnerships. Rarely have needs and opportunities been so aligned!
No New Normal
Could this be the herald of another political economy based on abundance, not scarcity and greed? We can help nature to restore itself and spend our time to reimagine the world. Use this free time to reconnect, cherish our aliveness, care for each other, grieve what we’ve lost and celebrate what we still have.
Coronavirus Spells the End of the Neoliberal Era. What’s Next?
This article outlines the pathway to this point in our history and the fork in the road and choices we will need to make.
Websites
The Commons Movement
To change a culture means also changing the legal framework. There has been work underway for some time to protect the "commons", all of the natural and cultural resources, for the benefit of all. This will mean a shift from a highly privatized world to a shared world. Check it out.
Resilience
This rich website is one of the most important resources for people who are participating in shifting human culture from our current system to a more sustainable e.and equitable one. You can find some of the best minds on the subject here.
Transition Towns Network
Few people have as much direct, roll-up-your-sleeves experience with real cultural change than the Transition Network. Pioneered by Rob Hopkins, it is a large network of communities who have developed successful approaches for developing local capabilities around ecological healing and sustainable living.
New Economy Coalition
The new cultural system will, of course, have an economy albeit a different one. Growth will not longer be the driver. These 207 organizations are in the process of creating that new economy.
Want to learn more? Check out our Emerging Sensitive Program which is focused on sensitivity and cultural change.
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