There is a revolution taking place, one without explosions or loss of life. It isn't publicized and doesn't get any air time in the media--that is reserved for the loud mouths, hotheads and professional analysts. It consists of a large group of individuals who have decided to change their lives for the benefit of the planet and everything living on it. It is a movement away from dependency and towards self reliance. It is a transition from a culture of stupidity and waste to one of sustainability--the only real success in life.
This is not a capitalist, communist or, in any way, a political movement. It doesn't care about ideology and doesn't buy into the ignorance that makes humans feel separate. It seeks to address the mistakes that our polluting, self-absorbed society has made. It seeks to look realistically at the challenges we face and the damage that we've done and come up with lasting solutions. Humans are capable of this and, ultimately, anything we apply ourselves to. Where we fall short isn't our technical ability and capacity for change. Where we "miss the boat" is seeing the necessity of change.
In our isolated, insular modern world-view, we feel apart from everything and everyone. Alienation is the result of that way of thinking. This is the reason that so many people in our "advanced" culture are hooked on mind and soul numbing medications these days--we've lost touch with everything that matters. Regardless of stories of being a victim and feeling powerless against the whims of authority or the masses, the truth is that we all ultimately get to choose the way we live. To know this is extremely empowering. Taking control of the necessities of life--shelter, food, energy and water is a revolutionary act of self-reliance. Refusing to support or take part in a destructive system is what will really change the world.
This is happening right now. Currently, it is a matter of choice but, in the no-too-distant future, our survival will depend on it.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Transitions
Things are going well at the homestead. We're currently working on an earthbag sun-room addition to the house and it is coming along nicely. We had our first earthbag building workshop last weekend and, though there was a small turnout, it went well and it felt nice to share this user friendly technique.
Yesterday was Earth Day and Asheville had a big event downtown. We went, especially hoping to meet the folks from Transition Asheville (http://transitionasheville.ning.com/) and we did! They are preparing for a post petroleum society which will, of course, be radically different from the one we know today. No more Lowes and Wal Mart! No more (or at least a lot less) grocery items shipped from the opposite side of the planet. Things will of necessity become more locally oriented. Transition is preparing for this reality. Also, instead of leaning on petroleum for our power needs they are emphasizing the strength of community. When America adopted the nuclear family model (parents and children), we became more fragmented than ever and lost touch with what really matters. It seems like television and the infatuation with the entertainment industry is an unconscious attempt to replace family in our hearts and our daily lives.
The isolated, alienated world view that has given rise to capitalism and exploitation isn't sustainable. The Earth can't sustain it -- nor can humanity. If something isn't sustainable then what is it? Unsustainable, meaning -- it can't go on forever. We have to start planning for when the "oil bubble" bursts today. It can be done and thank God there are an ever growing number of people dedicated to this cause.
Yesterday was Earth Day and Asheville had a big event downtown. We went, especially hoping to meet the folks from Transition Asheville (http://transitionasheville.ning.com/) and we did! They are preparing for a post petroleum society which will, of course, be radically different from the one we know today. No more Lowes and Wal Mart! No more (or at least a lot less) grocery items shipped from the opposite side of the planet. Things will of necessity become more locally oriented. Transition is preparing for this reality. Also, instead of leaning on petroleum for our power needs they are emphasizing the strength of community. When America adopted the nuclear family model (parents and children), we became more fragmented than ever and lost touch with what really matters. It seems like television and the infatuation with the entertainment industry is an unconscious attempt to replace family in our hearts and our daily lives.
The isolated, alienated world view that has given rise to capitalism and exploitation isn't sustainable. The Earth can't sustain it -- nor can humanity. If something isn't sustainable then what is it? Unsustainable, meaning -- it can't go on forever. We have to start planning for when the "oil bubble" bursts today. It can be done and thank God there are an ever growing number of people dedicated to this cause.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)