I sincerely appreciate this discussion on this list. This topic has been of
interest to me for some time and to have others with whom this can be
discussed is most welcomed. I recorded some thoughts on Thursday after
Eric's post, and feel they are now ripe for further discussion. I don't
want to just drop the discussion, feeling that we might be on the cusp of
some important collective discovery about how a more massive awakening might
be brought about - spiritually, philosophically, ethically, morally,
culturally, or politically. I'm tired of talking about how to bring about
change. And if we take Karl's approach "Mother nature trumps all", we're
going to be too late. It's hard work just thinking about it all, but it's
none-the-less imperative.
Eric wrote: "The issue of sustainability would seem to be better served
by learning the spiritual skills within each tradition that try to limit
excesses of individualism and groupthink, while expanding room for
individual and collective action. "
Why bother teaching or learning the spiritual skills if you could apply an
early adapter approach to this? What if enough people started walking the
walk, instead of just talking the talk, would others follow? Can the change
to a more sustainable way of life be incentivized in an effort to bring it
about more quickly? How can sustainability be made more culturally
acceptable? How can moderation be approached with such divided political
camps? Would replacing "environmentalist" with "conservationist" or
"steward" help to break down barriers? Can cultural behaviors, not just
religion or spirituality, be utilized to promote and initiate a more
sustainable lifestyle? How can any of this be done when money is still held
as such high value? How can the basic needs and rights of man (and all men)
be guaranteed in a sustainable system? What then becomes of individual
values?
--Martha
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