How do we begin to think about transitioning from an economy built on the
assumption of endless growth and consumption of limited resources to an economy
with zero growth or even negative growth?
If we really let this concept of limits to growth (peak oil, peak
debt, climate change) in, feel it and the ramifications thereof fully, I
think we will begin to find that this could be the source of great change and
opportunity to live more fulfilling lives.
We have the opportunity to mindfully increase our quality of life
as opposed to mindlessly ravaging our planet for natural resources as well as
our sense of community and belonging as has been the case since the beginning
of the industrial revolution.
Changing the very fabric of our economic systems will however
require a 're-wiring' process - a process where we change our patterns of
thinking and behaving to be more in alignment with resilient communities and
systems of the future.
This doesn't have to spell doom and gloom however. On the
contrary, I think transitioning to resilient communities and systems will free
up time to craft unique skills, develop hobbies, form communities on the basis
of giving and sharing as well as build micro businesses that serve the needs of
community and environment alike.
But for such a transition to work there has to be a fundamental
shift in consciousness, from scarcity-based thinking to abundance-type
thinking. There has to be a shift away from competition towards cooperation,
and working together for the good of the whole.
Scarcity-type thinking is built on the narcissist impulse - it's
all about I, me, and mine. It therefore cannot see itself as part of a greater
whole, such as part of a social or environmental network of
holarchies. Its focus is instead on reaping as much benefit or profit in as
shorter space of time as possible with little regard for the environment or
society.
As we dissolve old scarcity forms of thinking, systems and
structures, we have to provide a new battery pack for a holistic system
that can connect the dots and take on multiple perspectives in order to live
abundantly.
Key to this is working closely with one’s own state of
consciousness as well as one’s own personal growth and psychological development.
For example, being able to psychologically relax in the face of surmounting
pressure, tension, anxiety, challenge and crisis will become increasingly
relevant.
While working on mastering our states of consciousness, we can
simultaneously integrate and apply our unique skills and talents to create new
resilient systems aligned with where we need to go. We all having something
unique to offer; whether it's in finance, politics, ecology, the environment,
psychology, sociology or business, how can we cooperate to best use our
expertise?
But key to this transition will be taking responsibility, not only
for our thoughts and actions, but for our fellow communities and the
environment too. In order for us to take on broader perspectives and connect the
dots we will require a heightened sense of psychological maturity.
Can we open ourselves up to this new type of thinking, or will we continue to
resist it at its core, to the detriment of humanity?
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