Society & Ecology

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Society & Ecology

Sunday, December 29, 2002

Awareness & Evolution

Awareness seems to evolve through the following phases:

1. Potential / unaware unity
2. Half-awake duality
3. Fully awake transduality

This pattern seems to hold true for evolution of Earthly life, from potential only, via plants (dreamlike/unaware), animals (half-awake duality mostly), to some humans (fully awake transduality). It also holds true for the development of human individuals, although most stay at the second phase and only a few reach the third. It MAY also hold true for the evolution of humanity as a whole, although we do not know to what extent the third phase will be manifested.

10:19 (0) comments

Thursday, December 26, 2002

Human Bias

Any human experience, perception, views, maps and theories are biased.

Our perception is biased by all the systems we are embedded in: This universe has particular characteristics, which other universes (if they exists) may not share. Our biological evolution gives us experiences based on a certain size scale and time span, with senses designed for the conditions of this one planet and to perceive only a limited range of possible input. Our culture trains us in experiencing certain aspects of the world as important, and downplays or ignores other. Our personal history and current situation makes the final selection, based on what we perceive as important.

The world is always more than and different from our experience of it. Realizing this opens up for a genuine sense of humility, and - maybe paradoxically - for more effective exploration and learning about the world. Knowing all views are inherently limited and ultimately wrong, we are more open for questioning them and for new insights.

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Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

We create our world to a large extent, as individuals and a culture.

Self-fulfilling prophecies, one aspect of how we create our world, have been well documented. We form views about the world, choose actions based on those views, and the consequences tend to confirm our ideas.

Self-fulfilling prophecies creates cycles that we perceive as desirable or undesirable depending on their outcome.

Vicious Cycles

A small business owner may act out of an idea that her employees cannot be trusted to be reliable. This creates an unpleasant working atmosphere. It also creates a filter for her where she looks for signs to confirm her views. Even innocent actions are interpreted as a confirmation. Both gives her employees little reason to be highly committed to their work, and both leads to high turnover rates. Her views creates a situation that in turn confirm her views.

After the terrorist attack in September last year, the Bush administration had a choice between two different responses: Approaching the situation in a level-headed and lawful way, using the international law and justice system. Or use violence and intimidation. Their worldview – militaristic at the core - required the latter choice. This choice in turn fuels increased resentment towards the US, leading to further terrorism. This is perceived as a confirmation of their initial view, and a validation of the necessity of a militaristic approach. After a while, it becomes difficult to imagine that another approach was - and is - possible.

Virtuous Cycles

As we can choose to create vicious cycles, we can choose to create virtuous cycles. The latter choice is often made with more awareness than the former.

A classic example is the “postcard syndrome”. The more postcards we send out for the holidays, the more we receive back (I need to learn this one!).

If we perceive people as likely to be helpful, we act in a friendly and respectful manner which increases the likelihood that people will be helpful.

Applying the Tibetan mind-training techniques we can choose to perceive situations as gifts rather than problems. This helps us relate to situations more appropriately and effectively, which in turn tends to reduce the number and severity of the actual difficulties we experience.

If we expect to be active and healthy in our old age, we choose activities consistent with activity and health. This in turn tends to encourage good mental and physical health, which allows us to stay active.

14:12 (0) comments

Choice of Response

I thought I would write down some reflections on what happened September 11 last year. My wife and I worked at our CSA farm outside of Madison that morning. Dave, one of the farmers, stopped his tractor. He sat there for a while, listening to the radio. and then walked over to us to tell us what had happened. I remember mentioning that the worst part of it would probably be yet to come in form of the response from the US government. It turned out to be true.

I have many thoughts around this that I know are relatively unpopular among many in the US. Still, they are my honest impressions.

It is always tragic when someone dies before their natural lifespan has run its full course. I feel with all those who lost their dear ones, and understand very well their diverse reactions of grief, sorrow and anger. My personal view is that we, collectively and individually, should always do what we can for those in a difficult situation, and also work strongly to prevent suffering in any form. So also in this situation.

Beyond that, I feel that it is important to step back and see any situation in perspective. How does this particular situation compare with other serious threats? About the same number dies every other day from cancer in the US. A few more dies every two weeks from traffic accidents. We are facing an unravelling of global ecological systems that threathen our economies, our quality of life, and ultimately survival. It seems that there are other areas that warrants our focus and energy to a far higher degree.

I of course realize that what happened that day may repeat itself in some form, so prevention is important. The cause of terrorism is almost always frustration. In that particular case, it seemed the frustration was fueled by the US foreign policies and world military and cultural dominance. To me, that is understandable. Most of the people I know, in Europe and the US, express concern and frustration over the same issues. Understanding to some degree the frustration behind actions does of course not in any way justify actions that hurt other beings. That goes without saying. But, it is important to understand if we want to prevent something similar in the future.

It seems then that the best prevention is to address the core issues behind the frustration many around the world experience. Reducing the gap between the wealthy and poor and increasing local control seem to be two important aspects. There are many ways of approaching this. Traditional policies and programs from Western entities (such as the World Bank) have as a rule achieved just the opposite: Increased dependence on the rich countries. Transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich countries (look at the numbers). And fragmentation of traditional cultures through infusion of - often unhealthy - Western values such as materialism and consumerism. What is needed may be smaller scale programs aimed at helping people to be truly self-reliant through strengthening their local communities, economies and cultures. We also need a strong and truly democratic United Nations where the smaller countries and the poor have a strong voice. A United Nations not dominated by the wealthy and powerful.

This approach was promoted by NATO and many European countries in the week following the tragedy. I do understand why the US government did not adopt that strategy. They have everything to loose and little to gain (in the short run) by a more just and truly democratic world.

The US government instead chose a strategy of furthering their global military and economic dominance. A strategy that is likely to fuel the cycle of violence.

This brings me to what I see as an important aspect of the situation. There is a strong principle in Western law: Any person is innocent until proven guilty through a lawful court procedure. The established process is as follows: (a) Investigate the case. (b) Capture the assumed guilty without harming anyone who is innocent. (c) Establish their innocence or guilt in a lawful and open court. This is the process followed by any civilized nation in the world. The US has, rightfully, condemned nations which - for any reason - deviate from this procedure.

There is a strong international law and justice system in place to deal with international crime, such as that of September 11. Most civilized countries would follow the principles outlined above, and used this international system, to deal with such a situation.

The US government chose another route.

To see the situation more clearly, consider reducing the scale: A person intentionally kills a another person. What happens next? The law and justice system is engaged, an investigation is mounted, and the suspected killer is arrested. There is then an open court case, and the person is found guilty or not. That is the law and justice system that we are justifiably proud of. We voice our concern if there is any deviation from this pattern. In this case, the family of the killed person takes law and justice in their own hand. Before any trials, they go out, heavily armed, to find the person they believe is the guilty one (although there are no witnesses, only circumstantial evidence). The arrive at the location where they believe the guilty is to be found (again, a belief not backed with solid evidence), and start killing the innocent people who happens to be there. They cannot find the guilty person. They then go to another location. A location where there is a person they don’t like. A person who otherwise does not have any clear links to the one they believe is guilty. They then kill even more innocent people in an attempt to get at the one person. What would happen if a person in the US acted in such a way? They would immediately be stopped by the law, tried, and found guilty. They would themselves be seen as a dangerous criminal to be stopped using any legal means available.

The US government need a smokescreen for their actions, and have found it in fueling the most primitive of emotions. Well helped along by the US media.

In many ways, the US government is the mirror image of the terrorists. They both use violence and intimidation to achieve their goals.

The US government is making young and well-meaning US women and men into killers. Last year, they killed more innocent Afghanis than the terrorists killed that day in September. They are now in the verge of killing even more innocent people - this time in Iraq. If the US government wanted to design a strategy that would fuel the frustration and anger many already feel towards the US, and give additional people reason to feel the same way, they could hardly have chosen a better course of action.

My hope is that well-intentioned people around the world, and there are many of us, will stand up to the US government - and the nations which blindly follow their lead. We need a load and diverse voice, and actions that support more just - and effective - solutions.

01:38 (0) comments

Wednesday, December 25, 2002

Simple Stories

I just watched an Icelandic movie, Cold Fever. It is a simple story, and not sophisticaed in any way. Still, it was very powerful. I find that the stories I get the most out of are often very simple. What they all have in common is a good heart and something deeply and universally human.

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Three Streams

There are many approaches to culture change. For me, they are complimentary. They all take on a needed role. Where we choose to focus our energy, as individuals and organizations, depends on personal preference, skills and attraction.

Joanna Macy has created a simple map that I find useful:

Limit the damage

Analysis and creation of alternatives

Shift in consciousness

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Tuesday, December 24, 2002

Renewing Committment

Over the last few years, I have collected tools to help me renew my commitment to the social change work I am engaged in. I have found it to be very helpful in keeping the energy level up and avoiding burnout. Here are some I have found effective so far:

Vision
Renewing my vision for the world I want to help bring about. In my case, it is a culture that is life-centered and life-affirming. I have found detailed envisioning to be helpful as it makes it come alive. How would a day in my life look in such a culture? It reminds me of why I am doing this work, gives me a long-term perspective, provides a guideline when I make choices on what to focus on, and provides a sense of hopefulness.

Goals
Set clear goals for overall work - and for each specific project. It is also important to set goals that are realistic and acheiveable (this will help avoid disappointment, frustration, discouragement and eventually cynisism).

Letting go of attachment of specific outcomes
I use several strategies related to this point. It helps me keep a "light touch", not be caught up in the moment, and not be discouraged if the highest goals are not (immediately) met.
(a) I consiously create a diverse set of goals for the project. Some goals may be already met, most are likely to be met, and some which are the ultimate and long-term goals. The more realistic goals may include creating connections and partnerships, learning, and having fun.
(b) I consiously let go of attachments to specific outcomes, and especially to any one goal. Any outcome is OK.
(c) I cannot predict or know the ultimate outcome of my work. It may not appear effective in the short run. Still, it can sow seeds that later will bring fruit. It may also converge with the work of many others and bring about change in the long run. All in ways I cannot predict or know.

Keeping the large and the long view
(a) I remind myself of the cosmic and Gaian perspective. First, we are all expressions of the Universe. Everything is perfect as is, and there is also room for improvements. Second, every aspect of the Universe is in continous change. Our lives are like bubbles coming to the surface - there for only a moment. All traces of human existence and activities will ultimately be completely gone. This helps me let go and keep a light touch.
(b) I do not expect to see my overall goal achieved in my own lifetime. (In my case, a life-centered culture. Of course, I work for it to be brought about as soon as possible, and I would be very happy if I did live to see it.) Not expecting large changes in the short run, nothing that occurs in my own lifetime makes me too discouraged.

Heart-to-heart connections
Close connections with likeminded people is very important to me. It is inspiring and gives me support. I have found smaller groups to be very effective for this, such as discussion groups. They must be set up to allow for personal and intimate connections. Some tools to bring that about include talking stick, guidelines to listen more than speaking, and speaking from the heart and personal experience only (not blaming, not about what others should do differently).

Practices to Reconnect
Joanna Macy has collected and developed practices to help us reconnect with ourselves, each other, the Earth, and past and future generations. I have found these practices to be immensely helpful. There is a range of practices that can be used with small or large groups, and within different timeframes.

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Worldviews and Social Change

Moving from Madison to Eugene, I have had many opportunities to reflect on the importance of deeper worldviews for social change work. In Madison, there seems to be more of a cooperative spirit and a higher skills level overall among the community groups. In Eugene, I have seen more polarization, fragmentation, and lack of basics skills. There are of course exceptions in both cases.

First, I think that the change model we operate from is of vital importance. How do we see social change come about? Is it through an adversarial approach, or through alliances and partnerships? In Sustain Dane, Madison, we had no enemies. Everybody were potential partners. If a partnership could help move an organization or the community one small step closer to sustainability, we would do it. If nothing else, it would create a connection that could prove very valuable in the future. I think the consistent partnership approach partly came from a realization that we are all in the same boat. There is much room for improvement, for all of us. There is nobody to blame, and we all need to work together to make a change. For some, it may seem naive, but I think it is maybe the most effective way of bringing about long term change.

From that deeper worldview, choice of specific strategies and actions emerge.

Do we choose to set aside differences on smaller issues to form alliances to work on common overall goals? My view is that ideology is very dangerous in this work. We need to be flexible and keep the long-term goal in view: creating a more life-centered culture.

Do we treat others with respect - and consistently use a respectful language? I feel that consistently respectful views and language is essential. It is from practical considerations: If we put anyone down, it tends to create divisions, polarization and distrust. This in turn makes us less effective. Also, if we do not have a respectful attitude towards another person, how can we expect to have an effective partnership?

Do we choose to focus mainly on solutions? Solutions is what many are craving currently, and examples of good solutions gives hope and enthusiasm. It also helps build an alternative to existing structures and options.

Do we, as a person or organization, choose to work to stop destruction? The answer may very well be "yes" even if we also choose a partnership approach. It mainly determines HOW we go about stopping destruction. We can engage effectively in public campaigns, and even in lawsuits if need be, and yet to it respectfully. It allows "the other side" to more easily make concessions, and it opens for an active partnership in the future. An respectful approach also tends to give raise to respect and sympathy from the public for your cause.

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Values and Marketing

The US government is engaging in a plan of "Marketing American Values", in addition to the already massive marketing of those values by the US media and corporations.

To most people around the world, an admission of the need to further "market" those values, confirms that they are fundamentally unhealthy and flawed.

We have our own filters, of course, when we view and judge values, and these filters are largely from our culture! That makes it inherently difficult to talk about these things. Nevertheless, below are some of my own thoughts. I tend to think about values in a pragmatic way: What effects do they have on the people and culture who adopt them? And - are those effects life-affirming and life-enhancing, or not?

Western culture do have many values that I personally find useful. The Scandinavian countries have a more egalitarian value system and culture. Most countries encourage citizen participation in the political decision making - to some extent (mostly through voting - there is much room for improvement). Diversity in opinions and views are valued, as long as they confirm to certain basic guidelines such as the other core values. All humans are seen as equal, and to be treated justly and with respect. I realize of course that these principles are not always implemented, or implemented to the degree they could, but most people would nevertheless subscribe to them - and see them as important.

On the other hand, there are values that are of more dubious usefulness. In Europe, the obvious ones include materialism and pleasure seeking. But there, they are tempered with often strong humanitarian and community values which soften their edge.

With the US, the picture becomes more difficult. Individualism is much stronger, valuing the individual's rights over those of the wider community. This is expressed in gun rights, and a society which in general does not take well care of it's less fortunate (e.g. poverty and health care). Consumerism and pleasure seeking is rampant, and those values are strengthened by corporate owned media. Democracy is failing due to the necessity for politicians to have corporate backing to be elected. Militarism is promoted and valued as the main solution to world problems. Human rights violations are common in the justice and prison system, as outlined by Amnesty International. Consumerism leads to fragmentation of communities and mindless work, and little is done to change it. These are unfortunately some of the core values in the US society today, as reflected through media and the policies that are implemented.

In that light, should other cultures blindly take up Western values in general - and US values in particular? What about the Islamic world? Some Islamic countries lack in democracy and respect for human rights, and it is important to promote those values - peacefully - in those countries. On the other hand, they do have strong - and mostly very healthy - spiritual values. Spiritual values tend to be at the center, more so than materialism, pleasure seeking and consumerism. Community is highly valued, and local communities tend to be strong. They do have many values and traditions that I believe tend to be more healthy than many values and traditions in the Western culture. Do they make the right choice by resisting many Western values? I believe they do.

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Beyond Polarization

In my work, I am expected to spend part of my time promoting progressive political issues. But I am uncomfortable doing it in a way that will contribute to the polarization in an already too polarized community. In Eugene, polarization is a big part of the problem.

I have sought solutions to this. One of the most promising is citizen councils, and assisting in promoting and organizing those locally.

Citizen councils will help promote a more inclusive and deeply democratic process. This is one of the goals of the progressives, and it can also help heal the polarization in the wider community.

I am personally exited (following my passion!) about citizen councils for many reasons. In regular politics, we all know each other's positions and which one gets implemented is a matter of who has the most power. It is a predictable and frustrating process. With citizen councils, the specific outcome/recommendation is uncertain and often a third - win-win - solution. It makes for a more interesting and exiting process.

The first one will be just an experiment and example of what can be done. There will hopefully be more. It will help us see that there are other ways of doing it than the old win-loose game - a game that many of us are tired of. The more of us who become familiar with this process, the more outdated our current decision making system will appear. And - if we keep at it, it may even be incorporated in the official structure as in Denmark. (I tend to have a long view, so I don't expect this to happen soon!)

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Passion and Flow

I am increasingly realizing the benefits of following my passion - even on a moment to moment basis. To do it fully while it is there, and then allow it to fade or transform into something else. It allows for a dynamic process that is exciting and overall is far more productive than trying to exactly follow a predetermined plan.

Even in terms of work, where I do have certain tasks I need to accomplish, it makes me more productive if I allow myself to follow my passions - to choose my next step according to where my energy and interest is. My less interesting tasks also get better done that way, as my overall level of enthusiasm is higher (they get absorbed into the flow).

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Citizen Councils

I am reading Tom Atlee's book "The Tao of Democracy" where he describes various forms of citizen councils.

Citizen councils may be one of the best tools we have for in terms of deepening our democracy. There is significant room for improvement in the forms of democracies we have today, which are often characterized by low citizen involvement. The structure is such that active citizen involvement in the decision making process is difficult and discouraged. It is no wonder there is so much dissatisfaction with the government, also reflected in low voter turnout.

Creating a structure for active citizen involvement is an important step in the right direction. And citizen councils is a proven, effective and low-cost way of doing it.

Citizen councils are temporary entities. Their purpose is to explore and (often) to make a recommendation on an issue of importance to the wider community. The members of the council are selected to reflect the demographics and range of views of the wider community, and they are assisted when needed by trained facilitators. They have access to information from a range of experts.

It is a model that has been used with success in a range of countries and settings. The councils can help us reach creative win-win solutions. They also tend to gain broad support as a wide range of views are represented in the councils. I think the benefits are many, including demonstrating a different and more inclusive way of approaching difficult issues.

There is more information on Tom Atlee's Co-Intelligence Institute website.

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Initial Entry

I decided to create a "temporal contemplations" web log!

My hope is that by writing my current ideas down and reworking them, I will easier be able to let go of them and move on. Any one idea is from a limited realization, and thus of temporary and limited use.

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