A weblog with random thoughts and reflections on society and ecology.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
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.
21:27
|
|
| |
|
|
|
