Society & Ecology

2005-05-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

Rants

Here is the discontinued Rants section, expressing some of the frustrations that can come up from living in the US. It is all relatively one-sided. I (mostly) discontinued it for many reasons...

It is vital to have some sense of what is going on. But focusing on the problems rather than the solutions is more likely to continue the same patterns than initiate something more constructive. The most life-affirming approach may be to address the serious issues while focusing on constructive and real-life solutions.

2005-04-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

News & Orientation

This is something I have been curious about for a long time.

Trivial and Problem Oriented News

In the news - and this seems universally true these days - there is typically a focus on a limited categories of stories. (a) Pure entertainment. (b) Single instances of tragedies. (c) Serius issues where the main focus is on what does not work. And/or (d) trivial "good news" focusing on "feel-good" stories of small scope and little importance.

The first one may - in the best cases - tell us something about the universal human situation through a story about a celebrity or someone else. The second may have little but shock and entertainment value, beyond helping us getting in touch with the universal aspect of tragedy in human life in general and ours in particular (one aspect of human life). For the third category, there is a good reason why we are attracted to serious issues - we need to know about what threatens our well being and/or life. But there does not seem to be a good reason to focus mostly on what does not work, beyond strengthening a tendency for judgement, blame, etc (an us-them view). And the feel-good stories are added to sweeten the mix, but they typically do not have much substance.

Solution Oriented News

What is left out is the type of stories I find most interesting and valuable. Stories of substance that focus on real-life, constructive, life-supporting solutions to serious issues. Just about the only publication I know that consistently does this, is Yes! magazine - although they are only a quarterly publications. There seems to be a large unfilled marked here. I cannot be the only person dissatisfied with the problem-oriented angle mainstream news typically takes, and the empty stories that goes for "good news".

Today, maybe more than ever, we need stories that are (a) substancial, focusing on (b) solutions (c) that are proven to work (d) concerning the serious issues that face us.

2005-03-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

Big Here & Long Now

Our generation is one where we have the opportunity to develope a more integral and larger perspective view, along with a situation where this is required for our survival.

We need a Big Here & Long Now perspective, to borrow a phrase from Brian Eno.

Here are a few examples...

The Integral Institute
Working on developing an AQAL (all quadrants, all lines) map, exploring how specific approaches fit into the overall picture, and ways to apply the framework and specific approaches in a more effective way - in all aspects of human life.

The Great Story
The story of the universe - as developed through science - as the greater context for our own lives - and as a source of awe, mystery, meaning and sense of belonging.

The Long Now
A project to help us view ourselves within a longer timescale.

Pattern Map
An example of a big here/long now view informing our view of ourselves, applied to our relationships with social and ecological systems.

2005-03-09T01:08:00.000-08:00

Human Mind

Peak Oil is one of those areas where some of the peculiarities of the human mind is revealed.

Oblivious
Most people are oblivious to the issues around peak oil, although it is something that is likely to significantly impact their lives. Either they have not heard or thought about it, or they know about it but (a) think it will not affect them or (b) that someone else will take care of it.

Blind Attachments
And some are strongly committed to either the worst or the best case scenario. They tend to be not willing to sincerely consider other views or data that does not fit into their preferred scenario. In Eugene, many have a strong commitment to the worst case scenario and filter any information through this perspective.

Going out in this extreme may be triggered by seeing the obliviousness of the majority of the population, the active denial of another segment, the real challenges in the situation, and - in some cases - a habitual tendency to go into an adversarial and victim mode around these types of issues.

Rational
A more rational approach is to accept that it is a significant issue that will impact most of us in our lifetime. We need to take it seriously and make the changes necessary so the transition will go as painlessly as possible (although it will certainly involve various types of discomfort).

This approach also takes into account the enormous adaptivity of life in general and - in this case - humans in particular. The history of Earth and humans certainly does not lack significant crisis situations that life found a way to adapt to, and in many cases turn to its benefit.

History also tells us that what really occurred in most cases were not as bad as the worst case scenario, and not as good as the best case scenario...

In terms of peak oil, we do have the behavioral and technological solutions necessary to make a transition away from oil dependency. We also have an international economy that will pour its resources into these technologies whenever they obviously are more profitable than oil technology (and this transition will occur gradually along with the increases in cost of oil, although it will also occur relatively rapidly). And behavioral change tend to occur when people are forced to, again most likely through steadily increasing oil prices.

There will be a crisis of sorts, but most likely not as catastrophic as the worst case scenarios, and - for that matter - as smooth as the best case scenarios.

2005-01-23T23:58:00.000-08:00

Ecology & Mind

When we look at human history across cultures, it almost seems human nature to damage the ecosystems we live in.

Practically all human cultures have done so, mostly because they could. It was not a serious problem. A small population and simple technology allowed the ecosystems to regenerate. And if it didn't, they could move to a different area. In some cases, they could not move and there was a significant loss of population and culture.

Today, we are in a new situation. Our global population and our technologies have reached very high levels, we consume more resources than global ecosystems can regenerate, and we have nowhere else to go.

Our only solution seems to be a deep culture change - a change in technology, behavior and worldview.

We have solutions in all these areas. It is up to us to decide how smooth the transition will be.

2004-12-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

Living Systems: Culture, Ecology & Change

Human Culture
All human cultures are self-regulating and self-maintaining. They have a set of structures and processes in place to perpetuate a particular worldview and way of life, and this provides a certain level of stability - which allows human life to be lived out. If there is too much instability and rapid change, even the basic tasks of human existence becomes difficult.

The self-maintaining tendencies of culture is reflected on an individual level in the distribution of people who question the basic assumptions of their culture (few) versus those who live their lives mostly concerned with day-to-day affairs (many). From an evolutionary point of view, and in most situations, this seems a wise distribution. Again, if too many habitually questions the basic assumptions of the culture, it may lead to constant change, instability and disturbance to human life. It may also take too much attention and energy from necessary day-to-day tasks.

Culture Embedded in Ecology
As any human system, culture is embedded in the structures and processes of ecological systems. On a larger scale, it is embedded in the Earth as a whole, and on a smaller scale it is embedded in our physical bodies. And these provide feedback and impulses for correction and adjustments.

When there is a need for adjustment and change, there is a predictable tension which is manifested between those who pick up on the feedback and realize the need for change, and those who would like to continue on the current path and way of life. For a relatively long time, there may be a growing realization of the need to change while the culture as whole continues as it has. Then, a critical mass is reached, or the system meets some other perturbance, and it goes into a period of re-orientation and chaos. Which in turn leads to disintegration or re-integration in a way that is more adaptive in the new situation.

Feedback
Our current culture is receiving feedback in many areas. On an ecological level, in terms of unraveling ecosystems. On a social level, in terms of poverty and unrest. And on an individual level in terms of stress and stress- and/or ecosystem-related illnesses (cancer is a prime example).

We have an culture of alienation. We perceive ourselves as separate from the larger and smaller ecosystems (the Earth and our bodies), and when we act out of this view - which is not aligned with reality - we experience uncomfortable consequences.

On a personal level, we experience it through social institutions and expectations which reflect this view of alienation. They are based on power-over views in many different ways. Consumerism is one example: We work long hours, do not have time for family and friends, all in order to buy more objects that do not meet our deep human needs. We have a school system based on segregation (not integrated in the larger society), external evaluation, performance pressure, and submission. Our political system is based on an adversarial and relatively ineffective approach to decision making.

And when we align ourselves with these systems, we experience frustration, stress and loss of connection with ourselves and a sense of meaning and purpose in life. These are systems based on subtle and less-subtle forms of violence against life, and we respond accordingly and often below the threshold of awareness.

We need to modify our culture into one that is more life-centered on all levels. One that is more aligned with life as it manifests on a planetary and bodily level. One that is more deeply realistic and takes life into account as it is. One where life is at the center.

Will we change our culture in time? We are the ones who can help this change along - with the silent support of the Earth, our bodies and future generations.

2004-11-28T11:16:00.000-08:00

Integral Approach to Change

There seems to be several dimensions to social change...

Individual vs. Structural Change
The individual approach to change is exemplified in the voluntary simplicity movement. It is powerful on the individual level, and has some impact on the social level to the extent it is adopted by the wider population. At it's best, it may be similar to mulching, preparing the ground for deeper and structural changes.

The structural change approach seek changes in how society functions, in the rules of the game. Democracy movements, women's suffragette, and neo-liberal globalization are some examples. Each have been successful in implementing laws and regulations that has a profound effect on how society functions.

Adversarial vs. Partnership
We see various manifestations of the adversarial approach in contemporary political systems. In the US, with its winner-takes-all/two-party system, it is stronger and more obvious than in some parlamentary systems: One political party takes over for a while, repeal policies instated by the other party, and then the other party takes over and do the same. It is a frustrating and not very efficient system. The adversarial approach is also typically used by those seeking social change. They want to implement their view and policies, to the exclusion of those of the "opponent".

A partnership approach to social change is one that seeks to go beyond the typical polarizations. It promotes an inclusive process, such as citizen's deliberative councils, where all voices are heard - and the process supports finding solutions beyond habitual views.

Integral Apprach
An integral approach combines several approaches to social change. Today, it seems that a partnership and structural change oriented approach is needed and may be effective. The specific strategies could range from public education (media, events), small-scale implementation (e.g. citizen counsils used on hot issues and publizised in the media), and institutionalization (citizen councils as part of the political process, first on a local level, then state and national levels).

2004-11-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

Systems View on Health

Using a systems view on health, we find a very different perspective than what is still current in modern medicine.

Holarchies
The universe can be seen as a holarchy: a whole made up of nested systems. Everything is a whole in itself, and a part in a larger whole.

Applied to health, it means that the health and well-being of the individual is tied to the larger system (ecology and society) as well as smaller systems (body/mind and their subsystems). We need to use a comprehensive and systems view on health to bring about real changes. Focusing on just one aspect (which tends to be just a symptom of processes in the larger whole) may give relief for a while, but the larger system will tend to recreate the same or a similar symptom.

Partnership vs. Adversarial
Western medicine tends to use an adversarial approach, as reflected in the often used war terminology. Instead of supporting the self-healing processes in the body/mind, they try to eradicate the part that expresses the symptom (antibiotics, surgery etc). Western medicine is great for emergencies, but not so good for supporting deeper healing processes.

Hygiene
The area western medicine has had the most impact is probably hygiene and an understanding of how certain diseases are transmitted. It has created profound changes in the overall health of the population where hygiene is taken seriously (and where they have the ability to take it seriously).

Future
In the future, we may see a more integral approach to medicine - a systems view on health. The individual and facilitator (doctor) works in partnership with the self-healing processes intrinsic to all life. And we recognize that these self-healing processes are typically more powerful and precise than what we can come up with on our own.

Integral Medicine - essay by Ken Wilber

2004-10-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ecological Literacy

Ecological literacy is among the most important factors in the Great Turning.

Some good sources...

Center for Ecoliteracy
Fritjof Capra et al.

Elisabeth Sahtouris
Excellent and profound writings from a systems view

Prototista
Complexity theory educational organization in the Pacific Northwest

The Natural Step
Consensus developed guidelines for a sustainable social and economic system

2004-10-24T01:12:00.000-07:00

Deep Culture Change

It is clear that we need, and may be in for, a deep culture change. Any number of perspectives tells us so, and even more when seen combined.

Only some of the factors...

Peak oil
The oil production has peaked [2], and oil will increasingly become more expensive. This is dramatic news for the western world, and especially so for the US which has the most petroleum dependent society of any. Settlement is organized around cars (suburbs), work is organized around car transportation (commuting), agriculture is petroleum dependent (prices on food will go up dramatically and food production will go down), production of just about all products is heavily petroleum dependent, and transportation of products is completely petroleum dependent. Together, this makes up for a massive crisis unless addressed quickly and with honesty and wisdom. And it will happen within the next very few decades.

Unfortunately, the policy of the US government and transnational corporations is one that is short sighted and a deeply flawed attempt to hold onto a doomed way of life: to use military and economic domination to gain access to the world's remaining world reserves. It will most likely mean...
- Continuing wars. Use of military power, intimidation and war to hold onto dominance and spread fear internationally, especially in oil-rich regions not particularly supportive of the US (as the middle east).
- Reinstating the draft (the US military is already overextended)
- Intimidation domestically. Cracking down on dissent. This is what we are already seeing, and the Patriot Act and use of violence against protesters may be just the beginning. The US system may well move further in the direction of fascism.
- And all this may be supported by an ill-informed population. One that is manipulated by fear and misinformation.
- (it may also mean increasing lawlessness and violence within our communities)

Climate Change
As with any dynamic system, the Earth's climate may undergo sudden and rapid change. It may mean more dramatic weather, mass migrations, wars and more.
Food Production
Our international food production system is highly fragile, for a number of reasons. There is a significant loss of top soil from modern agriculture, preliminarily masked by synthetic fertilizers. Monocultures, and dramatic loss of varieties within each type, makes the crops vulnerable to international disease epidemics (think potato pest in Ireland). The production and transportation of food is petroleum dependent.
Overshoot
We currently consume natural resources at a rate that is higher than what the Earth's ecosystems can replenish. As they are further eroded, their capacity for generation erodes as well. And all the resources we depend on are from the Earth...

Only one of many examples is food production. We have created a petroleum dependent system both for food production (fertilizers, pesticides, mechanical equipment etc), and foor transportation (often transported long distances). In addition, modern agriculture treat soil as merely something for the roots of plants to hold onto. They spray large amounts of chemical fertilizers and pestecides on the plants, to the detriment of the ecosystem, people and the soil (depleted, toxic). And they use farming practices that allows large amounts of topsoil to erode, and often eventually be washed into the oceans. When oil becomes more expensive, farmers not able to use sufficient petroleum to keep the soil artificially "alive" and keep their machines going, and we realize how depleted the soil really is, we will face a critical food situation that we ourselves have created.

And some of the possible solutions...

Local culture
Going back to a mostly local culture will be essential. Most of us will need to live in an area where all our daily needs can be met locally: close to work, close to stores, close to education etc. We need to grow most of our food regionally. We need to produce many of our products regionally. This does not mean an end to travel or global communication, but a production that is mostly local. Ideally, trough worker-owned cooperatives.
Systems view
We also need to develop more of a systems view. Many of our problems today came about through a fragmented and mechanistic view of the world. One that sees the world as a seamless whole, focusing both on the whole and the parts, will help us live more aligned with the world as it is.
Renewable energy sources
Use of solar, wind, biofuel etc. (although we need resources and energy to develop and produce these as well).
Ecological design
A holistic approach to design, and one that designs with nature rather than in opposition to it, needs to be applied to all areas of our lives. Instead of designing generic boxes for dwellings and adding mechanical equipment for ventilation, heating and cooling, we can design with the local conditions and use wind, sun, soil and more for those same needs.
Simple living
We must most likely learn to live with less, and may find that our lives are more meaningful and fuller that way. We may let go of mindless entertainment and consumerism (hardly fulfilling in the first place), and find meaning and support in community instead.
NVC
Learning to differentiate our needs and our strategies to meet those needs. Letting go of habitual and learned strategies, and find more flexibility in choice of strategies. Choosing strategies that takes our very real dependence on our larger social/ecological system into account is also essential (our needs met, as well as those of others).

And the path...? As so many times before, it is likely to be less horrific than the worst scenarios, and less wonderful than the most optimistic ones. It will most likely involve a good deal of human suffering (already does), as well as power struggles, power abuse, fear and confusion. The mainstream will most likely not be able to deal with it as well as those subcultures that have explored and developed alternatives for a long time (such as permaculture folks).

2004-10-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

Radical & Subversive

In our culture, a more life-centered view tends to be radical.

Still, it is clear that with our current technology and population, we depend on a life-centered view for our own survival. A view where our circle of concern expands in space, to include the Earth as a whole, and time, to include future generations. A view where the Earth as well as future generations are seen as "us".

Strategies

Here are some strategies to help shift our views, and eventually our culture.

NWEI Deep Ecology discussion groups
Thousands of people around the US have participated in these.

Nonviolent Communication
Tools to help us (a) bring into awareness and (b) differentiate our (i) human needs and (ii) our strategies to meet those needs. There is rarely an inherent conflict between the needs of humans, other species and future generations, but there may be a conflict between the particular strategies chosen. Our task is to explore and choose strategies that meet our own needs, and allows other species and future generation to meet their own. Through NVC, we see again that it is not about sacrifice, but a rich life based on awareness and smart choices.

Practices to Reconnect
Powerful group practices to help us reconnect with ourselves, each other and the Earth - developed and collected by Joanna Macy.

Big Mind
A practice based on Voice Dialogue and expanded by Genpo Roshi to include a Buddhist view. In a very short time, it helps us experience the world from a genuinely trans-dual view. A view that embraces, goes beyond and includes both ends of all polarities. This taste can then be deepened through variuos practices, and brought into everyday life.

2004-09-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

Commercialisation of Childhood

Born to Buy

I attened a talk with Juliet Schor this weekend, on commercialisation of childhood. The information was similar to what I have received in drips here and there, but it is scary to receive a fuller picture. Some of what is going on...

Children, in particular the tweens (between child and teen), are seen as drivers of family consumption, and the new target group for marketing
Ad agencies use a variety of techniques to market to kids, including peer-to-peer marketing, dual messaging (ads for kids, and ads for parents to say it is OK), creating "wholesome halos" for a product, etc.
Food is an important product group (consumed by everyone and on a daily basis), and children increasingly determine what foods the family eats.
Several of the largest food companies are owned by or in ownership groups that includes large tobacco companies. The strategies used to market tobacco is now used to market food.
Corporations make strong inroads in schools, including through "news" programming (Channel One - exposing school kids to 10 hours of commercials a year) and ready-made and "free" curricula designed for indoctrination.

Juliet Schor also found that levels of media exposure for children causes increased consumer involvement, which in turn leads to increased levels of anxiety, depression, head- and stomackaches, and deteriorating relationships with parents.

Level of media exposure >>> consumer involvement/mindset >>> anxiety, depression, head/stomackaches, deteriorating relationships with parents.

Consumer Culture & Human Needs

It is disturbing to see how generations of human beings are absorbed into a materialistic culture. One where the strategies they learn are (a) incapable of meeting most of their needs and (b) often prevent them to meet their needs in deeply fulfilling ways (spend too much time on comsumer related activities such as work, buying, maintenance, etc. to have time for family, friends, community and deeply nourishing activities).

Everything is cyclical and impermanent, so it will not last. But the question is if this culture will collapse for ecological and social reasons (unravelling of ecosystems, social instability due to increasing gap between the few rich and the many poor) or human reasons (internal self-correcting processes w/in human beings). It will most likely be a combination.

This type of large scale culture change will happen for some because they want to, and most because they have to.

2004-09-27T01:25:00.000-07:00

Permaculture

Permaculture is a whole-systems approach to design, and can be applied to any area of human activity: architecture, built communities, community organizing, mechanical devices, food production, etc.

To do effective permaculture design, we need to...

Have a good understanding of the basic principles of permaculture
Have a good knowledge of the field they are to be applied to. This includes the available techniques, when they are appropriate and not, etc.

Misconceptions

For some reason, there are two common misconceptions about permaculture floating around:

It is primarily (or exclusively) about food production
(wrong - it can be applied to design in any area)
It prescribes specific techniques
(wrong - it gives a set of guidelines to help us think about the design, and a way to select and organize the different techniques and approaches available in the particular field we are working in. No one technique can be appropriate in all situations, the world is far too variable and complex).

2004-09-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Open Source

Although the Open Source approach was exciting from the beginning, it is even more so these days when it is coming to maturity. Open Source products are mature, competetive with anything on the market, and moving into the mainstream.

It is an example of how large number of people, guided by simple rules, can work together for mutual benefit and produce something that exceeds in quality what a corporation can come up with. And isn't that what humans have done throughout history?

Some of the ones I have found particularly useful lately:

Information

Wikipedia
An online encyclopedia developed and progressively refined by thousands around the world. New articles are continusly added, and the existing continiously refined and developed.

Software

Mozilla Firefox
An elegant and easy to use browser with functionality and security beyond IE (including an extension that blocks ads very effectively)
Mozilla Thunderbird
An elegant and easy to use email application - again with with functionality and security beyond Microsoft products
Open Office
An office suite equivalent to (and files interchangeable with) Microsoft Office

Operating System

Linux
I have not made the transition to Linux yet as I am dependent on specialized 2D and 3D design software not yet available for Linux. But - for any regular computer use (internet, email, office applications, image processing etc), Linux would be my first choice (stable, secure, always improved).

2004-06-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

Energy

It is a simple point: All our energy comes from the Sun.

Currently, we rely mostly on petroleum (stored solar energy). And we know that the end of the oil age is rapidly approaching, probably sooner than most of us realize.

There is an abundance of free and renewable energy (sun, and indirect solar energy through wind, waves, biomass, etc). But there is a lack of willingness to invest in the technology, research and infrastructure required to make a large scale and smooth transition from a petroleum based energy system to a renewable one. The level of trauma in the transition is determined by the choices we make today...

In the future, we will most likely see a wide range of technologies employed. Cities may rely primarily on larger plants (maybe a combination of fusion and the renewables). Less populated areas may rely more on distributed energy harvesting. In both cases, there will probably be a significant reliance on local/micro-level harvesting through for instance roofing, siding and glazing materials that harvest solar energy.

Done well, it is a solution that everybody benefits from - including future generations.

[Guardian - Are we ready for when the oil runs out?]

2004-06-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Species

We are moving towards a worldview that see humans as just one of many species. There is no separation.

Of course, this is the official scientific worldview, but our choices and behaviors reveal that we still operate from an outdated human-centered worldview.

Over the last several hundred years, we have slowly brought more and more groups into our circle of concern - those we regard as us: slaves, women, and other ethnic, sexual and religious groups. This inclusive human us is something most contemporary people consciously subscribe to, if not consistently act from.

Among the groups still to be included in the circle of concern is the non-human species, and Earth as a whole.

By bringing all species, and the Earth as a whole, into our circle of concern, into what we perceive as us, we align our views more with reality (Earth as one seamless system). We also dramatically increase our own chances of long term survival.

It will have many impacts on how we view the world and act. We will more realistically balance our needs with that of other species. We may appoint advocates (including lawyers) to act on behalf of other species and ecosystems. We will seek solutions that work for all systems, not only our limited human circle.

And we will do it, realizing that our own limited interests (egotism) are aligned with those of the rest of the Earth (altruism), since it is one system. What we do to others, we (literally) do to ourselves.

2004-03-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

Looking Forward

The Earth is a seamless whole. Any of our actions contribute in shaping the systems we live within - and are dependent upon.

From being a poor backward nation, Norway is now among the most wealthy nations. This is mainly due to heavy oil extraction - and the good fortune of access to that natural resource. Norway do use it in mostly wise ways, mainly since it is government controlled and not privatized (which almost always only benefits the corporations, not the people of the country).

Since the world is a seamless system, the effects of our global oil extraction and use will also be felt in Norway. One of them may be dramatic a sudden change in the Gulf Stream. From the current (Gulf Stream warmed) moderate climate, Norway and Northern Europe may experience a new ice age, if current predictions are correct. So, the oil extraction may first give wealth, then severe ecological problems. A consequence of not keeping the big picture and long view in mind when extracting and using natural resources...

On a sidenote: If Norway spent more of their oil fund on research and development of renewable energy, it would be another way of looking forward (building technological competence for future wealth) and also to make up for the damage caused by the (brief) oil adventure. This is another opportunity for including a long-term view in our decisions - another test of how mature we are as a collective.

2004-01-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

Toxins - the ignored issue

The effects of human made chemicals is a central issue today, and one that often does not receive the attention it deserves. We surround ourselves with chemicals that we are not designed to deal with, many of which are not properly tested. Some of the more dangerous ones are the hormone mimicking chemicals, which triggers biological reactions when present in minuscule amounts.

Recently, several reports have been published that brings a sorely needed attention to this issue, showing a connection between hair dyes and cancer, and antibiotics and cancer.

2003-12-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

Ecology & Economy

We know that "environmental technologies" will be a major industry in the coming decades, as ecological problems become more visible, and their impacts closer to our immediate lives (health, water, food, mass migrations, etc).

We also know that solutions good in the short and long term, and for people as well as ecosystems, are not neccesarily more economically expensive. In most cases, what is needed is good design.

In that light, it is somewhat surprising to still see the old attitidue that these solutions are "too expensive". We see it in the Bush administration (which is not surprising since short term profit for buddy old-approach corporations is their main objective) and it also crops up other places. Most recently Russia's hesistations regarding the Kyoto Protocol.

Developing technology that harvests clean energy, industrial processes that provides clean air, water and soil as a by-product, food production that enriches wild ecosystems, all these are areas of the future. Investing in developing these technologies today will lead to short and long term economical benefits.

Instead of seeing these technologies as costly, they can be more correctly be seen as investments that yield profits in all areas.

2003-11-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

Cultural Change Strategies

Three Dimensions

Joanna Macy outlines three dimensions to The Great Turning - our shift from an industrial growth society to a life-sustainaing and life-centered civilization.

1. Holding actions - stopping the current destruction.
2. Analysis - of causes, processes.
3. Shift in consciousness - to a more systemic, life-centered view, and solutions emerging from this view.

Perceived Substance

In our current society, especially as reflected in media, the focus is typically on problems, mostly from a limited and mainstream view. There seems to be a perception that problems are more substantial than solutions, and that problem focus is a reflection of a more serious mind than solution focus.

This attitude seems to be an integral part of the industrial growth society, and is ironically enough adopted by many who see some of the problems of this society.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), it is less effective - and far less enjoyable - than a solution focus. Problem focus tells us what is wrong (as if we don't know!), makes the change effort appear dreary (which it is when a problem focus is adopted), and leads to burnout (wisdom of nature). Solution focus helps us see beyond the (often familiar) problems, gives us a direction and longer view (visions), appears more meaningful and joyful (it is), and gives us the energy and joy to keep going.

Some Examples - Democracy [in progress]

Here are some examples of problems and applied solution focus. All related to democracy:

Problem: Diebold and voting machines

Diebold is a company (ultra-conservative) given the lucrative task of providing the US with voting machines. These voting machines are proprietary "black boxes". There is no paper trail, and no-one is allowed to look at the source code etc. to control that the results are accurate. There have been several instances that seriously questions how reliable these uncontrollable machines are, and Diebold happily sues anyone who questions the wisdom of using their machines. (Strikingly Orwellian).

Verified Voting
Black Box Voting Blues - Newsweek
All the President's Votes - Independent/UK
Visualize a Fair Election in 2004 - Greg Palast/Yes!
Safeguarding the Vote - Doug Pibel.Yes!

Solution: The solution is Open Source technology. Software with source code open to anyone, and developed and checked by a large number of people around the world.

E-Voting Done Right - article from Wired about e-voting in Australia (open source)
Open Source Everywhere - Wired Magazine
Open Source Initiative
Linux / Open Source (Google News Search)
History of the Open Source Movement
NewsForge
Linux Journal

Problem: Marginal democracy between nations

There is an obvious lack of true democracy on an international level. The United Nations is an excellent beginning, but also in need of reform. Currently, the permanent members of the security council have a veto power which takes power away from the general assembly - where it belongs.

Solution: Reform of the United Nations to make it more truly democratic, and giving more power to the United Nations.

Problem: Marginal democracy within nations
There is much room for improvement in democracies around the world. Some of the problem areas are lack of citizen participation, corporate donations to candidates and politicians (in the US, a politician is dependent on corporate sponsorship to have any chance to be elected, even on a local level), corporate media that sets the agenda and content for public concerns and debate, and multinational corporations and their organizations (WTO etc) creating international laws and regulations that undermines national and regional laws (laws protecting workers and ecosystems).

Solution: Increased citizen participation (citizen councils), multiparty system (in the US), better voting systems (instant runoff voting), crassroots globalization.

Co-Intelligence Institute - techniques for citizen participation
Instant Runoff Voting - info from Center for Voting and Democracy
Instant Runoff Voting

Problem: Neoliberal gloablization

Neo-liberal globalization is a code word for removing obstacles for multinational corporations to amass more wealth and power. In the vast majority of cases, it is not in the interest of people, ecosystems, and future generations.

Solution: Local economies

Problem: Corporate media

Corporate media (which is more than 90% of the media these days) align their views with the interest of corporations, and increasingly sets the agenda for politics and society.

CorpWatch - watchdog
Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting
Cursor
Media Transparency
Who Owns What - Columbia Journalism Review
Media Reform Information Center - resource list

Solution: One solution is citizen media (online).
IndyMedia
Guerilla News Network
Common Dreams
AlterNet
ZNet

2003-10-26T22:40:00.000-08:00

Relationship to Life

A society must incorporate a deep respect for all life to maintain itself. To include all life in our circle of concern, to include them in what we see as "us", will help us organize our lives in a way that is truly life-supporting. A way that is sustainable - for ourselves and the larger systems we are embedded in.

The way we currently relate to non-human species reflects a blindly dualistic attitude. We see "them" as separate from "us", and not how we are expressions of and embedded in one system (the universe, the Earth). We do not realize that the way we relate to other living beings reflect how we relate to aspects of ourselves. The dualism, the narrow circle of concern, hurts us as much as it hurts other beings and the ecosystems we all are parts of.

Everything is in continuious change. Galaxies, solar systems, planets, ecosystems, individuals, bodies, experiences - all continually die as they were and is reborn into something else. There is nothing to hold onto - human beings is a transient phenomenon. How long we - and our (human and possibly post-human) descendants - will be around is largely up to us.

There is a good chance that the universe is set up so that species that habitually harm themselves by harming the fabric they are dependent upon, will not be around for long. This may be no tragedy from the perspective of the Earth or the Universe, but it certainly is to us.

Selfishness, combined with a realization of our dependence of a healthy Earth, leads to altruism. Bringing all life into our circle of concern. See them as "us".

2003-09-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

Fermi's Paradox

I was just reading a review on a book on Fermi's Paradox: If the Universe is teeming with life, where is everybody?

Form what we know about life (which is admittedly limited to this one planet), it would not be surprising if the Universe is indeed teeming with life. Life (as we know it) does seem to arise quickly under the right conditions (liquid water, organic matter). It may also not be surprising that we have had no - verified and "universally" accepted - contact yet.

Contact does require many components to be in place: (a) Another civilization that has developed technology for radio communication (since we listen for radio signals) or long-distance travel. (b) That they desire contact (they may have it as a low priority, want to protect the other civilization or themselves from the consequences of contact, or have other reasons). (c) That they are active in our vicinity (within this galaxy). (d) That they are active at a time that allows us to detect them (so their signals arrive now - when we are finally listening, or have visited during the last few thousand years, wanted their presence known, and the visits were recorded so later generations could decipher it correctly).

Civilizations may be sophisticated and advanced, and yet use neither radio communication nor space travel - their technology may be very different from ours. They may decide that technology is far less important than many other areas of life (culture, spirituality). Or they may have the technology but not desire contact or letting themselves be known. Maybe most likely, civilizations with the rights characteristics for us to detect them (compatible technology, desire) may be (a) far away from us, and (b) active at a time that does not allow us to detect them (in the past or future).

Still, I think that SETI (Search for Extraterrestial Intelligence) is one of the most worthwile efforts humans can undertake. It sets our own situation in perspective - we may be just one of a myriad of civilizations out there. And if there is contact, if we do detect another civilization, it will be among the most important discoveries of all time. It will change our own civilization forever.

2003-09-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

Lynn Margulis

Lynn Margulis, one of my favorite scientists, was interviewed on NRK recently. She is the main (nearly the only?) proponent of the importance of symbiogenesis in evolution of life.

Symbiogenesis is the emergence of a new species through the combination (symbiogenesis) of two other species. The cells in all plants and animals have evolved through symbiogensis (this is one of Margulis' theories that met immense resistance when it was first launched, and today is widely accepted).

I thought the program did a good job in explaining symbiogenesis, and in emphasizing that it does not replace natural selection in explaining evolution. Symbiogenesis explains the emergence of some species, while natural selection explains the continuation (or not) of the species. The question - and here is where Margulis' views differ from that of most of biologists - is how important and frequent symbiogenesis is. How many species, and which ones, have evolved through symbiogenesis. Is it as common as she says, or infrequent - an aberration - as others assume. One thing is for certain, none of us would be here was it not for symbiogenesis. All life we see around us is the direct consequence of symbiogenesis (all eukaryotic cells originated through symbiogenesis). It cannot be seen as an aberration.

The program also mentioned the other main theory promoted by Margulis: The Gaia theory - the Earth seen as a living system.

Again, there is a general agreement that the Earth is indeed a living system. It is, after all, a seamless whole, and it is undeniably living. And again, the disagreement is to what extent and how (processes, mechanisms). Is it self-organizing (self-regulating)? Is it self-transcending (evolving)? Is it self-healing? I believe that all the data points to a "yes" to all those questions. The Gaia Theory does fulfull most or all commonly used criteria used to define a living system. It is just difficult for us, still living in an outdated reductionistic and mechanistic worldview, to accept the idea. It is also difficult for us as it is so much larger than us - we are just one small part of it. (Note that the Gaia theory says that Earth is a living system, not living organism).

2003-08-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

A More Mature Democracy

The democratic systems seen within nations today are all in their infancies. They are often based on majority rule (excluding minority positions), leave political power to those with financial power, leave decision making to an elected elite and their advisors, and often seem far removed from the lives of the voters. Among nations, the democratic system is even more in its infancy - the UN is a first step, although too often hijacked by the larger nations.

Fortunately, there are several systems and processes emerging pointing to a more mature democracy. These are often explored by smaller groups, although some are already implemented by nations.

Allowing all voices to be heard, and have a real influence, brings stability. Excluding some voices is a surefire way to violence, wars and terrorism.

Here are some examples:

* Deliberative Councils (allowing all voices to be heard, trusting the judegement of well informed smaller groups of citizens)
* Separating politics and corporations (spending limits, not allow political advertisement)
* Multi-party system (vs. the two-party system in the US which gives people no real choice)
* Instant Runoff Voting

2003-08-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

Rants

I realize that this blog is turning more and more into rants about the abysmal state of the US, and although well deserved, I want to consolidate the rants and attempt more entries on positive solutions. These not only show some of the ways out, but focusing on solutions is a more effective way of changing the situation. They open up for partnerships rather than confrontation, and give hope.

Read Rants here...

2003-07-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

Process vs. Positions

We have gained a good deal of experience with our current democratic system. A system where typically two or more factions are in adversarial positions to each other, and where one faction gains power for a while, creates changes, which are reversed when another faction gains power shortly after. We all know it is an imperfect system.

Over the years, I have come to feel that most of the time it does not matter much who is in power. It is the same game of changing policies which then are reversed at next election. A solution to this is a more deeply democratic and participatory system - a system that focuses more on process and less on positions. One example is the citizen juries in Denmark, composed of a representative sample of the population, which examines in depth a particular issue - interviewing witnesses from all sides - and then comes with a recommendation to the government and the Danish people for how to approach the issue. As the juries are composed of a wide range of people and the process is solid, the solutions are typically perceived as balanced and wise by the general population.

The Co-Intelligence Institute describes this and similar approaches to participatory/process oriented democracy on their website, and in the book The Tao of Democracy.

2003-07-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Principles

We have national leaders who accept, encourage and applaud the murder and assassination of leaders of other nations. Bush with Iraq's leaders - as now with the two sons of Saddam Hussein, and Sharon with Palestinian leaders.

In the western world, the principle of ethical universality is strong and at the core of our philosophical and religious traditions - traditions they both claim to uphold and promote. I truly wonder if they would applaud and encourage this particular principle if they were on the receiving end.

It becomes only more obvious that the so called "war on terrorism" is used to excuse inexcusable behavior - to further US global cultural, economic and military dominance (a goal directly stated by many US leaders). If they truly wanted to diminish terrorism, they would make sincere efforts to withdraw culturally, economically and militarily from around the world, and aid countries in strengthening their own cultural traditions and economics (on their terms). This will not happen soon, due to the trinity of multinational corporations (where short term profit is the main guiding principle), US politicians fully dependent on the same corporations for funding to be elected, and mass media owned by the same corporations.

2003-07-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

Human Bias

Our experience of the world is shaped and influenced by a multitude of factors:

(a) The structure and characteristics of this particular universe. The natural habits ("laws") as we know them.
(b) Being a planet-based creature.
(c) Our size. About 5-6 feet - enormous from the perspective of molecules or ants, tiny from the perspective of solar systems, galaxies and the Universe as a whole.
(d) Our life-length. About 50-100 years - long compared to the lifespan of a lightning, a bubble or a fly, a glimpse compared to the lifespan of planets and suns.
(e) Our evolutionary history. Our experiences is filtered through our evolutionary history - traits and patterns that helped our ancestors survive.
(f) Our biology. We perceive with senses that opens up for some impressions and experiences, but leaves a vastly larger number out. We hear in a very limited range (compared to for instance bats). We see in an equally limited range (compared with gold fish). Our sense of touch functions on a limited scale (we cannot sense molecules or even quite significant collections of molecules).
(g) Our culture.
(h) Our personal experiences.
(i) Our mental and physical state at the moment.

It has many benefits to be aware of this. It helps us detect our own bias and that of others, and take it into account. Our experience of the world is always limited and biased. The world is always infinitely more than and different from our experience of it. And our *ideas* of the world are in turn rigid and limited expressions of our fluid experiences... Our views and theories express our particular relationship with the world.

I was reminded of this when I read that an archeologist from Brigham Young University theorized that the Mayan culture disintegrated due to the "loss of the royal court and the erosion of public faith in the hierarchy" (National Geographic, August 2003, p. 99). Of course, Brigham Young is the University of The Church of the Latter Day Saints (aka Mormons), which place a very strong importance on faith in hierarchy.

2003-07-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Lawns

We are doing yardwork at our co-op today, which mainly involves lawn maintenance. The lawn will eventually be replaced with something else, but that is still somewhat in the future.

The history of lawns shows how many seemingly insignificant factors combined to have a large impact - on the look of our communities and how we spend much of our time.

The precursors of our modern lawns were the grazing areas around the manors in Great Britain. Following the industrial revolution, maintaining a lawn required hiring gardeners or having significant free time, and they became a symbol of wealth and disposable resources. As Great Britain was the main superpower of the day, this particular status symbol was adopted around the world.

[Possible sequence: (a) The few wealthy graze sheep around their manors. The poorer use the commons. (b) The wealthy shift their investments from livestock to factories during the industrial revolution. They are used to short grass around their manors, and hire gardeners to mimick the effects of grazing sheep. (c) Short grass/lawns become a status symbol, also for the growing middle class. (d) Great Britain is the main superpower of the day, and people around the world adopt this particular British status symbol.]

Today, lawns are partly a status symbol, but more than that - they are a sign of our lack of imagination. We plant, or inherit and maintain, a lawn because we don't know what else to do with it.

There are currently about 30 to 40 million acres of lawn in the US (estimates vary), which makes it the largest crop in North America. We spend $17.4 billion dollars, 300 million gallons of gas and 1 billion hours to maintain our lawns.

A look at biology gives us the reason for lawns being such resource sinks.

All ecosystems evolve towards greater diversity and maturity, and lawns are a prime example of immature ecosystems (a monoculture). Through growing long grass and "weeds" they move towards increased diversity and maturity. In maintaining lawns, we work against natural processes which - not surprisingly - requires an investment of large resources (time, money, gas, chemicals).

There are fortunately many attractive alternatives, ranging from low to high maintenance, and having few to multiple functions. Some examples are rock gardens, meadows and prairie (good insect and wildlife habitat), xeriscaping (plants thriving on regular rainfall in the area), and a flower and herbal groundcover.

2003-07-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

Cultural Patterns

I read "Lord of the Rings" as a teenager, and enjoyed it at the time. Now, I find it difficult to relate to the main premise of the story: The battle between "good" and "evil". It is a premise that seems to be at the core of what is unhealthy about our culture. It is the George W. Bush view of the world: The battle against good and evil. Sacrificing oneself for the sake of the higher truth... It is also the view of all caught up in a blindly dualistic view of the world - identifying people with abstract notions of good and evil, right and wrong. Some are "evil"/"bad" and "deserve" to be eliminated. Others are "good" and heroic.

The alternative is to recognize in ourselves what we see in others (shared humanity), and realize that the world is always more than and different from our perceptions of it. Our ideas of the world is just that - our ideas.

2003-07-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Media & Hindsight

Media these days (especially in Europe) focus on Blair and Bush misleading the public about (a) the threat from Iraq (minimal or nonexistent) and (b) the ease of the war and occupation. The threat was known to be minimal even at the time, and the difficulties were predictable. It is astonishing that it takes so long for it to be a topic of conversation...

Of course, it is a typical pattern: First commit atrocities under the cover of false (often seemingly ethical) excuses to gain power and resources. Then gradually admit the pretense after it is too late to undo the situation. The situation for the First Peoples in North America is a prime example. First committing genocide and stealing their land and resources, then slowly elevate them after they are no longer a threat or in the way.

Here are some examples of what I wrote about the Iraq situation in March, four months before these issues became the focus in media:

"Threat
Iraq posed no immediate threat towards the US or any other nation, according to their neighboring countries, the UN weapons inspectors and the CIA. There was no reason to not allow the UN weapons inspectors to continue their inspections for a few more months, as they asked for. With more than 200 weapons inspectors in Iraq, and a close scrutiny by the world community, the situation was well contained. "

"Misinformation
The US government has systematically misled the public and lied about the Iraq situation. They have insinuated that there is a link between the Iraqi government and past, current or future terrorism, and there is none (again according to CIA and other intelligence sources). There is also no indication that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction, according to among others the UN weapons inspectors. Hans Blix has expressed it clearly, and the Norwegian weapons inspector Jørn Siljeholm, said that the US systematically lied on this topic. ("Asked if the Americans lied, Siljeholm said: "Lie is a strong word - but yes, the information Powell presented about Iraq's nuclear program was simply incorrect," Siljeholm said.") "

"Invasion
It is likely that the invasion and occupation of Iraq will run into a number of problems. The main one may be a persistent guerilla warfare. The history of the Iraqi people gives them strong reasons for resenting and opposing an invasion and occupation by the US and the UK. Some examples: [...] To believe that the Iraqi population will welcome them with open arms is remarkably naive, and publicly expressing that assumption must be a willful deception or coming from a surprising lack of insight in human nature in general and the Iraqi history in particular. The Iraqis, no matter their view of Saddam Hussein, will most likely defend their country with any means available against what they see as an illegitimate invasion and occupation."

"Occupation and new government
Any attempt to install a US controlled government in Iraq is likely to run into massive problems, for some of the same reasons as mentioned above. The invasion, occupation and "nation building" process is likely to be long, tortuous, and expensive (in terms of dollars, lives, suffering, and loss of goodwill)."

2003-06-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Clicker Training

I started yesterday with using clicker training with a housemate's cat. He is catching on quickly and can now sit on cue.

Some basic principles:

1. All positive reinforcement (no punishment)
2. Partner approach. Equal partners and free choice (the best is when the trainee initiates the sessions, as Parsifal - our previous cat - did, and my new trainee now is doing, after only a day).
3. Brief sessions. Keep it brief and fun. Stop while there is still a good deal of interest from both of you. It works better with brief and frequent sessions rather than long ones.
4. Appropriate reward. Use a reward that works with the trainee - food, praise, etc.
5. Follow nature. Help the trainee learn behavior that is close to natural behavior, especially in the beginning. Sometimes it may work well to just wait for the behavior you are looking for, and click when it occurs. Sometimes it can be induced easily. With a cat, an easy start is to bring food directly over its head so it sits down naturally, and click.
6. Clicker as communication tool. Use a click to communicate a desired behavior. The click is then followed by the reward (the click indicates the exact behavior, and acts as a bridge to the reward). Click whenever a desirable or interesting behavior occur - you can train several behaviors parallel with each other.
7. Keep it fun. If it is fun for both of you, that is a sign that you are on the right path.
8. I have found that it seems easier and quicker to train older animals. They tend to be more grounded and focused, while younger ones are have a more fragmented and shorter attention. With clicker training, old age is no drawback.

The general principles in clicker training are important principles for all learning - for all of us and in all situations...

2003-06-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

Happiness

Researchers at University of Wisconson (in Madison where I lived for five years) have found that Buddhist practitioners are - on average - more happy than others.

I assume it is due to a combination of mind training and sitting meditation. The mind training (lo jong in Tibetan) offers tools to approach situations in a more fruitful way. The meditation practice offers sentering and a sense of spaciousness and perspective.

2003-06-22T05:06:00.000-07:00

Partnership, Choice & Positive Reinforcement

I read Horse Sense for People by Monty Roberts a couple of days ago, on my way from St. Louis to Portland (coming back from Europe).

His approach seems to be in the same family as that of Clicker Training and Nonviolent Communication. They are communication tools and languages, they offer ways to establish good connection between living beings, they help us meet our needs more effectively, and some of them work accross species lines (although NVC is more verbally oriented than the two others).

They also share specific insights and tools. First, a partnership and power-with orientation allows us to seek strategies that will meet the needs of all involved. It allows for choices (giving choice to the other, taking responsibility for own choices), and requests (no punishment). Second, an emphasis on positive reinforcement (punishment is not effective in meeting our needs - we may get the behavior but also resentment, suboptimal performance and loss of connection).

I am working on bringing NVC more into my life, along with the principles from Clicker Training and the Horse Sense approach. One training ground for me was using Clicker Training with our cat, Parsifal. He learned the basic principle quickly (click signals "correct" behavior and food), and quickly picked up tricks such as sit, lie down, sit up, stay, jump up on table/down from table, jump through a hoop, and follow a stick/cone of light - often in one or a few sessions. It engaged his mind (and sense of urgency) to an extent that I suspect only a life in the wild can.

2003-06-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Reverse Perspectives

It is often helpful to apply perspectives reverse from those we habitually apply or typically find in mainstream community.

I was reminded of two areas today where perspectives reverse from the mainstream appear to offer valuable insights.

The G8 countries are currently meeting in France. The mainstream view, at least as reflected in mainstream media, is that it is terrible for (a small portion of) the demonstrators to use violence. The reverse is often ignored - the daily and massive violence engaged in by the G8 countries. This is a systematic economic, cultural and military violence aimed at maximizing profits for the few at the expense of the many. (A sidetrack: As is so often the case, the vast majority of the demonstrators are peaceful but the media focuses on the small minority who use violence - against property. The media also portay the demonstrators as "anti-globalization" while they in reality are concerned with one particular form of globalization - the current one that benefits large multinational corporations at a terrible cost to people and ecosystems worldwide. A true grassroots globalization, one that is people and ecosystem focused, is strongly desired by the majority of the demonstrators.)

Another example is tagging. I am visitng family and friends in Norway, and notice tagging at certain locations. What is striking is that the tagging seem to occur on structures most people would find severly lacking in aestethic appeal (aka incredibly ugly). A reverse perspective here will find that the true "crime" may be committed by those who built those structures - structures which do not improve the quality of the community but rather detracts from it. The taggers seem to do us all a service by drawing attention to the most unappealing elements in our built community.

2003-05-05T00:52:00.000-07:00

Open Source Approach

The Great Giveaway - article from New Scientist
Open Cola - softdrink with open recipe
Open Source Car

[in progress]

2003-04-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

NVC & Holarchies

Everything is simultaneously a whole and a part: (a) All phenomena are a seamless self-organizing system - we are a whole. (b) They (we) are also embedded in the processes of larger systems - we are a part. The Universe is thus a unified whole of systems nested within systems - a holarchy.

Nonviolent Communication addresses the level of the individual. From a systems view, a natural question is: how does NVC look when applied to the level of social groups?

Some collective needs of a whole society may be similar to those we have on a personal level, such as security, sustenance, etc. Other needs are emergent qualities, such as ecological sustainability. See more thoughts on this at Tom Atlee's NVC and Social Change page on the Co-Intelligence Institute website.

2003-04-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

Nonviolent Communication

I attended three days of workshops on Nonviolent Communication with Marshall Rosenberg. The following is an attempt to organize what I heard and my understanding/reflections on it. It is currently in the form of fragments.

Overview

NVC
Nonviolent Communication is developed by Marshall Rosenberg. Still, it is nothing new - it is a formalized way of learning and adopting a natural and life-centered way of communicating.

Life-Centered Communication
In the west, and increasingly around the world, we are trained in a way of communication that reflect a dominance oriented culture. It includes notions of right and wrong, punishment and reward, authorities and submission/rebellion. On an individual level, it brings about anger, shame, built and depression. On an interpersonal level, we tend to meet our needs at the expense of the needs of others. On a social level, it is characterized by dominance and control structures.

Life-centered communication, as found in some other cultures, reflect a partnership oriented culture. We seek strategies that will meet the deeper needs of all of us. We realize that we freely choose all of our actions. It brings us beyond notions of right/wrong, good/evil, submission/rebellion.

Teaching
NVC applies a quite different teaching philosophy than what is common in our current educational system. Decisions are made cooperatively among instructors and students. It is made clear that students always have a choice in whatever they do (this is true in all education, although usually not made explicit). The tests are held early in the process, and they give information about the effectiveness of the teaching strategy and on how to change it, not the students' abilities.

Jackal vs. Giraffe
Jackal language is language that is from an orientation where we seek to meet our own needs but not necessarily the needs of others. It is a strategy that is not effective in meeting all of our needs and tend to lead to experiences such as anger, guilt, shame, and depression.

Giraffe is a life-centered language where we seek to first realize the deeper needs of all of us, and then explore strategies to meet those needs.

Observation & Interpretation
Differentiating observations and interpretations is vital in clear communication. Agreeing on the observable situation helps us establish common ground, and realizing that we add a layer of interpretation helps us see that it is just that - an interpretation (one of many possible).

Feelings & Needs Literacy
Learning a rich and precise vocabulary for expressing our feelings and needs helps us connect with ourselves and others.

Needs
We all share basic needs. Some of our needs are connection, honesty, play, peace, physical well-being, meaning and autonomy. When we are clear about our own needs, and we help others to be clear of their needs, we can creatively arrive at solutions that will meet all our needs. Our needs are never in conflict, but our strategies to meet those needs may be.

Strategies
In our culture, we are trained to have a muddled relationship to our needs and strategies. We tend to become attached to certain strategies, without being clear on the needs we try to meet. When we differentiate the two, we can step back and let go of specific strategies, and explore other strategies that may also meet the needs of others.

Requests & Demands
In our dominance oriented culture, we are trained in expressing and hearing demands - one person's needs met at the expense of the needs of others. Demands are characterized by single-mindedness of purpose, submission and rebellion as the only two options for the receiver, and reward or punishment as consequences. In most cases demands and its consequences are expressed in subtle ways. It is an approach that meets some of our needs, but cannot meet all of them (for instance need for connection). It is an approach that alienates us from ourselves and others.

The alternative is a more life-centered approach, seeking to meet our needs as well as the needs of those around us. Having this intention, we can express a request rather than a demand. We stay open for feedback, seek to be clear on feelings and needs of all involved, and choose strategies that works better for all. There is no punishment or external reward - only the inner reward of contributing to life.

Empathy
Empathy helps us connect with the feelings and needs of yourself and others. It can be done silently, or expressed as a way to connect deeper with another person. Empathy is a way of translating jackal to giraffe: through identifying the feelings and needs behind a jackal expression (criticism etc), we uncover the giraffe language that will help us better meet those needs. And empathy is an excellent way of identifying our basic needs: empathy with feelings takes us to the underlying met or unmet needs behind those feelings.

Choices
We always choose our actions. Sometimes we are not aware of our choices, or we do not like the options we see, but we choose all our actions. Becoming aware of this can have a dramatic impact on our life. It frees us up to let go of actions that do not meet our needs, modify others to better meet our needs, and experience more joy in the actions we do choose as we see which needs they meet.

Additional

Life-Alienating vs. Life-Affirming Culture
We live in a dominance/control oriented culture, and learn the dominance/control language from multiple sources: Religion, mythology, schools, media, and from those close to us who have learned the language from they were young. This language is also called "jackal language". It is a language that teaches polarities of right/wrong, good/evil, and reward/punishment. It tells us that the "good life" is the good punishing the bad. It teaches us to obey authority. It's symptoms in us as individuals is guilt, shame, anger and depression. It is a life-alienating language. A language that disconnects us from ourselves, each other, and the larger mystery we are a part of.

NVC teaches us another language, a life-affirming language. A language that helps us meet all our needs. A language that helps us see that we always choose. A language that frees us from submission, rebellion, guilt, shame, anger and depression. A language of celebration and connection.

Our Culture
Our culture is a dominance and control oriented culture. It teaches us to obey or rebel against authorities, to act due to external rewards or punishments, and to think ourselves into shame, guilt and depression. It teaches us tragic expressions of unmet needs (criticism, anger), and dualistic approaches where we try to meet our own needs at the expense of others (selfishness) or the other way around (selflessness). It teaches us remarkably ineffective ways to have our needs fully met.

Dominance Culture & Jackal Language
Jackal language is born from, supports and is integral to our larger dominance oriented culture. It teaches thought patterns of right/wrong, good/evil, reward/punishment, and submission/rebellion. All these justify power structures and power-over relationships that (on the surface) benefits the few at the expense of the many. Our needs cannot be fully met in such a structure, so in reality we all suffer from it.

Jackal language further yield anger, guilt, shame and depression. Anger is from a jackal mindset and perpetuates the dominance structures - either by setting up new ones, or by lending justification to the power-over strategies used by the existing structures. Guilt, shame and depression leads to passivity. None of these lead to a constructive approach for deep change.

Stories
If we want to explore the common stories and myths we operate from, we need to look at the typical stories in our culture. Today, these are told by mass media, and often reflect a static (identify people with transient experiences and roles) and blindly dualistic way of experiencing the world. These are stories of good and evil, of battles, and of victories involving the extermination of the evil.

In some other cultures, including our own subcultures, there are other stories. These may focus on partnership approaches and commitment to connection until resolutions. They are process oriented (recognize transient experiences and roles for what they are) and go beyond blind polarities. These are stories of life, collaboration, and celebration.

Social Change
NVC has a strong social change aspect. It has a powerful analysis of our culture, helps us to liberate ourselves from dominance structures, and gives us a powerful language to have our needs met as well as the needs of others.

Classic & Colloquial Giraffe
Classic Giraffe includes several patterns of expressions, for instance (a) observation, (b) feeling, (c) needs, (d) clear and present request. Colloquial Giraffe is a looser and more spontaneous and creative way of expressing the same. Some examples: 1a. Classical Giraffe: "It seems that when what you said was not heard by the others at the table (observation), you felt frustration (feeling) because your need for connection was not meet (needs)?" 1b. Colloquial Giraffe: "So you were frustrated (feeling) because you wanted to connect (need)?" The situation is given by the context, and the need was in that situation expressed as a want.

Expressions
NVC offers templates as examples of the elements included in that particular form of life enriching communication. The basic template is "When [observation] I feel [feeling] because my needs for [need] is met/not met. Can you [clear request]?" Any of these elements can be expressed silently or explicitly. As a general guideline, whenever you have a sense that the other person is aware of a particular element, it can be silent or expressed nonverbally. If there is an element that the other person may not be clear about, or you want specific feedback, it can be expressed verbally. For instance, showing gratitude can be expressed in "classical giraffe" in this way: "I want to thank you for the three days we spent together [observation]. I feel joyful [feeling] and it met my need for companionship and connection [need]". Or it can be expressed in "colloquial giraffe" in this way: "I enjoyed spending time with you and getting to know you better". The nonverbal component is of course essential.

Dynamic vs. Static Language
Our culture teaches us static language - a language where we objectify ourselves and others, and identify ourselves and others with transient experiences or roles ("I am angry", "She is smart", "He is a socialist", "They are therapists"). It is more accurate and liberating to use a process language, a language that expresses transient experiences as transient experiences and roles as roles ("I experience anger", "She has much knowledge of plants", "He votes for a socialist party", "They work as therapists").

Labels
Labels are one expression of static thinking. We identify a person with a particular (transient) experience or role, and attach a label to the person that is meant to convey useful information. Rather than convey useful information, it tends to lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. The person, and those around the person, behave in ways that are consistent with the label. Those transient experiences and roles are then strengthened and become more entrenched. These labels include formal diagnosis (hypochondriac, bipolar), informal diagnosis (idiot, genius, good, evil), and work (doctor, mechanic, secretary). In all cases, the label gives the appearance of permanence where there is none.

The alternative is to use a process language that more accurately reflect the transient nature of our experiences and roles: She tends to be concerned about her health; he experiences strong mood-swings; she did not understand the instructions; he has a solid grasp of mathematics; she works as a doctor/mechanic/secretary.

Jackal & Giraffe Views

Jackal Show
The Jackal Show is the Jackal patterns playing out in our minds. We can learn to recognize and enjoy these shows, and use them to be clear about the feelings and needs behind them. This will help us express ourselves in a way that is more Giraffe, more accurate, and more life serving.

Enemy Images
In our culture, we are trained in coming up with enemy images. When there is a conflict, typically between strategies, we tend to engage in thought patterns that (subtly) dehumanize and objectify the other person. The alternative is to look at the feeling and needs behind the other person's action, seek to clarify these feelings and needs with the other person, and then seek strategies that will work better for all. We connect rather than exclude, and get our own needs met in a more effective and efficient way.

Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice is an essential component to a life-centered approach to justice and dealing with situation with strong enemy images and anger. For the person injustice was done to, there is a situation where her/his experiences are truly heard and acknowleged - by the person that commited the act. For the person who committed the act, there is an opportunity to connect with the other on a deeply human level and see the hurt that was caused by the actions. In both cases, there is a tremendous sense of relief. It can diffuse unresolved feelings on both sides that otherwise could lead to further injustice.

I know from my own life is that when I feel that injustice has been done to me, I do not want revenge. That is not powerful enough. I want the other person to truly see the situation and how I was hurt by the action. I want to connect on a human level. That seems immensely more powerful.

Protective Use of Force
In some situation, we choose to use force. This is a minimal force used to protect, not to "punish" (a giraffe force, not jackal force).

Motivation
The motivation behind our choices is essential. Do our choices come from fear, guilt and coercion? Or do they come from a desire to meet all our needs and enrich life? The answer tells us how well we can expect to meet our needs, and the quality of our connections with each other.

Beyond Control and Permissiveness
NVC helps us go beyond the limited options of control (my needs, not yours) and permissiveness (your needs, not mine). The process is to (a) seek clarity about the feelings/needs of all involved, (b) explore strategies that meets the needs of all, (c) agree on specific actions. When all involved see how their needs are met, we are more likely to follow up on the agreements. And if not, a connection is established that allows us to explore what is going on and modify the strategies to better meet our needs.

Autonomy
Autonomy is among our basic needs (along with connection). When we are presented with a situation where we experience that our autonomy is threatened, we tend to either submit (with resentment) or rebel. This is a dominance approach and typical of how we are trained in our culture. Expressing a request rather than a demand, and making sure that it is heard as a request, is one way of getting beyond submission and rebellion. Similarly, hearing the feelings and needs behind what appears as a demand, and seeking clarification of the underlying needs, can help us go beyond submission and rebellion. It will help us find strategies to meet all of our needs.

"Should"
"Should" is a central tool of the Jackal language. Shame, guilt, anger and depression are all symptoms of underlying "should" thoughts, and they are often connected with moralistic judgments. "Should" thoughts are effective in making ourselves and others miserable, and not effective in helping us meet our needs.

Needs vs. Shoulds
When we experience anger, shame, guilt or depression, there is most likely a "should" pattern behind it. We feel we "should" do something (shame, guilt, depression) or that someone else "should" do something (anger). Shoulds tend to not be effective in meeting our needs, mostly because they do not point the way to a constructive solution.

Seeing the needs behind the shoulds opens up for a more constructive way of approaching the situation. When we become clear of our needs and the needs of others, we can consciously choose strategies that will help us meet those needs.

Solution Focus
Jackal language includes fruitless patterns such as complaining. Giraffe reminds us of our needs that are not met in the current situation, and helps us to actively seek strategies to meet those needs. It gives us a clear solution focus.

Patience
Learning a life-centered and life-enriching communication takes time. It involved re-educating ourselves and exploring the tools and stepping stones towards a life centered way of life. It requires patience, for our own learning process, as well as in our everyday situations. Seeking solutions that works for all takes longer than dominance solutions, but the rewards makes it worth it - meeting our needs more fully, and the joy of contributing to life.

Win-Win vs. Compromises
In our dominance oriented culture, we are taught that there are three different realistic alternatives: (a) Getting our needs met on the expense of others, (b) others getting their needs met on our expense, and (c) compromises where none of us get what we want. NVC, and other life-centered approaches, opens up for a fourth possibility: When we are clear on the needs of all involved, we can creatively explore solutions and strategies that will meet all of our needs. Such situations, where we actively seek clarity of the deeper needs of each person, tend to help us let go of our habitual strategies and actively seek creative and new solutions.

Interconnected Needs
Our needs are interconnected. The needs of others are included in our own needs. We cannot fully meet our need for community, connection, meaning and contribution if the needs of those around us are not met. This means that to fully meet our needs, we seek strategies that meets the needs of all of us.

Selflessness (meeting the needs of others at the expense of our own) and selfishness (meeting our own needs at the expense of the needs of others) are both expressions of a life-alienating approach. Neither of these are strategies that are likely to meet our needs well.

Life-enriching communication goes beyond selflessness (meet others needs at the expense of our own) and selfishness (meet our needs at the expense of other's needs). It is self-full - we have joy in contributing to other people in meeting their needs. We realize that our own needs are not fully met as long as the needs of the others are not fully met. If we use life-alienating communication, we are alienated from ourselves and others - our needs for connection and community are not met. If someone's basic needs are not met, our need for their well-being is not met. These needs are at the core of our common humanity.

The Dance
The honesty/empathy dance.

Choices
We always freely choose - although we sometimes do not recognize the choice, or are happy with the options that seem available to us.

Here is an exercise to help us become aware of our choices:
(a) Create a list of your "top ten least favorite activities"
(b) Explore how you tend to talk to yourself about them (these are typically "I have to" or similar phrases).
(c) For each of the activities, rephrase it to "I choose to ..." statements. This helps us re-educate ourselves and become aware that we are always making a choice.
(d) Then, rephrase each to "I choose to ... because I want ..." statements. It helps us stay honest. This is a humbling but also liberating step.

This exercise can dramatically change our life. We become aware that we always make choices, even when we don't particularly like the options that seem available to us. We also bring the underlying reasons for our choices into awareness.

When we realize that a particular choice does not meet our needs well, we can explore other strategies. We may drop or modify certain actions. When we realize that a particular choice helps us meet important needs, we tend to change our attitude towards the activity and do it with more enthusiasm and joy. In general, we enjoy our actions more when we are clear on which needs they meet, and that we freely choose them.

Detecting Hidden Choices
Some phrases reveal hidden choices. The most common are "I have to", "I don't have time", and "I can't". Behind them all is a unacknowledged choice, and freedom waiting to be released when we bring it into awareness.

Signposts
Here are some of the NVC signposts I am aware of: 1. Body sensations indicating when have connected with the need behind four reactions. 2. Anger, shame, guilt and depression, indicating "should" thoughts. 3. Criticism as tragic expression of unmet needs.

Anger
Anger is a symptom of life-alienating thoughts.

Here is a process to help us explore what is behind anger:
1. Observation - what particular behavior triggered the anger.
2. Thought - what did I tell myself that caused the anger? To get at this thought, try this sentence "I am angry because ...". This is typically a (life-alienating/moralistic) judgment with a "should" in it.
3. Empathy - with (a) self and (b) the other person/group. How did I feel, and what needs of mine were not met by the situation that triggered the anger. What needs may the other person try to express through the action/s that triggered my anger?
4. Connection - with the other person. (a) Express your feelings and needs, and make a clear request (e.g. "Can you repeat back to me what you heard me say?" or "What do you feel when you hear me say that?". (b) Guess feelings, needs, and request of the other person, and ask for feedback/check accuracy. Do this first if the other person may otherwise not be ready to hear your feelings/needs/request.

Habits & Addictions
In all our actions, we seek to meet some of our essential needs. When we are clear on our needs, and differentiate them from any particular strategy, we are more free in choosing a particular strategy or action. Similarly, if we are not clear on our needs, we tend to apply less effective strategies and typically become attached to certain habitual strategies. When we are attached to certain strategies while seeing that they do not meet our needs, we call them addictions.

Here is one way of working with habits and addictions:

1. Differentiate needs and strategies (preparation). Become clear on the distinction between (a) our underlying needs and (b) the strategies we employ to meet those needs. For any need, there is an infinite number of strategies that can help us meet those needs.
2. Identify the underlying needs. Which needs do I try to meet by the habit/addiction? Empathy (self-empathy or from another person) can help us explore this.
3. Explore the effectiveness of the strategy. Which of my needs does it meet, and which does it not meet?
4. Explore alternative strategies. Which other strategies can I use that will meet more of my needs?
5. Support for making the change. Support - from ourselves and others - is essential in making any substantial change. It is helpful to find support from someone well versed in a life-enriching communication.

Celebration & Connections

Gratitude
There is a great need for hearing and expressing gratitude in our society, and expressing gratitude in Giraffe is specific and powerful. It contains a reference to a specific behavior, a feeling, a need that was met, and possibly a request. Any of these can be expressed silently and implicit or explicit and verbally. As a rule, if the other person is likely to be aware of a particular element, it is not necessary to express it explicitly - unless you want to emphasize it.

The complete and explicit pattern can be something like this:
(a) Behavior that you are grateful for ("when you ...")
(b) Our feelings ("I feel ...")
(c) Our needs that were met by the action ("it meets my need for")
(d) A request. If not certain that the person heard it accurately, ask "can you repeat back to me what you heard?", or otherwise "How do you feel when I say that?"

When we express gratitude, the verbal part can also be very simple and direct: "I enjoyed getting to know you better." In this case, the time spent together is implicit ("We spent three hours together"), the feeling is enjoyment or lead to a sense of enjoyment ("I enjoyed") and the need is connection ("getting to know you better").

2003-04-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

Ecological Footprint

An Ecological Footprint is the bioproductive land/sea area needed to support the lifestyle of an individual or a community. It is an effective educational tool and an intuitive sustainability indicator.

Definition
"The Ecological Footprint is a measure of the 'load' imposed by a given population on nature. It represents the land area necessary to sustain current levels of resource consumption and waste discharge by that population."

Fair Earth Share
The Fair Earth Share for each of the 6 billion people alive today is 4.7 acres. This is the total bioproductive area divided on 6 billion people. 4.7 acres is a high estimate as it leaves little room for other species.

Footprint of Nations
Some examples of the Ecological Footprint of the average citizen in different nations:
USA - 24 acres | Denmark - 16 acres | Germany - 12 acres | India - 1.9 acres

Footprint of Humanity
The Ecological Footprint of the average global citizen is currently 5.6 acres. This is a conservative estimate based on public data from governments and the UN.

Overshoot
The Ecological Footprint for humanity as a whole is larger than the bioproductive land available. This state of overshoot is similar to living on the principal rather than the interest of an investment (there is no or little effect on quality of life until the bottom of the account is reached).

Solutions
To reduce humanity's Footprint - and live within the means of nature - we need to focus on two areas: (a) Prevent overpopulation (in all countries). (b) Reduce and shift our consumption.

2003-04-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Nonviolent Communication

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is an excellent tool for learning a simple and effective way of communicating. NVC helps us learn to communicate in a way that makes our needs clear, separates needs from strategies to meet those needs, and allows us to creatively find strategies that will meet the needs of us all.

In our culture, we are trained in communicating in a remarkably ineffective way. We try to meet our own needs at the expense of the needs of others. We use a strategy of violence, one that includes intimidation, judgement, blame and punishment. This in turn leads to confusion, suffering, fear, dishonesty, and resentment, which sours our relationships. This strategy, or "jacal language", is expressed at all levels, from relationships among countries to our relationships with family and friends.

The main aspect of NVC is an intention to (a) express your own needs clearly, and identify the needs to the other person, and (b) find solutions that meet the needs of each person.

2003-04-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

Inevitability & True Cost of War

The Bush government officials are masters in the strategy of inevitability - attempting to make it appear as there is only one choice, and they are just acting on the one choice dictated by the situation. We saw the strategy following the 2000 presidential election (Bush acting as if he was president long before anything was resolved), and it has continued since. They used it for invading Iraq, and they will most likely use it to indefinitely occupy Iraq, install an US controlled government in Iraq, breaking international law when dealing with prisoners of war, and engaging in war with other "rouge" nations. The justification in all cases will be terrorism. They will make it look as if they have no choice but to engage in actions that further US military, cultural and economic world dominance, while systematically violating international law and human rights.

The strategy of inevitability has several strong allies: (a) An US media aligned with the views of the US government, (b) habituation (people getting used to it and unable to see alternatives), and (c) vicious cycles (they act in ways that fuel terrorism, which gives them an excuse to continue to act in those ways).

On a different but related topic, it seems that the true cost of war is not reflected in US media: (a) Massive suffering among civilians (killed, injured, loss of relatives and friends, disease, malnutrition etc). (b) Further instability in the Middle East. (c) Massive resentment towards the US among people in the Middle East and around the world. (d) Soldiers mentally traumatized for life (killing of civilians, not knowing who the enemy is, suicide attacks etc). (e) US tax money channeled to the military industry, away from vital services (schools, health care). (f) Skyrocketing US foreign debt.

2003-03-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

Complexity Theories & Social Change

Complexity theories (systems theories, chaos theories, fractals, gaia etc) has their origins in natural science. Still, they may offer important insights for us in understanding social systems and social change. Here are some key consepts and how they may relate to our social dimension:

Humility
One of the main yields from complexity theories is a deeper sense of humility. Control is futile, and change is always unpredictable. There are many factors that creates this unpredictability. (a) All phenomena are aspects of one whole system, and thus intrinsicly interconnected. (b) Change is often influenced in a significant way by what appears (to us) as insignificant variables, and we cannot predict in advance which variables will be influencial and to what degree. Any real-life system is thus far too complex to be predictable.

Partnership Approach
Complexity theories demonstrates the benefit of a partnership approach rather than a control/dominance approach: (a) All phenomena are aspects of one whole and intrinsicly interconnected. There is no us/them dichotomy, everything is "us". There is no outside. (b) Living systems are self-organizing and immensely complex. Attempts of external control is thus based on an illusion of seperation (us/them), and futile as systems tend to choose their own course, and adapt and respon in ways not completely predictable. Attempts to eradicate a virus leads to mutations. Attempts to eliminate terrorism with war leads to more terrorism. A partnership approach gives us the opportunity to engage in a dialogue, a dance that may lead to mutual benefits.

Sensitive Dependence / Butterfly Effect
Change is often influenced in a significant way by what appears as insignificant variables. We cannot predict in advance which variables will be influencial and to what degree. A seemingly insignificant occurence (for instance a conversation) can change the course of events in a dramatic way.

Sudden Changes / Bifurcation
Systems undergo sudden and dramatic changes. It may look as if nothing is happening for a long time, until the conditions are right and the change occurs faster than we expected. Again, we cannot predict accurately in advance which exact conditions are neccesary.

2003-03-27T09:49:00.000-08:00

Shambala Prophecy

The Shambala Prophecy seems more relevant than ever. See the link for more information.

2003-03-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

Media - three worlds

International media presents the Iraq invasion in a dramatically different way from US media, and the Arabic/Islamic world presents it in a third way. Not surprisingly, it seems that the most balanced and critical information comes from the countries not directly involved in the conflict.

Norwegian media, which I am most familiar with, typically: (a) Balance the views and information from both sides, with a critical analysis and making the biases explicit. (b) Give in-depth background information. (c) Is critical to and analyze the spin of US government and media, as well as that of the Iraqi government and media. (d) Emphasize the uncertainty and problems with the US strategy (both invasion and occupation). (e) Prior to the war, emphasized that there was no connection between Iraq and terrorism, no evidence for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and misleading insinuations and information from the US and UK. (f) Emphasize strongly the human view - the reality and horror of war and the suffering of the civilians - including (i) interviews with regular Iraqi people and those wounded and those having lost relatives, (ii) photage of the destruction, and (iii) photage of US Prisoners of War.

2003-03-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

Democracy

The US is known for promoting democracy. At least verbally, and as long as it is within nations and not among them, and the democracy in question is aligned with US interests.

Tyrannies aligned with US interests are OK (East Timor, Saddam Hussein’s Iraq prior to the invasion of Kuwait, and numerous other regimes). Democracies not aligned with US interests are at risk of being overthrown with support of the US (Chile in 1972 is one example).

Further, democary is OK within nations (with the caveat mentioned above) but not among nations. The US has consistently worked against the UN (only moderately democratic), and any attempts to make the UN more democratic than it is. Not surprising, as a truly democratic and strong UN is clearly against the interests of the US.

2003-03-25T17:31:00.000-08:00

Distractions

It is easy to loose the view of the big picture these days, to allow the US foreign policies to dominate our thoughts and conversations as they dominate the media. Still, there are other and far more important issues that need our attention, and these - not surprisingly - happen to be connected to the high profile events these days.

The main issue, as I see it, is the deep culture change towards a life-centered culture. A change that involves worldviews, language, and most of all our relationships - with ourselves, each other, the Earth, and future generations. Aspects of this change involves a move from control to partnership orientation, a shift of power from corporations to communities, and ecological sustainability on a large and small scale.

What we see today, with the aggressive US foreign and domestic policies aimed at intimidation and control, is the expression of the dominant system. A system that is control oriented, where policies and media aligned with the interests of large corporations, and where the interest of future generations and nonhuman species is ignored. Fortunately, there is an international grassroots movement creating a life-centered culture - and it is vibrant, creative, steadily growing, and fun! It operates largely under the radar screen of the media, so most of us only see glimpses of it, so far.

2003-03-23T14:35:00.000-08:00

Double Standards

The US government is a master in double standards.

Iraq and Israel both have weapons of mass destruction, and a history of oppression (respectively Kurds and Muslims) and human rights violations. Still, there is no discussion of going to war against Israel (not that I would want it, for either country). Most of the 9/11 terrorists were from Saudi Arabia, as was much of their funding, but there is similarly no discussion of attacking Saudi Arabia. There is also the striking fact that the US government itself fits closely the criteria listed above, and it often sounds as if US officials are describing themselves when describing Iraq.

There is also a clear double standard in how the US regard treatment of prisoners of war. They demonstrate that they are willing to commit human right violation in how they treat their own prisoners of war, but demand a different and more humane treatment for US prisoners of war. For instance, the US government/media are eager to show photos of captured or surrendering Iraqi soldiers, while US officials now sharply criticize Iraq for showing photos of captured US soldiers. They say it is a violation of international law, which is Ironic as the US themselves have repeatedly and systematically shown disrespect for international law and agreements. One example is the most recent war in Afghanistan where they have admitted to torturing prisoners to death, and where other prisoners are taken to the Guantanamo military base in Cuba where their human rights are systematically violated - through inhumane treatment, holding of prisoners indefinitely without trail, and denial of access to lawyer.

2003-03-23T11:10:00.001-08:00

Democracy & Dissent

A true democracy has several characteristics: a deep community dialogue on issues and solutions, media that gives a voice to all views and represent these views fairly, and elections that gives each candidate an equal opportunity to have their views heard. Of course, in the US, none of these characteristics are met. People are pacified by entertainment and a consumer lifestyle that leaves little room for community involvement, corporate media only allows certain views to be presented and regularly misrepresent alternative views, and the political system favors those candidates who are aligned with and backed by large corporations.

There is a need for dissent and critical analysis of policies and their effects at all times, but never more so than in a time of war. In a war, decisions are made that have a direct life and death impact on large numbers of people. Those decisions, and the assumptions and policies behind them, must be critically analyzed and questioned by the media and the population at large, and there must be a willingness to engage in civil disobedience at all level of society. Unquestioned decisions, especially in a time of war, can lead to tremendous tragedies.

2003-03-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

What is radical?

Looking at what is perceived as "radical" in a culture and at a particular time gives us important information about that culture.

Today, seeking deep culture change towards a life-centered and life-affirming culture, is seen as radical. Questioning the power of corportaions, and their control of the media and the political system, is seen as radical. Questioning policies of the US government is seen as unpatriotic, treason (Senator Orrin Hatch), and radical. Expanding true compassion and respect of life to nonhuman species is seen as radical. Wanting fair trade policies is seen as radical. Taking into account future generations in our decision making process is seen as radical. Currently in the US, supporting peace, nonviolent conflict resolution, United Nations, and international law is seen as radical.

What does it say about our culture...?

2003-03-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

Consensus Technique

An effective technique for reaching consensus in (a) smaller groups (10-15) with (b) not too much polarization. As told to me by Brian Joiner.

Ground rules: (i) Willing to listen, (ii) Willing to change one's own position.

Method: Go around in a circle. (1) Each person says "what" (what they would like see happen, or a yes/no to a suggestion). Others can ask questions for clarification. (2) Then, each person says "why". Others can ask questions for clarification, to help them understand the reasoning behind the "why". Repeat (1) and (2) until a consensus is reached. This typically takes 4-6 rounds.

I noticed that there is a parallel with Nonviolent Communication: The "what" corresponds to strategies, and the "why" corresponds to needs. The process helps us clarify and differentiate needs and strategies. We clarify and differentiate our own needs and strategies, and clarify and differentiate our own understanding of the needs and strategies of each of the other people in the group. Further, it helps us to (a) more clearly define our own needs, (b) more easily let go of our attachments to specific strategies, and (c) creatively/collaboratively explore other strategies that can meet the needs of all involved.

2003-03-20T20:22:00.000-08:00

The most dangerous man in the world

Day One of the new Iraq war. More than 80% of the people of the world oppose the war against Iraq, including a majority of the nations on the UN security council. This again shows how the US verbally promote democracy within nations (although even that is questionable) while acting in a blatantly un-democratic way on an international level. Some thoughts:

Threat
Iraq posed no immediate threat towards the US or any other nation, according to their neighboring countries, the UN weapons inspectors and the CIA. There was no reason to not allow the UN weapons inspectors to continue their inspections for a few more months, as they asked for. With more than 200 weapons inspectors in Iraq, and a close scrutiny by the world community, the situation was well contained.

Misinformation
The US government has systematically misled the public and lied about the Iraq situation. They have insinuated that there is a link between the Iraqi government and past, current or future terrorism, and there is none (again according to CIA and other intelligence sources). There is also no indication that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction, according to among others the UN weapons inspectors. Hans Blix has expressed it clearly, and the Norwegian weapons inspector Jørn Siljeholm, said that the US systematically lied on this topic. ("Asked if the Americans lied, Siljeholm said: "Lie is a strong word - but yes, the information Powell presented about Iraq's nuclear program was simply incorrect," Siljeholm said.")

International Law
There are strong indications that the war against Iraq is violating international law [2]. Blair, Aznar, and other leaders actively supporting the war may well be tried before the International Criminal Court. The US opposed the creation of this court, saying that it could be used against them for political reasons. The reality may be that it could be used against them for systematically violating international law.

Cost
The war on Iraq, and subsequent "nation building", is estimated to cost each US citizen $1700 ($500 billion divided on 290 million citizens - source). It will also cost lives and suffering on a massive scale.

Terrorism
War and violence can never quell terrorism. War has a specific geographical focus, while terrorism thrive in loosely organized international networks. War, invasion, and occupation can only fuel resentment, anger and despair leading to further terrorism. It is profoundly irrational to assume that war will prevent terrorism. The situation in the Middle East is especially volatile, and further violence may lead it to spiral out of control.

Invasion
It is likely that the invasion and occupation of Iraq will run into a number of problems. The main one may be a persistent guerilla warfare. The history of the Iraqi people gives them strong reasons for resenting and opposing an invasion and occupation by the US and the UK. Some examples: (a) Great Britain invaded Iraq during WW1 and occupied the country for several years. (b) The US supported and created Saddam Hussein and supported and encouraged the Iraq-Iran war where large numbers of Iraqis were killed. (c) The US was responsible for a large number of civilian causalities during the first Gulf War. (d) During the first Gulf War, they destroyed the infrastructure (including water treatment plants) which led to massive suffering among the civilian population. (e) George Bush the First encouraging a failed upraising against Saddam Hussein, which led to thousands of Iraqis killed by Saddam Hussein's government. The US did nothing to help them. (f) The sanctions has lead to massive suffering among the Iraqi population, while Saddam Hussein and his government have not been harmed. (g) The current invasion and war is again bringing massive suffering to the civilian population. (h) They plan to dictate and control the creation of the new Iraqi government. To believe that the Iraqi population will welcome them with open arms is remarkably naive, and publicly expressing that assumption must be a willful deception or coming from a surprising lack of insight in human nature in general and the Iraqi history in particular. The Iraqis, no matter their view of Saddam Hussein, will most likely defend their country with any means available against what they see as an illegitimate invasion and occupation.

Occupation and new government
Any attempt to install a US controlled government in Iraq is likely to run into massive problems, for some of the same reasons as mentioned above. The invasion, occupation and "nation building" process is likely to be long, tortous, and expensive (in terms of dollars, lives, suffering, and loss of goodwill).

Democracy in the Middle East
It is ironic that the US (a) wants to control the Middle East, and (b) express a desire to see democratic governments in the Middle East. They must realize that truly democratic governments, responsive to the views of their citizens, would strongly oppose US interference.

I watched Good Evening, Mr Wallenberg last night, and was struck by some of the parallels with our current situation. During WW2, the Nazis saw Jews (and others) as not quite human, and disposable for the purpose of reaching a higher goal. Today, the US government is saying that a certain number of Iraqi civilian causalities is acceptable for the purpose of reaching a higher goal. ("An estimated 3,500 civilians were killed during the 1991 Gulf War. Crowder said the U.S. military weighs what level of civilian casualties would be "acceptable" depending upon the importance of a given target." source)

2003-03-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

Dialogue - breaking out of the insular patterns

During the Iraq situation I have forwarded news stories to likeminded people (on the lack of substance to the US view), had conversations with likeminded people, put up lawn signs that likeminded people agree with (and feel supported by) and others get annoyed with, taken part in peace marches and vigils with likeminded people, sought out news sources with views similar to my own (most of the international media and the US alternative media), written reflections here that likeminded people may mostly agree with and others won't, and taken part in Conversation Cafes with likeminded people.

Rarely, if ever, have I had the opportunity to engage in a sincere dialogue with people with differing views. And just that seems to be a significant issue in our time. We too often (a) choose to expose ourselves to that which supports our own views and (b) we choose to interact - especially when it comes to quality dialogue - with likeminded people. In a culture where debates and entrenched positions are expected, and quality dialogues among people with differing views is rare, we have few models for and little access to situations that encourage such an exchange.

A small step in the direction of sincere dialogue among people with widely different perspectives and backgrounds is the Commons Cafe, where people from different parts of society are actively recruited to take part in dialogue. Another, more formalized approach, is Citizen Councils.

I wish there was a news source that was widely inclusive of differing views. One with quality news reporting that honestly represent the strongest case of the different perspectives on a wide range of issues. I have yet to find it - although it may be out there. The closest righ now may be the Google news service, which draws on sources with differing views and from all over the world (although only in English). It is all automated, so no human editors are involved (although that in itself is no guarantee of lack of censorship).

2003-03-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

Control and Partnership

I helped organize a panel held at the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference today. It's topic was "Community, Networking and Complexity", and included Alder Fuller from ProtoTista (complexity theories), Mark Williams from OPN/EFN (Open Source), Diane Brausse from Lost Valley (intentional communities), and Nick Routledge from Eugene Permaculture Guild (ecological design). Jair from Imaginify was the main organizer, and Wynn Swafford from Sunrise Facilitation Collective facilitated. It was a great experience, and I think we all had our minds tweaked, even those of us who have previously explored the connections, parallels, and possible cross pollinating among the different areas. They all have strong commonalities in terms of paralell patterns and processes, and a shared partnership and solution focused approach.

What came up for me the strongest was the difference between the control and the partnership views. The control view is embodied in the institutions and structure of modern society, including the corporations, proprietary software, mainstream media and genetic engineering. This is a power-over and a win-loose approach. The partnership view is embodied in systems theories, Open Source, intentional communities, and ecological design. This is a power-with and a win-win approach.

The difference is vital. The control paradigm operate from an intrinsically arrogant (and naive) assumption: we can control social and ecological systems. It brings a sense of alienation from ourselves, each other, and the Earth. The partnership approach is humble at its heart, and is from a realization that we are a small part of a vastly larger and complex system. Our only choice is to use a collaborative approach. It allows for connections and for feeling at home with ourselves, the larger society and the Earth.

The control vs. partnership views are also reflected in communication. When we operate from a control and win-loose view, our communication tends to be towards talking more than listening, and be tinged with fear, hostility, threat of punishment and much more that alienates us from each other and ourselves. If we instead learn to operate from a partnership and win-win view, our communication tends to be characterized by genuine listening, compassion and a more flexible and solution oriented approach. We can more easily untangle our needs and the strategies we have for meeting those needs, let go of our attachment to specific strategies (often habitual), and seek creative and maybe unexpected strategies that meet the needs of all involved. It is more effective, and more fun.

2003-03-07T23:36:00.000-08:00

Fragments - Bush, Iraq & Hitler

Some fragments on hot topics:

It is interesting to follow the news these days - and especially comparing international vs. US media...

European media tend to emphasize the optimism and request for more time from the UN weapons inspectors, Iraqi cooperation, lack of evidence for illegal weapons in Iraq, and the lack of substance in the "evidence" presented by the US and UK. In contrast, US media reflects the Bush government's positions with not much analysis or fair presentation of differing views.

And on that topic, here is an interesting story from Norwegian media:

Arild Linneberg is a professor of communication and was recently interviewed by NRK2, a public broadcast TV station in Norway. Mr. Linneberg has analyzed and compared speeches by Adolf Hitler (prior to WW2) and recent speeches by Mr. Bush. He found strong similarities, especially in terms of rhetorical strategy and content, including the representations of their own position vs. that of the "enemy" (moral superiority and divine support), and justification for going to war (own country's security). To test his findings, he asked his students to identify the author of a speech. His students guessed Bush. In reality, the speech was by Hitler prior to the invasion of Poland in 1939...

A majority of Europeans see Bush as a far greater threat to the world than Saddam Hussein. I suspect that many are struck by the same as I am - when US government officials describe Iraq and other "enemies", the descriptions often seem strikingly appropriate for the US government itself... A classic example of shadow projection.

It is difficult to see how Saddam Hussein currently is a threat, especially considering the UN inspectors currently at work in Iraq... A war will most likely have numerous unfortunate effects, some quite dangerous for the region and the world. It will increase international resentment towards the US, fuel terrorism, bring further suffering to the Iraqi people, and may initiate an escalating and spreading cycle of violence in the region. It will also bring about a serious budget deficit in the US (through transferring tax money to the war industry), and cut into vital services (schools, health care etc). In the US, there seems to be unlimited amount of money for war, but very limited amounts for services essential to a healthy and equitable society...

A list of the questionable acts and policies following the systematic strategy of intimidation by the US government is longer than one person can compile. One example of the current mindframe of the US government is the torture ending in death of prisoners in Afghanistan. This is in addition to the secret arrests, denial of access to lawyers, and indefinite detention we have seen for the last year and a half.

2003-02-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

The Abysmal State of US Media

Pointing out the shortcomings of the US media is trite, but it does need to be repeated. A true democratic and useful media would (a) give a voice to all sides of an issue, (b) represent the various views in a fair way, (c) present in-depth analysis of serious issues from several viewpoints, (d) give a venue to the voices critical of accepted views, (e) make their own bias (we all have one) explicit. The US media, owned by a few large corporations, do none of these. They rather see their role as (a) entertaining (even with the serious issues), and (b) support the interest of large corporations and the government (and those are aligned most of the time).

Fortunately, there are alternatives, and more and more people are becoming aware of the situation.

2003-02-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

Kurds

The US has made an agreement with Turkey, stating that Turkey will be allowed to occupy the Kurdish area of Iraq after the new Iraq war. This shows the true values of the US administration, which is anything besides a desire for democracy and justice.

The Kurdish people want what we all want - independence, autonomy, and their own country. Now, the longstanding suffering and injustice inflicted upon them by several regimes, is continuing and worsening - with the blessing of the US. Rather than diffusing tension and resolving injustice, it will only give more people a reason for resentment towards the US, leading to further instability and violence.

US news media, and to some extent the international media, is largely ignoring this aspect of the story - focusing on the money offered to Turkey by the US as the main incentive for Turkey to allow US troops into their country.

2003-02-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

The Beginning of the End of US Dominance?

Following international news and analysis, it is clear that resentment towards the US policies is increasing all over the world - among regular people as well as among politicians.

Impermanence is intrinsic to all phenomena, including the power of nations. The current behavior and policies of the US government leads to not only increased resentment, but also stronger coalitions against the US policies - on a grassroots level as well as on the level of nations. It seems that the US is in the process of isolating themselves. If it continues in the longer run, they may - as they are fond of representing those not aligned with their views - increasingly render themselves "irrelevant".

It may be that this is the beginning of the end of US cultural, economic and military dominance. It will happen one way or another. The only questions are how and when.

2003-02-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

Open Source & Collective Intelligence

I am continuing to explore the Open Source world.

In a nutshell, this is how Open Source development works: One person or a small group of people develop a new piece of software. They then make it freely available to others via the internet, and invite others to join in developing the software (fixing bugs, developing new features). These developments are then sent to the core group, reviewed, and implemented. A new version is then posted on the internet. New and improved versions versions are in some cases issued several times a day.

Using this approach, a powerful operating system and powerful software has been developed. Linux, a freely available operating system, is in many situations (web servers, development systems, and now desktop systems) replacing proprietary systems such as Windows. A wide range of applications is being developed, which in many cases equals or surpasses equivalent proprietary software.

Along the same lines, Open Source software for interactive and collaborative websites is being developed (php nuke, wiki etc). These collaboratively created websites are being used for creating an online encyclopedia, grassroots news reporting, global justice and peace mobilization, and much more. These websites are powerful tools for global grassroots organizing, and what we have seen so far is only the beginning.

Open Source is one of many tools for liberating our collective intelligence, leading to profound social and cultural change.

2003-02-19T11:29:00.000-08:00

Peace Mobilization

It is wise to have multiple goals in mind for any activity, ranging from short-term and immediate to long-term and far-reaching, and goals very likely to be reached as well as visionary goals.

I participated in the global peace mobilization on February 15, 2003, along with millions of people around the globe. In Eugene, we were from 2000 to 4000 people, possibly the largest rally ever in this relatively small town (photos).

Some of the goals that comes to mind for the global peace mobilization:

* Strengthen a sense of hope and of a global/local community of likeminded people
* Creating connections - through organizing and participating in the rallys
* Show support for politicians aligned with people's views
* Show those in the Muslim world that Westerners are not all war-mongeres and cultural/economic/military imperialists (this may also diffuse anger and terrorism)
* Gaining experience in using the internet for global mass mobilization (what we have seen so far is only the beginning)

2003-02-16T18:55:00.000-08:00

Eugene Peace Rally

I joined in the global peace demonstrations yesterday, on Saturday February 15, 2003. In Eugene, between 2000 and 4000 people were at the rally, and millions did the same elsewhere around the world. Here are some photos from the Eugene rally.

2003-02-11T04:25:00.000-08:00

US & The World II

There is a growing gap between the US and many European nations these days. Right now, from 90 to 70% of people in European countries are strongly against a war against Iraq, and some governments are aligning themselves with this view. The power of the media in shaping people's views is clearly visible. In Europe, Powell's speech at the UN was taken apart to the point where there was not much credibility left (Powell lied and used inaccurate information on several points). In the US, the media did not question the data and assumptions. Not many Europeans changes their views, while in the US the march to war was strengthened.

Again, I am astonished by the reactions of the people in the US - blindly led by the trinity of corporations, government and media which share a common interest in misleading the people. Fundamental principles such as innocence until proven guilty (in a legal and open court) is thrown aside, and barbarian principles adopted (indefinite imprisonment w/o court case or access to lawyer, pre-emtive strike, etc).

I - as so many others - find it ironic that in "fighting" what is presented as an attack on democracy and freedom (it itself a questionable statement), the US government happily do away with democracy and freedom. Similarly, while presenting itself as the upholder of democracy, the US acts in a profoundly undemocratic way on the international arena. They promote democracy within nations, while acting in the classic schoolyard bully tradition on the international arena. It can only lead to more anger and resentment towards the US, as well as further violence, wars and terrorism.

2003-01-26T21:48:00.000-08:00

US & The World

It is amazing to watch the Bush government in their tactics of intimidation. They are systematically eroding the rights of regular people within the US. Anyone suspected of terrorist activities can be arrested and jailed indefinitely, without jury or access to lawyers. Abroad, the most horrendous foreign policies are implemented. It may lead to a break between the US and their allies, and stronger alliances among European and other countries (especially the poorer ones) around the world against US cultural, economical and military dominance. It will most likely be a gradual process - although many new straws are currently laid on the camel’s back.

2003-01-26T13:41:00.000-08:00

Open Source View

I am reading more about the Open Source movement, including “Rebel Code” about the GNU/Linux system. The Open Source view, having demonstrated its effectiveness in the software area, is now informing social organization and views.

Here are some characteristics of the movement:

Free sharing
Free sharing of information, advice, tools, and software. No secrets.

Collaborative
Large number people each adding their experience, knowledge and passion to a project. The whole is more than the sum of its parts.

Self-organization
People self-select, and are free to choose area of focus. This leads to a match between the task and the skills and passions of individuals.

Distributed Network
Distributed network of people working together same project

Coordination
Coordination of activities - mainly through the internet (email, interactive websites)

The Global Justice movement use of this approach for social and cultural change. It shows how an international group of people with a wide range of backgrounds (middle-class, workers, academics, indigenous people, human rights activists, environmentalists, farmers etc) can be united in a common cause (move power from corporations to people) and effectively coordinate their activities.

IndyMedia - a global grassroots reporting network.

These are just two of the early expressions of a much larger emerging movement.

2003-01-20T01:41:00.000-08:00

Systems Theories & Community Groups

Simple rules have complex consequences.

It seems that simple and shared rules are important for social groups to function well - in terms of flexibility, self-organization and emergence. Rules are important for coordination and effective action. Simplicity makes them easily understandable and allows for emergence.

The rules often emergy through group interaction - verbal and/or actions. It is important that they are flexible and emergy through an inclusive process.

During my time as coordinator for Sustain Dane in Madison, Wisconsin, I realized that the core people all shared a basic understanding of organizations and communities as dynamic systems.

Here are some of the basic rules we shared, many of which were implicit and part of the culture that emerged through our activities.

Freely/actively share information within Sustain Dane and with the large community (no secrets)

Inclusivity (members with wide range of backgrounds)

Self-organize into (long or short-term) workgroups focusing on a particular project

The role of the coordinator is to
1. Gently coordinate activities and keep everything flowing (light touch)
2. Assisting others - within Sustain Dane and the larger community -so they can do their work better
Team work (shared decision making)

Solution focus (addressing difficult issues by focusing on constructive
solutions)

Partnership approach (with individuals, organizations, and the Earth)

Respectful communication (in all instances)

2003-01-02T21:50:00.000-08:00

Generations or Not

In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, generational differences were often obvious and pronounced. Today, grouping people by age may be increasingly less useful. My sense is that vertical groupings (by interests/worldviews) now are stronger than the horizontal (by age groups). This may be especially true when it comes to interests and values.

Here are some examples from my own life:

I helped organize several discussion groups on sustainability topics in Madison. Participants all had similar interests, values and guidelines for their choices and life, and spanned all age groups from young adults to retired folks. Differences by age lines rarely came up. The same was true for the residents and members of the Zen center I lived at in Salt Lake City, and other groups I have been involved in where people are coming together around a common interest. My friends are similarly from all age groups.

On the other hand, I feel I have little in common with my own age group - apart from those I share a specific interest with (and there are no more from my own age group than any other it seems). It is possible that this is related to my particular situation, but I suspect it is a broader trend.

The sociological findings summarized by Paul Ray and Sherry Anderson in the bookCultural Creatives seem to confirm that this may be more than my experience.

2002-12-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-12-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-12-26T14:12:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-12-26T01:38:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-12-25T23:19:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-12-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

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

2002-12-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-12-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-12-24T13:29:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-12-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

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!)

2002-12-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

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).

2002-12-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-12-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

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.