Inspiration for Change

A Fellow blogger has pointed out that trying to coerce people into becoming eco-conscious does not necessarily work. What, then, would work in the old inspiration department?

I surmise that when all of the Fraser Valley's turnips are rotting under 5 feet of water and the corner store is all out of Haagen Dazs and Benson and Hedges 100's - people may be then - and only then - "inspired" to change. But "change" and "regress to atavistic anger" may well be used interchangeably. (How are nicotine addicts going to react to disrupted supplies of their beloved drug I wonder?)

As activists, our momentum and loving-kindness may, hopefully, precipitate a tipping-point. But for the moment, the guys in the Hummers are off the radar for me. I pray they may take inspiration from my brothers and sisters who seek to protect our home and our sacred mother, Gaia. But don't hold your breath. I work in the film industry and I constantly witness the most profligate side of human nature.

Change will happen from without. It will likely be deadly (see turnip scenario, above.) Then, and only then, may Bubba get the message and seek to save Bubba Mama and Bubba Junior. But do not be surprised if he just decides to go it alone with a stock-pile of smokes and a trusty Glock 22c pistol.

But what else can we do?

Don't hate the Hummer Man. Compassion is the key. I really do not want what he has. I certainly DO want his grandchildren and mine to play, in tandem, on an un-poisoned planet. Eating un-poisoned food.

The Buddhist Metta meditation cycle may be helpful here. We must first give loving-kindness to ourselves; then we let it radiate outwardly, through friends and family. Eventually we get to other sentient beings and extra-terrestrials, Hummer Men, etc.

And, on the odd occasion, I have been known to get on my knees and pray.

"God," I say, "Please let your light shine into the hearts of ALL men and women and children. Please FILL their souls with your love. May they feel tenderness and respect towards themselves, their terrestial mother and ALL fellow beings (regardless of the species...)"

Why not try a similar entreaty to the universe tonight? It works best in the bath, with a bit of quiet and a scented candle.
I mean, if enough people prayed at the same time, who knows what would happen?

World Peace?

Evolutionary shift?