In these quiet moments near the terminus of 2017 it is energizing to think about what is possible in the coming 12 months. There is so much that needs to be done, by so many, for so many. Opportunity is knocking loudly.
The world is in need of sanity, of humanity, of humility. There is so much inequity, brutality, poverty, depravity. There is so much unnecessary death, disablement and disenfranchisement.
It is curious that cultures, traditions, biological roots and political systems are aimed at creating great gaps in well-being. Of course, if one thinks about the prey-predator relationships that define the nature of ecosystems, one can understand how the need to rule, to control, to oppress is a long-standing characteristic of living things. Part of what we are biologically is this thing called the “survival of the fittest”. We arose as species and societies by being self-sustaining, and sometimes violently so.
Yet, one has also believed that the human species had evolved to suppress the urge to kill, maim and harm other beings just because one can. Our evolved minds and spiritual perspectives help us forward as a kinder, gentler species, one which is intending to do the “right” thing for as many people and creatures as possible. There are many local, regional, national and global efforts to improve the quality of human behaviour, to augment the societal fabric through the provision of food, shelter, education and chances to grow for all in our mix. These forces for good, which take the form of small, medium and large organizations in the public, private, charitable and governmental sectors are in an ongoing battle to override the negative forces that arise in bigoted, racist, religiously zealoted, hateful and polarizing people and factions. It is a big job. It takes more time and energy than one could ever imagine. But it must be pursued for the good of humankind, for the good of all living things, for the survival of our planet, and for that elusively irritating desire for comparative peace in a world of turbulence and turmoil.
Stay the course in 2018. Go forward with a happy, fulsome heart. Lift up. Help up. Laugh out loud and occasionally, but regularly hug your fellow beings and your dogs!