Direct Action Campaigns focus on achieving a
particular goal. When that is achieved they have 'won'. Other groups focus on self development as the key - 'Be the change you want to see in the world'. While one
focusses on lack, and the feelings of scarcity and fear that arise
from that, the other focusses on abundance, and the feelings of
generosity and love that arise from that.
These two are not opposed to each
other, they can be complimentary, and co-exist in the same group or
individual, but groups and individuals tend to emphasise one to the
exclusion of the other. Holding both together requires a
consciousness which does not refrain from taking sides, but
recognises that every side is only a partial expression of the truth.
For example, it is easy to see that 'scarcity' is a manufactured
condition without which capitalism could not function. Zaman But it is also a reality with which people
have to contend, albeit relative to the social standards within the
society where they are living. Blaming the system rather than
individual greed for society's ills, may be a way of exonerating
individuals, as pressured to act in a certain way within a certain
context; whereas acknowledging individuals as having choice for which they
are always responsible, sees them as creators of the system, not just
cogs in a wheel. Both are true in a limited way.
These different interpretations will
engender different approaches to trying to bring about social change.
When the paradox of these two is held, and we come into the NOW, a
place where conceptual reality loses its grasp, we can tune in to a
harmony with what is which releases its dynamic
potential for change in line with its evolutionary growth. Trusting
this potential does not imply non-action, but a deep acceptance of
what is, which sees the change already implicit in what exists. This
change is not inevitable. It relies on our efforts as the agents of
that evolutionary potential to bring it about.
The realm of consciousness is the place
where these potentialities meet with the innovative technologies and
the personal aspirations which have the power to motivate change. In
that realm differences of opinion and identifications which divide
people and groups and prevent them from taking united action, can be
seen as the paradox of different perspectives which have limited
truth. Any description in words will inevitably be limited and
partial since reality resides in the experience which cannot be fully
transcribed. Words are like a signpost directing towards the
experience. Truth itself exists in the moment of reality we call Now,
which requires letting go of the concepts with which we understand
and encapsulate reality. The experience of that moment brings with it
a feeling of well-being which overrides any circumstantial pain, and
contributes to healing. The Hindi saying about enlightenment 'Truth
is the Consciousness of Bliss' expresses this. This may take years of
practice and a lifetime of devotion, or can happen as a sudden
awakening.
I believe that the role of this other
dimension (spiritual?) in bringing about social change needs to be
fully recognised in order to realise the power of r)evolutionary
change as our power. Praying to god for help is akin to making
demands from government. In both we are victims of powers that are
beyond us. In the experience of that consciousness we can find the
freedom to co-create a human society in harmony with the natural
world, with its ability to provide abundance for all.
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