elegant aspirations

Ten months and counting, as surging COVID-19 cases, disrupt the holiday season. With hospitals filling up and high streets shutting down again, one thing is clear about this chaotic year: humans possess remarkable powers of endurance. We do our best, hoping that “this too will pass.”

However, it is ironic that at a time when endurance is demanded of us more than ever, we are weakened by uncertainty about where this will lead. The situation is made more challenging by the absence or severe truncation of holiday rituals and communal activities that traditionally strengthened our sense of self and purpose in life.

Meanwhile, the pandemic and climate change are exposing alarming weaknesses in our artificial systems at every level, from global to local. These weaknesses cannot be overcome by mere endurance.

If isolationism, rugged individualism, fierce competition, infighting, exploitation, inequality, and prioritizing economic gain over health and wellness were effective, we would already have our current troubles under control, if not completely behind us.

Many strategies that helped us endure throughout the twentieth century will not be effective now in the twenty-first. It won’t matter how much wealth we accumulate, how many bombs and tanks we possess, or how much legislation we pass; these reactive remedies are futile in the face of a virus or a hurricane. We have an incredible scientific community, and while vaccines show promise and progress in sustainable energy, nothing is certain.

These are truly pivotal times. I believe we are in the process of a monumental paradigm shift in consciousness that will change everything. This change will not be easy. Such a massive transformation is inherently disruptive, and unless we alter our approach to the future, we risk perishing. Now is the time to elevate our response and not simply endure. We must confront the challenges ahead with courage and a belief in a world where all life matters, guiding us on our journey.

Despite the difficulties, the big picture is that this is an extraordinary time in human evolution. We are responsible for viewing the world and our place within it more truthfully, acknowledging its intricate and interconnected beauty. This requires us to be open-minded, creative, and flexible every single day. We should focus less on individual gain and more on accommodating the needs of others, recognizing that what benefits all of us ultimately serves our own best interests.

As we learn from this surge in challenges, let’s not merely endure; let’s make this time meaningful. Let’s demonstrate to future generations that we are resilient and capable of answering this spiritual call to action. Let’s prioritize caring for one another and offer it as our precious gift to the world this holiday season.