We just keep doing what we've been doing

Monserrate from our kitchen window:

Tonight, two thoughts, as much for me as for anyone out there:

One, a change is gonna come. It may not be the change we're looking for, it may not be the occasion for joy and fulfillment, but it will come. Know that, and you can be free.

Two, At the heart of the modern age is a core of grief. Once we accept the reality of life here, today, on this planet, and recognize what stage we're at in the grieving process, we can start to put the change in action.

Don't take the problems of the world personally, or blame yourself for them. Understand that at the heart of the modern age is a core of grief but don't let that grief consume you. If news or failure to accomplish something gets you down, go out and do something you enjoy. Eat healthy and stay fit, but don't make a religion of it. Learn how to prevent illnesses instead of waiting for them to occur. Spend time with people who like you, and accept their compliments warmly. Love yourself, realize that you can do anything you want to do. Appreciate that you're part of the solution, and that makes you extraordinary. (Dave Pollard)

So if you're doing something you don't like, and you don't know why, stop. Just stop. Go outside, look up, and picture yourself doing something else. If you're thinking of buying an SUV, say (gee, don't know where I came up with this one, JULIA...), and you don't know why, stop. Think about it. Add up your values and the direction you think we should be moving in as a bunch of people hanging around on this planet, and make a decision - live by your latent but unenacted beliefs? Or give in to whatever pressure it is inside or out - to conform, to not deny yourself things, to consume, to show up in style?

I'm not saying I'm immune to those pressures, far from it. But it seems being outside of the states has released me from some of their force. I've noticed I buy less, eat fresher food, walk more, take the bus more, listen to people more deeply and often, and consider more deeply, than I did with my "busy life staying busy" back home. Then again, all this time to think has made me at times panicky for something to DO. So I aim, like all of us, for balance.

From Pollard's list of things we can DO:

Listen, Learn, and Teach Others: Have the courage to talk openly to people about things that really matter to you. Ignore the raised eyebrows and comments about your seriousness and intensity -- you'll find most people care, too. Then listen, don't preach. Leave behind one practiced, important (to you), articulate idea or thought with the other person, like planting a seed. Learn to tell stories -- it's the only effective way to teach. But share what you know. When you're talking to someone who strongly disagrees with you, listen, don't try to convert them. There's a reason why they feel so differently from you -- ferret out and really understand what that reason is (don't assume they're ignorant or stupid). Then sow a single seed of doubt. And read quickly and selectively, but don't let it keep you indoors, or away from people. The real learning is outside. So travel when you can, but forget the hotel chains and chain restaurants. Live with the locals, talk to them, try different things, listen and learn.

Lately I've been telling myself I need to get started seeking out people who know things...this may sound vague, but it's much clearer in my head, I promise! So tonight I sent out an email to a group of ONGs I'd like to interview about the public participation process as it's experienced in Bogota.

Here's one example:

Fundepublico means "Foundation for the Defense of Public Interest". Its mission is to protect Colombian collective rights and interests, and provide legal representation to those members of society in particular disadvantage, whose rights have been breached by actions or omissions produced by the Nation or common citizens.

Finally, since I'm learning from others tonight, I'll let Pollard close it out:

Infect Others With Your Spirit and Passion: Love openly, completely, as many people as you can. Be emotional, except in those very rare occasions when dispassion is needed. Smile excessively.

But refuse to tolerate cruelty, suffering, unfairness, bullying, jealousy, apathy, despair, cynicism or hate, in yourself or others -- alleviate it, disarm it, discharge it, whatever it takes to stop these negative emotions and activities, and appreciate that they're signs of sickness, not evil.

This is something we all have the ability to do. It's something we've all done at one time or another. If you've stopped, ask yourself why. Then start again.

The sun sets on Monserrate.