Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
Chris Smaje Our present historical moment emphasises limitless self-referential synthetic refashioning. This isn’t going to turn out well. We need to emphasise limits, local ecological implication, appeal to the virtues and critical tradition-making.
The less work we put into this system, the more we do for ourselves. The more time we spend in celebration of life, the less time we spend supporting hierarchy and lazy elites. And the more we follow that path, the faster this system will crumble.
Imagine if I were far more ecologically literate. If the newt and bee and wasp and snake can teach me so much, what would it be like if I were more attuned to a greater diversity of life?
When I last wrote that Washington in transition was a chaotic—even surreal—political environment, I had no idea just how weird things would get.
Like so many people and organizations, we at Post Carbon Institute have been reflecting and recalibrating since November 5th. Wherever you fall on the political spectrum, Trump’s victory, along with his campaign pledges and cabinet nominations, should be an indication that the status quo is in the rearview mirror if not actually crumpled and smoking on the side of the road.
Today, Nate is joined by local organizer and activist Christian Sawyer, to discuss how he’s built a pro-social community in rural Arizona. Christian emphasizes the power of local collaboration and demonstrates how the cultivation of social capital builds resilience in the face of challenges, as well as creates better lives for those who live in the community.
Someone once told me in reference to a hurricane in Florida that all over the news you see what a tragedy it is. News shows show the destruction and the horrors. But, this person said, remember to look for the helpers—helping, doing their work. The same is true now. Look for the helpers. They’re doing their work.
I light the candles in the dark room as a pledge, to be honest with myself and truthful with others. To do no harm. To create a safe haven, a sanctuary. To stay present. To listen harder. To act with intention. To shine my own light into the darkness no matter how faint it might be.
I’ve no desire to make strong claims about what is achieved by serving mince pies to neighbours and strangers, but I will say that, from these humble, stumbling experiments in convivial economics, I am learning things that I would not have caught sight of, had I tried to do all my thinking through books and screens and the kind of conversations that come with footnotes
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Resilience.org co-editorial team! Due to editorial holiday there will be very light posting between December 23 through January 3. Regular posting will resume on Monday, January 6.
As you continue along your journey in fighting against the climate crisis, use whatever resources or privileges you have not just to advance positive change but also to make sure those who that change will most impact are actively in the room and are being listened to.
We don’t need to save the world, but we might want to think about saving ourselves. No, not think, do. We need to do more and think less and maybe not order anything at all.
