Editor’s Musings

What path are we on, anyway?

I don’t know about you, but as I look around at what’s going on in the world I continue to think that if I had it my way, I’d create a different life for all of us. I won’t make a list of what makes most of us shake our heads. Our lists would no doubt be very similar.

Because of what the media shares and how it is shared, we often forget that a lot of things are also right with the world. Of the 7.4 billion people who inhabit our planet, billions of us are sometimes quietly, sometimes publicly doing wonderful things to contribute to this world. This list is too huge to enumerate here – and that’s a better thought to ponder.

How to improve our world

It’s often said that the best way to improve the world, since we can’t change others, is to change ourselves.

I used to get discouraged by that thought, but not anymore. I thought that way was too slow. I didn’t see how I could have a direct effect on many other people. I just didn’t see how the idea could work. But it didn’t stop me from changing myself. I knew I was unhappy and unfulfilled, and I needed a lot of work.

Today my perspective has expanded quite a bit. When I think of “changing myself to help change the world” I realize I’m not the only one who’s involved in the process. Billions of us are changing and improving every day. And the world can’t help but respond.

Our world is a work in progress just like each one of us is

We may not feel that we have tipped the scale in the right direction yet, but we are tipping the scale. We’re doing enough right things and we’re communicating enough important information to others, that we are having a major influence on the planet.

The fact that we still see a need to do more is what is motivating us to continue.

We are making continual, positive progress.

Just think what the world might be like if we weren’t out there improving ourselves, performing good work, doing good deeds, and helping one another.

So let’s get on with it

Every time I personally stop to think about something that’s not right with the world, and whenever I hear others having a complaint fest, I refuse to participate. Instead, I stop and ask the question, “What can we do about it?”

I get a lot of “Yes, you’re right” looks when I ask this question. But I tend not to get many answers.

The truth is, complaining is the least effective way to get anything done. And we all know that.

Instead of complaining to each other or getting depressed thinking about problems by ourselves, let’s make a vow to express our opinions directly to others who can help effect positive change.

Tell the government if you’re in a country with a government who will listen.

Tell others. Join together with people of like mind who will commit to taking action on a bigger scale that will effect change. The possibilities are endless. You can choose to educate others about issues of importance to motivate them to act, you can teach others to empower themselves to act, or you can rally others together to perform the actions.

Together we can change the world. United we stand; divided we fall.

The perfect place to begin is with yourself. Let’s take a deep look within. Let’s seek truth. Let’s break down the so-called protective barriers we’ve built around ourselves so we can face and communicate with the world as our true selves. Let’s choose to see others as allies. Let’s find common ground so we can help each other. Let’s continue to make this world the best place it can be for all of us.

Namaste,