Two Kinds of Change (continued)
... They also trust their own integrity, and so they become trustworthy to others. They don’t cultivate friendships based on mutual disaffection. They are not looking for reasons why bad things happen. They are looking for solutions and results.
If this seems simplistic then look at the lives of people who have truly made a difference in the world. Look at the lessons of history, or look at present day examples. Examine the lives of people like Dr. Martin Luther King, Archbishop Romero, Albert Schweitzer, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa. These people were not without their faults. What sets them apart from others was their vision for change, and their determination to act on that vision. Think of your own examples. Think of the people who have brought about social change. Fame is not the issue. The issue is whether they effected positive change in the lives of others. Don’t look for perfection. When we idealize others, all we are doing is creating a false yardstick with which to judge our own flaws.
Or are you one of those people who thinks that change is something that just happens based on the belief that your actions can’t have any lasting positive effect? If so you are in the majority. And you also probably blame circumstances, events, or other people for many of the difficulties you encounter.
This is not to deny the reality of history. It does not mean that we dismiss the reality of the systemic exploitation of human beings and of the resources of the planet. It simply challenges each one of us to pose the question, “How can I change this pattern of exploitation in the most effective way by refusing to see myself as a victim?”
How can I live by the motto: “No complaining, blaming, explaining, or shaming!”
July 2008
The Biillionaire Buddha and the Homeless Buddha
How can you balance your own personal growth, creativity, security and integrity with the levels of violence, poverty, injustice and destruction that exists in the world? How can you sustain a livelihood that is congruent with your core values, and feeds you in every way?
You have probably asked yourself this question a thousand times, We certainly have. Perhaps we share other questions – “What can I do to be of most help to others?” “What can I do to express my own greatest potential?” If you are asking those questions too, then we may be able to journey awhile together. I hope so. And welcome to our website!
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• Question: Does happiness depend on material prosperity?
Most people would say no.
• Does ignoring your own material well-being,
and the well-being of others, bring happiness?
Most people would say no to that as well.
• Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, stuck,
a victim of circumstances you
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