Without hope, the people perish. But where is hope to be found in the tumultuous global economic, social, and climate conditions we are facing?

Responding to the global economic, social, and climate conditions through a new internal lens.

Humankind is resilient. We can and do accommodate change. We accommodate change in our outer world via a transformation of our inner landscape, our shared identity, purpose, and values. Even though accommodation is an innate human quality, how do we transform our inner landscape, and in turn, shift the cultural mindset?

Cultural mindsets continue to change incrementally over time. At certain points in a culture’s history, however, a radical transformation of mindset is required. Western culture is living through such a time.

One of the concerns about a Yes vote in the referendum was a fear it would create division. BUT . . . what if a division of cultures was a step forward?

A new cultural spiritual arc will require a new cultural mindset. But what is a cultural mindset?

At the heart of a new cultural spiritual arc is a postsecular worldview. But what is a postsecular worldview?

Are Western societies experiencing a new cultural spiritual arc? If so, what elements constitute the new arc?

The third aspect of common ground reaches into the very heart of what it is means to be a human being, that is, the human longing to belong.

Grounded by the principle of interconnectedness via unity with diversity, the previous post outlined the first big picture aspect of common ground that can assist in reimagining a new Western cultural identity and values system. This post outlines the second big picture aspect of common ground.

The global village is crying out for change toward a more equitable world for all. The cry for change is challenging the current Western values system, a system that centres on individualism. A new values system will require a new human identity, one orientated by a principle of interconnectedness via unity with diversity. But given the complex nature of Western societies, where is the common ground that can underpin such a shift in cultural identity and values system.

What does human flourishing look like? Well, flourishing does not take the form of overpopulating and damaging the landscape, like the cane toads of Northern Australia. Rather, human flourishing takes the form of taking up our place of belonging within the whole.

Evolution is a context for the dynamic process of surviving, adapting, and flourishing in response to a present historical moment, one moment nestled within the greater whole of Life itself. Therefore, evolution is not linear or mechanical in intent, but rather involves an ongoing creative dance of being and becoming in relation to a give set of conditions.

Responding to the current climate emergency will require a new values system, one that seeks the flourishing of all life forms - human and non-human. Yet there can be no significant shift in our Western cultural values system without a shift in our cultural identity.

I enjoy playing with different effects in photoshop on the iPad. Recently I was playing with a photo of myself and this is one version that photoshop came up with. What I am drawn to in this picture is that while the shape of my face is discernible, it is not totally clear.

Many years ago, I was struck by poet David Whyte’s understanding of innocence. “Innocence is a way of paying attention to where the revelations of the natural world can be heard in their own voice, and you are allowed to be transformed by them.”

The ravages of the war in Ukraine, and the devastation of the floods in Queensland and NSW, dominate Australian news media reports. Amidst such tragedy, why would we choose to dance? Why would we choose to consciously engage in the dance of being and becoming?

The threat of war from Russia toward the Ukraine sits heavily on the hearts and minds of many people across the globe. War creates much pain and suffering for all involved, except those who politically or economically profit from it.

In reference to the current lockdown in Melbourne, Australia, I heard a radio commentator lamenting about the “lost time” that we will “never get back.”

As I was contemplating our christmas tree and the covid year that we have all endured, I was reminded of John O’Donohue’s words regarding ‘The Tree As Artist of Belonging.’ O’Donohue’s words (see below) will centre my reflections as I enter into the new covid normal Christmas season.