Bounty. That is what summer means to me. Bountiful sunshine, warmth, time, gardens, fruit, indulgence. That is what I am experiencing in my life right now which sometimes occurs as truly magical. And being the small human being that I am, I also observe the shadow thought that follows... is this really working? And by "this", I mean the amazing unfolding of my life with all of my fondest desires and dreams coming true. And what is more, the teensy possibility that it is working out there in the rest of the world?! The Guardian from London has reported that we are entering a post-capitalist era. I am excited about that, even though my proclivity for online purchasing may come to and end, I am clear that would be a good thing for the planet (although I may need to increase my wardrobe and pairs of shoes before we shut it all down - wait a minute, is buying shoes from Tom's capitalism? Doesn't it count as doing good? I digress...).
In the world that I have imagined, we have found a conscience collectively and are working to make it better for each other and rely upon fun and silliness as a measure of success. Many times I have been reminded of my kumbaya attitude, which you may be interested to know is actually in the Urban Dictionary, defined as "blandly pious and naively optimistic". Well, I wouldn't go so far as blandly but I can see why some people could see me that way. However, I have been toying with, allowing myself to briefly touch upon the thought that life could be this grand always. What if each day was completely incredible and there was something to smile about at each turn? It could be that The Universe is right that life is "brimming with adventure, abundance and infinite possibilities" (huge shout out to Mike Dooley who leads the way for so many!). Is it that easy? Is it really working?
Now, I know that toilets still need to be scrubbed, gardens weeded and sh*% happens. I am very conscious that I was blessed to land where I did at birth. Not everyone grew up without ever being really hungry or fearful. But it proves to me that it is possible. The very fact that I do experience this wonderful existence means that others do too. And we all could.
I am going to dwell here in this place of contemplation of a turning. Moreover, I want to look back and see that I lived through this turning, that we will recall the time when the shift did occur and the optimism became reality. I am responsible for my part. I actively share my beliefs about a glorious future and I have recently noted my willingness to be disturbed as Margaret Wheatley describes. This relatively new inclination to be pushed out of my comfort zone of thought has opened new avenues and given me a grateful perspective on the non-kumbaya folk, as that is where the new ideas come from. Margaret Wheatley put it perfectly when she said "we don't have to agree with each other to think well together".
Come and think well with me.
