Like the financial market degeneration and the health care system, these enterprises have been infused with fear and fueled by greed. Over the years they have become top heavy and unsustainable. There were opportunities in the past to change the direction of these systems, but greed won out over common sense and integrity. And, I am not just talking about the greed and fear of the financial institutions or health care providers.
As consumers, we are responsible for where our dollars go and with whom we invest our trust. Have we been diligent in asking the probing questions that would reveal the nature and integrity of those in whom we have entrusted our livelihoods and health care? Do we take responsibility for our own health and health care or do we trash our diets or live lifestyles that deplete our bodies and then expect drugs or doctors or hospitals to "cure" us? Do we make conscientious choices about where we spend and invest our hard-earned dollars or do we want the highest return for our dollar and turn a blind eye to how that rate of return has been created?
And now we have the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico -- another unchecked industry fueled by greed. It's deja vu all over again Instead of a demand for alternative fuels that have a reduced impact on the environment, we complained about high gas prices and pushed for expanded oil exploration in some of the planets most vulnerable areas.
Okay, I hear you mumbling -- more negativity about a negative subject. What good does that do? But there is a ray of hope in all of this, really there is. I honestly don't see a repair of the current system, the tipping factor has been reached, and unfortunately, lasting collateral damage is the result. BUT, we now have a tremendous opportunity now for restructuring our economy, our health care and the way we meet our energy needs.
We can take more responsibility by reducing our spending and consumption on items that pollute our water and clog our landfills and generally damage our planet. See the Story of Stuff Drive less, walk more. Eat (real) food. Not too much. Mostly plants. (To paraphrase Michael Pollan) Hug a tree. Get out in nature. Pick up your trash. Learn to plant a garden, maybe even a community garden
GOOD NEWS! When we change our habits the market will adjust to our needs. When we demand integrity and quality, and refuse to settle for less, the market will rise up to our level of integrity. When we band together and join our single voice with the voices of the many, the market will adjust to our demands.
Doubtful about your affect on machinations of giant corporations or your government? Look at what has happened in the food industry over the past few years. When I owned my health food store back in the 1980's, you'd be hard pressed to find many products on the grocery store shelves that were free of hydrogenated fats, MSG or high fructose corn syrup, let alone gluten free. Now you can find a huge selection of these products because consumers stopped buying these products and went elsewhere to shop.
We can and will affect a change. What that change is, will be dependant entirely upon our choices. Reclaim your empowerment. Make your voice heard. Buy less. Recycle and reuse more. Mostly local. Vote with your dollars. Support products, businesses and individuals whose ideals and integrity reflect your own.
The antidote for greed is the Grace of Reverence. When you treat yourself and your body with sacred reverence, you will have reverence for your family, your community and the earth. It's no coincidence that the most loving thing you can do for this planet just happens to be the most loving thing you can do for yourself.
Many blessings and grace,
Melody
Suggested Reading:
Reclaiming Our Democracy by Sam Harris
Defy Gravity by Caroline Myss
I concur, Melody. It is time for collective
ReplyDeletespritual alchemy. "The personal is political".
See you soon!
Jost