Change, the Missing Link

As I'm sitting here studying the remnants of broken chains in the waste basket (I never use that term because I don't care for waste, but it seems appropriate here) I see photos, cards, mementos of the past. I'm also surveying the unlinked chains of what could be the future. They don't look dissimilar. There are also photos, some framed, perhaps prematurely, and mementos signifying promises of memories to come. I am reminded of how much of a constant change is in life. Chains and change are inextricably linked.

I've always been a fan of change, so much so that I used to change the furniture in my bedroom and living room around every few months. As I got older, and better employed, my furniture became more substantial. Being a single woman living alone, that kind of change doesn't happen much anymore. I started changing hairstyles every few weeks, probably to compensate, but then I grew dreadlocks.  I realized that as we get older, life's dealings become more substantial and so do the changes. Families are formed, careers flourish, bank accounts get bigger (a little bigger) children grow. Changes then have a bigger impact than the sofa being by the window.

Many people are resistant to change. They grumble about restructuring on the job, some stay in bad relationships. There's even a commercial for baby clothing with a slogan "If they could just stay little till their Carters wear out." So now we don't even want children to grow. Being resistant to change is about fear. People are afraid of the unknown. But remember what fear is : (F)alse (E)vidence (A)ppearing (R)eal. Changes happen everyday, every second, and the world hasn't ended yet. Change is necessary for progress, and although not all change is what we would like, we can't pick and choose the changes we want. Children need to grow, learn, make memories, form links of their own. Without change, careers don't advance, love doesn't grow, life doesn't progress.

As this country, the world, is sitting (literally) on the precipice of change, we seem to be in a waiting period. Maybe that's what people find most frustrating about change, the anticipation. I think of it as a building time, a period of preparation. Perhaps what we think of as waiting, is actually the change slowly beginning. It took a change in resolve to decide to unite and make a stand, as is happening  around the globe. Bonds, or links are being formed, clarity is being gained, and I'm sure quite a bit of self realization is happening. At this thought, I am brought back to the chains around me whose links have either been broken by change, or will be formed by it. I'm a little nervous about letting go of some links though they have served their purpose, and of connecting to new links whose purpose I have yet to learn. I find it to be at once sad and exciting, and definitely necessary. Love and light.

Being the Change

I keep thinking about the John Mayer song "Waiting on the World to Change." I never liked that song because I disagreed with everything it says. Hasn't John Mayer ever heard Gandhi's quote "Be the change you want to see in the world?" I'm elated to see the thousands of people who are no longer waiting on the world to change, but creating change. All of the people occupying America, all of the people fighting for justice for their brothers and sisters, all of the people who are battling world hunger, and all of you who are defending the children, I salute you and give thanks.

It gives me great pride to see my brothers and sisters standing up for their rights, and in a peaceful manner. I offer up two pieces of advice. The first is to figure out the next steps. Now that we are occupying the country, especially Wall Street, how do we ensure we get the specific changes we seek? In fact, what are the specific changes we seek? These are the questions we should ask ourselves. I think one way to show the elite we mean business is to hit them where it hurts, their wallets. We need to shut down consumerism. Stop buying their products they claim we can't live without. Refuse to put more dollars in their pockets. Sometimes I think that if we refuse to vote for any of them until changes are made, they would see we mean business. I'm not sure if either of these will work, but I am sure that we must begin to think beyond occupation. These are serious movements that I have not seen in this country in my lifetime. Dr. King would be proud.

The next piece of advice that I offer is to make sure that your mind, body, and spirit are occupied by love, peace, justice, intelligence, and rationality. As Groundation says, "They want to control with violency." We should make sure that is not our way. One thing our government is very prepared for and highly skilled at is violence. That's not how we will win the battle. They have the big weapons and still control the system. Our biggest weapon is peaceful resistance because they still need us to make their money and keep their power. It takes more strength, courage, and character to refrain from violence than to engage in it. I don't want to see any of my brothers and sisters hurt.

Our children are receiving good lessons and witnessing history. They will be the generation who will finish the fight and perfect the change. They are seeing that even the smallest effort is huge. One man, woman, or child, can make a big difference.From spreading the word and getting vital information to the masses, or inspiring others, helping one person eat, showing one person you care to protesting, publicly speaking out, and risk of arrest, there's always something one can do. So I give thanks to all of you soldiers for justice. Be of good courage and don't give up. I leave you with some wise words I recently read, "I think some will be driven out, and some will be pushed together, but with the bond of Truth and Rights we, those who come with love in their hearts for ALL, will stand dominant." ~Harrison Stafford  Love and Light