Challenging the status quo, a force seemingly stronger than gravity

As I immerse myself in the stories of you, my global sisters, one reality predominates: how things are arranged (or deranged) in our respective lives is a powerful deterrent to change. My area of focus is stimulating perception and action in relation to better use of energy in the built environment and I operate in both North America and India. Access to relatively cheap energy in North America and the desire for increased energy in India forces issues of energy conservation, use of renewable energy, and a more sustainably styled mode of life into low priority.

The capitalist mindset of bigger-better-faster-newer-disposable-instant dominates North America as an overdeveloped country relating to resource use and India as still predominantly a less overdeveloped country, but striving for Western ways of modernity. Unfortunately, citizens in both societies take the capitalist progressive trajectory as gospel and fail to weigh its merits based on the realities of a planet with limited resources and a growing population. Capitalist consumption has no conception of endgame unless there is quiet acceptance of mass die-off of human beings and other species as part of resource and lifestyle maintenance for a favored and ruthless few.

I can’t seem to muster much in the way of a daily dose of laughter in the midst of the reality I’ve outlined above. However, I’ve at least worked at whittling out a life that embodies much of what I believe has to occur if human (and other) life is to continue with any degree of happiness, equity, and stability on this spinning orb. For over five years now I’ve been alternating between North America and India building, presenting, publishing, and supporting the efforts of others to create smaller, resource-sensitive houses. I’m devoting time, energy, and funds to make this happen. Instead of waiting for governments or other large entities to act, I live what anthropologist Margaret Mead most famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” So I advocate for and attempt to live a smaller, more sustainable mode of life each day and encourage others to do the same.

These PulseWire assignments are speeding us through the process of self-awareness and self-revelation and onward into realms of communication and empowering community. We’re being encouraged to delve into and then stretch beyond ourselves with knowledge from our experience and our dreams to strengthen both ourselves and our global sisters. PulseWire offers powerful opportunities for challenging the strength of the status quo as well as enhancing the initiatives we’re already enacting to create positive solutions in our societies.