SIX GENIUS PRACTICES FOR 2018
We are at the end of what has been one of the most turbulent and chaotic years in recent history. As we enter 2018, it is clear that we need a new social design based on global citizenship and planetary stewardship. To achieve this, we need to step into our genius and become conscious and soulful creators and contributors of and in our increasingly pluralist world.
1. TAKE ACTION
If 2017 has taught us anything, it’s that we cannot be apathetic and/or passive when it comes to politics. Decide what is important to you and make your voices heard with your vote and dollars. Get involved - call your representatives, volunteer, run for office. Consume wisely - Uber, Forever 21, Joe Fresh, and Walmart are corporations who have proven again and again that they don’t care about fair workers’ wages, working conditions, or ethical sourcing.
2. ENGAGE IN A PRACTICE WITH SUBSTANCE
Meditating for 10 minutes a day and expecting transformative change is like running for 10 minutes a day and expecting to win the NY Marathon. It’s not going to happen.
Meditation is a demanding and rigorous practice with an ancient ethical and moral framework, that has fallen pray to charlatans seeking to make a quick buck by down-watering it for mass consumption. It is being sold as a panacea for everything from headaches to good parenting. And, it is being taught by people with little training or understanding of it is fundamental principles. Before engaging in a meditation practice, research - types of meditation, training of teacher, etc. and choose wisely.
3. GO PLANT-BASED
Adopt a plant-based diet to improve your health and help the environment by conserving water, cutting down on gas emissions, conserve land, and prevent species extinction.
4. PRACTICE SEX/GENDER EQUALITY
In this Weinstein moment in which we are grappling with complex cultural practices - misogyny, sexism, and the systemic marginalization of women and disproportionate empowerment of men (of which sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape are symptoms), it’s important to take stock of our beliefs and practices about sex/gender. We need to start to change the underlying belief that that women are inferior and therefore should be the subjugated and submissive objects of male power and dominance.
5. FIGHT FOR EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL
We need to continue to fight for the equal rights of all irrespective of race, sexual orientation, etc., without being exclusionary - which is not only divisive, it’s counter-productive.
6. REDUCE OUR IMPACT
Cultivate practices that reduce the negative impact you have on the world around you. For example, be consistent about recycling, reduce the waste you produce and compost, conserve water and grow some of your own food, switch to public transit, a bike, or an electric vehicle.
These are but a few suggestions for making 2018 a year to remember. Please feel free to contribute your suggestions. This is not an individual effort. It's a collective journey.
If we are to survive and thrive as a species, as individuals we need to consciously, deliberately, and creatively alter our way of being, thinking, and living. We need to unlock our inherent genius to understand the situation and explore creative and sustainable solutions. And most importantly, we need to make it actionable - put it at the service of humanity.
