Economic and Environmental Crises

There's been a lot of talk about an economic crisis, and there is a growing awareness of the present and existing environmental crisis (or perhaps crises).

I suspect and suggest that the solution to both problems is a heart change. A change from a heart of greed to a heart of charity. A change from a heart of consumption to a heart of stewardship. Change the way you are in order to change what's happening in the world.

I was riding the bus a few months ago and I realised that I was surrounded by people. I suspect that the solutions to the economic crisis will involve more community focus. Individualism costs more. If we have a barn dance, it take less electricity and less heating than if we all sit at home watching TV.

The environmental crisis is really the amalgamation of a number of serious problems facing the earth, both locally and globally. Global warming is a global problem. (I just thought I'd add that genius observation to show how smart I am.) The possums are a problem local to New Zealand. Instead of thinking of the earth as a set of resources to be used for maximum financial gain now, I think we need to start thinking of the earth as an old well-knit sweater of gold. The sweater was made by our grandparents, and we wearit now while it fits us, but we will be passing it on to our children, and their children and so on. If we tear apart the sweater now and get out all the gold, our children won't be able to enjoy it. There is gold there. It is made of gold. But it's important to keep it in one piece.

I suggest that in 2009 that we work on fixing these problems, starting with our own hearts. My own heart needs changing. The lines between good and evil, between freedom and fear, line not between countries and organisations, but between parts of each of our hearts.

Love,
Peter