June 29th, 2019
Amazing to think July is only a day or two away. At the same time, 2020 is but half a year away.
I often consider symbology and symbolism an appropriate means to convey meaning and connection. The fact we live in a relative world and space-time itself symbolizes the connectivity and oneness of all. If things are relative, so too then must they be connected.
Various factors influence ourselves and the way we become each moment, throughout space-time, regardless of even beginning to consider simultaneous existence, nor co-existence, of parallel alternate realities. Every choice or non-choice creates a cause, which results in an effect. Causality could not exist were it not for temporality and relativity.
This bondage, ensures change will come. Perhaps not quickly, perhaps so slowly it seems imperceptible, or even violent and cataclysmic, its eventuality is a certainty. Which eventuality will take shape depends upon the factors, influencers, and agents connected to the activity, and their actions, creating causes and therefore effects.
Nothing stays the same forever, all is immutable. All are subject to change. Though all is one, that does not mean that one is all. Only in very specific conditions brought about within exceptional parameters can one be all. All-ness is not sameness, nor is sameness oneness. Yet, all have the sameness of one, in that, all are subject to change; to thrive, decay, and have metamorphosis; repeating cycles endlessly.
The transient nature of life is well-documented. Thus, we often find ourselves saying, “It’s the journey, not the destination, that is important.”
Our western civilization is nearing 2020. In the eyes of an optometrist or ophthalmologist, 20/20 represents perfect vision. As yet, no satisfactory vision has been offered. Yet, we as a global village and civilization, now in the 21st century, stand on the brink of a great change. It could be considered apocalyptic, should we fail to curb our devouring of natural resources and combat climate change to an effective extent; to say nothing of nuclear Armageddon, World War III, or other sinister and gruesome means of man-made death.
For nearly 5,000 years of recorded history, civilizations have risen and fallen, waxing and waning, not one resisting the downfall of time. Less than 100 years on top is typical, more than 300 years is highly exceptional. Very, very few could be said to have lasted longer, and even then, not for long after.
The USA has the strongest hegemony and power, whether militarily, politically, economically, or internationally. However, it has not lived up to the pedigree of its position in world affairs; becoming painfully obvious by the 2016 election, but certainly there were signs all along, virtually since the end of World War 2.
This country, one we our so fond of evoking the phrases, “greatest nation on Earth,” and “God bless America,” is experiencing a situation it has not seen virtually since the Gilded Age. Those of us keenly aware of the connections, signs, and relationships, between the corruption of the Gilded Age and our present day, have noticed these undeniable patterns.
Is the best we can hope for a new Progressive Era, or New Deal, coming after a massive global economic recession or depression? It’s tough to say exactly, but more than likely, some justification could be given to linkages between the two times and circumstances.
We could certainly learn much from history if we were interested in knowing the results, especially if it turned out that the situation and circumstances bore an uncanny resemblance.
But what can people do? That’s perhaps the most important question facing us. Personally speaking, the author believes that we need to articulate a connecting vision for the future that can help guide us toward the goal, and the future we hope to one day arrive.
The right belief in the right story has shaped entire civilizations. One may see Alexander the Great severing the Gordian Knot. In another place, we observe the Aztecs witnessing their prophesized sign of a Golden Eagle eating a snake upon a cactus, and on that site constructed Tenochtitlan. Others still, may view classics from the Abrahamic religions, stories from ancient civilizations from Egypt to India, and many others; sometimes even horrible mistakes such as Hitler’s vision for Germany.
But America now more than ever needs to believe in its vision, and the first step in doing that is to correctly articulate that vision for others to see. It will take some time, but the author is dedicated to trying to create that vision, so that others may see, and joined in a shared struggle for the victory of that vision and destiny.
I believe we are capable.