Marie Louise Edwards
The path towards a regenerating world was always going to be rocky, with sharp shocks, the gradual decline of our old systems and the process of entropy taking hold. Yet, as we consciously refocus our gaze on the natural world and ecological systems, we find ourselves revitalised, knowing that there are ways to maximise the use of our energy which can slowly lead us into a different way of being. Nature does not generate waste and everything is cycled back into the wider system. We too must be wise and considered in our actions if we are to bring about a functioning world that contributes beneficially to the web of life. Let us not waste the time that has been given to us.
For those of our readers in the UK, we are aware that we must prepare for more change and potential disruption as the UK leaves the European Union. However people feel about this, we are going to need to ready ourselves for the inevitable repercussions. We must mobilise as best we can to protect and maintain our health and wellbeing, particularly while we are in the midst of a pandemic. This is an opportunity to build on established food growing and delivery projects, enabling further collaboration within our communities. We would be prudent to think carefully about what our most important needs are and how best to meet these in times of turmoil. We might even spare a thought for those around us who may not be as resourceful or aware.
Many of us have been preparing for probable ecological turbulence trying to find ways of gaining some resilience from which to navigate a potentially stormy and unpredictable future. I am reminded at this point of a great poetic work by the Jungian Analyst, storyteller and poet Clarissa Pinkola Estes titled, “We were made for these times.” It is a powerful and heartfelt call to step up and shine in times of great tumult and despair whilst being mindful not to feel too overwhelmed by our sense of responsibility. She suggests that; “Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. Any small, calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this poor suffering world will help immensely. It is not given to us to know which acts or by whom, will cause the critical mass to tip toward an enduring good.”
In times such as these we are all needed. We require ‘all hands on deck’ and all skills available to us. The birthing of a new world and a new way was never going to be easy, straightforward or even guaranteed… but it is worth us rising to the challenge for the benefit of all. We owe it to this beautiful planet who has so generously and unconditionally given to us.
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