Activism, Insanity, and Waste

Instead of just the usual New Years Resolutions, this year I start by looking back. So...

Lessons of 2005-

1. Angry activism doesn't effect change for the long term.

Over this year, I met a lot of rageful activists, sincerely passionate about whatever their issue or cause. What I am learning is that angry activism can spread their anger throughout the masses and inspire immediate action, but their movement isn't sustainable. (Don't get me wrong- there is a lot to be angry about: economic disparity, lack of access to healthcare, children' s rights, ongoing systems of racial oppression, economic and linguistic colonialism, environmental apathy, IMF arrogance, the not-so-separate Church and State.. the list goes on). But action rooted in and inspired by anger cannot last; it isn't productive. No one likes being angry. It creates bitter and hostile people who are perpetually looking for the next fight, the next victory and always looking to label the next oppressor, or antagonist. It doesn't work long term. Anger isn't condusive to coming up with constructive, productive solutions.

2. Introspection is necessary, but can go too far.

For the majority of 2005, I was living in India. Many of the people I met had the deliberate goal of wanting to understand themselves better. It requires a lot of introspection, a lot of looking at the parts of oneself that aren't so great. It's hard- but it's also addictive. There is no way I can begin to encapsulate how much I have discovered about myself. Sounds hokey, I know. One of the biggest revelations I had was about how much I had yet to learn. But it's hard to question such fundamental things about yourself and your purpose without skating the edge of insanity. For instance, Viral, a good friend of mine who founded CharityFocus, recently finished an advanced Vipassana course, a month-long, solitary, silent mediation. How many of us could do that without going crazy...in a room by ourselves, without talking to anyone for a month? But he is one of the most grounded people I have ever met and he did it. He's so unconditionally happy with himself and can make sense of any situation. He's also one of the most positive men I have ever met. The strength of his foundation is definitely something I strive for.

3. We live in a culture of waste.

I don't really need to elaborate on this one. Water, food, electricity, clothes, you name it... just look at the amount of plastic bottles in your bathroom right now. Or the plastic bags for fruit at the grocery store. Or the unbelievable amounts of food pitched at restaurants. It makes me sad that not many people seem to notice or care because we are all just so used to it.

So, on the the constructive part:

Resolutions-

1. Be more proactive.
I am not a victim of my circumstances.
2. Take better care of myself.
Cook healthier. Run. Swim. Find opportunities and follow through-head off anxiety attacks. Write.
3. Stop fearing uncertainty.
Trust life and the consequences of my choices.
4. (last but not least) Run the marathon.
No broken legs this time. No leaving the country. No malaria. No excuses this year.