Comments on: How “Normal” Keeps Us from Being Fully Human

By: Get Off the Bus | ARealGreenLife

Get Off the Bus | ARealGreenLife

[…] this state of affairs has been "normal" to one degree or another for most of us for decades. We've been enduring loneliness, anxiety, and […]

By: 3 Keys for Making a Difference - ARealGreenLife

3 Keys for Making a Difference - ARealGreenLife

[…] “How Normal Keeps Us from Being Fully Human,” I said that ideally, a human being […]

By: Expanding on the Grandmother Effect - ARealGreenLife

Expanding on the Grandmother Effect - ARealGreenLife

[…] just grown up in a matrix which, although we think of it as normal, is not at all natural for us. It lacks many of the things necessary for the healthy maturation of human […]

By: Kate

Kate

In reply to Belinda Moore. Thanks Bel! I'm glad you liked the resources :) I agree, there is still a lot of unfolding to come. We're in a liminal time. We get to choose (by default or on purpose) at this time between two Stories. Do we inhabit the world described by reductionisim, in which only force based causality, "the bigger the better," can make a difference? Or do we inhabit a more interconnected world in which causality isn't limited to what we were taught in school and in which unexpected outcomes can emerge in unplanned ways? I choose the latter story, because in it I don't have to wait for those in power to be the change. You just never know: the grass roots level may turn out to be all we need.

By: Belinda Moore

Belinda Moore

Thank you Kate for putting into words what I feel in my heart. The resources you shared are gems! I thoroughly enjoyed the time and space the lockdown period allowed me to reconnect with my home and family. I relished in the extra days spent in my kitchen and garden. I made some decisions about my work and study, and I’m excited to pursue these new home-based avenues. I think we’ll still be seeing this situation unfold further in coming months, as we face further economic uncertainty. I wish the re-set was not only at the grass roots level, and I feel that I can do little but hope that those in power Be The Change sometime soon.

By: Kate

Kate

In reply to Fiona.

Hi Fiona, I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I think that a lot of people would agree with you that this could be an opportunity for a reboot, a turning point.

Of course those whose power and profits depend on a return to “normal” are scrambling to ensure that happens, and understandably so from their perspective.

What gives me the most hope is that we’ve seen of how connected we all are, and how we can unite and act decisively given a unifying narrative.

Thanks so much for reading and commenting 🙂

By: Fiona

Fiona

Thank you Kate, your thoughts really resonate with me. Early in the shutdown, I realised how comfortable I was with the enforced slowing of daily life, how I try to live my life “normally”. In contrast, most people I know were struggling with the restrictions placed upon them. I’ve missed seeing my children and close friends the most but saw this as the opportunity for life to reboot, save the environment by turning the focus from capitalism and “bigger is better” mentality. Now I find myself despondent that those with power are not going to use this amazing chance to do things differently for the good of all on this planet.

By: Kate

Kate

I confess that although we’ve missed our friends, I’ve enjoyed staying home these last few months. Since we home-school and have plenty to keep us busy and happy at home, and are not reliant on weekly grocery shopping, its been a welcome respite from the normal business of life.

It’s also been a reminder to stay focused on continuing to build more self-reliance — the bare sections on the supermarket shelves were a reminder that the supply system we normally rely on is precarious.

How about you – how have you coped with the lock-downs and the supply chain disturbances?