We could all benefit from greater collective responsibility expressed through empathy and understanding. I believe one of the most important things needed in the world today is a greater sense, from each of us, for what it is like to walk in the shoes of the other. Separateness and superiority have become a way of life, rooted deeply in fear. As a nation we project a sense of righteousness and superiority as if we are the ones to "bring democracy to the world" or "save the world". I have been deeply contemplating our nation’s recent overtures and actions that have led us to wars because we feel that it is our job to "save other nations -to get them to live or do things more the way fell they should live”. These events have been carried out in the names of, “leadership and responsibility”. I question where is the care for the whole—what is the real motive?
I also question-- is our way of living necessarily "best"? Many aspects of American life are unraveling before our very eyes, prompted by our inability to live and lead from truth and care of the whole, our lack of concern for the physical health of individuals and their lack of access to healthcare. I wonder—are we capable of providing meaningful leadership to the world?
I believe that when we take personal responsibility in the world we must do so without our personal agenda being the reason that we do so. Can we come out of our selfish needs (ie.,securing oil for the future, our personal need for strategic domination around the globe- to name a few examples) to truly lead? Or can we lead with the actual needs and concerns of the country that we say we are helping?
It is our personal responsibility to move beyond fear, selfushness and superiority to a place of deep understanding and care for the benefit of all. Women are particularly needed to lead this new way of living/leading as we by the nature of our ability to give birth and to have compassion for all (the whole). It is my wish that women step forward today and take a greater lead in where our collective (world) is headed. The pay off of us taking this level of personal responsibility will be great.
Maureen Simon
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