The 3 R's of the future

We are all familiar by now with the 3 R's of conservation as commonly employed: Reduce, Recycle, Reuse (all though in priority the last two should switch). For the longest time they have been quoted over and over as the solution to our growing ills.

I have 3 R's of my own that I think get closer to the root of our situation.

Redefine: Progress. The greatest achievements of humanity were not the result of conquest. Vast empires and nations crumble, today's marvel is passe tomorrow. True victory comes from the combined will of the people. The self actualization of a society comes when all its members can share in its triumph. Progress built on exploitation is a house built on sand. Parasitic systems by definition are unstable. Cancer grows until it kills the host or is killed. If we redefine our habits as both figuratively and literally often cancerous we must come face to face with our the choices that affect our survival in this world.Only then will we understand if we are making progress or more problems.

Reconnect: We are a disenfrancised people living in a disconnected world. Reconnect with our families, our traditions, our communities, our environment. We cannot change our ways if we do not know there is a problem. We cannot know there is a problem if we do not listen. Listen to the meek and brazen alike, listen to friend and enemy equally. Listen to the earth itself. Listen, don't judge. Listen, and learn.

Reclaim: our lives. Where does our food come from? Where do our clothes, tv's, baubbles, come from? What is the real cost when we measure the benefit to ourselves against the criteria of the first two R's. Whom does our work benefit? How do our own lives measure against the religion or philosophy we claim to espouse? What obstacles stand in the way of living the life we truly dream of. To whom or what do we depend on? The Slave Master depends on his chattel to maintain his position. Who is truly free in that system: No one. Reclaim your money, your time, your life.

Our world is dancing closer to the edge of a major change. Which direction it takes is entirely dependent upon us.

Its your move.