June 24, 2024 – One Year Going Backwards
A year ago, I thought I could form a for-profit company to help solve the Metacrisis. Unfortunately, the deeper I dig into this issue, the more I am convicted that I must fundamentally change – I must have a break with my old way of being if I am to move forward. Metanoia
This post is hard to write because I don’t want to admit how shallow and selfish my lifestyle is, nor how much I need to change to live in balance with the web of life.
I’ve been struggling for years trying to find a way around the truth because, I don’t want it to be true. I like my rich, convenient life, but it is a vile plague of human selfishness. The hard truth is,
My way of life is destroying the planet.
In order for me to continue having my lifestyle of comfort and convenience, I must look the other way. I must ignore that my extravagance comes at high cost…a high cost to other people, other species, and the health of the ecosystem. To live my lifestyle, others (plant, and animals) must live in sickness, poverty, slavery, and many must die. That’s the way the system works, and my participation in it is wrong.
WRONG WAY: The engineer in me has been looking for technical solutions…Electric cars, solar panels, vegetarian diets, etc. The business person in me has been seeking a different business model. Blah, Blah, Blah. The truth is I haven’t a clue how to live in balance with the ecosystem. My lifestyle is so grossly out whack with the natural rhythm of life that I actually don’t even know where to start.
RIGHT WAY: I have some clues. I am coming to believe that if it involves the use of money, it is evil and the wrong direction. If it doesn’t include composting my own shit, it is not even in the right ballpark.
I stumbled onto some really problematic concepts:
- Money itself. Money allows me to separate myself from the damage my lifestyle does and destroys my connection with the community of life (both human and cross species). Also, money allows me to hoard, to think of myself as independent, and reinforces the idea of “my” and “mine”.
- Property ownership
- Legal ownership of companies and the pyramid of power/control offered by corporations
- Intellectual Property Ownership
- Finance Systems and where money comes from
- Imperative Growth obligation of interest. Mind and soul warping impact of “interest” on our ability to understand nature – only life grows over time, everything else is subject to entropy.
- Death is a requirement for growth. Attempting to live forever oneself, or to create institutions that don’t die is not healthy.
- Capitalism, Profit Motive, Industrial Consumerism, Marketing, Planned Obsolescence, materialism, hedonism, addictions (to drugs, sugar, coffee, social media),
- Addiction to convenience. Putting poison in our food (pesticides, preservatives). Eating crap for food.
- Shitting in our drinking water. Not composting our own shit. How our own shit is toxic because of the things we’ve eaten.
- How the the profit motive drives ALL OF THIS!!!!
- My entire lifestyle is CRAP. All I need is food, shelter, clothing, and love. And all these things are free in the Garden of Eden. But, I gave up my freedom to live in the garden of Eden when I accepted the money system.
- I traded my freedom for stuff.
I asked Chat GPT to “Describe the lifestyle of a human living in regenerative balance with earths ecosystem.”
“Living in regenerative balance with Earth’s ecosystem involves adopting practices and principles that support the health and resilience of natural systems while meeting human needs sustainably. Here’s a description of the lifestyle of a person living in such a way:
Principles and Practices
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems:
- Local and Organic: Growing and consuming locally produced, organic food to minimize carbon footprint and support biodiversity.
- Permaculture: Applying permaculture principles such as crop diversity, soil regeneration, and water conservation to enhance ecosystem health.
- Energy Use and Efficiency:
- Renewable Energy: Utilizing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or small-scale hydropower for electricity and heating needs.
- Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce overall energy consumption.
- Transportation:
- Active and Public Transportation: Opting for walking, cycling, or using public transit whenever possible to minimize reliance on fossil fuels.
- Car Sharing: Sharing vehicles with others in the community to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
- Waste Management:
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Prioritizing waste reduction through conscious consumption, reusing materials, and recycling to minimize landfill waste.
- Composting: Composting organic waste to enrich soil fertility and reduce methane emissions from landfills.
- Housing and Construction:
- Natural Building Materials: Using sustainable materials like bamboo, straw bales, or locally sourced timber for construction.
- Energy-Efficient Design: Designing homes with passive solar heating, natural ventilation, and insulation to reduce energy needs.
- Water Conservation:
- Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting rainwater for household use and irrigation.
- Water-Efficient Fixtures: Installing water-saving fixtures and appliances to minimize water consumption.
- Biodiversity and Conservation:
- Habitat Restoration: Participating in local conservation efforts, such as reforestation or habitat restoration projects, to enhance biodiversity.
- Native Plant Gardening: Cultivating gardens with native plants to support local ecosystems and pollinators.
- Community Engagement:
- Local Economies: Supporting local businesses, farmers’ markets, and cooperatives to promote economic resilience and reduce environmental impact.
- Education and Advocacy: Educating others about sustainable living practices and advocating for policies that protect natural resources and wildlife.
Mindset and Values
Living in regenerative balance with Earth’s ecosystem also involves cultivating a mindset of stewardship, interconnectedness, and respect for natural systems. This includes:
- Ecological Awareness: Being mindful of the environmental impact of daily choices and striving to make decisions that contribute positively to ecosystem health.
- Adaptability and Resilience: Being adaptable to changing environmental conditions and fostering resilience in both personal and community practices.
- Long-Term Thinking: Considering the long-term consequences of actions on future generations and making decisions that prioritize sustainability over short-term gains.
Conclusion
A lifestyle in regenerative balance with Earth’s ecosystem is characterized by holistic practices that aim to restore and sustain natural resources while ensuring human well-being. It involves integrating ecological principles into everyday life, fostering community collaboration, and embracing a deep connection to nature and the environment. By living in harmony with the Earth, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for all life on the planet.”