On Choosing Ourselves

The other day my brother mentioned that it appeared that many of the animals that would have been killed had left the lowlands before the tsunami waves came. I noted at the time (mentally) that humans are animals too—and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t have access to similar guidance. Today, in the Chicago Tribune (which supported Bush out of respect for their dead founder from what I can tell), there is a very interesting article about a number of indigenous tribes who appear to have all gotten out of the way as well.

They don’t know the numbers yet, but these people should have been right in the path of the destruction (they fish at this time of the year and are usually by the beach) but the vast majority (70-90%) have been seen alive and well. Some were found in the highlands.

This is a perfect metaphor for what is happening right now. I hate to sound messianic but we really are at the point of locking into our guts or facing complete destruction. We know what’s happening and it’s time for each of us to make a choice about exactly how we want to live. For me, nothing has been more important than learning to value the unknown and unseen and placing it about all else. I want to do businesses, have relationships, and embark on creative projects in this manner. And will fight ruthlessly to live this way. Or relax copiously. Whatever it takes.

Once we believe ourselves like these bow-and-arrow nomads—we’ll feel the richness of our own life and have the comfort and convenience of everything modern technology has to offer. We’ll be rich and feel it as well. Instead of either being rich or trying to feel rich our spirit.

One interesting note—there was a teenager from one of the tribes brought to a city to get a broken leg treated. He stuck around for a while—and even took to wearing t-shirts, jeans and a baseball cap. But he eventually he tired of the novelty and returned to the island.

I know exactly how he feels.

(--Thanks to Jennifer Rice at “What’s Your Brand’s Mantra” for helping me think about this yesterday. http://www.mantrabrand.com)