Not too long ago I had a powerful waking dream. It was a vivid future memory, a deep memory from a time that has not yet happened. I remembered when the people of the Earth were divided in chaos, when the dominant culture threatened to destroy any chance of harmony on this planet. It was a moment of great turmoil on Earth, where the well-being of all creatures was in danger. And in that place of the future, oh so clearly, the memories came flooding back. I remember the turning. I remember the moment when people began to wake up, when both technology and our collective consciousness bound the far corners of the world tightly together. I remember when women all over the globe stood up, when they screamed "NO MORE!", when they clasped hands and took to the streets demanding change, demanding justice. I remember when the men joined them, when they refused to fuel the cycle of violence that had carried society thus far, when they sat down in the plaza to meditate, when they followed their hope out onto the streets and didn't look back. And the children, who at such a young age already understood so much about the word, I remember their voices ringing out, loud and proud, as helicopters circled the sky above them.
When they first occupied the streets, the goal was not clear to any of them, there were no stated objectives. There were divisions within the group and doubts about the desired outcome. However, no matter how much the mainstream media, the corporations and governments of the world sought to exploit their differences, the People were bound by one strong commonality that could not be torn down - they were passionately committed to fighting for justice. That passion and commitment was enough to carry an entire movement. The strategy, tactics and execution would all fall into place with time, patience and compassion.
In my memory the taste of victory was so clear. We stood triumphantly together, having fought an enemy so great the battle had seemed impossible to win. And yet we had. This wasn't just a daydream. This was an actual memory. I don't know how far in the future this memory came from, but I have to believe that it is true. It gives me hope and brings inspiration into those dark times when it seems like we are up against too much. I hesitate to write this, I hesitate to share this because it seems so impossible to believe. The world seems so blatantly fucked up right now. There is so much evidence that says we are completely doomed, and scant evidence that claims we've got a chance. But please, I beg of you to consider the possibility that we could come out of this era victoriously. Consider the possibility of living in a more harmonious world, one where systemic imbalance and rouge capitalism don't rule over 99% of us. Dare to dream, dare to believe that another future is possible. I know in my heart its true. You don't need to have all the answers in order to begin the work, perhaps the answers will arise in the process. I'm willing to participate in the process. I'm willing to question my own beliefs and willing to make different choices day to day. I'm willing to step out of my comfort zone. To educate myself. To use my physical body to stand up for what I believe in. I'm willing to be vulnerable.
I'm NOT willing to sit here complacently as our rights are cooly stripped away and corrupt politicians recklessly gamble with our future. I won't sit idly by as our planet is raped in the name of corporate greed. I won't sit and watch as a nameless system swallows us whole.
I remember the moment when people began to wake up...
