by T Callahan
The world in which we live today is comprised of more ideologies seemingly in competition with one another than at any other point in our known history. Be it in the form of a new philosophical perspective, a revolutionary scientific discovery or a new interpretation of ancient holy words, each seemingly holds the power to lay rest to an idea of old and give birth to a new paradigm. Whether this new paradigm becomes a reality or not, this competition plays a crucial role in the process of determining what will become the foundations on which the choices of the future are made. One of the central themes throughout 2012: Time for Change is the urgency for a participatory global effort if we are to create a future suitable for our continued existence. For this to happen, the notion of cooperation must enter this discussion, once dominated by the competitive drive.
Stemming from a long history of competition between peoples and ideals alike, we are beginning to witness the potential and necessity of acting first and foremost from a position of cooperation. One dilemma is that which lies in the grey area between the modern realms of scientific thought and the ancient spiritual traditions that continue to exist to this day. Having existed in seemingly opposite realms of life, science and spirituality have only recently seemed to begin crossing paths more frequently. Much of this can be attributed to the pressing need for a greater understanding of our natural world and more specifically our connection and role within it. With a greater consideration for the environment in the realm of science we have begin to see the limitations of our traditional model of scientific inquiry, ultimately demanding a more integrated approach. Modern philosopher and author, Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory is an excellent example of this need being recognized and ideally acted on.
Comprised of what is known as the AQAL method, referring to All Quadrants All Levels, Integral Theory is designed with the primary purpose of developing the most comprehensive all-systems understanding of any given scenario. The upper-left represents the “I”, or interior individual, the lower-left holds the “WE”, or interior collective, and the right two quadrants hold the “IT” on top and “ITS” on bottom representing the exterior individual and collective respectively. Simply put, each of these quadrants serves to address all major facets of any issue or scenario and can then hopefully facilitate in creating a balanced perspective. Applying this method to the realm of ecology, Wilber’s theory has the incredible potential to allow for taking into account a wide array of perspectives. Within each quadrant one can find consideration for both the systems based knowledge of scientific data as well as what typically may be dismissed as subjective experience such as cultural traditions or nonwestern spiritual considerations. As we look towards our future, it is crucial that we do so with the most dynamic perspectives possible. To not would be to blind ourselves and ultimately severely limit our potential for continued existence.
The film 2012: Time for Change carries the conversation regarding our natural world and our relationship with it in a very elegant fashion. Straying from the typical claims of grandeur, 2012:TFC allows for the dialogue to exist within the realm of what is being done and can be improved upon if we hope to encourage the ecological success of our planet. Waking up to the notion that much of our current practices stand to be revised is a simple reality. As biologist and ecological designer, John Todd Ph.D., voiced in the film, “There needs to become a generation of people who see cities as a scaffolding for living systems.” With the efforts made within permaculture around the globe, the individual and collective alike are beginning to recognize the need for a cooperative energy to exist.
Looking to the natural world that as existed for billions of years longer than our adolescent species we have available to us nothing short of a living textbook. Nature has and will continue to exist in far greater complexity than we now know. To deny the resource the natural world provides us is simply ignorant and immature. Going back to the film once more, politician and writer, Joel Kovel, provides us with a slice of optimism when he acknowledges the potential of this ecological crisis to be a unifying force for humanity. It is for us to come together and recognize the power we have as a collective force for positive change.
Let us be the creators of an enlightened ecology of the future.