Whats Wrong With Our World

On New Years Day I finally watched Tom Shadyac’s documentary movie, “I Am.” What a great way to start the year! Since seeing him interviewed on The Oprah Show some months ago, I’ve been anxiously awaiting to see the movie.

It’s only been a few days, but life has felt calmer and a bit easier. It truly lit a spark in my heart.

I found it most interesting that when a local newspaper asked, “What’s wrong with this world?” English writer/ thinker G.K. Chesterton responded by simply writing back, “I am.”

How brilliant is that! The paper expected a long drawn out essay about the wrongdoings of humanity and instead Chesterton simply pointed the finger directly on himself. In doing so, he took responsibility. How often do we pass the buck of responsibility to everyone else, but ourselves?

This simple response still has me thinking and I’m not sure if I’m able to elaborate clearly.

One of the themes from the movie is that we are all interconnected. I realize that it’s up to each and every one of us to be the change. It sounds so vague, corny and even somewhat political, yet at the same time so easy. I take it that when we do our best in action and intention, the vibrations are like pebbles thrown into the pond and the ripple effects have greater impact than we imagine. How we change the world begins with ‘how’ we go about our world. If for example, we go out into the world feeling anxious, angry, or impatient, then we leave those ripples behind. And vice versa, grace, joy and kindness are just as infectious.

It’s all made me think more deeply about how even my own feelings are having ripple effects. Though it’s only been a few days, keeping this idea near and dear has been helpful. It’s a minor adjustment, but I believe a major accomplishment. Now if only I can continue with it for a lifetime to come or even just a few months; I’ll take a few weeks or even some extra days.

The piece here is titled “Buddha and Golden Boy.” What inspires it is the idea that behind each one us are Buddha spirits and who we are is already golden. It’s just a matter of seeing our best self. How great it would be if one day we can all answer the question, What's right with the world?" And have the same answer, "I am."

May you share the very best of ‘you’ with ‘our’ world.