2020 has been interesting thus far, but the Year itself brought nothing; we did. 2020 is an arbitrary construct, a measurement of time. Is it 2020… or 5780 in the Jewish calendar, 2563 in the Buddhist, 2076 in the Hindu, 1441 in the Islamic or 177 in the Baha’i? You get the point.
What happens in our world is generated by us (not by a number), directly or indirectly. 7.8 billion people have an impact. We are seeing it now. That said, it is our response, individually and collectively that matters now, and going forward. It is time for a new realization me thinks. And we are in an infinite game.
The Drive Ahead
In Dare, Decide and Detach last week, I shared “Optimism sees ‘the stuff’ ahead and knows we will get there.” This is true … individually and collectively…. locally, globally and glocally.
Well, the next two days, I am adding a 4th D; Drive. This past week, I have written on Determination and Devotion and Dignity and Diligence and Discernment and Dominion as virtues in my ROCK 105 series; exploring strengths of character in these times. Well again, the next two days, I am adding another D; Drive. I am not speaking of a specific virtue. I am not speaking of drive and hustle. I am speaking of a literal drive; the kind of drive accompanied by great driving music… like Auberge and One Day Remains and Drive Time and Dedication … and all songs Amanda Marshall and Shinedown. I am talking blow off the cob webs drive. I am talking hear your spirit drive. I am talking no plans drive. I am talking gypsy drive. I am talk flow over drive drive. You get my point.
Panda and I are, at time of writing (one day ahead of my normal day of writing this blog), now 123 days in self isolation, with a singular bubble.. mostly by choice but knowing my space in life does not lend itself to be strong bubble candidacy (no parents, no children). Now, there is a sentence, lol. I choose such Responsibility as I understand this to be a global pandemic that will require us to develop new habits going forward. Without getting into that discussion now, I will simply say that:
- no, I do not believe we all have to physical distance, wear masks and wash our hands forever going forward (though that last one, yes)
- no, I do not live in fear, but Responsibility
- yes, I believe in science, and science is the process of disciplined learning
- yes, I do believe our entertainment and engagement going forward will differ
- yes, I believe that is good and necessary
- yes, mine will
That said, that is not the point today. The point is my spirit says drive. It says drive to dig deeper on joy because ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, ” Joy gives us wings! In times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener, and our understanding less clouded. We seem better able to cope with the world and to find our sphere of usefulness.” And music can be a Ladder for the Soul.
All that said, this time of Responsibility has brought challenges physically, mentally, and emotionally. Understandably so. And my Soul, impervious to any worldly affect, knows best and screams in a whisper… “drive”. We only need but silence our many voices, and listen to that still, small voice inside. It knows. It always knows. You see, ROCK 105 brings us to…
… for Wednesday, July 15, 2020. For me, I will be driving. How do they connect? Seeking to understand and listening with Compassion are part of Empathy. Refraining from toxic judging is too. Thinking about choices, caring and feeling connected are too. We often think of Empathy for others. I suggest Empathy can be targeted on and for ourselves as well. Do unto others can be applied to Empathy. Practice Empathy for yourself as you might have for others. Hence, the spirit call to drive.
I will listen to that call. I will listen to my Soul. And, I will hear.
Here I go.
Peace, passion and prosperity…
Barry Lewis Green
aka The Unity Guy
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Barry Lewis Green moves the needle on character leadership and unity building with joyful ferocity and thoughtful zeal. Barry helps leaders forge strong, united cultures at school, work, business and community. Joe Calloway says, “I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary.” With 39 years in education and leadership training and development … and work in the private, public and community sectors across Canada… and as a speaker, educator, master facilitator, coach, writer, singer, dancer, and cartoonist, Barry stokes the fire