I try to be positive but also action-focused on Independence Day. Where I live there is much to be thankful for as an American, and people are not shy to show their patriotism out loud. And other, less thoughtful things. That’s fine. I’ll be celebrating too.
But I also want to take a few minutes to acknowledge the America we are becoming. A country that celebrates and proudly advocates its diversity as the engine of innovation driving our economy. A country that uses reason and understanding and science to make wise decisions about governance. A country whose citizens work hard to understand issues and not lazily fall victim to simple manipulations of a few demagogues or uninformed celebrities.
Just because the old way is noisy as it feels its former strength slipping away, doesn’t mean we aren’t moving forward. It’s hard to hear, unless you listen in a way that interprets the sounds of a failing model becoming an emerging, better one. Like the sound a butterfly makes coming out of it’s cocoon, or a new baby being born or youngster experiencing growing pains. Everything worthwhile in my life was scary or painful in some way, or both.
So Maybe we can still be that country. I’m celebrating with that vision in my mind.
And, I’m going to act by practicing Collaborative Visualization, a great activity at community events, especially those coming this summer/fall. That, and a whole lot of hard work and patience, can get us where we need to be. This I believe, like I believe in American adaptation even in these confusing times. Maybe my obsession with inclusivity in the outdoor industry is doing my small part in healing past injustices and moving toward in a healthy, energetic way with our common foundation as the public lands we all keep for enjoyment and periodic therapeutic immersion.
