Mainstream media would have had us believe that although the Brexit vote would be close, there was little doubt that, come the 23rd June, the British would opt for the ‘safe’ option and choose to stay in the European Union.
Likewise, we were assured that in the US, despite Donald Trump’s unlikely success in the race for the Republican party nomination, he – painted by most media as little more than a buffoon – would stand little chance against the ‘safe pair of hands’, Hillary Clinton, in Tuesday’s election.
Yeah, right!
[box type=\”shadow\”]“In times of profound change the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”
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Times are changing (continued)
The beginning of fundamental change?
Many people have been left profoundly shocked and dismayed by the ‘unexpected’ outcome of both of these ballots in the powerful bastions of western democracy on either side of the Atlantic.
Other, more nationalistic types have been overjoyed at the prospect of pulling up the drawbridge (or in America’s case, laying down a wall) to stop the slow ‘immigratory’ rot that they feel has set in and which threatens their proud heritage.
Some, like me, are somewhat bemused and rather curious about these interesting developments. While not holding a candle for any of the main personalities involved, I prefer to see these events as signalling the beginning of fundamental change to the established world order.
No matter how you feel about Donald Trump’s victory or about Britain exiting the European Union, you have to admit that people, the world over, are emboldened, hungry for change and ready to stick their necks above the establishment parapet like never before.
It’s easy to think that this started with the British but we should never forget the momentous events that took place in North Africa and the Middle East in 2011 as the population of several countries defied their authoritarian leaders in what became known as the ‘Arab Spring’.
Times are indeed changing!
People the world over have shown that they will not easily kowtow to their ruling parties or be subdued by mainstream media into taking the safe option for their future by maintaining the status quo or towing the line of the ‘educated elite’ or those in power!
What does this have to do with life coaching?
So what does all of this have to do with life coaching or personal development, you may well ask?
Everything, I believe.
Part of the philosophy that underpins life coaching (at least the New Insights variety) is that people hold the power to liberate themselves emotionally and spiritually, within … and yet we have been deeply conditioned to believe that very little of that which we call our lives is under our control.
Conditioning
The result of this conditioning shows up in a society that looks to the outside world for approval, affirmation and respect. We have come to understand success as a concept that can be measured by the quantity and quality of the material possessions and monetary wealth we can display to others rather than the degree of happiness and fulfilment we feel within.
To put it another way, our external world identities (or egos, if you prefer) have come to dominate our internal world identities or inner beings.
I have neither the desire nor the time and space in this post to engage in an overly philosophical discussion about what we, in life coaching, call conscious and unconscious living, so let’s just say that whereas the ego is concerned with upholding and protecting the identity that we present to the external world, the inner being is concerned only with following the path – or purpose – that we came to this earth to do and which will bring joy, meaning and satisfaction to our lives.
A period of rapid ‘evolution’
The industrial revolution of the 18th century is widely credited as being the start of a period of rapid evolution of mankind. Sweeping changes brought about by the advent of computer and digital technology commenced in the mid 20th century and have changed our lives in ways we could hardly have predicted.
And yet, throughout this period of massive change, the way we have chosen to organise ourselves politically and economically has actually changed very little. Today, we still hang on to the belief that the way to live a decent life is by getting the best education we can afford, working hard and being prepared to sacrifice our souls for forty plus years after which, in theory – and our health allowing – we can put our feet up and enjoy the fruits of our labours.
Beginning to question
Although society’s definition of success may still be firmly rooted in access to material possessions, there are some strong signs that we are beginning to question the wisdom of doing things the way they have always been done and believing things that our parents and their parents have taught us to believe.
The information age has ushered in a social media revolution that has made people around the world more connected in real time than ever before. At the press of a button, for example, this blog post can be shared with anyone, anywhere!
This new super-connectivity is a catalyst that is helping to erode the pillars of established thinking and established practice. People are, more than ever before, starting to listen to their inner voices and think for themselves rather than allowing the established order to do so for them.
A brave new determination
I believe this is is why we are seeing the likes of the Brexit vote and the ascendancy of Trump. In my opinion the voting behaviour has little to do with hatred of fellow Europeans or love for The Donald, and everything to do with a deep desire to resist the dictates of established practice coupled with a brave new determination to find a new way, even if the closest available option is flawed.
To cut back to life coaching, this is why I believe that its time has come.
Ready for change
People are ready for change, ready to engage their inner voices and ready to resist the temptation to do what they have been taught they ’should do’ so that they can rather focus on doing what their inner beings really want to do.
How about you – do you feel the same way, or do you think the world has entered a period of reckless madness?
Your comments are, as always, most welcome!
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Thank you Bill, for a refreshing and encouraging view – so appreciated amidst worst-case scenarios and doomsday projections. Indeed, the new emerges out of chaos. The shell cracks and all the insides come out. In the history of the need and greed for worldly affairs – power, land, money, status, control, etc. characters change places. Those of us who claim not to have those attachments, we have a different one; the attachment to the characters.
So maybe rather: ‘Render unto Caesar . . . ‘ and all that.
Great to hear your wise words again Arjan 🙂
Thank you bill..
I agree Bill, it’s our inner voices that will help to shape, make and transform this world into a much better place. Inward focus is so important in experiencing the art of living. Very interesting read. “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Wayne Dyer.
Thanks Reshmi – that’s my personal favourite quote!
What an interesting view, Bill. I hope you are right and this marks a positive change for the world as we move forward.
🙂
Hi Bill, as always a most inspiring and thought-provoking blog. For me it underscores the privilege of freedom of choice and the responsibility that goes with it. Yes, we want change, but it comes with taking responsibility for the consequences of our choice. We don’t always have to agree with the establishment, but when we engage in open hearted debate and decide to go it alone, then we must be ready to accept the consequences that follow.
Regards
Yes, indeed Henry … and it seems that more and more people are becoming less and less scared to confront the consequences of what might be termed ‘contrarian’ thinking!
Yesterday, I was reminded of one of Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements: Don’t Make Assumptions. Those of us who are not Trump supporters, are going to have to work very hard at our powers of acceptance. As a woman, I am deeply disappointed at the opportunity that Hillary Clinton has lost, to do things differently.
Most of us resist change, especially when it is thrust upon us unwillingly. However, many of us will confess that there have been occasions where, once we’ve experienced the benefits, that aspect of change has enriched our lives.
While some may regard the current state of uncertainty in the world in general, and in South Africa in particular, as an opportunity for renewal, I hope and pray that the metamorphosis is a peaceful rather than a violent one.
Dialogue and negotiation are far more effective tools of change than war and violence will ever be.
Beautifully put. Thanks for this contribution Karen!
How refreshing to break the mould. God how we need it. I don’t feel so bad now because that’s exactly what we all want, yet are so afraid of doing. Marianne Williamson always said it is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
‘Breaking the mould’ is a lovely way to summarise things – thank you!
Beautifully said Bill! Your blogs are always such a treat and the wisdom you share reminds us that we are at a tipping point in our psychological and spiritual evolution and it is all just so exciting. Thank you as always.
Thanks Kim. I appreciate and support your view that these are exciting times (albeit somewhat scary for most) 🙂
What a mind boggling view. Those who want to resist change will be left behind in the information age change has become part of living. Most people are flooded with a resourceful pool of information everyday and their success is highly inclined on how they use the information at their disposal. In this day and age if you possess the necessary skills and right attitude to use knowledge to your advantage you are likely to flourish in any trade you pursue.
So true!
Great blog and very perceptive! You can even see this in political shifts in SA and elsewhere in the world. Our information age is empowering people with more knowledge than ever before and multiple ways of engaging. Ultimately this can only be for the good!
Indeed – thanks Andreas 🙂