Creating Change

[Shell]

I'm trying to find out who wrote this.  In the meantime, take a few seconds to read this. Sometimes we get frustrated about our lack of progress in influencing change in others.  Many of us cry out, wishing to make an impact in our world.  We forget that we are only a tiny speck, a grain of sand on a beach.  There is only so much we can do.  But if we start with ourselves, we may in fact make a difference - sometimes without even knowing it.


When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

[SWM]

nice post cecile,
something very real to think about for people who are wanting to change the world for what ever reason.

i think that when we come to place of peace and contentment within ourselves we start to realise that the world is not such a bad place and it is not the world that needs to change. there are lots of bad things and lots of good things.

also trying to change the world when you are experiencing anger, frustration, fear or any other negative emotion about the world around you will lead you into conflict, sadness and further negativity.
 

[Shell]

Thanks Stan. 

I think many of us come to a point where we are frustrated with the "world".  We believe that because our passion for a better society, a better human race, is so strong that we actually have the power to make such an impact.  One can only hope... and there are so many of us that do.

However, we fail to realize that change should always start within ourselves.  Instead of focusing on what others are doing wrong whether it is wrong against us or others, we should focus on how we ourselves can be better as people.

We touch people's lives everyday - most of the time without even knowing it.  How we carry ourselves, treat others, stand behind what we believe in, the things we believe, etc., all have an impact on somebody every day.  By focusing on how we can benefit others instead of how others can benefit others, we serve a better purpose than "changing the world."

Hope that made sense. 

[SWM]

yes, it made sense.

By focusing on how we can benefit others instead of how others can benefit others, we serve a better purpose than "changing the world."

and this made perfect sense. i believe that many of the things people want to change in society are caused by people focusing on "how can others benefit me"


in terms of changing the world i think along the lines of "all things are as they should be". if i knew my bible a little better i could quote you the words of a prophet saying that things are as they should be all things are working together for the good. this does not mean that i do not want improvement but it does allow me to work towards change in positive way. perhaps if it is like not looking for the bad things and attacking them, but looking for what is good and bringing more of it about.

thats kind of vague, but i am thinking in very general terms.

[Shell]

Stan, would it be Romans 8:28?

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

The entire 18-28 verses (From Suffering to Glory) are quite powerful.

There is another reading somewhere that further explains how all things are as they should be... 

[SWM]

that sounds like it. you may not use the KJV so its slightly different to what i remember.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

this summarises precisely what i am talking about. the conditions in which we exist serve a pupose, the conditions give rise to conditions and this is a social and ecological evolution. just as each individual goes through their own personal evolution as they exist within those conditions.

realising that life is a short journey in an eternal process of growth and development then death and the stuggles of life seem quite trivial.

[Shell]

realising that life is a short journey in an eternal process of growth and development then death and the stuggles of life seem quite trivial.

Very nicely stated. 

[SWM]

thanks. this doesnt mean that we refrain from doing things which impact the world in a positive way.

i think corwin has the best way off putting it but i cannot remember exactly how he says it now.

something like he is "just doing the service of god"