From policrises to polisolutions

We are living policrises. And (at least some of us) we're living a very rich and comfortable life. 

Surrounded by opposing political views, cyberattacks and armed conflicts - and although still living in a comfortable bubble, I am asking myself about the meaning of Einstein's quote: The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.

Now, I am still too naïve to believe people are evil. I would say some might be driven by motives that are irreconcilable with my values. Or that some carry so much pain and trauma, that their actions and decisions manifest themselves as destructive and pain-inflicting. Also, people tend to optimize decision making for their own maximum benefit - which may come across as evil, but I would argue it's just unaware of total impacts. These behaviours are the symptoms of a deeper root cause.

The point of the quote for me is: is my inaction contributing to a more dangerous world? Am I really not taking action? In my mind, I never stop doing something (that's a whole different question if what I do is any useful). How can I take more resolute action, demonstrate more decisiveness?

There is no need to take formal sides in politics or conflicts in my mind (I count the anti-genocide pop-up demonstrations at Dutch train stations as a socially engaged statement, not a formal side-taking). I am against the rolling back of individuals' rights to make decisions about their own life and body as long as they do not directly and irreversibly impact others against their own will. I am strongly against the large-scale suffering of civilian populations, against grand territorial ambitions of political leaders and any measures that have a total net-negative impact on the inclusion and well-being of lesser-off groups. I disagree with the notion that all of the natural world can be endlessly extracted from in order to fuel the growth of the economy. 

I believe in the enoughness of material goods and wealth, which many of us experience in mature economies. I also believe in the abundance of the immaterial that surrounds us, like sun, wind, but also goodwill, understanding, kindness and love. Now, there seems to be an abundance of impatience, anger, frustration and suffering, too.

Can we use our immaterial wealth of positive and constructive loading to help turn the sense of scarcity, anger and pain into patience and understanding? That is the action I am and invite us all to undertake - to move from policrises to polisolutions. Because the way you bring kindness, listening, patience or presence to your everyday is unique. Together - and uniquely in our own way, we create space for solutions the immaterial realm, which is the originator of material manifestations.