The Butterfly
If we are to survive as a species, we desperately need to shift our perspective from the front of our noses. We need to shift from the conditional acceptance of others. A perspective that accepts the ‘Butterfly Effect’ which asserts, interconnectedness as being the most credible approach to our survival as a species.
The Butterfly Effect speaks to the concept of connectedness: the flapping wings of a butterfly can alter the course of a Tornado.
Most of us are aware of this effect in our family life where even the smallest action by a member can have a dramatic effect on the whole family. Why can’t we extend that knowing to embrace all humanity?
Asking this question always motivates a choir of responses. A choir with a song whose chorus might be “Naivety naivety, drop your guard and they will get you.”
The song has multiple verses full of rights wrongs, and injustices demanding redress.
I know that song. I have sung it with passion many times. I have sung it till I was hoarse. I have sung it as an anthem, a battle song and a sad song of hopelessness. One day I could sing it no longer. I realised I was caught in a web of conflict, anger, sadness and injustice. I was ‘tilting at windmills’.
In this moment of despair a quiet voice said “There is enough.”
That simple message nagged me till I listened and embraced its message. My whole view of life was based on scarcity and fear.
“Look around.” My rational mind shouted, “90% of the people in the World live in scarcity and fear. That’s how the world is.”
“Fine” I responded, “So should the 10% just put on the cloak of guilt and huddle in our comfortable world? I think not”
We can make a choice, we have that luxury. We have that responsibility. Where do we find the courage to step forward? I listen to my intuition. I feel what moves me deeply; what causes compassion to arise in me. I concentrate on these feelings and assign them a value I can manifest in the world.
Writing this piece comes directly from my determination to give my intuition a voice. It is a new song for me, spontaneous and energetic. No longer a caterpillar, a chrysalis: I am a butterfly and this piece is its first flight. Do you feel the wind from my wings?
Kenneth Macfarlane:
NowPublic.com Sept .2009
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