Are We Good?

In the Guardian of Dignity, I wrote on Assertiveness. In it, I suggested that, with Assertiveness, "We get to find, stand and claim our best middle ground and connect with others on theirs. The best way that we can build truly stronger bridges of constructive connection is through its practice. Finding our best voice and allowing others theirs... we move forward?together, stronger."

Forward together, stronger. Backward is not forward. Forward is forward. This does not mean that we cannot nor should not draw from Wisdom gained from the past. We can, should and must. But, it does imply that we learn from the past in order to better move forward.

In 2015, I experienced a stroke, There were things I learned, adapted and even kept. But there was necessary change. We are experiencing a global stroke, and the "back to normal" mantra needs be questioned. We might still need to learn from a global Pandemic. For one, regional responses alone do not thwart a global virus; no matter the seduction of wishful or egocentric thinking. Just because "we're good" (or so it might seem), does not mean we all are good. This Pandemic might be a great teacher on that. Just because one part of my body is good does not mean my body is good. We are increasingly understanding our interconnection, but we have more to learn it seems. These two years have opened up wounds around around Justice, equality, health, ecology and more. Enter, the global goals.

The global goals have spoken to these issues since 2015; same year as my own stroke coincidentally. We still need learn. Going "back to normal" is not the direction. And, these global goals can be opportunities for the private, public and community sectors alike.

This is not about economics versus anything else. Economies are intended to serve people not the other way around. Economies are sustainable systems that support populations; not just certain portions. True and lasting economies are not built on speculation and opportunism. Their purpose is not to widen income gaps. Healthy and robust income throughout helps throughout. And, sustainable systems are not unlike the human body needing all parts to work to keep the whole healthy. Anything else is irrational. For any body to best live, the parts must each thrive. Just because "we're good" does not mean we are all good. "The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." Consider that. We might be good, but are we all good? As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr once said... "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”? The Pandemic is not done teaching us until we learn this, I believe and contend. This is the lesson of any stroke.

As a Baha'i, I believe that "The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens." I also believe that "The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct." I intend to study and practice on same. I intend to study and practice on those aforementioned global goals too.

And, I intend to continue to study, work, practice and serve around Character, Purpose and Unity. It is my own middle and higher ground. It is my chosen dance.

Strategy, best practiced, sees the bigger picture and responds. It sees and moves forward. It is not entrenched in old habits and ways. It advances our capacity to invest in and work on what needs our attention.

Are we good enough?

I think we are.

I believe and contend that we are.

Are we good? Not until we find our way to building a world embracing sense of flourishing prosperity. Pie in the sky? The sky is where we soar. Idealism matters, now,

Atlas matters. We matter. We all matter. " The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established."

Let's rise up and carry us all the way. At school, work, business, community and life, Atlas needs us. Let us not confuse backwards for forward

Peace, purpose and prosperity...

Barry Lewis Green, The Unity Guy with Epic Engage.

Me?on LinkedIn

CHECK OUT

• Developing Leadership Character – Ivey Business Journal
• TUGtv
• The Global Goals
• The Virtues Project

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