"Practicing mindfulness in the act of consuming is the basic act of social justice." --Thich Nhat Hanh
According to an AP article last Sunday, leading climate scientists are predicting that world-altering disasters like catastrophic climate change and a drastic rise in sea levels could be just decades away. These scientists say that even if the world suddenly stopped producing greenhouse gases, we may have passed a point of no return. The best we can hope for, according to Tim Barnett, a senior scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California, is to slow it down, "if we take a concentrated action as a people." So my question is, "What are we waiting for?"
Why is our Congress spending all its time debating what to do about people living and working and raising their families in this country without a permission slip that makes it legal for them to be here? Why aren't they trying to figure out how we can slow down this climatic nightmare that looms on our horizon?
I was astonished to read the summaries of the 18 candidates running today to replace the disgraced Duke Cunningham in California's 50th district; not one mentioned the most pressing issues of our time, including these environmental catastrophes, our disastrous imperial occupation of Iraq, and a national deficit that could cause a worldwide economic collapse. Have we turned into a nation of ostriches where we stick our heads in the sand and think these problems will just take care of themselves? Not to worry, our administration is going to fix everything by dropping nuclear weapons on Iran and setting off the war to end all problems.
It's time for us to follow Barnett's advice and start taking a concentrated action as a people and stop letting ourselves get distracted by issues that are way, way down on the list of priorities. We can't wait for our leaders to fix things, so its time we took matters into our own hands. And we do have the power to do this as a people.
At the root of almost all of our problems is a monstrosity that has grown out of control. Corporatism is an entity with no heart and no soul, that thrives on greed, answers to no master, devours everything in its path and leaves a trail of destruction and misery in its wake.
But this beast has an Achilles Heel - in fact, as John Perkins says, it is exceedingly vulnerable. Its vulnerability lies in its insatiable appetite that must be constantly fed by the very people it exploits and oppresses. We, the people, have the power to starve this beast just by keeping our wallets shut.
It's that simple. Start being a mindful consumer. If you don't like that our jobs are going overseas, stop buying stuff that isn't made in America. If that sounds like a drastic idea, consider the alternative; soon we'll all be vying for jobs mowing lawns, waiting tables and picking up the trash. "Protectionist!" they are yelling over in corporate world. Let them yell while you keep checking those t-shirt labels... it's going to take awhile before you find one that says "Made in the U.S.A."
Meanwhile, buy your clothes and housewares at second-hand shops. You'll be amazed at the great stuff you'll find, some of it brand new. Shopping in thrift stores is like going on a treasure hunt. I can almost hear Mother Earth breathe a sigh of relief every time I open the door to my nearby Goodwill store.
Did you watch the movie WalMart? Don't just get angry, stop shopping at big box stores. Rediscover the thrill of having a shopkeeper know you by your name -- it's really worth paying a little more.
Worried about global warming? Rising gas prices? Traffic jams? Leave the SUV in the driveway and walk to the bus stop. Car pool. Be a mindful commuter. I've been doing it for a year now -- surviving in North County without a car - so I can assure you that it can be done. I even walk to the Goodwill store!
Be a mindful eater. Not only is organic food better for you, it's better for the planet. If you're not ready to be a complete vegetarian, consider cutting out red meat to start. Read the book, "Fast Food Nation" and ask yourself if you really want to be a player in that disgusting food chain. See if you can go a whole week not buying anything that comes in a box, can or plastic container.
There are thousands of ways you can be a mindful consumer: stop using plastic bags (it takes petroleum to make them and they stay in our landfills forever); use both sides of a piece of paper; read your news online instead of killing a tree for the Sunday paper; take a shorter shower; think about how much electricity you use and where you can cut back; keep the thermostat lower in the winter and higher in the summer, open the windows and turn on a fan instead of the air conditioner.
Be a mindful media consumer. Turn off the damn TV and do something - anything! I challenge you to try not watching TV for a week. If you're too tired to do anything else, try taking a nap! You'll wake up ready to do something wonderful.
You get a gold star if you've read this far. Living mindfully may seem like a lot to ask. It sure beats sitting around complaining while the world goes to hell. Who knows, we might just mindfully put that corporate beast back in its cage, slow down global warming, live in peace, feel good about ourselves and have the time to pursue some happiness!
Oh, one more thing - be a mindful citizen. Get involved in your local politics and support candidates who have the courage to stand up to corporate greed. If you'd like to see me in Congress working for the people, for our planet and for peace, please consider making a contribution to my campaign at www.DREAMofJEENIforCONGRESS.com. I'm counting on people like you because you can be sure the greed machine isn't going to be supporting my election.