Change is always there. Whatever people do or don’t do, it has an impact. There is no way to escape, the simple fact of a person’s presence on earth contributes to the change that is happening.
It’s a simple truth and a calling to be part of the change. It unites as every single human being is part of it. At the same time, it easily leads to a system of polarities, where action invites people to take sides.
The intent may be the same, but the methods differ.
The challenge is taking the time to reflect on one’s participation in the ongoing change and see how it differs from the desired change.
Seeing one’s presence within such a large scheme is daunting.
Seeing one’s impact even more so, especially when the desired change is so far beyond individual control.
In an opinion piece, David Brooks lately described how this dynamic leads a country into being stuck. The continued prominence of Donald Trump is the result of two camps opposing one another and a lot of people watching how this is playing out.
Instead of asking themselves critical questions about the outcome achieved, people revert to feeling happy about the bond they’ve been able to establish within their camp. Maybe hoping that one day their camp will be strong enough to win.
However, what is happening is that the structures and thus the split is being solidified. The camps have lost track of their intention towards the nation and replaced it with the goal they have with their camp.
They’ve established the polarity of us vs. them.
In a way “The last great American dynasty” describes a similar story. And if stuckness continues as it does, the Taylor Swift lyric “I had a marvelous time ruinin’ everything” may indeed become a consolation for those acting and watching.
However, for leaders having a chance to reflect on the change they are seeking to create and how it is being achieved, these lyrics may be a reminder that there is another option. It’s to step back from anything that shows up as a continuous repetition. It’s a sign that the desired change is not happening.
