"Our generation was born for these times. Many of us arrived in this world carrying a message engraved on our hearts. This mandate transcends most conventions and will often challenge mainstream paradigms. Paraphrasing Jean Jacques Rousseau, "Humanity is born free, but everywhere we are in chains." How do we transcend this system- a precariously balanced house of cards society where most survive conditionally in a state of quiet desperation, be it social, physical, financial, or spiritual?
How do we free ourselves?
How do we free the world?
A strong core group from the current generation, empowered by a similar representative group from the elder generation, must lead a substantial number from the emerging millennial generation past the boundaries of conventional paradigms. Guided by the elder generation's roadmap and by using our momentum to carry the millennials over this transformative threshold, we enable both generations to experience this radical positive shift together. This rapid joint transition from old paradigms would help close the generational gap; it also might create a "sling-shot" effect by establishing a cooperative instead of adversarial relationship between successive generations. By replacing dialectical evolution with cooperative revolution, there is potential for creating a dynamic for exponential growth and transformation.
This holistic and cooperative effort for the Good of ALL is the only way we can transcend the current system which is built upon a conditional social contract. Our generation has this capability. For years, I have been saying Native Peoples and the OIF/OEF veterans will emerge to lead this spiritual and social transformation. We have seen some of the first examples of this at Standing Rock as peaceful water protectors were supported by many veterans and people of all generations and races throughout the world.
As we advance into chaotic and uncertain times, our current generation must commit to certain things. We must humbly listen to the elder generation and trust their wisdom. We must boldly pursue this transformation with fierce love, humble hearts, mutual forgiveness, and perseverance in realizing this vision of a holistic and lasting peace for all Humanity. Finally, and most critically, we must embrace the responsibility of loving, shaping, and teaching millennials. This starts within our own families, among our communities, then expands to all people without exclusion.
This change is subtle but powerful. It starts spiritually within our hearts. It blooms into action within in our own homes, and then into the community. This is how we shall transcend the house of cards society and free ourselves from the conditions of the social contract. This how we create a simpler, kinder, and better world founded on unconditional love and mutual desire for peaceful community."
By Michael Burns
January 2017
