Connection vs Control — Part 1
How connection can radically alter the course of history
This post is Part 1 of Connection vs Control — a series on systemic change via individual transformation. Here you can read Part 2 and Part 3.
The events of 2020 and early 2021 have shined a bright spotlight on systemic dysfunction and human disconnect.
Rather than seizing the opportunity to come closer as a society we have continued to drive ourselves apart.
Many people I talk to are sensing some despair at the seeming collapse in our society’s capacity to make sense of the world, thoughtfully disagree, and come closer together.
Since dysfunction and disconnection are two topics with which I am extremely familiar on a personal level — I am sharing what I believe we can do about it.
About me
I began my life by walking a path of what I was supposed to be and do. I channeled the angst from a dysfunctional childhood environment into athletics, academics, professional pursuits, whatever would make me “good enough”. I succeeded on that path and it led me into a pit of loneliness, addiction, despair and purposelessness — the same issues that are reaching epidemic levels in our culture.
I’ve climbed the corporate ladder on Wall Street and Silicon Valley, achieved professional “success”, and felt empty inside.
I have been addicted to or dependent on Adderall, cocaine, tobacco, alcohol, sugar, pornography, television, exercise, and work.
I’ve been diagnosed with ADD and depression.
I’ve stared into the pit of despair and thought that I would be swallowed up if I went down there.
I have wanted to end my life.
No one ever told me that the way out of my problems was to look inside and feel. In doing so, I have been able to overcome these challenges, discover who I am and bring my gifts into the world.
This is not to say that I have all the answers and am at the end of my “hero’s journey”. I am, however, in the thick of the journey — and would like to share what has brought me this far — and how I believe we can address some of the greatest challenges of our time.
I will never share any advice or inspiration with you that I have not extensively tried and experienced myself.
Where do we begin?
Creating a healthier and more evolved society requires healthier and more evolved individuals. And so that begins with us.
The challenges will be many but the rewards will be great.
it’s 3:23 in the morning
and I’m awake
because my great great grandchildren
won’t let me sleep
my great great grandchildren
ask me in dreams
what did you do while the planet was plundered?
what did you do when the earth was unraveling?
surely you did something
when the seasons started failing?
as the mammals, reptiles, birds were all dying?
did you fill the streets with protest
when democracy was stolen?
what did you do
once
you
Knew?
~Hieroglyphic Stairway — Drew Dellinger~
