2023: There's no going back

This winter holiday has seen many people laid low with some bug or other: not surprising after all the lockdowns meaning that we have not built up immunity. But is that the only thing that is going on here?

Alongside whatever bacteria or virus might be involved I have felt a lot of depression and fear, and these seem to be in a vicious circle with the illnesses. When I am at peace with myself the symptoms disappear, when I am struggling to come to terms with the reality of today's world, that is when I cough or my IBS kicks in. 'As above so below' perhaps...

As 2023 approaches we can't how about wonder what next, pandemic, Ukraine war, major climate impacts, not to mention mental health and equity issues all around us.

I think it is time but we faced the fact that humanity really is on the brink. The way we used to do things, pre-pandemic, just do not work and cannot work any more.

Let me give an example of how we can change.

Many of a struggle with our time management. So much to do, so little time to do it in.

The old way of responding would be to try to control what we do and when we do it. The old way, the colonial way. Which just builds up even more pressure and stresses us out even more.

The alternative is to step back a bit. To allow things to happen more. To get into the flow. This is ancient wisdom, the Tao Te Ching ... as adopted by sports people as they get into the zone, or artists who are ever present with their subject and materials.

For the sake of our own mental health, of our planet and actually also for the efficiency and effectiveness of our organisations, we have to stop trying to manage time and instead make friends with it.

Like it or not, mankind is evolving and needs to evolve. That means working with the flow of life . . . not continuing our failed attempt at controlling it!