our 'semi-dystopian' future?

leaving aside the grim (and real) scientific facts from Ralph C. Martin's posting in Canada's National Observer, here are 3 paragraphs that caught my attention...

Note: the audio version will be posted soon

source: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/06/14/opinion/science-civilization-collapse-environment-limits

1. Rees bluntly states, “the human enterprise is effectively subsuming the ecosphere” and “wide-spread societal collapse cannot be averted — collapse is not a problem to be solved, but rather the final stage of a cycle to be endured.”

2. Before acting to adapt, take a breath and reflect on Cynthia Bourgeault’s advice, from her book The Wisdom Way of Knowing. “Rather than rushing around in exhaustion to exercise our ‘choices’ in clothing, cars, jobs and vacations, to maximize the selfhood that is illusory anyway, we could learn to give and take with life in the effortless freedom of inner authenticity.”

3. In the time we have left as individuals and civilizations, we can at least appreciate and respect our singular home, Earth, where we belong with other species and elements. Thomas Berry, a wise eco-theologian, asserted that the Earth project is primary while the human project is derivative. Our role is to live accordingly, regardless of outcomes.

In other words, we are entering a period of wide-spread societal collapse where increased inner authenticity and respect of the earth is required.

In my mind, what matters is slowing down and preparing, calmly, for a long period of turmoil which does not exclude moments of joy of life. I think art can help. More on this later.

Gratitude to Canada’s National Observer for their important work and to Dr. Martin for this insightful posting.