Human beings are out of balance. We are drastically caught up in a cycle of consumption. I believe that the external signifiers are pointing towards an internal lack of meaning and purpose. Commercialism, as it now exists, with little or no awareness of or responsibility for the many implications of investment, income distribution, production, product distribution, and the eventual disposal of said product, is not sustainable. A change in direction is required. More important perhaps, is the flavor of the intent that creates this direction. Many things must change, but at the root of all change lies the level of consciousness of those making the decisions. It is the consciousness of our economic leaders that must be addressed. Part of this will mean working with those already in power. Part of this will mean shaping the minds that will one day be in power. Part of this will be recognizing the inherent power in my own life.

I intend to use my time as a student of Integral studies as a meditation on the many ways in which it is possible to create such change. I hope to find the ways in which responsibility is obscured through the lenses of ‘other', of ‘us’ and ‘them’. Me/you, family/stranger, human/nature; the walls must come down. We have built them, and we are the ones who can walk right through them. I believe that an integral framework is the best way to address such patterns, to allow ourselves to step outside of them, gain a bit of perspective, and create a world that supports, and is supported by, our deepest intentions.