Turning Green: The symptoms
In our post-modern world, where thought is a commodity and up for sale at the lowest common denominator, where the desire for the possession of “things” is more important than the greatest good for people, I sometimes wonder at the sea change in personal philosophy the leads one to become a Green. In short, what is it that transforms an individual from being a net destroyer of the planetary environment to one who desires to nurture and sustain the world we live in? How is it that a person can go from being oblivious to the world around them, to one who is alert and aware of the obvious and subtle environmental imperatives that face us each day?
Yogis tell us that the miracle of changing from stupid to intelligent in an instant is an example of the grace of God manifested through spiritual enlightenment. However, I maintain that the vast majority of human adaptation comes in incremental stages leading to a situation of “critical mass”, for lack of a better word, until the individual begins to realise he is Green and starts to behave accordingly. At first this experience leaves the individual at a loss to explain the sudden change of thought even though he has been changing for years. The life of the person becomes a series of hypocrisies in thought, word and deed. But at last one is born into a new reality that extends beyond the personal self and a new vista of personal growth becomes visible.
Many readers will think all this is gobbledygook and have probably stopped reading by now, but those who have ears to hear will know what I am talking about. But what are the symptoms of this new mind set? Consider:
· The thoughtless person is selfish, lives for today, and takes no responsibility for the coming generations. The evolving Green is considerate of the future, and attempts to leave a clean and decent world for children and grand children.
· The unenlightened man is unaware of the harm he is doing to the species and the environment, and if told, he does not care. Whereas, the evolving Green is sensitive to the ugliness resulting from the plunder and waste of the Earths resources. This increased awareness produces inner pain.
· The one who is still sleeping thinks that there is but one life and has no thought for his spiritual growth. But the one who has awakened even slightly experiences an inner pressure that leads to the knowledge that one is a soul that has a body rather than a body that has a soul. From this awareness the new man learns that he is responsible for his every thought and action. This revelation is the wake-up call that transforms many from stupidity to intelligence.
As these changes gradually (or rapidly) take place the new man begins to modify his behaviour. He becomes less selfish and more thoughtful of the condition of others. He loses interest in his old way of living; as a result his life-style begins to alter. Personal and collective ethics become important as guiding principles in his new life. He finds joy in participation in work that lead to the common good. He ceases to hate and be afraid of the unknown. A new sense of freedom comes into his life and simple pleasures become his mainstay. Alas, this newfound freedom and new way of thought often leads to the break-up of old associations and personal relationships. This brings temporary misery (as any loss does), but the future brings with it new like minded friends and fields of activity. The new man knows from deep within that he is growing, that he is important, has a role to play that is cut out just for him and that he now is beginning to do the work that he was always meant to do in this life. He may even join an international political organisation that is out to rescue the future.
Until we meet again, ponder on kindness.
1:45:10 PM 
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