The wisdom of a non solution-focused approach to revolution

There has been a hullabaloo around the idea of revolution as presented by Russell Brand in his interview with Jeramy Paxman on newsnight. Whether in agreement of his thoughts or against the man for being despicably sexy and daft, many people have had something to say about his disillusionment with our current political system and declaration for the need of a revolution.

Many who are hanging somewhere in the middle on their opinions about Russell’s revolutionary thoughts have agreed that lately our political and economic systems are producing incredible signs of impending disaster, imbalance, and greed. Our society’s groups/classes are becoming increasing distant from each other; hardly speaking the same language any more.

But everyone asks of Russell, “What is the solution? Don’t keep harping on about the problems if you don’t have a solution.” The answer is in fact a lot more complicated than any revolutionary ideas we have had in the past. There are no systems or structures that can fit neatly over our societies which will solve the problems and imbalances of this world. Over history, our thinking has been to have solutions to solve all problems, a desire to find the right set of rules for each worldly conundrum. The commandments offered salvation in ten easy steps; authoritarian attitudes have been ingrained in people from the West for thousands of years. Following the rules set out by political/economic theories is not a sufficient philosophy for ever more sophisticated human beings. We may be required to think more deeply, more often, and more responsibly if we wish to be a part of this revolution. Any political solution will be corrupted by people if they are corrupted within themselves, any system can only reflect its people, obviously.

This revolution means that individual people will undergo their own personal internal revolution, becoming more self aware, concentrating on their own personal development, psychology, internal imbalances. Many individuals are on the cusp of feeling dissatisfied with a more shallow existence of consumerism and are searching for higher meaning and deeper internal experience. People are realising that wealth and greed are not sitting well within. A sense of well being comes from discovering higher levels of thought and consciousness, discovering our own values and living by them.

This is harder for people, it means that rather than be given a rule book, we might plunge into a more creative chaos where thousands of mini-solutions are being developed from all individuals who achieve connection to their personal life passions. If individuals are facing the right direction in terms of being kind, connected, and emotionally healthy they will make caring, generous decisions inline with their core being. The great thing is that everyone plays a part. The hard bit is that those who are anxiously clutching on to control may need to let go.

So, the responsible thing for Russell Brand to do is point out the problem, highlight the injustices. I don’t believe he should even attempt delivering a solution. Hopefully, he will stand his ground and not be pushed, being content playing his own individual part in the revolution. Others will work towards positioning themselves as conduits for passion and creativity in their own line of work. I talked to friends from around the world who are all wanting revolution and change. In one sense we all have a dream of being ‘the one’ who will change the world. However, one friend wants to use his economic ability to work with reducing poverty in the world, another is spreading her sense of freedom across the world by travelling and showing another way of life, and I am a counsellor/therapist who works with individuals and groups to help people heal and develop their own selves; this is my art, my passion and my life! We are all a part of this revolution and realistically we are all needed to play our own roles like many spinning centres of light changing the world. We are the revolution. We do not need any more answers than we will find within our own selves.

This is the first article I have written from my heart, I hope we can all speak up for our ideas, joining with like minded others, and find our way forward through these exciting times!