It’s Time We Start Talking About Human Sustainability
Together we ache,
alone we feel
split
open
to hear new voices harmonize,
we mobilize like born-again birds
who know a life
different and whole and beautiful.
In nature we soar,
but it’s been ages.
We can’t feel the rhythm
because we are busy,
always-on yet ever-disconnected,
in survival mode.
Breaking from broken systems,
we want to be good brothers and sisters,
partners, parents, citizens.
Aspiring to be alive and well,
we scroll past what we know to be true,
it’s too much,
it’s all too much.
We must not stay
in this rigid, unjust way of life.
Just look around.
People are
tired
hurting
anxious
depressed
oppressed
underemployed
overworked
overwhelmed.
And you know,
what’s not healing
deep imbalances in our lives:
fear, silence, self-obsession…
celery cleanses.
And you know,
what if we go outside
and come back
to a natural rhythm,
our natural rhythm
tuned in
to ourselves,
one another,
human nature.
What if we shift
from an elitist system obsessed with optimization over balance,
from wanting a return to normalcy — whatever that means,
from valuing profit over people,
to wanting better for everyone,
to creating true well-being,
to a culture that values human sustainability.
What if we shift
from self-sacrifice to wholeness,
life with space — without juggling,
quality rest
attention
clarity
creativity
accessibility
equality
community.
What if instead of trying to stay on beat,
we set the pace
and start living
in
our own rhythm.
Where will it take you?
Where will it take us?