In our diverse and rapidly growing world population of today, the holiday season represents so many things to so many people. All the requirements needed to feed, cloth and shelter our every expanding human population cocsistantly grows at such a clip that is seems only outpaced by the rate that most with the good fortune of being birthed in one of our world’s affluent countries, chose to live life each day.
The irony of all this is of course that while it is so often spoken about as if we have nothing to do with all this.
The ever increasing pace at which we lead our lives, the manner that we chose to be honest in the distinctions that we make between needs and wants, the emphasis and value we place on conspicuous consumption, the consideration, priority and actions that we give connection, time together, deep listening, being present, being of service without thought for self, the implications of all our choices — the reality is that each of us individually and as a community specifically determine all of this, what is acceptable and how it all plays out.
Lifestyle, demeanor, manors, compassion, hope, wellbeing, happiness, love, are just a few of the many truly worthwhile virtues that are discussed, considered and espoused in abundance this time of year, amidst the duality that is all the consumerism that colors so much of today’s contemporary holiday season.
Amidst all this hustle that seems to be a life all its own, there is still such authentic love, hope and goodness that exists. In fact if you look closely it can be found all around us.
This was the case this week in Lima, Perú where earlier this week, at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, most of our world’s governments managed to agree on a new document aimed at curbing climate change.
The result of countless expert scientist and hundreds negotiators, the document will next go to Paris a year from now for final approval. Certainly shortcomings are inherent in the homogenization process that is compromise and those most familiar with this resulting draft say that it is laden with many serious ones. This said, in no uncertain terms, this agreement is a major success for all and perhaps most significantly it is the intent expressed through action that counts most here.
“We know increasingly that we can address climate change, and moving on to Paris, we cement the fact that we will address climate change.” stated Christiana Figueres, executive secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
When we are mindful in our thoughts and actions, think of others before ourselves and undertake ever opportunity with true compassion, possibility and well being blossoms for all.
Lets celebrate the shared mission, work, dedication and accomplishments of this week’s U.N. Convention on Climate Change along with all the world’s consciousness and efforts that made is possible.
Read more about this event, the agreement draft and accomplishments here.