We are taught to build and create not destroy. We learn about continuous improvement, as step by step we refine an idea, a project, a programme, an offering. Our focus is on making things better and at one level that makes perfect sense.
However sometimes, we need to destroy something in order to build the new. We replace ramshackle, hard to heat, impossible to maintain buildings with more modern, technically excellent and efficient creations. Why then should we be surprised when on a much larger scale we see the same things needing to happen across politics, religion, economic policy and so much more.
Humanity has allowed outdated values, poor behaviours, redundant ideals and unfair practices to become baked into our societies and culture. In some cases it’s happened gradually and without us noticing or choosing to notice. In some cases we have colluded because some part of the ‘system’ supported our needs at that time. This is no longer viable. The wholesale review and, if needed, breakdown of our socio-economic structures is long overdue. Ideally we would navigate this major disruption with grace and foresight – collaborating toward a new set of principles that define a new world order in service of the greater good for all.
In reality we are likely to find that whilst that may happen in parts, we will also be dragged kicking and screaming into the sort of change that is needed. We know that humanity is inherently resistant to change and for many of us the sort of change needed is likely to impact us on a personal level in terms of wealth and quality of life – at least on the material level.
And yet, we are being called to a much higher quality of life – one based on truly heart centred values. One where we can look our neighbour in the eye knowing that we are doing our absolute best to support a better world for all – in our micro and macro choices every day.
Of course we need some of our macro systems to change (hence the disruption and destruction we are seeing in our world on every front) and we must find ways in whatever leadership roles we hold to collaborate with appropriate destruction enabling a new, creative solution to emerge that is founded on more appropriate modern principles.
We all need to be activists in this time and leaders more than most – activists in the sense that we no longer collude with maintaining outdated and unfit systems and cultures. Let’s not fear destruction. Clinging to the status quo is far more damaging.