Joyful movements

We are standing in front of a massive challenge; we need to shift the way we co-live with our planet. 

We have collected theories, thoughts and suggestions about how to do this over the last decades, and there has been a massive push forward on discussing and raising awareness of sustainable issues and solutions. Governments and cities are working on joint forces to frame and understand, to solve and to find necessary pathways.  Private investment companies are teaming up with universities and start-ups to move ideas and synergies in the direction needed. All whilst media is covering the processes so that it can reach citizens and inspire us all for better ways of living. So far so good. One could imagine. But here comes my concern. Does this very vital and wanted sustainable transformation need to feel so boring? Does serious problems need to be dressed in serious shapes to best communicate and massively impact our daily decisions?

I would like to share the hypothesis that the serious threat to us all might be better solved with a sense of joyful warmth. Instead of the often-used method of sharing a dystopian future we might want to shift focus. I am no scientist and I have no figures or measurements to back my gut feeling, but I am missing the joyful common vision and collaboration that we could be having right now.

Solving problems with a sense of lightness is far more effective than being stuck with a tunnel vision where only the tragic milestones are being given space. Instead of masses shouting out the sad realities of our lives, we could use the anger as a fuel. It could be a heartening moment to gather up with neighbours or friends to make a sustainable impact. But it could just as well be a heartening practice for politicians and municipal workers to reflect and resolve our shared dilemmas.

 “It is perhaps when our lives are at their most problematic that we are likely to be most receptive to beautiful things.”
Alain de Botton, The Architecture of Happiness

Information is crucial. Research is vital. But how we distribute it, for change to happen, might not need to be as rigid as it often seems to be. I visit website after website discussing sustainability in a way that neither moves my emotions nor my will to participate and take actions. I wish all these green initiatives were more open and brave. I wish they gave space for beauty and joy, for culture and stories, for harmonious reflection and for a sense of belonging.

To create the atmosphere I imagine will require a balanced state of mind. To open up for emotional and vulnerable communication needs bravery. To shift from strict information based platforms to art and culture driven ambitions needs us all to stand grounded and see the magnificent world with all its complex fragments that together creates something truly beautiful and worth fighting for.