Last month I wrote a little about the Vancouver Foundation‘s research on loneliness and social isolation. And I’m still thinking about it.
It seems to me that there is no shortage of great events happening around town, including our Oct 28th dinner and others listed below. But the loneliness in this place isn’t for lack of social options. It’s deeper, stemming from a cultural narrative that tells us we are on our own. This story is the basis for our economic and political systems, and in turn these systems reinforce the story, fueling fear and greed and isolation. As theologian Will Willimon explains, “Our society puts more stress on individual freedom and individual rights than any ever known. Unfortunately, loneliness is an unavoidable by-product of a culture that believes that guarding individual prerogatives is more important than fostering community.”
The thing is, this story that tells us we are on our own… it’s not the least bit true. Our lives are inextricably linked to one another in a myriad of ways, whether we like it or not. And telling THAT story changes everything. Not only does the Interdependence story change how we make consumption decisions, and how we write policy, and how we choose leaders and governments. It also addresses loneliness in the deepest way possible – by reminding us that we NEED one another, and that we’re responsible to one another, and that we matter.
That’s the message being shared in Victoria and across the province this week, as people gather to stand arm-in-arm with Indigenous leadership, and climate scientists, and coastal communities, and religious leaders, and neighbours and friends, amplifying each other’s concerns about the proposed pipelines. And it’s the same story that we’ll share next Sunday, when we gather to sing and eat, and to celebrate that we’re in it together, and our lives are better for it. Click here to RSVP for Oct’s Dinner. Click here to invite friends, family and collegues.
In gratitude,
Chris
Defend our Coast
On Monday, Oct 22nd, British Columbians are gathering in Victoria to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal opposition to the proposed oil pipelines. And on Wednesday, Oct 24th, there will be similar gatherings all around the province. This growing movement is about more than politics or environmental NIMBY-ism. It’s about re-claiming a sacred relationship with the land we live on, and the people whose land it is. And it’s about shifting toward a way of life that can be passed down to our grandchildren’s grandchildren. “We are living in a tipping point moment. The moment in history when we have the capacity, responsibility and opportunity to re-envision the world.” You can learn more about the Victoria event here, and you can find a gathering near you here.
Hummingbird Ministries
Hummingbird Ministries celebrates its third annual Peace Through the Arts Festival, November 9 & 10th. The festival focus is on advancing peaceful relations between First Nations and the multi-cultural community of the lower mainland of BC through drama, dance and music. For more info visit: http://www.hummingbirdministries.ca/
