A Conversation at North Sydney

Wednesday May 12, 1999

A special moment occurred during this conversation when the subject of consumption was being discussed. One of our participants suggested that we walk out talk and turn off some power burning in the room. The words were still ringing in the air when the air conditioner shut down for the night leaving us in silence and wondering just who was listening and who was really in control here.

As is often the case with Conversations the topics discussed were wide ranging though there was a common theme of concern for where we are heading.

A general sense of loss of community, and of isolation in the big city leading to poor health and stress in the workplace.

It was recognised that we need to wrest back control of our own destiny in all aspects of our lives. Spiritual, physical and…. The ways in which this might happen touched all points of the philosophical compass.

Especially the manner in which we related to each other and the need to broaden our understanding of each other by proper listening and challenging our assumptions was seen as primary. Such a posture would require us to look at our own level of self esteem and teach young people to regard themselves with value.

Three key words that came up frequently were:

  • Community
  • Spirit
  • Relationship

Another point taking its turn was the issue of choosing work time and pace. To choose a right livelihood it was suggested that we will need to reinforce that self esteem such that people will value themselves enough to make the choices and to find values beyond a consumption mentality. How do we uncouple from the economic machine?

Living our own story was expressed as essential. The instant ritual and mythology that grew up around the death of Princess Diana was probably because we have been taught to live vicariously through the lives of such people rather than living our own story line. We've allowed ourselves to become commodified and encouraged to live in recognition of heroes rather than move on with our own hero's journey.

The following points were the issues that this group see as essential if we are to create a 21st Century worth living in.

  • Put full environmental costs onto all goods. (eg include cost of disposal in the purchase price.)
  • Encourage or bring people to an awareness of being present now. Mindfulness.
  • To bring purpose into the here and now through participation in events that matter to us. (eg. Sea of Hands, Sorry Day.)
  • Integrity. Eg. Encouraging others as well as taking ourselves, personal responsibility for how we treat each other and ourselves.
  • Encourage people to love and value themselves.
  • People to "be there" for themselves and each other and the planet.
  • Get beyond a Consumption mindset.
  • Listening with all senses - giving attention to what is happening.
  • To have us see the economy for what it is rather than some dictatorial force or god to be worshipped.

Those people who have been to a North Sydney Conversation will know that it is not easy to send people home afterwards. Some were still talking on the footpath after the doors were shut. Always a good sign.

The next North Sydney Conversation will be 
Wednesday June 16th