#74 - Age of Genius

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDDE8JUm9jA



How often have you contemplated the extinction of the human species? I hadn't, until I watched The Age of Stupid last year (see trailer above). The premise of the film is that it's 2055 and we humans have made our planet uninhabitable through our climate-changing activity. The film premiered this weekend in London in true walk-the-talk fashion: solar-powered projection, pedal-powered popcorn maker and celebs arriving on bikes or by tube.

When I first watched the film, I felt total despair. It's like receiving news that you have a terminal illness... and that the entire human family has it too. It is so important that we give ourselves space to feel the enormity and potential tragedy of the situation AND that our feelings can be channelled into impassioned action. It's perfect, then, that this film is now launched in conjunction with the Not Stupid campaign, aiming to turn 250 million passive viewers into climate change activists in time for the all-critical Copenhagen Climate Conference later this year.

What is it to be an activist? Well, writer/director Franny Armstrong and her crew made this film. A client of mine joined her local carbon reduction group the day after seeing the film. Many of us will vote with our feet by marching on 28th March and 5th December. The President of the Maldives has announced his nation's commitment to becoming carbon-neutral in the next ten years. Actor Pete Postlethwaite has pledged that if the Kingsnorth dirty coal power station is commissioned, he will give back his OBE and ask the Queen to dissolve this present parliament. We are all finding our role, our Contribution Footprint as I call it, and I am privileged enough to work with individuals who take that journey.

We need nothing less than a revolution, nothing less than a miracle. The good news? We're fully capable of that. Our history books have told us about human potential and reminded us never to underestimate the significance of the one and the power of the many. We have had many dress rehearsals for the revolution now needed. Let us not limit our imagination; let us change our climate to one of individual empowerment and collective solution-creation.

My perspective is that we are now entering the Age of Genius - a time in which we are engaged, empowered and uplifted, connected to our community and confident about what we have to offer. I don't believe we are stupid. I don't believe that when we really see what is happening, we would choose to make a collective suicide pact. I believe that after millennia of societal evolution, this is our opportunity to be what we've deep down hoped we are: Genius.

Do Things Differently

1) This week, enjoy being part of a revolution; get aware and get active. As Franny Armstrong, writer/director of the film says, it's not about 'the one thing I can do', it's about doing everything we can. Watch Age of Stupid this weekend, watch the clips from the premiere on YouTube, join the Not Stupid campaign and check out what Stop Climate Chaos are up to. Find ways of politically engaging by connecting with your MP, signing petitions, marching or joining a local group.

2) Notice what emotions and 'stories' arise within you - "One person can't make a difference" "What do I have to offer?" "I'm a nobody compared with all these people". Or maybe "It's all their fault" "This is a fight" or "How can I live with my guilt?" Notice, give space and decide what you want to do with this internal monologue.

3) Here are a few other options to throw into the mix. A couple of films on my radar: Fuel and The Next Industrial Revolution. We also have Earth Hour coming up on Sat 28th March and finally, if you'd like 100% renewable electricity, sign up to Good Energy, quoting GEP0071 when asked how you heard.

4) Join the discussion here. Seen the film? What were your thoughts/feelings? Don't want to see it? What are your reasons? I'd love to hear....

(c) Corrina Gordon-Barnes, 2009.

** Are you desperate to make your contribution to this Age of Genius, but notice fear of failure holding you back? Perhaps it manifests in procrastination or disengagement? Time to address this very common block. New date for Fail Is Not A Four Letter Word workshop: Saturday 20th June 09, Euston, London, 10am - 4pm. For more information and to book, click here. **

#67 - We The People

Little things can change the world. A simple 20 minute film is doing just that: The Story of Stuff. The story of stuff is the story of us. It explains why we came - by design - to be related to so heavily as consumers, and it explains why we have forgotten how valuable we inherently are.

If you've read my article, The World Needs Your Passion, you'll know that this premise is at the very core of what I do and I have been delighted to see such synergy in Annie's approach and my own. We share an insatiable passion for people, and for the planet upon which our survival is dependent. We believe in human potential - that we are all walking, talking, breathing solutions, and that we don't need anyone other than who we have right now to bring forth what is required. We share a conviction that we need to look somewhere other than the work-spend-shop cycle for our sense of value and purpose.

We both recognise that our current set-up wastes people and communities (at best) and destroys them (at worst) - all because we are putting 'stuff' above principles such as equality, health, earth stewardship and justice. There's also a tremendous amount of excitement as we see people uniting to reclaim communities and means of production. I am continually inspired, at the moment more than ever, by being connected with so many inspirational people and projects. Every day, I get to work with women who dare to hope that their passion is of value to the world and who are brave enough to overcome the obstacles which would otherwise prevent them from following it. All around me, I see engaged, proactive citizens taking small steps which make a big difference.

If you're inspired by The Story of Stuff, click here to see Annie speak further about this project and its global impact. [With thanks to Mark D for directing me this way].

Do Things Differently
1) Consider: What does your identity as 'consumer' feel like? How - and how often - are you related to in this way? What are your consumption habits? How much of this enriches and nourishes you? How much of it connects you with others and their passions? What's next for you in this area?
2) Consider: What does your identity as 'citizen' feel like? How - and how often - do you engage in this way? What do you contribute as a citizen, and what do you receive? What's next for you in this area?
3) This week, become acutely aware of your relationship with the 'golden arrow' that Annie describes. As you read news articles, participate in conversations, and sell or buy services/products - where is that 'golden arrow' in the equation? If it's not there, what's there instead? What do you notice about our system, and about the importance of your place within it?

** Come and hear me speak about 'The World Needs Your Passion'. It's the first time I'm turning the core message of my article (and my work generally) into a talk and I'm nervous and excited! Tues 27th January, 7.30pm, Cambridge, UK. See here for more details.