Everyone
Inner transition is basically about making that change in our lives to look at what really matters. Being at peace with our selves is perhaps the most important aspect of living harmoniously.
Taking the time out to look at what really matters: relationships, and the need for a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Only you can give yourself the permission to do that, so why not start today, with half an hour, to ponder these two issues and what they mean to you?
Have open debates about what our values in society are using the media and internet, as well as local school and community levels. Students to be informed and educated about values and rights through interactive discussions.
Changing our focus from a profit/money based culture to a person-based culture. Start early with a shift of emphasis in the educational system – people and living systems to have priority over the creation of financial wealth.
Relationships and feeling connected comes out as the top priority in our lives, yet many strive to find a balance in their work and non-work time. Spending quality time with family and friends is one way of getting over the lack of quantity. Placing a higher value in doing activities together, especially outside in nature rather than sitting in front of the TV is an important value shift.
Questioning our beliefs and attitudes – are they really mine or something I have adopted through life in my particular culture? Working with culturally and racially diverse groups helps break down the biased beliefs of our own society (e.g. get involved in volunteer work).
Acknowledging accumulated wisdom. People who live longer tend to have had more experiences. Cultivating a sense of respect for elders would help balance a society that seemingly honours youth and appearance over wisdom.
Becoming valued as citizens and not just as fodder for the capitalist system. Employers have a remit: it’s all about profitability for the shareholders. Fostering a people-centred as opposed to profit-centred ideal in any business changes it at the core.
Developing a sense of citizenship that incorporates custodianship for the planet. Nurturing that sense of citizenship at a young age through the educational system will help instil the belief that you can change society (see community & education).
Fostering a sense of awe and wonder for life and all its variations as seen in our natural world. Research suggests that doing so engenders feelings of trust and belonging, which has an impact on self-concept, “increasing one’s sense of the self as part of a greater whole – a self-concept that de-emphasises the individual self” (Shiota, Keltner and Mossman, 2007, pg.960).
Cultivating a sense of community: a value that’s missing in the quotidian rush. Disasters, such as earthquakes and flooding, bring community together as they share resources and skills. Can you develop something in your community (without a disaster!) that will motivate and encourage that sense of kinship?
Learning how to love yourself. A core value that requires the commitment of getting to know who you really are. It automatically entails that you take care of yourself through proper nutrition and exercise. It also requires letting go of old grudges, habits and the judgemental mind. It is generally easier in a group, using the help of others to mirror back to you what you want to work on. Anyone can start by setting up a group with like-minded people, or finding a mindfulness/meditation group that suits you.
Living by example to inspire others. Walking the walk, or doing, is the most powerful communicator. Joining volunteer groups rewards equally on both personal and community levels. Having the courage to openly prioritize your values gives others permission to start doing the same.
Getting people involved in the decision-making process by becoming a responsible engaged citizen. Aim for engaged and informed citizenry by 2030: values questioned in public/school; encouraging environmental and nature ‘rights’.
Make it a priority in your life to get to know yourself. That is, make the effort to understand why you react to certain words, situations, etc. Learn to discern which of your reactions are an automatic response and are behaviours that no longer serve you. Commit to changing those habits.
A Vision for Galway 2030 