Unlocking artistry, intuition and passion: Self-Actualization for Collective Resilience

I focused much of my undergraduate studies toward understanding the physical strategies of sustainable development: organic agriculture, green building, renewable energy, etc. I then began searching for the political and economic mechanisms to implement this, so I studied green business and collaborative community development, and developed an organic student-run cafe on campus.

As I delve deeper into "sustainability," I begin to ask, "What aspects of human culture should we work hardest to sustain?" Are industrial economies of scale that allow material survival really near and dear to our hearts? Is life worth living if we are just trying to sustain physical life functions? What redeems the human experience, and how do we begin to leave a positive legacy?

The new digital media landscape is unleashing the creative potential of the masses. The rise of social production is fueled and deepened by a shift within each co-creator: when the creative muse is empowered and actualized, a once passive consumer finds their agency and voice.

Art is not just the tangible artifacts of painters and musicians. Everyone can find a medium through which to express their truth and wisdom. Art emerges through mastery of the intuitive process, and has an application in each of our lives. As more people are able to recognize and cultivate their artistic craft, we will have greater social capital, and awakened collective "bandwidth" to apply toward shared challenges.

Complimentary currencies can also unleash creative innovation by empowering individuals to pursue their passions. A good measure of the wealth of a society is: "How many people are self-actualized, and able to dedicate themselves to that which makes them feel most alive?" Unfolding this self-actualization is the process of liberation. By unlocking the greatest potential within us all, we will have enough bandwidth, wisdom, creativity and diversity to face the most daunting challenges of our day.

Now, my question seems to be, "How do I continue my own liberation/actualization, and how do I inspire that process in others?" The response seems to be: "Gather supportive allies. Cultivate each other's passion. Build a collective vessel for expressing wisdom culture."

Right now my personal vessel for this process is a Masters program in Integrative EcoSocial Design. Gaia University will afford me the peers and mentors to better navigate this path of liberation and communicate the truth and beauty I gather along the way.

I have opened up my life to allow [hidden] opportunities to present themselves and be pursued.