We Want To Change Society, But We’re Forgetting To Change Ourselves First
Peace for the world around us has to begin within us. This is one of the most basic principles of existence. And yet, for some reason, we are more focused on changing the people and society around us than we are on how important it is to change ourselves first. It seems most logical that we should be pressuring and advocating for the perpetrators of the wrong-doing to be the ones who need to undergo the transformation, but we’re pointing dirty fingers. We may not be guilty of some of the horrendous things other people are, but we are guilty of something. Every last one of us.
If we want a more loving, accepting and equal society, we need to be more loving, accepting and equal. The world will only change as changes in individual levels of consciousness occur. Now, I do realize that it seems counter-intuitive: why change myself if there’s nothing wrong with me? I’m not the one who is responsible for the terrible things that are embedded in our culture. But you are responsible for something, and you are responsible for yourself. You may not be guilty in the way you see others being guilty, but until you are actively working toward being a living representation of the ideals you wish to see in others, you can’t throw rocks: we’re all in glass houses at the end of the day.
There are exceptions, but ultimately, the similarities in what we all seek are to live peacefully, to love and be loved, and to change what’s wrong with society. Why haven’t we been able to do this yet? Because we are society. We are not exempt from the “people” we complain about. We have to start taking responsibility for our part in contributing to the negativity. We can’t be telling people to not judge others if we don’t, at the very least, admit that we judge others too.
The best thing we can do to change the world is to change ourselves and lead by example. People will be much more inclined to be inspired to change and be better if they not only hear you preaching the importance of it but seeing you live it. But it’s important that I do note that there’s no need to feel guilty or bad about not living out your ideals. Nobody expects you to be perfect, but you are expected to at least try. Do that for yourself, and watch who follows your lead.