Zimbabwe's Emerging Future (Part 1: The NEED to Connect)

It has been a few days since I have returned from my inaugural European Tour, where I had the privilege of speaking to a variety of institutions, faculties, students and individuals with diverse perspectives and insights to this thing called life. I always tell my audience that I learn from them as much as they learn from me; in fact the beauty about being a speaker/consultant is the relationship I create with people. It's these relationships that form one of the core human needs necessary for humanity's collective progression: CONNECTION. 

The interesting thing about the human connection is that in order for it to be truly felt and hence utilised, there must be a willingness from ALL the parties involved to encourage that connectivity. Unfortunately, global societies have created systems which do not encourage this connection to be fostered; in fact most of these systems do the exact opposite... One of my mentors, Otto Scharmer, who is a senior lecturer at MIT, wrote a blog entitled As Systems Collapse, Citizens Rise.   In it he speaks of how the systems we have created, and that often dictate our lives, are in fact obsolete. They have manifested a present situation which is no longer sustainable if these systems continue the way they do. Don't believe me? Take a look at what is going on in the world today. The shootings in America, bombings in Paris, coups in Turkey and protests in Zimbabwe. 

There is an obvious disconnect within humanity, primarily because there is a disconnect within ourselves...

A society comprises of people so its the collective intentions, thoughts and actions of those people that shape a society. If there is a disconnect between groups of people, we get conflict; manifested in the above mentioned situations. Now let's take a closer look at how current systems could potentially respond to conflict. Remember, conflict is not a bad thing, it does not  have to result in a negative outcome, it is simply a signal that there is a need for adjustments/compromise. I see the current global conflicts as a signal  that there is consciousness shift happening right now. Otto states there are three ways these established systems could react: 

1. Regression: using the old behavioural patterns that stimulate our primitive or more instinct-led brain i.e violence, riots and damage of property. 

2. Muddling Through: this is basically politicking; where numerous meetings are held, rhetoric and propaganda is spewed and ineffective policies are set in place to keep things 'as is.'

3. Empathic Human Response: where people remove the old barriers that separated them (race, religion, culture, political party) as well as remove the old behaviours which only fuel fear. In this response people use empathy to connect with their fellow citizen and the process of creation is encouraged (See my video on Creation HERE).  

Now take a look at the situations that are happening globally. How have the systems reacted in your country? How have the traditional structures responded in Zimbabwe? It is clear there is a disconnect within our society; and the Zimbabwe situation is only a microcosm of what is happening globally. Remember, we are ALL responsible for the outcomes of our immediate and expanded surroundings; we subconsciously contribute to this on a daily basis. 

Never for one second think that what is happening in Zimbabwe does not have an effect on the rest of the world. It does. 

It is when we realise this and OWN THE CHANGE where real, lasting transformation takes place. Yet choosing the 3rd response requires an acknowledgement of a deeper part of your Self. A lot of people are uncomfortable with this, for two main reasons: 1. it makes them uncomfortable delving into an unknown space about themselves, as this sometimes means facing fears; and 2. it often contradicts teachings that have formed their core beliefs; this is often from personal experiences,family lessons, formal education or organised religion/politics. Many people are not willing to question what they have been told especially from so called 'authoritative' figures...

'' Its a shame, that people find truth in authority instead of authority in Truth ''

But let me challenge you to think differently: if you are honestly content with the current situation ALL of humanity is in then ok, ignore this blog and move along. But if you know in your heart of hearts that something is just not right with the structures of the world then do something about it!

The great Oracle Maya Angelou said something profound about responding to these system injustices. She said be angry! If not then you are either a stone or too sick to feel. And what do we do with that anger? Certainly not use it to hurt yourself or others, that just exponentially increases fear. No! Dance it, write it, vote it, march it, protest it, sing it, speak it! Me? I blog it, I use this anger and funnel it into transforming individuals and institutions to BE different. I use this anger as a positive motivation and catalyst to shift the narrative. The mindset is my battlefield, shifting consciousness is my goal and my weapons: creativity, integrity and love. Now its time to choose yours... 


A lot of the disconnect comes from outdated perceptions and definitions of power, look out for Zimbabwe's Emerging Future Part 2: The Power Paradox. For now, just take stock of the part you are playing in the emerging future of you immediate surroundings. Remember, you as an individual ARE A SYSTEM! So how are YOU responding? Click on the  below link to see my related blog What Zimbabwe NEEDS to Show Africa and the Rest of the World

Click on the next link to follow my mentor Otto Scharmer and sign up for his FREE online course at M.I.T: Theory U: Leading from the Future as it Emerges 

Also, look out for my upcoming series: UbuntuEducation, coming soon!

  UBUNTUEDUCATION

THINK | FEEL | BECOME