"It's a question of discipline," the little prince told me later on. "When you've finished washing and dressing each morning, you must tend your planet." - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince (1943)

The reports on "Climate Change'' from the G8 meeting currently under way in Italy reminded me of an interview I heard a few weeks ago on Quirks and Quarks, on CBC Radio One.  Bob McDonald interviewed the scientist Dr. Evelyn Gates (you can download the interview here) who was discussing the fact that 95% of the universe consists of dark matter and dark energy. 

Most interesting to me was the repeated admission that scientists do not understand dark energy at all and that no current models of thought hold up to the fact the universe is expanding, and not only expanding but is doing so with increasing acceleration.  The dark matter that was expected to function like regular matter and slow down expansion apparently does not meet the scientists' expectations.  The dark energy, as is surmised, must be working against the slow down and must therefore be the accelerating force. The scientist Dr. Gates frankly stated that new ideas are required to explain what is happening, new ideas that are past quantum mechanics.

This interview made me wonder what possible effects this expansion and acceleration might have on our planet. 

How does this expansion and acceleration impact, by extension, all aspects of our planet– from minerals to water, from fauna to flora and human beings? If we believe that we are all part of one interconnected whole, then this expansion and acceleration must affect each one of us and every single particle, atom and cell of our planet. 

I'm wondering what role our planet, this one holon, might be playing in the overall scheme?  Granted, planet Earth is just a little dot in the universe - but each dot has the potential to set off a chain reaction,as chaos theory demonstrates to us so effectively.

Might a possible connection exist between the speed with which global warming is occurring, for instance-much faster than anticipated even five years ago-and the acceleration of the universe? 

Or the economic worldwide upheavals? 

What about the man-made and natural catastrophes that appear to be on the increase?  Wars, fighting, rebellions are causing major pain, strife, and disasters on physical, mental, emotional, spiritual,and environmental levels.  Could the acceleration of the expansion of the universe be a related factor at all?  How could it not influence us?

Since we don't even know what the dark energy is, I cannot imagine (nor have I heard) a satisfying left-brain answer to these questions.  More importantly, though, intuitively, I contend that a strong connection must exist. 

Perhaps our human notion of superiority and authority that has led to utter disregard for the well-being of others and our host, planet Earth, finds itself rooted in a reaction to the forces around us that. 

Perhaps the acceleration of the pace of life, the acceleration of technological advances without sufficient reflection on the potential impact on human relationships and relationships to the world around us are unfolding in the current manner because we are energetically caught up in a competitive spirit with the universe. 

Perhaps we feel the need to win as that's how we have been conditioning ourselves to live. 

However, we seem to forget that the adversarial attitude that marks our justice system, governance, education, and businesses can only produce a very small percentage of winners. Thus, by default, we turn the vast majority of the human species into losers.  Since we don't like to lose, we lash out and push back,adding to the need for more, better, or different rewards.  We perpetuate the cycle and validate the system, of course, mainly the winners.

I'm wondering if we are getting close to the point where each one of us is willing to accept the joy and responsibility to make a difference which will might offer the necessary counterbalance. 

What change am I talking about?  No, you don't need to become a social or political activist or environmentalist and engage on the big stage out there.  Perhaps you are already actively working towards change, which is wonderful.  However, if you tend to remain more reserved about your engagement, that's fine too.  Most crucial to consider is this: Significant and lasting change that is must begin within each one of us–here, inside of you and me.  Significant and lasting change can only happen from the inside-and insight- out.  Then the change we wish to see out there will actually be reflected back to us.

     We must be the change we wish to see in the world, as Mahatma Ghandi's famous words remind us.

What change are you ready, willing and able to make to stop yourself from playing the game, from competing against yourself and others at whatever cost is involved? What change do you wish to see that you can initiate inside of you?

• Maybe you can begin by appreciating who you are-all those beautiful aspects of your being that you may have taken for granted. 

• Maybe you free the time to celebrate yourself when you focus on what you enjoy and do well so you invite more of that into your life.

• Maybe you gain a glimpse into how closely connected you are to the world around you by an encounter with your dog, cat, or the magnificent monarch butterfly you just spotted on the milkweed outside your window.  What message might it have for you just now?

• Maybe you just take the time to breathe and enjoy the present moment.  You become aware that the concept of the clock ticking away is only a construct of our mind.  Allow yourself the enormous joy and liberty to savour the timelessness of each moment that truly does exist.

What change, I wonder, do you wish to see reflected back to you?  What intentions are you setting for yourself? 

Let me share my intention with me.  As you know, I'm a "recovering perfectionist."  Therefore, I tend to be my own worst critic and judge.  Well, if I wish the world to be more accepting and less judgmental, the I must start right here with me. 

So, here is my vow.  I will do the very best I can to be observant to the inner critic and judge.  I will show her love, kindness, and forgiveness and allow for constructive qualities to emerge that honour my true essence because that's what I truly deserve AND, that's the change I wish to see in the world.

Our planet is precious!  Let's tend to this amazing planet that has so graciously agreed to host us.  You can do your part by tuning up your consciousness–take care of yourself one breath, one thought and one step at a time.

I'd love to hear some of your insights.  Thank you for sharing with me.  By the way, if you are interested in joining the club of "Recovering Perfectionists," send me a message as well.