Awakening From Your Anger

Category: Global Warming

  • Discipline

    Discipline3

    It has been an interesting week for me in that I have principally been lazy (see below). I’m traveling, and originally I was expecting that I would be doing two weekends of teaching, one on anger, the second on partnership. But numbers have been low, and I only did the anger one. For both, the issues of discipline would have been important.

    I continue to do this kind of work because I believe that it is essential that we mature as a species — it is the only way in which we will survive. But it is an uphill battle, both at the personal level and the societal level.

    The principal skill of maturity is discipline, the intention and ability to do the necessary work. It is the work required to create positive outcome. And unfortunately, as I have indicated previously, human beings are governed by what I call the Laws of Experience:

    • we want positive experiences (inclusion, love, respect, et cetera).
    • it is easier to get negatives (anger, frustration, sadness, blame) — per se these emotions are not negative, but they are part of the pain of living.
    • negative is better than none. As human beings we stay connected in pain so as to avoid the greater pain of aloneness and meaninglessness.

    As stated, it requires effort (work) to achieve positive outcomes (healthy relationships, deep friendships, completion of significant tasks).

    So what is discipline? Operationally, I define it as “doing what I want to do, even when I don’t want to do it.” And somewhat typically of my travel trips, I have not kept up my own disciplined activities. Partly this was due to being away from my home base, and partly I have additional activities to do when traveling.

    However the main reason has been frank laziness, the refusal to do the work of maintaining myself the way I wish — my meditation practice, my daily exercise, and a few other activities that are important to me (and keep me in healthy relationship with myself). At a more general level, this is my own acedia, the recognition of which eventually led to my PhD and my book Acedia, The Darkness Within and the darkness of Climate Change.

    Somehow on these trips, unless I make a major effort, I get overwhelmed with “too much.” I’m out of my home routines, in new settings, and even though the settings are not onerous, much more effort is required. I’m visiting people, and need to coordinate my disciplines with interaction. Principally I simply give up my disciplines as requiring too much effort. And typically, as the days go by, I gradually re-introduce the activities back into my life.

    I do not feel good under these conditions. I enjoy the visiting, but I am often aware of low-grade guilt — I’m breaking my own rules, and my internal critics have a field day when I do so. In my years of being a therapist, the only resolution for me has been to recognize that laziness/acedia is a choice, one that leads me to exaggerate life’s pain, to recognize that I do not want to live this kind of pain. And so I return to doing my disciplines, and the effort of living more effectively.

    The above reflections are at the personal level. At a community and/or cultural level, such laziness generates many of the issues we say we dislike (ranging from conflict to global warming), and are such that we often ignore because they represent “too much” effort. That is our choice, but often we blame external circumstances such as “too much.”

    How do you wish to live? What disciplines do you need to undertake so as to live the way you want to (even when you don’t want to do the work)?

    Our Immaturity

    Sarah Polley: The Men You Meet Making Movies (20171014)

    Another reflection on the immaturity of our species, especially the sexual arrogance of many men in our culture, as well as the huge issues of powerlessness. Worth reading. I’ll have more to say on men in our culture in my next post.

    Racist, Violent, Unpunished: A White Hate Group’s Campaign of Menace (20171020)

    A detailed description of aspects of the development of the militant white supremacist movement, again reflecting a statement I took years ago from Isaac Asimov: “Violence is the last resort of the incompetent,” or more accurately those who feel completely disillusioned and dis-empowered by the system, those who are now mobilizing with a sense of permissiveness (of arrogance and violation) in the current political chaos of our world.

    Trump

    The Daily 202: Obama and Bush deliver calls to action against Trumpism (20171020)

    Interesting to have two former presidents of the US speaking out against the current political scene, something with which they are likely very familiar.

    The Founding Fathers designed impeachment for someone exactly like Donald Trump (20171015)

    An excellent summary of the purpose of impeachment, and its initiation.

    Global Warming

    Warming soils bad for atmosphere (20171018)

    More bad news for carbon sequestration.

    Pollution kills 9 million people each year, new study finds (20171019)

    Not surprising!

    It’s time to nix neonics (20171012)

    I know at some level that shifts in government regulations is slow, given the conservative nature of the systems involved. However, like all major environmental issues, there appears to be a further resistance due to hidden economics, the 1% who basically control the economy. It “should” not be this way, but it is; and until we make the necessary choices of maturity as a species, we will continue on our path to destruction.

    Modern Spirituality

    Faith And Science: Open To Change (20171023)

    I find Richard Rohr to be incredibly mature in his spiritual views. In this post, he reflects on the characteristics of good science as being much more in keeping with enriching spirituality as compared with most religious dogma. What is needed is an integration of good science with mature religion.

  • The Pain Of The World

    Not a lot to report this week — just the usual pain of the world.

    Global Warming

    Scientists mapping Greenland have produced some surprising – and worrying – results (20171004)

    Even more risk of sea level rise!

    Federal government failing to put climate plan into action, environmental watchdog finds (20171003)

    The Canadian government this time. Trudeau (like Obama) offered such hope, and such disappointment. I wonder what it will take for governments to do more than talk.

    One Way To Respond

    As Overdose Deaths Pile Up, a Medical Examiner Quits the Morgue (20171007)

    Fentanyl overdose is so common now, and like all addictions and overdoses represents the attempt to get away from the pain of living. And Fentanyl is so appealing! As a retired anesthetist, I was very aware of its potency, but it was not until I had an anesthetic myself that I appreciated its appeal. I was given Fentanyl as part of the induction and had about a minute of pure bliss before being unconscious — if I were to become addicted to anything, I would certainly choose Fentanyl.

  • Cognitive Dissonance

    CogDiss02
    Unfortunately not a metaphor

    At present, I am experiencing cognitive dissonance as I survey various internet sources after the weekend. As I have previously mentioned I am enrolled in a two-year program of contemplative practice, attempting to access a deeper wisdom on the nature of the universe — you could call it seeking God, but for me, it is seeking a worldview that allows me to be at peace. Not easy!

    First, I’ve had a great weekend with a men’s group, each of us (at various levels of maturity) seeking that sense of purpose; it was part of the illuman.org program for those who might be interested. Then I come home to the escalating rhetoric between dangerous opponents. Then I note some good news on the climate front — not great news, but news that might give us a slight delay in the tipping points of climate catastrophe. But hurricanes are obviously not waiting for us to sort our differences. Finally a link of how powerful our technology is, in that we might be able to feed the world via biologic manipulation (if we can overcome our reticence — and our immaturity — to be Gods).

    How to make sense of all this, and how to respond to it, is beyond me at present. My best case scenario is that mankind be removed from the equation asap — I don’t like this option, but I don’t foresee cultural maturity on the sounding board. What is needed is to take power over power for the greater good (and the resolution of what is the “greater good”).

    My next post will likely be on the need to stage a coup.

    North Korea accuses Trump of declaring war (20170925)

    The escalation of rhetoric is a sad reflection of our immaturity as a species, and in that immaturity, the risk of irreversible consequences is high. My fear is that even if only one side believes their rhetoric, we are in grave danger.

    New climate change calculations could buy the Earth some time — if they’re right (20170918)

    Potentially good news (if correct), but so different from other models that it will require careful study to determine how well these calculations fit experience. The danger is that a) a more generous margin of safety may be used to justify additional delay, and b) the changing landscape will be used to discount the clarity of scientific consensus (especially as to the significance of man’s technology). Science is never able to prove anything; it can only test for the best and simplest explanation of experience.

    This Is the Hurricane Season Scientists Tried to Warn Us About (20170921)

    To quote: “Hurricanes are built to convert heat energy into wind energy, and seawater’s available energy rises exponentially as it warms.” This says it all — the more energy, the more damage when released.

    Could lab-grown fish and meat feed the world – without killing a single animal? (20170920)

    If we persist in moving to 10 billion people, we need technology like this. The quality is improving markedly. Now the cost needs to go down, and the acceptance go up.

  • Are We F–ked?

    Danger2As I have noted previously, I am engaged in a two-year study program in contemplative practice, the ultimate aim for me being to find a satisfying balance between my hermit nature and my desire to contribute, especially regarding my sadness at how our species functions. Given the ineffective political responses to the multiple cultural traumas of recent times (terrorists, alt-right, hurricanes) and the worsening climate, I truly must wonder: Are we f–ked? (See the two good podcasts below.)

    The big issue, the immediate one, is how we are responding to global warming. But this is only one component of the complex issues which need to be resolved. I recall a comment in Collapse: How Societies Choose To Fail Or Succeed (Diamond, 2005) in which the author was repeatedly being asked what is the single most important issue we need to resolve. His answer: All of them. Fundamentally all these issues interlink and represent the immaturity of our species, especially our simplistic approach to issues. One link below (Can emissions shrink . . .?) comments on this.

    Frequently I don’t know what to do, and I fall back on continuing my own personal journey, given that if I do not support myself, I cannot support others. I have just this week started the study component of the program I’m doing, and will have more to say about it as the course develops. For now, amongst others, I simply reference two links I have found on the need for discipline (of which I am generally very disciplined). I do not know to what extent, if any, I will encounter any change in my outlook, but giving up is not a viable option for me. In any event, I expect that through my study program, I will deepen my sense of compassion and trust in the ultimate outcome.

    Global Warming

    Are We F–ked? Decoding the resistance to climate change (20170907)

    Paul Kennedy, a highly respected Canadian broadcaster, speaks to the resistence to discussion of global warming. Gradually the conversation evolves. This particular conversation is not nice; it is however necessary. This link references Part One of a podcast as follows; Part Two aired on September 14th.

    Ideas: Are We F–ked? Decoding the resistance to climate change (20170907)

    The program as aired.

    Decoding the resistance to climate change: Are we doomed? (20170914)

    Part Two of this program.

    Can emissions shrink while the economy grows? (20170914)

    The absurdity of politics (Canadian this time), promising that we can have everything.

    Pope says humanity will ‘go down’ if it does not address climate change (20170911)

    Another fascinating individual speaking to the insanity of our species.

    Politics

    “A Duty to Warn” and the Dangerous Case of Donald Trump (20170915)

    In general, psychiatrists and other mental health issues do not comment on the mental health of those whom they have not directly examined, especially public figures. However, in The Dangerous Case Of Donald Trump (in publication), 27 leading individuals have chosen to do so, given that they have concluded that he presents a clear and present danger to society.

    RT, Sputnik and Russia’s New Theory of War (20170913)

    Long and detailed, this is an interesting study of the age of dysinformation. If accurate, it contributes in a major way to the difficulty of managing global warming. particularly how internectine conflict distracts from effective action.

    Miscellaneous

    An Introduction to the Spiritual Disciplines (20170904)

    Two links that discuss the need for discipline, and its impacts.

    The Way of the Monastic Warrior: Lessons from Major Dick Winters (201506005)

    An interesting model of an individual being highly disciplined, perhaps in too serious a fashion; I wonder to what extent he was playful. For me, playfulness is a major component of maturity.

    The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura (20170916)

    In contrast, another spiritual discipline, one of great beauty.

    This Tiny Country Feeds The World (20109)

    Amazing use of technology by the Netherlands has allowed them to be the second largest exporter of food in the world, second only to the USA (the US having a land mass 270 times greater than the Netherlands!).

  • The Uphill Battle

    Uphill1I am constantly amazes by the uphill battle that our species must take in order to manifest our greatness. I believe most people are good-hearted, yet we are constantly engaged in activist work, usually as a result of the power dynamics that drive our civilization.

    I’ve previously written on the nature of power, and how I believe it to be the underlying characteristic for the development of civilization. Because our major relationship with power has been that of domination by a small minority, thereby imposing onerous consequences on the majority, we are constantly in this uphill battle. I wonder when we will learn, as a species, that it is not a very productive way to be.

    For me, the most recent example of this is the interplay between the Trump administration and the leadership of North Korea, an interplay that brings us close to nuclear war. At some level, the issue is very simple — if North Korea attacks another country, it will be destroyed; it is simply too small a player to avoid this consequence. As such, instead of imposing more sanctions (which thus far have been ineffective), I would advocate for removing all sanctions, demonstrating that the rest of the world wants peace.

    The current nature of nationalism does not allow a powerful international body, if there was one, to impose control on any nation, including North Korea (or for that matter, the United States), and as such, negotiation and threat are the only tools available.

    Threat does not lead to peace; only peace leads to peace.

    Power as a dynamic is no longer a useful phenomena in civilization; the world is too integrated, and the dynamics of power leads too much inequality. However, the world currently runs on power, and thus we must come to terms with having power over power.

    The message can be very simple. If you attack another country, we will destroy you. Then, remove all sanctions; demonstrate that we want peace.

    Even with this, defensive policies are still necessary. I would thus advocate for an international policy of forestalling the launching of any nuclear missiles by any country, while allowing for counter-measures by other countries. Such a policy might be that of destroying any missiles propelled (by any country) outside of national air space (12 km high), even those sent directly upwards into supposedly international space. This would allow maximal time for counter-measures to block the consequences of such missiles where it is feared that the missiles carry a destructive payload. (An exception would be the launching of single missiles following announcement of the intention to establish a  satellite for scientific purposes.)

    In the following links, I suggest that this management of power is underlies what Naomi Klein and others are attempting in nonviolent resolutions.

    Harvey Didn’t Come Out of the Blue. Now is the Time to Talk About Climate Change. (20170829)

    Naomi Klein, as usual, speaks clearly concerning the issues that become hidden when we are in high anxiety mode responding to catastrophe. The usual stall is “We’ll talk about it later; right now, there is too much pain.” But amidst the next source of anxiety, later never seems to come.

    Video: How to Resist Trump’s Shock Doctrine (20170613)

    Some very good ideas on the politics of catastrophe, and of how to respond, but as a populus, we are not yet ready. I wonder when and how … (In the light of recent events in Korea, I also find it fascinating that she even names the possibility of war as a pretext for societal injustice, our current dilemma.)

    Disturbing New Evidence of How the Trump Era Is Boosting Misinformation and Propaganda (20170907)

    We must also come to terms with the age of disinformation.

    Dolores Huerta is done being edited out of her own history (20170905)

    A more classic way in which disinformation has functioned — ignore the contributions of minorities and women.

  • The Healing Of Wounds

    Wound2
    A minor wound; others are major.

    For about 25 years, my career was that of a physician, principally as a specialist anesthetist. As such, I was frequently exposed to the consequences of trauma, and the healing of wounds.

    The ideal example, for me, of healing would be that of elective surgery in a healthy patient, say someone coming for knee surgery. There are not major compromises of health; the skin is prepped and draped to optimize sterility; a clean incision is made with a scalpel; the tissues are gently handled; the necessary corrections are made; bleeding is controlled; the tissues layers are repaired; and the skin is closed with minimal trauma. A bandage keeps the area clean (although it is mainly to keep blood off the clothing). The area is rested, and gently exercised in progressive manner.

    Time passes; a scar result as the tissues heal. In many respects, the scar is stronger than the original tissue, although usually not as flexible.

    Contrast this with a wound in an elderly diabetic, say a car accident where the patient has a broken leg with bone protruding through skin and the wound is contaminated with dirt and clothing. The healing will not be nearly as simple, and it is entirely possible that such a patient would require amputation; the patient might even die of complications.

    Question: If you think of these two examples as two ends of a metaphoric spectrum, a spectrum of societal healing from trauma, where on the spectrum is the current emotional climate of healing after Charlottesville or the pardoning of the sheriff in Arizona? The following links speak to this for me.

    When times get dark, we must shine brighter (20170824)

    A good message, but lacking definition as to who and how. Unfortunately, it is simply an admonition of what we should be doing. And readers of this blog likely know how I feel about shoulds. We must come together for something other than more of the same ills of our civilization (my admonition).

    The message is also based on the assumption that the alt-right is a last-ditch effort, and will die out soon: “the last desperate efforts of a minority of small-minded people to hold onto ideas and perspectives that history has proven wrong many times.“ I wonder. Our civilization has become so complicated and so dis-empowering that the alt-right may well represent a significant gap in the character of our civilization without a clear alternative. The following links are in keeping with this.

    A black man went undercover online as a white supremacist. This is what he learned. (20170824)

    An excellent investigation into the milieu of the far-right culture, reflecting with compassion on the struggles that have led individuals into these stances. For me, the investigator recognizes that compassion does not mean acceptance; it means emotional acknowledgment as the beginning of resolution.

    He also identifies the very real issue of the moderate’s message that we are all in this together, “and if only you people (the alt-right, for example) will get that, we will all be fine.” We must limit the violations (as unacceptable), and still include the validity of the needs of all parties (meeting in compassion).

    A black man undercover in the alt-right | Theo E.J. Wilson | TEDxMileHigh (20170814)

    An excellent TED talk by the same individual, emphasizing the need for human connection. Humorous at times, and very succinct as to need. Unfortunately, my usual concern is that we are on the knife edge of danger, and must resolve immense issues simultaneously and with only limited time — the usual super-wicked difficulty of our species.

    On American Politics

    Roger Stone promises a violent response if Trump is impeached (20170824)

    On the flip side of healing, given the increasing appearance of the alt-right, is the risk of major escalation, entirely possible in that the situation is so polarized. It is so difficult to make sense of the confusion, … and life will be what it will be.

    I was not around during the rise of Hitler in pre-war Germany, but I imagine such threats were common in that situation also. Potentially we are moving to dark times; it will not be fun.

    Trump doesn’t seem to like being president. So why not quit? (20170818)

    An interesting commentary of the skills required of a president, and the current mismatch. What it does not disclose is what would be required for him to quit by choice, rather than by threatened impeachment.

    On Climate Change

    The Trump administration just disbanded a federal advisory committee on climate change (20170820)

    A major set-back in American policy, easily lost amongst the hype and anxiety created by the emotional turmoil of the Trump administration. It may well be that such turmoil is deliberate to defuse responsiveness to more important issues such as this.

    What Exxon Mobil Didn’t Say About Climate Change (20170822)

    The duplicity of Exxon Mobil is now well-documented. I wonder if the consequences will be more than a slap on the wrist.

  • More Insanity

    What a week in attempting to sort out what is important and what is fluff! Charlottesville and the terrorist attack in Spain are certainly not fluff, but they distract from deeper issues. One of the major difficulties of current politics is that there is so much rancor and uproar that it obscures the very real dangers that exist. This is the nature of more insanity — logical and ethical issues get lost in emotional issues.

    Years ago, when I was working as an anesthetist, especially when I was doing intensive care, I was very aware that bad news usually came quickly, and good news only slowly, if at all. I certainly wonder at the possibility of good news following all these cultural and political machinations; we live in such strange times.

    In any event, I’m going to start with a couple of positive links this time, then global warming and politics.

    Time for Truth and Reconciliation (201708)

    As usual, Jack Kornfield speaks from compassion and wisdom; such is needed in our culture (internationally) at this time. If we are to survive as a species, we must learn compassion and cooperation.

    This Technology Could Stop the World’s Deadliest Animal (20170814)

    Modern technology astounds me at times — this is an example, the management of the mosquito. As well, the article details the attempt of the scientific community to act into a cooperative ethical stance — I applaud this.

    Wildfires are a climate change wake-up call (20170817)

    Definitely a call to action in British Columbia (where I live), and it should be a call internationally since fire knows no political boundaries. Greenland is an example.

    There’s an Unprecedented Wildfire in Greenland. That’s Bad News for the Arctic. (20170811)

    Yes, Greenland. I’ve been to Greenland; I’ve never thought of it as having forests, let alone forest fires! Nor had the scientific community to any great extent. Such is one of the unexpected outcomes of global warming.

    Trump’s embrace of white supremacists eclipses his blow to U.S. climate resilience (20180818)

    A fairly good review of the current climate situation, especially in geopolitical terms.

    The other terrible thing Donald Trump did yesterday, you know, plus the neo-Nazi stuff (20170816)

    Beneath the angst and conflict is the reality of how destructive our political environment has become. We humans care about the angst, but the science of global warming does not!

    Interactive Timeline: Everything We Know About Russia and President Trump (20170807)

    A detailed look at the complex issues (for those who want to track them)

    A Guide to Russia’s High Tech Tool Box for Subverting US Democracy (20170813)

    Again for those interested, this seems to be a good review of the current complexity in Russian international politics.

  • The Insanity Continues

    Insanity Sanity Signpost Shows Crazy Or Psychologically SoundLast week I thought the world was fairly stable; immature, yes; moving in the direction of catastrophe, yes; but in immediate danger, no. This week I am not so certain — truly the insanity continues. Especially with:

    • the threat of nuclear war markedly increasing, in theatrical fashion
    • the slowly tightening net on the legal entanglement of the Trump administration, as well as politics in general
    • and at least one bright spot highlighting the move to better advertising (such a contrast to the above two)

    Meanwhile I have spent the week at a training school for contemplative practice, and the need to maturity in action within our civilization. The contrast is staggering; I’ll add more in another post.

    And adding to my media comment of last week, especially in regard to Al Gore, Cineplex Theatres are apparently only showing Al Gore’s movie An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power in three cinemas across Canada, a sad reflection on the [media] interest in global warming.

    Enjoy — although I do not think that is the best word to describe these links.

    On the risk of nuclear war

    Are we on the brink of nuclear war with North Korea? Probably not. (20170811)

    Interesting statements from many knowledgeable sources, the major danger being misinterpretation of posturing, certainly be possible given the emotional maturity of the principal actors.

    If Trump wants a nuclear attack against North Korea, his military advisers have few other options (20170810)

    Such power in the hands of one man reflects the immaturity of culture and the posturing of the individual tribes (read ‘nations’) as well as the potential consequences of the system that must deal with such tribes.

    Does Donald Trump Believe Nuclear War Is Inevitable? (20161208)

    An older article outlining the media releases of Donald Trump prior to becoming president. I hope he is less fatalistic now that he is in power, but the adage is “power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

    On the legal issues and the possible complexities

    White House as crime scene: how Robert Mueller is closing in on Trump (20170805)

    This is a fairly clear description of the current situation in Washington, a situation which will have great impact on our world regardless of the final outcome. “The wheels of justice grind finely and slow but this is a wood chipper, and all these various items and  [sic] going to get fed into it.”

    As Mueller closes in, Trump prepares his base for the worst (20170807)

    A fairly good summary of how the Trump administration is doing, and what they are doing, “a volatile, combustible combination.”

    On politics in general

    Sorry, but I don’t care how you felt on election night. Not anymore. (20170803)

    A very good review of the heavy emotions, and lack of concrete resolutions in this new world in which we live. The author stresses that doubt and reflection time can be powerful tools into the future, and that certainty (especially self-righteous certainty) will be the path to societal doom

    In a new poll, half of Republicans say they would support postponing the 2020 election if Trump proposed it (20170810)

    Very scary that if Trump were to bypass US democratic rule, “half of Republicans” would support him.

    On global warming (more bad news)

    We only have a 5 percent chance of avoiding ‘dangerous’ global warming, a study finds (20170731)

    It is difficult to know what to say about this. The study recognizes that new technology, as yet unknown, may occur. At the same time, I see no indication that the study takes into account “tipping points” that may worsen the scenarios. To quote a link in the article, [These experts say we have three years to get climate change under control. And they’re the optimists].  Fundamentally, if we are to survive, we need drastic (and decisive) action, not fatalism, not denial.

    On a delightful advertisement — strongly recommended that you watch it.

    This Controversial Beer Ad Is Going Viral And It’ll Leave You Questioning Everything! (20170428?)

    A phenomenal ad. If all advertising was like this, I would actually be engaged in seeking the products offered.

  • Media And The Anxiety Of Society

    Fahrenheit451I have not been keeping count but it seems to me that there are more and more headlines about the Trump administration. Generally I do not pay much attention to the regular news — although in the past, the media has served important functions concerning ethical investigation of political issues, it seems to me that it has overall degenerated into aggravating the anxiety of society. That for me is a sad loss of perspective.

    An interesting reflection on this is to be seen in the movie Truth (2015)[1] which I just watched, where (on Wikipedia) it is noted it is not “our job as filmmakers to draw a conclusion, but rather to pose the questions.”

    Interesting Links

    A Chilling Theory on Trump’s Nonstop Lies (20170803)

    The title is misleading; the article is actually a fairly good description of how human beings are overwhelmed by too much noise, unable to separate the signal from the background. If deliberate, it is a powerful tool to confuse.

    The Troubling Return of Al Gore (20170724)

    Again, a misleading title. The title again does not do justice to the significance of this article — the divisiveness within the climate movement.

    Environmental Protection Act review could strengthen human rights (20170803)

    In our modern world, government standards as to the protection of the environment are definitely needed. This article pertains to Canada; I had not realized previously that “The Toronto Public Library collected more late-book fines in one year than the government [of Canada] has collected from fines imposed through the [currently existing] act in 20 years!”

    Vancouver has worse air quality than Hong Kong right now (20170803)

    Another consequence of global warming. Given I live in West Vancouver, I am able to look outside my apartment window and see the sun partially hidden by haze, the smoky residue of the humdreds of forest fires currently raging in British Columbia (apparently this is a comparatively low-count year in terms of numbers).

    Study predicts worsening killer heat waves in Europe (20170805)

    Another article of similar consequences. My objection to this article is that it does not place it in the context of the many warnings of the past few years, nor does it seem to acknowledge the possible tipping points that will emerge such that the actual numbers mentioned are only the “tip of the iceberg.” (To my knowledge, the concept of “tipping point” refers to the point at which an iceberg actually tips — when the lower portion, the hidden portion, melts faster than the visible portion above the surface of the water. Once an iceberg tips, it establishes a new equilibrium in a more stable fashion. As far as climate is concerned, this new tip point will be at a stable higher temperature.)

    [1] Vanderbilt, J. (Director). (2015) Truth [Motion Picture]

  • A Few Interesting Links

    linkage5Not a lot to report this week. I am still gearing up for my course on contemplative practice. A few interesting links this week— commentary included.

    Politics

    Why Russia Revelations Never Seem To Change Anything (20170725)

    A fairly good article on the complexity surrounding the lack of effective responsiveness within American politics.

    Tomgram: Michael Klare, Spreading the Cult of Carbon (20170730)

    My source, someone whose astuteness I trust, regards Michael Klare as “one of the world’s experts on international energy politics, peace studies, and [the] American politics of both of those.”

    Global Warming

    Scientists consider ways to dim sunlight, suck up carbon dioxide to cool planet (20170727)

    Given the gross lack of effective response to global warming, it is highly likely that carbon-removal processes and other machinations will occur. This is the beginning of such. Unfortunately it may well be ineffective for three major reasons:

    • it is basically unexplored technology, and given our historic relation with technology, there are always hidden and deleterious consequences around the corner
    • it does not address the basic inefficiency of the system, the immaturity of our species such that we have created the problem in the first place
    • it is not being applied as a consensus response of our culture, and thus there will be those who impose their “solutions” upon the rest of the populus, a common difficulty of our species.

    Miscellaneous

    5 Productivity Tips That’ll Make You Rethink Your Day (20170720)

    Productivity tips are common, but this one seems well organized, and links to a detailed free description. As usual, the limitation is the willingness of the individual to be disciplined.