Except Me Nation

Last week I wrote about the "Thank You" nation and how this mindset of politeness is really a barrier to the kind of active participation by individuals that is needed in order to move this country away from environmental neglect and degradation and onto a path of sustainability. 

In thinking more about this unnoticed phenomenon and having some stimulating conversations with  insightful members of the Earth congregation I came to the realization that there is another aspect of this "politeness affliction", or better yet the "politeness reflex", that adds to the inability of most Americans to take small individual action to live in balance with Earth's systems.  For lack of a better term I have labeled this the "except me" syndrome.

I am sure that we can all relate to this psychological disorder.  It is the one in which all rules and regulations, both man-made and natural are designed for everyone else except me.  It is not necessarily due to the fact that anyone of us is any more special than anyone else, although that certainly is an aspect of the disorder. I believe that the bigger aspect of the disorder is the fact that most people believe that since most everyone else is doing something about a particular issue there can't be much  harm if they are the only exception. 

This disorder is most easily observed in the driving habits of Americans.  The most blatant example is on the freeway where the speed limit is posted at 65 mph and everyone is traveling at 75 mph plus.  Each driver knows that the limit is 65 mph but they also know that limit is for everyone else, except them.  The result is that everyone is flying along ignoring the speed limit, burning fuel like crazy and increasing the odds of having a major accident.  Everyone on the road is contributing to an environment of increased risk and liability.

The exact same thing is true for environmental issues.  By not addressing the "except me" syndrome individuals will continue to waste water, throw away recyclables and leave lights on in the privacy of their homes.  This inaction is multiplied a million times across the nation and the result is that we increase the risk and liability of environmental degradation, not just for ourselves, but for every living being on the planet.

I call on the sisters and brothers of this planet to let go of the "except me" syndrome and embrace the "accept me" philosophy.  I want each of you to accept the fact that your individual actions, no matter how small they may seem to you, are in fact parts of a much bigger movement towards not only a sustainable culture but a culture of restoration.  I want each of you to accept the concept of becoming a planetary healer simply by living your life more in balance with the Earth's natural systems. 

Most of all I want each of you to accept responsibility for the gift of life.  It is indeed wondrous and it is the natural right of all living beings.