We’ve entered a liminal space in which we’re simultaneously witnessing the rapid collapse of old structures and the emergence of something intangibly new. Some people are awaiting aliens, others the Rapture, or ascension and a new Earth. Are we experiencing humanity’s rite of passage?
Being ‘betwixt and between’ feels anxious and disorienting, and yet, it’s inevitable and full of potential. Our collective breath paradoxically holds all the ~isms: colonialism, nihilism, tribalism, authoritarianism, evangelism, but also optimism, stoicism, activism, altruism and humanism. We need to hold our nerve and keep breathing, slowly and gently.
Jane Goodall’s legacy is testament to the truth that one person with a vision and a heart full of love can make a world of difference. Her well-lived life and gentle message,of hope for a kinder and more caring world, is a warm glow in the darkness that seeks to surround us.
The courageous acts of people from all around the world on the Global Sumud Flotilla, as well as humanitarian aid workers, medical staff, and journalists in war-torn regions, reminds us there are people who put their lives on the line for the sake of others. Every act of humanity in the service of kindness and love is building a path towards peace for all.
At times it might feel like we’re losing our minds, and maybe we are, but hopefully we’re finding our hearts. I wasn’t going to use the T-word, but it feels transcendent. It’s the collective moment we’ve been waiting for: to create something eternal, and worth sticking around for, other than hatred, revenge, and war.
To be sure, we’ll be riding the rapids for a while, trying not to capsize, then capsizing and holding our breath underwater as if it were our last, then righting ourselves, elated we survived, catching glimpses of calmer waters ahead, only to confront the looming rapids once more.
It’s a constant balancing act maintaining equanimity and reorienting ourselves when we lose sight of the shore. It’s easy to get sucked into vortices that thrash us against the rocks, leaving us bruised and confused.
There are daily challenges to navigating this shattering of shared reality in which things like vaccinations, climate change, immigrants, or the opinions of Charlie Kirk, test friendships and the foundations of civil society. Chasms suddenly open that shock when we discover our core values differ from others. Still, we must strive for common ground not ‘hate our opponents’ as Donald Trump petulantly promotes. You can’t hate your way to peace.
Byron Bay is going through its own metamorphosis too. The town feels as if it’s having an identity crisis. This most easterly point of Australia is a dynamic meeting place where people, ideas, and agendas all mash together like messy surf with bluebottles in a strong nor’easter.
I was showing a visiting friend around town recently and was struck by how I was pointing out on the one hand, Byron is built on a swamp and at enormous risk from climate change and sea level rise, yet ironically there are multiple large development sites with cranes and eerie hoardings promising an ever more luxurious lifestyle by the sea.
I’m surprised they haven’t named one of the developments King Canute Condos. Whatever happened to planned retreat?
The wilful blindness of the Maserati mindset is on full display. Inside the promotional wrappings there are humongous holes in the ground with water tables being pumped out for weeks on end. What these new constructions lack in dizzying height allowance, due to local progressive planning requirements, they seem to be making up for by burrowing down into the sandy sanctum below.
Apparently, we are to look forward to sipping cocktails on rooftop bars and dancing until 3am while the sea swallows the homeless below. La dolce vita!
My friend was impressed by the fantastic Sandhills wetlands restoration project underway in the heart of town. It’s righting the wrongs done to Country from sand mining in the 1960s that destroyed the wetlands. It will be such a boon for wildlife, water quality, and a wonderful community space to relax and engage with nature.
She also really enjoyed the scenic walk around Broken Head Nature Reserve, taking in the cultural importance of the area from the informative signage. We had refreshing swims in the ocean, and a spectacular whale watching experience and sunset picnic at Walgun Cape Byron Conservation area.
It was a highlight taking her to the buzzing Byron Farmers Market to do our weekly shopping. She was amazed by the extent of local produce and marvelled at the zero-waste approach. These things make our region unique and show we care.
As we sipped matcha lattes from glass jars through paper straws, and watched the passing parade, we heard the gentle crooner in the background signing ‘love can be easy’.
Yes, love can be easy.
Jo Immig is a former advisor to the NSW Legislative Council and coordinator of the National Toxics Network. She’s currently a freelance writer and researcher.
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