Idealism, realism, money, and love  -November 30, 2009 - Orginally from http://sharing.lucid-living.org/2009/11/30/idealis

I recently attended a one-day vision summit in Berlin on the subject of microfinance,
social business, and social entrepreneurship.

I am not a banker, an economist or a businesswoman but I have an interest in these topics, as it seems
that in this realm of activity exciting solutions are emerging that address, with intelligence, some of the
world’s thorniest problems; poverty, pollution, inequality, environmental degredation etc. People such as
Mohammad Yunus (who spoke at the conference) are re-envisioning the reality in which we live and acting
on that vision. Big ambitious aims such as eradicating poverty are gradually being realised in a quiet, practical
manner, one bit at a time. This is where idealism and realism meet.

In one sense the scope of the conference was broad and somewhat scattered in focus. It seemed like many
of the projects presented were very new and experimental. I have an image of all these baby projects growing
stronger and in the process becoming more connected; everything finding its place. As all these pieces of the
puzzle gradually come together a huge transformation in the way things are done in the world is possible or
even inevitable. In Bangladesh where the Grameen bank and its family of businesses have been active for
many years, this already seems to be happening. Each piece – such as microcredit, healthcare, training,
nutrition, IT, ….. elegantly fits together and supports each other to provide a strong foundation for change.

For a long time I have felt that any big shift in how we humans live on the planet would come from the
bottom-up; that the big overarching systems of power would topple, allowing for the emergence of a
healthy and more balanced system, based upon the growing number of small organisations that are
working at a ground level all over the world. This is most evident in the financial world, with the gradual
collapse of the big debt-based systems, and the emergence of new small banks that are more sustainably
based in a  grounded reality, and are choosing to support those who are active in creating a healthier world.
There is also a rapid spread of microcredit institutions that are lending money to the poorest, enabling them
to participate in the global economy. (You can find out more about these banks and some other organisations
by following the links at the end of this article.)

So I found myself sitting in a conference room filled with around 1000 attractive, intelligent, engaged people,
feeling very connected to everyone, excited by the sense of a common vision. I heard businessmen speak
from the heart, with passion and a love for their involvement in enterprises that benefit the many not just
the few. At times I felt my heart expand and was moved to tears as this I saw this vision of the future not
just being spoken about as a distant idealistic goal, but as a present reality in front of my eyes. I felt very
inspired by the sane words of compassionate action being spoken, particularly by Mohammad Yunus who
was clearly speaking as an embodiment of what I am going to call ‘the new energy’.

So what are the characteristics of this ‘new energy’, that I see gradually replacing the ‘old energy’ as
more and more of the old reality disintegrates?….. This is how I see it….

- Unity instead of divisiveness: the old divisions and conflicts between man/woman, rich/poor, corporation/citizen
are no longer active, and no longer a motivator for action. Action comes as a response to viewing a situation or
problem from a point of view of connnectedness, respect for each other and for different points of view.

- Not about ‘doing good’, or acting from guilt or unworthiness, the days of religious matrydom are over.
Instead an emphasis on a love of creating and participating in projects which benefit all, because we are all
connected. We can no longer deny this to ourselves.

- No more dwelling on the mistakes of the past; no blame, no judgement. Instead a creative, open willingness
to look at what is here now and how best to meet that.

- No need to convince, preach or convert anyone to this way of acting. Allowing the individual to choose the
kind of world they wish to live in and how they wish to participate in it.

- Emotions and feelings are openly shared and respected. The recognition that LOVE is essential for success.

- A simplicity and practicality. Action rather than endless discussion and analysis.

- Starting small and growing from small successes. Creating small scale models that can then be
replicated on a large scale.

- A sense of ease and cheerfulness, when working on even big challenges, but with a focused intent.
(“do it with joy” is one of the seven basic principles of social business as put forward by Grammen creative lab).

- Inclusiveness, the new can also include the old. Using existing models and structures, expanding and
loosening them. Providing new alternatives alongside the established ones. (Rather than a need for destruction
of the old, or to struggle against it. That is the old way!).

- Willingness to speak out, stand up for these principles when faced with criticism, doubt, challenge, anger.
Use these situations as an opportunity for greater clarity and integrity.

I noticed all of these characteristics being shown to me that day at the conference. Sitting there it was also
clear that not everyone was yet living in this new energy, or fully embodying it, and the difference was
sometimes quite obvious. This connected to me on a personal level. I saw how these different perspectives
play out within my inner experience. I saw very clearly that this ‘new energy’ is already available as a choice
for me in each moment. It was obvious to me how what I see in the world out there is a mirror of my inner world.

The excitement and feeling of deep connection I experienced that day was a big confirmation to me of this.
The principles outlined above are reminders to me of how I wish to live, and of  how I can meet with love and
patience, those parts of myself (or other people) that are not yet in alignment with this preferred reality.