16 Comments
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Colin Jackson's avatar

You’ve inspired a shift in my heart. Instead of feeling crushed by what we’ve done, I feel nourished by what we can still become

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Didier Hope's avatar

It warms my heart to know that you feel a gentle shift towards hope.

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Karl Stokau's avatar

Thanks for the reminder that compassion isn't just something we owe each other, but something we owe to the Earth too.

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Didier Hope's avatar

Your words capture the essence so simply and truly: compassion is broader and deeper than we often realize

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Vanessa Kiedrowski's avatar

Thank you for your words. I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, despair, and numbness this holiday season. There are so many problems and it feels too much too hope as they are constantly crushed by more losses and destruction. It feels good to see the words of someone who has ideas for a different future, that nothing is set in stone yet. Thank you.

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Didier Hope's avatar

Vanessa, I hear your heart’s weight and cradle it gently.

We share Earth’s quiet defiance, sowing seeds of possibility in unseen meadows.

Thank you for journeying with me.

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Hannah's avatar

Interesting thoughts! I actually like the term "Anthropocene" because I read it as being about humans dramatically changing the planet when they obviously shouldn't, but I now see that it can be read as humans being in control - which we aren't. Some term indicating that a balance is disturbed or we are *losing* control would be more fitting - Chaocene or Catastrophocene (OK OK, I don't know Greek!).

I really like "Let’s widen our understanding of security to include ecological stability, not just political boundaries". Especially in times when migration is often used in politics to artificially stir up emotions and generate conflict, I think we need to learn what the real threats are and how we contribute to them with our way of living.

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Didier Hope's avatar

Dear Hannah, you capture so beautifully our shared role as humble stewards, not controllers. Every choice we make, no matter how small, can ripple outward and sustain hope for all.

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Dr. Wallace. Embody Evolution's avatar

Thank you for this writing. I agree there is so much we do not know.

And this: We must pull back from the comforting illusion that this newly coined era is ours to define. The Earth has known epochs before us.

Both strikes me as truth and reminds me of the microcosm of approaching our individual health as well.

We have much to learn from Indigenous practices and a need to get our values aligned with sustainability for all species.

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Didier Hope's avatar

Aubrey, your words honor a deep truth: we are humble guests on an ancient Earth, entwined with all life. May we find wholeness through listening, learning, and living by the quiet wisdom of those who came before.

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Jerileewei's avatar

Feel like this might be the most important thing I've read in a long time. Certainly gave me some food for thought.

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Didier Hope's avatar

Hi Jerileewei,

Thanks a lot!

I really hope the insights keep on being useful and encourage some great discussions.

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Zara's avatar

Beautifully & immaculately written.

I remember during Covid reading of all the species gone the way of the dodo🦤. And with lockdowns & reading the stats, I felt so hopeless & 🤬ashamed of Homo sapiens. (I still do feel the shame & wry).

We should have listened to the indigenous. The genie outa the bottle, can we change it up? ❤️☮️

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Didier Hope's avatar

Zara, your honesty is so meaningful.

During those difficult times, many of us felt a heavy weight of sadness, loss, and responsibility. I share your sense that there were voices, especially indigenous ones, we should have honored sooner.

Though we can’t turn back time, we can listen now and find ways to heal and protect what remains, working together to “change it up” with empathy, humility, and respect.

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Caliope Z's avatar

Your perspective didn’t lecture me; it held my hand, guiding me into a kinder way of seeing the world and my place within it.

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Didier Hope's avatar

I’m grateful that the message reached you in such a gentle, guiding way.

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