Spirituality, Therapy, and the Good Life

I watched the above video clip today by David Wann, author of The New Normal. In the preface of his book he writes, “The cultural framework we live in – our way of thinking – will either save the day or drop the fragile egg that rightfully belongs to the future. We usually assume that huge challenges can only be finessed with technical, political and economic fixes, but we forget that all three are programmed by human culture, and it is there that we can leverage change most quickly and effectively. What do we really mean by this fuzzy term, “culture?” It’s not just about paintings and music, not just opinions, values, and styles; it’s nothing less than the lens through which we perceive reality – the customs, traditions, symbols, norms, motivators, and direction that constitute a way of life. Right now, our culture is confused – trapped between the old paradigm – in which economic growth is king – and a new paradigm that correctly perceives limits to growth and acknowledges its potentially catastrophic social and environmental costs. We are looking for a new identity – a new normal that is more secure, stable, and sensible.”

I whole heartedly believe that while the obstacles we face today are daunting and even frightening, they offer tremendous opportunities for a “new normal” that’s far more satisfying and meaningful than our current status quo.

Wann observes that Americans are overfed but undernourished and offers a number of suggestions for feeding our hungry souls and creating a healthier world. As a therapist, citizen, and mother, I’m committed to learning as much as I can about how together we can create such a world.