Small Islands of Coherence

People tend to resist chaos and change. Our society, in its structures and communications, does its best to shield us, but cannot always. There is no predictable or orderly way to get through life or societal transitions. It is a disservice to tell us we can. Better that we face change and chaos and find ways to make it through.

People are finding different ways to address this time. Some seek wisdom – they educate themselves and develop a perspective that serves them. Others work to calm themselves – finding ways to go within and escape the chaos of the outside world. Some seek security in the relationships they have with family and friends. Others shield themselves from the chaos and change – by not reading the news, focusing elsewhere or developing boundaries that keep the worst away from them.

Small Islands of Coherence

This concept of small islands of coherence is intriguing. As in the quote above, we are far from equilibrium. The idea that these small islands can shift entire systems in nature could apply to our present circumstances. Were the American Revolutionaries small islands of coherence? They were a ragtag band compared to the British Empire but they were coherent in their vision for America. They shifted the system big-time.

Nature offers powerful models. We can follow this one by building small islands of coherence in our world today. People are already doing this by creating organizations, finding ways to make their voices heard and bringing forth their visions of what our world should be. Some are hiding, but can we really hide from chaos and change?

If we form small islands of coherence, we focus our attention, seek clarity and steady ourselves in this sea of chaos. Islands can arise in households, communities, among friends, cities, towns, countries. They can be safe harbors in addition to being places for contemplating and promoting systems change.

 Accepting

Can we accept that the chaos and change we are now experiencing is part of a new time emerging? That is a powerful shift in itself – moving from confusion, fear or trying to hold on to the past, to helping craft a new time and a better world.

Photo: Ragnar Vorel, unsplash.com