Reflections 23rd January.

Ancient Wisdom for current issues. Stone Circle on The Land in Little Eaton.

On my Mind

In a week that has seen the normally submerged culture of our politics exposed, the “follow the science” approach to the pandemic heaved overboard in order to provide material for “hero headlines” and the scary stand offs between Russia and NATO I’ve found myself thinking about collaboration.

It’s another one of those words that often gets used carelessly, thrown into conversation as flavouring when we want to get something done with somebody else. It sounds collegiate, co-operative and easy – all friends together pursuing common cause.

I don’t think it is. In a society hallmarked by individualism, competition, and chronic uncertainty and a constant quest for “more,” renders us blind. I suggest real collaboration is a route of last resort for those who believe they can plan and forecast their way through life in a world that doesn't work like that. Convening and collaborating is excruciatingly hard wor…