You are the System
As Within, So Without
Today, I want to make a big declaration: All the problems in the world — like biodiversity loss, systemic injustices, violent conflict, rapid global warming, waste-high-into-the-sky, pollution, staggering hunger, rocketing depression, etc — originate within us human beings. They are not merely the result of a destructive system but a direct mirror of our internal world.
To some, this may feel challenging and triggering… I want to acknowledge that. Can you observe your mind and sensations with curiosity? What about it feels distressing? Let’s add some nuance: The state of the world may be a reflection of humanity’s inner state, yet not everyone has the same access and capacity to do something about it.
A hostage in Gaza, for example, is battling for survival every second. An overwhelmed mother juggling multiple jobs to feed her children can’t do that much. These situations are fraught with unimaginable challenges. Sometimes, in the depths of such intense crises, there can emerge extraordinary examples of human resilience that lift our collective consciousness; such as a profound surrender to Life and a deep realization of what truly matters, as well as the unwavering, unconditional love of the mother, driving her beyond her limits. However, such states are not validations of the hardship endured. What about the neighbour next door, be it a person or country, who seems to be ‘living the dream’ yet shows complete apathy to what’s happening? How can parts of the world undergo such intense suffering while others turn a blind eye? Many point fingers and blame ‘the system’, hoping for transformative solutions from very smart people, while some choose to remain disengaged, even under the guise of ‘spirituality’. Now, add all these responses together, and you have a wild mix of conflicting energies that reflect a world of conflict, but also a world rich with potential.
Love is the R/evolution
A world where all beings can thrive is possible. A healthier, more balanced and effective planet can be a reality — and that starts within each of us. It starts by understanding our interconnectedness with the world and seeing how the ‘global’ is also the ‘personal’ and vice versa. It’s tempting to believe that when things happen ‘far away’, there is nothing we can do ‘right here’. Yet, if everything is connected — can that really be true? More than just a lovely statement, this is a scientific fact and a profound spiritual truth that leaves no room for blame and can be a source of incredible liberation. I find it infuses agency, responsibility, care and a recognition that I can do my part! So without further ado: Let’s dive into this interconnected reality with a tree analogy that will hopefully not just make you fall in love with trees but open your entire being to r/evolutionary change that can come from within.
Looking at this tree, we can ask: Is the tree flourishing? Is it thriving in all its aspects? If yes, fantastic! If not, what’s holding it back? Are there sections that aren't blooming as they should? If so, can we pinpoint where and why? Our first instinct may be to trim a few branches or use fertilizers and pesticides to stimulate growth — but would that make the tree flourish in the long run? We could drastically cut the trunk to half its height, hoping it’ll grow back stronger — but how do we know we’re not making the situation worse? Alternatively, we could devise a perfect ‘formula’ with meticulously controlled conditions, ensuring every branch, down to the smallest twig, grows harmoniously and robustly — but would such an approach guarantee the tree's overall health and prosperity?
This analogy encapsulates our planetary crisis and prevalent responses to it: The planet is not flourishing — and we often resort to quick fixes and aggressive measures, hoping they will mend it. We declare war against the existing systems and structures, blaming them for our heartache and believing that a new, 'perfect' system will solve all problems, bring happiness, and erase injustices. However, just like with the tree, the solution may not lie in drastic changes or rigid formulas but in digging deeper — down to the root cause.
Intuitively, we all understand that a tree doesn’t stop where it touches the earth. What we see above ground is just the physical manifestation of a deeper, unseen foundation: the root system. The vitality of a tree lies in these roots; without their health and strength, no amount of external care can ensure the tree's flourishing. And what determines the health and strength of these roots? The quality of soil they’re in. Nutrient-rich, well-balanced soil fosters strong, vibrant roots, just as impoverished soil leads to weakened, struggling roots. Drawing a parallel — if we view our world as a tree — then humanity represents its roots, and the 'soil' is our collective consciousness. The quality of this 'soil’ — our thoughts, beliefs, values, emotional states, and ways of being — directly influences the health and vitality of our global 'tree'. Thus, sustainable change requires looking beneath surface-level solutions and nurturing our shared roots by transforming human consciousness itself.
From Shame to Enlightenment
In a Scale of Consciousness ranging from 0-1000 Hz, Dr David Hawkins maps out human emotions and their corresponding state of consciousness. On this scale, we can see that emotions like shame resonate at 20 Hz, fear at 100 Hz, while love vibrates at a harmonious 500 Hz. It’s crucial to understand that none of these states is better or worse than others; rather, it illustrates how different emotional states correspond to varying levels of vibrational energy, measured in hertz. The higher the frequency, the broader and more inclusive our perspective becomes. But it's not just about the numbers; what truly matters is recognizing the spectrum of potential within — ranging from contracted, dense emotional states to expansive, light-filled ones available within every human being — and that includes you, yes, you!
Pause for a moment to breathe deeply and tune in. As you reflect upon Hawkins' map, consider where your thoughts, words, and actions generally land. (Remember, this isn't about judgement, but about gaining insight and understanding into your predominant state of consciousness)
Know this: Every thought you think, every word you speak and every action you take reflects a state of consciousness and — because everything is connected — ripples out into the collective field of consciousness. Therefore, by understanding and nurturing your inner 'soil' — your consciousness — you not only transform yourself but contribute to the transformation of our global 'tree'. Through this lens of interconnectedness, the profound link between the 'personal' and the 'global' becomes unmistakably clear, reminding us of the powerful role we each play in shaping our shared world.
Let’s consider some examples: If enough people on the planet are dominated by fear, then its effects and implications on the world — the global ‘tree’ — are vast: A humanity living in fear bases all its decisions on that fear, which in turn creates fear-based structures and systems in the world, leading to fearful outcomes that perpetuate more fear. A humanity operating predominantly at '100 Hz fear' would most likely fail to recognize a well-intentioned leader at '310 Hz willingness’. Instead, they would choose leaders who reflect their own state of being. Can you picture someone being elected who promotes a connected, comprehensive and systemic approach of handling crises, involving many diverse voices and presenting a range of holistic solutions? Can you imagine a world where presidents are applauded for renouncing their private jets and championing significant reductions in military spending? Me neither — at least, not yet. This is why many government and corporate officials can still get away with what they’re doing! Conversely, a humanity predominantly living in a state of '310 Hz willingness' would not tolerate business as usual nor support the status quo because it does not not look away. It wouldn’t accept fear-based media with its ultra-reductionist narratives, let alone consume it, which would drastically alter its very nature. Such humanity would be willing to listen to each other to understand instead of condemning differences. It wouldn’t fight over climate change narratives but put Earth at the centre of all its decisions because it cares, regardless of narrative. Do you think a humanity that prioritizes ecosystem health would support a company that intensively extracts rare materials, trashes the oceans and exploits its workers? Such a company could not even exist in the first place as there simply wouldn’t be any demand for it! Finally, if the collective calibrated at '310 Hz willingness' instead of '100 Hz fear', it would not numb itself with all sorts of distractions (can range from alcohol, food, cigarettes and drugs to sex, fashion, movement, travel, technology, money, status and power), but allow itself to feel. Feeling is healing — which would change the political, economic, environmental and social fabric completely and unrecognizably.
To conclude: The vibrational setpoint of humanity either limits or liberates what manifests in the world. We can implement all the legislation, frameworks, policies, masterplans, technologies and congresses we want, but until we address and resolve the fear within ourselves, we will perpetuate more of the same, albeit in different forms. We can devise the most brilliant economic theories, but until humanity claims responsibility and changes its predominant state of consciousness, any new system will eventually succumb to entropy.
A new World is blooming…
A beautiful new world is not just a distant dream — it's emerging around us, pulsating with a lighter, more harmonious frequency. This reality cannot be forced. Instead, it blossoms through allowing, feeling, receiving and tapping into our true nature. By nurturing our inner soil and releasing resistance to Love, each of us can bring this world to Life.
So, let's take a moment for self-reflection: What are we afraid to feel? Can we offer ourselves compassion along this journey? What lessons are we invited to learn from our experiences?
By looking within, we start to see through fresh eyes — making choices and taking actions from a place of renewed understanding. This shift in perspective leads to a different way of interacting within our existing system. By reevaluating our values, we begin to disengage from practices that no longer serve us and embrace those that align. Gradually, we find ourselves birthing a new system from within, organically incorporating elements of the many forward-thinking economic theories and ideas proposed by incredibly insightful minds (e.g. Vandana Shiva, Daniel Christian Wahl, Kate Raworth)
If you're reading this, remember that you’re in a unique position to contribute to this blossoming world. Through your small, courageous steps driven by a deep sense of interconnectedness, you shift the collective vibration and plant seeds of a new paradigm — one where economics, society and ecology are harmonized, and unity is not just an ideal but a lived reality.
Wonderful piece! It really helped me to understand “as within, so without” on a very digestible way, I will let it sink in. Thank you for your magnificent work, needed in the world 🙏🏼
Beautifully written , incisive piece