The times we live in is possibly something that is difficult to describe or talk about. Whether it is trade imbalances, or the threat of a nuclear war; the increased polarizations of all kinds across several parts of the world or climate change; slump in economies of several nations or the political instability that we see; terrorism or newer viral diseases; the Amazon on fire or the mindless gun violence – there is so much for any sensitive person to feel angry, helpless and wanting to do something – all at the same time.
On the personal end of the spectrum we are also seeing visible expressions of inner restlessness and a growing burden of mental health issues. These are also the times, when the youth of today are no longer satisfied with the status quo and are hungry to do something about all this. Many talk of ‘social change’ and the need to be part of this change. But not many of us can honestly say that we have found our true inner calling and know what we need to be doing or the change that we need to be a part of.
For one to be a ‘Changemaker’ (and the word is used so freely today), we need to first understand what is the change that we are looking for and why do we think we need to be or can be the maker of this change. Do we have the ability or the competence to even understand what needs to be changed and how? Do we have what it takes to meet the challenge of finding the balance of our own inner needs and the outer expression of being fulfilled? Do we know how to do ‘public good’ along with the ‘private gains’ that we are all engaged in?
Finding answers to these questions takes effort, discipline, reflective practice and the proper eco-system to be thinking about them. It needs the time and space and an environment of hope, positivism and an immersive experience. If you are one of those seeking to explore yourself and wish to dive deep amidst like minded people, then you may want to consider taking a week off and prepare to give yourself a more focused direction. A week during which 50-60 of us plan to walk over 100-120 kms around the city of Mysuru in Southern India from Dec 22 to 29 of this year seeking to understand ourselves, our villages, experiencing the problems that are plaguing India’s rural folk and explore if we can collectively reflect on what needs to be done and how I could be engaging in doing this? If you are willing and want to know more, feel free to visit walkwithin.in and take this next critical step in life and join us on this fascinating learning journey.
