Some of the headlines out of Europe are catastrophic, one even heralding the destruction of Europe, and many others of similar levels of fear and concern. We see this as a basic misunderstanding of the meaning of such events. A crisis is a choice point.

In 2008 we had a massive financial crisis. It affected almost the whole world and for some time even threatened to change much of the
world order. The financial markets faced a lot of instability and yet like good little soldiers we went to work to re-establish that world order. That crisis offered us an opportunity to ask some fundamental questions about how we live and what is really important and for the most part we totally missed that opening to find a better way.

Now in 2015 the crisis is a human one and the stakes are higher and again we stand at that crossroads, stand at that choice point.

Now much of what has been hidden under our civilised and unified posture has been exposed for how we all really feel and think. Xenophobia is rampant, fear of overwhelm is knocking on our door; in this moment we see our true colours towards our fellowman. And again we are being asked to re-examine what is important. We are being asked to transcend our fears and find that better way.

As we watch our governments’ inaction – the lack of leadership and answers to a crisis long in the making – many of us will feel a myriad of emotions: powerlessness, fear, shame, desperation and dissociation. And there is still a school of thought that thinks war offers a solution to our issues and problems. Instead of getting into long and complicated debates we think we are being asked to heal our deepest emotions, without resorting to offensive or even defensive actions.

Maybe all we are being asked is to open our hearts and then the solutions will come!

with love