Which Path Will America Take?

We’re taking a moment of quiet this day before what may prove to be a chaotic few weeks or months of uncertainty here in the U.S. (but hopefully not longer). It may mark a fundamental shift to a post-democratic era in America, to a rapid acceleration of the polycrisis. Or it may lead to the continuation of our slow pursuit of collapse, as we prioritize growth (green or otherwise) over ecological balance (which requires degrowth).

Regardless of the outcome, this multi-year election season has revealed the deep cracks in American democracy, some as old as the country, like the Electoral College, some brand new, like social media and AI. These will take significant and sustained work to heal, and remind us of the value of deliberative democracy, of rebuilding trust and cooperation in communities across America (and the world), across strongly differing views and values.* It also reminds us of the importance of sharing a deeper understanding of our complete and collective dependence on the living Earth for our continued wellbeing. If that understanding is not recovered, the stark differences between perspectives and futures pursued will be difficult to reconcile. 

It’s been a stressful few months as the election madness has crescendoed and I have found solace in the Gaian Collapse meditation, visualizing—and sitting with—what could be in the difficult future that is increasingly near (and for many, here). So I encourage you to give it a try if you, too, need some tranquility in the face of uncertainty. And if you’re a U.S. citizen and haven’t yet voted, go out tomorrow and vote!

Go with Gaia,

Erik

*Speaking of cracks, I read this fascinating article recently about ancient Roman concrete and how it’s stronger than modern concrete, possibly because of little nodes (or clasts) of calcium suspended in the concrete. When cracks form and water reaches these clasts, the calcium spreads out and helps the concrete self-heal. Fascinating. And perhaps one day, Gaian Guilds will be like these little calcium clasts, serving as small nodes speckled across communities helping to heal the difficult cracks there and shoring up society over the long-term.