The basis for “right living” as
Opportunity + Integrity + Respect + Community = “Right Living”, sustainably
manifested
Where
1) no harm is done,
2) opportunity is realized,
3) community is
created, and
4) all constituencies come out ahead
A small case study -
The opportunity – we notice large nuts in the street in
their husks (walnuts?) and circle the block noticing the apples in the
backyard, and (integrity) stop out front
to ask about picking up the nuts. We get a reasonable response (Sure, we aren’t
going to do anything with them!) and (respect) we respond in appreciation. [This
is the opening gambit of connecting people based on some mutual interest, which
is the basis for all community.] The opportunity - we pick up the nuts in the
street (butternuts it turns out) and these young folks mention that there are
hazelnuts in the backyard and, oh, there’s an apple tree too (the one we had
noticed).
Joyce (a grandmother, who is a grand mother) is engaging with the
young mother who’s come out, about the baby /young toddler who she is carrying
(respect, community – life nurturing), as I get plastic grocery bags and
continue into the back yard with Red (community - communication) talking about
life and the things that can be done with these natural “resources”. We talk
about life in the local area, the landlord, the lack of interest in the fruits
and nuts, job availability, and other things (community – finding common values).
We come back to the front, and I give them some fresh corn for their dinner
(integrity, opportunity –for them, community - reciprocity) and Joyce says
she’ll bring them back something from the apples (integrity, opportunity – for
them, community – sharing value). We talk about the Jeep and Joyce holds the
baby for a bit longer (community – group bond, respect) and we leave on good
terms. We will go back with an apple pie (community – sharing value, integrity,
respect).
We have transcended every possible division between us - income, interests, age, possessions, living
situation, education, and skill sets – to connect in a lasting way, perhaps change
their “routine” in small, subtle ways, come away with a respectable amount of
natural resource value, and open the door for much, much more all in 30 minutes
through rapid and effective application of the principles noted above . We have
demonstrated integrity, and have treated, and been treated, with respect. The
opportunity is both the natural resources that were being ignored (nuts &
fruits) AND the opportunity to “create community” beyond the nebulous community
of physical proximity (in modern times). None of the elements of “class” division listed above
are given entry into the situation, and as a result, there are no barriers to
"right living" manifesting easily in this situation.
