There is a lot of protest going on, but I wonder how rebellious it really is these days.
Maybe the greatest, or most effective, act of rebellion isn't protest - it's taking direct action in one’s own life and leading by example.
So what is the greatest act of rebellion?
Maybe it's planting a garden… where your lawn used to be.
Maybe it’s riding a bike and walking more often.
Maybe it’s limiting buying to only what you need.
Maybe it’s being satisfied with what you already have.
Or, maybe the supreme act of rebellion is to think independently, question authority, and live authentically according to your own values, even when it defies societal norms or expectations.
This kind of rebellion, rooted in critical thought and personal integrity, challenges control at its core, fostering true freedom over compliance and conformity.
Maybe the greatest act of rebellion in a world that is less and less free is to create a life where you are so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of defiance against the forces that seek to constrain you.
Maybe protest has been highjacked by powers that shouldn't be, and rendered useless and pointless, as they want it to be.
However, by living authentically, pursuing your passions, and refusing to be defined by external expectations, you embody the spirit of true freedom and inspire others to do the same.
Do that, love your neighbour despite their voting preference, skin colour, religion, or class, and we have real rebellion that could change everything.
What do you think about this in these tumultuous times? Think out loud and let us know in a comment below.
Well said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI upset "friends" when I got off Facebook over a month ago because I got tired of being in an echo chamber. I KNOW how tumultuous these times are and I don't need to be told repeatedly. Per my older son when I told him about my decision: "All the outrage in the world isn't getting anything done." Exactly. Want to rebel? Then show up and help at a food pantry or a low-income legal clinic or free medical clinic so that those with the least can be supported. Those are acts of rebellion.
Thank you for this one, Gregg. You knocked it out of the ballpark!
Excellent responses. Love them.
DeleteWe generally don’t think straight when we are fearful or angry. Lots of people are both fearful and angry, and that can be a toxic mix. That is why the power mongers are manufacturing fear and anger in the masses - to cause confusion and misplaced action. We are running in circles while those at the top are laughing all the way to the bank and solidifying their positions of power.
Better to do like the Amish helping out in N. Carolina. Here is just one headline - ''Group Of Amish Build 12 Tiny Houses For Hurricane Victims In 48 Hours’’. Rebels, all of them.
- Gregg
A silent protest, by not taking part, that is the best if followed by millions of people. Around me I still see too many people buying crap. And why? Because they can afford it. At the same time other people in my country can't afford anything. Then there are still places in the world where people are in need of everthing because of war or natural disasters.
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree with your point. In our world of luxury we have the choice of downsizing. And even without giving up comfort. Just don't buy that stuff.