Always more and more
We want it, we crave it
Quietly, sometimes
And LOUD
It bangs inside our brains
Keeps us coming back
Pouring ourselves out
For money, power, influence
But for what?
Growth has its place
Learning
Understanding
Compassion
Towards meaningful aspirations
But growth without purpose
(not deeply rooted in life-giving values)
Destroys
Expectations abound
And when not fulfilled
When it means we have to scrape the bottom of the barrel
Then, a deep sense of disappointment
So
What then?
Focus on balance
Equilibrium
Give and take
Yin and yang
There is hope in this
Deep knowing
Of truths
Reflecting on what we truly need and want
On what is a real life
In community, solidarity, harmony
—
Dr. Rachel Golden Kroner is an interdisciplinary conservation scientist and practitioner. Her career path is inspired by a deep appreciation and concern for the (human and non-human) natural world – and belief in the moral and societal imperatives for action to address the biodiversity, climate, and inequality crises. She draws from and integrates diverse approaches in the natural and social sciences to better understand complex problems and applies insights to conservation policy and practice.
