Together, we can prosper and sustain the earth
From the editor
By Tim Miejan

This month, I will share some thoughts on a variety of topics, ranging from global to personal, and back again. I begin with some notes about the new format of The EDGE, which begins next month.

Expect a smooth transition from The EDGE newspaper to Edge Life magazine, as the foundation upon which this publication is based will not change. ItÕs about being human and the challenge we all have with that process. ItÕs not easy for spiritual beings to inhabit these three-dimensional space suits we call bodies, for unfortunately, once we are in body, we all too often forget that we are anything else.

If anything, this publication is a reminder of our true nature, the fact that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Most of the content in our monthly periodical is written by you, the reader, sharing your own perspective on this most amazing experience we call life. And we most definitely invite you to continue doing so, as your ideas in this incredible time of change are important.

On living in fear: As chaos and hurricanes and war disrupt lives around the planet, and egos clash on the political battlefield, it is always comforting to be able to sit down in a comfortable chair, breathe, invite your angels and guides from the unseen realm to be fully present and embrace you with their love and support. Even if you donÕt feel their subtle presence, and even if you donÕt hear the whispers of their caring words, it is incredibly powerful to trust they are by your side and will always be there for you, listening and responding to your every need.

Inviting the holy presence into our lives, in whatever form and from the context of whatever faith, is a human experience that we all share, regardless of continent or nation. Iraqis are praying for the end of their current hell just as Palestinians, Israelis and parents of American service men and women are. Humans innately want peace. It is hard for me to understand how killing hundreds and thousands of men, women and children achieves that.

We will explore peace and war and the politics of the future and the way we get from here to there in Edge Life magazine, with your assistance and ideas. For the answer does not rest upon the shoulders of only one man, or one woman, or one political party. The challenge of Ōkeeping the peace,Ķ as President George W. Bush is striving to do with armed conflict abroad, should be a collective response with input offered by human beings throughout this land, from sea to shining sea, rather than an ideological opportunity to repay favors and create more jobs for Americans on foreign soil.

Our varied experiences: What is our desired goal as a species? IsnÕt it for human beings to live in peaceful cohabitation with each other, to share the fruits of life and ensure that one manÕs success is not dependent upon another manÕs failure?

How we achieve true progress in the quest to evolve is not based on the bottom line. The one with the most homes and the most cash wins at the end of Monopoly, but he or she is not guaranteed to come out on top at the end of life.

Edge Life will explore the game of life and look at pursuits that support life on this planet. What can we do to make a profit while at the same time ensure that our air, water and soil are not polluted in the process? How can we invest our money in the marketplace and at the same time promote industries that support our planet? How do we find products in the supermarket that support our life, rather than promote disease? And why are we being brainwashed by corporate advertising to take more and more pharmaceuticals to promote well-being when there are much more healthy alternatives?

The answers to these questions cut sharply at the culture that has made all of us complacently comfortable. Americans not living in poverty may think they have it made, but in many cases the choices they make in consuming goods and even producing those goods do not support life in the big picture.

Most of us do not live so the generations that follow have a healthier planet in which to live. CanÕt we do that and have an enjoyable life?

On creativity: There are some people who believe that imagination is the root of all evil. They believe children should not have the freedom to explore ideas that do not conform with a specific view of reality. They believe the freedom of expression in our society, which continues to push the boundaries as far as one can imagine, is harmful.

And it can be. Edge Life will explore how creative people can use their imagination while supporting life and protecting the planet at the same time. IÕm not talking just about the arts, but about how the imagination is being used to solve problems throughout society.

The answer comes in teamwork. Creative people are joining together to explore new solutions. Corporations are now being created in self-sustaining structures. Renewable resources will become the standard mode of powering our automobiles and our homes. It is said that a solar collector the size of Texas could provide all the needed energy for the entire planet.

We have the imagination. All we need is the desire to be inspired and to make choices in different ways. Edge Life will try to highlight some options that are working and others that are being developed. We encourage you to share your ideas.

As individuals, we are capable of coming up with ideas. As communities of creative individuals, we are capable of changing the world ø and sustaining it at the same time.

Tim Miejan is editor of The EDGE. Contact him at (651) 578-8969, toll-free 1 (888) 776-5687 or e-mail editor@edgenews.com
Copyright © 2004 Tim Miejan

Oct 2004


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