The Netherlands, like much of the world, finds itself entangled in a web of crises – the climate crisis, the corona crisis, the nitrogen crisis, the agricultural crisis, the biodiversity crisis, and the refugee crisis, to name a few. Zooming out to a global perspective, the list extends to encompass issues such as war, dictatorship, rainforest destruction, famine, and more. Confronting these challenges one after another can be overwhelming, and it raises the question: How did we arrive at this point?

A profound observation emerges when considering the root causes of many of these crises – the disconnection from nature. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it seems that many in the Netherlands, and beyond, live in an illusion, oblivious to the inherent beauty of the natural world. Reconnecting with nature emerges as a pivotal step toward resolving numerous crises.

Yet, delving even deeper, a fundamental truth surfaces: all crises share a common origin, the belief in our separateness. The world’s core issue lies in the illusion that we are disconnected from one another. However, embracing the realization that we are all part of an interconnected consciousness, each a unique expression of the same divine consciousness, opens the gateway to transformation. We are, at our essence, one.

To address these crises effectively, it is imperative to tackle the root problem rather than merely treating the symptoms. Wars, refugee crises, arms industries – they all dissolve when individuals recognize the oneness with their neighbors. It’s akin to one hand realizing it need not fight the other, as they are integral parts of the same body.

Consider pollution – would you knowingly harm nature if you understood that you are one with it? The answer, illuminated by the awareness of unity, is a resounding no. This heightened consciousness prompts a profound responsibility for the well-being of nature because, in essence, we are nature.

Whether it’s the climate crisis, the corona crisis, or the agricultural crisis, they all share a common thread – a disconnection from the understanding that we are one with each other and with nature. The symptoms of greed, abuse of power, hatred, discrimination, fear, and manipulation all trace back to this root problem.

Rather than engaging in battles against the crises or pointing fingers at abusers of power, the true solution lies in awakening to love and unity. It’s a call to action for individuals to become the architects of change. Government recognition may lag, but we can collectively be the solution.

Amidst the tumultuous ‘shit storms’ we weather today, there’s a powerful message: Fighting symptoms and power abusers is futile. The path to genuine change lies in living with the awareness of oneness in every choice we make. By doing so, we craft a world where our choices serve not only our best interests but also the collective good.