Year: 1995
The Challenge of Change – dependency and its origins
This was a presentation to a fisheries based conference in Aberdeen First of all I am delighted to be able to participate in this forum dealing with the opportunities and future for fishing communities. In particular, it is encouraging to discuss these issues with the knowledge that a human tragedy hasn’t happened or is in […]
Appreciating Rhythm – valuing relationships
When any rhythms are interrupted or altered, they tend to veer out of control until measures are taken to restore balance. The all too evident apprehension, stress and despair which can be seen everywhere today would indicate that this point of imbalance has been reached. Whether one considers the natural environment or human activities, these […]
Development and Culture – an inextricable link
The integration of economies, shifts in manufacturing bases, communications developments and technological developments are having impacts, causing stress and re-evaluation of institutions, programs and methodologies. These economic thrusts are shaping political agendas as well. The apparent inability of national governments to control either economic levers, interest rates or currency patterns exemplifies and heightens these shifts. […]
Attaining Peace – understanding trust
Trust (belief in oneself and others) is diminishing amid the flurry of news items portraying sadistic crimes, police brutality, and abuse of all sorts. Study after study produces statistics depicting evident ills inflicted on every segment of society. Political systems are under duress, justice systems are in chaos and most religions face challenges to tradition. […]
Achieving Harmony – cultivating respect
In today’s world, too often, respect becomes confused with envy, with empathy and with profile. Yet, respect (feelings and expressions of worth for oneself and others) is fundamental to the nurture and fulfilment of human existence and doesn’t evolve from societies built on borders, barriers and boundaries. It can’t be legislated nor regulated, can’t be […]
Recreating Community – New perspectives, New Directions
Building Community – new persectives is a compilation of my articles published by Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1995 Community Sustainability A Spiritual Mission Present societal change is causing both reflection and reorganization of the fundamentals of our society, institutions, and approach to government. Theses shifts have been evident for the past number […]
Freedom – taking responsibility
In both developed and undeveloped countries, the search for freedom and some semblance of control is endemic. It is an increasingly urgent quest at this end of the twentieth century because there is growing recognition that the latest development phases of our evolving society and institutions are redundant. Promises of greater freedoms with less obligation […]
Beginnings – dispelling the myths
Are there, in the flow of human experience, beginnings and endings? Or, is life similar to the ocean shoreline, the seasons or the universe? Do any of these have beginnings and endings or do people choose reference points to give them context and a corresponding illusionary sense of human control? Today, undeniably, there is an […]