Self- Centered, Big Circle

I’m getting to the end of The Book of Alchemy and one of the last prompts is from Jasper Young Bear. It asks the reader to describe how the world would look if they were the center of the universe. At first glance, it is kind of a horrifying thought for an introvert who doesn't want anyone looking at them or talking about them or even noticing them.

But if I were the center, if everything revolved around me and my thoughts and prayers and desires, I know what I would do. I would start by eliminating power structures between people. When no longer stratified by skin tone, country of origin, gender, height, culture, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status, everyone would be truly equal and welcome. And by starting there, everything else would fall into place. The rights of all creation - animals of the land, sky and sea. Plants and trees. Every living thing with the right to maximal enjoyment and potential.

Science would be used to improve the quality of life for all. To restore the abundance of life underwater. To balance the thin atmosphere that protects us. To replenish the forests and soil. To create sustainable energy and food sources. All of the fish would return. All of the bugs and butterflies and worms and fungi and birds. The intricate web of life would once again thrive and be in balance.

Every decision would be geared towards a beautiful and healthy world today and a thriving civilization a thousand years from now. There would be no more wasteful wars, no capitalism and no billionaires. No more kings. No hoarding. Everyone would use their own unique talents and interests to enjoy their own lives and to make other’s lives better.

Earth’s decision makers and leaders would suddenly arise. From all around the world. The southern hemisphere would be as represented as the northern. I picture people like Malala and Greta Thuberg. Like Vandana Shiva and Bono. Like Katharine Hayhoe and Jason Hickel. Uniters, big thinkers, nice people, people that see abundance in all of creation. People that work together for the greater good. Ocean Ramsey, Selena Gomez, MacKenzie Scott, Phoebe Bridgers, Ibram X Kendi… I have a long list, but it’s a big world and there is room for all at the table.

And it would happen in a flash- a bloodless, painless, instant awareness of our common humanity, our common goals, our common spark of the divine. Like Pentecost- suddenly we feel the intricate web connecting us all. God above, below and through us. A sudden correction. Scales falling from eyes. Understanding each other across language, faith and culture. All of it.

That’s the way I would do it if I were the center of the universe.

And then I would go to bed and sleep for eight straight hours for the first time in years.

Holy One, only you know the past, present and future. Help us to stay hopeful and to find joy in the beauty that surrounds us. Amen

Brandon is a founding member of Peace Church. Also, he is thankful for actual politicians like Cindy and Kamala and Bernie and AOC who spend their lives fighting for many of these same changes.