To Be or Not to Be: A Song of Participation

I was inspired, and not a bit saddened the other day when I heard someone say, “I wasn’t sure that I wanted to be part of that, so I did nothing.”

Perturbed, I reflected, “What a perfect moment this is: a Metaphor for Life.” I saw us with three-way tie score: World, zero; Participation, zero; Impact on the planet, zero.

A perfect score, but not one I would really like to celebrate.

Then there is another person I know who has been getting ready, preparing for participation, waiting for the right moment, perhaps for the stars in the sky to align properly before they step out and participate.

And, taking another step backward and considering myself I remember and wonder at all the times I have made the same choice, telling myself to “wait and see,” check it all out first, make sure I have all the right equipment, software, feel inspired, the right moment, see how the wind blows, and so on and so forth.

I wonder what our world would be like were we all to give up standing on the brink of making powerful personal choices to participate, making the difference for ourselves, impacting the lives of others, and for the world we all share. What would it be like for us if we stopped watching, observing, and waiting, preparing and hanging out on the sidelines?

How about we all hold hands and cross that thin line between observation and participation together?

To BE or not to BE; that IS the question....

What do you think is the question? Please share your thoughts below.

Offers: paul@relationshipliteracy.com