Can we really change ourselves?

Everyone changes the world in their own way. The Buddhist monk, Matthieu Ricard, psychiatrist Christophe André, farmer-philosopher, Pierre Rabhi and professor of medicine, Jon Kabat-Zinn share a real will to transform the consciousnesses with the aim of achieving the deep evolution of society. These four wise men share their solutions for living better together on a daily basis. Fascinated by humans and by a wealth of feelings, Ilios Kotsou explains why “change should first begin within each of us.”

YOU CLAIM THAT CHANGING AND CHANGING THE WORLD ARE NOT TWO OPPOSING ELEMENTS

Yes, it is quite the opposite. We often represent, broadly, the activist who acts without any introspection and the meditating person as a selfish individual completely cut off from the world. But when we take time to think about it, is it really possible to change the world without changing ourselves? Let’s remember, we are the world. To change ourselves means changing the part of the world on which we have the most direct influence. I am finally convinced that change is contagious!

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO CHANGE?

In our hyper-connected world, our attention is permanently requested. We are immersed in a deluge of information. But, we need to stop and reconnect to see what really matters. The occasional digital detoxification will not hurt!

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO SUCCEED IN ACHIEVING CHANGE?

Feeding positivity is one of the key factors. Concretely, this means focusing on what is going on and being inspired by acts of altruism, which can provide the energy to move forward. The idea is not to turn a blind eye to bad things, but to be lucid. The sweetness and the indulgence to ourselves are also fundamental. To show us our fragilities connects us with humility to others.

HOW CAN MEDITATION HELP US?

The full consciousness is allowed to return to ourselves and reclaim our serenity, even during an emotional storm. It also provides the motivation to act on things that depend on us. Meditation enables us to be more responsible by making us conscious of our multiple internal resources. Finally, reconnecting to the essential, also enables us to reconnect with others. Meditating means being more open to the world, and more attentive to ourselves and others.

WHAT SHOULD WE SAY TO PEOPLE WHO LOSE COURAGE WHEN FACED BY THE ENORMITY OF THE TASK AT HAND?

All changes count, even the smallest ones! The world builds itself little by little through the acts of ordinary people. As Pierre Rabhi reminds us, “you should not especially minimise the importance and the power of the small resolutions which, far from being harmless, contribute to build the world to which we aspire.” Moreover, the small changes give us the courage to take on bigger challenges.

Fabienne Broucaret