|
|
|
Now that our trip is becoming a reality, I find myself reading more and more about the countries that we will be traveling to. One strong theme that strikes me is the effect of leadership on people and nature. And the fact that everything is interconnected.
The picture above captures something about the impact of global warming and weather patterns on African communities. And how easy it is for the rest of the world to turn a blind eye. To continue living and consuming in ways that are not sustainable. Because they can. And by 'they' I also mean 'we', and 'I'. Are there global leaders who are capable and brave enough to lead the transformation of how we think about the future of our planet? Leaders who understand, and have empathy for, resistance to change? Are there leaders who can avoid the trap of splitting between nature and people as if these are separable polarities? We need global leaders who can challenge our beliefs and invite us to transform our thinking, being and doing in our worlds. But the picture above also tells a story of leadership failure at the local level. Where communities are not working with the future in mind. Or not holding their leaders accountable. Or both. When leadership fails, people and nature suffer. And who are those global and local leaders and followers who should make the difference? They are us. I am grateful for being awakened by the dream of a cross-Africa bike trip to the disconcerting realities that we will encounter. And a bit nervous about actually experiencing it. JC
0 Comments
 he move from vague daydream to dates in the calendar was euphorically swift. Phone call from Jeff at Trax Moto, "Husqvarna might want to come on board". Meeting with Fred from Husqvarna, "Yes this sounds very promising, theses are all the things we could possible help with". Phone call from De Witt, "I am coming with you!" Then clicking over into research and planning mode. Talking with others who have done it. Thinking through every possible aspect. Creating this website. And today, waking up and looking at those numbers again, thinking, "How do we actually convert the excitement and the story into reality? Almost a million rands in costs, plus a million that we want to raise for the water tank project, and only five months to do it in!" (Together with our day jobs and families!) Also remembering the call from the air freight company in Cape Town yesterday when I tried to figure out what it would cost to ship the bikes back. First of all, they can't help us - we need a company in Sweden for this. We will need Carnets. What is a Carnet? It's a passport for your bike. You will have to put down a R500 000.00 deposit for the Carnet. OK no then we'd rather sell the bikes there in Europe. No you won't be able to sell them there because the import tax won't make sense. OK. But I think De Witt will have to ship his bike to Australia because he lives there. No that won't be possible. They won't allow him to import such a new bike. Sigh. Yes. Looking at the sunrise here in Wakkerstroom with my hands enveloping a steaming cup of coffee: This is what it's like to take a dream to reality. First the dream. Then an unexpected signal from the universe to make you believe that it's actually possible. Then the psychological momentum that only beginner's luck can bring. And then, of course, reality. Test after test after test to see if our willpower is strong enough to create a way. Where there's a will, there's a way. Or, as our friend Christo would say now: "No. The will becomes the way." JC   |
AuthorThis blog was written by Dr. Jean Cooper. For my work as organisational psychologist, adventurer and writer, go to www.jeanhenrycooper.com 
|
