Discovering The Way

Discovering the Way: What it is

Adults frequently ask for my opinions and reflections as a young person; “what do you believe is going on in the world?” “how do you feel?” “what will you do?”. I am never quite sure how to respond. They are important questions for which I know I am without all the answers. What I am certain of, however, is my passion for the subject; I believe in the power and promise of young people, and the hope for humanity.
Recently, I was inspired to begin a project that captures, explores and nurtures the voices of young adults in the world today. I envision this as a collective inquiry into the identity of our generation: who are we, how did we get here, in what direction are we headed, and how does this reflect and impact society today? I want to bring together a book of essays by people in their 20’s that explores these questions. Our individual experiences, observations, beliefs and feelings offer rich material from which to learn.
I’m calling this collaborative Discovering the Way.
There are no bounds or restrictions about what to write your essay. All is welcome, encouraged and necessary. I want you to share what your experiences have taught you about life, others and yourself. Feel free to discuss topics such as politics, media, religion, gender, spirituality, technology, environment, popular culture, race, sexuality, activism, war, work, music, parenting, travel, relationships, etc. In other words, whatever you want J. We, as a generation of individuals, do not fit in a box. Do not feel that your essays have to either. Anything that captures your voice is meaningful. There is no judgment in being ourselves: no greater power or influence exists than our own authenticity. This project is a way to stand up and express who we are, what we believe in, and what gives our life purpose, value and fulfillment.
I hope you will use and share your voice with me for this project. It should go without saying that your contributions and input are not just sought, they are needed and necessary. We all come with different gifts; no offering is better than another. Whatever you feel inspired to share is perfect. Anyone in their 20’s is welcome to participate. I want our passion and vision to be contagious, to spread one voice at a time.
In this project, hatred and anger are discouraged. I do not want this undertaking to be ‘anti’ anything or anyone. Optimism and positive thinking are preferred. Talk about your truth and beliefs, and not what you think about others . Share your experiences and not your judgments. Focus on your thoughts, feelings and beliefs and not those of others. I want to read about what we can do, and not who we need to blame. Your observations, solutions and reasons for hope are most helpful. Selflessness and service is more important than fear and doubt.
I have created an email account (discoveringtheway@gmail.com) through which you can submit essays. You can also stay connected and involved with our youtube account (http://youtube.com/results?search_query=discoveringtheway&search_type=), blog (http://discoveringtheway.blogspot.com/), My Space page and Zaadz account (for convenience, both under my name, Dennis Kiley). A website may be forthcoming. If you have questions or comments please let me know. I want to create and bring together a book that belongs to all of us. That captures everyone’s voice. Any essays you want to share are appreciated. The parameters for these essays are loose; discuss any of the topics already mentioned, respond to thoughts and ideas I brought up, or come up with your own ideas. As someone in your 20’s what do you have to say; what captures your voice? I ask that you keep each submission under 1,00 words. This is a project for everyone, but for simplicity, I ask that all submissions are by people in their 20’s. Please include a small paragraph describing yourself and a way to contact you. Through this and other conversation tools, I, like you, will begin Discovering The Way!





Discovering the Way: What it can be

I write this essay to share my visions for Discovering the Way. The motivation is not only to express what the project can be, but also what it can do. My hope for this cooperative is to bring young people together and promote greater connection. I wish I could be with each person who reads this essay, whether I know you or not, and share my words directly. Unfortunately, all I have is this essay. Hopefully, it will be read, experienced and felt. In doing this, I hope the words will speak not only to your minds, but your hearts as well. This essay is my entry into Discovering the Way. My visions and hopes for this project are my initial offering. Now I am asking for yours.
Our generation is filled with powerful leaders. We are young, talented, thoughtful and passionate: about life, each other and ourselves. The strengths I see in my fellow brothers and sisters are inspiring. I get excited thinking about the world we can, will and must create. The planet needs more love, peace, compassion, equality and justice. I think now is the perfect time for us to step up and leave our mark, to “be the change we wish to see in the world”.
Suffering is all around me. If I choose, I can easily distract myself with the negatives in life: global warming, poverty, war, etc. The list goes on, and, at times, is overwhelming. Profound changes in our world are necessary. Humanity cannot keep living as it is; our trajectory is destined for disappointment. However, despite the anger, fear and sadness, there are still countless reasons for hope and joy. Every day something touches my heart. Beauty and happiness are everywhere, if only I take the time to see them. Knowing this, I am committed to focus on the positive and use my life to promote change. I believe others share these values, and I want this book to harness constructively that force.
This project is an opportunity to create dialogue. Communication fosters respect and awareness, from which all else follows. Changes become possible when we listen and accept others diverse experiences, thoughts, feelings and ambitions. A society flourishes and real development occurs when we can love and respect our fellow neighbors, even if they disagree with us. To do this, everyone must be willing to enter into relation with one another. Instead of turning back at the first sign of difference, we must commit to continue moving forward by keeping our shared goals and values in sight. This requires a willingness to sacrifice and compromise, listen and contribute. We must dedicate ourselves to seeing the best in each other, knowing each of us is bound by the human condition and share similar aspirations.
For all the different views people hold, deep down I believe we all want the same things; peace, health, happiness, clean air and water, security, loving relationships, etc. The details of how these ambitions will look and how best to realize them are different for everyone. These differences are actually what create conflict, but we should recognize that the larger goals are still the same. If we join hands under the umbrella of these shared visions, then there is hope. Then we begin to Discover The Way.
Before we worry about what lies ahead, however, we must recognize where we are now. Here is where our project can make a difference. Awareness is the tree from which knowledge and wisdom can blossom. Without understanding, we act passively and unconsciously in the world. The world acts on us. Being conscious of the present, however, we can mindfully choose our next steps. When we act thoughtfully and deliberately, positive change is a natural result.
Discovering the Way is a journey into who we are as individuals, a generation and a culture; it is a purposeful and collective step forward in the direction of learning and understanding. With this project there is no judgment, right or wrong, good or bad, ‘us’ versus ‘them’. We must put this way of thinking behind us. There is no ‘them’; it is all ‘us’. We are all in this world together, united by our planet and shared humanity. Any hope for change necessitates placing differences aside and uniting. We must all come together now with our different backgrounds and identities, ideas and visions, shapes and colors, onto the canvas of this world and create our masterpiece. We will not all agree, nor should we, but we can work together and learn from each other. Uniting does not imply losing our individuality. There is no need for conformity on thought, word or deed. Instead, we are asking for humility, openness and support.
I hope this project awakens people: awakens awareness and understanding, curiosity and interest, compassion and inspiration. This book can be a messenger; a calling from the voices of my fellow brothers and sisters, speaking to a world awaiting our voice, wondering what our contributions will be.
Many young people seek to be influential leaders. I believe our influence originates as much from who we are as what we think and say. It is how we live our lives that impacts other people the most. To become strong and effective leaders we must align our thoughts, words and actions. If we can integrate our bodies, minds and hearts, then we are powerful. Then we inspire others and become agents for change. The relationship between our individual development and our awareness of the world around us is interconnected. Without the commitment to our own transformation, we cannot nurture change in the world around us. Conversely, to facilitate our own growth we must also develop our understanding of other people and cultures. Nurturing our relationship and understanding of the environment around us, we simultaneously cultivate our own self-understanding.
Discovering The Way is an opportunity to communicate and share, open up and listen; it is a lending of our voices, ears and hearts. Hopefully, our essays will cultivate greater support for and connection with each other, as we come to accept that what is true for one may not be so for another. Once there is respect and acceptance, the seeds of the garden are sown. We cannot go wrong. The fruits will bear peace and compassion, harmony and tolerance, agreements and resolutions. When the vision is to heighten our own awareness and understanding, then we cannot help but succeed. If listening to and learning from each other are the goals, excellence is possible. Working together like this, a global community becomes a reality. I believe the possibilities are endless for what our generation can accomplish. Life will unfold from what we chose to do and create. With this chance to impact change comes individual and collective responsibility. I know I have a role to play. We all do. Action is required. There is no such thing as choosing not to act: everything is an action. The question is: will your action be helpful, constructive and transformative? Will it bring more love and healing to the world? The interconnectedness of life and the common future we share unites us all. Nobody is exempt. Nobody is unaffected. Everybody should care. What difference will you make?