Recently, I learned of a new word: “Polycrisis.” 

So these are some times. A lot of strife here and at home and globally, in a world that literally seems on fire (hence polycrisis). 

In this context, social media has become more like social dystopia, but occasionally provocative questions still rise up out of the memes and mumblings. For instance, a Facebook friend recently asked the post-election question: “do you/we/I still have faith in humanity?” I answered that I wasn’t so sure that’s the question to ask…

For context: A couple of decades ago, after 9/11, I had a gut wrenching loss of faith in humanity. The horror of that day and its aftermath was devastating for so many on so many levels. 

After being curled up in a ball for a few weeks, it occurred to me that emotional paralysis was a non-starter. My anecdote was to find a way to act, starting from within. The ensuing journey from despair turned into one of self-discovery – which evolved into founding the Insight Garden Program (now Land Together) – creating the space, time, and through extensive collaboration with San Quentin prison – to bring nature inside.

The program was a journey to find faith in humanity again after 9/11. From custody staff who paved the way (and even supported) the construction of gardens on prison yards, to the people who found joy in discovering new information about a plant or bug, the program and process was transformative for so many more than we could have imagined. Something about that connection to nature, brought the best out in all of us.

In retrospect, we were literally “cultivating humanity” by showing up with curious and caring hearts to support those behind the walls. We listened, learned, engaged and facilitated provocative questions so people had an opportunity to self-reflect, work together, and shine.

So my response to the “humanity” question posed above on social media was to ask a different one: “how do we cultivate the humanity in ourselves and each other?” It’s not so much faith or hope, it’s what we DO to bring out the best in ourselves, in relation to others. 

When we dig and tend to the good within and take action, that also extends to those around us. 

These days when things feel so uncertain – from war torn regions to our own domestic crises – I do see people cultivating humanity all around us. People offering a meal, or sharing new kittens with children who’ve been uprooted by war, or an aid worker doing the impossible to save lives, or simply and directly speaking truth to power. Leaning into the hard work, with humanity (and empathy) can shift the conversation, as well as the systems that no longer serve us.

We are a collage of experiences with our families, communities, the culture we live in, and the traumas we endure (which can result in misalignment and inhumane behavior). We seem to be a little bit of everything. 

So let’s cultivate the good within us, actively share it with the world. Pass it Around! (a song to brighten your day by Dragon Smoke).

Hamoudi with his kittens in Gaza | Photo credit Aboud Almadhoun