It has been proposed that every generation critiques the previous, which is how humanity grows and prospers. In our context, this often looks like questioning everything in order to create alternative solutions. Presumably, the goal is to make life better. In fact, contemporary culture cannot seem to get enough alternative …it is the popular thing to do. As the world’s cultural melting pot, we are flooded with ideas by media, challenging the beliefs of old and the traditions of previous generations.
However, in this quest for the alternative, with our unlimited access to the Internet and as technology evolves, our daily practices are increasingly disrupted and assumptions of everyday life and meaning scrutinized in the name of trying something else, which, mind you, is so new has yet to be proven by the rigors of practical every day life.
I have noticed a growing disdain for the tradition and beliefs of previous generations. Many in this generation seem to mock prescriptions like: “Go to school, get a job, go to work, get married, have kids, etc.,” responding with “Okay Boomer …sure.” Many seem to dismiss these strategies as ludicrous, thinking that following make us into sheep. Of course, we are not sheep (!), which we adamantly declare as we drink our lattes while using our smart phones to post on social media.
We, the younger generation, have come to believe that we need not to work hard but smart. We will not be known as sheep …we are special and destined for greatness! If we want something, we will manifest it! We believe in magic, and just about anything from exotic, mystical or ancient cultures, is a superior method compared to the previous generation’s approach, so long as we can stay in complete control. In our eyes, anyone who does not subscribe to the “new” alternative ideas is dismissed.
Now, don’t get me wrong. There are indeed some very powerful ideas emerging out there. But, I must ask: are we missing a key element to making a better life by dismissing insights from prior generations?
Being of the younger generation, I of course embrace the new. Alternatives give me a sense of control, but also, a sense of grandeur. With this comes an expectation. I’ll admit it …a sense of entitlement, which has been the single greatest critique of the Millennials over the last 10 years.
Can the old and new be integrated? And more importantly, how do I check the hidden agenda of self-entitlement too often masquerading behind it all?
I believe integration and constructive self-criticism are both possible through diligence. If we are to consider the merit of both traditions that came before us and new emerging ones, we need to test what actually works. Beliefs, especially new ones, never replace the need for consistent hard work and good practices, even less so the proper estimation of ourselves. Put another way, manifestation is as much an action verb as it is a noun: if we believe in manifestation, we must diligently do the manifesting work.
Unfortunately, I find little acknowledgement that a messy house, messy car, careless spending, bad diet, bad sleep, lack of intimate community (the list goes on), significantly impact on our lives. Our hyper-individualism and self-sufficiency has reached a new high through technology in such a way that diligent hard work has been blindly dismissed as necessary to survival.
We are not connecting the dots: we continue to struggle with relationships and intimacy. The way we do one thing is the way we do everything. How we care for the small things is exactly how we care for the big things. Our lack of attentiveness to the minute and daily life-practices and long-term personal investments prevents us from achieving what we really: a full prosperous life, which cannot happen apart from trusting relationships and mutual respect. Poor stewardship permeates one’s entire life, sabotaging one’s goals and dreams. Whereas, basic stewardship makes one powerful …having our house in order is basic to living a full life, because the margin it provides enables us to accomplish our goals and truly engage others. Only from this location can manifesting manifest a satisfying life.
“What day is it?” asked Pooh.
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.If you enjoyed this article why not take 5 minutes to take our relationship quiz and find out how you're both doing...
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