Leading by Example in an Overly Industrialized World
I am not in the business of marketing my family’s life to the world; instead, I seek to champion a lifestyle free from the tight reins of an overly industrialized society. The principles I picked up during my military service – “setting the example,” “leading by example,” and “leading from the front” – are ones I passionately uphold. I share the ways in which I live and care for my family daily in the hope that it might inspire others. Perhaps, I can spearhead a movement that encourages families to break free from Big Industry’s stranglehold over our existence, over our very humanity.
I envision a world where we deftly intertwine the finest elements of modern society with the pure gifts that nature bestows. Nestled between these two worlds lies an ideal way of living – an absolute harmony. Imagine the digital and natural realms merging into one, as beautifully synchronized as bees buzzing around their hive. Within this convergence, I believe our children will discover survival strategies for the impending brave new world that lies ahead.
The importance of equipping our children to face the future cannot be understated. Survival is essential, and they must be prepared to navigate multiple worlds that we, as parents, can barely fathom. These include worlds sculpted by artificial intelligence, our magnificent natural world birthed by Mother Nature, our spiritual realms ordained by the divine, and the reality we confront daily – manipulated and controlled by the corporate-government-industrial complex. And then, there is the matrix, the anti-real world, the upside-down world, where everything and nothing appears as it seems. My concern is that we may eventually lose the ability to distinguish between these worlds.
So, how do we remain tethered to reality amidst these complexities? The solution is encapsulated in the question itself – we must stay “grounded” to the Earth that sustains us, that breathed life into us and sculpted the environment around us. Maintaining a strong connection with the natural world is key, appreciating the Earth beneath our bare feet and the sunlight bathing our naked eyes.
But learning to navigate the digital landscape is just as crucial as mastering the great outdoors. We must be adept at moving freely through our environment’s virtual and physical portals without losing ourselves in them. This, arguably, poses the greatest challenge for parents in today’s world.
The task before us is raising independent, resilient children with high self-esteem in a world filled with an array of insidious temptations. Ultimately, everything hinges on the parents. A parent’s influence, be it positive or negative, outweighs any other force in the world. This is because parenting requires a constant demonstration of integrity and self-sacrifice. Resisting our own temptations and doing what is right, consistently, sets a powerful example. No external influence can match the impact of this daily display of love and dedication. After all, no one loves a child quite like a parent does.
Thus, we return full circle to the principles I am fervently championing. The acts of “setting the example,” “leading by example,” and “leading from the front” not only serve to inspire other parents and families but also permeate my own family life. I am wholly committed to providing my children with the best chance at life. In essence, I am living the ethos I preach.
Stay free, my friends.
-Greg
