Change happens slowly, and then suddenly. And in this moment it feels like change is suddenly impacting everything, everywhere, all at once, and not in a good way.
So much so that I’ve been wondering of late if collective stupidity – which is what we seem to be witnessing – is nature’s way of ridding the planet of the most destructive species ever to have evolved. But unfortunately it’s those who are least responsible for the mess we’re in who are paying the highest price.
Amidst the madness I’ve had a song playing in my mind on repeat. Written by Nick Lowe in 1973 but made famous by Elvis Costello a few years later, it seems prescient, but of course there was plenty going on in that era to prompt the lyrics. Which in itself is kind of hopeful. I mean, we made it through the 70s, so we’ll get through this mess. Humanity will prevail, right?
The song I’m referring to is titled (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding? The lyric stuck in my head is the phrase –
So where are the strong, and who are the trusted? And where is the harmony, sweet harmony?
And that’s the key. Harmony. If we can’t find harmony then it’s incumbent on us to create it. All of us. Wherever, whenever, we can.
Harmony in music involves bringing together and combining different notes to be played at the same time. In society harmony is the coming together of different ideas to create something beautiful, something better.
If you meet someone whose ideas seem abhorrent to you, be curious. Ask questions. Don’t judge. You might just find some common ground, or at least some understanding, in order to create harmony.
I’m not saying it’s easy to do this. God knows I fail to follow my own advice, many times. But if we don’t at least try to understand each other we’ll never find peace, or harmony. And a planet with no harmony is no fun at all.
