The Mindful Metropolis team thought we would have an easier transition into the June issue than we did for our first issue in May. Though the circumstances are far less stressful since the toppling of our former incarnation, Conscious Choice, we find we are still hopping around like excited bunnies in a carrot patch. We have regained some semblance of an infrastructure and our business plan is wrapped up pretty tightly. Yet, there is still a lot of “newness” unfolding. The Chicago area community response to our new media vehicle has been almost overwhelming. I think we all felt we were in danger of losing our voices during Green Festival in mid-May. We had so many great visitors to our booth who came bearing baskets of accolades regarding our accomplishments. We talked ourselves raw with our own enthusiasm. We are holding hands with many and adding more all the time.

So, fearless optimism seems to be the call of the day. I do not know anyone who has not been affected by the economic environment. I witness many people reevaluating their priorities, consuming less, and making much more prudent, well thought consumer choices. When I read the newspapers, view news online and listen to NPR, I hear a great deal of unfortunate economic evaluation (or devaluation, if you will). Many folks are in a bad situation have lost their sense of security. This is all the more reason to excavate the value of the community. Human kindness and support will never depreciate as an investment.

When we decided to embark on our publishing venture, each one of us had to hammer down a few fundamentals. Those ideas, we realized, were applicable and deliverable to our audience.

Here are three of the more common sense concepts: First, simplify. We cannot afford to complicate the nature of our lives and our business with unnecessary fluff. Sacrifices are often required, but the reward is more appreciation of less complexity.

Many choices are made by an economic process of elimination which increases focus on the fundamental needs.

Second, collaborate. It is the Ego’s nature to isolate and burden us with “me, me, me.” In reality, when we are not feeling confident, when we are feeling scared or threatened, the most beneficial thing to do is to reach out to others for assistance. We need to build our sense of community.

Then, we need to actively participate in that community and give back.

Third, communicate. I know if it is only happening in my head, then it is not happening. I know that if I cannot deliver a clear idea, communicate a need, respond to a concern rather than react to it, and be an active, participatory listener, then there are going to be problems. It is simply impossible to partner with others if communication is lacking. Practice, patience and occasional amends are often necessary tools.

The dollars and cents economy appears to have tanked. Hindsight being what it is, we can probably say it was designed to fail. Many great thinkers predicted as much. We are not about all of that, though. Historical facts are fodder for preventing future mistakes, though we must live in the present. What are we going to do right now to make a difference in our lives? The answer, I believe, is in our human network. Deepening those relationships creates a more values driven response to life as opposed to the more base monetary values. Instead of asking ourselves, “What have I got?” we need to ask ourselves “Who have I got?” One good way to build community is to volunteer for something. Check out volunteermatch.org, chicagovolunteer.net, and chicagocares.org for opportunities. Even if you do not find you have less work to occupy your time, or less money to spend in the time you have to occupy, volunteering is always rewarding. Someone needs something you have to offer. Being “environmentally” active can mean a lot more than just recycling and turning off light switches.

Please enjoy the June issue of Mindful Metropolis, brought to you by an uncomplicated team in careful collaboration with our community. Please feel free to communicate openly with us!