I've found some other "explorers" this week. I've discovered that I simply need to ask.
Introducing the idea
When my ideas about the "Landscape of Change" started to emerge, all I wanted from people was feedback on the reality and usefulness of the concept. It didn't take me long to discover that the concept did make sense - but then I wasn't sure what to do about it. That was back in 2011.
Personal explorations
In some ways all the work I've done since 2011 has been part of my personal explorations of the Landscape of Change (LofC). I've also been thinking what I learned from experiences before 2011 and their relevance. I've been considering how I can explore the LofC more fully, find other explorers, and share what we know about it. In some ways everything I'm doing now is personal preparation for "the expedition proper" with other explorers into the Landscape of Change.
Unknown terrain
It's not easy being the first people exploring unknown terrain, but some people are more likely than others to relish the uncertainties and opportunities. My "crazy-sane friends" are all exploring a kind of unknown terrain, although most of them haven't seen it that way yet. I need to share the idea with them.
When other people - not crazy-sane ones - find themselves forced to go to the LofC (in a state of confusion, reluctance and unpreparedness, like displaced people) I'd like them to find some landmarks and clues of what other people have discovered. That's why I want to link up with other LofC explorers to map out the landscape, Ideally I'd like to get base camps and support systems in place as well.
Explorations and the Internet.
My miscellaneous, and apparently unconnected field trips and explorations (which I now see as all related to the LofC) have all been connected together by the existence of the Internet to some lesser or greater degree.
At one time it was common to describe the Internet as an Information Highway. That was more in the "top down days" when it was a rapid delivery system for information supplied by the powers that be. For me the Internet soon became more important as a highway that connected me with people - people who previously were beyond my reach due to distance. I celebrate the Internet because of the people I connect with through it. I rejoice in the opportunities of the Internet because of the innovative things we do together by sharing what we know and what we care about, and helping each other to do things.
Recognising and recruiting potential explorers
Now I want to gather people who might be interested in joining me as fellow explorers of LofC. My challenge is to find out how to recognise potential explorers quickly and effectively. They need to be aware of the changing nature of things at present, and the related uncertainty. They need to have a sense that we are going forward into an unknown future, and that it is as much a journey into unexplored terrain as any other journey into unexplored terrain has been in the past. My fellow explorers won't believe the myth that our present situation is a temporary glitch and we will soon be "going back to business as usual".
If the ideas make sense to people, if the ideas connect with their own experience, or connect in some way with their emotions or imagination, then it is possible they might "join my expeditions" to explore and map the landscape. I am beginning to ask people (who I see as already in the LofC, or heading that way) if I can call them my fellow explorers, and I'm encouraged by the response.
Role models
While I'm looking for fellow explorers and map makers it is useful to have role models to point out. These are people who are living the kind of life that would fit well as a lifestyle in the Landscape of Change.
I have found one role model for the area of music. Her approach to having music as her livelihood is unconventional. She sees her lifestyle as one where people are helping each other - and giving to her in a voluntary way - rather than one where she needs to sell records. It works - as she explains in this entertaining TED talk -
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