Is a Politics of Higher Consciousness, Wholeness, and Love Possible? 

At the moment, very few are anticipating the advent of a higher political consciousness. How can they be? The US has just joined Russia, North Korea, and Belarus in refusing to condemn aggression on Ukraine, or even to admit it occurred at all. Many Americans and former allies are increasingly fearful that the United States is itself becoming an authoritarian state, joining a wave of authoritarianism sweeping the globe. Such as fear is compellingly real. At the same time, America’s sacred intent of unity in diversity, originally inspired by Native America and embodied in the motto E Pluribus Unum, is still attainable. Which way will the United States go? Will it completely devolve into a totalitarian regime, putting the entire world at risk, or will it return to its original sacred purpose of inclusivity and wholeness, even love?   

To better understand the future, we must examine our past assumptions. It is these unexamined, tacit assumptions that have created our present day reality, often preventing us from realizing our highest aspirations. In this podcast, we will unearth the limits of the mainstream scientific paradigm that sees humanity as separate from nature, and instead reimagine a world that is interconnected, whole, and complete. Life does not have to be seen as a win/lose competition where only the fittest survive, vying for control of limited resources. There is a better and more accurate way to practice politics: as consciousness, collaboration, unity in diversity, even love. Join us on the next episode of the Circle for Original Thinking podcast.   

Chantal Garneau lives within the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Credit River watershed, in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada. As a dedicated Municipal Councillor, environmental advocate, and meditation artist, she weaves together community, ecology, and mindfulness. Chantal’s belief in the integrity of complex systems and the power of diversity is the heartbeat of her work. Her mission to restore connections to self, community, and the web of life inspires trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for a world where every relationship is nurtured with care and intention.

Alexander Laszlo resides in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and works as President of the Board of Directors of the Bertalanffy Center for the Study of Systems Science, Director of Research at the Laszlo Institute of New Paradigm Research, and Professor of Human and Organizational Development at Fielding Graduate University. Alexander’s current research interests include the embodied aspects of science and spirituality as a living field of consciousness; empathy-based education; the relationship between sustainability and thrivability; systemic innovation for planetary flourishing; and syntony as an organizing force in societal evolution. Alexander holds an interdisciplinary PhD in Science and Technology Policy and an MA in History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania. He holds a BA in Political Science from Haverford College.