‘Trust in God and Tether your Camel’ – Preparation necessary.
THERE is no doubt that we are indeed living in unprecedented times. The changes that we have all seen happen to our lives and those around us in the last 18 months, could never have been predicted by the common man -although perhaps by the WEF. However for all this to have come about it is very clear that the likelihood is that yet more change is most likely to be around the corner.
Supply chains are breaking down with vital raw materials in short supply and key components in production lines no longer readily available. International shipping has been severely hampered by many recent events including one entire major Chinese port being closed, shipping containers in very short supply and the blocking of the Suez canal. Food supplies are already being hit and shortages are, according to mainstream media sources, on their way. These potential food shortages are but one variable in a rapidly changing world of uncertainty. We clearly cannot continue to rely on the world being in the way in which we have always been used to. Preparing for certain changes, of an uncertain nature, is certainly a difficult task. But the basic principles of human survival remain the same, we need clean water, nutritious food, functional shelter, fire for warmth and cooking and most importantly we need each other's company.
One of the primary aims of developing this newspaper, the website, the newspaper distribution network and the face-to-face and online support groups is to bring the community together in preparation for this transition of uncertainty. "United We Stand divided we Fall'. This isn't a new statement but it's truth is becoming increasingly and more urgently apparent. Building local communities of people that understand the new rules of the game is key to playing the game well and to winning - whatever that may look like.
We all have to learn how to shift identities in relationship to shifting circumstances and the new roles that we have to play in life and our wider society. Preparing to be independent of the State and the current corporate Monopoly is a daunting process but one that we now must consider to be worthwhile. "Better Safe than Sorry" is another universal maxim that also seems to be gaining renewed popularity. "Trust in God and Tether your Camel" is yet another favorite.
So although in our deepest hearts we all do trust, as Bob says, that "Everything will be alright", if we don't "Make Sure" that we have actually got food, water, shelter, fire and a good community available and functional, then we may just not have means and mechanisms of survival that might be suddenly required. We may find that our Camel has indeed wandered off.
What we know to be "reality" is shifting, what was normal is no longer and a new normal seems to be being imposed upon us. The old normal was never normal in the first place. But our community based new normal is a much more responsible and self reliable strategy, based on accepting this new reality and by engaging with this now reasonable and appropriate preparation, for what is surely going to come to pass.
Many of the local face to face support groups have "Preparation" as one of the focuses of the support groups activities. So please do come along to a local group and you can get the help you need to start the ball rolling down the road to self-sufficiency and sustainability, in a way that is integrated into your local community.
Article from The Devon Insight: Issue 1
