” . . .by 2020 depression will be the second most prevalent medical condition in the world.” I’ve been haunted by this World Health Organization projection ever since reading it in a March 25, 2014 New York Times Op-Ed piece by T.M. Luhrmann.
The good news is . . . it isn’t 2020 yet. The not-so-good news is that we aren’t talking 61 years from now, we’re talking six. Yet, within every projection resides the seeds of possibility.
Clearly, there’s a dizzying array of health and social justice issues underlying what could become a global onslaught of depression. And, there are models, such as Catherine Place (www.catherineplace.org) in the U.S. and Maher (www.maherashram.org) in India and many others, that are cultivating love, hospitality, connection, beauty and healing in a world that far too often feels empty and hopeless to many. Let’s start using more of our wisdom, power, resources, and creativity to cultivate greater health, happiness, respect and justice for all. Because a projection is only what might happen. With focus, compassion, and collaboration, we have the intelligence and the ability to create a much brighter future.
Reflecting:
If there are models that you are excited about, who do you feel called to share them with?