#FestivalWisdom

After four days of frolicking, dancing, swimming and talking to visitors in my “Do You Need A Mother Booth?” I returned home from Shift Festival impressed with the dreams, creativity, and desires young adults have to live purposefully in a loving community. Approximately 1300 science, engineering and art buffs who enjoy techno music and electrified art attended. They were well educated, multi-generational, culturally diverse adults who averaged thirty-five years.  Most are happily employed, but a surprisingly large number are upset about the direction their journey is taking them.

My “Mother Booth” was a magnet for those trapped by a reality they want to shed. It attracted dreamers not knowing how to attain their goals and college graduates unable to find jobs in their fields. I met those struggling to overcome the trauma of war and of losing a job or love one to illness or divorce. I heard confused voices worried by overpopulation, environmental degradation, nationalist hatred and greed. 

College debt forced many graduates to take employment with Uber, Lift or Amazon. Some became barristers at coffee shops or served tables in restaurants. It was not what they wanted to be doing. At thirty they gave up on marriage and bringing children into a world in disarray. Instead they seek escape from what they are doing by floating from concert to party to festival where they take drugs in a search for community and meaning. 

I left the festival saddened after listening to bright, intelligent people with so little hope for their future and realized what a difficult a struggle they do have before them. They face a different world than my friends and I did as young adults. We were a white privileged class who married during our twenties and raised children who along with our jobs, defined our purpose. Family provided meaning and kept us employed in work we grew with over the years. We were employed long enough to develop friends and lived in neighborhoods that contributed to our sense of belonging.

It wasn’t until the sixties and seventies that we became aware of social inequalities and decided to do something about it.  Working to change the status quo added to the purpose of our lives. We joined the civil rights and women’s movements and boycotted grapes to help farm workers. We marched against the Vietnam war and held rallies for a woman’s right to choose. We were loving, fought for justice and were empowered by our ability to bring about change. Most of all, we were passionate and alive with ambition and purpose.

I look into the eyes of young adults, today, hoping to see determination and desire to improve humanity. All too often I see apathy, fear and burn-out from trying to survive. Even those with adequate salaries falter in mid-life to ask why continue to work at hollow endeavors. Yet, though they speak of injustice, they don’t take action for change. They continue to be underpaid teachers, social workers, nurses, waiters, farmers, and scientists and crave to be part of the the 1 percent of high paid lawyers, developers, bankers and media executives. During free hours they escape to social media sites and entertainment while complaining that their existence has no purpose. 

Well . . . too bad. Bringing about change means getting involve and grappling with the problems of our time. In a world of automation, overpopulation, and robots there may never be enough “meaningful’ jobs for everyone. However, that does not mean there are not plenty of opportunities to leave your mark and find purpose. There is much that needs to be done by those willing to put in the time an effort to bring about change.

I believe that three undertakings give life meaningful. The first involves  staying curious and continuing to learn, grow and try new things. Second is to work for social justice and to leave the world a better place that it was when you arrived. Third is to be kind, compassionate, and willing to help family, friends and neighbors. Those following these precepts will never be lonely but will continue to dream, feel connected and maintain purpose throughout their lives. They will know life as a journey and enjoy its many rewards.

Eastern Oregon Contemplative by Marilynne Eichinger

Acrylic on Canvas / Gold Frame / 21’ by 25” / $389 

Works of art are always for sale. Contact me at marilynne@echingerfineart.com