What a powerful and visually moving description of encountering Greta in the heat of swedish summer. I love it Jonathan, thank you for bearing witness. Greta is a bodhisattva - an awakened one. May the universe move in her direction. ❤️
Greta is a bodhisattva - an awakened one. Now that is the perfect description and I'd never thought of it. Of course you're right Swarnali, she is a bodhisattva! Thanks!
I love your description of Greta when her energy first commands your eyes.
She has humbled us by centering the slaughter and starvation of the Palestinians over the attention on her. I’m almost programmed to say we don’t deserve her, but we do. We deserve Greta. The Earth deserves Greta. Palestinians deserve Greta. Humanity deserves Greta. It’s time to step into our worthiness, where courage is unlocked.
We are each worthy and courageous. I’m finding it’s important to not put all our expectations on the few brave ones like Greta to get it done, but rather to see that it’s just a regular, average human just like us tapped into the human potential. 💓
Thank you for this beautiful write-up of all the reasons I admire Greta so much! Back in 2019, when I became a climate activist (inspired in no small part by Greta), I read Active Hope and discovered what author Joanna Macy calls the Great Turning - which is almost an anagram for Greta Thunberg.
In an interview with Teen Vogue in 2021, Greta described her autism/asperger syndrome as her superpower. As you wrote of other young climate activists "reading the room" and adjusting their positions and behaviors to comply with social norms, I wondered if Greta's autism/ Asperger syndrome helped her to avoid making that adjustment. I hope Greta will continue to remain "unapologetically" herself!
I think you're right Joni, in many ways Greta's traits do help her to avoid behaving in common and expected ways. I think we're often so focused on individuals these days that we forget that we are all members of a tribe, and that all members bring their own unique "superpowers" to the tribe. These traits and powers help the tribe in so many ways and I think Greta's spectral position helps us all see more clearly.
I wrote about this a couple of years ago, how people with ADHD might in fact be an evolutionary advantage for the group and the interestingly I read this today that kinda says a similar thing. Maybe you'd be interested to have a look because it sort of back up your point:
I also read this piece, and some similar in the past about how neurodiversity has always existed - they were the shamans, the healers, the poets. Revered. They didn’t have to be the warriors.
With the public concern of rising numbers of diagnosed Autistic children, I chose the reframe that they have come to shepherd in the New Earth. My son is unwavering in justice, a few years shy of when you first saw Greta.
May we support all children to be who they came here to be by not forcing the norm.
I apologize in advance for my lengthy comment . This amazing young woman, too hard to say just a few words. You know me. Seldom do we read about a young girl who carried two oars, stepped into a boat in turbulent waters and rowed across the sea, alone, with heart, soul, and determination. I’ve seen her face while she endlessly rows, her eyes, large pools of liquid innocence mixed with knowing. She is so young.
I hope she will hold a place in history, as she does in the present. I hope I hope.
You have temporarily ‘switched hats’ Jonathan, your gift of writing in your very own unique style, (besides Benny, the reason I am here), mixed with a news publisher’s intent on presenting and preserving what is factually important ,is a brilliant combination. (More please?)
“Unapologetically ourselves” ; I appreciate the positive that Veronica Bond so deftly points out . On the other hand,using these same words, I strongly feel that one of the main reasons that Trump has any supporters, regardless of the incredible destruction he is causing to the U.S. of A ( including the tsunami that comes ashore around the world) is that his actions and empty rhetoric allow his supporters to no longer hide their hate, they can now have a path, free and clear, to be
“Unapologetically ourselves” , standing proud in the sludge of Hatred, with a ‘me too’!
And a red MAGA hat, figuratively or literally. Vote for hate.
While we have also been seriously affected by climate change here in VT, ( show me a place that hasn’t besides the world of fiction) most notable , the decrease of snowpack , the rollercoaster of temperatures in winter, unprecedented flooding due to torrential downpours in July. But at present, our tourism , especially in the far northern tip near the Canadian boarder, is already seeing a drastic decrease in Canadian visitors who in some cases make up 50% of business, ie; recreational , golf, mountain biking , cancellations to recreate here this summer, fall, and winter .Ski areas who have already noted a 40% decrease in winter passes purchased by Canadians this time of year. This is not due to climate change. Canada is collectively saying ; We love you VT, and we are so sorry, but we will not cater to Trump’s tariffs. Trump? He Does not give a damn.
“People began to read the room and intuitively veer toward the new vicious norm”. Well said, Jonathan , all of it.
Too many friends and family have done the same. I call them Chameleons, not for their ability to change the color of their skin, but their characteristic ability to instantaneously change their thoughts and focus to match those people they surround themselves with.
What can I say, Lor. I love this comment. I know I've said it before but you should be writing your own 'Stack. The opening with the rowing girl is actually inspiring. Brilliant. And the whole picture created of the agony of The Orange Idiot's effect on people's relations is perfect. Keep those comments lengthy my friend.
Thanks so much for the kindness about "switched hats" bit. I will write more of this style, and I won't forget Benny either. Might find a bit more time on my hands over the next few months to really focus on upping my writing game so keep your eyes peeled :)
And thanks for being unapologetically you. It is a pleasure to behold.
Thanks for the reply and the link, Jonathan. I saw Thom Hartmann's article earlier today and didn't take time to read it. I'll go back and do that now. Diversity is humanity's superpower!
It's great to see one person make a good positive difference (Greta, MLK & a few others spring to mind), instead of one person making an awful difference (plenty to choose from here).
Its such a fascinating thing, the ripples that emanate from people. I'm thinking of various people who make a massive positive difference, but their ripples splash across their families and the friends. But the Great Book Of History never scribbles down their beautiful names. There's some bias toward size in the damn book. But maybe the terrible cold hearted broken ones whose ripples only splash across their families should be scribbled down because they create the monsters that then ripple across us all. Strange really.
Thanks so much for tat comment Joshua. it really got me thinking :)
“We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up. And change is coming, whether you like it or not.”
She does get to the point pretty rapidly young Greta. Always powerful I think. I'm grateful for your appreciation here Michaela, this being slightly different than my usual. And never let go of your hope :)
Love this essay, Jonathan. A lovely insight. Greta's strength and passion is always inspiring. The world needs its Gretas to be that magnetic shift in the dominant opinion.
Yes, Chicken Little and Greta, the sky has been falling for quite some time now and we who truly care have so little power to stop it. Jonathan, your piece reminded me of the power of one person influencing more persons, but getting through to corrupt politicians to stop the current destruction is the key. Have you heard of the organization Citizens Climate Lobby? We aim our efforts at legislators who work for environmental protection. It seems like a Herculean task right now as you so perfectly described the current state of political catastrophe. But we can't just sit on our hands and do nothing.
Thanks Marilyn, I’ll check out the Citizens Climate Lobby, sound like the kind of strategic approach that’ll work, always good to target people within the system.
We need to act in united and positive ways I completely agree. I think stories of a post capitalist world are essential too, a reinvigoration of imagination and hope.
"we still can behave morally and virtuously and honourably" ~ brilliant!! Thank you 💗🙏
We are indeed free to read the room and not veer towards the new vicious norm. Because veering towards that immoral and vicious and crooked norm is not a sign of strength or courage. It's a sign of fear and weakness and greed in the face of the world sliding into an abyss before our eyes. Grateful for Greta 💗🙏
Couldn’t agree more Veronica, we can be stronger and it’s so beautiful when someone reminds us of that.
I think your work is also a wonderful reminder that we are freer to reconsider the story we tell ourselves (or are told) and reengage with the world is a more essential way :)
Thanks so much for reading and being here Veronika
Thank you, Jonathan! I've been thinking about your beautiful post here... reminding us of the Greta within each of us!
Yes, Greta reminds us that we are free to leave the room, when we can smell the bullshitters farting around....
She also reminds us of being 'unapologetically ourselves' ~ which is the only place from where anyone can be strong, because strength comes from being in our centre.
My dearly beloved is so insistently obsessed by the "Mouth-Almighty Petulant Dictator Wannabe... emotionally retarded maniac..." I have been unable to see past the fog of ensuing rants and rages and disturbing, pessimistic prophecies ringing around my usually quiet home.
Today though, for the first time in I don't remember how long, I have the house to myself, no dearly beloved, no son in search of something, anything (everything) he has misplaced, just blissful silence; precious time to read your brilliantly written essay about a young girl, not unlike those I teach every day, who has such humbling, ethical courage I feel her powerful belief dissolving the fog and cleansing negative air. I can see the distant hills at last...
Greta Thunberg is a shining star among us, my admiration for her travels far beyond a few brief words in a comment but as climate chaos continues as clearly as the empty threats of a lunatic self-proclaimed god, I pray and hope that her unwavering moral courage will leave a mark on us all, especially all who so cowardly bow the 'vicious norm'.
Jonathan this was brilliant and much needed - thank you !
Firstly, what an absolute honour that you take the time to read me during this precious little span of quiet you've found yourself :) Thank you Susie.
Somehow I reckon that the whole point of this avalanche of bullshit concerning who-konw-who (and all the others) is precisely to create a "fog of ensuing rants and rages and disturbing, pessimistic prophecies" and debilitate all of us. But as you say, then comes a ray of sunshine that reminds us who we are and who we can be.
I wouldn't have missed it even if the house had been still full of noise! A day off has to be used wisely... that said I am now venting my own rage on faulty electric fencing and escaped sheep under a blazing 37c sun and no help - I must have been one wicked bitch in a past life! :-/
Gosh Jonathan. This is such an honorable, necessary piece. And written with a warmth almost as if you were an adoring, admiring father. And I mean that in the best of ways. For a grown man to uphold, applaud and celebrate a young woman’s tenacious, intelligent spirit without any hint of fear for her power—this is the kind of evolved masculine energy the world needs. Greta is legendary and we all need to be paying close attention to her voice, her mission, her unflappable commitment to a better world.
Thanks so much Kimberly, that's such a lovely thing to say 🙏🏽
I think all this attention paid to gender or race of class is all so false and divisive. I guess all that counts is intention and love and it's easy for me to write graciously about Greta because I have no fear of the power of love through whatever form it reveals itself. I think truly evolved masculine or feminine energy feels the same way :)
What a powerful and visually moving description of encountering Greta in the heat of swedish summer. I love it Jonathan, thank you for bearing witness. Greta is a bodhisattva - an awakened one. May the universe move in her direction. ❤️
Greta is a bodhisattva - an awakened one. Now that is the perfect description and I'd never thought of it. Of course you're right Swarnali, she is a bodhisattva! Thanks!
I love your description of Greta when her energy first commands your eyes.
She has humbled us by centering the slaughter and starvation of the Palestinians over the attention on her. I’m almost programmed to say we don’t deserve her, but we do. We deserve Greta. The Earth deserves Greta. Palestinians deserve Greta. Humanity deserves Greta. It’s time to step into our worthiness, where courage is unlocked.
This is such a good way to put it Shaista, "It’s time to step into our worthiness, where courage is unlocked. It just feels bleak otherwise right?
Thanks so much for your comments :)
We are each worthy and courageous. I’m finding it’s important to not put all our expectations on the few brave ones like Greta to get it done, but rather to see that it’s just a regular, average human just like us tapped into the human potential. 💓
Thank you for this beautiful write-up of all the reasons I admire Greta so much! Back in 2019, when I became a climate activist (inspired in no small part by Greta), I read Active Hope and discovered what author Joanna Macy calls the Great Turning - which is almost an anagram for Greta Thunberg.
Thanks so much for the tip about Joanna Macy, Annette. I'll check out her writing but a Buddhist ecophilosopher sounds right up my street :)
And thanks for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it.
In an interview with Teen Vogue in 2021, Greta described her autism/asperger syndrome as her superpower. As you wrote of other young climate activists "reading the room" and adjusting their positions and behaviors to comply with social norms, I wondered if Greta's autism/ Asperger syndrome helped her to avoid making that adjustment. I hope Greta will continue to remain "unapologetically" herself!
I think you're right Joni, in many ways Greta's traits do help her to avoid behaving in common and expected ways. I think we're often so focused on individuals these days that we forget that we are all members of a tribe, and that all members bring their own unique "superpowers" to the tribe. These traits and powers help the tribe in so many ways and I think Greta's spectral position helps us all see more clearly.
I wrote about this a couple of years ago, how people with ADHD might in fact be an evolutionary advantage for the group and the interestingly I read this today that kinda says a similar thing. Maybe you'd be interested to have a look because it sort of back up your point:
https://www.hunterinafarmersworld.com/p/the-science-finally-catches-up-new
THanks so much for the comment Joni, I totally agree and I really appreciate it :)
I also read this piece, and some similar in the past about how neurodiversity has always existed - they were the shamans, the healers, the poets. Revered. They didn’t have to be the warriors.
With the public concern of rising numbers of diagnosed Autistic children, I chose the reframe that they have come to shepherd in the New Earth. My son is unwavering in justice, a few years shy of when you first saw Greta.
May we support all children to be who they came here to be by not forcing the norm.
You've done it again, such a good way to put it, I love this, "I chose the reframe that they have come to shepherd in the New Earth".
Enough of separating people into their so called usefulness to the system and more respecting each and every one for themselves, end of.
I apologize in advance for my lengthy comment . This amazing young woman, too hard to say just a few words. You know me. Seldom do we read about a young girl who carried two oars, stepped into a boat in turbulent waters and rowed across the sea, alone, with heart, soul, and determination. I’ve seen her face while she endlessly rows, her eyes, large pools of liquid innocence mixed with knowing. She is so young.
I hope she will hold a place in history, as she does in the present. I hope I hope.
You have temporarily ‘switched hats’ Jonathan, your gift of writing in your very own unique style, (besides Benny, the reason I am here), mixed with a news publisher’s intent on presenting and preserving what is factually important ,is a brilliant combination. (More please?)
“Unapologetically ourselves” ; I appreciate the positive that Veronica Bond so deftly points out . On the other hand,using these same words, I strongly feel that one of the main reasons that Trump has any supporters, regardless of the incredible destruction he is causing to the U.S. of A ( including the tsunami that comes ashore around the world) is that his actions and empty rhetoric allow his supporters to no longer hide their hate, they can now have a path, free and clear, to be
“Unapologetically ourselves” , standing proud in the sludge of Hatred, with a ‘me too’!
And a red MAGA hat, figuratively or literally. Vote for hate.
While we have also been seriously affected by climate change here in VT, ( show me a place that hasn’t besides the world of fiction) most notable , the decrease of snowpack , the rollercoaster of temperatures in winter, unprecedented flooding due to torrential downpours in July. But at present, our tourism , especially in the far northern tip near the Canadian boarder, is already seeing a drastic decrease in Canadian visitors who in some cases make up 50% of business, ie; recreational , golf, mountain biking , cancellations to recreate here this summer, fall, and winter .Ski areas who have already noted a 40% decrease in winter passes purchased by Canadians this time of year. This is not due to climate change. Canada is collectively saying ; We love you VT, and we are so sorry, but we will not cater to Trump’s tariffs. Trump? He Does not give a damn.
“People began to read the room and intuitively veer toward the new vicious norm”. Well said, Jonathan , all of it.
Too many friends and family have done the same. I call them Chameleons, not for their ability to change the color of their skin, but their characteristic ability to instantaneously change their thoughts and focus to match those people they surround themselves with.
What can I say, Lor. I love this comment. I know I've said it before but you should be writing your own 'Stack. The opening with the rowing girl is actually inspiring. Brilliant. And the whole picture created of the agony of The Orange Idiot's effect on people's relations is perfect. Keep those comments lengthy my friend.
Thanks so much for the kindness about "switched hats" bit. I will write more of this style, and I won't forget Benny either. Might find a bit more time on my hands over the next few months to really focus on upping my writing game so keep your eyes peeled :)
And thanks for being unapologetically you. It is a pleasure to behold.
Thanks Jonathan, it will never happen, way too personal and too stressful to have to come up with something, and and what if nobody likes me
and …
You and just a few others will have to continue to suffer my long comments. Actually , I now have 16 subscribers to my non-existent Stack.
So proud🤭 .Sometimes I message back a thank you very much for subscribing, but I do not have a Stack.
One time I wrote that and someone replied, that’s ok, I can still see who you read , and your comments. Blah! Too creepy for me… BLOCK !!!
(So satisfying).
Well, I get it, but you've got a way with words Lor, that's all I'm saying. I guess I'll just have to make do with the comments ;)
I agree! More please!
A powerful piece Jonathan, all eyes on Greta x
Thanks, Emma, and yes, she really is the canary in the coal mine and right now she’s singing like crazy!
Great Greta Thunberg,
may this Canary sing loud.
Lead us out of mine.
Thanks for the reply and the link, Jonathan. I saw Thom Hartmann's article earlier today and didn't take time to read it. I'll go back and do that now. Diversity is humanity's superpower!
Hear hear! Agreed completely.
Thanks Kasi, nice to be in agreement once on a while in all this madness ;)
It's great to see one person make a good positive difference (Greta, MLK & a few others spring to mind), instead of one person making an awful difference (plenty to choose from here).
Its such a fascinating thing, the ripples that emanate from people. I'm thinking of various people who make a massive positive difference, but their ripples splash across their families and the friends. But the Great Book Of History never scribbles down their beautiful names. There's some bias toward size in the damn book. But maybe the terrible cold hearted broken ones whose ripples only splash across their families should be scribbled down because they create the monsters that then ripple across us all. Strange really.
Thanks so much for tat comment Joshua. it really got me thinking :)
So very powerful….tears streaming down my face.
“We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up. And change is coming, whether you like it or not.”
I am holding on to hope…
Praying for my country 🙏 🇺🇸 🙏
She does get to the point pretty rapidly young Greta. Always powerful I think. I'm grateful for your appreciation here Michaela, this being slightly different than my usual. And never let go of your hope :)
Comment from one of the friends I shared your writing with: “Wonderful article. I read every word.”
Love this essay, Jonathan. A lovely insight. Greta's strength and passion is always inspiring. The world needs its Gretas to be that magnetic shift in the dominant opinion.
Thanks Aria and yep, totally agree, a few more Greta's to tip the balance :)
Yes, Chicken Little and Greta, the sky has been falling for quite some time now and we who truly care have so little power to stop it. Jonathan, your piece reminded me of the power of one person influencing more persons, but getting through to corrupt politicians to stop the current destruction is the key. Have you heard of the organization Citizens Climate Lobby? We aim our efforts at legislators who work for environmental protection. It seems like a Herculean task right now as you so perfectly described the current state of political catastrophe. But we can't just sit on our hands and do nothing.
Thanks Marilyn, I’ll check out the Citizens Climate Lobby, sound like the kind of strategic approach that’ll work, always good to target people within the system.
We need to act in united and positive ways I completely agree. I think stories of a post capitalist world are essential too, a reinvigoration of imagination and hope.
Thanks so much for engaging Marilyn
"we still can behave morally and virtuously and honourably" ~ brilliant!! Thank you 💗🙏
We are indeed free to read the room and not veer towards the new vicious norm. Because veering towards that immoral and vicious and crooked norm is not a sign of strength or courage. It's a sign of fear and weakness and greed in the face of the world sliding into an abyss before our eyes. Grateful for Greta 💗🙏
Couldn’t agree more Veronica, we can be stronger and it’s so beautiful when someone reminds us of that.
I think your work is also a wonderful reminder that we are freer to reconsider the story we tell ourselves (or are told) and reengage with the world is a more essential way :)
Thanks so much for reading and being here Veronika
Thank you, Jonathan! I've been thinking about your beautiful post here... reminding us of the Greta within each of us!
Yes, Greta reminds us that we are free to leave the room, when we can smell the bullshitters farting around....
She also reminds us of being 'unapologetically ourselves' ~ which is the only place from where anyone can be strong, because strength comes from being in our centre.
"Unapologetically ourselves" - that's brilliant, I like that a lot.
My dearly beloved is so insistently obsessed by the "Mouth-Almighty Petulant Dictator Wannabe... emotionally retarded maniac..." I have been unable to see past the fog of ensuing rants and rages and disturbing, pessimistic prophecies ringing around my usually quiet home.
Today though, for the first time in I don't remember how long, I have the house to myself, no dearly beloved, no son in search of something, anything (everything) he has misplaced, just blissful silence; precious time to read your brilliantly written essay about a young girl, not unlike those I teach every day, who has such humbling, ethical courage I feel her powerful belief dissolving the fog and cleansing negative air. I can see the distant hills at last...
Greta Thunberg is a shining star among us, my admiration for her travels far beyond a few brief words in a comment but as climate chaos continues as clearly as the empty threats of a lunatic self-proclaimed god, I pray and hope that her unwavering moral courage will leave a mark on us all, especially all who so cowardly bow the 'vicious norm'.
Jonathan this was brilliant and much needed - thank you !
Firstly, what an absolute honour that you take the time to read me during this precious little span of quiet you've found yourself :) Thank you Susie.
Somehow I reckon that the whole point of this avalanche of bullshit concerning who-konw-who (and all the others) is precisely to create a "fog of ensuing rants and rages and disturbing, pessimistic prophecies" and debilitate all of us. But as you say, then comes a ray of sunshine that reminds us who we are and who we can be.
I'm so glad you enjoyed this Susie 🙏🏽
I wouldn't have missed it even if the house had been still full of noise! A day off has to be used wisely... that said I am now venting my own rage on faulty electric fencing and escaped sheep under a blazing 37c sun and no help - I must have been one wicked bitch in a past life! :-/
Haha, maybe, maybe, or maybe those sheep were real goody two shoes in their last life and this bid for freedom was a reward ;)
Either way 37c is a challenging temp. Good luck pal
Gosh Jonathan. This is such an honorable, necessary piece. And written with a warmth almost as if you were an adoring, admiring father. And I mean that in the best of ways. For a grown man to uphold, applaud and celebrate a young woman’s tenacious, intelligent spirit without any hint of fear for her power—this is the kind of evolved masculine energy the world needs. Greta is legendary and we all need to be paying close attention to her voice, her mission, her unflappable commitment to a better world.
Thanks so much Kimberly, that's such a lovely thing to say 🙏🏽
I think all this attention paid to gender or race of class is all so false and divisive. I guess all that counts is intention and love and it's easy for me to write graciously about Greta because I have no fear of the power of love through whatever form it reveals itself. I think truly evolved masculine or feminine energy feels the same way :)
“No fear of the power of love through whatever form it reveals itself.” Beautiful.