In the past months, I’ve seen many around
me without the nine-to-five employment that has been a standard in our
society. While fear about lack of money has been present at least some
of the time, I see many using this time creatively to pursue
long-cherished interests or develop special projects. In this way, the
economic change has been a blessing allowing society to spend more time
doing what they are passionate about.
The economic change has affected me, too. It has been an
opportunity to look at my fears of losing money, and recognize how
little stands behind those fears. If I were to live without fear of
losing money, what would my life be? Much of my life would be the
same, as I have adamantly pursued my ideals – though I would feel much
more ease.
Working through this fear, I recognized that money is an area in
which nearly all of us feel pain. I recognized that the pain many
currently experience is a perfect opportunity to create more compassion
in ourselves and our society. I envision a gift economy based on
compassion, where all have access to a life of ease.
I’ve had glimpses of this gift economy. I live with friends, and we
often receive food from each other without expecting equal exchange.
When I didn’t own a car, I often received rides; now I offer rides to
others. In my communities, individuals have asked for and received
donations to attend a special workshop or just make it through the
month. At the vibrant Burning Man festival, 48,000+ people come
together to live and play in a gift culture, without money or trade.
What is money? Money has been separate from the gold standard for
nearly four decades. It is simply backed by our trust and belief in
its value. It represents an exchange, and its value is portable
between unrelated situations because of our agreement that it has value.
People have imagined and created ways of exchanging without money. Local complementary currency systems
abound, facilitating people meeting each others’ needs within their own
communities. The Swiss WIR was created by 16 Swiss businessmen who
exchanged services amongst themselves in the currency shortages of the
1930s. It has proven immune to economic crises, and some say it
contributes to the stability of the Swiss economy. Barter networks
range in style from business (International Monetary Systems, Itex) to social networking (Commuto, SwapThing).
What if we were to take the opportunity of this economic shift to
create a new relationship to money? This would take a shift toward
compassion and trust. Imagine receiving without giving in return,
knowing that you contribute elsewhere. Imagine giving because you know
how good it feels to receive, and you know there is plenty.
I have practiced giving and receiving money this way. With friends,
I have practiced giving or receiving a few dollars, for no reason other
than to experience letting go of expectation that there will be equal
exchange.
What if we were to create a new economy, where all have access to
prosperity? What if the fear and lack that we experience today were
transmuted into compassion and trust? What if we were to create a gift
economy?