Empire doesn’t serve humanity
I was in the surf this morning, the most amazing sunrise and gentle, easy surf after weeks of bigger waves. My rhythm was out, as happens without reason.
I was frustrated. More and more people arrived to surf, typical when there are small, easy waves.
I caught myself saying to myself – What is wrong with me?
And then I noticed the flood of emotions behind these words. My devil words.
What is wrong with me?
An arrowhead straight to the deepest wound.
The next thing I noticed was the pool of emotions that lay behind these words.
My surfing frustration was the key that opened the aperture to accumulated emotions.
I took a peek into that well.
What is wrong with me – why can’t I do this? Why can’t I break through this ceiling? Why am I here again? What is wrong with me? Why do charlatans succeed and those with integrity do not? Why do the BS bro club get the spoils? Why are the systems so unfair? What is wrong with me?
Plus…
The pain and horror in Gaza, children being incinerated. My country continues to look away.
Devastating floods a few hours down the road from me. Over 800 homes uninhabitable. Many without insurance because…insurance. Unaffordable, or insurance companies refuse to insure.
Because of greed and denial of the externalities of our decisions. What will it take to change?
What will it take?
What is wrong with me? What will it take for work for a world with a future for Earth and all her creatures to find roots?
As I write, I recognise the ‘poor me’ victim of my words, even though they are soaked in truth.
Cruelty, exploitation, hate, and violence are more profitable.
That is the truth.
The good, the true, and the beautiful produce different types of profit. Profit for our collective future. For dignity, justice and care for Earth and all her creatures.
I will take this moment, tears falling, to rest and gather.
Gather my resources. Connect to integrity. Remind myself that nothing is wrong with me. That old story and my continued attachment to it serves Empire, and Empire doesn’t serve humanity.
This is why we need each other. Our humanity and fragility are what define us as agents against Empire.
I write my way home. Thank you for journeying with me.
Photo May 28th 2025, Article written May 28th 2025

