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What's up and down about The Sixties
The awe-full pitfalls and great potential of change

I grew up in the Sixites and Seventies. These were certainly interesting times. I find that today is even more so.

Part of what made it great to be alive in the Sixties was that many people seriously and joyfully questioned society. They were actively seeking alternatives to conformity and materialism.

Sex, drugs and rock
Inspired by the great music of this era, we tried many new activities and ideas. This included healthier food, a less materialistic lifestyle and progressive politics.

It also included drugs and easy sex. Society is still paying the price for the idea that drugs or quick sex solve problems. Looking back, it seems so foolish that so many people believed these activities were an essential part of a fulfilling life. How times change. I guess we also grew up.

Karmic cosmetics
We believed drugs could give profound insight. And maybe sometime we actually learned something. But I don't believe it's ever anything we couldn't have learned better other ways.

In fact, I agree with those who call drugs karmic cosmetics. Makeup can change someone's physical appearance, but eventually it's washed away.

True physical, mental and spiritual health come through better methods. It may take some effort, but it's well worth it.

That's it for the other one
Another common mistake in the Sixties was to demonize our opponents. In his book Be Here Now, published in 1971, Baba Ram Das points out, correctly I think, that police make hippies and hippies make police. In several science fiction films I've seen, the enemy absorbs the very hostile energy we send at them, sending it back deadlier than ever.

Love your enemies, the Bible says. Easier said than done, and I think a bit simplistic at face value when it comes to terrorists who want to kill us.

But the Bible also says justice brings peace. Now that's food for thought.

It's always a good time to transform your life and help change the world.