Nobody bothers about switching off lights

Recently was part of a conversation amongst a group of individuals on climate change.

The discussion was focused on the challenges at both micro(individual) and macro level, but one of the broad them emerging was a general tendency to blame others.

So statements like-

“Government is not doing enough….”

“In my organization, nobody bothers to switch off light post office hours….”

“Many industrialists are only focused on profits…”

.

Well, there might be some merit in above statements, but peeping inside, more than helplessness, there is a ‘feel’ of vacuum as if something is missing. One of the first thoughts coming to mind is the legend of king Zorro.

It is believed that King Zorro had lost a battle and hiding in a cave, was chalking out plans on how to win his kingdom back. Soon, he started feeling more and more frustrated as there was no way he could make out how to take on gigantic opponent army. At this time, an inspiration struck him and he drew a circle around himself and just practiced wielding his sword correctly within the circle. (only thing in his control then). ………This gave him bit of confidence that he was on the right track, one thing led to another and ultimately he got his kingdom back.

Above story led to the origin of ‘Zorro Circle’ concept which implies that focusing on internal locus of control is tied up with higher achievement in any domain, higher happiness and better health (studies prove that employees who feel little control over deadlines have 50% higher risk of coronary disease).

So, coming back to the burning topic, what is individual locus of control. Few thoughts-

-       Contribute to planting a tree every month

-       Overcoming minor inconvenience and carrying metal water bottle

-       Ensuring to personally switch off the lights in community, in case somebody else has left it on

-       Overcoming social stigma and wearing unironed clothes 1-2 days a week (idea credit: Dr. Chetan Solanki, the solar man of India)

Now, one of the arguments that comes here is are we ‘Penny wise Pound Foolish’. Will the above things (or sacrifices) make sense when things at a macro level are going haywire.

Again, the above argument is not without merit; but the counter-argument is that above phrase is from economic point of view with both penny and pound being in individual control. But, in this case, if pound is not in individual control, can he at least try to control the penny.

The above is also tied to the Bhagavad Gita philosophy of ‘Karma’ with Krishna explaining his protégé that he has right over his eye, his bow and arrow; but he has no right over the deer at whom he is having. Thus, HE advises him to focus on this ‘Dharma’.

A journey to a thousand mile begins with a single step; and the single step by a single individual can let collective conscience erupt.

A single step in a greener world where a common man doesn’t have to worry about getting a glass of clean water or a breath of clean air.