Red-Tailed Hawk Mentality

Since living back here in Pacific Palisades I have come across the term NIMBY (Not In My Backyard). My understanding is it's an attitude that suggests that new developments are not to be tolerated in one's own neighborhood. While I appreciate that citizens do like to maintain the status quo of where they live, I also recognize that such an attitude creates both dysfunction and lack of progress in needed services or feel-good niceties. It is a narrow view that impedes potential improvements. Rather than looking at what's good for the community as a whole, the view is what is good for me. The problem is what is good for the community as a whole benefits you, so in the end taking that attitude is a losing proposition.

The red-tailed hawk mentality calls for seeing the big picture and being generous of heart. Although we may be concerned that these developments may lower our property values or inconvenience us, perhaps that value may be offset by the generous gift you give to the community by looking out for the bigger concerns. Value can be reflected in quality of life which in the short-term may not reflect in dollars but in a functional community that works together to get things done: upgrading energy infrastructure and cellular phone access or feel-good environments like dog and passive recreational parks. These in the long run may increase property values as such attributes make a community a pleasant place to live.

Through my web surfing I discovered another term you may have not heard: SIMBY (Start In My Backyard). This attitude comes from an open-hearted place--a willingness to sacrifice a bit for the greater good. This attitude requires a monumental shift in consciousness. It means stepping out of fear of loss and assuming there will be gain. It's an act of faith or surrender to allow your heart to open that wide and be cooperative. That kind of community cooperation is valuable on every level imaginable. If community is like an organism in which each of us is a cell, then lack of cooperation means a sick organism that is headed for deterioration. Health of an organism is reflected in coordinated effort of each cell to perform for the optimal survival of the whole.

I have discovered something about myself. I am not an activist. I prefer to steward change by planting seeds that bring out the best in people rather than fighting for causes. I don't have anything against activists. They have their ways of doing things, and they accomplish things--but it's just not my way. Rather than pointing a fist, I'd far rather sprinkle a fistful of seeds. There is such a beauty when change happens organically rather than through battle. No one feels like the loser.

I have planted three seeds in the community. One seed was planted last year, but I do not know if it will take root. It is a long shot, and the cynics tell me it is impossible. However, my many mentors who are "can do" types give me the thumbs up. I'll just have to sit and wait it out and see what happens. I also planted a second seed that has taken root. The concept is so beautiful I can hardly contain my enthusiasm when I think about it. Whether this little seedling has a chance here, I do not know. I planted a third seed last week on fertile ground. It's kind of out there for our community, but it's so much fun that it's hard to resist giving it a try. We'll see what happens.

What is the motivation for all this? I would say it is a passion to see ideas come into fruition and bring beauty into the world. It is a delight to watch the process and do something good too. None of these ideas are original. They are happening in communities worldwide, but the way an idea will take root and grow from community to community varies. The fun is seeing how that idea takes shape in one's own community--watching the process. However, I cannot deny having some recognition would be a sweet gift to this dark horse who has been trailing behind for as long as she can remember.

If I am flying overhead dropping feel-good seeds, and one lands in your neighborhood--please open up your heart and consider letting it start in your backyard. Allow the beauty to grow and see what happens. You may be pleasantly surprised.