Spanish revolution

I began by quietly observing, watching, listening. I tried in vain to contain my excitement.
I couldn't bring myself to believe that maybe, finally, society as a whole had woken up and faced what had been so brutally
obvious for such a long time: Society as we know it, is imploding.
I was sick and tired of armchair politics and of being percieved as reactionary and cynical. What was happening around
us was so clear and horrendous, I just couldn't understand the lack of rightous anger,passion and fight. What was this collective
apathy that seemed to have paralised us all?
Apart from sharing opinions online I wanted to find like minded people around me locally who shared similar feelings..
Not always easy, especially as an outsider.
When the 15 M began and the Acampadas spread across the country I found myself glued to the screen, to Facebook, Twitter;
reading the constant messages emitted from the camps as they grew in strength and volume.
Yet still,my cynicism impeded me from total freedom to celebrate.I was reluctant to believe that maybe, finally
"the people" or in other words large sections of society had come together, unified in their indignation at what they
pecieved as an unequal, unjust corrupt society that no longer allowed for even basic entitlements; a roof over one's head,
a job, a future, a system so steeped in corruption it just wasn't funny anymore-the so called " Berlusconilization "
of Spain. If we want to see clowns, we take a trip to the circus-not parliament.
As an insider/outsider it surprised me that a country with such a passion for anarchy and battle there had been no real
visible backlash against what is an extremely dire situation-had the boom years of prosperity and decadence taken the winds from
their sails? had consumerism replaced activism?
As the calls for " Democracia real ya!" ( Real Democracy now!") became louder, stronger, the rest of the world sat up
and took note,the comparisons with the Arab uprisings began.European governments were not quite as quick to praise the
actions of those protesting on their own turf.
Undoubtably our situation is not on a par with those who are dying simply for the right to protest for the freedom we
often take for granted, nevertheless as fellow human beings we are united in a common goal; it's time for real change,
on all levels and that includes each and everyone of us.


There was however one thing that concerned me; whilst contemplating the cries of indignation, frustration, disappointment and outrage all leveled at the banks, governments and financial institutions in general, I felt that there was one crucial element painfully absent: The recognition that each and everyone of us had
Contributed to this great failure known as “ Society”.
If we refuse to stop and reflect on our own actions-the consequences of which we are all suffering now-the revolution will be EMPTY, without SOUL, in other words a total failure.
All that is spoken about the banks, the government, the corruption that permeates each and everyone of these institutions is true, I am united in my disgust and outrage,
Even so we are all part of the problem: materialism, consumerism, greed, all these things have led us to where we are today.
It is now that we must recognize our responsibility; If we don’t act now and change
This will be simply a forgotten revolution in history, another failure of mankind.
A dignified revolution is something hugely profound and to achieve this
We must tap into our internal strength, cease being “Sheep” and think for ourselves.
We don’t need the media, the religious institutions or indeed a leader to guide us;
We all hold the key within.
It’s time to put aside our insecurities, our egos, wipe the slate clean and choose our direction.

There is much talk of Iceland as a model to follow; I remember reading about how many of those had realised the errors of their ways, how they had lost their “soul” in pursuit of decadence and luxury, the recognition that they had lost their way as a country. That recognition is crucial in order to achieve change.

Turbulent and yes. Frightening as it is, this is long overdue.

What I‘ve witnessed in the past few weeks has moved me like nothing before, and at times I’ve felt extremely overwhelmed by the enormity of what we are trying to achieve; in simple terms the restructure of society. I’ve suffered insomnia, information overload, excitement, fear.. and yes I’ve concluded all these feeling are akin to a turbulent love affair. Extreme highs and extreme lows…
But I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

When my children asked, “ What is this? This thing called revolution?
The basic answer was; “ Each and every one of us has made some great mistakes, and now is the time to rectify them, for ourselves, for your future and this great planet that we have systematically destroyed.”

There is a long path ahead and this only the beginning; many will grow tired and fall by the wayside but its crucial not to lose the passion, indignation and above all, hope.