Erik van Mechelen

September 25, 2022

Gentle Change

change occurs when one becomes what he is, not when he tries to become what he is not

—Arnold Biesser in his essay, The Paradoxical Theory of Change

Lately I've slowed down a bit from the high intensity summer running for secretary of state in Minnesota to raise awareness of election fraud at scale and available remedies, namely human hand tallying. That work meant less activity outdoors, less reading, less time with loved ones and friends—things I do when I'm being myself—but while mistakes were made and lessons learned it does appear the needle was moved on election fraud understanding among Minnesotans as evidenced by the primary election results. Necessary if we are to bring in a new operating system which supersedes the old one run by old leaders at high cost to innocent life.

Meanwhile, beginning work with someone familiar with psycho-synthesis has led me to consider that if I'd slowed down in some ways throughout the summer the work may have been even more successful. Tuning into my splenic awareness to say yes or no to invitations and beginning a practice of 10-point somatic meditation. 

Put simply, aiming to become myself.

Biesser's description
of his paradoxical theory of change, "that change occurs when one becomes what he is, not when he tries to become what he is not," hits home. Can reflect on particular moments in the community activism and political realms where I was myself and that led to growthful change. Where I gracefully accepted invitations to guide, lead, orchestrate. Whereas other times where I was my not-self or acting out my shadow and encountered unnecessary resistance, sometimes inflicted by my own actions and choices, which can be summarized by trying to force it or shout into the abyss. 

While we have a population that doesn't fully realize it is being enslaved and whose institutions are captured, the case for going gentle still appeals as a contrast to the go-to-war mentality. The number of times I've kept weapons sheathed in recent months are many, but that doesn't mean I don't strive for accountability—and advancing toward full societal level accountability begins with holding myself accountable. Gently. 

Martin Geddes introduced me to Arnold Biesser, author of Flying Without Wings, The Madness in Sports, and A Graceful Passage

You can read Martin's written and video take here:



Two ways of flying.