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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. Of course today is, too.

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.

We tried many things. This included drugs, and society is still paying the price for the idea that drugs solve problems. Looking back, it seems so foolish that many believed drugs were an essential part of a fulfilling life. How times can change. I guess we also grew up.

We believed drugs could give profound insight. And maybe sometime you actually could learn something. But I don't believe it's ever anything we couldn't learn 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.

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.