The Spark that Went Out
I grew up in the ’70s. I remember so much about that time and how my camp counselors tried so hard to hold on to what little remained of the magic that defined the ’60s. Peace and love became the theme of that generation and they started a worldwide cultural revolution. There was a rise and spread of student movements across many parts of the industrialized world. There was a growing number of young people protesting racial injustice, war, and police brutality, notably on the left. It was the first time in history when we saw the public at large experimenting in alternative ways to achieve higher consciousness. The influence of eastern mysticism and shamanism started to bleed through into American culture. There was a massive wave of peace activists, environmentalists, and free thinkers. It was a time when Americans believed in free love, world peace, and spiritual wisdom. Their spark had all the momentum. The energy of a whole generation was winning over the forces of evil. It grew so bright; it almost engulfed the entire world. But sadly, some unknown force took away all of its oxygen and slowed its momentum, until all that was left was a dim shimmering light that faded in the wind and then finally went out.
Now, 60 years later, a whole new wave of young activists has emerged. People all over the world are starting to develop a genuine concern for the planet, its ecosystem, and its people. A conscious revolution is re-emerging once again. It is a new spark of consciousness where people are feeling their oneness and are opening their eyes to a more universal spirituality.
