Idle - A Four letter Word?

As the word "idle" has been thrust into my daily consciousness through the growing momentum of the "Idle No More" movement I thought I would do a little personal research into how the word is defined - an online dictionary offered the following: 1. Not working or active; unemployed; doing nothing 2. Not spent or filled with activity 3. Not in use or operation; not kept busy 4. Habitually doing nothing or avoiding work; lazy 5. Of no real worth, importance or significance. Wow, if this is what it means then no surprise one might be hesitant to be seen as or define themselves as being "idle." It would seem it is a state of being that carries with it the potential to cast one as a social pariah. Then I begin to wonder does language determine the truth or do attitudes or beliefs create definitions that support the ideology (the structure)and if so, how can one be sure that the widely held interpretation embodies an accurate representation of the facts. After all "appearances" can be deceiving." The expression "Idle Hands are the Devil's workshop might offer a clue as the connotations associated with "idleness." I consider further the idea of "work ethic" with respect to the virtuous status it is afforded. Some further inquiry reveals that the "Protestant (or Puritan) work ethic" I read suggested that hard work, frugality and prosperity are indicative of one's "salvation" (Wikipedia)- which goes on to make further distinctions: Catholicism: good works are required of Catholics to be "saved" Reformers: good works were only a consequence of already received salvation. Calvinists: taught only those "predestined"would be saved. When it became apparent that it would be difficult (if not impossible) to determine who was "predestined" it would seem, the credibility gap was bridged by presuming the qualifying factors of those with favourable destiny, could be identified by observing their way of life. Hard work and frugality were seen as integral qualities of this predetermination - consequently it would seem, given the stamp of "divine approval." Now this account may occur to some, as a rather elaborate piece of work to avoid work - that I am in fact "work adverse." I would say there is some truth to that, I don't see work for the sake of work as being of much value. More on that forthcoming - but first I wonder why is it, that in what is touted largely as a secular society, where God (of any description) has been made an outcast from government, the workplace and schools are we still being driven and defined by value systems and ideologies, that have as their origins various religious sources? And if it can be accepted that some of these ideas have practical relevance (it is not my intent to debate the theology represented thus far - though suffice to say not ideas that ring true for me)how is it that elements of these religions (where convenient) are used to promote and uphold a system that is dependant on unsustainable productivity, consumption, extraction, exploitation, & profit (for a relative few). This brings me back to my position on "work for the sake of work" how can this be seen as desirable? The system I described seems to me to be hugely unbalanced - i.e. there is a great deal of taking, however, what is being given back? The system doesn't ask of a potential or existing business, to demonstrate much beyond viability (ability to be financially sustainable) but what of sustainability factors: like the environment, quality of life for the employees or the community where the business operates? Far more weight on "get a hair-cut and get a real job" than consideration for value to humanity or respect for life. Get up - get going, get busy, "contribute to the economy" all of which contribute to a consciousness that on the one hand applauds those that are "doing what they have to do to support themselves and their family" but ignores that maybe what they are doing is not particularly supportive in the long run - however they can say at the end of the day for God's sake, at least I'm not sitting "idly" by doing nothing.It seems to me there is an inherent righteousness that often accompanies participants in the smoke and mirrors game known as the "economy"whereby, any that don't blindly participate are vilified. Conformity becomes the marching order - dissent invites retribution in the form of being cast as an "untouchable" through political discourse & media bias, which in turn, becomes the panacea for the masses. The premise in the shell game is that there is something under one of the shells - in the economic equivalent, there is a great deal of energy being expended by those running the game and many are kept so busy trying to watch the shells and "do their part" to keep them in motion, I think many would prefer not to realize that under all three shells, there is nothing! Oh how enticing the game is, the allure of abundance and prosperity for everyone - however "the house wins." Gradually and insidiously the player of the game becomes played by the game. It is not my intention to cast dispersion upon goals, discipline, productivity, contribution or service. My concern lies with a system that upholds such glaring inequities. One that continues to place ever increasing demands on the natural resources of planet earth, in order to sustain this formula of perpetually increasing production, to make possible maximum profits, through continually growing markets of consumers. If one examines this formula it has, at either end consumption - that can't possibly be sustainable. If you went to your doctor or wellness consultant and said I have a great idea for a weight-loss program - I'm going to eat my right arm and leg - I'm left handed anyway!) I'm pretty sure the elements that make up these two limbs are for the most part, nutritious and therefore life sustaining - I can't lose really, probably drop thirty - forty pounds, immediately. He or she would likely have a suggestion or two with regard to the resulting outcome - even if the weight loss/nutritional theories were sound. Now the previous example might seem absurd but really, what's the difference? How can humanity continue to survive on our planet if we are consuming it right out from underneath us and leaving the rest increasingly as a polluted, toxic non-life supporting, cesspool. The "Idle No More" movement while comprised of many members of a wide variety of indigenous communities across the continent is a wake up call for and of benefit to, all humanity, regardless of cultural background. Indigenous cultures have thousands of years of history and tradition that is based on reverence for all life. If we of European ancestry were to consider our lineages far enough back it would become more apparent that our fore-bearers lived by similar values. Somehow a vast disconnect occurred between us and our "roots" which soon became more glaring as technological advancement and domination replaced connection and cooperation. There are innumerable prophecies that point to the indigenous cultures being the protectors of "Mother Earth," rather than project fear that their opposition to further degradation of land, water and the entire web of life is all about retaliation - with some humility and sincere intention to heal the past, we could recognize our mistakes and embrace a collaborative new beginning, that is of mutual benefit to all concerned. In conclusion I submit that busyness & productivity are not synonymous with consciousness nor does it ensure that the highest good is being upheld. That not engaging in the status quo does not imply laziness - that representing a new way of being is not "doing nothing" - it might be, that it is a stand for everything, that requires enormous courage and vision. Sadly perhaps, the reward for such a stand, is often condemnation and frequently, a life span that is drastically cut short - perhaps demonstrating the difference between keeping the peace at all costs and being fully invested in peace. Finally I must confess that I was not particularly "active" while I wrote this, so I will leave it up to the reader whether I was "Idle No More" or just "Idle some More!"