For teens, a flurry of new choices

Being a teenager in the twenty first century has given us the technological edge. More than any other generation before us, we have access to information-tons and tons of information-that can tell us the time of day in Paris, the latest trends in Japan, and the scores of soccer matches in Brazil. With so much information out there, literally at the tip of our fingers, we have more opportunity than ever to explore the life around us.

As our world seems to get smaller and smaller by the size of our web searching, our exploration turns to us to questioning. Though we have become so much more exposed to different ideas, cultures, and thoughts, it shocks us just to see how different our lifestyles are from others. We begin to see that there is not just only our way of life, but many other ways to live, and that leads us to our own questioning. We ask ourselves, “Are my decisions better than theirs? Is their way the right way? Will I make the best choice?”

With deeper and deeper thought, these questions bring us to a new level of uncertainty. We begin not only to re-search ourselves, but also our schools, our communities, and our world, and we begin see the faults. We see, more than any other age group, the cracks, the bruises, and the broken linings of all society. By searching these things, both on and off line, we feel our differences making us more alone and separated than ever before. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

What if we, not just one or a few of us, but many of us, could have a conversation about these issues, without judgment, without guilt, and without fear of being right or wrong? What if you knew that there are people who understand you, and are willing to discuss your questions? What if you could do all of this with teenagers just like you?

Instead of driving us apart, let’s have technology bring us together. Let’s have a Collective Conversation, one in which we can share and develop our awareness together, right here, on this blog.  If you have ever had a question, had a desire, or had a moment to spare, join us in this global conversation, special to teens, to explore and understand the greatest challenges we face today. Become apart of the conversation, and become your highest self.

Comments

6 responses to “For teens, a flurry of new choices”

  1. Laura Jean Pringle Avatar
    Laura Jean Pringle

    Wonderful post! It’s refreshing to see a teen with a good world-view who can verbalize their concerns and inspire others to do the same, as you have. As a mother of teens, I am constantly impressed at the maturity and compassion this generation has gleaned from all the available trash they have access to. Thank you for posting, for caring, and for being here with us! Here’s to a better, more evolved world! <3

  2. mewabe Avatar
    mewabe

    “We see, more than any other age group, the cracks, the bruises, and the broken linings of all society”

    Yes, I think you are so accurate in your statement…and what often separates teens from adults is that teenagers still look for their own truth, they still have this great thirst, which is a spiritual thirst no matter what form it takes, while many adults in the mainstream culture have given up, or have chosen sets of rigid beliefs (such as religions) that they do not want anyone to question or disturb.

    Great idea to have “the teen point of view” here, it may very well become the most important part of this blog!

  3. mewabe Avatar
    mewabe

    “…and what often separates teens from adults…” Rather than the verb “separates”, I should used “distinguishes”, because that’s what I meant.

  4. Jaz Avatar
    Jaz

    Wonderful post indeed, Lauren, I know few teens that would benefit from this, and I shall point them to this thread. Thank you for all your being and doing. ALL of yous input is deepening our understanding of what and how life is. Love and Peace.

  5. Erin/IAm Avatar
    Erin/IAm

    Lauren…May your movement to inspire this little realm, strengthen the movements of many to become part of it.
    Good Journey, indeed!:)<3

  6. Sofian Avatar
    Sofian

    I’ve just read a couple of your articles and I just wanted to send you all my support and admiration. I’m amazed of your spiritual sense of being, at your age. I’m 29 and I used to be somehow of a bully-type when I was a teenager. I had no sense whatsoever of being sensitive in a way that contributes to the well-being of others. I was deeply unaware of the thing that matter in life. It resulted in me becoming deeply ill after finishing high-school, I was mentally haunted by undefined fears and needed 10 years of therapy to slowly and gradually realize what life is about. Neale Donald Walches’ Friendship with God is one of the books which helped me process detachment from me being deeply alienated from my beingness.

    Reading your articles helps me to humble down and to strive to get near to God even more than I did before. God bless.

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