With the rapid deterioration of public confidence in public institutions, it is quickly becoming apparent that the responsibility for leadership is returning to the individual where it rightfully belongs. Whether that is a result of greed, corruption, sexual assaults, violence, etc, there is a high probability that the states legitimacy to govern may disappear in our life times.

We have an opportunity to learn and test how we can self-govern in a public forum like Steemit.

When we utilize open source, decentralized, distributed, blockchain platforms like Steemit, we are sharing in a public forum that has very few rules and there is the expectation that people can govern themselves - the very definition of anarchy. But what does that really mean? What is required for self-governance?

Self-governance demands that each individual establish the highest ethical and moral standards that they are going to use to govern themselves, whether that be through love, peace, freedom, patience, forgiveness gentleness, self-control or kindness. If we chose this higher path, then it is up to us to set the example for others to follow.

This path does not engage in violence, abuse, coercion or other such behaviours. We cannot force our moral or ethical standards on others, even if we disagree with their standards. It also does not guarantee that others won't engage in abusive behaviours either. It is up to us to learn how to forgive or resolve disputes in a peaceful and non-violent manor. This platform provides a wonderful opportunity for doing that as we can attempt to resolve the dispute one-on-one. As the blockchain records the interaction, we have many witnesses to what is being said. We can easily call upon others to help resolve the dispute if we need help. If we do, then we have gained a brother. If not, then may we each walk away in peace.

Their may always be bullies and violent offenders. So we also need to be safe, vigilant and persistent to ensure that our own personal safety is always maintained as it is always the responsibility of the individual and his / her community. It is our duty to identify and confront violence, but we should never engage in violence through that process, whether that violence be overt or covert. That is the path to the dark side. Peace is paramount.

Which ever path we choose, our intent is reflected in our actions and inaction. It should be the intent of everyone involved that no harm come to anybody else. That is the ultimate goal of any relationship. At times mistakes will be made and it is up to us to learn how to forgive, learn and move on. That is a requirement for a prosperity model as debt can drown any form of prosperity. It may also require a great deal of reflection and investigation to ensure our actions or inaction does not cause harm.

In the end, we must also recognize that all relationships will end here on this physical realm and even in this virtual platform. It does not matter how hard we hold onto one another, this will end one day. Maybe it is a matter of un-following somebody or even mourning a death. Either way, it is wise to have exit strategies so that we can make the transition easier for all involved.

What ever choices we make, we stand as a witness to each others journey. Some we will disagree with, while others resonate with our hearts and minds. May we influence each other to rise above the violence that has infiltrated our lives for far too long and choose peace instead. May we stand as a witness for each other as we venture along this journey to learn how to self-govern in peace, freedom, prosperity and love. May we set the example to inspire others to rise above the violence in their lives and teaching them to lead by example as well.

This high road is not an easy path to follow. It requires a lot of work, self reflection and change. But it is this road that will bring forth the greatest spiritual rewards and make the greatest impact on the lives of all life here on this planet. We owe it to ourselves and everyone else to make the effort and do the work.

We will do this by each individual being a leader and leading by example. This is what Creator wanted us to learn as life here is all about relationships. So how we govern ourselves will determine if we Graduate Life with Honours. That takes a lot of conscious work for each of us.

We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do. - Mahatma Gandhi

So, before you click on that post button ... are you sure what you are saying reflects your intent and is that intent honourable, peaceful, loving, patient, gentle and kind?