With Goals Becoming Global, How Can Our Scope of Mind Expand Too?

We know them, we talk about them, and surely start to get them — The Global Goals For Sustainable Development — or SDGs. However, according to the 2022 SDG Report, “cascading and interlinked crises are putting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in grave danger, along with humanity’s very own survival.”

Ironically, the root cause of the problems we face is not out there, but in here: our ability to think and act globally. For too long, too many people have made too many bad decisions — and still are. Due to the simple fact that only a fraction of the earth’s population has reached a global scope of mind. This may be the key to drive each person’s perception and behavior in a more life-on-earth supporting direction.

Perception and identity

The term “scope of mind” refers to what we are aware of and mentally have access to at any given moment. The scope of mind frames our perception of what is true or false in the world, possible or impossible, wanted or unwanted.

When we enter a certain scope of mind, we activate a cluster of preset attitudes and automatic reactions — a bit like turning on and off the configuration of a system. We don’t have to waste precious energy on thinking. We simply act and react as the scope of mind dictates or facilitates.

Identifying with a particular scope of mind can influence our thoughts to a degree where we are ready to defend, fight for — and in the extreme die for — the principle, position or property. Much suffering in the world comes from identification with one scope of mind, ignoring or fighting the others.

Different sizes

The scope of mind can be classified according to size — from XS to XL — each scope with its own flow, issues, focus, and default setting.

XS — the habitual scope of mind

The flow of energy and information is physical and chemical, oriented around bodily sensations. The main issue is the survival of the physical body, and the focus is on stability, predictability, and safety. With a habitual or XS scope of mind, the default setting is more of the same.

S — the individual scope of mind

The flow of energy and information is mental and emotional, with ongoing inner dialogue. The main issue is the success of the individual, and the focus is on opportunity, achievement, and fulfillment. With an individual or S scope of mind, the default setting is more to me.

M — the tribal scope of mind

The flow of energy and information is social; it is about me and you, us and our shared reality. The main issues are the protection and expansion of the tribal structure and culture. The focus is on stability, reliability, and flexibility. With a tribal or M scope of mind, the default setting is more of us.

L — the global scope of mind

The flow of energy and information is conceptual, technical and virtual. The main issues are balance, distribution, and integration. The focus is on interchange, sustainability, and co-existence. With a global or L scope of mind, the default setting is less is more.

XL — the universal scope of mind

The flow of energy and information is metaphysical and spiritual. The main issues are peace, freedom, and oneness. The focus is on presence, awakening, and enlightenment. With a universal or XL scope of mind, the default setting is all is one — no more, to less.

Two mindsets

The habitual, individual and tribal scopes of mind — XS, S, and M — can be called the ego mindset. It’s needed in the intense fight for survival and success in the world. However, it also tends to keep us locked in the outer world of achievement, with little or no energy left for higher purposes and just causes.

The global and universal scope of mind — L and XL — can be named the geo mindset. It opens us to the larger world and the bigger picture we are part of. It allows us to access the unknown within and turn each precious moment into a present for the future.

Experiencing the consequences of failed political and economic decisions — or simply watching the news — tend to bring us into a global scope of mind. We get scared or angry, we feel responsible, we get inspired to do something, and even form one or two good intentions. Then some urgent issues pop-up, calling for a more habitual, individual or tribal scope of mind — and we lose sight of the big picture again. Why?

Shift of scope

We are habituated and situated. Our experience and behavior emerge from fast unconscious processing in the brain — constructed and initiated in the mind based on learned concepts, body sensations, and perceived context.

Acting from a habitual, individual and tribal scope of mind is natural to us. Our brains developed to secure physical survival and social success. Shifting to a global scope of mind is not complicated — altruism is, after all, a human trait — but to keep the global scope in the moment of truth where choices are made is much harder. It’s neither nature nor nurture.

Being aware of your scope of mind is a good starting point. Next comes the will and skill to shift from having an ego mindset to having an eco mindset. With practice, it becomes natural. Small exercises may help.

Try this

1. Next time you have the opportunity to observe a group dialog, try to identify which scope of mind each person is in. If possible, try to shift the group perception to a higher scope of mind — for instance by telling a story or asking questions related to the scope. Notice how it influences the ideas you have, the choices you make, and the actions you take.
2. Next time you are in a choice situation about either acquiring something or wasting something, ask this simple question: Is it good for me, for life around me, and for life on the planet? If you get a triple yes, you should do it — if not, you should reconsider.
3. Take a break from your busy schedule and use the time-out as a time-in. Let your mind become spacious and open, for instance, by deepening your breath for a few minutes. Then ask yourself what you want of life? Write it down. Can you make sense of your wish in all scopes of mind? If yes, you have found yourself a cause worth striving for.

Sanity of humanity

Life can be a gift or curse, a miracle or misery. We choose how we will experience life and behave in the world. That’s basically what we can do; be present and choose where to focus and give life. Moment by moment, step by step, we can shape life the way we want it.

What I want is to engage as many people as possible in the noble cause of saving humanity's sanity. This includes becoming aware of the scope of mind framing your choice-making. Now and now and now…

Whatever you choose — enjoy.