A Journey to Greater Mindfulness...

...Recently, I had the opportunity to spend three weeks in Bali – an experience that deeply moved me. What stood out the most was a one-week meditation retreat at Bali Usada, which gave me more than just relaxation. It opened my eyes to a reality that often slips away from me in the hectic everyday life of Europe.

Bali

People at the Center

What immediately struck me in Bali was how people interact with one another. Despite financial challenges and significant poverty, the people there radiate a warmth that I often miss in the Western world. People look each other in the eyes, smile at one another – "a simple gesture" that is becoming increasingly rare here in Switzerland. Where along the journey of life have we lost this sense of togetherness? Where does this distance and coldness in our society come from?

Traffic as a Mirror of Society

Another point that amazed me in Bali was the traffic. At first glance, it might seem chaotic – scooters, cars, pedestrians, everything flowing wildly together. But despite the chaos, there is an unwritten rule: everyone is responsible for what happens in front of them, not behind. Horns are used as a signal, no one complains – people give each other space, they respect one another, and let things flow. It's fascinating how much time I spent on my scooter without witnessing a single accident, despite the dense traffic. The road traffic there is a reflection of the trust and consideration people have for each other.

People in Bali believe in karma, and you can feel this positive energy. This is just one example, but I think it’s a good one, because in Switzerland, traffic is a strong mirror of how our society operates and how we treat each other.

Capitalism and Its Dark Side

Back in Switzerland, the contrast becomes even clearer. Here, capitalism dominates – an economic system based on the pursuit of maximum profit, which, in principle, is good and represents the foundation of our success. However, what I increasingly notice is the growing irresponsibility, especially among the winners of the system. What do I mean by this exactly? For example, those who profit the most, in my view, carry a greater responsibility for the losers. But no one wants to take on this responsibility anymore. Everyone is focused solely on how to achieve the greatest personal gain, without regard for the consequences. A prime example is large corporations that can dictate prices, set payment terms, pay minimal taxes, and hire cheap labor from low-wage countries. They benefit from infrastructure built on a strong foundation, yet evade any responsibility to maintain it because, for some, "more" is never enough.

The result, from my perspective: The more extreme this system becomes, the more losers it will produce alongside the winners. If we can no longer pacify those left behind with cheap consumer goods and distractions, dissatisfaction, crime, and the way we treat each other will inevitably worsen. What will follow? An even stronger state, more control, more psychotherapy, drugs, medications, and security measures? But who wants more state surveillance? That will not only cost more money, but it will also lead to a downward spiral and into worlds where people retreat, where we will lose them.

I see our Western capitalist system on the brink of failure. Politics is too weak to set clear boundaries or show perspectives, and too closely intertwined with business. Corruption and personal power interests prevent necessary changes. The result? Increasing rates of mental illness and suicide. The number of people who feel lost in this system continues to grow. Here, one could reference current statistics showing how many people in Switzerland and Europe suffer from this pressure or live on the edge of poverty.

Alienation and the Search for Home

In the end, people need more than material wealth. They need a place and people where they feel at home – where they can be themselves and feel comfortable. But this connection, this sense of belonging, is increasingly lost in our society.

As an artist, I see it as my responsibility to address such uncomfortable truths. I feel compelled to do so because I sense how society is drifting apart. Problems are often categorized in black and white: either you share the same opinion, or you become the enemy. Yet life is full of so many shades of gray, so many perspectives and realities.

The Path Back to Ourselves

Depending on where we grow up and the influences we experience, we have different preferences, find different things beautiful or right. But everyone believes their own view is the absolute truth. So how do we bring people closer together again?

My answer: By giving people the time to reconnect with themselves. We need to learn to look inward, to understand ourselves, and to heal ourselves again. The path to a healthier society begins with individual awareness. When we reconnect with ourselves, we can approach others with more understanding.

May all beings be happy

Alexander Palacios