Reclaiming Our Future: The Power of a Citizen Story

As we face the global crises of ecological collapse, inequality, and mental health struggles, we need a new vision of power and community. The current stories of authoritarianism and consumerism no longer serve us. It’s time to reimagine power, not as something that is controlled from the top down, but as something shared horizontally, in mutual recognition and co-creation. This “citizen story” invites us into a new understanding of power and belonging; one that aligns with our deepest human needs for connection to self, to others, and to the Earth.

The Vertical Power Structures of the Past

Historically, human relationships were structured around vertical power dynamics such as parent/child or ruler/subject. These structures are entrenched in our collective consciousness and have shaped our societies for centuries. Ann Baring’s insights into the need for reconnecting with the divine feminine challenge these structures by urging us to move beyond hierarchical models that separate us from a greater cosmic connection. The vertical model, often rooted in control, domination, and fear, thrives in times of crisis, where individuals seek protection from authoritative figures. But this model keeps us in roles of submission or dominance, limiting our growth as individuals and communities.

In Jon Alexander’s work, he calls for a shift from being “subjects” to being “citizens”, a concept he frames as a verb rather than a noun. In this model, citizenship becomes an active participation in shaping the world around us, rather than passively accepting the role of “consumer” or “subject.” We are no longer passive recipients of external power but active creators of a new reality. Alexander critiques the transition from authoritarianism to consumerism, where individuals have been conditioned to think of themselves as consumers, entitled to unlimited choice. However, in his vision, the next step is “citizenism,” where we move away from the old binary of power (subject/leader) and move toward mutual, horizontal partnerships. The Third in Benjamin’s work provides the perfect metaphor for this as the space in relationships where both parties are seen, acknowledged, and participate in co-creation.

The Horizontal Citizen Story: A New Way Forward

Moving from vertical to horizontal structures offers the possibility of deeper relationships; both with others and with the world. Horizontal power dynamics foster collaboration, creativity, and mutual respect. In a citizen-based society, we don’t rely on leaders to direct us but instead come together to shape our collective future.

Voices like Marianne Williamson and Carolyn Myss have long been calling for a shift in consciousness toward love, compassion, and collective action. Both advocate for a world that transcends fear and retaliation, urging us to consider how we can hold space for grace, light, and love in our daily lives. This is the heart of the citizen story—not about passive consumption but about conscious co-creation. This concept integrates beautifully with the ideas of Jessica Benjamin’s Third, as it invites us into a space where mutual recognition, compassion, and shared responsibility are the guiding principles of human connection.

Frances Weller’s work on grief and the body’s response to loss speaks directly to the healing that is needed in this collective transformation. Weller notes that our society has become disconnected from the Earth and from each other, living in what he calls the “soul in exile.” To reestablish horizontal connections, we must reclaim this lost sense of belonging—not just to each other, but to the Earth. As we reconnect with our grief, we can begin to heal the wounds of disconnection and reclaim our power—not to dominate, but to co-create a more compassionate world.

The citizen future is about true partnership, where we acknowledge our interconnectedness and step into responsible action for the collective good. Unlike communism, which again centers power in a central leader (reminiscent of the old hierarchical structures), citizenism emphasizes the equal participation of all in shaping a community based on reciprocity, responsibility, and shared values.

Soul-Spirit-Body Integration: Moving Toward Wholeness

At the heart of this shift from vertical to horizontal is the integration of the soul, spirit, and body. This is an idea deeply rooted in Jungian psychology. The process of individuation calls for the integration of polarities within the self, meaning power and vulnerability, autonomy and connection. As we balance these inner dynamics, we also learn to create external relationships that honor this integration.

Our culture is increasing in isolation yet moving toward mutual recognition in relationships. It is essential for personal and collective healing that each individual’s power is seen, respected, and shared. The shift from vertical to horizontal allows us to reconnect with a greater sense of purpose and agency. As we reclaim our personal power, we simultaneously recognize our interconnectedness to others and to the Earth.

This integration can be seen through the work of Rupert Spira, who invites us to understand the interconnectedness of all beings through a non-dual perspective. As we mature into adulthood, we begin to recognize that true partnership isn’t about domination or submission. On the contrary, it’s about acknowledging that we are all part of a greater whole.

From Anger to Compassion: A Path to Collective Action

The anger that often arises from power imbalances, whether in response to consumerism, ecological destruction, or inequality, can be transformed into compassion and collective action. This process requires us to move beyond the narrative of individualism and embrace the citizen story, where we work together to co-create a future that honors shared values and collective responsibility.

This collective action is not just about protest or opposition, but about building something positive. And it must be something that serves the common good. We can create communities that prioritize simplicity, creativity, and sustainability. Instead of focusing on increasing material standards, we can shift our energy toward nurturing relationships, supporting local economies, and reconnecting with the Earth.

As Jon Alexander suggests, the concept of citizenism invites us to act as citizens, not consumers or subjects, creating a world where horizontal relationships are the foundation of community. This is a movement toward mutual respect, accountability, and a future where power is shared among all.

Building the Citizen Future

A citizen-based future is not merely a hopeful ideal; it is a necessity for survival and transformation. It is a future where power is shared, relationships are co-created, and all beings are honored. By integrating the insights of Jon Alexander, Marianne Williamson, Carolyn Myss, Jessica Benjamin, Ann Baring, and Frances Weller, we can begin to imagine a world where power moves horizontally, not vertically. In this new narrative, we face the challenges of our time together, building not just a future for ourselves, but a future for all generations.

Weller’s call for healing and reconnection reminds us that in our collective grief lies the potential for transformation. The citizen future is one where we reclaim our power not just from systems of domination but also from our own disconnection from the Earth, from our bodies, and from each other. We are called to move from consumption to co-creation, from isolation to connection, and from entitlement to responsibility.