Navigating Uncertainty and the Green Snowball: The Potential Revealed in Possible World (Part 2)
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
After gently untangling our "thinking frames" and experiencing a warm cycle of offering and receiving during the morning's Japanese session, I stepped through the door into another "Possible World" that afternoon.
Participants brought their own unique lives and aspirations to the table, connecting Singapore, Brunei, Taiwan, Australia, and Japan to manifest an alternative reality. This afternoon English session revealed a deep human tapestry where global structures and personal struggles intersected in ways quite different from the morning session.
A World Without a Clock and the Trap of "Hyper-focus"
In the English session, we simulated a world where "no one knows when it will end," much like real life, by keeping the game timer paused. Some participants felt a sense of relief, thinking, "It’s great to have no time pressure," while others were gripped by the anxiety of the unknown. The fact was simply that the timer had stopped—but how one perceived that fact depended entirely on their individual mindset.
In this uncertain world, the participants’ natural "mental habits" began to surface.
One participant became so engrossed in completing their own project that they completely failed to notice the needs or cries for help from others. Reflecting on this "hyper-focus," they later shared their desire to explore the possibility of being more attentive to the needs of the community if given another chance.
Another participant accumulated significant funds but didn't spend them until the very last moment, missing the chance to support others. They viewed it as a calculated strategy based on risk and timing. However, because their intention wasn't shared, they experienced the risk of being perceived by others as simply hoarding wealth.
Then there were those who fell into a sense of helplessness, waiting for "someone else to do something" because environmental or social parameters weren't meeting the requirements for action. This image of an individual standing still mirrored the stagnation we often see in the real world.
Structural Challenges: Wealth Inequality and the "Green Snowball"
As the game progressed, a serious imbalance emerged. The Economy meter surged to "22," while both the Environment and Society meters were left behind in a critical state at "1."
This situation caused strong frustration for some. One participant pointed out sharply, "It was a scene where wealthy nations monopolised riches to such an extent that poorer nations had to sacrifice the environment and society just to survive." It was a stark reflection of the structures of our actual world.
However, a breakthrough occurred that shattered this stagnation and division. It was a moment where human consciousness drove action and dramatically changed the outcome—the dynamic of the "Green Snowball," born from the participants' dialogue.
During the reflection, a proposal was made: to move environmental projects forward, we should "spend time with those who have the funds and educate them on the necessary conditions and requirements." By collaborating, the participants shared a collective vision of creating a "Green Snowball" effect (an environmental snow-balling impact), and the momentum suddenly shifted towards the environment.
As a result, in the "second chance" round, the Environment meter grew with remarkable ease. It was a moment where words moved minds, shifted choices, and completely repainted the state of the world.
On the other hand, the "Society" meter struggled to grow, as it wasn't discussed as much as the environment. This highlighted the cold reality of how difficult it is to satisfy everything at once, and how the world changes its form entirely based on what we are conscious about.
Never Giving Up and Finding New Ways to Communicate
As revealed in this Possible World, the world is filled with all kinds of people.
There are those who live with humility, knowing what is "enough."
There are those who accumulate wealth with the intention of being helpful, waiting for the right timing.
And there are those who are calling out, "I can help!", but whose voices haven't yet reached the world.
Given this reality, the world might not be as flourishing as we desire just yet. But there are certainly people there with the pure intention of making it a better place. Like fruit on a tree, it can take time for the results to ripen.
That is why we must never forget: the most important thing is not to give up and to never stop moving forward, no matter how small the step. While waiting for the right timing, there might still be something we can do. And if our voice is too quiet to be heard, we can look for other ways to speak to the world.
Testimonials
After the session, we received feedback from the participants.
The exchanges and conversations across borders were insightful.
Discovered that there needs to be more bridges between funders and financiers with those working on environmental and social initiatives.
Going through the game for the first time really shows the big imbalance between those striving for economic success and those aiming for environmental and societal stability. Getting only a few minutes to try and save it afterwards really does show the limited amount of time we have but also how much we can do if we work together.
It's amazing to see people from all around the world share the same sentiments and goals when it comes to creating a more sustainable world. Getting to hear everyone's ideas on how we can improve and take action can really inspire people to think more about what else we can do.
Whether it was the gentle harmony born in the "after-session" chat of the Japanese session or the trajectory of the "Green Snowball" found through dialogue in the English session, the destination is the same.
People from diverse backgrounds gathered here through their respective connections and helped cultivate the soil of "Kizuki" (awareness) together. I feel deep gratitude for their presence and their persistence, even when they stumbled or felt like giving up.
Every world is up to our mindset and action.
Every world, without exception, depends on the mindset and actions of each and every one of us.
By gently loosening our mental frames and living within a warm cycle of offering and receiving, these small, simultaneous steps will continue to shift this world—and all possible worlds—towards a kinder future, piece by piece.
