Progress is not linear. All things move in cycles of expansion and contraction, and knowing this assists us to have perspective.

Beyond the media attention and focus, we can all feel the real effects of the global financial crisis. The financial world is re-assessing and re-calibrating its activities, after finding what once was comfortable, now questionable.

We enjoyed the upward path of the cycle, now it is time to reflect and look at the underlying pattern. A rethink is required as we find time to consider the full impact of our position, not just economically, but socially and environmentally as well.

Considered action is called for as actions in haste may create irreversible outcomes or take years to undo. These are times for reflection, with an honest appraisal addressing the issues, followed by action. This demands an energy and optimism, which can develop fresh ideas and encourages the sort of debate that can fuel positive change.

This Edition brings together thoughts from a number of endeavours and areas of interest. Contributions cover topics such as adapting business models to be appropriate to the times; how creativity can assist business to solve problems; how the classical arts, mythology and story may give us the ability to detect patterns to avoid extreme cycles; three horizons of change in healthcare; changes in the media sector; opportunities for the resource sector in neighbouring developing economies; is green really still on the agenda; an ad man’s guide to survival 2009; and the challenges being faced by human resource practitioners.

Our final article is a lead towards our next edition’s theme – India a Snapshot. Peter Church provides a personal view on the recent attacks on Indian students in Australia. Peter questions whether these attacks are indicative of a troubling racism that needs addressing or a matter of ‘law and order’ that plagues every city around the world?

Search the internet today and one can already see the innovation and hear the change being undertaken to respond to our challenges. Whilst we may regret the passing of comfortable times, others are already creating new ways that will reshape our world. Join in, play a part. Bring what you know is best, drawing on insights over the ages, into how you re-envision what you will become and the world you are helping to create.

Speaking of the changing focus of attention onto the matters that matter, the State of the World Forum Conference - Mobilising to Save Civilisation” will be held in Washington in March 2010. This forum is about creating urgency and action around climate change initiatives rather than wait for Governments. Refer http://worldforum.org/forum.htm.