There are two ways to apply the term "wannabe hippies". One is a derogatory meaning, that they try to look and act like hippies but really don't have a clue as to what it's about. To them it's just a fashion statement, nothing more.

Then there's the more positive meaning, indicating that the person(s) wants to be a hippy, but just hasn't learned and experienced enough yet to truly understand where we are coming from. These individuals are attracted to various elements they've seen and are really turned on to the underlying message. These people will soon join the new generation of hippies, which is a very real phenomenon.

Unfortunately the first definition is the prevailing one, used to put down those who really aren't interested in what hippies really think and aren't interested in rejecting the existing system, just in looking the part because it's cool. They usually realize their mistake by the time they're in high school. Yes, this is a teenybopper phenomenon and is totally meaningless in the scheme of things.

But the Next Generation of Hippies, is indeed real, and important. And their numbers are growing daily. They are idealistic and committed to changing the world, even if only by changing themselves, as you wish to do. Yes, that is the first step.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
- Mahatma Ghandi

So once you find the ideals you support, you must then go and live them. This is a lifelong process and involves every thing you do in life. From eating to thinking to talking to working to shopping to loving to breathing even. When you become conscious of each of activity you perform in your day to day life, you become more aware of the implications and effects your actions have on you, those around you and the world in general. You realize there is no escaping the karmic responsibilities that go along with living in the material world. Hence you must become a more responsible being, living life in balance and harmony with everyone and everything around you. All your experiences are a chance for you to learn a more appropriate response than the one you've been programmed with. Reprogramming yourself is a massive challenge, but well worth the effort.

When you have worked on yourself and learn independent thought and action, then you can join your peers and learn how to cooperate and share power and take action to correct the imbalances that plague our world. Many never reach this stage because they are too caught up in self-involved ego trips to be much use to the collective. Many people never succeed in reprogramming themselves. They just pretend they have to assuage their consciences and ignore their many other responsibilities as a member of this planet.

"You're going to have to change the priorities of your life, if you love this planet. "
- Dr. Helen Caldicott

So first you must find out who you really are in the scheme of things. Then you must locate your fulcrum, your center, your balance. The place in yourself thru which the universe flows unrestricted. Be there and stay there, and you will find your path thru life easily. There are many ways to achieve this including meditation, yoga, psychedelic drugs, fasting, following a guru, etc.

But ultimately it just comes down to you discovering yourself. That is where it's at. The rest is just illusion.

Peace in Unity,
The Old Hippy