If I had to sum up the recent U.S. Presidential election in one word, I would pick:
Divisive.
I don’t want to pick that word. I’d rather pick a fun word like Spunky. Or Effervescent. Or Jabberwocky.
But alas. I am stuck with Divisive.
We all are.
In the aftermath of the election, I was left – like many of us – wondering what the heck I could do to change the divisive vibe of our country. And, like many of us, I was left feeling like there was nothing I could do.
So that’s what I did at first. Nothing.
Well, okay. Not nothing.
After an initial round of despair and depression, I fell deeply and fully back into my spiritual practices: Meditation. Affirmative prayer. Gratitude.
I also fell deeply and fully back into my self-care practices: Exercise. Healthy eating. Champion-level sleeping.
And it was there, in my deep and full commitment to my spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health, that I found the first spark. The first indication of the way forward.
As I was meditating one day, I began to ponder the energy of divisiveness. As I stepped inside that feeling, the feeling that has been the core component of the recent election and its various side shows, I stepped inside an anxious lashing out. Always being against something. Always being on guard. Always being ready to fight, to defend my beliefs.
And what, I pondered in my meditative state, is the opposite of that?
If what I want is the opposite of divisiveness, what would that look like? What would be the energy of that?
And so I stepped into a new feeling. One of harmony. One of being for something. One of agreement. One of kindness.
That, I realized. That is how I need to be.
Consciousness is creative. Indeed, infectious. If I truly want to make a difference in the world, I need to bring something different to the table.
Even if my ultimate goals for this country were ones of unity and wholeness, I had been coming from a place that was arguably just as divisive as my “opponents.”
So now it’s time for something different.
Every day, I look for opportunities for harmony.
As I take my morning walk, I greet others with a smile. Even if I’m not in the mood for smiling, I smile anyway. And the people that I’m not-in-the-mood-for-smiling-but-smiling-at-anyway, they usually smile back. Which makes me smile for real. (Tricky tricky!)
When I’m out shopping or doing errands, I approach every interaction as an opportunity for connection and kindness. Sometimes the other person is grouchy and doesn’t want to play the connection game. But usually not. Most people blast connection and kindness right back at me.
I’m finding that connection and kindness are finding a home inside me as well. I seem to be treating myself with more care. I seem to be talking to myself with more patience and understanding.
Harmony, it seems, is a powerful thing. An infectious thing. A world-changing thing.
I’m just one person, of course. I can only do what I can do.
But only I can do what I can do.
Would I be amping up my harmony practice if the election had gone another way? I don’t know that I would.
All I know is that’s my commitment now.
If I’m looking through the lens of ‘reality is only what I can see,’ my random acts of connection don’t mean very much. But when I look through the lens of ‘reality is consciousness and the power of kindness is much more powerful than that of conflict,’ my random acts are part of a vast wave. A wave of individual souls being the kind of world they wish to live in. Which then be’s that world into being.
Do you be with me?
What’s your experience with being the change you wish to see in the world? Share your comments below!
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We have been down parallel paths since the election! I realize that this post connects them. I have to tell you about one of my experiences just before Christmas.
I am dealing with a lot of issues that require interacting with “customer support” people who are not supportive. My current spiritual practice includes being super positive, grateful, appreciative of their efforts, recommending them to their supervisors, sympathizing with their schedules and workloads, etc. At first, I was at the phony, ‘grit-your-teeth-and pretend you are sincere’ stage. But the responses have been amazing – warm and connecting.
For example, Liz, a woman who was assigned to drive me to a doctor, arrived too late and the appointment was cancelled. Not her fault, the scheduler was wrong. But I had a total meltdown. Worse than a 2-year old. Liz pulled out her phone and helped me get a new appointment, and arranged for another ride. Without telling me, she also switched her schedule to have her lunch hour available a ride if needed. It was needed The driver did not show up, so Liz took me on her time and money to the appointment. Even brought a chocolate bar. She is now the best friend I have in this area.
AND, my Tarot practice for the week (which I just read) is “Focus on Harmony and Balance. Ain’t the universe grand.
🫶. Maggie
Hi Maggie,
I love that you started as grit-your-teeth and ending up in such a wonderful place! And Liz sounds amazing. How beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this.
Happy New Year!
XOXOZ
Thank you Z, for being the example for all of us in living kindness and peace in spite of the ongoing drama. Bless you for sharing. I love you.
Hi Kathy,
And thank you for your loving presence in my life. You are wonderful!
XOZ
My younger sister and I are both care adults. Our straight older brother and sister are conservatives. The younger sister, J, sent them a video condemning Trump voters and then told them she did not want to have any further contact with them. Older sister, C, was concerned that gay marriage may be in danger. I told her I think it is, that at least one Supreme Court justice has said he hopes that the issue could be reconsidered by the Supreme Court. This concerned C. She did not know that this was at stake. I think we have to consider that many Trump voters did not know a Trump presidency could lead to.
Let’s show Trump voters some compassion and the undying love that Spirit is. Many of them were duped. It the mean time we need to remember that we are divinely guided, guarded, directed and protected.
Hi Scott,
I totally agree with you. I think that misinformation has played a big part in people’s decisions to vote for Trump. And I agree with you that showing compassion for everyone can go a very long way. We are indeed divinely guided and protected. Thank you for your comment!
XOZ
I find myself swinging btwn “being terrified” and “knowing my fear is NOT helpful.” So my compromise is gratitude in the moment and being creative, responding with grace and compassion (to myself and others) and being helpful where I can. I admit this is difficult sometimes, but I firmly believe this new way of being can no longer be out off.
Hi Lani,
Wonderful to hear from you! Beautifully said. I think a lot of folks are on that particular swing set these days! Thank you for your grace and compassion. The world needs it!
XOZ
Thank you, dear. This helps!💜
Hi Liz,
Sending love and hugs!
XOZ
Dear Z,
Thank you for your comments on the election, I think I have been of a similar path. But I have always believed, Even if we have a difference of opinion, whether it be political or religious, that we as adults should be able to agree to disagree without it becoming violent or major issue. That is what I am holding on to, Positive thinking, a large heart of gratitude, and always being kind and in service to others can make a huge difference in this world. So I say let us all pick up the weapons of kindness, and go forth and conquer. Thank you z for your wonderfully inspiring words. Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Thank you for your comment. And thank you for being one of the Kind Ones and making a difference! 🙂
XOZ