The Difficult Path

Do you remember when you were a child and you woke up in the middle of the night, and with curiosity you got up to look out the window to see what the world looks like at that dark hour? Remember how foreign and oddly lit it was? Well the world looks this way now to many people.

The climate in our country right now is unsettling. It’s hard to watch people express so much fear and anger. I see those whom I’ve known to be open, loving and compassionate, closing off their hearts, withholding understanding toward their brothers and sisters. Others are feeling like they are being attacked with all the harsh judgements and discord everywhere. It matters not what political philosophy one has, it is affecting everyone.

When someone is harshly criticized, or a group, the automatic response is to dig in those heels and further justify their viewpoint. I see this happening on both sides, from obvious verbal onslaughts to skillfully written explanations by ‘experts’ on why one side is so disturbed, so wrong, with an insidious thread running through it that speaks of the superiority of the writer’s view.

If you are happy with your viewpoint, feeing justified in your position, read no further. It will be a waste of your time.

If you are serious about finding peace within yourself and others, there is a way. A difficult path, but one that brings clarity, compassion and yes, peace.

Emotional pain comes from attachment. Attachment to your viewpoint, attachment to your beliefs, attachment to your thoughts; believing them to be the real deal, final, without question. You listen to those with whom you agree and say to yourself, yes, they are right! You fill yourself with information that supports your beliefs. See, there is proof! You listen to experts who share your view; see, she is so knowledgeable, and so right! You distance yourself from other views, other sources, and see people who think a different way as less than, other, different, and the opposite of what is right. You don’t listen to their issues, dreams or solutions, because they are wrong.

Now throw in our modern culture, which in part has been fashioned by the advent and flourishing of the media. Into every corner of your life the words, pictures and sounds are competing for your attention everywhere you go. In my seminars many years ago I mentioned the morphing of entertainment; how, when TV was new, it was exciting just to watch practically anything. There were three channels. They competed for your eyes, so one would add more action, one would add more sexual innuendo, more comedy, pushing the boundaries, etc. You see how that goes. As the years passed the viewers were shown increasingly bold, bawdy, and titillating entertainment to grab your attention and keep it. Much of it was/is great, but we began to see civility wane years ago. Who knows if this was because of the entertainment venues, but now we have several channels with reality shows and in those shows people are often not acting civil or peaceful.

I only add this, because this can help you detach from what is causing your lack of peace. If we view our outer life as a reality show, (as it sometimes seems) we can gain a healthier perspective.

I can hear some saying, “But this is real, and real consequences for people in our country are at stake!” But I am not saying don’t work for the good, don’t vote, or don’t inform yourself.  I’m saying let’s try something.

If we become aware of our prejudices, if we discover where we have been blind, that can only be a good thing, right? Here are some suggestions to begin this path to peace and freedom.

1. Challenge your thoughts. When you catch yourself judging others because you disagree with them, stop and mentally take the other side. When you invest yourself in sitting on the other side of an issue, your understanding grows. The more you do this the easier it will become.

2. Meditate. If you don’t have a meditation practice, start one. This makes it much, much easier to step away from your automatic reactions, thoughts and prejudices with awareness. Being aware of your reactions becomes your spiritual practice.

3. Listen. Really listen to all sides of an issue with an open heart. Watch and read opinions from other than your camp. It can be painful. That pain is from your ego wishing to remain firmly entrenched, being invested in the status quo. Try to lose the idea of a right way and a wrong way, realizing there are infinite ways, infinite possibilities where all are honored, all are respected and heard. Realize there are truths from all perspectives. Be willing to see things differently.

4. Non-Violent Communication. If you are talking with others who are upset, angry, sad, saying inflammatory things, see if you can find within yourself a neutral ground where you are not taking what is said personally. In this neutral ground focus on the speakers emotions behind the words. What is he feeling? Where is the frustration coming from? Without arguing, or trying to change his views, try to describe to him what you think he is feeling. “You sound frustrated that no one is listening to you.” or “It must feel like you’re all alone in this with no help.” etc. This takes practice, but when he really feels heard you will see the anger and frustration draining away.

5. Avoid extremes in word and actions.  Words like always, never, right, wrong, and disapproving adjectives are divisive. Evaluate yourself and your beliefs to check if there are some extreme beliefs in your world view, (eg. All Democrats are… All Republicans are…). Being too deeply invested in one view can cause you to become out of balance and a negative experience will result. Balance in all things.

6. Talk to our Elders. Seek out older people who have lived through many different administrations, watched the fear shift from one side of the political spectrum to the other as new elected officials took office. They’ve lived through wars, recessions, depression and more and can give a different perspective. A great idea would be to see the elders of our communities go out on a listening tour all across the country. Listening to those who feel forgotten, those who are struggling, who have had trageies and suffering in their lives. I know our representatives are elected to do this, but are these suffering people feeling heard? No. and these Elders will spread care and love. And then these Elders could present all that they have learned to congress and shine their love there too.

7. Love.  Love is all there is. Love is the life force that we originate from. Love is the divine in you, flowing through you, holding you in its embrace, guiding you back, awaiting you, forgiving you, championing you, celebrating you, always. Within you and everyone else, there is love. Seek that.  

Just another note about this election.....

It's been so interesting seeing people with divergent opinions grappling with how to handle this election. It actually is a great sign of hope. All sides, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, are attempting to figure out where to go from here. It's like the vegetarians had to take a big bite of beef, and the Old Rule had to see a Trojan horse infiltrate them, and the independent thinkers had to, once again, deal with invisibility. But, as an old stockbroker, I'm buying stock in America because I think we will eventually get it right, whatever we determine that is. Maybe it's just nighttime and we need to turn the lights on. As a caring and compassionate nation, we will heal, rise and show the world how it's done. 

Hangover after election?

Each election has its winners and losers. Some handle losing well and some create stories in their head of a scary future.

     The two party system used to work far better than it’s working now. It seems with each election we go further and further to one extreme. As one party governs it ignores the will and desires of those in the other party. So much so, that when election time comes the anger of the ‘out’ party spills out creating more separation. It is as if a rubber band is stretched further to the right, then further to the left, then further to the right, and eventually, it will break. Has to.

     You can’t govern just half of the people.

     I believe the two party system is on its last legs. Neither party has a corner on truth, or correctness, or holds the only solutions. When we stand with one party, thinking only this party is right, only this party is good, and criticize the other party as wrong, evil, and bad, we hurt the whole country. It is like a dysfunctional marriage, with each partner insisting the other accept and believe like them. Hearts are closed.

     We’ve been so blind to the abundant possibilities of what can be and what solutions are possible.

     The pain caused by having your candidate lose may be from one of these reasons:

1) You are attached to your story about how things should be. Attached to one way of solving a problem. In Buddhism, attachment is the cause of suffering. What if we weren’t attached to one outcome?

2) You don’t like change of any kind. It's upsetting, and it feels like the comforting familiarity is gone.  

3) You’re projecting. Projecting all that is good on one candidate, or one party and all that is bad to the other. It blinds one to seeing how each candidate, each platform, has positives and negatives.

     I see a future where more groups will arise with more of a unifying message and a willingness to listen to all views. And when that happens the extremes that had been created by the viciousness and anger will subside. The different views will be naturally modified, and hearts will be held open to one another. 

Election Day 2016

A change is coming where our government officials shift away from making decisions for the short term gains, industries support candidates by good policies for the future of all and not financial rewards, and candidates run to serve, and not for power.

We aren’t there yet, but, whoever is elected doesn’t matter because it is heralding a death spiral of the old ways and consequently a sea change, with a realization the answers we seek aren’t in the corporate sector, the government, or the politicians, but in our own hearts. 

Conservatives and Liberals, What are the Differences?

Since I have been both in my life, and have pretty much paid attention to both sides, I have come to some conclusions.

What a conservative position stands for in a balanced, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual way:

1)      The conservative model represents male energy, or patriarchal, in its approach to managing, guiding and encouraging a people.

2)      The ideal goal is to allow people the freedom and space to create there own dreams and provide the open doors to pursue that.

3)      There is a strong belief that if a government aids people in need over and above what is essential in an emergency situation, the country will be fostering a state of dependence in such people. (welfare state)

4)      To help those in dire need is a necessity for a government, but to continue that help when the person is able-bodied only takes away that person’s means to develop self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

5)      To enable a group of individuals to remain on more aid than is necessary for survival weakens society and allows a segment of the population to become a burden when in fact they could be productive given responsibility for themselves.

6)      Capitalism is the best form of economic base for a country and it will enable prosperity to the broadest number of people.

7)      Supply and demand in a free society will of its own accord will be the fairest system to all, pricing goods and services more equitably than any government could.( Based on the belief of Adam Smith in 1776, ‘A Wealth of Nations’ which influenced our Declaration of Independence)

8)      Underlying these beliefs is the basic belief that people given free rein will rise to their full capabilities.

9)      This is very much like the father’s form of parenting, giving the children more responsibility, playing a bit tough, but being there for support of the helpless.

10)  The government is ready to protect during real or perceived threats.

When this form of governing gets out of balance, just like a father too stern or removed from the children, it can grow toward one end of the spectrum creating lack in other areas. In the effort to protect the masses and put resources there, there could be a lack of nurturing of the people, the environment and the small businesses.  Funding can get lop-sided toward the male energy type activities, too much of the resources going authority, territorial rights, defense, etc. Aggression can be a knee jerk reaction to problems. Businesses may grow irresponsibly, ignoring the byproducts of their wastefulness and lack of ecological awareness as well as an understanding of the needs of the individual workers.

What a Liberal position stands for in a balanced, emotional, intellectual and spiritual way:

1)      Conversely to the conservative model, the Liberal model represents female energy, or maternal in its approach to managing, guiding and nurturing a people.

2)      The ideal goal is to create a safe, healthy environment that is rich in experience and gives everyone an opportunity to become what they want to be.

3)      There is a strong belief that if the government shows the people it’s ability to be there for them, have safety nets in place, caring for the poor, aged, disadvantaged, discriminated against, and ill, that that is a sign of success.

4)      To lack taking sufficient care of the less fortunate will bring an eventuality of more crime, hopelessness and despair. The gulf between the poor and wealthy will grow.

5)      To have a government that brings speedy aid to the less fortunate will allow those individuals, with government programs assisting them, become productive citizens of society and, in the end, off government assistance.

6)      Capitalism may be the best form of economic base, but the government must be vigilant in making sure it is fair to all.

7)      Sometimes supply and demand isn’t fair to all and the government can and should equal things out for everyone.

8)      Underlying these beliefs is the basic belief that we are our brother’s keeper. We are all ultimately responsible for the welfare of our people and the world where we can help.

9)      This, obviously, is very much like the mother’s form of parenting, very nurturing, helpful, listening, and being supportive in the direction the individuals want to go in.

10)  This government is ready to nurture and protect its weakest segment of society.

When this form of governing gets out of balance, just like a mother that is too permissive or too helpful, it can create divisions of the people. The people that work hardest and create the most success can be penalized by a heavy tax burden to support an ever-growing dependent population. Too much nurturing robs those receiving welfare of the opportunity to develop self-reliance, find out what they are innately capable of, thereby never attaining their potential or self-fulfillment. Their offspring becomes entangled in the web of government agencies without hope of escaping.

In both of the extreme scenarios there would be an eventual outcome of an exhausted, over-expended state, somewhat similar to single parenting!

A person in balance has an opportunity to improve, and raise his or her consciousness.

A person out of balance has fewer options available, being seemingly held down by unknown outside forces, which is an illusion. The country is a macrocosm of this.

The balance is created by the individuals, all of us; listening to BOTH sides of ourselves and each other.  We, of course, need both attributes in a society. With balance, peace, fortitude, male and female energy, ying and yang, we can create a vibrant, healthy populace that offers the fertile ground for all to grow. I believe if humanity continues to thrive on this planet there will inevitably be an evolution resulting in the merging of these energies. We can see it in individuals right now. Men are developing more awareness and use of their potential and women are certainly moving into a more whole-brained way of life. It is a matter of consciousness being raised above the polarization of society.

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New Political World

I just heard Marianne Williamson lost her primary bid. I know it was a big disappointment for her. In reading some of the comments many are suspecting the reason is consciousness isn’t there ‘yet’.

Whatever the case, whatever the reason, there are always many levels of truth. It appears to those in the spiritual community who are aligned with the basic Democratic Party’s platform that Williamson’s similar platform is undeniably on the right path. But let’s look at this more objectively.

The Democratic Platform is honorable, with a strong desire to care for our less advantaged, protect our weak, and give everyone a chance to ascend to their potential, care for our environment and make employees conditions safe and equitable, just to name a few.

One would think that the Republican Party, since they run in opposition to the Democratic candidates, are for the opposite of these causes, which of course is silly. The Republican Platform is also honorable, desiring to glean every nuance of the founding father’s words, believing these writings are highly evolved for any age. Their emphasis is on fiscal responsibility, protection, individual growth and responsibility.

It seems obvious to me that to have a balance in our government we need both visions. One without the other is not sustainable. From potential economic collapse with severe poverty and pain from the model of caring for the population by borrowing extensively with one approach, to extending our involvement globally and harming the environment with another, causing disastrous results, are equally harmful to all of us.

So, having only one of these visions in control would cause calamity. Perhaps that is inevitable. As Deepak says chaos always reins before a new, higher way emerges.

But I see a way to grow in consciousness and bring about this new paradigm, healed and renewed and more evolved without this falling apart phase. 

We see the trend in voters registering as ‘Independent’ in never before seen numbers. So this is a movement that desires more inclusion and balance.

To bring in the new paradigm everyone is hoping for we need to be more inclusive. We must find leaders that can bridge this gap, leaders that understand fiscal environments deeply as well as being spiritually attuned to lead country and world that offers more wellbeing for all the people.

Seeing the other side

I am glad that I have lived long enough to have cycled through the liberal and conservative ends of the spectrum. This has given me insight to be able to discern what is political ranting and what is truth. This also helps when seeing someone who is wholly invested in one way of thinking. I can understand where they're coming from.

If you are on one side of an issue realize both sides have their own reality. By pushing against the other side you only make their reality stronger, adding energy to it. Better attempt to understand and listen. 

Cloistering Ourselves to Polorization

I just listened to a talk show in which an author and spiritual leader of sorts was talking about our current political and cultural environment. She said she did something that on the surface seems admirable, but beneath the surface—so telling in and of itself.

She said she purposely made lunch dates with people from the opposite political party from her. She also said they didn't talk about politics, but just regular life—job, kids, etc. That's fine. Great people can be found with hugely diverse beliefs; so, hopefully she is learning this.

But WHAT PLANET DOES SHE LIVE ON? She must purposely seclude herself from socializing or having relationships with people that have differing beliefs from her own in her everyday life.

Those of us in business, those of us with big families or a wide range of relationships, have a great advantage over those who stick to their own tribe so exclusively. Understanding, compassion, and really hearing others who are different is a learned skill that perhaps many aren't purposely developing.

Which explains a lot. Where we are now in the political world is highly divisive. There seems to be very little listening. Each viewpoint paints the other side in an almost comical, stereotypical way, which demeans everyone.

We need to really listen with our hearts, to everyone. We need to understand where others are coming from beyond what leaders say, beyond what the stereotypes are. It's not enough to put others who disagree with us in a box and say, "Oh well they think that way because, such and such." That's condescending.

Listening with compassion heals.

Why Does it have to be Either Or?

Why does it have to be either/or?

Right or Left?

Capitalism or Socialism?

In a conscious society,

These labels aren't needed

Aren't beneficial

Are too divisive

Instead of criticizing corporations

Let's increase, foster, embrace the highly

Conscious ones

Run by the aware and awakened

Ask them to help

Let's be gentle with those corporate heads

With whom we disagree

And listen to them.

They have needed knowledge

And provide needed jobs

They aren't the enemy

Being flatly anti-capitalism

Antagonizes

Pushes away

Lowers consciousness

Being flatly anti-green

Antagonizes

Pushes away

Lowers consciousness

On the environment,

Remove the argument

Of global warming.

All will never agree

Let's all embrace

Mother Earth

Mother Nature

Foster Love for her

In word and deed

By this emphasis

Instead of scientific

Arguments

All can be healed

Aligning with one political party

With high and good ideals

May be positive

If one remains open

And not combative to

Other values

Other's beliefs

It is indeed

Of high consciousness

To hold regard

For other's beliefs

Gently

Lovingly

Only when we hold

Our own values

And others

In this gentle way

And learn to deeply listen

Will we feel the shift

That will end

The polarization 

And emerge

Into a new way

With a new path

For all

A New Vision

In so many ways, we seem divided. This divide appears so blatant, so apparent now. But I think it has always been this way.   And now it is rising loudly in front of us so that we may begin to heal this part of our consciousness.

Throughout human history, our primitive brain became engaged as soon as others who were different showed up.  Different cultures, races, beliefs and ways were automatically suspect and spurned. This survival mechanism was probably necessary long ago.

It now shows up in our politics, race relations, international relations, and other societal areas -- us against them.

I believe this is the beginning of the great healing. Having it displayed so starkly isn't by chance.

We are being shown that the change we so much wish for, the change we most desire, begins within ourselves, as so famously stated by Gandhi.

We can’t wait for our leaders to show us the way in this. We must take this on now, each one of us.

If you feel offended by another, a group, or a party, if you feel frightened, or worried; follow that feeling to its source.

For example:

If you lean toward a conservative philosophy, and you are fearful that our freedoms are being compromised, our way of life disintegrating, our economic abundance is in jeopardy, follow those fears within  --  where are you feeling powerless, where are you impoverished and where are you imprisoned? Address those in your self. Know that all is well. 

 If you lean more liberal, and you worry for the victims in society, you see the suffering of the poor and ill, and you are anxious about the global environment, seek where you feel the victim, where you are suffering, and where you are the destroyer. Heal thyself. 

When we focus on cultivating  peace and seek to heal this divide within, it cannot continue to exist without.

We are all inherently good people trying to create a just, peaceful and healthy world. Always remember there are infinite ways to solve problems.

When two opposing energies unite, the result is a greater than its separate parts.

Listen to each other with love, openness and make a serious attempt to understand. A New Reality is right around the corner; in fact, it is being revealed right now, in you!