Political Division

There is a way out of this political divisiveness but I am afraid that it is not going to happen with the intensity that is being expressed in today’s world.

The light at the end of the tunnel will be when we can realize that like dealing with COVID-19, we are in this together. Like through most of our history, we have done.

If you look at your thoughts, your posts, your speech and it involves degrading another, assumes the worst in others or involves calling them names YOU are part of the problem.

I know within my own mind sometimes I go down the path of anger. My thinking becomes negative about people with whom I disagree. I try with great intent to guard against this involuntary anger, as it is not helpful, but sometimes it just arises.

What I then remember is, that within our culture we mostly all want the same things. We want health, prosperity, love, beauty, peace of mind, a job we love, people who love us, and a safe home.

We also want an end to hunger and homelessness, public parks and land, clean air and water. We are very concerned about violence, having good schools, good healthcare and we don’t want to see bad things happen to others.

Consequently, if we can merely look at those things that we all sorely want and discover the common desire, we can start to regain a clear path.

If the people around you differ radically in their method and approach to obtain those things it does not mean you need to change them. It would seem to me that if we can look through loving eyes and remember we all want the similar things that would allow us to start to appreciate alternative approaches to solve the contentious issues and get the things we all want.

If I take the time to listen actively, I may find that they possess a valid point of view. Maybe I will still disagree with them, but I can give them respect, knowing that their goal and mine are the same. We are merely two sides of the same coin.

If political hatred continues, I know in the end that things will still turn out alright. It is just that we could have undertaken the journey and it would have been so much more enjoyable. Simply by respecting each others’ differences. Denigrating them with labeling or name-calling not only hurts them, but it also hurts us.

My personal prayer is we can look and see the light in the eyes of each other, and instantly realize that light is the same as our own. That light may be a different expression, that we don’t understand but it is still light. Impulsively throwing shade through dismissive or angry words onto that light does not elevate us, it holds us back.

By simply acknowledging that we recognize their good intentions, allowing their light to shine brightly, it will unite with ours and quickly dispel the oppressive darkness. Our collective light will start the process of healing and move us forward more quickly with our shared desires.

Burning light can not be overtaken by shadow, no matter how dark and sinister the shadow. Let there be light. ~ Greg D.