08/19/2024
Beyond Politics: Embracing Your True Power
Anyone who knows me knows I’m the last person to delve into anything related to politics. I steer clear of it all—so much so that I don’t even own a television. Can you imagine? But lately, with everything happening in the U.S., the buzz on social media, and conversations with friends, I find myself reflecting on my own disinterest. My detachment—or perhaps it's better described as a basic inability to connect with either candidate—leaves me avoiding the entire subject, even to the point of potentially not voting. Yet, deep down, I feel a pull, as many friends have reminded me, toward the importance of the American vote. Am I copping out by not having strong political beliefs? Am I ignorant for not diving into the media frenzy and figuring out who’s lying less—or more? This morning, I found myself asking: does my voice really matter?
Occasionally, and I’m not even sure how, I find myself in conversations about politics. I don’t usually share an opinion, but in my naturally curious way, I ask lots of questions. I’m genuinely fascinated by how people arrive at their decisions, especially when they feel strongly about them. But I’ve noticed that some let their beliefs and fears about current events overshadow their inner peace. There’s a lot of stress out there, and it saddens me. I’ve learned not to argue or add to the stress. Instead, I observe, knowing that perhaps there will be an appropriate time to coach on stress relief if the opportunity arises.
After reflecting on my own ambivalence, I realized that choosing not to get caught up in the political whirlwind is more of a conscious decision than I initially thought. As someone who firmly believes we each create our own reality, I know, with every fiber of my being, that our lives—our true essence—is not dictated by any public leader or office. That said, I’ve decided that I will vote, trusting my intuition at that moment to guide me.
Regardless of how leaders may influence gas prices, grocery costs, healthcare, cybersecurity, travel, border issues, or even war, I hold the power to choose peace and joy. I can be resilient to the circumstances around me, and the more we all recognize this, the better our lives will be. No leader or circumstance can deprive us of our true power unless we give it away.
Yes, I want the best possible conditions for myself, my children, and everyone else. But here's the thing: we have the power to shape our reality regardless of the external conditions. When we align our actions with our deepest values, we contribute to a higher vibration that elevates not just our own lives but the collective experience as well. By focusing on inner peace and resilience, we cultivate a life that’s not just reactive to external events but grounded in a deeper sense of well-being. That, I believe, is the true essence of living well in a complex world.
Our engagement with the world, including how we react—or better said, our non-reactive behavior—before, during, and after a country-wide election can be a profound spiritual practice—an expression of our soul’s intention to contribute our unique positive energy to the collective consciousness. This is how we shape the reality we wish to see.
