Episode 81 - Having Differences Without Division
By all appearances, we live in a very divided nation these days. The political divide has intensified in ways that sadly cause people to disconnect with friends and family, or stay connected but only by keeping ideas silenced. It is nearly impossible to have a conversation about politics today without a huge fallout. But we don't have to be a part of the division that we see. By our consciousness and actions, we can be Uniters. In this episode we learn how we can hold a vision of Unity for our nation, foster Understanding and connection in places where there is none, and recognize how it all applies to living spiritually.
NOTES:
Here is a really good website (Pew Research) to look at how this divide has widened since 1994. https://www.people-press.org/interactives/political-polarization-1994-2017/
A lot has changed over the years including:
Both sides fearful and believe the other is fundamentally destructive
We experience outrage, not just disagreement
What if we didn't have the thought that the other side is fundamentally destructive? What if we remembered our Truth?
We have the power to create our world
Do you want to be active in manifesting a nation where our differences don't divide us?
We can be Uniters (consciousness, education, example)
We have to start by laying down ideas like:
The other is trying to destroy everything
The world will work when 50% realize they are wrong and adopt the ‘right’ views
Find Role Models like Better Angels https://www.better-angels.org/
Red/Blue Workshops
Red/Blue Workshops bring together 5-7 Republican or conservative-leaning citizens and 5-7 Democratic or liberal-leaning citizens for a day of structured conversations. Here’s what you can expect to get out of a workshop:
1.Better understand the experiences and beliefs of those on the other side of the political divide
2. Find areas of commonality in addition to differences
3. Learn something that might be helpful to you and to others in your community and the nation
Recommended reading - The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
In The Righteous Mind, Jonathan Haidt points out that much of our misunderstanding stems from the fact that different political groups emphasize different universal moral values:
Liberals
Libertarians
Conservatives
On the spiritual path we are called to Practice the Presence:
Humility
Wonder
Inquiry
Trust
Truth
Prayer
Dialogue and Inquiry
Are you willing to hold a vision of Unity for our nation?
What action can you take to foster Understanding and connection in places where there appears to be none now? Do any fears arise in you? What would you have to give up?
Who would you be without your politics (or other 'sacred cow' positions?)
How does this apply to your relationship with God and your own spiritual journey?
Closing Thought
I release all mental constructs that separate me from my Divine Truth and seek to connect with others who hold different views from mine. In Truth, we are of One Mind, One Heart, and One Soul - sons and daughters of the One Presence and Power under all of Creation. I open myself to Divine Ideas that will bring me into Unity with others. With Spirit's guidance, I hold the tension of having differences without division.