There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that "my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge." (Isaac Asimov)
Two thoughts to keep in mind when listening to the discourses in the public square:
A lie told once or told a thousand times is still a lie.
An excess of emotion does not make up for a deficiency of thought.
I was once in a store and, in parting, thanked the cashier and wished him happy holidays. He was offended, saying that it was a Christian holiday and I should really say, "Merry Christmas." Thinking back, I wish I had told him the derivation of "holiday." It's "holy day." Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, the winter solstice, Kwanzaa, or anything else, these are holy days. Let's celebrate the holiness and significance of these days and witness the holiness in each other. Happy holy days, friends.
Wherever you are,
I give thanks for you.
Wishing you peace and happiness.
I found this wonderful quote from Albert Einstein. It's worth reading and re-reading for its wisdom in our divided times.
A human being is part of the whole, called by us "Universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest -- a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.
I came across this vlog the other day and thought I would share it with you. It is a heartfelt plea to take up the power that we all have in promoting freedom. You can see it here.
I have been AWOL because I've been struggling with what to do about the new leadership in my country. I range between disbelief, shame, and various levels of fear. I ran across a video today that speaks to this, and what we -- yes, that's WE -- can do about it. You can view it here.
Meanwhile, please remember this: We are stronger together than we realize. We just need to come together and become the leaders that we are, working toward a future that we want to live in. Please join us.
In this crazy-busy, pre-holiday season, let's make the intention to spread peace wherever we go. Let's put aside our phone addiction and really listen to people. Let's show kindness to the people we encounter, from the harried salesperson to the overburdened mom. Let's make our thoughts and actions work together to spread peace, so that the energies spread throughout humanity like ripples in a pond. It's up to all of us. Sow peace.
Here is a continuation of Ervin Laszlo's description of the individual who is part of creating a new and better world:
An individual endowed with planetary consciousness recognizes his or her role in the evolutionary process and acts responsibly in light of this perception. Each of us must start with himself or herself to evolve his or her consciousness to this planetary dimension, only then can we become responsible and effective agents of our society's change and transformation. Planetary consciousness is the knowing as well as the feeling of the vital interdependence and essential oneness of humankind and the conscious adoption of the ethics and the ethos that this entails. Its evolution is the new imperative of human survival on the planet.
We have work to do, and it starts with each of us.
Here is another quote from Ervin Laszlo:
In our world static stability is an illusion; the only permanence is in sustainable change and transformation. There is a constant need to guide the evolution of our societies so as to avoid breakdowns and progress toward a world where all people can live in peace, freedom, and dignity. Such guidance does not come from teachers and schools, not even from political and business leaders, though their commitment and role are important. Essentially and crucially, it comes from each person himself and herself.
Here is a vlog post that I think really encapsulates how many of us are feeling, and what we can do from here on. Please listen carefully to these words of wisdom.
Light shines the brightest
When the night is at its darkest.
Be the light.
This comes from the Hungarian-born scientist and philosopher, Ervin Laszlo:
There is nothing more important in any group and in any society than having an informed and responsible leader. The quantum leader . . . is one who focuses on aligning, collaborating, and creating conditions conducive to the flourishing of life.
The leader effectively serving the good of society serves the interest of all life on the planet. This requirement may appear idealistic and even utopian in the context of today's dominant ideology in business and politics. But the post-pandemic era requires radical changes in our idea and ideals of leadership.
Something to ponder as some of us go to the polls to elect a new leader, no?
If you watched last week's video, you heard Isabeau Maxwell mention her GCP method. What is that, you ask? It stands for Ground-Clear-Protect. If you want to learn more, here is a video in which she explains the method more fully. Enjoy!
I came across this video that is full of helpful advice for empaths who feel themselves overwhelmed, especially these days when emotions seem at a fever pitch. Please take the time to watch it if you are able. Enjoy!
I came across this quote and felt compelled to share it with you. Something to ponder while we are bombarded with political ads everywhere we go.
Appealing to tribe, appealing to fear, pitting one group against another, telling people that order and security will be restored if it weren't for those who don't look like us or don't sound like us or don't pray like we do, that's an old playbook. It's as old as time. And in a healthy democracy it doesn't work. Our antibodies kick in, and people of goodwill from across the political spectrum call out the bigots and the fearmongers, and work to compromise and get things done and promote the better angels of our nature. (Barack Obama, 44th US President)
.jpg)