With the news programs blaring the most recent political scandals, it's hard to remember that there are positive things happening in the world and leaders who are inspiring heart-centred change. It's integral that we maintain a healthy, higher perspective about what really matters and share it with our communities. Especially now, we have an opportunity for all of us to step into our role in fuelling mindful positive change. I wrote this piece earlier in the year for the Uplift Blog and I feel it's timely to repost.
I recently had the great fortune of seeing Congressman Tim Ryan in conversation with Goldie Hawn speaking about wisdom in the workplace and the world. I was also delighted to hear Marianne Williamson's news about running for congress. Her Create Anew campaign resonates deeply with me and shows us all that there is another way of doing politics, that also applies to life and work.
As a nation, we're being challenged. It's hard not to get caught up in the events around us, whether we are influenced by our leaders in government or by the plight of the planet. It saddens me that we find ourselves in this state but it also drives me to play a bigger role in our evolution.
I fundamentally believe that awareness is at the very heart of our dilemma: self-awareness and the realization of new possibilities for brighter moments and brighter days.
I say, let's change the channel.
Tara Brach leads off her talk with Congressman Tim Ryan with the idea that we are all looking for a sense of "hopefulness." It is hopefulness that comes when you see someone like Tim and his work with Mindful Nation take steps to change the world for the greater good. It's this type of inspired and deeply intentioned work that helps us realize what is truly possible for the healing of our world.
Tim goes on to say that we're asking people to slow down in a time when we're fraught with economic inequality, a failing healthcare system, deep environmental issues, and more. An average teenager in our society sends out 3,000 text messages per month; the rate of technology growth is doubling every 18 months; most of the country is sleep-deprived; people are working harder and longer and making less than they were a few years ago. In order to survive, we simply must teach people basic skills to live in this world. It's the right thing to do.
The change is happening slowly. We all want a less complex, simplified way of working and living our lives. The good news is We Have A Choice but we all have to step up to the plate if we are going to change things.
When we become aware, grounded, and centred, we awaken and our Spirit comes alive. When we work on ourselves with kindness and compassion, we illuminate positivity in the world.
We need leaders. Uplifting leaders.
We need leaders who embody mindful awareness and who exude clarity, authenticity, and open-heartedness. So many of us are yearning for skilled politicians and leaders who make a difference in the world, people who are guided by kindness, compassion, and wisdom. I believe they're out there but... we need to slow down, to go inside ourselves, and educate our hearts. I have been encouraging this for many years and I believe now is the time to act.
Mindfulness, or the lack thereof, greatly affects our politics. We've seen the recent debacles in many levels of our governments and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. This proves that we need, more than ever before, compassionate leaders who are committed to breaking down the corrupt systems that we have allowed to flourish. I feel sad when I reflect on our current state of affairs, but I'm compelled to take action and I hope you will too. After all, it begins with you and me.
This year, I was inspired to write to a few Parliamentary leaders. I have the ideas, the connection, and the self-awareness to fuel the positive mindful change that we need to see in this world. I called our leaders to action because I believe in a world where all can be at peace. As citizens, we need to lead from this belief...and it begins with all of us, through awareness, action and accountability.
After one of the Uplift monthly meditations, I shared in our discussion that I had written to our leaders in Ottawa. It wasn't my intention to share this with the group but I am so happy I did. I received the support I needed to take it to the next step of my journey. The lovely beings at the meditation that evening are my Angels (you all know who you are). I feel so grateful to be supported on this journey and to know that we are all supported in doing what we need to do.
Funny enough, as I'm reposting this, another Uplift monthly meditation has just passed. We didn't talk about politics but what we did do is create space to be who we are in quiet stillness and peace, then emanated that out into the world. It's what our world so desperately needs.
"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."
~ Albert Einstein
This is my dream. This is how we were meant to live our lives. I wish this for you and for all of us.
with love and light,
Paula