Happy Election Day!
I find it odd to realize that a particular day can have such an impact on the direction of my life. If there ever was a day, today is it.
Such questions as: "Will I need to apply for citizenship in Britain when I get there?" and "Do I have any faith in humanity, and the American people (en masse)?" will be answered.
I am certainly optimistic, but certainly not certain that tomorrow will be a bright new day for America. When Kerry lost in 2004, I was crushed. Sob-in-public-and-get-tattooed kind of crushed. Though I have no doubt that similar tactics were used then as in the 2000 heist, it is still frightening that we as citizens allowed it to even be that close.
Shakespeare once said that "Action is Eloquence", this is one of my favorite quotes. As citizens it is so so so important for us to get off our couch, turn off the tv and be in the world! Discuss, Love, Play, Create, and Serve! Unfortunately however, under the current republican reign many Americans are just trying to survive, placing such ideals out of reach. How can anyone have the energy to volunteer when they work two jobs and have a family to care for? If our democracy has any hope of flourishing, we must make sure our citizens are well cared for. That our positive rights are fulfilled. That we have health care, quality education, toxin-free food, and energy that doesn't destroy our planet (and make my asthma worse). Then democratic participation and a return to active party loyalty should be inevitable.
"Yes We Can" have such a world under Barack Obama!
But what can we do if the worst happens (eg. McCain)? If our rights are stripped away from us, the middle class crumbles into depression, our planet falls into a rather toasty and polluted disarray?
To answer this question, I turn to Esho Funi. The principle of Esho Funi states that our internal (or spiritual) environment will be reflected in our external (or action based) environment. If we are able to heal our hearts and clean up our minds, then the world will follow. If enough of us practice kindness and compassion in ourselves our country, economy, society, and natural environment will improve. Our world can only be as clean and healed as we are.
So if we feel that we are not able to escape the drudgery, we all can at least take a seat and take a breath.
I'm still going to strive for an internal graceful practice and fierce activism, and am ever thankful that I am in such a position where I can make this choice!
Love (especially to Barack!),
Janey
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