Election
Originally published on November 4, 2014
We are cursed with the blessing of consciousness and choice, a two-edged sword that both divides us and can help us become whole… The divided life may be endemic, but wholeness is always a choice. ~ Parker Palmer
In her appearance on Super Soul Sunday, spiritual thought leader and author Marianne Williamson, who ran for Congress in 2014 [and President in 2020], said the higher purpose of democracy is that all people are “guaranteed the opportunity to self-actualize.”
I was riveted by her comments right at the end of the interview, because she was able to articulate so succinctly my philosophy about and understanding of this country, which I embody in my talks like Who Are You and What Are You Supposed to Be Doing with Your Life and Use Your Freedom to Create the Life of Your Dreams. It is why I have always believed in and loved being American, even if I haven’t always been proud of it.
Regardless of what stage of growth our nation is in, the US is still a special place that allows us to become the highest and best versions of ourselves, the ease of which is tempered by varying degrees of circumstance, luck and justice. Not only can we elect our government representatives, but we can elect ourselves to run our own personal life race, and make an infinite amount of choices that allow us to be who we are meant to be due to a more palpable, if not literal, freedom than most, if not all, other countries on this planet.
But no matter where you are citizen, we have more of a say in our lives than the outside world of politics, religion, and capitalism would have us (or want us to) believe. If you’re honest with yourself, you’ll realize that your life at this very moment is a culmination and sum total of every choice you’ve ever made until now. Depending on whether or not you like where you’re at, meaning if you don’t like it or want to make it even better, you can make different choices to result in a different direction.
If we summon the political will to use the power that really is in our hands, we can elect to react to any situation with love or fear, anger or compassion, understanding or hate. We can choose when and where to get involved outside of ourselves and make decisions that bring us either closer to or further from our authentic self and goals. I know where my vote goes!
We cast our internal ballot to either stew in a sea of what ifs, and shoulda coulda wouldas, or instead deal with the reality of what’s in front of us as it stands, taking responsibility and appropriate action in order to plow forward and create a more favorable outcome. Try not to have any hanging chads here….
We can choose our thoughts, making sure they are positive and expansive; we can acknowledge our feelings and allow ourselves to feel everything — good bad or ugly — so we can govern them once we accept and learn from the awareness they are bringing to our attention. I’ve been campaigning for this for years!
In other words, we have the right to vote with our consciousness and use it accordingly no matter what the circumstance. Make sure you are exercising this fundamental liberty in every area of your life — your work, your relationships, your health, and your community.
Need a little help getting comfortable with your own personal polling place? Give me a buzz, and I’ll keep you honest in towing the party line of YOU, knowing that your victory will benefit a constituency that includes your family, friends, neighbors and perhaps even the world!
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