One of the ways we humans bond is around a shared enemy—a military foe, a fire that must be put out, a social evil such as racial injustice. There are dangers to having an indemnified enemy, but also gifts, as we come together to fight what threatens us and our community.
What do you join with others to fight?
With all of the acrimony in the election for POTUS, it is refreshing to be reminded that we need to focus on the many issues that need the energies from our spiritual center.
You are right, Carol. Our energies must not weaken in fostering our joining together in action to support the positive.
I discipline myself to eliminate negative terms such as “enemy” and “fight” from my conversation and my personal head talk. Here’s why. “You… attract what you think about most… Here’s the problem. Most people are thinking about what they don’t want.” John Assaraf
“It’s okay to notice what you don’t want, because it gives you contrast to say, ’This is what I do want.’ But… the more you talk about what you don’t want… read about that all the time… you’re creating more of that… Often elections are tipped in favor of the person that the people are really against, because he’s getting all the energy and all the focus.” Jack Canfield
So I correct my head talk and out-loud talk to say what I am for, e.g. for gender equality, for racial justice, etc.
Just today, when our UU fellowship was gathered to celebrate our 25th anniversary, on my way home with another caring member, we talked about the importance of caring for each other whenever the need. I seconded that thought as one of the most important ways in which we can be there for each other. Then I said, “Well, I’m a dreamer and I would like to have that sentiment grow all around the world and join with other spiritual groups in promoting this feeling among all of us.” I am so bold as to say I would like to see our nation (and others) act like UUs although that is a bit brazen since I know that many other beliefs aim for the same goal in their own way. Positive is the best way, Margaret!
That is a nice coincidence that you mentioned caring for one another spreading all over the world, Patt. I have been gradually reading “The Book of Joy” by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu with Douglas Carlton Abrams, a little each day, so I can think over what I’ve read and let it sink in before I move on. I am doing this, in part, as an antidote to the scary and negative stuff I can’t seem to avoid on Facebook and the news. Just last night, I read that what the two religious leaders suggest as the way to overcome negative feelings, worry, etc. agrees with scientific studies cited by Carlton Abrams: reach out and doing something kind for someone else. I started today to make a point of sending some e-cards to a couple of people and commenting on FB posts by a few people who I know are unhappy or struggling in some way. And you have come to the same conclusion above. Great minds…
Good conversation, Margaret. Even when someone has the nerve to call me a Pollyanna, I forge ahead with positivism; you do too! Thank you.