What a week, what a season, what a time!
I, too, am heartened and moved by this week’s elections…so much hope, such an opening for positive change. I’m so excited to have someone about to be President who seems to be able to seek higher ground, above party politics, and who desires dialogue and understanding. He has a challenging road ahead of him, and is going to need a lot of support.
So I’m very aware that our work is just beginning. I’m encouraged—it’s exciting to be part of an engaged population: engaged in service, in our communities and in the big picture. I think America grew up some with this election—the huge numbers of people who came out to vote, after our rather dismal turnouts in recent years, show a willingness to be involved in and accountable to the democratic process.
And I know that one of the challenges is going to be to bring people together, to find ways to include different viewpoints, different goals, different beliefs and dreams and concerns. After all, over forty percent of the electorate did not choose our new president-elect. I live in rural Western Colorado, and even though Colorado went for Obama, the county where I live voted against him 2 to 1. It’s going to be a challenge to me to keep my vision of the positive things I hope we can accomplish, and at the same time be able to listen and engage with people who feel very differently than I do. To find that balance between not speaking up and speaking up in a way that closes the door on dialogue. My years of aiki training are going to be put to the test, again.
In a song I wrote a few years ago called “Beyond the Great Divide”, one stanza was:
“On through light and darkness, the earth still turns around
The truth is we are living on common ground”
We are living on common ground, more than we sometimes realize. We share problems and solutions. I know intentions are powerful, and I hold the intention to live in a way that reveals our common ground and brings inclusivity, healing, joy and sustainable, vibrant life for my home, this lovely planet. Onward!
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