Your true character is most accurately measured
by how you treat those who can do ‘Nothing’ for you.
~ Mother Teresa ~
Realizing this is a touchy subject theses days in what appears to be an ongoing political nuclear winter in America, understand what follows has little or nothing to do with politics or which side of the fence one is on, but it does apply to this ongoing ever deepening chasm of American insanity we are experiencing. Also understand this is not to overlook the complexity or whitewash things in any way about our current seriously shocking political climate and the rise in hate speech, and violence against those who of not of like-minds. As most, I am horrified on a daily basis with what is going on in this country, my heart pauses in fear and my stomach knots to read or hear the next news headlines or watch the next White House press conference (unless of course it’s SNLs version of news or WH press conference, for if we can’t laugh at ourselves we are truly in big trouble.). However at this point, above and beyond any leanings or this person did this or that person did that, I guess what is most sad and disagreeable is just how much pure evil and hate is being unleashed and sent toward everyone, regardless of affiliations and yes, especially the person Donald Trump who is holding what is suppose to be the most sacred office of what is suppose to be a well-tuned Democratic nation and an example. I don’t know, at this point, no matter how much the hate and mean-spiritedness may seemingly be deserved or how many seemingly adverse and/or even hateful things anyone else or he says or does the bottom line is this…
Hatefulness in mind, body, heart and soul, on any level, is a horribly destructive, negative and a downward spiral that catches everyone in its wake. It eventually works itself over the most on the person who is being hateful than its intended target. And even though such anger, hate, meanness, ostracism, scorn, etc. can be a spark that is healthfully channeled into taking meaningful and necessary positive actions in all kinds of situations, even this channeled sword, too easily, cuts both ways if one is not extremely careful and considerate. Obviously, when it’s transformed into action to truly do better, it really can and does increase positive outcomes and creates upward spiraling thoughts, words and deeds. However, outside of this short spark of its usefulness, carrying on indefinitely with hatefulness in one’s mind and heart is profoundly unhealthy and simply not good for anyone or anything in this country or on this planet, period. In spite of it all, continuing to find GRACE is empowering on a personal level, as well as en masse. Grace of forgiveness of oneself as well as others, grace of tolerance, kindness, a smile, etc. is a powerful transformer of taking that which is truly a dark day and into lighter ways.
So yet in one more paradox of a life of paradoxes, in the face of what you wish to rage against, do the most outrageous thing and send goodness, positive thoughts to that person(s), situation(s), send thoughts of forgiveness and healing toward the insanity, consider the idea that everyone really is doing their best even if it is not up to one’s standards, send compassion and be respectful in your disagreement of your “offenders” and do so regardless of the fact it may not be returned in kind. This is one practical, non-invasive, non-offensive simple way to channel hate into outrageous positive immediate personal action. This can be done from afar, alone in a room, within a stadium of people, while defending your rights and taking stands at marches and rallies. Consider that staying out of the blinding hatefulness is just as necessary for your health, well-being, peace of mind and effectiveness in the work being done to resolve our very serious American political crisis, as it is for cultivating peace in this country and on this earth. If we want a better country, world and way forward then we must become it at the individual level first, invite it into our group and community levels, and be so towards all people and not become exclusionary, prejudice and divisive in who we think deserves good thoughts, healing, and compassion, etc. To do anything else and send hate to people we can’t wrap our heads around, or exclude any from such kindness b/c we’ve labeled them the latest diablo of our day, then we must ask ourselves are we are truly any better, being any more helpful than those that offend us?
Practical Divinity 