31 Jul Spirituality and Politics: Why They Can Never Be Separate. So I Need Your Help!

Whenever I write about political issues, some people on this email list check out. It’s not their thing. Not why they’re here.

Other people who don’t share my views get offended and tell me to keep my opinions to myself and stick to the spiritual stuff.

The things is, politics and spirituality are never separate. Why? First, because they both stem from our core beliefs and values. The more we come to know those values, within ourselves and others, the more compassionate and connected we can become.

Second, politics is, at its root, simply about the acquisition and use of power—power to shape the world we share and power to determine how its resources are distributed. Any spiritual path that shies away from worldly power simply cedes it to those with different, and often more harmful values and beliefs.

So how can we with open hearts play a helpful role in the political sphere without causing undo stress to ourselves?

One way is to model a way forward for society that is infused with the fierce love we cultivate in our spiritual communities.

And right now is a critical time for that modeling.

Most people on this list, I surmise, think that Donald Trump is a scary, awful choice for the US president who must be defeated at all costs. But there are some here, as everywhere, who have decided that he is the best choice we have.

If that’s what you believe, I honor you. I’m genuinely curious about how you come to that conclusion, and I would love to know more about that. I invite you to reply to this email with your thoughts.

I invite you to engage in a few back and forths with me about the topic that I will later share publicly. Our will not be to debate, or win the other over, but instead to penetrate to the core of this political moment, to seek common ground and mutual respect.

If we can do that with one another despite our differences, and demonstrate how to shed light on what truly divides us, everyone wins.

In a similar vein, some of you on this list believe that electing Hilary Clinton president would also be abhorrent. I would also like to hear from you, and to engage in the same kind of email discussion.

Why do I care so much about this?

It’s simple. If we believe in Oneness, if we seek the experience of Oneness, then our quest must include everyone and everything.

To say we’re all One, and then to dismiss or disparage millions of others who don’t share our views would be hypocritical and ridiculous.

Instead, where we see ourselves as most different is the best possible place at which to seek unity. It may be union in difference, but that’s okay for sure.

After all, the One must contain the All, both in harmony and discord, or it can’t truly be the One.

So, if you’re called, please join me in this experiment in connection “across the aisle.” Share with me your reasons for supporting Trump, or opposing Clinton, and engage with me in some expansive, peaceful, respectful exchanges.

Hopefully, by now, I’ve gained your trust as someone who can create a safe, trusting environment to be and express who you are.

If you have questions about how this will work, or if it’s really right for you, please ask. I will keep all our communication confidential unless you agree that it can be shared.

Thank you in advance for bringing new hope and vision to a dark, divisive time.

In Spirit and Grateful Presence,

Raphael
rc@cushnir.com