Buckle up. It’s been just 24 hours since the inauguration and the internet is already buzzing. This political climate has the potential to be all consuming, regardless of your political affiliation and the internet will likely be like a house on fire. In my mind, the question each of us needs to consider is, how shall we show up to the fire. Will we stand by the sidelines and watch? Or will we grab a hose to douse it and just as important….will that hose be loaded with water or gasoline?
With friends and family on “both sides of the aisle,” I felt it was important to get clarity on some guidelines, giving special consideration to the fact that, particularly with the backdrop of the internet and social media, (reminder: this is not just a two dog fight, there are other factions with their own agendas who hope to benefit from simply keeping the flames blazing and the fight engaging.) So, I turned to a couple of my favorite teachers for guidance; Jesus and Buddha.
Buddha, who lived 500 years before Jesus, taught the importance of compassion, impermanence and non-duality saying, “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love.” He also taught that all things are impermanent, ever changing and that attachment to dualistic thinking (right vs. wrong, us vs. them) creates suffering. But possibly most pertinent to today’s environment, is Buddha’s counsel on Right Speech (Samma Vaca) In the Noble Eightfold Path.
Right Speech involves using words in ways that promote harmony, truth, and kindness, while refraining from speech that causes harm. The Buddha outlined four key aspects of Right Speech: Abstaining from False Speech, Abstaining from Slanderous Speech, Abstaining from Harsh Speech and Abstaining from Idle Chatter and provided these guidelines to consider before speaking (or possibly, posting):
- Is it true?
- Is it beneficial?
- Is it timely?
- Is it spoken with loving-kindness?
Like Buddha, Jesus’s teachings on love, compassion and unity seem even more important today than ever before. Two quotes that come to mind for me are, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) and, particularly relevant it seems today, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25).
Personally, I would love to be able to recreate a podcast with Buddha and Jesus as guests, heck Joe Rogan could even be the host. I’ve got to believe that we’d hear some of the following:
- Treat others with kindness and understanding, even when you disagree.
- Recognize the limitations of your own perspective and remain open to learning from others.
- Engage in discussions with a genuine intent to understand, not to argue.
- Avoid clinging to political identities or opinions as the ultimate truth.
- Choose actions that foster connection and healing, rather than division.
It seems that now it will be more important than ever to find clarity on what really matters and that’s going to require more time spent in quiet reflection and contemplation than engaged in post swapping. It might also better serve your personal well being to limit your social media diet….be mindful of what you’re consuming and whether it’s healthy mental nourishment or potential poison.
And then, ask yourself, how can you take action today to support and promote your values and the causes you believe in and possibly seek ways to disengage from activities (e.g., social media discourse) and replace that time connecting with loved ones or engaging in hobbies or taking time for self care.
For myself, I’m prepared to find that sweet spot between being a moth drawn helplessly to the flame and naively (or ignorantly) disengaged. These are important times and taking the approach of an ostrich is likely not a responsible position. So, on this part, I’ll seek guidance from another of my teachers, Mahatma Gandhi, and specifically, two of his most famous quotes. “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.” and for my personal guidelines, I’ll be spending a lot of time considering how I can follow his advice to, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Learn a new skill, start a new project or find a way to volunteer. As Gandhi also said, “The best way to find yourself is in the service of others.”
And, if you’d like a way to step away from the madness for a minute (or three) check out my free affirmations on my new mobile app.
