Changing the world? Yup. That’s my gig here. Although I am starting with myself.
A creation changes first the creator. I am learning and changing myself as I explore and write here.
So where does politics come in? To change the world, don’t we start there?
No.
Politics does not change the world. It reflects the world. Politics is the mashup of art, culture, fashion, ideas, philosophy, media, psychology, and that special sauce known only to politicians. They are welcome to it.
The one stream that always flows through politics? Fear. Politics grows, maintains or manages fear. Fear is the currency of politics. Always. And then often, confrontation and anger.
I am no longer interested in the politics of government and the gun. I am interested in the politics of the spirit, psychology, and consciousness – human connection without the involvement of power or compulsion.
Governments do perform some useful functions – roads, laws to facilitate relationships (sometimes), healthcare (sometimes) etc. These are administrative and bureaucratic functions and have value.
Political leadership and power are the problems.
Most people are tired of the conventional politics that we face every day in the media. Confrontation, aggression, and criticism are the constants in all of politics. All in service of fear. There is very little that is positive or inspirational in politics.
This is crystal clear in the American presidential election. Donald Trump is the current bête noire and polarizing figure. Before him, Barrack Obama played the same role for a different group of people. I am not equating the two, but they are equally polarizing. They both inspire fear and anger in some people, and they both play to fear (and anger) in their supporters. Trump plays to the fear and anger of his supporters much more obviously though.
At one time I followed politics very closely, but I now ignore it as much as possible. I see how little relevance it has to my life and really, to the world at large. I no longer enter into any political discussions with anyone. That can only be a source of angst or disagreement – none of which can ever serve me or connections.
Last year I personally heard several Americans talking about Obama in the most negative terms possible. And this came at a time when his presidency was nearing its end. Realistically, Obama’s presidency didn’t change the country nearly as much as his supporters had hoped or his critics had feared.
And I have no doubt that if Trump wins the next election, his presidency would be more of the same. Changes yes, but for most people life would go on largely as before. I am certainly not hoping for him to win, but when your politics is based on freedom, peace and love as mine is now, there is no one available to support. The huge government machine will continue to roll along pretty much as it always has, for now. Changes and evolution will come, but from the culture and individual consciousness and not from the so-called leadership. I have no doubt that Obama was humbled by how little real power he had as president.
But you will never hear politicians speak realistically. What is the one thing that all politicians agree on? What is one thing you will hear the media telling people? You will hear from everyone in the system that you should vote. You should be engaged with politics. Follow it. Read about it. Have opinions. Play the game. Play the game where we make the rules. Please give us the power and legitimacy we crave. Please do not ignore us, is the cry of all politicians. They crave legitimacy as much as power.
All politicians, no matter what their ideology, have more in common with each other, than they do with the people they claim to serve. They all agree on the importance of centralized political power. They just squabble about how that power is to be exercised – just the details vary.
I have chosen not to play the game. I make no attempt to keep up with politics and really have no interest in it. I try not to be cynical about it and the less I know, the easier that is. I find that you really cannot engage with politics and remain positive. Politics is essentially based on conflict even when there is a general agreement. Politicians look for reasons to inject conflict into any discussion.
And of course, there is fear. Always fear. Politicians and the media are addicted to fear and they spread that to the rest of us. The world is a scary, conflict-ridden, chaotic, mess according to the media and politicians. Politicians claim that they are the only ones who can protect us and maintain our lifestyles and civilization.
Turn over your freedoms and power and we will deliver you from fear, is the essential message. Except fear can only breed more fear. The great myth of fear is that it protects. Politicians and the media may or may not admit this, but they depend upon it to maintain their place and ours.
Politicians and the media are the back wheels of the car – they don’t steer. But they can never admit that.
We are the front wheels. And it’s time to firmly take hold of our steering wheel. Everything in my blog and now in my life is designed to encourage you, empower you, and reassure you, to do just that. I’ll even beg you just to give it a try – grab your own authority. No one can take it from you. Only you can claim it as yours. Ignore politics and politicians, as they usually ignore you, except around election time.
Human consciousness, residing in each one of us, is the real source of power in the world. I am much more interested in cultivating a profound interest in, and awareness of, human consciousness.
My decision to no longer engage with politics is best illustrated (obliquely) by Mother Teresa in her quote:
“I was once asked why I don’t participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I’ll be there.”
Virtually all of our politics is not “for” anything, but against something or someone. I understand people’s passion for politics, but I cannot join them in that. I travel other roads for the evolution I see and look forward to.
I am not saying not to engage with people about ideas. Share your passion and your views. It can mean walking a fine line, but if you stay away from fear and confrontation you can make your point and perhaps plant a seed in someone that leads to them considering an idea they had previously ignored. Keep the lines of communication open and free of fear and aggression.
Politics divides – always. It builds walls when we need bridges. It objectifies the “other” when we are all in this together. Ignore politics. Embrace your power.
We are here to change the world.
It is time.
Begin.