What polarities do you notice?
You cannot separate yourself from the Universe. Gregge Tiffen (The Language of a Mystic: Polarities, February, 2009)
One of the characteristics of the Universe is its infinity. You and I, like every other being on the planet are a part of this infinite Universe. Another characteristic, or universal law, is polarity. Earth and sky, negative/positive, visible world/invisible world, liberal/conservative are polarities. Each with its own energetic vibration is the opposite of the other, and yet, each is a part of the Universal whole.
Individually, we each carry all of the Universe’s characteristics as a part of us. At the same time we are each different, our own unique and individual expression of this Universe of which we are a part.
From these individual expressions the illusion of separation arises. In our passion for a cause or a candidate, we forget our Universal commonality. I don’t know about you, but much of the political rhetoric here in the United States seems to be designed to do just that: have us forget what we have in common. In our fear about what may happen in the future, we forget that we share the common future that is infinity: no past, no future, only this moment – now.
I find myself challenged to hold this lens in place when I observe politics in action. Some would say ‘just turn it off’, but the political science major in me is curious about the players, the process and, especially, about where our collective choices will take us.
Closer to home, I’m challenged to remember my commonality when controversy arises in my community, differences take the spotlight, and I clearly see that one ‘side’ represents a better way forward than another. Likewise, when I experience a friend whose approach to an issue sounds harsh and I know there is a softer way.
What about here?
Given how we humans have evolved and the systems that we’ve created, perhaps it is inevitable that our unique expressions clash. In a perfect Universe (which I believe it is), there must be a purpose. Perhaps our learning opportunity is to learn how to navigate our differences, polarities if you will, without the rancor and judgement that we’ve come to expect from these differences.
Many individuals and groups are committed to creating just such a future.
I’m willing to take that on. What about you?
Luke says 'hello' everyone!