Keeping spiritual in this time of changing politics

Change is a big topic for our country these days. There are many famous quotes on change, and some of them fit well with New Thought philosophy and way of life. Mahatma Ghandi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Norman Vincent Peale said, "Change your thoughts and you change your world."   

Understanding plays a big role in the way we navigate through these volatile, political times. Understanding ourselves, and others is powerful because it expands itself into love and connectedness.

Rev. Joanne Rowden of Unity Westlake recently wrote, "As events occur in the world, understanding from sense consciousness reveals all that I need to fear, be cautious of, and separate from. We have daily cries to be concerned about Muslims, police officers, black men, gay and transgendered people. 'Sense consciousness' separates. It is often fueled by fear, causing us to react in the moment to what we see, hear or feel."

Rev. Rowden explained, "Higher consciousness understanding reveals a greater perspective. Remembering I am one with all, and that all are expressions of the Divine, even though the one I see may have forgotten this. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. so eloquently stated, "Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Spiritual understanding asks me to stop, breathe and turn within to discover the Divine Idea that will allow me to meet this moment in grace." 

A friend of mine has worked as a policeman locally for over 30 years. He worked the RNC. I wondered what his experience was like, and how he kept calm in the jaws of potential danger. Wisely, he gave this assignment a lot of thought. Police officers came from other cities, like the Fort Worth Mounted Patrol. Each day he worked to stay on the same page as his new coworkers.

He noticed the attendees of the RNC were appreciative of police, military and security officers, and they frequently stopped to tell the working personnel this. He enjoyed working with the Air Force National Guard, mostly 18 years old, all dedicated, many on their first deployment. He felt a bond with the citizens; many offered cold water and snacks. He was appreciative that the city administration planned well to keep the public safe.

It seems like my friend was using "higher consciousness" – he may term it something different – as he met each moment at the RNC in grace. We too can expand our appreciation for our freedom of speech, our right to vote, and live moment to moment in grace.