STAND FOR (NOT AGAINST) SOMETHING
What do you stand for? When asking this question, I am asking what you stand for, not what you stand against. Whatever we focus on gains power, it really doesn’t matter whether we are advocating for it or raging against it. I scroll through FB and there is a whole lot of focus turned towards one man right now. We are feeding him with our horror, our fascination, our indignation, our steadfast attention. Am I recommending that we stick our heads in the sand? No way. But it is important to be clear about what we stand for amidst the chaos, and to put our focus and energy on strengthening it.
There is no way to negate something in the subconscious. We can only replace it with something else. Just try NOT to obsess over someone you really like after a break-up. In Younger Next Year for Women, Crowley and Lodge talk about the difficult terrain for skiing in the Northeast of the US. If the locals want to be kind to newcomers, they advise them to “follow the light” as they ski down the mountain. Telling someone, “don’t hit a tree,” is not helpful. Under stress we are not able to think clearly; whizzing down the mountain, sweating bullets, the executive portion of our brain shuts down, and our habitual thoughts become our go-to to get us through the experience. The petrified skier would do best to focus on light, not trees. In fact, the only way to negate trees is by focusing on the space of light between them.
Our efforts for positive change are powerful when we rally around something that we want, not against something we do not. Not only can our energy go towards creating beauty, goodness, and love in the world, no matter how small and localized, but we are also practicing building something up, rather than tearing it down. Many governments that replaced their corrupt predecessors ended up being a disappointment to the people. Why? Because the revolution was focused on fighting against injustice and the institutions that enforced it. We know that we do not want exploitation, lies, greed, deceit.
What do we want?
Unity. Human Rights. Truth. Respect for all Creatures. Protection of our Earth. Loving Kindness.
When do we want it? Now!
So I ask you, what is the light that you want to see in the world? When we are clear about the type of light that we are looking for, then we can take the steps to create and nurture that spark within us, and start putting it out into the world, joining forces with other luminaries that hold the same light. Become that light and you will be an unstoppable force of inspiration to others.
See past the drama, choose your focus and spread the light.
