Seeking to understand
The previous week's RNC convention left me feeling empty, depressed and hopeless. What was happening to humankind? The hate-spewing fear-filled messages took me to a very dark place. For my own peace of mind, I had to ignore all things political, which meant avoiding the media in all forms. Although avoiding politics kept me from feeling worse, I didn't like spending my days in "avoidance mode". I need to participate in life and be spontaneously inspired to feel alive and hopeful. I got up the nerve to peek at this week's DNC convention on Monday and was instantly revived. The messages of love, hope an acceptance, over this past week, stirred a pride in our country that I have not felt in a long time. To see leaders and public figures standing up for all types of people filled me up with so much positive energy that I felt it overflowing from my being. Our FLOTUS's history making speech reminded me how far we have come in a relatively short amount of time despite the fear and the hate that is seemingly at an all time high. People of all races, ethnicities, faiths (and nons) and gender and sexual identities came together to be part of a solution rather than the problem. Seeing history made when future Madam President accepted her nomination for president will be a proud moment I will never forget. I had the honor of watching Hillary Clinton accept the nomination with my thirteen year old daughter who will never have to imagine what would happen if a woman had the audacity to run for president. Despite the many moving speeches I heard, the idea that struck me the hardest was not from someone on the stage, but a news commentator. He made the point that the one thing that was missing at the convention was the acknowledgement of the "other side's"pain. He reminded us that many conservatives are in very real great pain right now, which is why they are buying into Trumpism. He made the point that the only way to compromise is to acknowledge their pain and see if we can come together and find solutions. This idea challenged me to acknowledge that if I expect others to respect my feelings and opinions, regardless of their beliefs, then I need to do the same. This is a tough concept for me to truly digest. However, when I stop taking things personally and remember that just as my experience have shaped my world view and belief system, the same is true for others. I believe that given the exact same DNA and life circumstances, I would think, feel and act exactly as they do. Staying mindful of this allows me to have empathy and compassion. I has been my experience, that people are more responsive when I am in a place of love rather than being combative. My challenge to others, but especially myself, is to stay centered in love, especially during this decisive time. Hate is a byproduct of fear and fear can only be conquered through love.