Like many who hold the values of unity and equality among all races and genders, common decency in how we treat one another, optimism about a good and kind world, an open mind on economic policy and development, environmental responsibility and awareness, faith and love over fear and division as a guiding principle, and the progressive forward nature of life, I am personally dealing with coming to terms with the contrary demonstrated character and ideals that have been represented to this point by the president elect.
However, I have learned that at the core life is always supporting our survival on a larger scale by allowing our collective choices and consequences to work to raise our awareness. As awareness expands, consciousness expands and new more life enhancing choices are made. This is the nature of evolution, whether it is for individuals, countries or the world. No one is immune to the process. The majority (in this case of electoral votes) rules, and we all rise and fall together in this evolutionary process in our country.
What we are all left with now, regardless which side of the political spectrum, is how we each choose to respond to what has happened. Our response dictates our beliefs. Our beliefs demonstrate our personal truth and this is what defines who we are. This critical definition: I AM, is what collectively and consciously creates our future.
For those whose candidate won, may you have the dignity and the grace to be humble, gentle and kind to those whose values do not align with those represented by the president elect and who are who are struggling to accept this current truth. For those whose candidate did not win, please understand that there is an ebb and flow to progress and evolution. There are times when people embrace new ideas and ways of life, and there are times when progressive action becomes too much too fast. This creates fear and a need to "reign it in", by voting to do so regardless of so many other critical factors. The mind can justify or rationalize anything when it wants to feel connected, right, or safe. This back and forth has been going on for years in this country. However, the net result over our two hundred and forty plus years is that we have been moving forward.
The key thing to remember is that the power to create the world you want to experience resides in the power of your individual mindset and the quality of the energy and actions you produce. It is in your belief and determination to see hope and move forward that creates this vision. Anxiety, despair, and fear, (after a certain understandable period of acceptance) is counter productive to your creative power.
There is great truth in the saying, “Love and unity are stronger than fear and division.” However, this love has to be unconditional. Any doubt and negativity are a poison to this great power. Your faith in life and in the nature of progress has to stand the sometimes very challenging tests that come your way. You have to find a way to love and trust in spite of circumstance. This is that moment for many of you. Who do you choose to be? This is the most powerful question any person can ask them self because the answer sets the path, the conditions, and the resulting experiences that will unfold.
When I look around at nature and up at the cosmos I am filled with a deep sense of wonder and awe at the perfection and elegance of life. This same creation and yes, this same perfection, is in this harrowing moment for many in our society. To be able to see and accept this process at the surface now, in all its head scratching and heart wrenching confusion is what can bring you to a peace, faith, and a power that can move mountains.
My love and my heart goes out to all of you this week who are hurting and confused by what's happened in this election. My hope is that you will forever remember the grace and unconditional love that has been with you all of your life and that flows beneath and behind the construction of all that is happening. That you will trust the way this energy organizes, and most importantly that you will see this creative power within yourself and in every one of your thoughts and actions from this critical and precious moment forward.
Howard Falco ( HowardFalco.com ) is a spiritual teacher and sports performance coach to college and professional athletes. He is an expert on mindfulness and embracing the creative power within. He is the author of 2 books on human understanding and potential; I AM: The Power of Discovering Who You Really Are, and Time in a Bottle: Mastering the Experience of Life (Tarcher/Penguin Group). Howard presents teaches powerful wisdom regarding how to harness more of the creative power of the mind to accomplish any result or overcome any challenge you face in life, allowing you to achieve a greater sense of peace, understanding and fulfillment in the process. You can find him on Facebook at facebook.com/HowardFalco.IAM instagram @howardfalco or Twitter @Howard Falco