Lesson 17
I see no neutral things.
It is an election year, thus, there are many debates, points of view, changes to come, hot topics arising, and various, what seems like, pressing issues. It is a time that comes every four years where we are reminded of polarity and where we are given the opportunity to see anything but neutrality. It seems as though the balance of our fate is on the verge of who wins or loses this election. And with technology and global connectivity, this seems to be the world’s election not just America’s. Even New Zealand is weighing in on this as I looked at their national newspaper website to find a poll to see who would purchase the Pizza Hut Donald Trump themed pizza or not. I make light of the political situation because there is a Light in it, if we just look close enough.
As I said, an election year always seems detrimental and dire with each one being more dire and significant than the one before when we said the exact same thing. Is there ever an election year that isn’t pivotal? I would agree that our world is currently at a tipping point. I link it to a rise in consciousness, compassion, and love. The world is asking more questions and daring to look at what is behind the veil. I can only feel encouraged by our world today, even in what seems to be disaster. Energy has to move and sometimes it doesn’t look pretty when it does but in the end, there is pure perfection.
Thus, this election year, I have felt the desire to look more within. I do not watch the news, I do not get into the debates, and do not get too much into the candidates. I have a general idea of what is going on by listening to others and if I feel compelled to do more research on an election related topic, I will. Albeit, it is usually a clip from John Oliver, SNL, or South Park, you know, those shows that are funny but often, very true and spot on. But other than that, in this election, I choose Me. Since my outer world is a reflection of my inner, let me get to work on something I can actually directly change, Me.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”― Mahatma Gandhi
I realize this is not the first time I have learned this lesson. As I moved back from New Zealand in 2013, I was met with very many “no’s.” No, I can’t do this. No, I can’t live here. No, I can’t open this business. No, I can’t teach there. No, we don’t need your services here…and so on. It was a wake up call that the America I was facing was much different from the one I left in 2009. And why shouldn’t it be, as the person who left in 2009 is not the same as the person who returned in 2013. Touché America!
What I realized after listening to “no” after “no” was that I was letting my outer world determine my track and placement, thus truly shaking my being. It is shaky when you are attached to a world that is constantly changing. With such attachment, one will never find peace.
The outer world was scary with all it’s “no’s” and trying to chain me and sometimes kicking me out. But I recall a moment of clarity when I thought, “I am giving way too much power to the world. I Am the Master of My Experience.” I mean this in a very humble way because when I had this realization, I started to get to know this New America with curiosity and with no attachment or judgement. I observed how the game was being played and took note of the rules but then I decided that I didn’t have to be so attached to this world to thrive in it. I just need to know the basics: how much is insurance, how much is rent, how much is food, what is covered on my insurance, is my car up-to-date, etc. I do not say this to mean that I don’t care about other issues, but in general, if I am true to myself and the life I want to live, I am really on just a need to know basis with politics. We all are. I recognize that often what I need to know will change and I’m sure that will be a lesson I am to learn and love and will then move on my way. What I didn’t realize in 2013 was that I was part of the new revolution that was taking place in our culture, worldwide, even.
British icons, The Beatles, discussed this in the sixties but more recently a fellow Briton Russel Brand, phenomenal comedian (no hiding my non-neutral thoughts here), wrote a book called Revolution in which he discusses the revolution that is upon us is the one that starts within. He highlights this new type of revolution where there is no need for brute force to be understood or to make real change. Contrary to typical belief, revolution can be a peaceful process and can cause real change when it comes from within the individual. Vocal artist Tracy Chapman says, in her song “Talkin’ bout a Revolution,” that “[revolution] sounds like a whisper.” And maybe on this whisper is where we find the tipping point for humankind today, on the verge of this peaceful revolution where real change is possible.
“I know change is possible, I know there is an alternative, because I live a completely different life to the one I was born with. I also know that the solution is not fame or money or any transient adornment of the individual. The only Revolution that can really change the world is the one in your own consciousness, and mine has already begun (Brand 14).”
All of this has much to do with today’s lesson. Simply stated, it is all about Thought First! You, your thoughts, determine the world you see, regardless of who is President, your boss, your siblings, your parents. Everyone is in the same role, Teacher. And the course curriculum is always the same, look within.
“It is always thought that comes first, despite the temptation to believe that it is the other way around. The is not the way the world thinks, but you must learn that it is the way you think (ACIM Lesson 17 1:3-4).”
That last part is key, “but you must learn that is the way you think.” Here is the miracle, the shift in perception, you must get to know the way you think, become the master of you mind, become the claimer of you rightful place. You, the Prodigal Daughter, has returned home. Here you stand strong in the glory of your truth. From this place you are unshakable.
Each lesson is truly essential in awakening us from the world we think is around us. The world does not happen to you but for you. You hold the keys to unlocking your chains that you think the world bestows upon you. It is all up to You. Recall a time when you felt so rooted in yourself that nothing in the outside world bothered you? This is the understanding for today. Abiding in that place that is connected to Truth and live from that place.
But first, Thought First! Be curious about your thoughts. Be curious of the world you see. Be curious of the labels you place on things. Be curious in your non-neutral thoughts. From here you build the foundation to welcome Real Truth, Real Change, Real Revolution.
Welcome to the Revolution!
Here are some songs to get you just in the mood….Namaste.