A Call To Action

Consider the state of affairs in the world today.  We have put blind trust in, or in many cases given over all authority to governments, educational and medical institutions, banks and churches for centuries.  Perhaps it would all have been worth it if war, famine, climate change, disease, unemployment, vast inequity, and poverty, were not the prevalent state of life today for most.  With blind trust people have become bystanders while 1% of the world’s population holds 99% of the wealth of the planet, and hunger and stress weave through the rest of humanity in varying degrees.  How can you in good conscience not consider the cause and effect of all this incredible inequity and imbalance in the world in which you live?  You can and must choose to think for yourself in all matters that concern you and your family and your community’s future.

Each individual, of which there are over seven billion on the planet, has a unique memory and point of view based on experience.  The simple concept of solving problems by harmonizing and communicating different points of view has been lost in families, communities and governments.  Many views yield the truth and the masterful art of communicating and listening are very likely the two most valuable aspects of democracy, of achieving success in any task great or small.  When one person asserts his or her version of history, he finds himself alone without any other views to correct or balance his own, with no voices of hope or curiosity to relieve his isolation.  Communication and listening are the primary ways that help humans with varying views to align with each other for society’s success.  It was American author and presidential speechwriter, James Humes who first coined the phrase, “the art of communication is the language of leadership”. Every time you open your mouth you influence your situation for better or worse.  It is important to understand the difference between one-way and two-way communication and the best way to stay on track and be heard is to listen more than you talk.  Communication is only effective when your message is delivered and received.  By communicating what is important to you, you inspire trust and loyalty and initiate change in your life, your community and your country.

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it, read it in religious books or been taught it by your teachers and elders or read it on social media.  Some traditions handed down for many generations may not apply in this time in your life.  After thorough observation and analysis, if you find that what you have heard, been taught, read or observed agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.  ‘Do no harm’ is a measuring stick for what is right action and should most definitely be a foundation for any spiritual or political action.

Neither be a victim nor a perpetrator of someone else’s pain.  Above all else don’t be a bystander.  Science has shown us that what we focus on expands.  What you resist persists.  So pay attention and deal with the small and large details of your life.  Whatever you might resist, decide to deal with it, fix it, choose it, release it, move on, or ask for help.  Choose your habits in thoughts and action wisely.

A call to action comes from a place of self-awareness which allows for conscious choices rather than simple reactions to the environment in which you live.  It is the ability to choose that must be fostered for your best life.

Your greatest power is to know you are both the question and the answer.  You must seek to understand the conditions in your life that are rewarding and those that hold you back.  Don’t let fear immobilize you, and do what is in your best interest to change your circumstance.  Keep in mind what is truly in your best interest is always in the best interest for those around you, whether they are willing to admit this or not.  There is enormous satisfaction in taking a positive step in the direction you want your life to go in.