So in one week we will finally have election day. This has many I am working with on heightened worry and doubt... for good reason. We have been through this before.
The word kindness has been something I keep thinking about. Kindness doesn't mean I have to agree but I also don't have to hurt either. In yoga we refer to the philosophical study as following the Yamas listed in the 8 Limbs. The first two are "non-harming" and "truthfulness" but studying these I have to remember I don't get to pick one and ignore the other. So why do we care about the Yamas or rules for living? The theory is that when I take a harmful action it does impact my wellbeing. How can I expect to be happy or at ease without examining my actions?
To take action with kindness for me means that I can still speak my truth but find a loving and kind way to respond. For example before I speak I will pause and think did I take the time to make sure I wasn't try to simply strike back and hurt the other person? Examples I see of this are ways some are reacting to each other during this election. Many have their identity invested in a party and it is so hard to let go of that. When someone disagrees with us we can shut down, loose the ability to listen and blame. Blame is easily seen when instead of having a clear answer name calling will be used instead. "Oh that is just fake news" or "those right wing republicans'. Both sides do this and instead we end up pulling each other apart.
I can't wait for the election to be complete and see if our country can stop being torn apart and find ourselves pulling through these times together. Often in history tragedies bring the best qualities in people together. Reacting with hate or anger isn't going to change someones opinion. Which is why you have to live what you are preaching each day. The example of love and kindness will be there to show someone that maybe... just maybe their theory or thought about an entire party or group of people - wasn't true.
Just remember that as much as the message is to go out in VOTE - that doesn't mean it is for your candidate. The action of encouraging people to speak their own truth shouldn't be conditional on your terms. That is the best part about a democracy.
"Have a good day for no reason!"
---Paige