TRUTH vs. Falsehood
We hold these truths to be self-evident — that human rights are endowed by nature of [human’s] creation and are inalienable; that is they do not derive as a fiat from force, nor are they granted by any temporal ruler. Democracy recognizes the divine right of the ruled, rather than the ruler. It is not a right by virtue of title, wealth, or military superiority, but instead is a profound statement of the essence to human life itself; liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (Mahatma Gandhi’s power base calibrates identically with the power base of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, all are essentially concerned with freedom, liberty, and the equality of all [humans] by virtue of the endowment by a Divine Higher Power.
— Dr. David R. Hawkins
The fact that the American people have struggled to fully live into the depths of that declaration might in part be a reflection of our lack of total willingness to grow as a community of the beloved. It’s a choice! We need to pause and take a breath before reacting, the latter revealing utter weakness, force is not strength. It is weakness. Casting blame and engaging in shouting matches are weaknesses.
Dr. Hawkins continues:
Because we fail to differentiate principle from expediency, the average person lacks the discernment to understand the difference between patriotism and true Patriotism, between americanism and Americanism, between god and God, between freedom and Freedom, between liberty and Liberty.
In the flimsy fabric of poor seeing and thinking due to lack of discernment lies prevail unchallenged, as well as anger, hatred and blame; all lower level qualities. Our power is not with human monarchs, but with inner authority, a Divine Higher Power. That power is inclusive, loving, respectful, and kind to everyone. There are no disclaimers that are relevant for disrespectful behavior. That said, regardless of specific ideology or perspective; the thinking, reasoning person aligns with inner power, not outward force.
This reminds me of the relationship between partners in dance. When I was first studying partnering, I kept hearing the correction: “Diana, relax your arm!” In my ignorance I thought that force was needed which was the opposite; I was balancing on pointe with my other leg extended to the side only holding my partner’s hand, for heavens sake! Initially not a particularly stable position, until I learned to relax my arm, so that an exchange and flow of energy could occur.
We were working on a balance facing each other, right hands clasped arms in a circular formation in front of us. With my partner’s feet securely placed on the ground arms held rigidly created a struggle, there had to be a give and take an ease in the dynamic awareness of the other person. This enabled an organic flow to acknowledge the shifts in shapes, alignment, and positions. The minute one or the other partner grew rigid, challenges arose, fluidity dissipated, and what could have been a gorgeous balletic pose, became a struggle between two dancers attempting to establish equilibrium.
Thus the need for hours of practice.
With force the pas de deux disintegrates into a battle of wills — which can’t last for very long — instead of strength and power. Aesthetically, it is unnerving to observe. And so it goes in real life. A conversation of ease, awareness, and listening to another whether silently through the body or verbally in a dialogue of shared mutuality and empowerment creates a totally different experience.
Listen / and your whole life / will become a conversation / in thought and act / between you and Wisdom, / directly / wordlessly / now / and always. Rumi
Isn’t that beautiful? Imagine! Conversations that emanate from that deep inner experience of wholeness and meaning. Conversations that are life-giving and respectful, that are driven by harmony and mutual trust are win-win. I don’t think that is a pipe dream. I actually think that is how humans are meant to interact and we have stellar examples in all segments of society where harmonious, non violent interactions occur.
Perhaps the pain that some of us are feeling both individually and collectively can be viewed through the wisdom of tribal member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Pixie Lighthouse:
Our feelings are our inner waters, and to Indigenous peoples, water is our First Medicine. We should not find it surprising that authentic feelings had to go underground during the centuries-long process of colonization and expansive frontierism. The raw material of awakening is found in tolerating the discomfort of heinous mistakes and those of our ancestors. What if we are at a tipping point on humanity’s timeline, where we must name what hurts, grieve the losses, and learn how to make larger-scale repairs? Redemption is the process by which we make new choices to clear our debts. Emotionally speaking, noticing and naming injustice leads to protection of what is sacred, starting today.
I invite you to pause and allow the words of Pixie Lighthouse to sink into the core of your being. And then contemplate these additional words of Rainer Maria Wilke:
Let this darkness be a bell tower / and you the bell / As you ring, what batters you / becomes your strength.
preach