Spiritual Realist
Strange times in which we live. A worldwide pandemic, while waning, is not over. Vladimir Putin has invaded Ukraine, a sovereign nation, with Russian troops. He has threatened the use of nuclear weapons, perhaps not understanding that nuclear fallout doesn’t respect borders, and will likely affect Russian citizens, as well as others around the world depending on wind directions.
The Ukrainian people are showing remarkable resolve in the face of a horrendous reality. “F*&k yourself Russian Warship” may be the saying of the year. But, the truth is wars fought over territory, in the name of political, religious, or cultural ideology, or because of imperialist or colonialist notions are not new. As long as humans have separated into discrete groups, there have been wars and hatred. We hate each other for all kinds of reasons, none of which make sense if we stop for just one moment and realize each human being is a precious soul with their own needs, wants, and desires.
That’s why I am a spiritual realist. I believe in the inherent goodness of people. I believe in the idea there is some kind of universal cosmic oneness that unites us all. I believe in working to make the world better in whatever way I can; even if I can only touch a few people in my lifetime that will be something. However, I don’t believe we can work toward a world that works for all, if we ignore what is happening in the world. I do not understand people who say, “I don’t watch the news. I don’t want to know what is happening out there. I just want to do my own work.” How can you change anything if you don’t know what needs to change?
The world is an imperfect place. We are faced with wars or unrest on every continent, the oppression of peoples across the globe, rapid large-scale habitat and species destruction, and potentially irreversible climate change, income, health, and justice inequity. I get it. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to say “I can’t do anything.” But, you can.
You can get involved in your local community. Make changes for the better where you live work and play. You can start with something as simple as always extending kindness to those who are providing a service for you, whether it’s the cashier in the supermarket, your mail carrier, your restaurant server, or table busser, the person you walk by on the street, the Uber, Lyft or taxi driver, the person behind the deli counter, or stocking vegetables in the produce department.
Wherever you live there are organizations working to better people’s lives. Find one. Volunteer your time. Change the world. Love your neighbor. Love the stranger. As it says in Exodus 23:9 “You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt.” We have all been strangers at some point.
