“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”
Albert Einstein
Definition of Divisiveness: 1) forming or expressing division or distribution; 2) creating dissension or discord.
Over the past several months as I have had the privilege of working with others on body-mind-spirit techniques, I find a key theme is a feeling of depression or anxiety. The feeling may be attributed to a number of events including: global threats; the political environment; social media or issues impacting our economy, environment, social community & justice, financial markets, healthcare, education, religion and so on.
Much of the depression and anxiety seem to flow from the divisiveness being expressed by society. You must either be for or against a certain belief, person or issue facing our country. Each side ratchets up its rhetoric to gain more support and followers, no matter the issue or cause.
This makes our society see things as black or white, as good or bad, as truth or lies and as “Them” versus “Us.” It leaves many people feeling hopeless. Hopeless as to what they can personally do to see more positive changes, in their life or for the greater good. Hopeless about how to resolve key issues facing their communities or even the larger world around them.
Let’s be honest. It is overwhelming! Is it even possible to support positive change as just one person?
To answer that question, it might be helpful to look at world leaders who did make a difference. One wise world leader advised, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatmas Gandhi faced many personal and societal challenges but through it all he maintained a higher perspective of events and sought to make small changes that ultimately had a huge impact.
One of his first steps was to focus on himself, learning to do daily practices for internal balance, peace and perspective. That one small change allowed him to maintain his center while chaos circled around him.
“Widen our circle of compassion,” was how Albert Einstein saw that we could make a difference. In order to give compassion broadly, it must come from a reserve within us. This, too, requires that we commit to a daily regiment of seeking that inner calmness and peace. Warning: It’s a practice not easily perfected overnight. (Trust me. I know this part very well.)
But it is how we begin to see the changes we wish to see. It begins with each one of us – committed to our own centering, setting the intention, taking responsibility for our self, and showing compassion to our self and to others.
Let’s start today!
Want to find your center in the midst of it all? Take time now to schedule a session with Mara. Schedule a session either in person, by phone or by web.