Last weekend I shared a chapter from my new book that included a conversation about politics. It was only a small part of the whole chapter, but it generated a number of kind comments from readers. Given the relevance to the electoral seasons affecting so many of us right now in USA, UK, Europe and Africa, I am elaborating on a few key points that I hope may help you guard your own equanimity – however provoked you may feel!
Thank you David . Beautifully written as always…Have always thought that who ever wins these political contests is basically “ written in the stars” , their karma and whoever has that life has earned it beyond the votes, rally’s and division it usually promotes in fellow citizens. I am not someone who takes sides but I do find it interesting how it all plays out in the end and I like to think ( my perception) that there is a bigger picture to it all….I have friends and family on opposing sides and sometimes I actually can see why they feel a certain way and sadly how they choose to suffer over it. I offer Love and Compassion in my heart for their opinions that cause them great suffering as I don’t know what their motives are for thinking a certain way and I surely don’t know what’s in the the hearts of the politicians they are choosing. To me it’s just another game that slowly leads us all to our higher selves eventually perhaps teaching us more about Love for one another ….and creating above all Peace in our own worlds.💓
cuddles to the “mittens” who are sweeter than sweet! How they are growing!
I remember picking up a question a number of years ago concerning a person that was giving me all kinds of fits. I remember being on vacation and there I was on the beach mentally arguing with this person. Finally I said to this mental aberration, “ look it, I did not invite you on my vacation, so leave me this instant!” It took a couple of times during that day, but soon that person left me. I have begun doing this same exercise with some political personalities and destructive ideas. thanks!
Thank you for the very timely post about coping with political situations many are facing at the moment. The delightful picture of two of the Mittens is definitely an antidote to all the negativity in the press and other media.
Thanks, David. Beautifully written and much needed by many right now. May the balm of mindfulness heal the suffering of the world. The examples of how mindfulness and productivity go together to create compassion in action (even in politics) are beautiful.
Having just read through many of the Comments, David, I realize I have nothing new to add, other than to say it is so comforting to learn that so many others around the globe are supporting such an objective and mindful approach to Reality. We are all One. As always, thank you for taking the time to organize and present these poignant concepts for us to ponder and make our own.
I had already pulled out the parts about politics f om your last entry to share with my sangha. Thanks for clarifying this 'practice opportunity' even more clearly!
I once had a student in the 90's who continually said terrible things about the current president. I finally stopped her and said that if she continued this, I would have to put his photo on the altar--which horrified her! But as I explained, who needs our wishes for wisdom and compassion more than the leaders of our countries and religions?
Thanks for taking on a difficult subject and reminding us to pursue virtuous action.
I like your "tough love" approach, Misha. Made me chuckle! It is a very difficult subject, and I don't like 'doing' politics, but I felt that with such polarising elections happening today in France, this week in UK, and in US later in the year, I needed to address the elephant in the room.
Thank you so much for sharing all of this! 🙏🏾 It is also the first time I have had the opportunity to explore everything on your website. 🍀 Pic of the Mittens 🤣 is priceless! 💖 Thank for providing such an uplifting forum! 🫶🏽😻🐵 🫶🏽 💞
Appreciated the political insights and loved hearing about the "MITTENS" 🐈🐒🦍🐒🐈🐒🦍🐒🐈🐒🦍🐒 The animal kingdom regularly demonstrates how to love despite the differences. 💜🙏🧘♀️
Thanks David for a great post. I am a news junkie but nowadays I let the vitriol wash over me - as you rightly say it can do more damage to me, if I take it to heart, but I remain a fascinated observer. In this life we are just passing through. Thanks for the links and the name check on Shelley. Tom
My pleasure, Tom, and sincere thanks for the Ozymandias reference. I feel as we get older, an awareness of our ephemeral presence here becomes more acute, and we get better on focusing on what matters.
Thank you David, this is such a coincidence (is there such a thing?). The day before receiving this message I read the very passage you speak about in The Claw of Attraction and it resonated with me then. We go to the polls to elect a new government this Thursday here in the UK so it was very timely. Starting with Instant Karma in February of this year I've now read The Magician of Lhasa series and am currently savouring the last few pages in the Dalai Lama's Cat series, hoping to spend more time with HHC in a future book. I've been meditating since 1980 (started with TM) but Hurry Up and Meditate is still a useful reminder as to why I still do. Buddhism in story form is such a meditative way to access the teachings, like a swimming in a warm stream of consciousness, a soothing balm to my knowledge overloaded mind. Blessings to you, long may you continue to share for the good of all.
Thank youi so much for your beautiful message, Joan. You really get what I am trying to do with story form and I feel so happy about that! Welcome to our little online community!
Hi David, A great article. I know that we are not meant to care about politics and I don’t usually.
However here in South Africa the decisions made by politicians affect the community I live in and care for. I just want them to make the right decisions for the sake of ALL the people of South Africa. I don’t follow any particular party but just hope they can see common ground to improve the lot of the “have nots”. The “haves”
Have to deal with it but most of them have already left the country.
I am more concerned about the “have nots”. They must be accommodated and made to feel part of the country and to be able to lead better lives.
I personally can’t do much about any of it, so it’s a bit like a meditation. I am on the outside looking in and I know I can’t actually get involved.
The mittens are beautiful and look so comfortable together. As we all should.
A lot of us feel the same, thanks Peter. I am following events in SA with the attempt to form a government of unity. Let's hope it can somehow work. Like you say, it is the marginalised who most urgently need help.
Your writing has made more sense to me personally than anything I’ve read in a very long time. I am so better able to understand my thinking and how our nation is doing (almost) evenly divided. Thank you so much.
Thank you for this amazing, well articulated writing. I felt similar regarding the state of world leaders, and how mankind can be here after all our advancements etc…… and feeling lost for where ‘we’ are going. This is a good reminder- one I will re read many times. Namaste
You are absolutely right about thoughts of helping “Mittens” making me feel better. The photo of the two mittens speaks volumes! Thank you for today’s words of wisdom, it is so easy to get caught up with negative stuff…your email today was my therapy. Thank you.
Thank you David . Beautifully written as always…Have always thought that who ever wins these political contests is basically “ written in the stars” , their karma and whoever has that life has earned it beyond the votes, rally’s and division it usually promotes in fellow citizens. I am not someone who takes sides but I do find it interesting how it all plays out in the end and I like to think ( my perception) that there is a bigger picture to it all….I have friends and family on opposing sides and sometimes I actually can see why they feel a certain way and sadly how they choose to suffer over it. I offer Love and Compassion in my heart for their opinions that cause them great suffering as I don’t know what their motives are for thinking a certain way and I surely don’t know what’s in the the hearts of the politicians they are choosing. To me it’s just another game that slowly leads us all to our higher selves eventually perhaps teaching us more about Love for one another ….and creating above all Peace in our own worlds.💓
cuddles to the “mittens” who are sweeter than sweet! How they are growing!
They certainly are growing, Adrienne, but there seems to be an enduring connection there.
Thank you for your response. It is appreciated
I remember picking up a question a number of years ago concerning a person that was giving me all kinds of fits. I remember being on vacation and there I was on the beach mentally arguing with this person. Finally I said to this mental aberration, “ look it, I did not invite you on my vacation, so leave me this instant!” It took a couple of times during that day, but soon that person left me. I have begun doing this same exercise with some political personalities and destructive ideas. thanks!
Quite right too, Pauli! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the very timely post about coping with political situations many are facing at the moment. The delightful picture of two of the Mittens is definitely an antidote to all the negativity in the press and other media.
So glad you found the post helpful Wendy!
Thanks, David. Beautifully written and much needed by many right now. May the balm of mindfulness heal the suffering of the world. The examples of how mindfulness and productivity go together to create compassion in action (even in politics) are beautiful.
My heartfelt thanks, Sheri!
Having just read through many of the Comments, David, I realize I have nothing new to add, other than to say it is so comforting to learn that so many others around the globe are supporting such an objective and mindful approach to Reality. We are all One. As always, thank you for taking the time to organize and present these poignant concepts for us to ponder and make our own.
I quite agree, Susan. It really is wonderful to know that we are part of a much wider, virtual community of like-minded people!
Dear David,
I had already pulled out the parts about politics f om your last entry to share with my sangha. Thanks for clarifying this 'practice opportunity' even more clearly!
I once had a student in the 90's who continually said terrible things about the current president. I finally stopped her and said that if she continued this, I would have to put his photo on the altar--which horrified her! But as I explained, who needs our wishes for wisdom and compassion more than the leaders of our countries and religions?
Thanks for taking on a difficult subject and reminding us to pursue virtuous action.
🙏 Misha
I like your "tough love" approach, Misha. Made me chuckle! It is a very difficult subject, and I don't like 'doing' politics, but I felt that with such polarising elections happening today in France, this week in UK, and in US later in the year, I needed to address the elephant in the room.
Thank you for your wisdom and clarity which is so helpful in these difficult times.
I am really glad that it resonates with you, Maurice!
Thank you so much for sharing all of this! 🙏🏾 It is also the first time I have had the opportunity to explore everything on your website. 🍀 Pic of the Mittens 🤣 is priceless! 💖 Thank for providing such an uplifting forum! 🫶🏽😻🐵 🫶🏽 💞
Glad that you found your way here, Jennifer!
I admit I was flailing this week. Thank you so very much for this reminder.
So glad it helps, Kimberly!
Appreciated the political insights and loved hearing about the "MITTENS" 🐈🐒🦍🐒🐈🐒🦍🐒🐈🐒🦍🐒 The animal kingdom regularly demonstrates how to love despite the differences. 💜🙏🧘♀️
Exactly! Many thanks Deborah!
Thanks David for a great post. I am a news junkie but nowadays I let the vitriol wash over me - as you rightly say it can do more damage to me, if I take it to heart, but I remain a fascinated observer. In this life we are just passing through. Thanks for the links and the name check on Shelley. Tom
My pleasure, Tom, and sincere thanks for the Ozymandias reference. I feel as we get older, an awareness of our ephemeral presence here becomes more acute, and we get better on focusing on what matters.
Thank you David, this is such a coincidence (is there such a thing?). The day before receiving this message I read the very passage you speak about in The Claw of Attraction and it resonated with me then. We go to the polls to elect a new government this Thursday here in the UK so it was very timely. Starting with Instant Karma in February of this year I've now read The Magician of Lhasa series and am currently savouring the last few pages in the Dalai Lama's Cat series, hoping to spend more time with HHC in a future book. I've been meditating since 1980 (started with TM) but Hurry Up and Meditate is still a useful reminder as to why I still do. Buddhism in story form is such a meditative way to access the teachings, like a swimming in a warm stream of consciousness, a soothing balm to my knowledge overloaded mind. Blessings to you, long may you continue to share for the good of all.
Thank youi so much for your beautiful message, Joan. You really get what I am trying to do with story form and I feel so happy about that! Welcome to our little online community!
Hi David, A great article. I know that we are not meant to care about politics and I don’t usually.
However here in South Africa the decisions made by politicians affect the community I live in and care for. I just want them to make the right decisions for the sake of ALL the people of South Africa. I don’t follow any particular party but just hope they can see common ground to improve the lot of the “have nots”. The “haves”
Have to deal with it but most of them have already left the country.
I am more concerned about the “have nots”. They must be accommodated and made to feel part of the country and to be able to lead better lives.
I personally can’t do much about any of it, so it’s a bit like a meditation. I am on the outside looking in and I know I can’t actually get involved.
The mittens are beautiful and look so comfortable together. As we all should.
A lot of us feel the same, thanks Peter. I am following events in SA with the attempt to form a government of unity. Let's hope it can somehow work. Like you say, it is the marginalised who most urgently need help.
Your writing has made more sense to me personally than anything I’ve read in a very long time. I am so better able to understand my thinking and how our nation is doing (almost) evenly divided. Thank you so much.
I am so glad to hear this, thank you Nancy! We certainly live in interesting times!
Thank you for this amazing, well articulated writing. I felt similar regarding the state of world leaders, and how mankind can be here after all our advancements etc…… and feeling lost for where ‘we’ are going. This is a good reminder- one I will re read many times. Namaste
Really glad you find it helpful, Kealani.
You are absolutely right about thoughts of helping “Mittens” making me feel better. The photo of the two mittens speaks volumes! Thank you for today’s words of wisdom, it is so easy to get caught up with negative stuff…your email today was my therapy. Thank you.
When I listen to my own teachers, I also often think it's like a great therapy session. Thank you, Aniko!