Are you there?

Yes, we are here.

Today, I would like to talk about politics. I realize that we have touched on this topic before in some of our previous posts, but today I would like to explore it in greater detail.

Where would you like to start?

As you know, the political situation, not just in this country but around the world, has become very, very divisive over the last decade or so and there are few signs that the current situation will change anytime soon. Generally, I avoid political discussions with those who hold views other than my own because it only seems to lead to anger and frustration on both sides. I also avoid political news on the television, in large part because so much of it seems biased towards one point of view or another, and that makes it hard to trust. I want to stay in touch with what is going on in the world, and that includes the political situation both in this country and elsewhere, but I have found that if I spend too much time reading or watching the news, I begin to feel anxious, tired, frustrated, irritated, confused, angry or upset. These kinds of feelings have become a red flag for me, indicating that perhaps my choices are not aligned with the highest part of my self.

It is true that the feelings you have described are a sign that you may be out of alignment with your true self.

And yet, I find myself returning to political news sites on the internet over and over again even though I feel bad when I do. I began to realize that I am logging onto these sites because I am looking for some kind of validation of my own political world view. I realized that when I read a story that contains news I agreed with, one that aligns with my chosen point of view, I feel good. I feel vindicated and validated. Even better are those stories where my perceived “political enemies” are shamed or outwitted or completely and thoroughly exposed for the liars they are. Conversely, when I read a story that does not align with my point of view, I feel outrage or anger and often take on the stance of the victim.

When you experience feelings of vindication and validation, do these feelings last?

No, although the same cannot be said for my feelings of victimization, which can sometimes linger for a very long time. It is clear that I am looking outside of myself for validation and that is why this kind of behavior is so addictive. I feel a need to visit these sites because, in the best-case scenarios, they make me feel good about myself, even if the feelings are temporary. But I also realize that if I want to stop this kind of behavior, I need to begin supporting my own sense of value from the inside and stop looking for validation from the outside.

We agree. But that does not mean that politics in general is necessarily something that you need to avoid.

It doesn’t?

Not at all. Yes, it is a world riddled with divisiveness and conflict, populated by individuals who confuse status with power, and one that is driven to a great extent by old, fear-based belief systems that no longer serve anyone. That said, politics can also be a means for creating wide-spread change, a place of community for sharing common goals, and above all, an intricate and complex world in which enormous spiritual growth and expansion are possible.

Seriously?

Seriously. Politics is a large-scale form that has been created by the collective consciousness of the physical plane for exactly that purpose. For growth and expansion. It is a form that everyone on the planet has helped to create and sustain through their focused thought. It is much the same with religion, with finance, with business and commerce, with the arts, with social media, with any form that touches the lives of large groups of people. They are all creations and they are all designed to foster growth and expansion.

Why is it important for us to realize that?

Because it helps you to achieve some perspective and, if necessary, a certain distance, especially when you find yourself sucked in, to use a human expression, to the drama that is created by and within these forms.

I get that. At the same time, I do want to stay informed about what is going on in the world.

So stay informed. Just do not allow your fears to get the better of you. Rather than allowing your fears to be triggered by the political news you read, choose instead the stance of the detached observer. Remember – you are a creator, the creator of your own life experiences. What you create has nothing to do with what anybody else is creating, unless you allow the energy of another’s creation into your experience. If you can bear that in mind, it will reduce the amount of fear that arises when you come in contact with what you think of as an opposing viewpoint. Also remember – diversity is what defines the physical plane. Without diversity, there is no choice. It does not mean that every point of view is a healthy one. Simply that a multitude of viewpoints exist in the world and it is your job to acknowledge them and then make choices based on your preferences.

Anything else?

If you are inspired enough by what you read to involve yourself in some type of political activism, bear in mind that what you push against only increases in energy. This is not to suggest that you should avoid taking up a cause that you feel passionate about, only that you work FOR something as opposed to AGAINST something. Pushing against, as we have said, only empowers that which you are resisting. You cannot achieve what you want by attempting to eliminate that which you do not want.

There is so much more to be said on this topic, but I think we’ll stop there for now.

We would be happy to revisit this topic at any time you wish. It has been our pleasure.

Thank you all.

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