[note: this is copied from Max's latest e-mail newsletter. I find he expresses better how I am feeling lately with the unsettling current events. I trust he will not mind me borrowing.]
"Here at home all eyes are on Wall Street and the Capitol as we wait to see if our leaders will steer the course straight once again. Economically we are in a uniquely unstable time, but the roots of this instability stem from the realm of ethics, or lack thereof. I believe that the economy is ultimately ethic-driven as much as business-driven.
The Iroquois had a profound axiom they used in their governing of a nation nearly one-third the size of the USA: "In every deliberation we must consider the impact on the seventh generation... even if it requires having skin as thick as the bark of a pine."
This future-sighted wisdom resulted in a period of 500 years of prosperity and peace. In our present day government, all sense of distant vision seems to have eroded to the nearsightedness of a ninety-year old person resulting in the current economic dilemma.
The gift of living in a democracy is we have the tools as a people to quickly and deeply affect the course of the future, as we are, after all the fourth branch of the government. I encourage you to vote this November, but not only for President but for congressmen and women who are authentic. And more than that, I encourage us all to use the many options available to us to lift up leaders who are not only educated, but wise, not only speak of greatness, but like our forefathers and mothers, leaders who are so invested in their beliefs they are willing to pledge their fortunes, honor, and their very lives to see them through.
In the Presidential race tempers are flaring all around. Many people are investing themselves in dividing our nation into two camps- two kinds of people. But the practice of yoga is a practice of unity. “If it isn't unifying, it isn't yoga.”
Our challenge as yogis during this polarizing time is to resist the temptation of the “us and them” mindset, and to resist anger toward perceived enemies. This is always the case, every single day, but it is more evident during times like these. The essence of most spiritual teachings includes loving our neighbor, and also our enemies.
As practitioners of peace and unity we will vote in this election but we will not hate or demean others. We will forgive the candidate we oppose as we vote against him or her. We will vote, but not condemn.
Peace is not only the absence of war, but also a way of seeing the world, and making choices is how we express and manifest that vision of the world. In dark times, like the night sky, stars become visible and more evident. Become one. Life is full and ever amazing."
--max strom
[for more information on max, visit his page on the right under people and places. max will return to Greenville in January.]
"Here at home all eyes are on Wall Street and the Capitol as we wait to see if our leaders will steer the course straight once again. Economically we are in a uniquely unstable time, but the roots of this instability stem from the realm of ethics, or lack thereof. I believe that the economy is ultimately ethic-driven as much as business-driven.
The Iroquois had a profound axiom they used in their governing of a nation nearly one-third the size of the USA: "In every deliberation we must consider the impact on the seventh generation... even if it requires having skin as thick as the bark of a pine."
This future-sighted wisdom resulted in a period of 500 years of prosperity and peace. In our present day government, all sense of distant vision seems to have eroded to the nearsightedness of a ninety-year old person resulting in the current economic dilemma.
The gift of living in a democracy is we have the tools as a people to quickly and deeply affect the course of the future, as we are, after all the fourth branch of the government. I encourage you to vote this November, but not only for President but for congressmen and women who are authentic. And more than that, I encourage us all to use the many options available to us to lift up leaders who are not only educated, but wise, not only speak of greatness, but like our forefathers and mothers, leaders who are so invested in their beliefs they are willing to pledge their fortunes, honor, and their very lives to see them through.
In the Presidential race tempers are flaring all around. Many people are investing themselves in dividing our nation into two camps- two kinds of people. But the practice of yoga is a practice of unity. “If it isn't unifying, it isn't yoga.”
Our challenge as yogis during this polarizing time is to resist the temptation of the “us and them” mindset, and to resist anger toward perceived enemies. This is always the case, every single day, but it is more evident during times like these. The essence of most spiritual teachings includes loving our neighbor, and also our enemies.
As practitioners of peace and unity we will vote in this election but we will not hate or demean others. We will forgive the candidate we oppose as we vote against him or her. We will vote, but not condemn.
Peace is not only the absence of war, but also a way of seeing the world, and making choices is how we express and manifest that vision of the world. In dark times, like the night sky, stars become visible and more evident. Become one. Life is full and ever amazing."
--max strom
[for more information on max, visit his page on the right under people and places. max will return to Greenville in January.]
No comments:
Post a Comment