“Inauguration”

inauguration: the beginning or introduction of a system, policy, or period.

As of today, there is a change in the governance of the United States. Some people are thrilled. And others? Well, to say they are dismayed is a gross understatement.

However, look at the meaning of the word. It doesn’t specify the beginning of a “change in the governance of the U.S.” It could be the beginning of any new “system, policy, or period.” Um, like maybe the ultimate new system: a New Paradigm?…

What if this Inauguration Day signals the official beginning of there being two concurrent, parallel paths happening—for awhile:

• The “old paradigm” with the powers-that-be in politics and business continuing on the path they’re on now: pursuing power and wealth above all else. This includes instituting policies and taking actions that do not serve the majority of the people. All while a dedicated “resistance” works to mitigate the damage from those policies and actions by any means possible: in the legal system or the court of public opinion, through protests, boycotts, etc. Even as the media laps it all up like hungry rats in a feeding frenzy as they supposedly “report the news.” And…
• A “New Paradigm” being created by everyday people who are diligently building a new positive path forward—especially starting in their communities. People working to bridge the divides through Connection—human being to human being—regardless of differences. And other people doing a variety of actions that make a difference. Little of this will be reported in the media. But every day, the actions and accomplishments will increase in number, strength, scope, and effectiveness.

Many of us believe that at some point, the old will collapse under rampant incompetence, unpopular and/or self-serving policies, and lack of promised policies like lowering consumer prices. As the old collapses, it will be overtaken by the new positive reality. I don’t know when or how that’s going to happen—it’s another one of those processes I whine about. But I really believe it will happen. Unfortunately, it’s entirely possible that things will get worse before they get better. It’s probable that some damage will be done, and some people will suffer.

But sometimes maybe things have to get worse before they get better. In order for the Phoenix to rise out of the ashes, there need to be ashes. But the Phoenix can and will rise, and the shift to the new WILL occur.

In the meantime, I believe that each and every one of us has a part to play in the process. A part that exactly fits with our particular experience, knowledge, abilities, and interests. So, for example, you might:

• initiate, lead, or participate in a community project.
• as a writer, planner/organizer, or all-around worker bee, contribute your skills to a group that’s doing work for the good of the people.
• meet with and respectfully let your voice be heard in person by your elected representatives at any and all levels of government.
• choose to run for a local public office to enact change from within.
• volunteer to help those affected by harmful government and corporate policies: a food bank, soup kitchen, shelter or safe house, hospital, etc.
• write letters to the editor of your local newspaper to inspire positive change in your community.
• participate in the boycott of a company that’s supporting policies you don’t agree with.
• while meditating or saying your prayers, purposefully envision adding to the positive energy blanket that surrounds this planet and Humanity.

And lest we forget: Do a random act of kindness or beauty—everyday.

There’s an endless list of positive things you can do, and contributions you can make. But whatever contribution you choose to make, I suggest you do it with conviction, with intention—purposefully adding to the positive energy that will be counteracting the negative energy of the old paradigm.

I know, a lot of things look bleak right now but that’s because you’re not aware of all the good things that are happening. No matter what your news source is, you’re only seeing mostly the bad news being reported on. But I assure you, there are good things happening—large and small. They run the gamut from community-wide (even state- and nation-wide) group projects (like by The Harwood Institute I so often mention here), down to an individual neighbor who, even though from the other “tribe,” lends a helping hand when needed. (Don’t discount the little things—they add up. Every bit of Connection and Kindness moves Humanity forward.)

Yes, maybe you still try to stay informed about current events to an extent—listen to your “Guidance” (inner-knowing) as to which news source and how much to consume. But please remember that ingesting a lot of the fear-mongering bad news does nothing to change things for the better—it only upsets you and feeds the negative energy.

Instead, focus on making a difference by contributing to the good. Do this not only by doing some of the actions listed above, but also by actually living Oneness: by practicing Compassion, Forgiveness, and Kindness—to others and to self.

Allow the “old” to collapse on its own, and instead concentrate on creating the “new.” Decide what contribution you can make to the new—and do it. And be positive and hopeful. Maybe remember what I often say: I simply don’t believe Source/God created such a beautiful planet and the miracle that Humanity is only to have both of them be destroyed.

And as I’ve also said many times here:

There’s no one person,
no political party or organization, corporate or business entity,
no single group or non-profit,
and not even any ETs who are going to do this for us.
It’s up to us to do it.

It’s all up to us.

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BTW—Interestingly (no accidents?), while writing this blog post I had the thought (the Guidance😁) to look through my past posts here. I came across text that feels especially powerful today: (with links to the specific blog posts or page so you can read more if you choose)

From journalist Dan Rather, Facebook post, June 2, 2020: “I have seen this country bend many times…. And what I have also seen is that this country, because of the best spirit of its people, can bend a lot without breaking. And when it rights itself, it often becomes more just, more empathetic, and more resilient.” (Dan Rather’s Facebook Post)

From an article about Eric Liu—Activist, Author, and “evangelist for Democracy”: “…where some see chaos, Liu sees vitality,” and Liu believes “America’s tumultuous climate is not a weakness but a strength….” Per Liu: “What we are doing is hard because it is unprecedented. We are trying to be planet Earth’s first multiracial, multicultural, and multi-faith democratic republic at scale. That hasn’t existed before.” (“You Are More Powerful Than You Think”)

From a Nancy E blog post plus unattributed comments on a political blog: “I saw a comment on one of my political blogs that said ‘The American Experiment is over.’ It was countered by another comment (with a reference to Ben Franklin’s ‘Republic’ quote): ‘The American Experiment isn’t over. This IS the experiment. A Republic if you can keep it. If you fight for it. And I am going to fight for it.’ “ (A Note About the U.S. Election)

And I know I said this in one of my blog posts but I can’t find which one. However, I think it bears repeating:

“This is a time of breathtaking possibility.”

Indeed.

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Notes:

• For examples of in-progress and completed community projects, see  “On the Ground With Communities” by The Harwood Institute for Innovation.
• While skimming previous posts, I realized that this post pulls together several other posts I’ve published over the past four years. Consider letting your “Guidance” lead you to the post(s) most appropriate for you to read today, right now. 
• I’ve read that instead of “democracy,” the U.S. government is better described as a “representative democracy,” “democratic republic,” “constitutional democracy,” or a “constitutional federal republic.” Personally I prefer what Abraham Lincoln said in his Gettysburg Address: that the United States government is “of the people, by the people, and for the people”—generally held to mean that the government serves the people. I don’t think we’ll see that in the near future considering all the partisan bickering sure to come. But that can change.
• I’ve always been enamored of the concept of the Phoenix rising out of the ashes. So much so that several years ago I designed and made a stained glass piece based on it. My Phoenix rises out of ashes, flames, and smoke to clear skies and the sun—as I believe we will when all is said and done. Thankfully, my teacher Alex helped me cut the trickiest pieces, and generously gave me special glass for the ashes from his personal stash. I was fortunate to study with a Master stained glass artist. (Enlarge the photo to see the texture and detail of the glass.)