Continuing with the theme of the last blog ‘Diversity and Non-Duality‘

Today I venture into the realm of politics.  Is it possible to embrace diversity amidst the labels of republican, democrat, conservative, and liberal?  If my beliefs on issues such as environmental conservation, education, gay rights and more are different from someone else’s, can we still be friends who enjoy certain activities together?  Can I still leverage my education to support a client in moving beyond their own suffering?  I think so.

Case in point

I recently received a Facebook post from a somewhat distant relative.  As I don’t have much of a family, I have enjoyed connecting with my cousin.  This particular cousin has some strongly opposing political and religious views to mine. The post contained critical, condescending comments about those who voted a certain way in the last election.  These were not fact-based comments; they were name-calling.

At first I felt anger, both at feeling attacked for my beliefs and the ignorance (avidya in Sanskrit) that only adds to more separation and hatred.  However, I took a few deeps breaths and decided to return my mind to diversity and the non-dual.

Below is a post I wrote just before the last election.

I’m guessing my cousin didn’t read this post.  In writing it, I felt more clear and centered. I also received numerous comments from others who felt a resonance with this call to embrace diversity and non-duality.

“The definition of dualism: we see ourselves as separate from whatever we consider to be the intelligence of the Universe (higher power, Self, God, etc.), separate from the whole and separate from each other. We don’t recognize the shakti, the life force, in everything. The separation from our Self, from the deeper abiding universal truth of who we are and the light of our soul, is the cause of suffering.

As we are approaching another election, we are being bombarded with negative, attacking political ads. I came home from a trip to the mountains the other day to find nasty flyers on my front door. I have also noticed the assumption in yoga and on-line classes that all of the attendees are liberal. There is even some blatant Republican bashing. We need to be mindful about making these assumptions. The person on the mat next to you, in a practice where we are supposed to be all about love, may be ‘one of those.’ All of this is dualism, and creates more separation.”

A realization and observation

I have lived in Boulder, CO – hub of liberalism – for 33 of the last 39 years.  For most of that time, I have considered myself to be a hard-core Boulder liberal. In more recent years, however, I have ventured over the hill to work in Denver, and to travel outside of the US.  There I have found many lovely and loving people, who are “conservatives”; in the US, that would likely mean Republican, and sometimes the “religious right.”

They are compassionate and they love their children.  Many of them recycle and they care about the environment.  Some are now very good and respected friends.  A lot of them are not very different from me.  Though we may have different views, I am realizing the importance of listening so we may understand each other instead of attacking each other over our differences.

I also find myself to be surprisingly more conservative in some ways than I have thought, as I listen to the diversity of my friends and clients.  As I stay open to this diversity, I continue to learn and grow.

In my psychotherapy practice, and the practice of being a compassionate human being, I aim to accept the whole of my clients, not in spite of, but for any polarizing views we may have.  I’m not taking a neutral stance, or refraining from participation in society.  I am embracing that these differing viewpoints will always exist, and that they arise from a oneness we all share.

My hope is that as you seek support in your life, it will come from people who are accepting, open minded and trustworthy. Stay away from people with hidden agendas to recruit you in validation of their beliefs.

‘Come as you are.’

In asking for support from another person, how would you feel if you were greeted with complete acceptance, just as you are in this moment?  I invite you to share below, and look forward to connecting.

Linda