\n<\/p>\n
We\u2019re living at a time when lying, misinformation, alternative facts and conspiracy theories have replaced truth itself. American citizens are frequently caught between different pieces of misinformation, and often, people can\u2019t tell the difference between misinformation and truth. <\/p>\n
The problem is: If we can\u2019t believe what we\u2019re being told, how can we make essential decisions regarding the welfare of our country? The truth is: We can\u2019t. <\/p>\n
A good example of this is the creeping re-entry of White Christian Nationalism into our country\u2019s fabric. Within this belief system, men are generally dominant over women, who typically have no say when it comes to their reproductive decision-making.<\/p>\n
The Dalai Lama has written, \u201cInterdependence is a fundamental law of nature. Our own survival is so dependent on the help of others that a need for love lies at the very core of our existence. He has also stated that \u201cwithout a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the Dalai Lama believes: <\/p>\n
\nWhether one is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or nonbeliever, man or woman, black, white or brown, we are all the same. Physically, emotionally and mentally we are all equal. We all share basic needs of food, shelter, safety and love. We all aspire to happiness, and we all shun suffering. Each of us has hopes, worries, fears and dreams. Each of us wants the best for our family and loved ones. We all experience pain when we suffer loss and joy when we achieve what we seek. On this fundamental level, religion, ethnicity, culture and language make no difference.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In addition to the Dalai Lama, Toni Morrison can serve as a guiding light through this post-2024-election valley of the shadows when we read these words:<\/p>\n
\nThis is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair. No place for self-pity. No need for silence. No room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Resolving to embrace my values<\/h2>\n
\nAs for me, Trump\u2019s election in 2024 has strengthened my resolve to embrace the values that I hold dear. I\u2019m resolved to relate to others as I\u2019d want others to relate to me, while realizing that \u201cbut there by the Grace of God, there go I.\u201d And I keep in mind that when one of us suffers, we all suffer.<\/p>\n
Trump\u2019s \u201cUgly American\u201d shadow reminds me of what it means to express awareness, compassion and loving-kindness, moment by moment. It reminds me to acknowledge that I\u2019m a person whose Divine Essence lives within me, as it lives within each one of us.<\/p>\n
By living with such a sense of community\u2014even throughout difficult times\u2014we\u2019ll be able to rebirth our basic sense of oneness with one another, moment by moment.<\/p>\n
\u00abRELATED READ\u00bb<\/strong> A FATHER\u2019S PERSPECTIVE: I can\u2019t back Trump with a clear conscience\u00bb<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nimage: Steppe Walker<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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