Peace after a turbulent election

Editor’s Note: The post below was written by Lakshmiji in 2016, immediately after that year’s election. It was posted to her blog https://lakshmipeace.com on November 11, 2016. Since it is so appropriate exactly four years later, we are syndicating it here [with minor edits]. With a deep love for our fellow citizens that voted for either candidate or even for the few independents. This is an offering toward everyone’s peace.

God bless America!   And the entire world!

After many months of travels, spending time with loving friends and family, contemplating on Timeless Changes Foundation mission in enhancing the number of loving families through peaceful parents and grateful children, I am back to my peace blog again, on the day after this historic election in America. [This post was written on November 9, 2016].  I am sending lots of loving peaceful thoughts to my fellow Americans and the world citizens who are watching us with astonished bewilderment.

Many friends and family who read my previous peace blog regarding 3As to peace, have mentioned that it is a simple and practical tool to understand and enhance peace during challenging situations. I realized that I started to think about 3As to peace this morning as I was trying to comprehend and digest the present political reality after this dramatic election. Here are my thoughts:

Acceptance:

I realized that I was in denial until today about the drama, divisiveness, and dynamics of this election. I thought that if I ignore it, close my eyes tightly and persist in my denial, everything is going to be alright. I woke up on Nov 9th morning to face a new America with new challenges, new fears, and new dreams.

This morning, I realized that no amount of denial, resistance and analysis will change the fact that the elections are over and we do have  a new (45th) President-Elect. As a Political Science student and member of civilized society, I believe in democracy and I believe in the values that America stand for. I cherish my right to vote and am glad that I exercised it with pride. Millions of my fellow Americans also exercised this privilege and I honor and respect our combined decision. I realized that acceptance of this fact and of this democratic system and its verdict is a huge first step towards my peace.

I’m aware that there is a great degree of overlap in these “two Americas” although most are focused right now on the differences.

Awareness:

The next step to peace is to be aware of my feelings and emotions about this fact. I realized that I am sad for millions of fellow Americans who did not anticipate this outcome. I also realized that millions of fellow Americans are very glad about the same outcome.

I did not worry about my personal security and peace but could feel and experience strong surge of collective energy in the form of fear, disappointment and uncertainty. I do believe in America as a land of opportunity. I do believe that the American dream can be achieved through hard work and vision. We are grateful for all the opportunities we had in the past 25 years to make our American dream come true. We believe that the American dream is a possibility for every American and for those aspiring to be American citizens. I realized that at the root of my sadness there is this perceived denial of fundamental right of equality, liberty and justice to all. I’m aware of the disappointment that I see in many people since the image of America in their minds is not reflecting the current reality.   I’m aware that one half of the population that voted sees things one way, while another half sees it in (seemingly) diametrically opposite way.    Now there is apathy, anger or acrimony in some, while there is glee, gratitude or hope among some. I’m aware that there is a great degree of overlap in these “two Americas” although most are focused right now on the differences.

Action:

What can I do now? I am glad that I did exercise my privilege to vote. I know I cannot stay passive for the next four years till I get a chance to vote again.   This morning, as I drove up the hill, it was foggy, the visibility was limited to ten feet and I was extra careful so as not to hit any deer crossing the road.  This afternoon, the same path was bathed in sunlight under blue skies and the occasional fluffy cloud.  Now the path before the country may look foggy and hazy.  With time, the fog is lifted by the sun rays of acceptance and working together.

With small acts of kindness and mindfulness, I can move forward taking one step at a time.  I see the necessity for a peaceful community that is not afraid to act.

1. I can peacefully and respectfully accept the decision of millions of my fellow citizens.

2. I can educate myself to be aware of my own prejudices in my own words and deeds. I can educate myself in critical thinking rather than indulging in criticism and judgements. With this awareness I can reduce my prejudices and start to pass on process if this education and awareness.

3. With empathy, I can be active in supporting the freedom and liberty of people who do not look like me and think like me.

4. With this education and empathy, I can be empowered and help others to be empowered to take right action to alleviate the suffering of others.

Peace is not a passive romantic feeling. It requires dynamic activity.

As we reflect, understand, empathize,  support, we can be mindful and grateful for all the wonderful blessings we have. We can be grateful for this beautiful earth, this country of lawful and peaceful transfer of power, this abundant planet, our lives and lives around us, our connectedness, humaneness with respect, and kindness.

Peace is not a passive romantic feeling. It requires a dynamic activity. Peace is like a muscle you need to build. It does not just happen by wishful thinking. You choose peace each and every moment and actively work for it for people around you: in your family, in your community, in your country, and in your universe. It starts with you and me.