I read with sadness an article about Cindy Sheehan resigning as the “face” of the Peace Movement. She has been very brave despite all the attacks directed at her for standing up to the president. There have been many false accusations about this well intended mother on a mission. Why do many Americans speak so strongly of rights of the Constitution yet do their best to try to quiet opposition? Cindy’s point about people being more concerned about the result of the American Idol show then what is going on in Iraq was a powerful one for me. That point got me thinking about why that could be true?
It is easy to focus on entertainment and feel it matters because it is pleasant and interesting. It is not easy to focus on war because it is very unpleasant and hard to watch. So in the busy lives most of us live, it is easier to choose entertainment as a way to try to balance all that seems off balance. To spend time actually getting informed about what is happening in Iraq would not exactly be uplifting.
How do you decide what to take on and when to take care of yourself? What issues are worth your time and energy? How can you feel empowered enough to do something? Is it better to find your own peace first and then work on things that matter to you?
I have lots of questions but few answers. I find myself thinking of a Martin Luther King quote that says, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” You and I must learn to hear the calling inside as to what does matter. I know peace does matter to me and every day I do something to spread peace and consciousness. This blog is for me a way to help people find their own purpose and peace.
Back to Cindy who has been kind of a hero for me as she did what she felt she had to do. Her courage has inspired many. She is very disappointed that on a political level nothing seems to be changing. I share in the frustration and yet there is a part of me not the least surprised. This war has become a real problem created on political level of consciousness. The same level of consciousness that created the problem is incapable of creating a solution. It is mired and only a higher/different level of consciousness can move it towards some kind of positive end. Does that make sense to you?
I am sure the American Idol show has value and a choice to focus on that is perfectly ok. Then if you can be aware that while watching it you are taking care of yourself in some way that is great. When you are ready, you are invited to get up off the couch and stir things up in some way that matters and feels full of positive purpose. When you do, you become a wonderful gift to the world. Then your performance will shine as bright if not brighter then any entertainer and you will become my American Idol.
Be you, be bold, be passionate, be the change you want to see in the world.