Personal transformation can and does have global effects. As we go, so goes the world, for the world is us. The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one.
Marianne Williamson
We are bombarded with information and events of the world that leave us feeling overwhelmed and aching for collective and global transformation. I find myself asking the questions…
How can I afford not to think about this “topic”? (replace “topic” with anything the leaves you feeling disturbed, maybe even ill, that you exist in a world where this behavior or these actions exist).
How will change come if I don’t pay attention?
I compassionately remind myself that this is problem-focused thinking. If I convince myself that not focusing my attention on the topic is denial, I am left with the awareness that placing my attention on the topic, when my attention is clouded by fear, horror, disgust, blame and righteousness, is contributing energy and momentum to the problem.
So what do I do? How do I contribute to the solution without focusing my attention on the problem?
I again, gently remind myself, solution implies a problem, my actions would still be “sugar coated” problem-focused attention.
How do I envision a world that is not a reaction to my perception of the atrocity? I am aware that my personal transformation has global effects. My perspective is my creative point of focus and my focus of consciousness is my most potent tool of creation.
If I want to create a world I am proud to live in that resonates values of beauty kindness vitality and love, how do I orient my attention on the probability of these feelings, rather than the deficit?
I back far enough away from my point of focus on the problem to see that I can’t see the whole of the situation.
From this greater perspective I can relax, and instead of responding to the problem, I can create an inner perspective shift that is rooted in the values of love.
I can see the beauty rather than push against the pain.
My thoughts and actions are rooted in possibilities of grace.
From here I am guided to thoughts and actions. I may not see the direct connection to the “topic” but I trust that I am creating a world I am proud to live in.
It takes courage to not heed the judgmental, internal and external voices that speak of the “privilege of denial” but I am unwilling to sink my point of focus to the reactions of disgust and atrocity.
I chose to be a beacon of positivity.
When you find yourself pushing against the “topic”, I invite you to muster the courage to soften your gaze and see if you can relax enough to find a thought and action that is rooted in creating the world you want to live in, rather pushing against the world you don’t want to live in.
You may surprise yourself with the momentum of possibility and positivity this orientation sparks in you and those around you.