It is Independence Day 2022 in the United States, and we find this country at a crossroads. Who we are as citizens, and what we demand and stand up for, will determine the course of this country.
You may be asking yourself why a life coach would venture into the political landscape of modern-day America. After all, I’m no political scientist, historian, or other expert.
My first reason is precisely this: I am just an ordinary American citizen, and I think it is critical that all of us Americans bravely and openly share our voices in this important conversation. We all deserve to be heard, our voice and vote counted. Simply put, I believe that the opinion of a life coach is just as valid and important as a professor, a janitor, a grocery clerk, a retiree, a doctor, or a legislator. Every color and creed, lineage and history, every gender, sexual orientation, and family structure should and must be heard. We are all equal, and no one is fully protected until we are all protected.
Also, I was raised believing that the American Way was about caring for and protecting one another and looking out for our neighbors. And “neighbor” was less an arbitrary boundary line and more an ideal. Two expressions come to mind for me, that exemplify this belief.
A rising tide lifts all boats.
and
You never know what someone else is battling. Always be kind.
I’ve spent years studying and practicing mindfulness and compassion. I’ve seen people’s lives feel better and get better when they open their hearts to connection and purpose. Being a part of the rising tide will fill your spirit. Radiating ripples of loving-kindness outward will be returned to you ten-fold.
July 4th is a day, we are told, to celebrate our freedom and independence. We are told how brave and patriotic our founding fathers were, battling for these gifts that we have inherited.
Again, I’m no expert on American history, but I keep returning to this question: When the arc of progress of our nation’s conscience, while slow, has consistently moved toward including every American to the freedom and independence we so value—to equal rights, justice and opportunities; well, how do we square it in our hearts that we are now seeing a loss of freedom for some, a regression in some people’s rights and the justice they receive?
When one is willing to listen to the stories and experiences of the many, it becomes apparent and, frankly, irrefutable, the role that power has played in the story of America. Those founding fathers we’ve been taught to revere were white men of privilege and means. The beliefs of their time meant that when they spoke to the rights of “all,” they only thought of themselves, because that was what they knew.
But now we know more. As Maya Angelou said,
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”
So, what is better? I suggest that better asks us to stop fearing that if we open up rights, justice, and opportunities for others, we somehow diminish our own. I suggest that President Lyndon Johnson, when he was signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, gave us an example of what better means,
“The purpose of the law is simple. It does not restrict the freedom of any American, so long as [they] respect the right of others.”
As Americans, for the gifts of freedom, independence, and justice, and for the opportunities that we are allowed to enjoy, our responsibility is to protect and defend every other American’s access to those rights.
One of the challenges for those of us striving to maintain and grow peace, mindfulness, and compassion is: How do we participate? Is fighting the only way, or can we help protect and defend everyone’s rights without war?
Two thoughts on this. First, no one ever wins a fight. So says Patrick Swayze in Road House. But seriously, buying into systems where the outcome of the battles gives victors power over the defeated only perpetuates the divides and continues the war.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Second, this is why it is essential for you to speak up and speak out. Essential for you to be courageous and share your voice. I believe there are so many more of us who believe in the dream our nation was founded upon—a dream that includes all, equally. We need to show up and be counted. Be heard.
It’s that simple promise: Justice for all. And that simple obligation: To protect and defend, so that freedom is not restricted to any American, so long as they respect the right of others.
Let’s move forward together. If you have questions or would like support, please contact me, and let me know.
In Peace and Unity,
Ray
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