Epiphanies, Part #2
On January 6, 2021, the President of the United States spoke for more than an hour at a “Save America” rally while U.S. lawmakers met to approve the votes of the Electoral College. The President falsely claimed, as he had in the months before, that he won the election. He told the crowd, “We will never give up. We will never concede, it doesn’t happen.” He challenged, “We fight like Hell and if you don’t fight like Hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.” He urged them to “take back our country.” After a short walk a mob marched into the Capitol building threatening those inside and vandalizing the seat of government. Security officers barricaded the House of Representatives chamber as lawmakers took cover for their own safety. People died in the chaos. The revolt forced Congress to halt the certification of electoral votes. Later Senators and Representatives returned to certify the election – the most thoroughly reviewed election process in history with months of recounts, more than 60 court cases, and state certifications before this final approval.
I felt saddened and angry reading and watching the attack on Washington, D.C. Would the country survive? Were my representatives safe? I thought too about epiphanies that are sometimes revealed by crisis. They are sudden, intuitive insights into the reality or essential meaning of something. More commonly they come through everyday occurrences.
I recently read the book Embracing Uncertainty, by the psychologist Susan Jeffers who proposes that we live life as an adventure. While we realize that we live amid uncertainty, we practice accepting ambiguity and at the same time, envisioning good. It takes practice to begin that shift in mind!
What epiphanies occurred during the siege that will stir positive action? The debate changed immediately. The measures set by government officials in the coming months will determine our future. Will the President be charged with sedition? Will those involved be charged for rebellion against the government?
What do I do when life is chaotic? When I feel anxious or doubt, I become an observer of myself. I set a goal in the moment. Maybe it is simply to listen or be present. When I am ready, I act to make things better. What am I to accept, leave behind, or achieve? It would be nice to have the promises of a joyful marriage, lots of money, robust health, and a world without disputes, but they are not assured. As we accept ambiguity, we can live into the journey.
What is rising in me? I believe that knowing the truth is possible. Success for a country means expanding democratic values and encouraging fair and equitable rule of law. What about my spiritual journey? I will use my ability to initiate respectful conversations with my neighbors, engage with others in the processes of the democratic system, and elect people with peaceful ideals.
This year has certainly given us opportunities for responding to uncertainty! Even though life is full of unknowns and I choose to live abundantly.
Affirm I envision my highest good. With determination I will meet whatever life brings me.