September 11, 2024  

Wholeness: Navigating Election Time with Compassion and Connection

As the election approaches, many people feel the tension and stress that come with it. The concept of wholeness, a core teaching at Centers ...

As the election approaches, many people feel the tension and stress that come with it. The concept of wholeness, a core teaching at Centers for Spiritual Living, offers a valuable perspective during these challenging times. Wholeness means seeing the bigger picture where everything is connected and nothing is missing. It goes beyond one viewpoint, one party, or one nation. Instead, wholeness embraces all voices, including those who disagree. This approach doesn't require agreement with everyone, but it does mean acknowledging and making space for different perspectives.

Embracing Diversity and Complexity

It's easy to feel isolated or frustrated when faced with differing opinions, especially during conversations online or with family and friends. While blocking out opposing views might seem like a quick fix, it often leads to denial and isolation. True wholeness encourages us to look deeper, beyond surface differences, to find the good that benefits everyone. Embracing wholeness means including discussions of diversity, complexity, and even contradictions. It's about understanding the complete picture, not just the parts that align with our beliefs.

Understanding Wholeness Beyond Simple Solutions

Wholeness also teaches us that understanding doesn't come from oversimplified solutions. Just as one can't fully grasp meditation from a summary, we can't comprehend the fullness of life through quick fixes or social media posts. Wholeness is infinite and ever-evolving, which means we are continuously called to embrace new aspects of it every day. It's more about unity and connection than about separateness and differences. Wholeness includes the interconnectedness of all groups and recognizes that unity in one group at the expense of another is not true wholeness.

Living from Innate Wholeness

Nothing external will truly fulfill us until we live from our innate wholeness. When we carry a mindset of division, we continually see ourselves as separate, no matter the circumstances. But when we focus on our interconnectedness, we open up to empathy and understanding, allowing wholeness to emerge from within us.

Navigating Stress with Compassion

As the election draws near and the nation faces numerous challenges, it's important to remember our innate wholeness. Stress, worry, and conflict can cause us to lose sight of our interconnectedness, but by focusing on wholeness, we can navigate these times with greater compassion and calm. Whether dealing with personal or broader societal issues, maintaining a wholeness attitude helps us stay centered and connected to our deeper values.

The Unchanging Nature of Wholeness

Wholeness remains constant, even when our circumstances change. It is permanent, infinite, and embraces all of life's complexities. Judging others based on their actions or experiences can be easy, especially when they differ from our own. However, by practicing empathy, we can connect with others on a deeper level, recognizing the shared humanity that unites us all.

Practicing Kindness and Compassion

Wholeness invites us to embrace the complete picture—every voice, every experience, and every perspective. It reminds us not to fear or dismiss the voices that differ from ours and to seek the good of all rather than just our interests. As we move through these challenging times, let's focus on allowing our innate wholeness to guide our actions, thoughts, and interactions with others.

By practicing kindness and offering blessings to those we encounter—whether in traffic, in line, or during disagreements—we can access the transformative power of wholeness. A simple practice, such as silently wishing others happiness, helps us stay connected to the bigger picture and supports the emergence of peace and understanding in our world.

Returning to Wholeness One Moment at a Time

During times of national tension, it can feel like our country is undergoing a profound transformation, an illness that brings hidden issues to the surface. Wholeness reminds us that our true nature remains intact, even when we feel disconnected. As each of us returns to the contemplation of our innate wholeness, one moment at a time, we contribute to the healing and restoration of our shared human experience.

As we navigate this election and beyond, remember the simple, compassionate blessing: "May all beings be happy." Let this gentle affirmation guide us, reminding us that kindness is the pathway to experiencing our wholeness and connecting with all life. Through patience, empathy, and determination, we can embody the principle of wholeness and create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Putting Wholeness into Practice in Conversations

Imagine you're having a conversation with someone who holds a different political point of view. It's easy for these discussions to become tense, especially during election season. To practice wholeness, start by intending to approach the conversation with empathy and a sense of connection rather than division.

As you engage, focus on truly listening to the other person. Instead of preparing your response while they are speaking, allow yourself to be fully present. Acknowledge their perspective with an open mind, even if you disagree. For example, you might say, "I hear what you're saying, and I can see why that's important to you." This doesn't mean you're conceding your views; it simply acknowledges theirs.

When it's your turn to share, express your thoughts calmly and without trying to convince the other person to change their mind. You might say, "This is how I see it, and it's meaningful to me because…" By framing your perspective this way, you invite dialogue rather than debate.

Throughout the conversation, silently offer a simple affirmation like, "May we both find understanding and peace." This helps keep your focus on connection rather than conflict. Practicing wholeness isn't about agreeing on everything—it's about recognizing our shared humanity and valuing the wholeness in each of us, no matter our differences.

By approaching conversations this way, you contribute to a more compassionate and connected world, even with differing opinions.

You may be interested in 30 Days of Affirming Peace to support you in nurturing a mindset of calm and clarity.

Edward Viljoen