Beyond "Sides"

Saturday, September 15, 2012

A few days ago, I was blessed with a sudden recognition that it was almost impossible to operate in the “3-D” reality without begin sucked into the polarization.  When I allow myself to consciously feel this energy, I realize that the make-up of the 3-D almost forces a person to “choose a side.”  The 3-D is accentuated by opposites….right/wrong; beautiful/ugly; hard/soft; good/bad; strong/weak; win/lose; etc., etc., etc.  (Not that this is bad….it’s just that we’re in the process of moving into something different.)  When we are immersed in the 3-D, we may not notice the feel of these opposites – it’s how things are and we’re used to it.  However, once we have experienced something different…the sensation of opposites and choosing sides can be very uncomfortable.

Yesterday, I briefly mentioned my (and others) belief about 2012 and the shift from separation to unity consciousness.  This morning, I realized that the reason the polarization and choosing sides has become so uncomfortable for many of us is that we have experienced something different.  (I sense this may be especially true for many women.)  Whether conscious of it or not, we know the feeling of balance…wholeness…unconditional love…and unity.  Perhaps part of each of us is already there and as we become more conscious, we move ever more fully into the comfort of this new (but always present) consciousness…

What does this new “reality” feel like?  It feels peaceful….loving…balanced…. whole… there is a sense of “oneness”….the bliss of creative expression…and whatever is, is… When I come into the 3-D from a place of “unity”, it feels like every time I have a thought or open my mouth, I’m choosing a side – and it’s irritating and uncomfortable.  With the realization that this discomfort is perhaps caused by the fact that I’ve experienced something different - granting me a conscious awareness of the 3-D polarization - I also recognize there may be another “choice.”  Perhaps I can choose to look through a different lens and embrace the perspective of “creating” rather than engaging in the polarization?  Creating is new…it’s expressing the love, beauty, divinity within me….it comes without judgment….it’s ever expanding….it’s continuous….and as long as I am coming from unity consciousness(wholeness, completeness and balance), it is harmonious and synergistic with the creativity of others.  As this type of consciousness, there are no sides…there is only One….as well as the recognition of the beauty of the One in the diversity of the many… [big sigh of relief, love and peace…(smile) ]…here, the irritation and the discomfort is gone….here, I feel home…     

Here’s to Unity Consciousness!

Much love,

Karrie      

The Polarized Energy Bomb!

Friday, September 14, 2012

For a week or so, I have attempted to stay away (as much as possible) from political discussions as well as political news on television.  I don’t like the constant negativity or the feel of “polarized battle.”  Though I have dealt to some extent with the character within me that has always been ready to “unsheathe its sword” in any moment – I know enough not to spend too much time in what might be considered a “target rich” environment.  Though this inner archetype has been somewhat suppressed for much of my life, it has found its way to the surface in perfect “2012-no-shadows-can-remained-hidden” fashion.

I have thought much about the American political system.  Since the beginning, ours has been a 2-party system – and it has worked.  Simply put, a 2-party system allows for a true majority where a 3-party arrangement further splits the vote allowing a less than 50% majority.  However, a two-party system is prone to the divisive “us and them” mentality, and at its worst, intense polarization where the middle disappears, opposites battle it out and collaboration becomes impossible.  (Sound familiar?)

As I sat back and felt into the current state of affairs, it suddenly became clear that the incredible political polarization we are – and have been - experiencing has developed a life of its own – a life we are constantly feeding unbeknownst to us.  What?!  I began to observe that any conversation I entered around the current political election charged the “air” with more “polarized” energy.  It didn’t matter who I was speaking with or what “side of the fence” they sat.  I suddenly became acutely aware of the tremendous power (charged with anger and hatred) that has been generated – and not released – due to the current polarized state of affairs.  And every time I (we) enter a conversation (and carry any level of polarized energy within us) – this “energy bomb” builds in capacity.  It’s like being in a room that is constantly filling with highly combustible fuel or natural gas, not knowing that any little spark could ignite an explosion of fantastical proportions.  And this is the energy that is currently growing around us!  (Big-eyed W-O-W!)  Makes you think, doesn’t it?!  (Does the Middle East come to mind?)  The energy for large-scale transformation is increasing every moment - and it occurs to me that I need to wake up and consciously hold a different space!

In my current belief system, December 2012 marks a time when the consciousness of humanity begins to tilt from separation (polarization) toward unity.  I can only assume that this birthing process can be experienced less “painfully” if the “energy bombs” can be lessened in intensity by each of us bringing home our own balance and welcoming our own consciousness.  As I wake up to the situation – and amazing times of which we are a part - I desire to consciously hold a more balanced sense of energy.  I desire to stay in my center and practice unconditional love (non-judgment) with myself and all others.  After all, we are all in this together…. We are all members of the same team… The structures around us reflect the structures within us….this includes politics and government.  The battle without IS the battle within – and that makes things a lot less overwhelming and a lot easier to handle.  We can do it!  Yes we can.

Much love,

Karrie 

Unwilling to Settle

Friday, August 31, 2012

Today, I find myself looking for peace again.... I find politics to be incredible agitating.  The polarization is divisive - and it's no wonder when you compare the major party platforms.  A few days ago, I found a platform I could pretty much support (with a few minor tweaks) - the Libertarians.  Last night, I listened to the Libertarian Presidential nominee - Gary Johnson (former Governor of New Mexico) - and was really impressed.  He seemed to speak authentically, with integrity and from experience.

I found an on-line quiz (www.isidewith.com) measuring "which candidate you align with" on various issues.  Five presidential candidates are listed - Gary Johnson, Jill Stein, Ron Paul, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.  Surprisingly - or not - I aligned 88% of the time with Gary Johnson. (Barack Obama was 4th and Mitt Romney, 5th.)  By the responses of those who have taken the quiz, I think it's safe to say that many people were surprised who they really align with.  Many times we aren't open minded enough to check out the facts and make an informed decision which aligns with what we really believe.

Truthfully, I haven't decided how I'm voting yet.  It feels like "wasting" my vote if I choose to go for a 3rd party.  However, I'm coming to the point where I'm no longer willing to "settle" by not fully supporting my own alignment.  The Libertarians capture the best of both the major parties - full support of individual liberty AND less government.  They may be the group that can not only bridge but balance the shadows of the Republican and Democratic parties by bringing a "majority" to votes regarding inividual liberty AND cleaning up government.

I'm tired of being angry.  I'm tired of voting defensively.  I'm ready to support candidates that truly align with the values I treasure most - equality, independence and unalienable rights.  Check out the Libertarians and their platform.  Listen to Gary Johnson speak.  Perhaps it's time to send a message to the major parties that we're tired of politics and campaigns per usual.  Neither of the major parties is blameless for the state of our union - and neither party has all the answers for moving forward.  Until we/they understand this and put their "weapons" down, there can be no solution.

In love of liberty,
Much love,
Karrie



 

The Republicans are coming! The Republicans are coming!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

A couple of weeks ago when I was in Iowa (where I grew up), my mother shared with me a 3-page paper my grandmother had written entitled “Social Psychology.”  Basically, it was a brief history of her side of the family.  What a treasure!  As I read her words, I clearly saw “me” – and I smiled. 

The first paragraph reads,

“History is filled with material taken from revolts against authoritarianism – and among the participants were all my ancestors.  Those of Scotch, Irish and English extraction came to America before the Revolution to escape George III who attempted to reign absolute over both church and state.  My Amish ancestors fled persecution in Switzerland and Germany arriving in America during the early 1700’s. “

When I read this introduction to my own heritage, I immediately become aware of my roots as a patriot and advocate for freedom. 

Anyone who has read the Declaration of Independence and felt the deep sense of honor, integrity and the incredible resolve of the Founders in regard to Equality…. Life….Liberty….the pursuit of Happiness….and Independence….cannot help but take a stand - as those who came before us once did - on behalf of these unalienable rights and values.  They put their lives, fortunes and property on the line.  We only need to share our heartfelt passion and love for freedom through civic participation and educating others through our voices in order to assist in raising the consciousness of Americans.    

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were big advocates for educating the masses.  Why?  Because they believed citizens needed to be able to make informed decisions and perhaps more importantly, know when their freedom was threatened.  This brings me to the Republican’s platform for 2012….and Paul Revere.

I sense that Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin and many others may very well have climbed on their own horses, joining Paul Revere in warning citizens of the attack on their freedom had they seen the Republican’s platform.  (I’m waiting to see the Democrat’s platform as many feel they have attacked freedom in regard to businesses and taxation.)  I also imagine that those who came before us might be hanging the Republican’s proposals on posts and poles all over town in order to inform the populace.

I find it interesting that the Republicans don’t seem to speak outright to their social agenda which is a blaring part of their 2012 platform.  Why is that?  Why aren’t we hearing about abortion, gay marriage, one national language, the arctic, public education, abstinence, etc?  Instead, they speak between the lines in language only their fellow party members will understand.  For instance, Ann Romney spoke about the loving relationship between she and her husband concluding with the self-proclaimed fact that she and Mitt had a REAL MARRIAGE.  What do you suppose that means? She also spoke well for women who have chosen to stay at home with their children (which is their choice) with the underlying message that women are meant to sacrifice for their families – that’s “just what we do.”  Sounds good doesn’t it?  Most women can relate to sacrificing – however, this is 2012 and the United States of America.  If one truly understands equality and unalienable rights, one recognizes that women have the right to choose their lives; they are no longer held hostage by the belief that “women are meant to sacrifice.”  I respect Ann Romney and her choices.  And as an American, I expect the same respect for my choices from her.

Let me say, I sense the Republicans have some fiscal and economic proposals that deserve listening and perhaps implementing….however, it is the non-fiscal/economic proposals that should have every patriot saddling their horse!  The following are the proposals I find most alarming in the Republican’s platform for 2012…(my comments are in parentheses – couldn’t help myself.)…

·        Make English the national language.  (I wonder what their immigrant parents – many who refused to learn English – might have thought?)

·        Opposes use of public funds to organizations which perform or advocate abortion and to health care which includes abortion coverage.

·        Replacing family planning programs with abstinence education, teaching abstinence as the only responsible choice.

·        Opposes gay marriage.  Proposes a constitutional amendment defining marriage between a man and a woman.

·        Supports consumer choice and local innovation such as single-sex classes in education. (I’m not going to use the term public education because I’m not sure they support it.) 

·        Regarding the military – restores as a principal objective, deterrence using the full spectrum of our military capabilities.  (Unfortunately, I’m seeing Genghis Kahn-like tactics – needs some explanation.)

·        Regarding energy - backs the exploration and development of the Outer Continental Shelf and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Many of the personal choices they are attempting to force upon everyone are choices they themselves can choose without legislation.  The fact that they desire to legislate the lives of others is really anti-liberty at least to my understanding of Liberty via the Declaration of Independence.  The Republican platform is a perfect example of not understanding unalienable rights and the sacredness of living in a free nation.  They are entitled to their beliefs and opinions (Thank you Founders!) but making these personal beliefs the standard for everyone is a violation of the very foundation this nation was founded upon. 

In passionate support of the unalienable!

Much love,

Karrie 

Calling on Paul Revere!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Lately, I have found myself in a growing conundrum – who do I support this election?  As I do more research, I find myself more in alignment with (don’t fall out of your chair) the Republicans fiscally and economically.  However, I don’t align with them at all regarding their views on education, health care or their blatant denial of personal freedom.  I sense the Republicans may have a better shot at turning the economy/budget deficit around while the Democrats are most likely to defend and support personal freedom.  Both are imperative to maintaining the foundation of the United States of America. 

I can’t vote for the Republicans because that would be betraying everything I believe in regards to the Declaration of Independence.  In essence I would be betraying myself - and many others.  (The Republican platform had me looking out the window for Paul Revere!  They are almost “dark ages” when it comes to social issues, education and Mother Earth.)  I can vote Democrat but I don’t necessarily have the confidence that they have the answers economically or to balance the budget.  The Democrats have a co-dependence problem and I believe in independence.  So……I decided to see what else is in the offering….

It only took 10 seconds to find a party platform I can support – the Libertarians!  Woohoo!  The first sentence of the preamble to the Libertarian platform and principles is: (platform can be found at www.lp.org/platform)

As Libertarians, we seek a world of liberty; a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others. 

I can support the Libertarian view on education, abortion, personal relationships, the environment and economics.  They would do away with the Department of Education and give control back to the teachers and parents who know the children best.  They support an individual’s right to choose as well as taking responsibility for the consequences.  They believe people have the right to live their life the way they desire without governmental interference.  They believe in free market trading and sensible use of our natural resources.  Anyway…you get the idea.  There is so much more – and every bit of it is in support of liberty.

I can’t tell you how excited I am to find a party I am “for.”  This gives me something to support rather than voting defensively.

To sum it up…I am a patriot.  I believe in equality, independence and the unalienable rights.  I’m not interested in voting out of fear – I am interested in voting in alignment with what I’m for.  The Libertarians are the 3^rd largest party – but there isn’t any reason they can’t replace one or both of the other two.  Perhaps it isn’t realistic for this election cycle but it is most certainly a possibility for the next.

I am learning how to make informed decisions in regard to the direction this country is headed.  I play a part – just as you do.  I suggest each of us reads the “platform” for each party and makes a decision as to which best represents us.  I’m tired of politicians placing loyalty to their party over loyalty to the principles of equality, independence and liberty.  These are the principles the Founders fought to secure - as well as creating a governmental structure to defend.  In the very least, the Libertarians may be my answer over the next 4 years to “a Group of Tremendous Influence.”  I sense I’ve found a home for my passion….and that in itself brings a sigh of relief.

A Patriot at heart!

Much love,

Karrie    

I may be a moron BUT...

Friday, August 24, 2012

Well, I have been in deep thought and emotional processing since yesterday afternoon.  I happened to be passing through the living room when I heard Rush Limbaugh say he thought the country could survive another 4 years of Obama.  However, it couldn’t survive the majority of “morons” who voted for him.  Now…I have to admit, I find Mr. Limbaugh offensive, divisive and unconscious – BUT he does play his part well, doesn’t he?  If we didn’t have such outrageous irritants, many of us probably wouldn’t have the emotional charge to find our voice and take a stand.  The challenge comes in taking that stand in a conscious and balanced manner.  (I’m not sure I’ve accomplished this yet!)

Back to the comment made by Mr. Limbaugh….upon hearing his “opinion,” I burst into tears!  (I was ready to have a t-shirt made that had Obama 2012 on one side and “Proud to be conscious!” on the other!)  I had to ask myself, “Why the reaction?”  I realized that upon hearing the comment, I immediately went to what I think of those who choose to vote Republican.  For me, to vote Republican means support for bigotry and inequality.  It means social unconsciousness and a lack of understanding for unalienable rights.  As a woman and lesbian, I take this personally.  It hurts.  What came up for me is the betrayal I felt when my father invited the minister of their church (who teaches children not to talk to gays or lesbians because God will not like them if they do) to a family gathering.  Though I acknowledge my father’s right to invite who he wants (and I adore my father), I felt the deepest pain of betrayal one could ever feel.  When it comes to family members and friends who choose to vote Republican – I feel the same betrayal.  And that is why I burst into tears.

This being said, I respect each person’s right to vote how they see fit – I really do.  I respect the fact that each of us has our own priorities.  However, I have a hard time respecting those who have their unalienable rights intact - and without question - while allowing the denial of these rights to others.  I will love them and “I understand” but I find it totally unacceptable – which is why I will continue to speak out.

Quite frankly, I don’t believe that most “social issues” belong in the government.  Most of these types of issues are protected under unalienable rights – which the government is meant to protect.  Marriage has no place in government.  And things like abortion – though I understand the argument – are an individual’s choice (between the person and “God).  How a person chooses to live their life is their right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  I have a hard time understanding those who are “right to life” but support “war” and unrestricted gun access.  Give me a break.

Anyway, I hope you will forgive me for my pointed venting and I hope down the road as I continue to process my own beliefs and perspectives, I will be able to get to the point where I speak about the good each party can bring to the country.  Each has their shadow and each has something to offer.  However, I sense that before we(I) can get there, each of us may have some flushing to do.  There is a lot of pain in this country coming from unspoken feelings and destructive unconsciousness.  Politics and God are a couple of topics we’re warned not to talk about….and we all know why!  However, I sense these are the very things we must talk about in order to heal and move forward…together.

Much love,

Karrie      

A Common Focus for Unity

Thursday, August 23, 2012

I have been pondering many a thing this morning….unalienable rights education, independence….and how outspoken I seem to have become!  At some level in my being, it is really uncomfortable to discuss politics – especially out loud!  It can be scary to share my opinions and process yet I get the idea I’m not alone in my frustration.  Part of me would like to go back into my “shell” and ignore the whole thing but I have come to recognize that it is through this process of “discussion” that clarity is birthed and direction is made clear.  How else can we create something more in alignment with who we are and what we desire?

I’ve written before about the disappearance of the “middle.”  Politically, we seem to have a crisis-level case of polarization.  However, I’m confident that as more people – especially women – speak up and take an active part in moving the discussions to new and more conscious levels that we indeed will create systemic change of the incredible and brilliant kind. 

I sense it is probably clear where my heart lies as far as priorities for a new, updated version of “America.”  Life…Liberty….the pursuit of Happiness…. Equality…and Independence have become not only my mantras of sorts but spiritual values which I hold above all others.  I don’t believe I’m out of line when I say that “I am not alone.”  For me, these characteristics of God-Consciousness-Source are the essentials of a unifying focus which can bring us back to “center” and the recognition that we all come from the same team.  There is only One….and each of us as a unique expression of that One has an irrevocable membership. 

For me, it seems important that we personally take the opportunity and make a commitment to understand these “cannot-be-separated-from” characteristics.  What is the meaning of Life….Liberty….the pursuit of Happiness?  What does it feel like to be independent?  What is the essence of equality – and how does all this relate to God?

These are the questions that not only need but deserve pondering.  It is through the understanding of these unalienable rights that a connection to unity becomes possible - unity within an individual, a family, organization, country, the world community including “politically.”  In my opinion, it is a lack of understanding that keeps us in “battle” continually attempting to prove ourselves “right” – and someone else “wrong.”  When we understand and live from these unalienable rights, there no longer exists a reason for battle – unless there arises an attempt to deny these rights to an individual or collective.  When we can come from an understanding of these most basic rights, debate becomes an opportunity to co-create and opinion a non-threatening mechanism to learn more about each other and ourselves.

With these thoughts in mind, I will continue to relish my own experiences leading to an ever-deepening understanding of these unalienable characteristics.  And I choose to maintain and hold-fast the vision of unity for each and every one of us.  

Much love,

Karrie