Elections are looming over the world with stalemates, shady behaviours, and disparagements of candidates’ personalities.

It has little to do with the real issues of the day like climate crisis, poverty, needless wars for the financial gain of the few, extreme refugee/migrant crisis, racism, and sexism.

Our political leaders are often portrayed as clowns by the media and some are actual clowns, focused on their own gratification and self-aggrandisement. This extreme version of egotism is like a soul sickness and may be needed to lead us to a new edge. An edge where these characters become unacceptable, and we start demanding politicians who visibly care for people. The fact they were elected in the first place signals a soul sickness in the culture too, duped by the false promises of wealth and happiness.

We can feel overwhelmed by this or motivated to fight back or completely detach in avoidance. Essentially we can feel pretty powerless.

Maybe there is another way to look at it.

What if what’s happening out there has to do with what’s happening inside of us? Maybe this chaos is due to our collective confusion and emotional wounding.

What if we had the awareness and tools to change on the inside? Would that have a powerful, positive effect on the world?

I found this definition of madness: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. And we do that as a culture. If we become aware of this in our own behaviour, maybe we can stop and consider a new behaviour; otherwise, we’ll continue down the same rabbit hole.

On a larger level, the madness is playing out—same old problems, same old behaviour. Political divisiveness, racial divides, the “Them and Us” story continues. The “like/dislike” discernment model continues—fixing positions more tightly as elections brew. No shade of grey, which is the evolutionary model, is considered. Despite all reason, the right-wrong model continues, and it is not a helpful use of our human brilliance.

We need to save the planet and each other. We need to shift from “them versus us” to “united consciousness” and consideration for all, ending the blame and shame.

The shift to being powerful comes from finding bridges across the divide. Finding compassion. Finding the courage to speak and act in alignment with our soul integrity and awareness.

Here is how we can become more powerful in a seemingly powerless times:

1. Become aware of our own divisive thought patterns and try to change

 See how we are a part of the dividedness? Acknowledge what we are doing on a daily basis—”I like this” or “I hate that;” “I agree with this” or “I don’t agree with that.” And how we can get into a tizzy if anything breaches these inner set-points. We can choose to change and stop being governed by these polarities. Let’s note what triggers these inner beliefs and seek healing.

2. Be open to being wrong

…and maybe we are wrong about some things, a lot of things.

3. Be curious

Take an attitude of why do they think or behave this way? Allow others some slack, become less judgmental.

4. Listen

Listen to a different perspective. Gain a new understanding. In doing so, we may find a way to reconcile our differences.  Being open to different views may inspire new solutions: “I never thought of it that way.” Create ideas that support us all.

5. Take action to instigate change for the betterment of others

Passion develops to take some risks. Greta Thunberg, a young girl compelled by an inner sense of purpose, has created a movement of change. For the rest of us, let’s get more socially and politically active, contact our members of parliament, senators, and governors. Let’s sign petitions and join marches.

6. Use the power of energetic intention

As we are all part of this, let’s send the values we desire to our world leaders. Send them love and respect and compassion every day.

7. Signs of hope

There are signs of hope here and there in politics—when politicians step outside party lines for the good of their country and people. In Brexit, cross-party allegiances were formed for a brief moment this September when the chips were down, but when things weren’t so extreme, everyone went back to their old positions on the chessboard. However, the play continues, and I hope for a solution that goes beyond egomania and personal views. And real heart-searching as to why the British people became this polarized? Why the United States electorate became so polarized? Both countries had civil wars in the past; maybe the evolutionary shift is to resolve differences without wars and violence.

This shift is not easy. It can only start with us believing that the need for unity is more important than party politics, individual countries, partisan groups, and personal self-interest. Like the United Nations but given legs politically and structurally. Stemming from each country having the desire for internationalism over nationalism and really operating as United Nations.

I wonder if part of the difficulty of change is due to the influence of old fears and resentments and blame that go deep in our individual and collective psyches. One way to release these burdens is to offer forgiveness to others. Even if that seems so hard, it’s about forgiving ourselves too. Forgiving, love, and understanding ourselves and others can be powerful, freeing ourselves from the pain and preoccupation with the past.

To be able to go forward with great clarity and purpose and make the world a better place for all. Why not?

As we become more powerful, here is a meditation to help us forgive our pasts: