Perhaps I am trying to bite off more than I can chew with today's title for my Holistic Update, but this past week has been so historic that I can't help being expansive, philosophical, and yes, even hopeful about our country.
For those of you who have been celebrating the aftermath of the election, I feel your joy. For those who are disappointed by or afraid of the results, I hope in time you will find your concerns and pain heard and healed.
Let's go on with today's article. Enjoy!
Diversity vs. Division, Unity vs. Uniformity
Society, Psychiatry, and Civility in a Nutshell
He said:
"To make progress we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy. We are not enemies. We are Americans."
"I ask everyone to stay calm."
"This is the time to heal in America. . . to bring ourselves together and be united."
"Americans have called on us to marshal the forces of decency and forces of fairness. To marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope in the great battles of our time."
" . . . plan will be built on a bedrock of science. It will be constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern."
"And we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example."
"I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide but to unify, who doesn't see red states and blue states, only sees the United States."
These are the words of a true leader and healer. We are fortunate to have these words to help us find a brighter path as a country.
Words are the first signs of thought and intention. Some words are filled with light and some are filled with darkness. For the past four years, I have seen how words can usher in a time of conflict, confusion, and darkness. That darkness can lead to death: death of the heart and death of the body.
As a holistic psychiatrist, I see the connections between politics, environment, health, and the soul. Each aspect is equally important in our ability to be well, happy, and whole. The past four years have taught me many important lessons that I hope I will not have to learn again.
In March, 2016, I wrote about my concerns before the election in the article: A Psychiatrist's Personal Opinions of Donald Trump. It turned out that many of my concerns were well-founded.
What have the past four years taught you? What have you come to appreciate that you once took for granted? How have you changed during these past few years? How do you want to change in the coming four years?
What we see in society can be found within ourselves. Can we find the same weaknesses that seem so obvious on TV? I see it in myself.
When I want to be like someone else and reject my own differences, I am voting for uniformity, unable to embrace the diversity that comes from being my authentic self. I desire to split off a part of myself, dividing self from Self.
When I blame others rather than take responsibility for my own mistakes and weaknesses, I create greater division, inhabiting an "us vs. them" mentality.
When I stop listening and start stigmatizing, I am rejecting the beauty of diversity and unity.
There is a way for us all to live harmoniously, with ourselves and others. When we do, we will blossom. Life will flow more abundantly to us as an individual, nation, and planet.
I am grateful for the chance to make Life thrive again.
Have a great week!