A global consciousness shift is upon us, and we can make an active difference in what is taking place in our world. Many people believe that spirituality and politics don't mix. I would certainly say that getting caught up in the mass consciousness does not serve you or the world. However, for the first time in my lifetime, and possibly in our country's history, we are facing an opportunity for the critical mass of consciousness shift that has been building up to the tangible place it is today to influence our political arena.
Spiritual leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds have come together to throw their voice into the political conversation, reminding us of Mahatma Gandhi's words: "We must be the change we wish to see in the world." I for one am committed to bringing this consciousness shift to Washington, always remembering that Yes We Can.
The text of their message is below, but please also visit their website at http://www.spiritualleadersforobama.org.
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Deepak Chopra, Pema Chödrön, Jack Canfield, Jack Kornfield, Marianne Williamson, Gay & Katie Hendricks, Roshi Joan Halifax, Barbara De Angelis, Pir Elias Amidon, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Alex & Allyson Grey, Richard Moss, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Ed & Deb Shapiro, Eli Jaxson-Bear, Stephan Rechtschaffen, Oscar & Cindy Miro-Quesada, Corinne McLaughlin, Sister Jenna, Swami Beyondananda, Gordon Davidson, Lama Drolma Palden, Peter Fenner, Reb Zalman Shachter-Shalomi, Dean Ornish MD, Robert Thurman, Sharon Salzberg, Reggie Ray, Jai Uttal, Gangaji, Krishna Das, H.H. Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi, Joan Borysenko, Sylvia Boorstein, Lama Surya Das, Judith Ansara & Robert Gass, Jean Houston, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Julia Butterfly Hill . . . and more every day!
As spiritual leaders signing this letter we are stepping forward to say: “We can make a difference.” As our spiritual practice empties, opens and strengthens us, we are naturally moved to engage in the world with compassion, equanimity, and the dedication to live our values.
We know many of you are already both concerned and involved in this year’s Presidential election. Yet, in the past weeks, many of us have heard friends in the spiritual community expressing ambivalence about voting. When asked why they wouldn't vote we heard things like: “It doesn’t make any difference”; “I’m more interested in spiritual practice than politics”.
Humanity is at a crossroads. We can no-longer afford to sit on the sidelines. We are asking you to get engaged.
Learn more about Barack Obama's movement for change.
The 2000 presidential election was decided by just 500 votes and this November appears to be just as close. Every vote matters. Your vote and the votes in your community could make the difference.
Please make a heart-felt inquiry and look at the candidates. Ask yourself who best reflects the values you want to live by – those of spirituality in action.
- Who do you believe will lead this country and the world in the direction you would like to see it move?
- Which candidate will foster security through international cooperation rather than wars of aggression?
- Which candidate will move policy most quickly toward a sustainable habitable planet for future generations?
- Which candidate will most support our commitment to human rights and equal opportunity for all people?
...and then Vote. Let your voice be heard.
Together there is nothing we cannot do.
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Let’s bring the benefits of our practice into our lives. The world needs us.
