Yes we can!

This is a submission to Kosmos Journal, in response to the following call:

Many of us have been living with the knowledge that our world and its institutions are nearing collapse. We long for that time – that rare opening – when evolution takes a momentous leap forward. The election of Barack Obama aroused an explosion of spirit in the world. It seemed to be an outer symbol of an inner knowing that the tipping point from collapse to creation may well have arrived. The slogan heard around the world is “Yes we can.” What does this mean to you?

I was among the many whose eyes filled with tears the evening of Nov. 4th, when it became apparent that this country had left behind its racist past and responded to the call for change. Difficult times bring forth great leaders, and while no one person can pull this civilization back from the brink of collapse, a man like Barack Obama, in the position of President of the United States, will not only directly bring about change through his actions but will also inspire governments, institutions and individuals around the world to work for needed change.

But we must recognize that, as with all things on this earth, change is inevitable. Change may be slow or fast, gradual or abrupt. It may be part of the cycle of birth, growth, decay, destruction and rebirth. Underlying every cycle, behind all change, there is a flow of Spirit. Spirit is easy to identify in the smile of a baby, a majestic mountain landscape or the magic of a full moon. But the flow of Spirit is no less in the death of friend or in the decay of institutions than in the falling of autumn leaves.

The ascendancy of Barack Obama couldn’t have happened without the tireless work of the many people who were inspired by the man and his message. The utterly amazing way in which this happened, and the feeling of hope and elevation experienced by everyone involved, carries the mark of Spirit. Indeed, there is new hope in the land and the affirmation “Yes we can!” – overcome fear and hatred, and unite to manifest a powerful force for change – rings very true.

As we individually and collectively work for change we should feel that we are partners with Spirit. If we can truly put aside our egos we can become pure channels for Spirit. The test of just how egoless we are, and how firm our ability to recognize Spirit in all things is, will come when the cycles shift, our work is stymied, our projects fail, or when the human failings of our idolized leaders become manifest.

The movement of Spirit is always towards awakening. If we trust in this, even more than we trust in ideals, individuals or institutions, our disappointments will be mild, our capacity for giving will be boundless and our work always joyous.

(389 words)