Where to Now?

I had the opportunity to watch a program on ABC titled "The State of the Union." The essence of the program was that we in the U.S. are not only a divided nation, but an extremely polarized one. The problem or challenge with polarization is that both sides think they are RIGHT. We tend to use any intellectual argument, value, reason, or most of all religious belief system to prove our point--even if it involves the destruction of us all!

The essence of our dilemma is the present phenomenon most corporations are struggling to master--Diversity. In a speech several years ago, I stated that diversity is the most important phenomenon for the continued existence of human beings on planet earth in the 21st century. I define diversity as an environment where differences are equally valued and respected, and compatibly integrated for the success, happiness, and well-being of us all. Being right, and righteous, about one's own point-of-view is the greatest barrier to moving toward achieving diversity.

Beneath our righteousness is an unwillingness and fear of change. Interestingly, most animal and biological systems appear to have no ego attachment to righteously "holding on" when change is necessary for survival. Human beings, on the other hand, appear to be willing to become extinct when change and "letting go" is a requirement for our continued existence.

If this reasoning makes sense, then I would conclude that we, as a species, don't have the "spiritual intelligence," not religious intelligence, to recognize the need to create a new paradigm of human existence on planet earth; consistent with how the world order has changed. The program on TV last night pointed out we only associate with those of a like mind and consciously avoid those with differing ideas, perspectives, beliefs, and values. When these are exactly the people we should be dialoguing with to find solutions to our dilemma!

So, what do I have as a contructive process to begin the journey of "compatible human adaptation?"

1) Recognize that the driving force for change and adaptation is survival. If survival is unimportant, then we can stop here and let the present drama play out to its predictable conclusion. If continued existence is sufficiently motivating to consider this process, then let's proceed.

2) Consider the possibility that both polarized points-of-view are are simply dimensions of a bigger picture; or pieces of a puzzle. Neither side is the complete puzzle. (I haven't even introduced the global perspective as yet; which is the whole planet earth puzzle). To ignore or resist this suggestion is called DENIAL; which is first step to transcend for change.

3) Notice first the anger to (2) above, then underneath the anger, notice the fear of possibly being wrong (to the ego); or just not being totally right. Engagement with someone brings these emotions out, front and center. The second step to change is EMOTIONAL REACTION.

4) If we hang in there with each other, then during the next calming period is bargaining or positioning our perspective to show that it is, in fact, best or right. At this point, we call upon all our skills as a litigator, evangelist, crusader, or the "voice of wisdom." This step, in Elisabth Kubler-Ross'model, is called BARGAINING. Actually, its a calming attempt to be right and righteous again.

5) This is the most difficult step of all--the inward journey to personal transformation. The realization that we are not right; only righteous. This is the inward journey where we make contact with our "inner spiritual self." It is the process of escaping the limitations of our mental programming (and brainwashing) that appears to be the illusion of "who we are." I would suggest that, spiritually, who we are is discovered only if we are willing or forced to let go of our strongly held beliefs of rightousness. (Many of you reading these blogs have experienced what I'm speaking of; commonly referred to as "the dark night of the soul." Where we come face-to-face with our inner demons that feed our need to be right. This step is called TRANSFORMATION.

6) Upon return to our mental state of functioning, we "see" everything differently. With some, we call it rebirth; and proceed to attribute our transformation to our belief system rather than a spiritual awakening. With others, this awakening results in a greater understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of the struggles and conflicts of others. Along with this transformation is the wisdom to be open to an entirely different paradigm of life; both personally and collectively.

This last step now prepares us to create something beyond the polarized points-of-view, which is not a trade-off of them both. I wonder if we can create a critical number of such individuals before we self-destruct. This is the essence of the race we are engaged in this century; whether we are conscious of it or not.

I would love your comments about this blog. I am sorry for any edit mistakes. I'll catch them later.

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