A NATION AWAKENS

A NATION AWAKENS: 

TWO STEPS FORWARD, ONE STEP BACK


Over the past year, I've really been reflecting upon the movement within society following the "Trump Election" and how we as a society have dealt with it. In the beginning, and currently, many of us saw our society leading down a horrific path that felt ever familiar; a path highlighted by racism, oppression, inequality, and misogyny...


After abstractly dissecting our current societal state of consciousness and awareness, I have been enlightened on the truth of what revolution we are currently undergoing.



We have all heard the phrase "Two steps forward, one step back..."


This has resonated deeply with me as to where we are currently. After a recent deep discussion with a friend, I was discussing how I felt that we as a society was going backward instead of forward, regressing instead of progressing. He reminded me how in many different ways we are moving forward, and in fact what felt like a curse may actually be a blessing in disguise.


For once people who were once sleeping are now starting to awake, starting to actually pay attention to what is going on in the world, beginning to self-educate themselves on deeper issues, beginning to question what information they are being fed, women and men starting to take a stand against sexual victimization, people out there on the streets marching in protest against racism, oppression, and injustice. We are not that far from continuing Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy. We felt it was over, but the war has yet to be won and we continue to march towards liberation and equality. With very little tolerance for hate, segregation, and division. People are once again standing up.



"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere..." MLK



Many of us have been sidetracked by the glitz and glamour of superficiality; the newest iPhone, the freshest gossip, the latest fashion, the newest Jay-Z album, many have been consumed by insignificant and trivial matters and perspectives.



THIS HAS BEEN A PERIOD OF AWAKENING.


Once we know better, we do better...



I have noticed upon observation, and then read a very intriguing article by the Huffington Post; over the past thirty to forty years we as a society are falling away from religion. The classic Sunday ritual is over. No longer are families pouring into church on Sundays as they once were. Religion has fallen by the wayside along with tradition, but the upside is there is a shift in understanding our connection to the world, God, and the universe that was not present years ago. Spirituality is on the rise, while religion is on the decline. Leaving a boundless wonder, and thirst for understanding the omnipotence of the world as well as our place in it. Growing up Catholic, I feel that this is a great shift towards understanding. Don't get me wrong all religions are incredible and based on pretty much the same beliefs all preaching honor, loyalty, good, and righteousness. But if we open our minds to endless possibilities we are no longer bounded and stifled by the "rules" set in place by our religions.




We are opening up to a new way of understanding the world as well as our approach, where we seem to be lacking is within the ability to empathize, and understand both sides. As humans living in partnership with our egoic mind, it is natural to seek what we believe to be "right" which is solely based on our education, conditioning, upbringing, and exposure. We are always pointing the figure blaming the "other" for the heart of the issue. The only way to enlighten ignorance is through education and understanding. For example; If you were raised in a white southern upbringing with very little contact with Muslim or African Americans then it would be more likely that you would be lenient towards racism, or for many who lean towards homophobia it takes having a gay son for them to realize that it doesn't matter and that we are all the same. People have no control over their race, class, upbringing, or sexuality but we control our minds, reactions, and our decisions. We as humans seek dividing lines where there are none, constantly seeking superiority.  To get to the heart of the matter you must look at your opponent and investigate, and question why they do what they do, and why they think what they think... Empathize, Understand, & Educate. That also goes to ourselves; question what you think and believe, and why you think and feel the way you do. Question your own beliefs...The only way to move forward is through education, and exposure which when done correctly will create a sense of unity once knowledge has triumphed the conditioned mind. The best way to summarize what I am saying is this quote...




"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that..." -MLK



Change isn't always for the bad, sometimes it takes a revolt from the constructed norm in order to propel forward. Change is inevitable, growth is optional. 




Until Next Time...



Namaste 

#STAYWOKE



If you would be interested in the articles which gave me the backing to formulate my post they are incredibly stimulating, and enlightening take on our society, civilization, and religion. Check out the links below...






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