Let me quickly add a crucial part to the summary of what I have stated: It is about cultivating a positive inner well being, a positive attitude, that is resilient, that can withstand life's ups and downs. All easier said than done, it takes work, but we can try our best.
Ok. I am done. All the best to you all, Vik On Thu, Oct 31, 2024 at 7:29 PM Beaches & Nature fan < [email protected]> wrote: > All I can say to your question, and the article before it is: wow. I > didn't expect these last couple of emails to come from you. I am a bit > surprised, honestly. > > > The article ridiculously, laughably states that it has a "call for unity". > when it is proposing that only one religion, when there are many other > religions in the world, is the solution for "Saving Washington". > Therefore that article is hardly unifying - it smacks of the elitism and > division that already plagues society, and is only increasing with time. > Why then, make it worse, with the content that this article poses? Why > pour kerosene on a fire that is already burning, even before it? > > Furthermore, the intent of my last email was really supposed to be a > related segway, from the article. > Perhaps I wasn't clear enough there, so let me elaborate further here: > > As I see it, there is a very serious crisis of negative feelings in this > country. Frustration, feelings of being discriminated against, anger, > bitterness, feelings of inferiority of different kinds....a very serious > crisis of inner negativity, for a variety of reasons. > > So as I stated in my last email: "But one's own spiritual, emotional, > mental and physical well being, one's own positive attitude - we should > really be focusing on that, far more than politics". (It is a big reason I > am unaffiliated with either party, and will be so, for life). > > Let me add to my above statement to give it more context: I meant ANY > faith. Any spiritual tradition. And to those who have neither a faith or > spirituality, some philosophy that keeps them sane, in this world we are > living in. Perhaps for some, counseling or therapy may help. I know > meditation helps me a lot. Basically, whatever it takes, to help elevate > one's well being in an emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical sense. > Whatever it takes, to foster a more positive attitude to life. Because > America badly needs this. It needs this now. This is, while certainly not > the only way, one major way that we can have a better America (or "save" > America). > > So then...with that said, then why this discussion of which religion has > some advantage over another? One has more sacrifice, another has less, > etc...these kinds of questions will not help society at large at all, and > are very detrimental if society embroils themselves in this. What is more > important is, how does your faith help YOU, in your family life, your > work, your interactions with the community, etc. It is said that most > conflicts in the world, start from conflicts within. So what I have written > about, is for people to find ways to reduce the conflict within, to be more > positive, etc. > > Of course, all that I have stated, it is much easier said than done. I get > it. But sometimes it's the more difficult things that people shy away from > ,and go to the easier things, like talking about this or that religion, and > how it's better than the other, etc. > > It's the latter, (and that article which implies this), which I want to > give very little oxygen to. But for now, I will give it about 10 seconds, > and that's all: if you are interested in how other religions talk about > sacrificing oneself for the enemy, do read this article about the > Mahabharata, a famous Hindu epic: > > Mahabharat Episode 72: Heaven or Hell? Yudhishthira Makes an Unusual Choice > <https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/wisdom/article/mahabharat-ep72-heaven-or-hell-yudhishthira-makes-unusual-choice> > > Take it for what you think it is worth. It does not matter to me, one bit. > What matters is you, and society in general, live well, and by that I mean > live well from within,(i.e., let's keep working on our inner well-being, > attitude, etc as has been described), as much if not more, than from > without. > > All the best, to all of you, and wishing you all a happy upcoming holiday > season, > Vik > > > > On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 11:44 PM Dr. Ernie <[email protected]> > wrote: > >> > I disagree that there is only one way to believe, one way to be >> spiritual or religious. >> >> Very well said. I agree. Thank you for sharing. >> >> However, I believe this idea of "sacrificing ourselvres for our enemies" >> behavior is essential to resolving intractable problems. >> It is explicit in Christianity, but I am unclear how visible it is in >> other traditions and practices. >> Can you enlighten us? >> >> Sincerely, >> Ernie P. >> >> On Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 8:41:23 PM UTC-7 Florida, Australia & >> Pacific fan wrote: >> >>> I absolutely believe that faith, and spirituality, are much much more >>> important than politics will ever be. >>> >>> I disagree that there is only one way to believe, one way to be >>> spiritual or religious. >>> >>> But one's own spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well being, >>> one's own positive attitude - we should really be focusing on that, far >>> more than politics. >>> >>> On Fri, Oct 25, 2024 at 9:13 PM Beaches & Nature fan < >>> [email protected]> wrote: >>> >>>> There is more than one religion in the world. >>>> >>>> On Mon, Aug 12, 2024 at 8:47 PM CP Hahn <[email protected]> wrote: >>>> >>>>> It is through His wisdom that I now speak, for I have seen how His >>>>> message of love, humility, and justice can be the cure for the >>>>> divisiveness >>>>> that plagues our land. >>>>> Amen >>>>> >>>>> On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 5:30 PM Dr. Ernie Prabhakar < >>>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> https://radicalcentrism.org/2024/08/10/saving-washington-the-cure-for-political-divisiveness/ >>>>>> >>>>>> Saving Washington: The Cure for Political Divisiveness >>>>>> >>>>>> *ChatGPT as George Washington, with help from Edwin Friedman >>>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Friedman> and Paul Bloom >>>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Against_Empathy>* >>>>>> ------------------------------ >>>>>> >>>>>> My Fellow Americans, >>>>>> >>>>>> I stand before you now, not as the first President of our beloved >>>>>> Republic, but as one who has journeyed beyond the veil of time, beholding >>>>>> the trials and triumphs of our nation from a vantage point few can >>>>>> comprehend. I speak to you from beyond the grave, not out of a desire to >>>>>> relive the glories of old, but to address the grave perils that now >>>>>> threaten to undo the very fabric of our Union. >>>>>> >>>>>> When I penned my Farewell Address, >>>>>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington%27s_Farewell_Address> >>>>>> I warned of the dangers of political factions and partisanship. I >>>>>> implored >>>>>> you to guard against the spirit of division, for I knew that it would >>>>>> lead >>>>>> to discord and weaken the strength of our nation. Yet, even I could not >>>>>> foresee the extent to which these divisions would deepen, threatening to >>>>>> tear asunder the bonds that hold us together as one people. >>>>>> *The Crisis of Partisanship* >>>>>> >>>>>> Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where the spirit of >>>>>> partisanship has taken root in the hearts and minds of our citizens. The >>>>>> symptoms are clear: >>>>>> >>>>>> - an unwillingness to listen to opposing views >>>>>> - a readiness to vilify those who differ from us, and >>>>>> - a growing sense of animosity that blinds us to our common cause. >>>>>> >>>>>> This partisanship is not merely a difference of opinion; it is a >>>>>> disease that saps the vitality of our Republic. >>>>>> >>>>>> What troubles me most is that this partisanship has been fueled by a >>>>>> crisis of self-differentiation >>>>>> <https://ymcaokc.org/monday-morning-joe-self-differentiation/>—an >>>>>> inability to stand firm in one’s convictions without being swayed by the >>>>>> passions of the crowd. Too many of us have allowed our identities to be >>>>>> shaped by party loyalty, rather than by the principles of justice, >>>>>> reason, >>>>>> and compassion that should guide us. >>>>>> *The Encounter with Christ* >>>>>> >>>>>> In the realm beyond this life, I have had the privilege of >>>>>> encountering the teachings of Christ in a way that transcends earthly >>>>>> understanding. It is through His wisdom that I now speak, for I have seen >>>>>> how His message of love, humility, and justice can be the cure for the >>>>>> divisiveness that plagues our land. >>>>>> >>>>>> Christ’s command to “love your enemies >>>>>> <https://biblehub.com/matthew/5-44.htm>” is a radical call that >>>>>> challenges the very foundations of our partisan conflicts. It is easy to >>>>>> love those who agree with us, to show kindness to those who stand with >>>>>> us. >>>>>> But Christ asks us to go further—to extend grace, understanding, and >>>>>> compassion even to those who oppose us. This is not a call to passivity >>>>>> or >>>>>> weakness, but to a strength of character that reflects the heart of God. >>>>>> *The Law and the Power of Grace* >>>>>> >>>>>> The law, as necessary as it is, can only condemn sin; it can expose >>>>>> our wrongdoings and set boundaries, but it cannot transform the human >>>>>> heart. The law can highlight the injustice of racism, the cruelty of >>>>>> discrimination, and the divisiveness of partisanship, but it lacks the >>>>>> power to heal these deep wounds. Only forgiveness and grace can bring >>>>>> true >>>>>> healing. >>>>>> >>>>>> It is through Christ’s grace that we find the power to move beyond >>>>>> the letter of the law to the spirit of love and reconciliation. Grace >>>>>> does >>>>>> not ignore sin; it confronts it with the power to redeem. >>>>>> >>>>>> “Grace does not ignore sin; it confronts it with the power to redeem.” >>>>>> >>>>>> When we forgive those who have wronged us, when we seek >>>>>> reconciliation instead of revenge, we break the cycle of hatred and >>>>>> division that the law alone cannot address. This is the only way to truly >>>>>> cure the deep-seated racism that has plagued our nation for centuries. >>>>>> *Healing Through True Self-Differentiation* >>>>>> >>>>>> For this healing to occur, each of us must undergo a process of >>>>>> self-examination. We must ask Christ to show us where we are clinging to >>>>>> false identities—whether they be political, cultural, or even >>>>>> religious—that prevent us from living out His call to love and justice. >>>>>> Too >>>>>> often, we allow these identities to dictate our actions and attitudes, >>>>>> rather than allowing Christ to define who we are. >>>>>> >>>>>> “Too often, we allow these [false] identities to dictate our actions >>>>>> and attitudes, rather than allowing Christ to define who we are.” >>>>>> >>>>>> Christ offers us a new identity, one that is rooted not in the >>>>>> divisions of this world, but in the unity of His love. It is an identity >>>>>> that transcends the labels of race, class, and party affiliation, and >>>>>> calls >>>>>> us to a higher standard of living. We must allow Him to differentiate us, >>>>>> to strip away the false identities that divide us, and to shape us into >>>>>> His >>>>>> image, where love and grace are the defining characteristics of our >>>>>> lives. >>>>>> *A Call to Christlike Leadership* >>>>>> >>>>>> The cure for our nation’s divisions lies in the practice of >>>>>> Christlike self-differentiation. This means grounding our identity not in >>>>>> the transient labels of political affiliation, but in the eternal >>>>>> principles of truth, justice, and love. It means having the courage to >>>>>> stand for what is right, even when it is unpopular, and to engage in >>>>>> civil >>>>>> discourse with those who hold different views. >>>>>> >>>>>> It is also a call to practice rational compassion—a balanced empathy >>>>>> that seeks to understand the perspectives of all, rather than demonizing >>>>>> those who differ from us. This form of compassion is not blind; it is >>>>>> guided by reason and tempered by the recognition that all are made in the >>>>>> image of God. >>>>>> *Electing Christlike Leaders* >>>>>> >>>>>> To save our Republic, we must elect leaders who embody these >>>>>> principles—leaders who are not swayed by the winds of political >>>>>> expediency, >>>>>> but who stand firm in their commitment to justice, truth, and the common >>>>>> good. We must seek out those who will unite rather than divide, who will >>>>>> lead with humility and strength, and who will inspire us to rise above >>>>>> the >>>>>> fray of partisanship. >>>>>> >>>>>> “We must seek out those who will unite rather than divide, who will >>>>>> lead with humility and strength, and who will inspire us to rise above >>>>>> the >>>>>> fray of partisanship.” >>>>>> >>>>>> And as citizens, we must do our part. We must reject the temptation >>>>>> to be drawn into the bitterness of political warfare and instead strive >>>>>> to >>>>>> build bridges of understanding and cooperation. We must engage in civil >>>>>> discourse, always seeking the truth and working toward solutions that >>>>>> benefit the whole, rather than just the few. >>>>>> *A Vision for Unity* >>>>>> >>>>>> My fellow Americans, the vision I hold for our nation is one of >>>>>> unity—a unity that transcends party lines and embraces the diversity of >>>>>> thought and experience that makes us strong. It is a vision where we are >>>>>> bound together not by our differences, but by our shared commitment to >>>>>> the >>>>>> principles that define us as a people. >>>>>> >>>>>> This is not an easy path, but it is the path that will lead us to a >>>>>> brighter future. It is the path that will preserve our Union and fulfill >>>>>> the promise of liberty and justice for all. >>>>>> *Conclusion: The Republic’s Call* >>>>>> >>>>>> As I stand before you now, I urge you to take up this challenge with >>>>>> courage and conviction. Let us rise above the noise of partisanship and >>>>>> recommit ourselves to the principles that have guided this nation since >>>>>> its >>>>>> inception. Let us strive to build a nation that is truly “of the people, >>>>>> by >>>>>> the people, for the people,” and let us do so with the light of Christ as >>>>>> our guide. >>>>>> >>>>>> May God bless you, and may God bless these United States of America. >>>>>> >>>>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community < >>>>>> [email protected]> >>>>>> Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism >>>>>> Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org >>>>>> >>>>>> --- >>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>> Groups "Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community" group. >>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, >>>>>> send an email to [email protected]. >>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/DD5494CC-A426-4703-8F44-1F2BB5B5FAA5%40gmail.com >>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/DD5494CC-A426-4703-8F44-1F2BB5B5FAA5%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>>> . >>>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> -- >>>>> Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community < >>>>> [email protected]> >>>>> Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism >>>>> Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org >>>>> >>>>> --- >>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>> Groups "Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community" group. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>>> an email to [email protected]. >>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/CACB%2BEVc91Nq_n0Xr6DLz2s1nS0OTy-%2B-Vf42w9cPLuFECVGzqQ%40mail.gmail.com >>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/CACB%2BEVc91Nq_n0Xr6DLz2s1nS0OTy-%2B-Vf42w9cPLuFECVGzqQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>> . >>>>> >>>> -- >> -- >> Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community < >> [email protected]> >> Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism >> Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org >> >> --- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to [email protected]. >> To view this discussion visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/28e83843-cf27-41d5-8b95-f292a2ab8dcdn%40googlegroups.com >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/RadicalCentrism/28e83843-cf27-41d5-8b95-f292a2ab8dcdn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> > -- -- Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community <[email protected]> Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community" group. 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