The Healing Of America

Last night was a historic event! Barack Obama's acceptance speech for the Presidential nomination set a tone and demonstrated a quality of Being and Presence that can bring this country back from the policies of fear, separation, dishonesty, denial and arrogance.

As you know, I do not write political commentary, even though my Bachelor's degree is in Political Science. My professional focus has always been on healing, personal development, and spiritual awakening. However, international politics are sometimes the terrain of consciousness. That is why I spent four year's in the 1980's founding and directing Projects for Planetary Peace, a non-profit citizen diplomacy program working with Citizen Diplomacy to end the cold war and counter-balance President Regan's dehumanization of the Russian people.

Mahatma Gandhi, a man of slight physical build, had a gigantic impact on the world. His impact was the result of more than his words and ideas. The nature, substance and quality of his presence held a power that changed human history. I believe it is important to recognize the potential that awaits America today in this Presidential election with Barack Obama.

The goal and purpose of spiritual practice is to become a greater force of love and unity in creation. The purpose of delusion or Maya is to divide us and create separation: separation from God, separation from our essential Self (soul) and separation from each other. Fear is the most potent force to drive us away from our highest nature of love, peace and joy.

A mature and developed conscious person has a well-developed intellect, a capacity to discern, an open heart, a depth of wisdom and an understanding of the interconnection of all life. These qualities are not intellectual achievements alone, but are embodied in his or her state of being and serve to uplift others. The spoken word has power when consciousness is behind it. Two people can say the same thing. One person awakens and inspires others to take action, while another's speech leaves people feeling a little empty. We are witnessing with Barack Obama the power of a consciousness individual inspiring and uplifting others by creating an energy, which unites people to work together for the greater good of all humankind. His speeches are so moving and powerful because of who he is along with what he says. Thousands and thousands of people want to hear him because of his impact. His very presence and nature opens people's hearts and minds and creates new opportunities.

Barack Obama is the culmination of his development. He teaches acceptance, tolerance, respect and unity. His is the blend of several cultures and races. He embodies what he teaches; it is encoded in his cellular structure. He is showing us the power of respect. He can disagree with others and still continue to be in relationship. He does not have to separate, disrespect and reject those who have different opinions or values. He does not have to use fear and anger to gain power. Even Sun Tzu in The Art of War suggested that you stay close to your enemies. Better yet, Paramahansa Yogananda teaches, "Make your enemies your friends." Disrespect, anger, rejection and fear only lead to sorrow and tragedy. America has had enough of this!

We have had eight years of a political consciousness that has dragged us down. It has been driven by fear, suspicion, deception and rigidity. "If you are not with us, you are against us!" If you don't agree with us and speak your mind, you are against America! The greatest force of delusion is fear!! Hope, trust and love are the forces of awakening and expanding consciousness. Barack Obama ignites a higher spark in those who listen. His words have power because he opens the field to uplift and invite others to participate in a higher vision for America and the World.

I am writing this because I know from my studies in consciousness, human development and organization psychology that consciousness orchestrates form. What we hold in our hearts and embody in our cellular structure becomes reality. If we live in love and respect and embrace the worth and value of all people, then we create a world around us where people honor each other, work together and transcend individual differences. The United States of American needs a President who holds these qualities, not as abstract hopes and dreams, but as a living reality that is manifested through his actions and quality of Being. Consciousness is not a political talking point; it is a living reality that ignites the soul. Talking points do not fill a stadium with 84,000 people!

I was fortunate to be alive when John F. Kennedy was President. He had an impact on America and inspired people to be better. It has been a long, long time since I have felt that America has the opportunity to unite, work together and make this country as great as it can be. These are exciting times.

However you vote is your choice. I am writing this today because I think it is important to acknowledge what is happening in this political election and the importance of looking at the deeper qualifications of each candidate based upon important levels of psychological and spiritual development and maturity. We have the opportunity to learn something. Pay attention to how you feel when you listen to the candidates. Their state of Being has an impact on you beyond their words. Do you feel uplifted, inspired, joyful, hopeful, or fearful, angry, afraid and contracted? Remember, it is this deeper state of Presence that orchestrates reality. Choose wisely, the future is at stake!

One critical issue that needs to be highlighted is the grave danger we face in International Politics along with our conce
s about the economy, health care, education, infrastructure, and energy here at home. We have lost our international respect because George W. Bush did not hold a presence of unity, respect, and openness. He divided people to seize power, does not unite people. America needs to return to the International arena with a President who is capable of forming relationships and opening dialogue. People respond to Barack Obama because of his essential nature. His presence opens new possibilities and creates new opportunities. We need to change the way America relates to other nations, all nations, friends and foes! The past style of harsh talk, threats, and violence alone has not worked to make us safer. I believe in a strong military given the nature of this world. But military power alone will not solve our problems. We need a leader who is gifted and capable of diplomacy and negotiation and by his very nature can create new possibilities. Change starts from the inside. We need a leader who is internally ready to make these changes because of his state of Being. Barack is ready to lead our country TODAY, day one, because of who he is. These qualities are not about age: they are about a level of personal evolution, emotional and spiritual development. We have had Enough of the past. Let's work together to change America today! I know Barack Obama is capable and ready to lead America. Are you ready for Barack Obama?

Ron Mann, Ph.D.nn©2008 Ron Mann, Ph.D. All Rights Reservednn