Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
of the Mendocino Coast

I worry greatly that this tightly contested election has exacerbated polarization of our nation. Karl Rove, wedge- issues, win-at-all-cost politics, and the appeal to fear have taken an increasingly divided electorate (split it seems between secular and religious bases) and put a chasm so fearful

and distrustful of the other side, that we'll need all the king's horses and all the king's men to put us together again.

I worry also that the one-half of the country whose candidate loses will so greatly resent their loss that more unchecked vitriol will flow . . . and the nation's basic civility, optimism, and cohesiveness will be severely challenged. Our country - and the world - needs everyone's healing energy.

What can each of us do? Bringing this need into our consciousness is a powerful first start; what you can then do will start appearing, I'm sure.

For me, working to understand "the other side." . . . why do they believe and feel that way . . . always softens my fear and distrust, and helps me feel my human commonality with everyone. Remembering that we always tend to "muddle through" . . . human nature has powerful checks and balances . . . and that despite short-term ups and downs, the world is always getting better; that knowledge helps give me perspective and hope. And holding good thoughts (prayers for the country, if you will) - and visualizing them - during my meditations creates whole new comforting, healing feelings.

We UUs have unique gifts - being spiritual and liberal. The world needs greatly needs our special healing energy right now.

This is one in a series of essays on spirituality by Rick Childs, lay leader of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Mendocino Coast. You may want to:
Read more Spirituality Essays
Read more about Rick Childs
Read more about the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Mendocino Coast.

Serving Albion, Caspar, Comptche, Elk, Fort Bragg, Gualala, Little River, Mendocino, Navarro, Philo, Rockport, Westport and inland Mendocino County.