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A View of Hope Choose Compassion by Hope Hewetson |
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e are living in frustrating times. Issues are sending
people to opposite sides of the fence and once on their side, they become
defensive, self-righteous and even violent.
Some of our leaders are proud that they don't read anything that's against their own beliefs. They don't want to know any other viewpoint.
I find this sad, but I have compassion because I know that it's all about fear. The most opinionated people are the most fear-based people. They have to be right at all cost, even if the cost is human lives and dignity. It's been historically proven, over and over again, that once a group becomes fundamental in their beliefs, that once threatened or backed into a corner, their fear is so great that violence is okay. They will mold their religious and political beliefs to defend their ways. We've seen this over and over in our country in relationship to race, sexuality, and foreign policy.
It's interesting to note how currently Christians have primarily polarized into two main factions. On one side of the fence are Christians who focus on the death and suffering of Christ and who needs to be saved. On the other side of the fence are the Christians who focus on Jesus' teaching of love for all and doing good deeds. Draw your own conclusions. If you're interested in the historical aspects of fundamentalism and how it's controlling our world today, read a book by Karen Armstrong.
How do we walk the middle path and release the need to pick sides and jump to conclusions? It takes practice. I've found it easy to choose to step back from situations and have the patience to see more than one side. If it's presented one way, I know that therešs another way to look at it and I want to know what it is. Sometimes that is difficult. I want to assume and judge and find fault. But more important than that is my desire to be the change I want to see on this planet.
I can't expect a fundamentalist to drop their judgment and hate and learn about what we have in common as humans if Išm not willing to do so as well. And it's not just those big issues that we have to change our viewpoint with. It involves practicing neutrality in our daily lives and relationships as well, taking time to release the need to choose a side. Learn to love yourself and appreciate that others are different. Learn to hold light and love for all, no matter what.
It has become more peaceful to not have to be right. Compassion and kindness is my spiritual path, and it challenges me everyday. It takes focus to be a peacemaker. If you need support, come by for healing clinic and meet some like-hearted souls!
"First, live in
a compassionate way, and then you will know." - The Buddha 
-Rev. Hope Hewetson
Rev. Hope Hewetson is associate director of Psychic Horizons Center. Call Hope for a reading or healing, at 303-685-8991 or email hopi@frii.com.
