By 8:00 p.m. PST Tuesday, November 4, the United States of America will have elected its 44th president. At 57 years old, I’ve been through a few elections. Being a 9-year-old Catholic in 1960, I remember the controversy around John Kennedy’s candidacy: If elected, he would take orders directly from the Pope – and good-bye America as we know it.
I remember – when Lyndon Johnson ran against Barry Goldwater in 1964 – my father worrying over “the lesser of two evils.” The prospect of nuclear war and a fall to communism were as real then as are the rain and leaves falling into my yard today.
Nixon and Watergate and the CREEP. Carter and Tehran and a suspiciously coincidental release of hostages just as Reagan raises his right hand on the steps of the Capitol. Bush the First and Willie Horton. Clinton’s “that woman” and his definition of “is” leading to Gore’s hanging chads plucked clean by a conservative Supreme Court. Kerry torpedoed by swift-boating veterans for propaganda. Aren’t all elections contentious?
They are. And maybe this current one isn’t any worse than some of the others in US history I’m not immediately familiar with. Still, I think this election may be the most divisive. One thing is sure, there is a lot of anger and hatred out there in “real America.” Ah, yes, divisiveness. Who gets to define “real America,” and why they (we) are angry?
Something else is sure come November 4th. Many millions of people will be relieved and elated. A reciprocal number will be in despair and likely much angrier. One’s mental state on that day will depend not only on the actions of millions of others, but on the actions within one’s own mind.
This campaign has given me a lot to think about regarding equanimity. I confess I haven’t acted with dispassion about some of the things I’ve heard and read about the candidates and their campaigns, but I appreciate the role equanimity plays in keeping my mind from going over the edge into anger or righteousness.
Equanimity has two meanings. The first is what one would expect: evenness of temper, calm, not reactive. The other meaning, specific, I think, to Buddhism, is being equally accepting of everyone and every situation.
Equanimity is one of the four sublime mental states. The others are loving kindness and compassion, both directed toward everyone equally, and an appreciation of the accomplishments of everyone, also spread equally.
Imagine seeing John McCain and Barack Obama as just two people who want the same thing. An equanimous mind would understand not only their suffering, but how it is fueled by their desire to win. An equanimous mind would accept the candidates for who they are – human beings no different in their humanness from each of us.
Beyond the candidates, an equanimous mind would understand how the desire to be on the winning team and the fear of being on the losing team cause stress and suffering for everyone who is part of the drama.
A equanimous mind would accept the outcome of the election for what it is. I’m not suggesting apathy and resignation. Rather, whatever happens, one can respond with dispassion based in wisdom instead of reacting with glee or anger based in delusion. Every day America changes – regardless of who sits behind the big desk.
Equanimity and the other sublime mental states require a mind that is alert to the dangers of destructive mind states. There is a Bush-era bumper sticker that reads: “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.” A Buddha-era bumper sticker may read a bit diffently: “If you’re outraged, you’re not paying attention.” It all depends on your point of view.
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In this samsara of dualistic thinking, after 230+ years, the United States is facing a choice; and from this perspective, I think, is on the brink of electing a President whose victory will represent an amazing shift in American thought; through the applied power of Change; the possibility of change that is inherent as a unique strength in the American political system. Change, in this case, that is rooted in goodness, hope and what is right.
I understand the dangers and fruitlessness of clinging; but, If we are to believe him; as described in his own words and through the example of his personal acts, Barack Obama has come to this seemingly unlikely place; in his own life, into our lives, by simply, progressively and consciously just ‘trying’ each day – ‘doing’ with patience, one day to the next – through acts of respect and kindness in his concerted efforts, expressions and behavior toward others.
For him, this run for the presidency is the next logical step. From the very beginning of his public life, he has recognized and tried to do things that benefit the physical and psychological needs of others. Driven, I think, with the common faith that there can and will be a better tomorrow. Yes, he personally has benefited from this approach; but, not nearly as much as those he has touched.
Throughout the 20 months of his campaign, I have not often thought about this man in these terms. I do not dwell there. For me, he has not, nor does he serve as some sort of messiah.
Instead, from the beginning, I was drawn to his message; a message shared with all who would claim it; illustrating the value found in the pursuit of truth, harmony, meaningfulness, and happiness; achieved by how we personally choose to support ourselves and families in the application of what we understand to be wisdom, clarity, thoughtfulness and moral values; supporting, encouraging and rewarding, what we perceive to be, the selfless, virtuous acts of others.
This thinking has led me to commit to a short, but concentrated, commitment of service to this cause; running roughly from September 29th through November 4th located at the campaign headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia.
This time has served, for me, as a rich proof of the existence of many other like-minded individuals committing to this cause; and, each coming with their own unique stories; and, understanding the truth and power inherent in the mantra ‘ Yes, We Can!’…
Over these past few weeks, the Norfolk community has become, for me, a welcoming and adopted new home.
Through this joint effort, I have come to know many new folks from many walks of life; boy, girl, man, woman, old, young, rich, poor, white, black…And, as a result, I have had the good fortune to make many, many new friends in a relatively short period of time. Friendships that will warmly rest in my heart until the day I die.
Soon, I will return to the place from which I came. Changed, I think, for the better by the experience. Recharged and reassured in the knowing I am not alone. And hopefully, a better person, as a result of this special opportunity I had to share in with these many new friends.
In this sense, it’s my hope that this experience of equanimity, of shared, joint effort; at least in this form, that I participated in, can continue to live and grow beyond our little office in Norfolk with the ideas and leadership of Barack Obama.
Greetings and welcome, John.
I don’t disagree. But I am advocating equanimity, not candidacy.
Obama is a beacon of hope for many. For others he represents the end of America. He is either loved or hated.
If Obama wins, there will be much dancing in the streets. But not every street will dance to the music of celebration. Some people will see his victory not only as a disappointment, but a serious tragedy, and maybe even cause for violence. We may soon have a chance to see just how an Obama victory will play out. I have no predictions – only concern.
On the other hand, a McCain victory also will be viewed by many as a tragedy. What will happen then? How will you feel? What will you do?
This question is directed to myself as much as anyone.
By the time I voted this morning, I had gotten to the point where I understood that although I had a distinct preference, whatever ultimately happened would be all right. Life would go on. And I hope that those whose candidate did not win will come to the same realization because hopefully we are all on the same side, the side of life in whatever form it takes minute by minute.
This was a fine post, Paul. You’re a good teacher.
Thank you, HSF. I’m grateful for you kind words.
I had my preference, too. And I had a sense of satisfaction as the day unfolded and the blue numbers climbed. I’m glad I didn’t have to face my own feelings had the situation been otherwise. But, had the situation been otherwise, I would have had to face those feelings nonetheless.
And days would pass and life would go on. I’d still have to pay the bills and rake leaves from the yard. I would still have to contend with sickness, old age, and death.