Via Basel: The Day After

A Day to Remember by Frantisek Strouhal

Before I even put a single thought on paper or computer, I want you to know this was written in its entirety a week ago when all the pundits were predicting a very close election outcome. Not sure what my purpose was, except that I wanted to write from that uncertain space where everything was possible and my wishes and expectations set aside to the best of my ability. I had chosen my favorite side (see previous post) and done my share in promoting it and now it was time to let go of Doing and just Be with the final verdict as correct or flawed as it may turn out to be (according to my point of view). Moreover I was testing my mindfulness practice, and my teachings of some of its basic tenets–patience, equanimity, and most important compassion for all. 

It’s now a day or two or three after and the official results are in. There is unease, trepidation, and concern and likely denial from some. We, the voters, are so evenly divided that nearly half of us (give or take a couple of percentage points) are elated, even deliriously happy, while the other half are depressed and even angry. Mind you, personally that means there’s an even chance that I will fall in one of these camps. Let me explain my dilemma.

If I’m on the losing side, as a reasonable and thoughtful person, I believe I have the strength and maturity to handle it, as devastating as I believe that result will affect my country and the world, and how we deal with the most existential issue of our time, climate change. Practically, there is nothing I can do now. We, my side, will gather our remnants, regroup, reinvent, and start again against long odds to bring back sanity, kindness, and truth to the forefront. Emotionally it’s a lot harder. I have my doubts regarding my coping mechanism; nevertheless there is enough reserves from my past experiences to tide me through the rough times to come in the remaining years of my life.

On the other hand, if the roll of the dice turns our side’s way, no doubt a wave of euphoria and deep satisfaction will wash over me, in addition to a huge sigh of relief that a disaster has been avoided, for the time being. Let’s get on with healing the nation and dealing with critical problems. Sooner or later the odds are that reality strikes, that divisions in our society are so deep and pervasive that no side can really win. Chaos, lack of trust, and fantastical fabrications from our adversaries, believed by many, lead to paralysis and non-effective governance. The populace is more resentful and punishes the party in power, at least the executive branch. A recurring cycle that is unsustainable and sad, leading to much suffering and disintegration.

My opinion is that societies are, to a certain degree, a mirror of their leaders all over the world but more so in quasi-democratic systems like ours, where people actually vote freely. That is a harsh and brutal indictment of us, but I am tired of excuses for our pitiful situation. 

Maybe the cement that binds us is so broken that nothing short of a miracle will put us back together, a miracle of awakening among the people in values that go beyond materialism, consumption, and individual egos, a spiritual revival, a recognition that honesty, humility, cooperation, and kindness are the essential ingredients in the glue that will bring back unity and wholeness. If we can’t truly practice that on an individual level, then it’s foolhardy to expect it at a community, city, state, or country level. 

Miracles are possible where there are shared beliefs and supportive actions to follow. May our nation be blessed with one.

Basel Al-Aswad, father of EIL founder Christopher Al-Aswad, is a yogi trapped in an Orthopedic Surgeon’s body. His loves in life include reading, writing, hiking, enjoying nature, meditation, and spending time with his large Iraqi family; now, semi-retired, he is exploring new avenues in medicine, education, public speaking, teaching, and social engagement.

Further reading: Valarie Kaur on “Change Through Relationship” in Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations