The place we’re coming from spiritually — or, if you prefer, emotionally — is of critical importance in making positive changes. I’ve read in more than one place that every action a person takes is motivated by either love or fear, and I think that’s true. When we’re in a good, peaceful place, motivated by unselfish love, people want to be around us, and are more likely to listen to what we have to say. Similarly, when we act from our calm, wise, loving center, guided by intuitive knowing in that moment, our actions are likely to be for the good of all. When we act from fear — as in, “Hurry! The sky is falling!” — mistakes are made, we order people around, and are out of touch with our inner wisdom.

When I feel fearful or negative about the future, I can’t work on this website or take in any more news. I need to wait till I feel better. I take a walk, do some yoga, or read a novel — whatever will nurture me in that moment. That’s the kind of compassion and gentle care we need to offer ourselves and others. We need to do the best we can, but we’re only human!

The revolution I’m advocating is a non-violent one, and that’s real change. I believe in self-defense if you or your loved ones are directly threatened, if someone you can physically see is coming at you or them, but in everything else — thought, speech, and action — I aspire to non-violence as much as possible. As someone wise once said, “Start the way you mean to carry on.” Real security doesn’t come at the point of a gun.

More on all of this in future posts.