I think science has finally discovered what makes the political process work.
Multiverses. Political candidates live in a different universe from everyone else. They come from an “interpenetrating dimension,” one that overlaps ours at this key point called “government.”
This would explain the “cosmic inflation” of their egos and the “alternate realities” that they project in their stump speeches and in the debates.
“Do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words.” Matthew 6:7
Although humorous to think about, I don’t think that this is far from the truth.
We all live in alternative realities from each other. None of us have had the same life experiences as the other, yet we tend to believe that “they” should think, and speak, and act, and believe the same as we do.
Anyone who has consciously traveled around the world, through Africa or Asia or Latin America and has not limited themselves to the packaged tours or the fancy hotels in the big cities, has seen the fact that most people in the world do not have the same experience of life as we do in the U.S.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
Even traveling through the United States consciously stopping in little towns instead of freeway exit ramps, spending time getting to know the people and places that exist in very different circumstances than we do, we gain an appreciation for the varieties of human experiences that live side by side just within our own nation.
All you have to do is travel to the Upper Peninsula to visit an alternate reality. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
Many of my most enlightening and joy filled experiences have been when I have consciously participated in the daily lives of the people in the places I have visited.
Taking the time to talk with and listen to the locals in a roadside diner on the way to Copper Harbor last summer, we found out about local issues and local viewpoints on state and national issues.
We also found out about local attractions, waterfalls, viewpoints, etc., that are known only to the locals. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8
Some of the happiest people I have met in my travels have lived the simplest lives. In the city of Leh in Ladakh State of Northern India, I got to know Lodoe Giatsu a Tibetan Buddhist Monk.
Lodoe lives in a very modest eight by ten room with two cots that he shares with three others. His days consist of prayer, study and tending to the visitors to the monastery where we stayed.
He has an incredible, childlike, joy and enthusiasm for life, while at the same time sharing awe inspiring wisdom and knowledge.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Lodoe shared amazing stories of monks reaching a level of consciousness where they could exist in bitter cold weather wearing only their light cloaks.
This may seem the stuff of science fiction until you realize that this was documented in National Geographic magazine.
He laughed joyously when he described how the camera man couldn’t get the close ups he wanted because his camera would fog up from the heat being generated by the monks. Humans are capable of so much more than simply existing.
“Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
Some of the most miserable people I have met are the ones who have too much stuff and are too busy getting more and maintaining what they have to truly enjoy any of it.
The more complicated we make life the less enjoyable it becomes. We seem to be doing less with more, when the answer it seems is obvious; we can do more to be happy with less stuff. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:25
Lodoe also left me with these words of wisdom, “The first step in teaching meditation is to realize that nothing is permanent; everything is all the same.” Wise words from a simple man. May you live simply rather than simply live.
Blessings of peace, joy and love.
The Rev. Matthew E. Long, Peace Unity Community