To Humanity -
Enough is enough. We all know better than repeating the same cycles of division and despair. We know the way of love, truth, trust, and compassion. Time and time again, we have strived to meet the task of carrying those practices forward. Across every religion, creed, and belief system, we hear wisdom echoing through the ages - words warning against sowing hatred and division. Words urging us instead towards love, unity, compassion, and truth. That is the only way to heal what continuously ails us. And yet, in our shared systems, we often forget this truth.
Democracy is often regarded as a system of government - seen as a process, a path to equality, and a harbinger of justice and truth. But without the consistent practice of unity, we quickly form factions and divisions. The fog of power, greed, and self-righteousness blinds us to one another. If we all have an ounce of decency, we can see that everyone needs care, everyone needs freedom, and everyone needs to be seen. We should be allowed to speak up for each other, to call out injustice wherever it rises, to lift each other. No matter who we vote for, what religion we subscribe to, what color our skin is, or what languages we speak.
It is time to move beyond democracy as merely a government structure, beyond democracy as only a system of laws. We need to honor those of us who practice democracy as a living, breathing practice. A kind of democratic spirituality that allows us to recognize each other in the light of perfect equality. Not written in stone, but written in our hearts. Not sacred as a piece of parchment, but as the inspiration and realization of ages of humanity: we are by nature free, equal, and compassionate. These three are timeless, precious practices, the jewels of our true nature.
A new world of belonging and possibility belongs to all of us. sThey belong to us when we awaken to unity. And so I propose, no matter who you are, where you come from, what language you speak, or how you ended up reading this post, that we all embrace this new “democratic spirituality.” Not as a philosophy, or a way of thinking, but a way to live your life as it was meant to be lived - for the benefit of others.
Let me know your thoughts. Be kind, be caring, be yourselves. In unity, until next time.
- The Democratist
