When Taking A Stand Starts Taking A Toll, Personally & Globally

I've been really struggling to stay in touch with my passions about the priorities that I think are alligned with the best interest of all of the planet, including us, without going into unabashed condemnation of what I feel thwarts that end.  I know the signs when I'm stuck in the latter.  I become unable (unwilling) to collaborate, demonizing the other end of my position on what in my own mind I make into a battle of opposites.  Then I no longer see or hear alternatives to situations other than my own.  I start to blame my discomfort and those I champion on that other 'side' exclusively, as though I were powerless and the current intolerable situation exists because my previous good faith was betrayed when I wasn't looking.  Suddenly I begin to choose being a victim over admitting that I have also been unaware and even uninvolved when it mattered more that I engage myself.

So, ok.  Now what?  How do I get back to where I feel better AND am powerful?  Well, first of all I need to recognize that the only way to be effective is to be in equilibrium.  Staying fierce feels more potent and justified.  But it doesn't have the ability to transform.  That requires carrots as well as sticks.  Anger, no matter how appealing and even perhaps initially useful in changing momentum is not beneficial in the long run as a constant state of being.  It's not wrong, though its untended force can cause harm.  It's just not ultimately the best tool for the task at hand.  It needs to resolve itself to commitment.

So what is the task at hand?  It's to create win-win conditions that allow all to thrive.  That's called Love in its broadest capabilities.  The effort requires our best creativity and real balance, not polarization.  Here are six suggestions for how to solve the problems we have before us personally and globally.

1.  Decide that  you're on board, not just outraged and fed up.

2.  Get honest about your own perspectives.   Even if you're someone who believes in absolute truth, it would be experienced through each of us subjectively.  So, don't hide your investment in the outcome behind the skirts of certain 'truth'.

3.  Get informed.  Really.  Give up laziness or prejudice. They are not the same as calm and choice.  If you want a healthy planet/family/government, invite in what's out there that  can inform you, teach you, give you understanding of the situation from a full panorama.  Be open to a new idea or perspective.

4.  Decide what you will contribute.  If it really matters to you, you'll find a way to put to use the info you gathered. Discover what avenues, tools and skills you have at your disposal.  

5.  Join with others.  Yes, like-hearted ones.  But remember #3.  Stay open and informed.  Focus isn't tunnel vision.  

6.  Periodically evaluate your inner and outer realities. Where are you?  How are you?  Do you need to adjust or just rinse and repeat, remembering that staying clean in your energy and efforts is as crucial as any action you take, and adjustment doesn't have to mean copping out.  It's not just what you do, but the space from which you do it that makes an impact.  

Numerologically,among other interpretations six stands for responsibility, and we all know that means the ability to respond.  It's time for us to move past being reactive and roll up our sleeves for a new life and a new world.