Earlier this week, I was writing a blog / newsletter about welcoming change – and then I got caught up in politics – the Republican National Convention this week. All year, I have been watching, reading, feeling strongly, voting – but I think I hit a tipping point today when I read some of what was said at the RNC. I have been looking at too much news, and it is really hurting my heart.

I am deeply saddened by all the hate, fear, and anger / rage. No need for examples – you can see it for yourself. I have never seen such polarization. To me, it feels like light vs. dark, love vs. hate. What comes to mind are the Star Wars films – and reminding myself that I need to “use the force.” We all do. We need to remember who we are. Remember that we love, and that we care for each other, our planet, animals, people who are different.

I love this quote from Star Wars, “Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is essential to a Jedi’s life. So you might say that we are encouraged to love.” I am also seeing that I need to learn to be a Jedi. To remember the force, to remember that, as Virgil said, “Love conquers all.”. I just googled “Jedi”, and this is what came up: Jedi are “trained to guard peace and justice in the universe.” Yup, that’s us!

Actually, when I am not caught up in the drama, I see this as an amazing time in our country and world. I do believe the “old” is dying, but not without a fight. The hatred, racism, fear, violence, misogyny, homophobia,.. well, I could go on – I believe this is the old, outdated and dying way of being on this wonderful planet. And, what is being birthed is cooperation, mutual respect, acceptance, equality, balance between male / female, and love. Lots of good is happening! I look at good news every day, and I see people coming together and making a positive difference. I love this quote from Marianne Williamson, “The old world is over; the revolution has begun. So we have 2 choices now: create a revolution of love, or endure a revolution of fear.”

So, my challenge – our challenge, right now, is to remember to love. Keep loving no matter what. Love is “the force”, is the light, and will always conquer the darkness.

A challenge for us all is to stay focused on all the good, on what we appreciate and want to create in our world. I remind myself daily that when I put my energy into what I want, I get more of it. I help to create it. But when I put my energy into what I don’t want, what I fear, what I disagree with, I get more of that. I am actually supporting what I don’t want energetically when I put my focus there.

So, part of being a Jedi is to stay conscious and only give energy to the light, to love, to peace. And, please please start with yourself! Loving and caring for and being gentle with yourself.