I can’t.  No. Actually, I won’t. 

See, I used to think that following a “spiritual path” meant I shouldn’t feel things such as anger. I thought it meant that eventually I would remain unfazed in the face of sheer ignorance. It also meant I wouldn’t judge something by calling it ignorant. Fail.

However, there are things that do not sit well with me. And that’s perfectly OK.

I now understand that spirit is not neutral. It is non-judgmental but it is definitely not neutral. Spirit operates from a space of love. Love is certainly not neutral. That would be indifference. Spirit is not indifferent.

When I feel an emotion creeping up within, I don’t try to suppress it. I try not to act on it, but to examine its origins. Is it about my ego or is it something else?

In this case, it’s something else. It’s another thorn.

See, my “anger” really just signifies a dissonance between what I’m witnessing and what spirit tells me. It’s up to me to make a choice to transform that emotion into something more useful…which brings me to the point of this post.

I will not get into an argument about gun control. I would love to live in a world free of them, however, I am well aware that we have not yet reached the rainbows and unicorns phase of our existence.  I choose not to own a firearm, but I will draw no judgment upon those who choose otherwise for protection of self and family.

I am uncomfortable with them because I only know them in one context. As graphic as it may be, I know what it is to see and treat more than one face shattered by a single bullet. I understand what it is to literally see intestines escape the abdominal cavity through pierced skin.  I am all too aware of the physical ramifications and psychological damage that can be inflicted post-trauma. I have a past residency in Washington DC to “thank” for shattering the relative innocence of my Canadian upbringing.

When the Newtown tragedy first happened, I was one of the people who felt it inappropriate for the political debates to immediately begin – especially before anyone knew the full details. As we’ve witnessed, it’s impossible to keep the politics out of it, but I’m more concerned with the spiritual perspective.

When a segment of the population fights vehemently to keep such weapons available, what does it say about us as a whole? If I believe myself to be a spiritual being then I have to recognize my connection to every other being on this planet. Consequently, I have to ask myself about my role in countering what I consider to be a  greatly disturbing vibration. How do I affect the situation when I’m not a lobbyist or a lawmaker?

Then I realize that I make my mark through what I do best.

I’m not an activist in the traditional sense of the word, but I suppose I am a spiritual activist when it comes to my writing and shared thoughts. I’m a proponent of consciousness using a keyboard, a pen, and my voice as instruments.

My role is to inspire people to live their highest expression. It is my duty to bring light wherever I can and encourage people to get back to their truest selves. As I always say, you can choose to add to the pool of positivity or negativity with every action. Eventually, if enough of us choose the positive, we decidedly tip the scales. This is the key to every movement that ever succeeded.

I firmly believe that all society dysfunction is a result of personal dysfunction. If I can get one more person to look inward, then I am helping to tip the scales.

All lightworkers have the same assignment and as idealistic as it may sound, together we can make a difference. The possibilities are far more important that the immediate probabilities. We may not get to see the long-term effects of our efforts but that is irrelevant if we truly believe in what we’re doing. It is our responsibility to lay a spiritual foundation from which all is possible.

I’m in this physical world even though I firmly understand I am not of it. Do I succumb to its sometimes questionable ways or do I use spirit as my compass? With one foot on this shaky ground, I will aim for the elusive rainbows and unicorns as I have been charged.

Will you?