There’s no denying it: Everyone who’s anyone knows that we have a big election in the U.S. coming up.
It’s also well-known that it’s been a rough and divisive election season—not just between candidates, but amongst family and friends as well—and many are left feeling they have difficult decisions to make when Election Day rolls around. In this season of chaos and uncertainty, spiritual practices can offer much-needed clarity of the mind and nourishment of the soul as we seek to stay present to our everyday lives. And while they might seem unrelated, when it comes to Election Day, I think they can offer some guidance as well.
HERE ARE 5 WAYS SPIRITUAL PRACTICES CAN HELP YOU VOTE:
1. Separate us from our egos
Spiritual practices bring us closer to our true selves, separating us from our egos as we are drawn into the presence of God. As we bring this touchstone experience into our everyday lives, we’re better able to see beyond our own needs, opinions, and desires and focus on what’s best for the greater community and those from every walk of life.
2. Develop listening skills
Spiritual practices take us beyond auditory listening to the Sacred practice of listening to the soul. There’s an over-abundance of content to hear with our ears in each election cycle (and it feels like with this one in particular, many have heard enough). However, spiritual practices teach us to listen in a different way, hearing beyond the words that are spoken and instead taking in the intentions, longings, and convictions at heart.
3. Sharpen intuition
Spiritual practices help to sharpen our intuition by allowing our true self, and thus our true voice, to surface. This voice, sometimes referred to as the Inner Witness, is where our true self and the Divine meet, and can speak to us in an instant with the wisdom and conviction of the soul.
4. Aid in discernment
As we separate from our egos, listen deeply, and hone our intuition, spiritual practices teach us to discern with patience and reverence the path on which the Sacred Guide is leading us on our journey.
5. Establish a sense of rootedness
In times where chaos still seems to reign (and there’s no promise it will go away after the final vote is tallied and the results are in), spiritual practices continue to root us deeply, offering stability even on the windiest of days (or, in regards to election results, the potentially blustery four-years of a term of office).
GO FURTHER…
While Election Day is just days away, every day is a good day to engage in spiritual practice. Consider setting aside time today to pause, center, and rest in the presence of the Divine. Centering Prayer or the Examen are great places to start!