Brexit, and Overcoming Global Fears

These words by Thomas Merton explain perfectly the strange dilemma in which we find ourselves as a human race: we have much abundance provided through the resources of a generous planet; great technological knowledge that enables us to reach Jupiter if we wish;  the means, if we are fortunate, to a long life with heat, warmth and comfort at the flick of a button; and an environmental system that, if left undisturbed, is perfect, beautiful and inspirational. We have many blessings. Despite this, there is a general sense that our world is filled with problems, and every major event too often is interpreted in terms of negativity rather than being viewed realistically and in perspective. I have noticed this particularly over the Brexit debate and outcome, where the reaction to the decision to leave the EU has become almost hysterical in some quarters. It was unfortunate, for example, that the first statements to be made by authority figures were warnings about imminent market turmoil and trouble to come to such a degree that it was inevitable a sense of fear would be created. The absence of reassurance and calm leadership in particular contributed, too, to the sense of crisis. Every situation is a learning, an opportunity, and a gift, if we are able to see what lies behind it. Our emotions create our environment. For Brexit, anger, self-justification, self-interest, and fear of change lie behind many of the demands to reject the referendum result or to dilute it as much as possible, and this is creating an atmosphere of social division and instability. Those who voted to leave fear the result will not be honoured, and, sadly, the emotional reactions on both sides has resulted in shocking racial abuse to fellow members of our communities. If the emotion were taken out of Brexit, how different it would be - and how different may be the outcome. The sad events in the US of recent days up to and including the shootings in Dallas have highlighted the racial inequality and injustice that has simmered unaddressed for years, with fear, anger, and prejudice at their heart. Many have tried to heal this divided nation, but until the negativity in certain people is replaced with fair acceptance, the abuses will continue. Just like an illness, the more a situation is allowed to fester, the worse it can become: seeing it with the eyes of negativity is not good medicine. It can be difficult, but there always is a way through it given common sense, realism, good intent and good will. It applies to Brexit, and to everything. As always, the answer lies within. It helps to remember that our words, thoughts and how we feel are, under the Law of Attraction, a self-fulfilling prophecy, and that they change our soul. That, in itself, is good food for thought.   [byline]]]>