Now is the time. We are all about to cast our votes, to be the deciders. I am reading a book called Ruling your World by Sakyong Mipham. Today’s chapter is about exertion – moving into action. Without exertion, he says, our ideas and minds are like a canoe with no paddles.
That is why I am out here, canvassing, phone calling, doing what I can do to support Barack Obama. It is humble work. There is no part of it that is about me, about being a choreographer, a dancer, about good reviews or lots of followers. It is about connection, conversation, and just putting one foot in front of another in support of something I feel passionately about. Surprisingly, it is not about anger or righteousness, it is about appreciation, joy and love.
When I encounter someone angry or combative, I do not engage or take it personally. When I meet someone who is undecided, I do not bombard them with a stream of facts. I ask them what they are concerned about. I do my best to provide good answers. Many times, I tell them my story. I tell them that I am out because I have daughters, because I do not want them to have to fight the battles for equality and reproductive choice that we of my generation fought decades ago. I say that equality IS an economic issue, that social equality is the basis of a sound economy. And then I tell them to make the best decision they can and have a great day.
I always carry in my mind an image of Barack Obama, of his great heart, his integrity and honesty, his values of social equality, compassion and helping all people to have a better life. When the focus is on the human, rather than the accumulation of more personal wealth and power, we are pointed in the right direction.
Exertion means not sitting at home hoping things will go well. It means putting one foot in front of another, and doing the humble little tasks that it takes to be a foot soldier. That is what I am asking each of you to do now.
Move into action: make a phone call, knock on a door, help someone to the polls. Call your local Obama office and ask if they need help with anything. Put your heart into your feet, you hands, your voice and move. You can do it! Here is how: http://my.barackobama.com/What-You-Can-Do
Paula, what a great article and tribute to Barack Obama I also have been canvassing for Obama this year and 4 years ago. I urge everyone to vote, no matter who you vote for. The people who set back and complain are the ones who haven’t been listening to all the issues. or are too lazy to go to the polls. Who do these people think have gotten social security, medicare, women’s rights,etc. for them. I am sure no one would refuse to get their social security check every month. This didn’t just happen. They should think about all the things they are enjoying as Romney wants to take all of these thing away. Who would be complaining then? It is easy to not vote and then complain about the political system, like so many do. I applaud you Paula for getting Obama’s message out. It is so important to elect the right person as there is so much hanging on this election.
Thank you Shirley! I agree that not voting is a cynical view and one that is focused on a climate of negativity rather than the positive and uplifting message of an extraordinary and visionary leader.