America has elected Barack Obama to be our next president. Whether you supported Obama or not, I think we all have to acknowledge that this is indeed a special moment in our country's history. Looking at the elections from a yogic perspective, my heart is glad because I see evidence of personal and spiritual growth at work. This kind of growth starts on an individual level and ripples out to affect families, communities, nations, and eventually the world.
The reasons that people chose to vote for Obama are many and varied, but I see a country wanting to turn away from war, from intolerance, and negativity as signs of a collective consciousness wanting to move toward peace and cooperation. And most striking, the people of the United States -- including the majority of white voters -- have decided that the best man for the job is a black man. Considering that in the not too distant past a black person in this country was denied basic human rights, this is indeed an astounding example of spiritual growth, of moving toward a more enlightened society. Not only did voters decide that he is the best man for the job, but they are truly excited by this man and his message of change and hope.
I am not naive -- President-elect Obama is facing a big mess and has a very difficult job to tackle. Not everyone is happy that he won, and not everything will go smoothly. But I feel joyful. We are making progress -- we've made history. We have grown and changed as individuals, and now as a country we are moving together on a new path -- a path that is united, inclusive -- not divisive. I am so proud of us!
Namaste!
Sandy Pradas