Purchased Power

      Perhaps it is the company I currently keep, or maybe it is truly where the climate of society is, regardless, I hear on a regular basis how upset and scared folks are about the political and social devolution we are apparently going through at the moment. From utter disbelief to straight up anger, I hear negativity exiting people's mouths on the daily.
      The negative cycle of emotions and the expression into the world has interested me, disturbed me, and startled me when I find myself in similar cycles, so I have really tried to dissect what it is all about in order to possibly find some medicine to help heal it. Ignoring the disgusting behavior we see isn't the answer, fighting it with violence feels alright for a while but serves to fuel it in the end, and acknowledging it in order to transform it ends up sucking the life force right from us.

Da Fuck?

      This is not to say that when we come together and create direct actions as collectives, we can't stop violence against the earth and people. That, to me, is a moment of expression that can be largely positive in its results, but truly teeters on the balance of everyone in the collective having the highest spiritual intentions to break the cycle that is directly in front of them. There are also those select opportunities when individually we are presented with the chance to open our hearts and singularly take on someone or something who is attempting to draw on existing negative cycles. These moments should be cherished and stepped into with all of your spirit.
      What I am talking about, however, is the day to day. When we are with the homies, the family, or just some rando on the train. When conversation descends to the basic levels of "the bullshit around us." Here is where, IMHO, we have a chance to do the most radical work in our lives. Self work. Because in the end, the work we do on ourselves defines the vibrations we express into the world. This is one of the basic tenets of Eastern Philosophy and Spirituality, as well as many under-appreciated Western schools of thought. Heal yourself, heal the world. Right, this is basic. But when we really look at it, how complex can it really become in our daily symphony of expression?
      First, step into the realm of modern Violent-Capitalism. Small groups of individuals who sit at the top of corporate pyramids derive their power from millions of unsuspecting consumers who make up the foundation of the pyramid. For instance, Tide detergent, one of many products sold by the parent company Procter and Gamble, which is a volatile and toxic substance and belongs nowhere near humans, animals, land or waterways. Yet, P&G, who netted over 80 billion dollars in 2014, doesn't need to care about any of that. The power comes from the money. Reason would say, however, that if folks didn't buy P&Gs products, they would no longer have the power to manipulate markets, force child labor in other countries, and pollute the entire earth.

Slash and Burn Palm Oil Production

      Set the same stage, the same players and props, but change the title from Violent-Capitalism to Patriarchal-Politics. Power is derived from the bottom, and in reality their power is derived from the masses buying into their products, whether that be ideas or tangible products since most politicians are major players in corporations like P&G. We allow hate-mongers and war-profiteers to become powerful even when we hate them. Love is as empowering as hate, so choose your tool.
      I know this becomes abstract in thought, but in action it really does become crystal clear. The next time the feeling arrises to say something hateful about a far away fool, remember how useless it is to spend your energy that way. Breath through it, and let it go. The big scary monster that has got you all worked up may just melt away in front of your eyes. We truly can redefine the world through love, and it will most definitely be a hard road, but that's the point! We are the ones who can handle it, so we chose it.
      Please don't misinterpret what i've said for being complacent and just letting fools have free reign. Let me be very clear. To take power away from those who cannot handle it, we must stop giving them power. Figure out piece by piece how to decolonize your life, and when you've stopped buying their products, their ideas, and falling into their traps again and again, maybe then we can call ourselves free.