With another killing by federal agents in Minneapolis over the weekend, this time of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, I am horrified. “How can this happen in my country?” I ask.
At the same time, I realize that the authoritarian playbook has been unfolding over the past 12 months, and killings like this predictably occur under authoritarianism. I just didn’t think it would get this bad this quickly. My bad. My naivete.
It’s long past time to mobilize – with contemplation.
“What?!” you might ask. “With contemplation?! We need something a lot stronger than navel-gazing! This has gone way too far to waste time on contemplation! We need action, and now!”
Yes, with contemplation. Like oil and water, authoritarianism and contemplation don’t mix. Contemplation is a sure-fire way to undo authoritarianism.
Authoritarianism depends on blindness. An authoritarian regime relies on its citizens turning a blind eye toward its abuses. It relies on people believing its lies, not holding it accountable, considering it to be above the law.
Contemplation, on the other hand, opens eyes. As we get still, like the silt settling in a glass of river water, the stirred-up impressions within us settle, and we see clearly. We can separate truth from lies.
Authoritarianism depends on fear. An authoritarian regime intimidates people into submission. It perpetuates atrocities in front of its citizens, so that they live in fear of the same thing happening to them.
Contemplation, on the other hand, opens hearts and thus diminishes fear. In biblical language, “Perfect love casts out fear.” Contemplation allows us to experience the deep love at the center of the universe, and thus strengthens us to stand in love ourselves.
Authoritarianism fears groundedness and connection. An authoritarian regime relies on de-stabilizing people, disrupting their healthy nervous systems, and isolating them from one another. It fears people who are deeply grounded and immovable. It fears people who are connected to one another, who stand strong in community.
The contemplative approach provides groundedness and connection. Contemplation grounds us deeply in truth and love. It connects us, through empathy and compassion, with our sisters and brothers. We experience communal groundedness and together, live out of love.
Oil and water. Authoritarianism and contemplation don’t mix. Contemplation undoes authoritarianism by grounding us in love, both personally and collectively, and moving us to action.
Executive Soul Blog 