We are not spiritual beings simply because we read about spirituality, no more than we are cobblers because we like shoes. Embracing a spiritual life is one of the best things that we can do for society and for ourselves. Treating others compassionately and without judgment, begins with self and should be all of our goals when bridging the path to enlightenment.

Our view of the world as a meaningful place is expressed in our ability to find acceptance in all that is around us, even the sorrows and despair. We are a sum of our experiences and as authentic as our intent and understanding.
Being of good nature and having a strong belief will not shield us from pain in our lives. We can not live a life of bliss simply because we adopt doctrines of peace. Our spiritual practice will not protect us from the intricate perfection of nature's mortal imperfection. We can not use our belief systems as means to avoid, disavow or mask that which we are not comfortable with. We must embrace all that we encounter in our lives as messages of enlightenment and opportunity for growth.

It's much easier to lay "righteous" claim to something when the majority of people laying claim look alike and reap the most benefits of that claim. No one except the ancestors of slaves wants to deal with slavery and what it means; how that legacy has affected people today. When you build a country on the backs of humans and then claim that you are the greatest country in the world that puts you in a slightly different cast than just another nation that has conquered a territory. 

The argument that the conquering of nations results in suffering seems reasonable if you're the victor. Had what’s been done to others, been done to the colonists, the U.S. would be in even greater debt, due to the reparations that would still be paid for European-American suffering.  Socialism would not be confused with communism, and universal healthcare would be the norm.

Sometimes you have to dig really deep to learn truth and even then truth can be considered unnecessary and burdensome if it shows the ruling class in a bad light. If we believed everything that we were taught in basic American history classes, we'd think that all Europeans are geniuses, the pilgrims were kind and that the Natives should have been more accommodating.

In this turbulent time we are living in I have found myself less spiritual and a lot more cranky.  I realize this isn't a healthy way to live.  So I asked myself How does one find peace during a time of chaos?

The first step is the acknowledgement and acceptance that it is missing from your life.  Too often chaos, anxiety along with constant activities become such a normal part of our lives that we don’t realize the harm they are doing.  The next step is to reassess our values, our desires. Being aware of what we need versus what we want.  Determining the things that are a necessity in our lives from those that are just desires based on a competitive lifestyle or superficial and fleeting fulfillment that is not lasting and will ultimately lead to more stress and less peace.

Finding peace shouldn’t be stressful.  Peace like happiness can seem out of reach. But if we just take a step back, take a breath and release we can begin to feel different and therefore see ourselves differently.  I find peace when I recognize that the only person pressuring me is me. I can let go of unrealistic goals and strive to live my life daily based on needs and less wants.