Time to Wash Our Souls and Minds

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."

Gandhi (1869 - 1948)


This was true during Gandhi's lifetime, but unfortunately, the ocean, and humanity, has become terribly polluted since then. Just as we are overwhelming the ocean's ability to heal herself, to clean out that which pollutes her waters, so has the ocean of humanity become polluted by fear and hatred, separatism and partisanship. Our ability to cause harm to others has increased tremendously with the development of technology. Modern weapons kill and maim thousands and millions at one shot; modern communications spread ill-will and negative messages instantaneously; modern methods of production and rampant consumerism create an unlivable world and poisonous air. And as we destroy the planet, we destroy ourselves - our ability to feel compassion for other people, our ability to accept the value of each person in this world, our responsibility for the happiness of others have all shriveled up and blown away in a toxic wind.

It has become fashionable to "think green," to be environmentally sensitive, to recycle and reuse and reduce our carbon footprint. But when will it become fashionable to value other people as we do ourselves? When will we be capable of respecting others simply because they share over 99% of our DNA (which is every other human being on this planet!)? When will we cease thinking only of what makes us feel better or live longer or be happier?

If we care enough to correct the damage which we have done to this planet, then we must also begin to care enough to cherish each other as the precious, valuable beings which each one of us is, by the fact of being born human. We must clean out our minds and souls, and refuse to think bad thoughts, to look for the worst in other people, to accuse and defame and abuse each other. It is past time for us to end our fear-based, defensive value system, and to walk in the Light of acceptance and joy and - yes - love.

What we believe becomes real, as has been proven time and again. We have to stop believing the negativity, stop seeking a scapegoat, stop indulging our cowardice and face the Light. This world will only be a safe, nurturing, protective home when we refuse to allow negativity a place in our lives and in our minds. It is difficult to find the courage to live a positive life when all of our elected officials seem focused exclusively on accomplishing their own agendas, consolidating their own power and wealth, and destroying their opponents; when every media outlet focuses on the sensational and gory, ignoring the good things in the world; when celebrities glorify over-consumption and status, making everyone who lives outside of their elite circle feel inferior. We must refuse to allow these influences a place in our minds and our psyches, and be the strong, positive people we were born to be. It's time for us to be the change we need in this world.

Gandhi has set a standard for all of us to meet - let's take up the challenge and succeed in cleaning up the world, and our souls.

"I will not let anyone walk through my mind with dirty feet."

Gandhi (1869 - 1948)