With the level of intense polarization in the political arena these days, it sometimes seems like the world has gone mad.
As the politeness of political correctness is set aside, raw reactivity is showing up in greater force than before, and the forces of “measured reason” are not able to maintain control any more. Neither side seems to understand the other very much. It’s not pretty.
Meanwhile, if you are trying to find your ideal place in the world through purposeful work, it is crucial to recognize that this external split reflects the polarization that is pressuring you from within. As you heal the fears and beliefs that have kept you small and safe, are you noticing the liberation of feelings that have been repressed for a long time?
If you find yourself judging public displays of reactivity, instead of simply recognizing them for what they are, it’s a good indicator that you are judgmental of your own instinctual reactivity.
Trying to drive these polarizing feelings underground causes them to pop out of the subconscious at inconvenient times. We see this played out over and over again on the world stage as well as within us. What’s needed instead is compassion and a depth of understanding about this form of expression.
Reclaiming this primal life force is mission critical if you are to succeed at the purpose that calls you, and if we are to succeed at creating a world that works for everyone. We need all of our inner resources to accomplish the tasks in front of us! And, integrating this side into the whole truth of who you are, rather than letting it act out unconsciously, is equally necessary to be an effective agent of change.
The first step in integrating these primal energies is to remember that they are motivated by survival drives to avoid pain, since pain is potentially life threatening to an organism. In particular, emotional reactions are the psyche’s way of avoiding the pain of old wounds such as feeling inadequate or unlovable. From this perspective, it’s easier to have compassion for your and others’ reactive behavior.
The next step is to look for the gold in the rough. What is the upside of these irrational energies? How might they serve you in fulfilling your mission when they can be integrated into the whole?
I’m remembering one of my favorite original Star Trek episodes, where Captain Kirk was split into “good Kirk” and “evil Kirk.” The crew discovered that when the captain lost his more primitive side, he lost his strength and street-smart wisdom. Kirk could not be effective until he was able to integrate both sides of himself again.
What powerful parts of yourself have you polarized against and lost in an attempt to be politically and spiritually correct? I’m very curious to hear your thoughts on this theme!
