Everyday Conscious Living

dennis and kathy Lang
Your hosts: Kathy and Dennis Lang.
Contact them with your opinions at Dennis.Lang@PrudentialNetworkRealty.com

Voting Consciously

Our previous episode Conscious Eating and Dieting, covered the subject of our bodily health. In this episode, we talk about the health of our great American political system.

This year has proven to be a turbulent one when it comes to politics. No matter where you live, what your political positions are, your persuasion or belief system, you have been touched and affected by politics. We are at a time of major issues converging simultaneously and a presidential election in the midst of it all. This is an unprecedented time in our history. With all this, each one of us plays an important role.

As a citizen of this country, you have the privilege and right to vote. It is not mandatory, it carries no fines or penalty if you choose not to, by not voting it is in fact a vote lost. You loose your chance to influence the future and be part of one of the foundations of this country. It’s your choice, participate and express your input or don’t vote and take no responsibility. Don’t complain later if you do not take advantage of your right to vote.

In this episode, we consider voting as a key element in living consciously. Everyday the results of political action touch us. With every purchase we make, we pay a tax. With every step we take, each falls within boundaries defined by legislation. The food we eat is produced with government oversight, the car you drive, gas you purchase for it, and yes, even the air you breathe is influenced by politics… everyday, in everyway your life is bound or guided by politics. Even after your death, your estate may pay taxes. Everyday conscious living is about participating in life with truth to ourselves and awareness of our effect on those around us. The political process is an opportunity for conscious expression.

So what do we mean by voting consciously? It is easy to become lost in the forest of everyday life that we miss the trees. We loose ourselves in the everyday pressures or our lives. Voting consciously is about taking time in advance to really assess what is important and evaluate your positions on political issues, how your opinions and thoughts on the issues relate to the larger community and the world at large. It’s about being true to yourself and expressing it politically as part of the process for a better future for you and your family, the nation and the world.

Before going any further, let’s respond to your first concern. This episode is not biased and will not promote a particular party or political view. Consider this a template of how you can apply conscious thought and awareness to developing your own positions for your vote. Here are the key points we consider as we approach the election on November 4th.

  • First, prepare to participate. Look at your calendar and set aside the time to vote. If you will be away do it via an absentee ballet.
  • Be retrospective. Look back at the recent months and last four years. Are you feeling better or worse about your general well being? Were there events or actions (or lack of action) that you feel are important to you and your family?
  • Get real: Seriously. Get real with yourself and within yourself. Align the events and issues above with your true belief system. Uncouple from outside influences. For example, we all spend so much time at our professions that we can become lost within them. Has that influenced your perspective? If so, does it align with your personal beliefs?
  • Do a little research. Take the top five items that make up your key political issues list and do some “googling”. Check out, www.speakout.com , and click on the 20 questions for vote matching. See how the candidates are positioned on issues important to you. Look for direct comparisons of the candidates on the issues important to you.
  • Evaluate and be decisive. Step away from your past voting history. Develop a fresh outlook. It’s possible you were influenced by other factors, like your profession or your family. Situations change, the world changes and so do we… your past may not match up with your present. What if you vote purely based on your true beliefs. Decide in advance and let it gel. Confirm your position, but hold true to your beliefs.
  • Know that you count. Each one of us is a citizen of this country and this world. What we do has an effect on those around us. Both the electoral and popular voting methods are based on individual votes. You make a difference.
  • Vote for yourself, your family, your country and know it matters to the world and will affect the world.

To sum it up, voting consciously is about being a responsible citizen, family member and being true to you. Embrace it and be empowered by it… Vote!

Let us know if you have any thoughts you would like to share.

Summary

  1. Be retrospective. Look back at the recent months and last four years. Are you feeling better or worse about your general well being?
  2. Get real: Seriously. Align the events and issues above with your true belief system.
  3. Do a little research. Take to top five items that make up your key political issues list and do some "goggling"
  4. Step away from your past voting history. Situations change, the world changes and so do we...your past may not match up with your present.
  5. Know you count. You make a difference.
  6. Vote for yourself, your family, your country and know it matters to the world and will affect the world.

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