There's So Much More To Life Than This Election - Part 3

If you agree there's so much more to life than this election, congrats. Just realize that, more and more, it seems we're in a minority. Witness the reactions to the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

On the one hand, those who idolized her, even made her a kind of cult figure, plunged into a pit of miserable woe and uncontrolled anger. Worse, some reacted in a completely unhinged manner by literally condemning the poor woman for having died before 2021. I won't relay some of the remarks and videos I've seen. Just know they're disturbing.

Then there were the creepy, vulgar remarks from those who, apparently, hated the woman. You would think they could temper their views of her judicial decisions by the simple fact that she died. How anyone brings themselves to curse the dead - right after they've died - is beyond comprehension. But many did.

I simply recalled her friendship with the late justice Antonin Scalia. Occupying extremes on the judicial spectrum, the two remained fast friends. I know folks who just couldn't understand this. How could these two overcome their differences, given how extreme were those differences, and enjoy each others' company? The idea that either could appreciate the other simply as a human being obviously doesn't penetrate thick skulls and hard hearts of those totally entrenched in their politics, allowing this restrict and rule their relationships with others.

Now that both Scalia and Ginsberg are gone. I wonder whether each might have hoped their relationship could serve as a great example for all of us, no matter our political views. Sadly, it won't. I'm not saying it likely won't. I'm saying it won't. And I don't think I'm being cynical here - just facing reality.

So we return to our theme with some thoughts and suggestions that focus on our spiritual life. Last time, concluding our suggestions regarding the importance of working on emotional stability, we left off this way:

...with reference to the upcoming election, you'll find that emotional stability will be your greatest ally if, like me, you refuse to get sucked into the drama ginned up by both sides.

The death of Justice Ginsberg has - again sadly - reinforced our point.

If you can agree that emotional stability will prove critical, you may also see the logic that a strong spiritual life can play a role here - maybe even a more important role than emotional stability.

Why more important? First of all, if you believe in God, particularly God as understood and taught by Christians and Jews, a spiritual life comes with that belief. This isn't to say that everyone who professes belief in God has a robust spiritual life; but it implies they should.

If God is in some way a Person as taught by most Christian and Jewish sects, then we should have a personal relationship with God. This forms the base of our spiritual life. That foundation can serve as the basic building block of a relationship that grows wider and deeper as we trudge through our daily life. For that to happen, we have to dedicate time and effort to our spiritual life. 

As for those who don't believe in God as understood by Christians and Jews, or perhaps don't even believe in God at all, apparently many such folks still seek what they refer to as "spirituality." I'm not sure what exactly this means. I'll just take their word that it's important to them. 

Whatever camp you fall in, we're not going to get into the particulars here. Just know that a strong spiritual life will support and reinforce that emotional stability we will all need as we get closer to the election. If you understand the importance of some sort of spiritual life, then take that interest and learn how to build it, strengthen it.

Again, the death of Justice Ginsberg illustrates this. Those who have become unhinged at Ginsberg's death will likely snap before, during, and after the election.

Which brings us to a conclusion - for now - of this effort to emphasize that there's much more to life than this election. In concluding, we've seen that the "so much more" will be critical as the election approaches, and beyond. Too many Americans - polarized as we are - do not separate their political views from their personal relationships. The result will likely be a tsunami of protests, riots, looting and violence surrounding the national election. I hope I'm wrong, but am not unduly relying on that hope. 

Hence our suggestion to prepare by bolstering your health and fitness, your mental and emotional life, and, most important of all, your spiritual life. These will serve as the ballast to keep you steady in the face of what's likely coming.