I’ve addressed the issue of spirituality and politics before but, given the current state of things in the U.S.—particularly the opposition to racist police violence being met (ironically) with racist police violence—it’s worth examining again.
We’re in the midst of the Transformation, the long-awaited shift in consciousness that will eventually take our souls to a higher level of being. Unfortunately, it’s not going to happen overnight. And not without considerable resistance from less spiritually advanced souls.
Spirituality and politics are inseparable
If it hadn’t been for spiritually conscious older souls taking action, we’d never have had the Civil Rights movement of the 60s. “Change and progress,” as Noam Chomsky once said, “are very rarely gifts from above. They come out of struggles from below.”
But to be a spiritual person means more than just following a meditation practice or doing yoga. Such activities are important, and especially so during times of unrest, but they’re a means to an end, not the end itself.
Being a spiritual person means you are expressing old-soul values through actions and words all of the time, not just during times of crisis. True spirituality is about doing the work to ensure that everyone is treated equally, which is why spirituality and politics are inseparable.
From a spiritual perspective, we’re all one
When one of us is victimized by racism and violence, we’re all victimized. In the U.S., we’ve become accustomed to a system that is deeply un-spiritual. Racism and inequality are institutionalized and have always been a feature of life in this country. It makes it hard to recognize how truly dysfunctional the country is when it’s been this way since its inception.
Slavery wasn’t abolished in 1865 without the efforts of spiritually active older souls who stood up against it. Significantly, many of those who put their freedom and lives on the line didn’t have to. More than 150 years later, we’re still fighting for equality for Black people, with devastating consequences for many on the front lines. It can feel demoralizing when trying to overturn the deep systemic racism this country was founded on. But as the great Angela Davis once said, “Sometimes we have to do the work even though we don’t yet see a glimmer on the horizon that it’s actually going to be possible.”
Being spiritual is an active, not a passive pursuit
It’s a sign of spiritual maturity to stand up for the rights of others, even when you’re not directly affected by the injustices yourself; perhaps especially so. If you identify as a spiritual old soul, I implore you to use your talents and available means to contribute towards the Transformation.
Not every one of us is able to take to the streets to protest. But we can all play a part in creating a better world for those who are marginalized, brutalized, and abused by a system that’s deliberately designed to keep them down. If you’re wondering what you can do to contribute towards equality for all, there are plenty of examples all over social media and the internet to help.
Choose to be on the right side of history
An iconic poster from England during World War 1 showed a child shaming her father by asking the question, “What did you do in the war, Daddy?”
I ask you to ponder how you might answer the following question some years from now: “What did you do to help usher in the Transformation?” Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
I find myself agonizing about this, wondering what I can do that will help, while allowing for my rather introverted tendencies … Ainslie I recently came across an old post of yours, I think from 2016, where you hinted at something you planned to do “in the coming weeks,” perhaps at an old soul organizational level (?) to address this. Is that happening, or do we each need to come up with our own solutions?
Follow your nudges and do what you can. There is no one solution, but each little action step you take creates a ripple effect.
Thank you, Anislie, for this thoughtful and insightful post. The events of the past few weeks have awoken in me a new perspective…I had no idea the depth and breadth of racism in our country. You are absolutely correct that being spiritual is an active, not a passive pursuit. I have committed to make more of an effort to voice my opinion on the injustice of the treatment of black people, and to be more active and do what I can to ensure equality for all.
I pray we continue to ride this wave of enlightenment. Thank you for your loving guidance, you bring light to the world!
Thank you, Michele. It is both a challenging and illuminating time.
It’s strange because American slavery has been on my mind constantly for months. I am white & not even from USA but I have been thinking of people back then – how did those black people coped? How did the white people not know what they were doing was wrong? I was never taught anything about African American slavery in school & when I left in the 90’s I was probably under the impression USA was one of the least racist countries due to popular TV / Singers / Sports stars etc. I don’t know how you move on from such atrocities- with the genocide of the Jews it was one mad man that instigated it all – with American slavery it was lots of people – this is what makes it so hard for me to understand. I also feel somewhat sorry for the souls of those who participated- can u imagine when they met the lord & they were standing next to a black person thinking ‘they would get let into the afterlife no problem especially standing next to a black person who has never read the bible as they can’t read’ what torment awaited that persons soul when they are given the full picture of how cruel and wrong they were. How they would beg that black person standing next to them for forgiveness. I don’t know how you make amends for something like this but it should be taught in our kids schools and there should be memorials all over USA for what happened. Never should we forget and never should we be ignorant!
Education is key in making change.
Good morning, I have a burning question. Firstly, I am an Empath who has been awakening for some time since age 17 from an NDE. My spouse says Africans owned servants and slavery was actually in Africa before slaves were brought to America. Can you please explain?
The history of slavery goes back hundreds of years and involves many countries. In my opinion, everyone – especially white people – should know the history, because we sure weren’t taught the truth in school. The U.S. is not the only country guilty of the atrocity, but it’s on the front lines right now because of the much needed uprisings.
I am so grateful that this Transformation is happening. My adult children are very passionate about standing up for the rights of others, and I couldn’t be more proud. I have always felt a bit helpless about the situation of the abuse that the black community have historically faced. I’ll never forget the trial of the abusers of Rodney King. I completely supported Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem to nonviolently protest police brutality against his fellow brothers. I have so much hope now. Thank God.
Thank you JoAnn!
Dear Ainslie,
Thank you for being brave enough to share your views. I come from a home of younger souls and it’s hard for me to express how defeated I feel in this transformation. I read your book “The Old Soul’s Guide Book” and I’ve been thinking about it frequently throughout these life changing events. One thing that stood out to me was your excerpts on the “transformer” souls, and how these people are willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. To me, this has always seemed like an obvious thing to do, or a gut instinct of mine to describe it better. I’m a small part of the big picture but that doesn’t mean I cant have a big impact. But I find my views don’t align with others and it’s made me feel isolated, to say the least. I’m trying to find the balance on discussing these topics with younger souls in hopes of showing them another alternative in life but at the moment I just feel sad and angry. How can do many people be so blind and full of hate? And how can I guide those in the direction of love and self discovery?
Thank you again for your article. I know these things take time. I hope I have an impact on others to bring them along on this journey and be on right side of history.
Best,
Allison
Thank you Allison. Just keep doing your best!
I keep doing what I always did, love my neighbor as myself. Go out of my way to be an outward sign and symbol of love to everyone I meet and in everything I do.. intentionally and on purpose.
Thank you Kelly
I was born in the late 50’s where racism continued to be “live and well.” Despite that, from an early age I was very uncomfortable with racism and kept wondering why it existed, why hadn’t things changed? I’ll admit while appalled, I mostly sat back and watched, hoped others would do something, I didn’t believe I had the ability to make or contribute to change.
But here it is, decades later and from my perspective not much has changed AT ALL, and I’ve had enough!!! I’m jumping out of my “easy chair” and hoping to roll up my sleeves and help facilitate change once and for all!!
I am not tolerating racism in any form, I do not care from where it comes! I will no longer clench my teeth but remain closed-mouth!
Therefore, as a start, I am actively:
• Unfriending racist people on social media and telling them why first;
• Calling people out on their racist remarks;
• Signing petions.
In essence, taking ACTION as best I can based on my logistics, etc. I am living in a predominantly white, very small town, but soon will be moving back from whence we came, where there will be much more opportunities to become physically involved with grass roots organizations whose focus is on eliminating racism, poverty, inequalities.
Maybe small steps, but forward steps indeed! I am excited to be part of the movement!!
Thank you Peggy!
So far I’ve been working hard at raising my overall vibration and sharing positive energy. I’ve been speaking truth to everyone I can because I feel it’s too important to speak up rather than be quiet just to avoid discomfort. I’m an old liberal soul in a hot red state so it’s a challenge to speak my mind here. I want to do so much more but have not figured out what that looks like yet.
Thank you Michelle!
Ainslie,
What you’ve written here is just what I’ve been telling people. I was raised by old soul parents who were activists. I don’t remember talking about it at home, but I do remember they showed my brothers and I through their actions. They were very active at the beginning of the civil rights movement in the late 50’s/early 60’s with the de-segregation of the schools in Houston, TX. We often woke up to TP in our trees, eggs on our house and n***er lover written on our sidewalk. I had a black friend my age. I could go to her house to play, but she could never come to mine. I also had a Jewish friend who got very upset when a classmate told me she couldn’t play with me if “she” was there. I remember being so confused.
Over the years I’ve walked, boycotted, rallied, you name it and I still do at the age of 67, but also send money to those organizations that help. When a friend asks why don’t people get it, I explain the difference between old souls and young souls. Most then look at me kind of funny, but that’s OK. They get it on a soul level and do what they can to help the cause.
It’s so wonderful to see so many young people out there protesting. My 30+yr. old children are old souls and so are my grand children. It gives me hope for a better future.
Thank you for all you do.
~Stephanie
Thank you Stephanie!
I finally launched my spiritual weekly vlog January 1, after being so guided (including by my session with YOU) for quite a while. I ask my soul/guides nightly about focusing on how we can grow in love and put it out into the world (though my vlog reach is tiny thus far). But big focus on living with love and non-judgment every day, BEING love, balance, and encouragement for equality as much as possible. Signing petitions and writing to politicians when a group I belong to emails the tools to do so.
Thank you Kathy!
June 12, 2020
Dear Mr. Ainslie MacLeod,
Your intentions are noble. However, I am not a resident of the United States. Canada is where I live. I did live in California for many years when married to a New Yorker. We also have some racist police officers in Canada, and have had (a few mostly peaceful) demonstrations in solidarity with what has recently happened in Minneapolis. Having said that I do not think your seminar may truly apply to me.
I am curious, what do you mean by old souls? Those who are wiser than most? Those whose experiences in their lives lead them to be conscientious people who are activists for their cause? I would appreciate an answer before I completely rule out the possibility of participating further in what you have to offer.
Sincerely,
Mary-Ann
Thank you for not shrinking from the subject of politics, Ainslie. The elephant in the room must be addressed in a way that old souls can relate to. We need to talk about this! Thank you for all you do! It means so much!
Thank you Kathleen, I agree!
I’m focused on being more aware of, and speaking and writing about, abuses of power
Thank you Jan!
Whenever I am a witness to insensitive words being spoken in which groups of people are being marginalized, I have responded to family members, acquaintances and even strangers with an immediate and firm rebuke. Although it’s uncomfortable and sometimes scary (depending on the situation) to do this, I must. It’s not an option for me to be silent.
Well done, Lori!
I was moved to near tears reading this. I’m not black but I am a person of color. I’ve always stood up for black people, since I was a little girl in 1st grade learning about Martin Luther King for the first time. My family & our particular culture is super racist against blacks. It angers me when I see certain family members post racist things online about how they’re against the black lives matter movement. That’s just incredibly ignorant, short-sighted, & selfish.
Thank you Kalee!
Thank you for this perspective. I dream of a world that lives in unity consciousness, where all of humanity is at peace, in harmony and treated as One. Where I struggle is the perspective of “negative” energy going into the movement toward that dream. What I mean is the use of, “protest, oppose, fight, battle.” To me, while I believe in most circumstances, these words are said with the intention of working for good, I see them as a continuation of adversarial and divisive action. So, instead, I propose that in doing this work to bridge this abyss of deplorable treatment and behavior within humanity, let’s use phrases and words such as, “rally for…”, “work toward…”, and so on. I know we have to be uncomfortable in order to work through and make sustainable change for the greater good, but I choose to look at it as pulling across the chasm instead of pushing against the wave. Thank you – and look forward to today’s webinar too.
Thank you Julie!
Thank you for sharing this, Ainslie. I actually came to your blog specifically looking for your take on what’s happening in America with the cry for freedom, justice, and dignity. It breaks my heart to see so many people in spiritual circles refuse to stand guard for others – spiritually is not a solo game. Thank you for challenging us – especially those holding old soul values – to do the work.
Thank you Sakeenah!
The first thing that comes to mind is guns: they should not be permitted! They make this country very dangerous. And yes I believe that Love is the answer for solving a lot of problems, and this world is beautiful because is made by so many different people. Unfortunately with trump (he does not deserve a capital letter!) as President the changes are all for the worse. I read today that he approved cancellation of health coverage for transgenders. How sad!
I fear that the all world though is in Crisis and we need a lot of patience and try to do what we can to fight for the right things.
Sorry I could not attend your Seminary yesterday. I am reading your books and little by little I will find out what my mission is.
Thank you Ainslie!
Thank you for working to make a positive difference!
Ainslie, like so many others, the first time I read The Instruction, the world snapped into focus for me. You gave me the words to explain why people respond in ways that had previously befuddled and deeply saddened me. The wisdom you shared also set my life’s work in motion, leading to the mission-focused work I’m doing right now to help humans simplify emotional intelligence leadership development. I believe emotional intelligence leadership of ourselves and how we interact with others is a big part of the answer for guiding others through the transformation. It’s time to re-imagine our inner and outer worlds. Thanks to you and your ongoing work, more souls are being called to action. So grateful to you and Christine for being on the planet with me this time around. Warmly, c
I’m delighted to hear, Cheryl – thank you.
We’re grateful too, Cheryl!