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A group of people standing on a hill at sunset with their hands raised in unity

Healing the Political Divide Through Unity and Conscious Awareness

 

By: Glenn Workman, Director of Life Temple

In these times of political polarization, unity may feel like a distant goal. The United States, like much of the world, is grappling with deep divisions over issues that range from economics and healthcare to civil rights and the environment. With the upcoming election, these rifts seem to grow wider. Yet, at Life Temple, we believe there is another way forward—one that is not based solely on the political system, but on a deeper, spiritual foundation rooted in unity and conscious awareness.

The Impact of Political Division

It’s no secret that our society feels more divided than ever. Whether it’s through the news, social media, or personal interactions, it seems nearly impossible to escape the constant reinforcement of these divisions. But why is this happening? Why do we find ourselves unable to have respectful conversations with people who hold different views? Are these divisions natural, or could something more deliberate be at play?

Consider how media outlets, which ideally should provide balanced and unbiased reporting, often present issues in ways that ignite emotional reactions. While it’s natural for different sources to have their own perspectives, why do many seem to focus on amplifying divisions rather than fostering understanding? Could it be that the information we consume daily is shaping not only how we think, but also how we feel about those with differing views?

We might also ask ourselves why the political system often appears disconnected from the will of the people. Despite overwhelming public opinion on certain issues, why do elected representatives sometimes act in ways that seem out of step with their constituents? Is it possible that there are forces behind the scenes—sometimes called “the deep state” or simply “influential interests”—that are steering decisions in ways that go beyond the political parties we see? And if so, what does this mean for the future of our democracy?

A group of people of different races and cultures locking hands for unity

Life Temple’s Spiritual Perspective on Unity

At Life Temple, we believe that the spiritual principle of Unity offers a path through these divisions. While political and ideological differences are natural, we are all part of a shared human experience. Science and spiritual traditions alike remind us that we are interconnected at a fundamental level. So, how do we reconcile this truth with the deep divides we see in our society today?

Unity doesn’t mean that we all must agree on everything; rather, it’s about recognizing our shared humanity beneath the surface differences. Could it be that the labels we place on ourselves—liberal, conservative, progressive, libertarian—are less important than the desire for peace, justice, and well-being that exists within each of us? And if this is true, how might we begin to focus more on what unites us rather than on what separates us?

We are all connected by something far deeper than politics—what we at Life Temple call “the Source.” This boundless energy flows through all creation, linking us in ways that transcend any ideology. By reconnecting with the Source, we begin to understand that our divisions are often superficial. Unity is not about uniformity, but about understanding that beneath our political, social, and cultural identities, we are all part of the same human family.

The Role of Conscious Awareness in Healing

In healing political divisions, conscious awareness is an essential practice. This involves being fully present in the moment, mindful of our thoughts, actions, and reactions. In today’s world, however, cultivating this awareness can feel increasingly difficult. We are constantly bombarded by information designed to provoke emotional responses. But have we paused to ask ourselves: Is the information we consume helping us understand the world more clearly, or is it deepening the divide between “us” and “them”?

For example, many have observed that social media platforms, once celebrated as venues for free expression, are increasingly limiting the range of permissible ideas. Censorship, moderation, and algorithmic filtering have narrowed the conversations we’re allowed to have. Is this a necessary measure to protect the public, or are we losing the ability to discuss important issues freely and openly? How does this affect our capacity to engage with those who think differently?

It’s also worth considering how advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are being used to shape public opinion. We know that these tools are applied to keep us engaged, often by playing to our emotions. But could it be that these same tools are deepening the divisions we face, reinforcing our biases and making it harder to find common ground?

Moving Beyond Political Labels

One of the most effective ways to foster unity is to move beyond political labels. These labels—while useful for identifying ideological leanings—often limit our understanding of one another. When we define people solely by their political affiliation, we risk reducing them to a single dimension. But humans are far more complex than that.

At Life Temple, we encourage seeing others not as political opponents or adversaries, but as fellow travelers on the journey of life. Ask yourself: Does categorizing someone by their political beliefs help you understand them, or does it create barriers? When we let go of the need to label others, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding. We realize that, at our core, we all share similar desires for peace, security, and happiness.

Cultivating Unity Through Spiritual Practice

How, then, can we begin to heal the deep divisions in our society? At Life Temple, we believe that spiritual practice is a key element in this process. Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and prayer help us reconnect with our deeper selves and cultivate a sense of peace and stability. This inner peace becomes the foundation from which we engage with others—grounded, compassionate, and free from reactivity.

Imagine approaching political conversations not from a place of defensiveness, but from a place of curiosity and openness. What if, instead of immediately reacting to opposing views, we paused to ask questions and truly listened? This shift can create a powerful change in our relationships, helping us find common ground even in disagreement.

At Life Temple, we also emphasize the importance of gathering together in community. These gatherings allow people from diverse backgrounds to come together in a spirit of unity and shared purpose. By focusing on our common humanity, we can transcend our differences and work toward a collective good.

Moving Forward: Unity in Action

As the upcoming election approaches, we are faced with a choice: Will we allow ourselves to be divided by forces that profit from our disunity, or will we choose a different path—one rooted in conscious awareness and unity? The challenges we face are complex, but the solution may lie not in changing others, but in transforming ourselves.

Through spiritual practice and thoughtful reflection, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace that transcends politics. We can engage in conversations that are grounded in empathy and openness, rather than fear and anger. By doing so, we contribute to a future where unity, compassion, and conscious awareness guide our actions and decisions.

Perhaps the real question is: Are we ready to take that first step?

Glenn Workman, Director of Life Temple

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