Charm, Power and the Human Heart

Dear Old Lady on NPR,


This morning as the day opened up before me, your voice crackled into my cottage. You were at a diner having breakfast with your old lady friends when a charismatic NPR reporter handed you a microphone. 


Two years ago he asked you, "How do you feel about Obama?" You were optimistic, and perhaps even as enamored with his charm as I was. Swept off your Aerosoles. 


I remember how I felt two years ago. I hope people don't expect a dozen miracles a day from this man. He is one man. We have a whole Congress, a whole complicated and complex system, a huge web that influences what happens in the political and economic landscape. It's ignorant to perceive the bulk of the power, and place the bulk of pressure, in his hands. 


We are here to awaken. And when we "go to sleep" and expect people in influential positions to "make things good" for us, we choose not to play an active role in shaping our world. And in that very moment, our world ceases to meet our deepest needs, because we are made of Source, God, Love, goodness... and we get to create what we want. To deny this gift is a tragedy. 


As you well know, Obama is criticized by every corner of the political map these days. Some of it makes sense to me because we put our faith in leaders and when they aren't able to live up to what they said, or to our expectations, we naturally feel disappointed. 


But all the rational claims and criticisms in the world, however fact based, will never outweigh the power of the human heart. And in my heart, I know Obama is an exquisitely beautiful soul with noble intentions and tremendous courage. 


In moments of fear, sadly, humans tend to blame. We don't see the power to create inside of ourselves, so we project the power elsewhere. But you didn't seem to do that as your elder-wisdom permeated my morning air. You still believe in Obama. You see his heart, and you see that he is a loving human being. Your eighty years have polished you with the sheen of forgiveness, of leaning into light. Of choosing to see the good in people.


You stand for that. Thank you for seeing with forgiving eyes. 


Jessica