2020 has proven to be the year of trUthful unveiling. My mama use to say “what goes on in the dark, eventually comes to the light”. As such, it has exposed our past and present deeds (high and low vibrational) revealing who we really are and our deepest fears. The state of अविद्या (Avidyā) – – to “not know, not perceive, not see, not understand” – – can’t be sustained under such intense scrutiny. Everything we thought we knew is undergoing an authentic review even if we never admit it publicly or consciously. Even if you are not spiritual, your current awakening after confronting the abyss will forever change your perspective on self, others and your place in the world. We are not invincible. We are not separate from our fellow man. Our actions have consequences. This is trUth!

Many people once believed everything they heard without an investigation, critique or an  internal assessment (listening to their INNER-knowing which some believe has “perfect vision”). They even deliberately rationalized what they saw or knew to sustain their state of unconsciousness. That’s why some of the recent scandals and hearsay is still kind of hard to believe. But what If …..

the unbelievable stories were trUe and the seemingly factual were false …. all verifiable and supported by data, video, audio tape, texts and receipts?

Perhaps this will lead to a kind of humbling fall from grace to a place where we are now receptive for divine, intuitive instruction. This gift from the universe might give us the insight to do what we were put here to do (destiny) representing the best of the human spirit. The new sound of democracy is screaming to be heard. We think we know what it looks like but it could be reimagined a-Nu with a sound that rearranges molecular structure going towards something you never ever heard or experienced before. This new creative energy may display a kind of recklessness pushing us forward without knowing the final outcome. But, a Nu Amẹríkà awaits between the beats. My heart’s eyes and ears are now open to the loving sound and wisdom of this universal voice.

The first presidential debate happened between 45 and former vice president Joseph Biden. To say that it was a disaster is an understatement. For a presidential debate, it was very “unpresidential” with 45 resorting to constant interruptions, gas lighting, bullying and sending an affirmative message to the “Proud Boys” (code name for a white supremacist group) telling them to “stand down” and “stand by”. Biden was not as outrageous but he still did his own version of fighting back telling 45 to “shut up” and calling him a “clown”. This exchange was both entertaining and heart breaking at the same time. If it had been a reality show on Bravo, I would have enjoyed it thoroughly without the residual guilt. The fact that one of these two men will rule this country, however, left me feeling shameful for being amused at all. No matter who started the fight, when you go low to meet an opponent, especially one with narcissistic tendencies, you often diminish your own “crown” and lose moral high ground as well. In reality, this debate represented the underlying conflict residing in the consciousness of the American psyche since its formation – – an authentic “unveiling” of our country’s long struggle with race, classism and the propensity to resort to tribal tactics for power. Previous presidential candidates were able to mask their real feelings for the sake of civility but not in 2020. 

I am not going to judge their actions too harshly now because in one sense I feel relieved to see everything “unveiled” and out in the open. Some Americans typically expect our political figures to be appear perfect and collegial at all times which is not authentic – – and definitely not consistent with the character of 45. This presidential debate, however, revealed the shadow side of America – – conflicted, divided and narcissistic. Europeans have often referred to “US” as “the ugly Americans” based upon a book with a similar name describing how some American’s behavior (arrogance) is viewed abroad. To remain in a state of  अविद्या (Avidyā) – – “not knowing, not perceiving, not seeing, not understanding” – – is what got us here in the first place. But once clarity and perspective is gained, it is assumed that one then has the ability to make better choices in one’s own best interest and for the sake of the country. How can this ever be wrong? It is from this position that a more perfect union could be reimagined fueled by a spiritual rebirth – – call it “Nu Amẹríkà“ – – forcing “US” closer to the grandest ideals and trUth held within a democratic society.

This Nu Amẹríkà could emerge soon born from conflict, ignorance, hate and love into a distinctly new creation. In spite of the recent political debate, I am hopeful dreaming of a society with more promise and uniquely “US” similar to the musical genius of jazz. Our country could reflect a chemically infectious Nu sound mixing different instrumental components forcing “US” to improvise possibilities in the moment – –  not static but with fluid movement – – and creating a different outlook not stuck on what was but what could be. It would be so cool to reinvent this country using our collective pain and love to catapult a world filled with new options. It basically comes down to building upon the lessons from our collective past and bridging the gap between love/grace and fear/hate. We can either look into the abyss and stay down or go up to a higher energetic frequency. Today, I cast my vote for embracing this Nu Amẹríkàn vision with its infectious rhythm radiating the love and empathy for humanity still residing somewhere deep within our hearts and soul.

We are unofficially at war in 2020 – – a horrendous political, psychological and cultural struggle tugging at the foundation of the United States of America. The different stakeholders in the struggle have expressed diverse views “unveiling” the hidden polarization within our society. To reiterate or debate these views is not my purpose today in spite of the ambiguity related to the upcoming presidential election and the expectation for a peaceful transfer of power no matter the outcome. My goal is to highlight the attributes and qualities that makes us divinely human as a collective. Yes, we can be tribal believing the “US” versus “THEM”  mentality. But in reality, every great artist, sage and spiritualist has shared a vision describing the “ONENESS” of humanity and the notion that l-o-v-e and our ability to consciously express this emotion towards others is what makes us different from animals.

As we approach the end of September, I thought about how the animal kingdom might view “US” wondering why the universe allegedly made them“inferior” to humans. During the pandemic, the animal kingdom has continued to proceed with their natural life cycles (birth, procreation, death) maintaining a kind of collaboration, grace and harmony quite different from mankind’s current struggles. Some have even flourished since humans have been in quarantine leaving their natural habitats and mother nature alone. This point led me to recall one of my favorite books, Animal Farm, by the fantastic author, George Orwell, describing a group of farm animals who rebel against the owner of their farm hoping to create a society where the animals can be free, equal and happy. Does this sound familiar? The animals were severely mistreated by the farmer, Mr. Jones, establishing the conditions ripe for an eventual coup. Ultimately, however, the rebellion is betrayed from within, and the farm ends up in a state far worse than it was before. This time, the mistreatment of the farm animals is administered under the harsh dictatorship from one of their own kind – – a pig named Napoleon who assumes the leadership style and human persona of the previous farmer. Wow! Interestingly, mankind also exhibits this very same type of behavior along with human betrayals within our political structures in every modern country.

George Orwell wrote this allegorical novella (fable) in response to the events leading up to the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. His famous book mirrored the historical events describing the natural human inclination to seek freedom and the instinct to pursue it at all costs under the right conditions. Revolution is one such action mankind will undertake if circumstances warrant it. Yet, there always remains hope for a peaceful change (transition or trans-form-ation) – – a sliver of light that can elevate the opposing debates to reveal the greater good and opportunities for creating balance and justice for ALL. When people open their eyes to their full humanity – – void of fear, hatred, selfishness “unveiling” the love within not just towards members of one’s own tribe – – humans start to demonstrate why we’ve held the position of being the designated “stewards” over the earth. Perhaps, it is necessary for “US” to experience a societal collapse before receiving the opportunity for an unprecedented rebirth. This phenomenon is even true in the natural world as demonstrated by animals for centuries as the cycles of life and death go round and round.

The pursuit of freedom and other democratic ideals are always in a precarious position as demonstrated in our modern world and within Animal Farm. George Orwell very astutely describes how the animals’ ideals about freedom are ultimately betrayed when POWER is up for grabs. The same case can be made today within our own political parties. Many efforts to stop the onslaught of injustices violating these higher ideals and principles are often thwarted before ever materializing. Perhaps, the biblical prediction of “Babylon Falling” is based upon “US”. We must all brace ourselves for the unexpected knowing that you cannot have “light” without “darkness” (duality intertwined). But, the final outcome is not for certain as long as there exists a sliver of light within our collective hearts ignited to change for the better. A Nu earth could be the final outcome when we fully understand that our collective human connections matter. 

I read a story in a magazine about a same sex marriage between Alexus Ade-Chuol and model Aweng Ade-Chuol. One of the partners expressed a very heart felt observation about the audacity of love and the human condition. It was beautifully poignant and simple making me smile for the inherent joy expressed within her comments. Love is still the highest vibrational expression we, as humans, can demonstrate. Some may be preparing for the worse (yeah me too following my earthquake awakening) but I refuse to lose the one quality that makes me divinely human. No matter what atrocities we’ve experienced as a collective, the need for community and love have propelled us forward little by little towards a more perfect society. We cannot give up now even if some unpredictable drama is about to hit the proverbial fan. Where there’s no vision, the people perish – – right? So, hold on to your hope and the dream for a better tomorrow. Both will guide us towards the next steps for rebuilding our Nu Amẹríkà.

Something has been said parable: Lady Heron awakens powerfully from the flames and ashes arising again to embrace the Nu, radiating magically with sapphire blue eyes shimmering so bright able to see the past, present and future intertwined into the one, gloriously immortal, protected and guided towards a destiny beckoning – – latitude 23°26′11.7″ (or 23.4366°).