Was I the same when I got up this morning?

 “I wonder if I’ve been changed in the night. Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I’m not the same, the next question is ‘Who in the world am I?’ Ah, that’s the great puzzle!” — Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Many people experience a sense of Wonderland of late— some with delight that they are indeed on a path to wonders, others with the perception that have awoken in an alternate reality.

A few days ago I was in a group where we were asked to come up with a list of fears as to why we thought someone voted for Clinton and for why someone voted for Trump. It quickly became astounding as people put the fears down for what they thought each candidate would bring. Although one person pointed out that her list of fears against Clinton was “logical” compared to another’s list against Trump, it too was subjective. There certainly was a clear division with some people’s perception that Clinton would take away rights to gun ownership and Trump would scuttle abortion.

On the flip side, those who felt pro-choice was critical did not feel Clinton would prohibit legal firearms nor did gun owners feel Trump would take away women’s rights. The challenge in the discussion was to listen to one another and allow the fears enough breath to reveal that both camps viewed the candidates with suspicion and bias. The “logic” did not hold as much weight as the fear.

As I say almost daily to demonstrate how Saturn affects a horoscope: nothing limits us as much as fear. Conversations offer an opportunity to convey ideas when we listen carefully to the other. When someone feels unsafe or unsupported to express thoughts, the voting process is a silent opportunity to be heard and counted.

Confusion and a sense of helplessness persist when not met head-on. Clarity comes from the pump of blood and action— but which direction? When confusion reigns, simply start somewhere. An uncomfortable conversation has the potential to enlighten, because you are out of your comfort zone.

You only gain insight however, with a willingness to listen to your discomfort and seek to understand its source. You cannot force all participants to go there, but you can take responsibility for your own journey.

We do all make our own reality; if the one in which you find yourself is not to your liking, change must be made, one step at a time. Start the conversation.

“Begin at the beginning,” the King said, very gravely, “and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” — Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland