Is your phone blowing up with texts from political hopefuls of every ilk? What about political attack ads blasting from TV, radio, and our computers? Ever wished for a “Mute Poli-talk” app for your devices? For me, yes to all three.

In the centuries before our births, people survived sickness, poverty, hostile takeovers, and despotism. I must confess that those persons had seemed to me like fictional characters: something like the throng in The Princess Bride. I’m now keenly aware that real persons survived harshness, injustice, and cruelty: and that enough of them hoped for something better so that, in many places, things are better.

This year, these hopeful persons from our history challenge me to vote, not only as a civic duty, but also as a spiritual discipline. What does spiritual-discipline voting look like? Here are some possibilities.

·         Research: Check out reputable sources. Allow the candidates to speak for themselves rather than relying on attacks from their opposition.

·         Faith over Fear: Attack ads work because fear is a powerful motivator. With that awareness, we can resist panic and vote our values instead.

·         Reflect: What are our core values? What do we rely on for security? What do we hope for our values to be? What does God (by whatever name we choose) hope for us to value?  After reflection leads to clarity, we take our God values to the polls.

·         Neighboring: We can vote, considering not only our desires and hopes, but also those of our neighbors and of future generations. We can vote in, and for, community.

·         Vote: Texas ranks near the bottom of the nation in voter turnout. We can make time to vote and encourage others to do the same. *If you need transportation, let us know and we will get you to the polls.

Voting as spiritual discipline means we create the future—for ourselves and for others— when we take our values to the polls.

What are your thoughts and feelings on poli-talk? How do you cope with attack ads? What are your thoughts on voting as spiritual practice? We would love to hear from you. Share your Soul & Solace thoughts at contact@aspaciousplace.com.