Why President Obama Gets My Vote As A Spiritual Warrior

Next week I go to England, partly for my birthday and partly to see the independent movie, Spiritual Warriors which is presently touring the world. It shows in London on Friday 2nd October. It is one of those movies that gives you something different each time you watch it. I have seen it about six times so far.

The theme of the story is based on the principles of the book: Spiritual Warrior The Art of Spiritual Living by Dr John-Roger

So what is a "spiritual warrior"? Surely spiritual and warrior are a conflict of terms. Spiritual means peaceful, does it not? And warriors are about fighting.

You have probably heard the expression that people "battle cancer". In this sense, the spiritual warrior uses their human spirit to deal with the challenges and difficulties that he or she meets. And if you have read any of my Huff Post blogs so far, you will know that I am passionate about the human spirit that each of us embodies, and that sustains us through all of the issues, triumphs and trials we meet.

Towards the end of the book, the reader is invited to make a list of the people who personify a quality or qualities identified as those of the Spiritual Warrior. Qualities like:

Intention Impeccability Ruthlessness Dedication Commitment Discipline Focus Acceptance Cooperation Understanding Enthusiasm Empathy Surrender Health, Wealth, Happiness Prosperity, Abundance, Riches Loving, Caring, Sharing and Touching

You probably know people close to you, in your family, at work or in your community who strike you as being exceptional in the way they lead their lives. Often, these are the ones who seem ordinary and unassuming, but who nevertheless demonstrate beautiful strengths. Who are they? What are the qualities in them that you recognize from the list above? How do they inspire you?

Next, I invite you to consider the qualities from the list above that you express. What are they? None of us is perfect in the way that we do all of the right things at the right time. It is much easier to accept that you are learning and doing the best that you can with whatever is happening for you. When you know better, you do better. My mistakes have contributed a great deal to the richness I have experienced.

As a spiritual warrior, nothing is denied you. On the contrary, you are invited to embrace life fully and with a healthy appetite for it. If you were a bright spark, happily successful in all you do, you might never come to appreciate the loving power of the human spirit that sleeps within you, until something knocks you, and you are ready to wake up to it.

A starting point for a spiritual warrior is to love the conditions, the darker aspect of yourself, call it the "ego", fears, doubts, greeds, angers, animosities. They seem to go with the territory of being human.

We have to go into the dark part of ourselves and love that dark part. For loving it is the key to the kingdom. And we have to stand up and acknowledge that it is part of us.

From the book Spiritual Warrior

We can learn to be an observer, with a degree of detachment towards our issues. We can be proactive in producing a life that is rich with the values that are most important to us.

Life is not a matter of avoiding the tough lessons, but of extracting all we can from them for the advancement of our spiritual selves. The difference between a Spiritual Warrior and a lot of other people who wander around waiting for success, or love, or abundance to happen to them is that the Spiritual Warrior acts, not reacts.

From the book Spiritual Warrior

The role of a leader in these times is an unenviable position. Anyone who tries to bring order to people with wildly diverse opinions has a hard task ahead of them. Will disparate groups, with their own issues and concerns, beliefs and attitudes, ever come into one accord such that practical solutions are found for current problems?

As an outsider to the US, but one who has admiration and affection for the country and its people, I watch and wait in wonder for the solutions to be produced for a good and workable healthcare system; for full employment and a flourishing economy once again. I have a curious faith that all of this will, in time, come about.

Reviewing the list of qualities above, I see many in President Obama. But I also see in him what I would call a "Factor X". It is a sense of humanity that touches me and that seems to go beyond what words can define. As a Spiritual Warrior, he gets my vote.

Who are the Spiritual Warriors in your life? How do you show up as a Spiritual Warrior? If there were one quality you would like to develop and master, what would it be?

Please feel free to leave a comment below, or contact me at [e-mail]. I love to hear from you and learn about what matters in your life, the challenges you face, the successes you achieve. Count me as your witness!

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Comments

[mamacat]

The blog does not answer the question assumed in the title, "Why President Obama Gets My Vote as a Spiritual Warrior."

I have been trying to understand my own views on Obama. On the one hand, I cannot think of anyone else as well qualified to perform the function of President. Everynight on the tube I see clowns and politicians who scare the bejeesus out of me, just thinking that anyone of them would have gladly replaced the last person who held the office, regardless of their all too obvious total lack of qualifications. On the other hand, when I watch Obama on the tube, while grateful that he is the one holding the office, I can't help but think that I wish he were more qualified and a better individual.

Without being able to adequately put into words how I feel and what I am thinking, I will say that despite his attempts to be modest, it is obvious that he has a high opinion of himself. Like all of us, he is only human. I only hope that it is enough.

It is wrong of us to rely on the good intentions and qualifications of our elected leaders, but that is what we do, everyday. We should watch them carefully, and try to keep them from making mistakes, intentional or not.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear mamacat

Thank you very much for your insightful comment. I think we may be learning not to "give over our power" and perhaps allow ourselves to be too much at the mercy of those who are decision makers.

Through our abilities now to have access to news and respond to it, we are no longer in the shadows. That each one of us becomes more accountable is I think the invitation that is being extended to us.

My sense is that our vote is something much more than showing up for an election, but in our participation with what follows.

I appreciate the thought you have given to your words here.

With warmest good wishes,
Anne

[Dr. Cara Barker - Huffpost Blogger]

Happy Birthday, Anne! May this new year of life you launch next week bring you all good things, much peace and joy. You are a gift to our planet. You are a Sister. You are my Spiritual Warrioress today.

Love,
Cara

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Cara,

Thank you so much! I feel very touched and blessed to be your Sister.

With love and appreciation to you,
Anne

[Paul David Walker - Huffpost Blogger]

My vote today goes to Ken Burns who just produced National Parks: America's Best Idea. With beautiful photography, story telling and quotes from John Muir and Emerson he has touched me heart in a deep way. I wanted to cancel all my business appointments and drive out into "The Wild" as John Muir suggested.

John Muir found God, as many have, in a closeness to nature. He was quoted as saying things like:

"Without wildness we risk losing our souls"
"Nature is a interconnected joyous web of being."

Not only did he immerse himself in nature he fought for our national parks and won. Ken Burns brings this all to life, and both get my vote.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Paul,

Thank you very much for your vote. I had not heard of Ken Burns, so I am delighted to have your introduction to him and his work. He sounds like a wonderful inspiration.

With warmth and appreciation,
Anne

[CBella]

HuffPost's Pick

A few years ago, I met a very spiritual person who described my son with this proverb.

Still waters run deep: a person's calm exterior often conceals great depths of character, just as the deepest streams can have the smoothest surfaces.

In turn, each time I hear President Obama speak I often think of this same proverb. I believe it describes perfectly his calm exterior and yet his deep passion and convictions to do what is right for all.

We can help by continuing to send our positive energy his way.

Thank you for the article.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear CBella

The proverb you have written here I love. Thank you very much for contributing it.

I so agree with you that our sending positive energy will help, not only for positive outcomes but for our own greater well-being in the process.

With warmest good wishes to you,
Anne

[Muwangala Paul]

We pray there will be a balance between the two parties in this battle of health care bill. And both will be winners in this struggle

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Muwangala Paul

Thank you for your comments and your prayers. With prayer for the common good, everyone gets to benefit.

I appreciate the good wishes you hold.

With love and blessings to you,
Anne

[Muwangala Paul]

As an outsider, I can only judge by the obvious. What singles Obama out as a spiritual warrior than those who have served and gone before him?
Could it be tackling those sensitive areas others may be feared tackling? Is it a heart for the poor, or marginalized nationals? or both and even much more?
If everybody is given to voice his or her concern, what is the concern of those opposed to the health care bill? And what is the concern of the middle class and lower class citizens? Remember they are all citizens with a right to live and enjoy America.
Is there a heartless feeling among the well to do that they don't care what befalls the middle class and low class; "to whom it may concern"?
Is there a malicious feeling among the middle class and others to want more than they need. Like a woman in the Bible after losing her baby, she wanted the living one of her friend divided so they both would share the pain?
It is my prayer that a balance will be stricken where no body will be a loser, but all winners.

[khanti]

HuffPost's Pick

To me a Spiritual Warrior is one who goes to battle armed with the sword of wisdom to cut through ignorance. An armor of loving kindness to protect against hatred and malicious arrows.
A shield of morality to ward off unsavory desires. A quiver of compassionate arrows to shoot the angry hearts.

May your leader now and present be just that. For a country to produce such a Spiritual Warrior the good seeds must be sow by the people.

Much loving kindness.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear khanti

I am touched by your loving words of wisdom. Thank you very much for your beautiful comment.

May you be abundantly blessed in every way.

Anne

[Drenda Lawton]

I believe there are literally thousands upon thousands of spiritual warriors who are praying for President Obama daily.....

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Drenda Lawton

Thank you very much for your comment. It makes sense to me that there would be.

Your words touch me. I appreciate your taking the time to contribute.

Blessings to you,
Anne

[canadiansoccermom]

I was born the day before Kennedy was killed. My mother wouldn't let anyone talk about it so as not to ruin her happy time. When I first heard Obama speak, I understood why my mother cried when Kennedy was taken away.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear canadiansoccermom

Thank you very much for your comment. I appreciate the heart of what you expressing.

Joy and blessings to you,
Amne

[WDHorden]

HuffPost's Pick

It's this "Factor X" that you call our attention to that really interests me, Anne. It seems to me that he embodies a kind of inscrutability that makes it difficult to define him precisely--another characteristic I would include in describing spiritual warriors. By not restricting himself to predictable reactions, by staying open to creative and novel opportunities to forge a hopeful future, he is showing us all how to move through a minefield of complex obstacles with an intent of good will toward all.

This character trait allows him to achieve that state shared by all spiritual warriors--one of Inspired Action.

Let's hope that ideologues who oppose him out of political opportunism come to their senses and seek to establish the kind of unity of purpose we need now in order to step back from the brink of disaster. The Golden Age of Humanity is within our reach if we just dare to hold our hand.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

WDHorden

Thank you very much for your contribution to the discussion. I love your phrase: "intent of good will toward all". I think that catches the spirit of what President Obama is about and the example he is offering.

My sense is that large numbers of ordinary people, who are stepping forward as spiritual warriors in their own ways, will have a very powerful impact for the good. The power of ordinary people coming together for the greater good cannot be underestimated. This positive force could well "crowd out" the negative aspects of political opportunism.

With love and appreciation,
Anne

[Kari Henley - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Anne!
Great article and love hearing the perspective of your views from France of our American president, and tribulations ahead. I found it refreshing to hear you use the word, "curiosity" in respect to watching the future unfold.
I believe this is part of the spiritual warrior qualities that you embody, Anne!
Taking on the world with a positive, hopeful and curious perspective is not something we are seeing a lot of these days in anything related to politics.
My mother in law is a spiritual warrior- strong, proud, healthy, and vibrant after surviving the holocaust and untold tragedies in her life- she remains a fountain of wisdom I have come to rely.
Thanks!

Kari

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Kari,

Thank you so much for dropping by. I feel so strongly in my heart about standing by your President and your country for good outcomes in the years ahead.

It is perhaps easier as I am mot living in the middle of your daily news to adopt a more detached and trusting perspective. But surely that is what we do when we see others in difficulty? There may be nothing I can do practically, but I can "wish well" and envisage good coming about. Sort of like a prayer.

Your mother-in-law sounds wonderful. What a courageous and inspiring lady.

As always, I really appreciate your comment.

With love and blessings,
Anne

[amyhasopinions]

I once met a very wise woman (at a very low point in my life) who told me: "God doesn't give you anything he thinks you can't handle." I say that to myself at bad times even now, 20 years later. And so always (always) when I'm on the other side and back in the light again? I can look back and see how I needed to go through what I went through to land where I was supposed to end up. I've learned to appreciate even the people who caused me pain; even jerks can be great teachers. :-)

Loved this article.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

amyhasopinions

What a great name you have! I love your opinions here. The reminder you use I also give myself from time to time. Another expression for the jerks as teachers is "petty typrants" - who bug us with impunity.

You sound like you have a few of the spiritual warrior qualities!

Thank you so much for commenting and contributing.

Warmest good wishes,
Anne

[Ventoi]

The song 'Michelle' by Kevin Denbok is the prettiest one.

[Angiefranci]

I agree. Obama has an inner-strength that is so impressive. My only hope is that his energy is not dissipated by the negativity and ugliness that often surround the public discourse. Very good article.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Angiefranci

Thank you very much for your comment and kind words. I feel sure that the good wishes we extend to Obama will help to offset the negativity that is challenging him.

I am glad you enjoyed the article.

With warmth and appreciation,
Anne

[goddess1871]

HuffPost's Pick

I too agree that Obama is a true spiritual warrior. He does the one thing that is, ironically, probably driving a lot of us nuts - but he's using his quiet strength and trying to reach out rather than just slap back (which is my first inclination when dealing with the OTHER political party).

I am a teacher and a musician by profession. I don't think you can truly be a good teacher without being a spiritual warrior to some degree. While I teach on the college level I still have to deal with many of the issue my K-12 colleagues do (and as I did when I taught K-12). Students have so many personal issues to deal with now that it seems like more parents tried to shield their children from in earlier times. I certainly rely on my sense of empathy with my students when they are in trouble, and try to get them to focus and see the value in trying to fully live. As a result, I have, in recent years, not once dreaded going to work. And in this day and age, that is a blessing!

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

goddess1871

Thank you for your inspiring comment. What a joy to read about your work as being a blessing. How very wise you are.

Your students are fortunate to have you as their teacher.

With love and appreciation to you,
Anne