The Nobel Prize: A Tool For Shifting Consciousness?

Now that just about the entire world has weighed in on whether or not President Obama deserves to win the Nobel Peace Prize, the fact remains: he was awarded the prize.

What's with all the petty chipping and harping about his worthiness? Even those on the left are taking shots. Are we sore winners or what? "Oh this old prize? Heh, it's nothing! Who cares what five Norwegian men think?"

Can we please just accept this honor in a way befitting a nation that elected to the highest office in the land, a man whose vision struck joy in the hearts of the rest of the world?

Instead of celebrating this honor, we're diminishing it. Any club that would have Obama as a member can't be worth belonging to, right? Wait! He's OUR president! WE elected him, remember? I think we need a massive dose of "shift" about now.

We've become a bunch of curmudgeons. We're like the woman who receives a compliment on the new dress she's wearing and responds with "What, this old rag? I just pulled this out of my closet and haven't worn it in years." We no longer know how it feels to feel good or proud of ourselves. And for good reason. After all the havoc we created in the last eight years, maybe the Norwegians are trying to get a message to us that we finally did a good thing by electing Obama.

OK, maybe SNL was right. Maybe he did get it for not being Bush. But if that's his ONLY accomplishment thus far, his not being Bush is cause enough for the world to celebrate and bestow its highest honor on him.

As Americans, we cannot fully appreciate how the rest of the world must have felt during the past eight years of the Bush administration with a questionably-recovered alcoholic, ex-drug addict cowboy at the helm of the most powerful military on the face of the earth. Recall Bush landing on the aircraft carrier and strutting across the flight deck wearing that tight-fitting flight suit, proudly displaying his manhood for all the world to see. No wonder the world breathed a sigh of relief when Obama was declared the winner of our presidential election!

Huff Post blogger, Joseph Palermo, nailed it when he said:

What Bush did was shift the posture of American foreign policy toward militarism and unilateralism, and he did so with a jingoistic right-wing Christian fundamentalist flair. President Obama, in less than ten months, has reset American foreign policy more toward multilateralism and a mature engagement with the world.

So yes, Obama is not George Bush, and the world thought that was a good thing. His election demonstrated to the people of the world that the American people, who had kept Bush in office for 8 years, though even that's controversial. But then Democrats never had the cajones to actually mount a challenge to Bush's legitimacy as president even though he lost the popular vote and was selected, not elected, by the Supreme Court in 2000. They've redeemed themselves by re-engaging as a member of the world community, and resigned its role as the world's bully.

What if Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for articulating and extending a vision to the world that was one of inclusivity, not the "you're either with us or against us" kind of rhetoric heard from George W.

Here's what Obama said in his inaugural address, Jan. 20, 2009:

And so, to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.
They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use. Our security emanates from the justness of our cause; the force of our example; the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

I know these are just words and Obama gives a good speech, but maybe that's where it all begins - articulating a vision that captures the imagination. The work is yet to be done.

Palermo suggests Obama's winning the prize is another one of his "teaching moments." I agree, but for a slightly different reason.

I think there's a larger intelligence at work here, a new level of consciousness waiting to come forth. There's an awareness in giving of this prize to Obama that transcends the prize itself. It establishes new meaning. If this is a "think outside the box" collective moment, what can we learn from this event to forward the human condition?

From his inauguration speech again:

And because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

Obama has taken a stand for America's return to leadership as a peacemaker. Those words were uttered ten months ago. Rome wasn't built in a day. Clearly, there is work to be done to achieve this lofty goal. We gave Bush eight years to destroy America's standing in the world. Can we allow Obama at least four to repair it?

Rather than viewing this prize as an albatross, why not hold it as a symbol we've been awarded to carry humanity's highest aspirations, like the Olympic torch? What if this award is a vote of confidence from the world community that America is once again viewed as a worthy steward of that flame? As our president said in his response to this award, " I view this less as a recognition of my own accomplishments and more as a call to action".

I can buy this. So what's the call to action? Let me take a leap here and suggest a larger context than the one Obama probably meant. I see this as a "call to action" for an evolution of the collective consciousness of mankind. That is, to have our collective consciousness aligned with its true nature, which is wholeness.

The true state of the universe is one of wholeness. There is no separation. Only in our human egotistic state do we experience separation. This is not the truth of how it is, it is an illusion.

I see the call to action as one for humanity to restore its consciousness to its natural and authentic state of oneness. I see the human race being invited to take a collective leap of consciousness so as to enter a new paradigm, one in which war is obsolete and has no relevance for how the world works. We either make this leap or we're bound for extinction, either through war or through cataclysmic environmental changes.

Let's consider that President Obama is just the torch bearer, but we're the ones who will do the heavy lifting of waging peace in the new paradigm. We're being asked to learn how to actively wage peace, not just end wars. As Obama said, "Starting wars is easier than ending them". And end them we must. But that's not enough.

We must to learn how to create peace in the aftermath. And not just the kind of stand-off peace of former enemies who've called a truce. We're being asked to stand for peace, to become peacemakers.

To be a stand for peace, not like in a Hallmark card, but in real ways in our lives everyday. Let's put aside the argument of whether or not Obama deserves the prize and get on with the business of waging peace. Here, you and me. Now.

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.

These are lovely words, but it is we who must have give them meaning by getting into action and manifesting this vision. Can we unclench our fists right here in this country and begin waging peace with our neighbors, no matter who we vote for?

This is what Pesident Obama is calling us to do. He's talking not only to Americans. He's speaking to the world. This is one reason why I think the world wanted to acknowledge him. It was their way of saying, "we hear you and we're on board".

In truth, the prize belongs to each of us. Or in the words of someone who commented on another post :

"I am not an American, but have great faith in the majority of your people. Some nations take a lot longer than 8 years to fix what has gone wrong. You, on the other hand, managed to reverse the tide, and elected a great man to be your leader. In many ways, this prize is for those who have elected him. He just happened to be the one to pick it up on behalf of you."

Now let's get to work and live into the honor we've just received. Imagine you've just been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. (And you have!) What is your acceptance message? What does this honor mean for you and how will you use the $1.4 million to further the cause of peace?

Please drop by the comment section below or visit my personal blog and website at Rx For The Soul. Blessings on the path.

Follow Dr. Judith Rich on Twitter: www.twitter.com/dr_judithrich

Comments

[KIVPossum]

Excellent post. Thank you very much.

It's obvious Obama received the prize because of the hope he promises to American, thus the world. The ball is in his court now.

In a way I think it is a honor bestowed not only on Obama, but on America for abandoning the war-mongering Bush era.

[observer100]

Yes, Yes,

We are peace loving people who would not harm a fly so we pay others to do it and let there be no difference any more between day and night, peace and war.

Blessings X 10,

Ed

[Diego Nasra]

Nobel Prizes are awarded based on achievements and not based on the hope of things to come. What did he accomplish in 12 days?
I just have a difficult time picturing someone sending 45000 soldiers to war, a week after he got a Nobel Peace Prize.

[dc2nm]

I guess you are one of the curmudgeons the article discusses.

[Diego Nasra]

I stick to facts!

[James M. Lynch - Huffpost Blogger]

Judith,
Posting a comment other than 'YES!' seems unnecessary; you nailed it this time. "Here's the prize, now live up to it!" I'm with you.
Thanks for writing this one from your big, big heart.
James.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear James,

From big heart to another....... thanks for this comment. YES!

Love,
Judith

[Charles K Poole]

This piece should help us remember that we must never, to paraphrase Malcom X, confuse our methods with our objectives. This is an American honor that we should embrace and celebrate in addition to live up to. Anyone who can't s...ee the logic in that has an agenda that is un-American as they come.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Charles K Poole,

I appreciate your comment and couldn't agree more.

Just one thing though, maybe we'd be better served to steer clear of rhetoric like "un-American". This is what starts wars. Let our language be peaceful as well as our actions. Peace starts with how we think.

People who don't see the world the way we do aren't necessarily unpatriotic, they have a different set of filters for what constitutes patriotism. We may not agree, but America is made up of all points of view.

I appreciate you stopping by. Best to you,
Judith

[Charles K Poole]

Well, I see your point. I meant "un-American" more as a tongue-in-cheek comment, as I think we'd agree there's no such thing as a singularly American point of view. I actually dislike the term because of the very reasons you cite. With your gentle reminder, I'll be certain not to use it again if it gives any indication that I think patriotism is only based on one point of view. Thanks for the feedback.

[Kissedbyfire]

Oh my goodness, what positive words to read this Friday morning! You wrote what has been brewing in my brain only as feelings. Thank you, Judith, for being so articulate and explaining how Obama's words alone have started the "shifting consiousness."

"The true state of the universe is one of wholeness. There is no separation. Only in our human egotistic state do we experience separation. This is not the truth of how it is, it is an illusion."

Sometimes we all need to rise above ourselves to see the bigger picture and your words will help me in that indeavor. I feel invigorated!

[Kissedbyfire]

oops... endeavor, not indeavor.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Kissedbyfire,

And YOU just made my day! Glad to be of service..... and the favor is returned.

Blessings your way,
Judith

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Judith,

What a wonderful post. I so appreciate the point of view you are offering here.

Well, actually, it is a brilliantly broad perspective and invites us all to look anew at what we can do to live up to the President's words and contribute to the solutions.

Each of us, in our own ways, can be part of nurturing peace in our homes and back yards. Each one of us can make a difference, if we choose. As a Brit living in France, I too can be part of the solution because we are one world and each "vote" does count.

Voting is so much more than showing up for an election on election day. We vote every day in the way we live our lives.

Thank you so much for your wise words. America is still a great nation. Maybe it has temporary amnesia?

With love and blessings,
Anne

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Hello Anne,

It's always good to get the insight of those who live abroad and can see America through eyes unfiltered by the American media.

As a Brit living in France, you most certainly are part of the solution and your vote does matter indeed! I love what you say about "our vote" and the larger meaning of how we vote everyday by the choices we make. So true!

I think your observation about American "amnesia" is pretty spot on as well. We're like the children of alcoholic parents who think that kind of abuse is normal. We have forgotten we could be great again. I think our president is calling us to a higher level of participation in the world and in our lives here at home. Many would prefer to stay with the old ways, even though they don't work.

Thank you for sharing your always poignant observations, dear Anne. I appreciate you!

Love and blessings,
Judith

[boredwell]

I agree with your assessment that the president's rhetoric is powerful. On the world stage, he has articulated a pragmatic and thoughtful realpolitik for America's foreign policy; he has promised to mint new unilateral partnerships to fulfill this policy and he offered Iran an olive branch in the opening days of his administration in hopes of encouraging dialog. Of course, the president is no miracle worker and the cures he seeks to effect may never materialize.

As for your statement -I see this call to action as "an evolution of the collective consciousness of mankind aligned with its true nature, which is wholeness," I disagree.

Human nature is endemically disparate. Human actions prove we share antipathies, divergent concepts based on our dominant tribal sense of "wholeness:" IE, rich vs poor; one creed competing to dominate another; the self-righteous and egotistical construct of superior race vs less superior race; devising social structures divided by gender assigning strength to one, weakness to the other; the invention of cultural superiority vs cultural inferiority. Our human "wholeness" is an universal self aggrandizement: one that undermines the hope for global cooperation. That the president has defined the Nobel as a "call to action" means his heart is in the right place but his mind is still grappling with the task of taming the beast in all of us.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Hello Boredwell,

I appreciate your comment and your sharing your well articulated point of view.

On the second point, I don't think we disagree at all. I agree that human nature is disparate. That is not what I was referring to when I spoke of the true nature of the "collective consciousness". I'm referring to the essential nature of the universe, untainted by the human condition. Humanity indeed lives in the condition of separation. That's what makes wars possible. We're ruled by the ego, which perpetuates this illusion. Quantum physics clearly demonstrates the true nature of the universe. Beyond our mere mortal minds, we are connected, woven inextricably into a unified whole.

That is what I'm referring to. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to make it more clear.

Best to you,
Judith

[LifeChangeStartsNow]

Whoo Hoooo Judith RIch, if that wasn't a blast across the bow of blind, uneducated and ignorant, I don't know what is! What a stunningly passionate post. Haven't read anything like that in a while. You word your passionately held sentiments beautifully, and I agree with them.

When I heard the news, I experienced the same sensation I had when the announcement was made that Obama had been elected President - complete silence. As if everything including my thoughts had disappeared for a few seconds. And that's why I particularly agree with your words ...I think there's a larger intelligence at work here, a new level of consciousness waiting to come forth. There's an awareness in giving of this prize to Obama that transcends the prize itself. It establishes new meaning....

I wondered "why" at first and the response was "it's a message". What a surprise to hear the Nobel spokesman say something similar. Something big is taking place on an energetic level across the world that is linked to this man's presidency. And it is profound. Exactly what it is, I have no idea but the future is bright despite the vitriol and the negative news cycles.

I feel so American and I'm not, and it's not because I lived there for many years. I felt a reconnection after 17 years when this very special person called Barack Obama became President. Go figure.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear LifeChange­StartsNow,

First, I love your screen name! Secondly, thanks to YOU for standing that the future is bright despite the vitriol. That's our job now. To stand for the possibility that no matter what rhetoric is being thrown back and forth, we continue to hold the torch of peace.

The majority of Americans are there. We're tired of the vitriol. It's time to cut to the chase and get down to work.

Thanks for your voice here. I appreciate YOUR enthusiasm!

Blessings your way,
Judith

[nazcalito]

"Oh this old prize? Heh, it's nothing! Who cares what five Norwegian men think?"

er... It's one man and four women. tsk, tsk.

[poster1122]

First of all, "we" aren't getting the award, Obama is. While Obama should be gracious as the woman getting an unsolicited compliment, "we" are free to evaluate the award on its merits.

Consider this, the deadline for the nominees was less than 2 weeks into the Obama presidency. Moreover, let us not forget that he is conducting two wars in two countries, and indeed campaigned on bombing a third country (Pakistan) whom he has declared to be a friend and ally, and bombing them against the express wishes of their duly elected government and the will of the vast majority of their people. Did I mention that Obama considers Pakistan to be an ally?!

Everyone likes to get an award. But the objection a lot of people (liberals as well as conservatives) have is that this one seems to be completely divorced from actual accomplishment, indeed almost in diametric opposition to it. The objection I have is that it turns something like the Nobel into that trophy kids get for just showing up (and apparently, not being George Bush). What someone actually does now seems to be no more than a peripheral factor--the ultimate victory of form over substance.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear poster1122,

I hear you. Yours is the argument being waged by a lot of people right now. And that argument has merits. I cannot disagree with the premise.

However, I'm attempting to enlarge the conversation, to have us look at the larger context for how to bring about peace. If we only stay in the old paradigm we'll keep on getting what we've always gotten, which is more war.

I applaud the efforts of the Nobel committee in giving the prize to Obama, even if it's only symbolic at this point. Something has to shift in the collective, and I believe our president has helped to initiate that shift taking place.

We may disagree on whether he deserves the prize or not. That is not the point. Shall we spend 4 years in disagreement, only to emerge as enemies and not having forwarded the human condition? Or shall we work for peace, look for how to build bridges between peoples and nations?

I'm not interested in being right. I'm interested in having the world work for everyone.

I appreciate you sharing your point of view. Thanks for your comment,
Judith

[Dagny Francisco]

Thank you for saying this! President Obama has offered the world something that has not been on the table since the start of the war in Iraq -- he offered the hope for peace. I,for one, believe that alone was enough to merit the Nobel Prize. He's going to have to follow through, but it feels wonderful to have hope again.

Thank you.
http://whayta09.wordpress.com/2009/10/10/sympathy-for-the-devil-how-the-nobel-peace-prize-symbolizes-malefemale-communication-issues/

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Hello Dagny Francisco,

Thanks for stopping by and for sharing the link to your blog. I just read your article on the male-female communication differences and how it relates to the Nobel prize. Well said!

Nice blog too!

I appreciate your readership here. I've bookmarked your site so i can keep track of your writing too.

Blessings your way,
Judith

[coveark]

I agree totally

[S1m0n]

Conservatives are much less likely to believe that soft power exists, or is worth having. They don't see it, can't understand it, and so can't believe that anyone can make speeches that change anything.

By 'anyone' of course, they mean the president. They don't think hes has done anything worth a Nobel, because they don't understand how President Obama could have done more damage to al Qaeda and fundamentalist islam in a single speech in Cairo than his predecessor managed to accomplish in seven years of trying.

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Simon,

Well said! You evoke a powerful image. The power of language to effect change. That is the shift to which I refer. When we can shift our consciousness from one of using swords and plowshares to using words to bring about peace, we will have crossed into a totally new paradigm where war becomes obsolete.

Let the Olympic games be our form of competition.

Thanks for your wisdom. Blessings to you,
Judith

[Dr. Cara Barker - Huffpost Blogger]

Although my roots are not of the Norselanders, they are pretty darn close up in Finland. All I can say is that northern Europeans are very scant with praise. So, when they award someone, as in your piece to President Obama, it comes from a deep well of contemplation, consideration.

Consequently, my friend, I am doing a little jig-ola in honoring what has transpired. I love the honoring, the sentiment, and, yes, one more opportunity for those with the taste of bitter berries on their tongue to make a mess on those who don't.

Many thanks for your wisdom, Judith, yet again. In the language of my blog down the road from yours today, I am so, so grateful our President does anything BUT fit the mold.

Love and gratitude your way, my friend,
Cara

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Indeed, dear Cara,

Obama is the ultimate mold breaker! He's a perfect example of what it takes to break up the old paradigm. We're also seeing the enormous price that comes with the willingness to be a game changer. Change doesn't come easily when we're talking shifting civilizations.

Congrats to you on having one of the most emailed posts on the HuffPo this week. We're in good company!

Love to you,
Judith

[Norge]

I think most Norweigns are very glad for the breath of free air and color emenating from America after the 8 awful years of untold misery to untold numbers of human beings in different areas of the world because of Amerian fears, founded and unfounded.
The sounds of a deeper courage and wisdom now emenates from the hallowed halls of washington.

Have a peaceful day and enjoy the beautiful planet earth where we all live.

Norge

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Norge,

I love what you say: "The sounds of a deeper courage and wisdom now emenates from the hallowed halls of washington". And the world breathes a collective sigh of relief!

I think we are seeing a massive, collective shift in consciousness which will someday make war obsolete. As the most warring nation on earth, wouldn't be ironic for us to be the ones who actually led the change process? This will require that shift to occur right here on our own ground first.

Obviously, there's much work ahead. But the torch has been passed and we're carrying it.

Many thanks Norge, for your beautiful comment,
Judtih