Change Your Mind Walter E. Jacobson, MD

In these divisive times when we are filled with fear, confusion and rage, what is the answer? What is the solution? Ultimately it is quite simple: to treat others as we wish to be treated. To release our judgment and attack thoughts. To try to embrace as much as possible acceptance, tolerance, empathy, compassion and forgiveness. It's not easy but it's ultimately the only path to inner peace and world peace. It is the only way we will truly heal our nation and our world, our personal relationships, our business relationships, all relationships. We must remember that we are all connected, that we are all part of the oneness of the universe, whether you believe in God or not, whether you believe in religion or not, it doesn't matter, the golden rule is a universal principle of right action and ultimate salvation. Don't just think it, apply it, be it! And watch your inner world and your outer world get better!

When a patient asked me how to deal with panic attacks that were caused by a feud between her husband and her daughter that was pulling her part, she asked me if I could help. Essentially, my advice was to disengage from the process, to set a boundary with both of them that this is their problem and they need to resolve it without drawing you into it and forcing you to take sides or be a go-between. Listen for my entire response.

Use this time during the pandemic to self-reflect, to challenge the choices you have made up to now, to consider other options, to be grateful for what you have, to appreciate those around you, to express your love to those you claim to care about most, and to stop your default ways of responding to others with irritability, sarcasm, judgment, etc. Use your time well to reform your Self and to make a commitment to express forgiveness, acceptance, gratitude, tolerance, mindfulness and compassion to all those who cross your path, without conditions and without exceptions.

There is another contagion spreading exponentially throughout the fabric of our society, throughout our collective consciousness. A contagion of hypocrisy and lies. A loss of objectivity. And it's not just "them." It's US! ALL OF US! We're all liars. We're all part of the problem. We need to #StopTheLying.

I will be well. I will myself to be well. Nothing can attack me or harm me except my own thoughts, except my fear. Regardless of circumstances, I remember who I AM: I am NOT a body. I am Free. I am guiltless. I am sinless. I am eternal. I am invulnerable. I am as God created me. Only the mind can be sick. Only the mind is in need of healing.

To be "woke" is to engage in acceptance, tolerance, forgiveness, compassion and honest communication with everyone, without conditions and without exceptions. We treat everyone as we wish to be treated. We do not engage in judging, blaming, shaming, guilting, attacking or demonizing, regardless of how they are behaving. Becoming woke is a spiritual awakening. It is mindfulness. It is personal growth. It is a commitment to unconditional love.