On October 7, 2016, a tape was leaked in which the public listened to Donald Trump talk about sexually assaulting women, married women, just because “he can.”

This “locker-room banter,” in his words, was far from harmless, despite his implication. The way he subsequently downplayed this conversation was perceived as disgraceful and misogynistic to many.

And yet, I find this almost comical.

Don’t get me wrong, I am astounded…that Trump has lasted this long in the presidential race and that he has received support enough to keep him running.

But this tape is pretty expected, right? Have we received any new information about Trump’s view and treatment of women?

Through this political madness, I have found myself repeatedly asking, like many of you, “Is this for real?” The timing of this released tape, the outlandishness of Trump as a candidate, the fear in our hearts as we imagine the future of our country in the hands of a person we can’t bring ourselves to trust…It’s like the biggest hoax of all time.

We are watching a presidential race turned reality TV show and we are so caught up in it because either we are horrified that this man will be the next president, or we are in awe that he has the guts to say what’s in our minds.

What we fail to notice is that this political spectacle is a reflection of us all. Trump represents actual people. Hillary represents actual people. The media represents actual people.

We are watching a projection of ourselves in the most ridiculous story of all time, and we are appalled at the idea that we have anything to do with it.

Maybe it’s time to start reflecting inward, instead of expressing disdain for the outward manifestation of our collective consciousness.

Dwelling on our fears, doubts, and worries only keeps us in this absurd state and has an inevitable impact on the future of humankind.

As we choose to focus on our goals and desires, as we make time for activities that feed our souls, we can bring ourselves into alignment with our cores, allowing the love and light within us to shine. We become beacons of hope, receptacles of positive energy that is impossible to contain.

While many are enraged with yet another piece of evidence that Donald Trump holds deep sexist beliefs, I am simply rolling out my mat, pursuing my goals, and dancing in my kitchen if I feel like it.

Instead of fretting over the nightmare of what this country might look like if ruled by a misogynist, I breathe in love and acceptance, knowing that change begins with myself.

And in my love and acceptance of reality, somehow, I feel the universe start to shift.

Author: Lynleigh Chamberlain

Image: Youtube Screenshot

Editor: Catherine Monkman