The other day, I shared an article titled, “How do I Explain to my Daughter that our Country Chose a Bully & Convicted Felon?”

It wasn’t meant to spark a political debate; instead, I hoped to touch on something far more profound, something that cuts to the heart of what it means to be human.

I wanted to ask a question that’s been heavily on me: What have we come to as a society? How did we reach a place where we seem willing to sacrifice core values and ethical behavior for the sake of short-term, often superficial, gains?

When Survival Takes Priority Over Humanity

The responses to the article were both eye-opening and unsettling. I expected disagreement; after all, discussing anything related to politics in today’s climate feels like stepping into a minefield.

But what surprised me was a painful irony: many of the comments on the article missed the point entirely, proving they didn’t read it. Instead of reflecting on the questions I raised, people rushed to defend their personal choices as they related to the economy, their livelihoods, financial interests, and personal security.

And I understand those fears.

I know the urgency of economic insecurity; I live it every day as a disabled and unemployed woman. I understand the need to put food on the table and secure even a shred of financial stability.

But what scares me deeply is that our focus on survival has become so all-consuming that it now risks overshadowing our humanity. It’s as if we’re saying, “As long as I have what I need today, I’m willing to sacrifice the future of our world.” This kind of thinking is a trap, leading us to trade away compassion, integrity, and our shared values for a fleeting sense of security. Again, I am not saying, “Someone chose the wrong side.” This is far more profound than politics or a single human.

So many are hyper-focused on the narrow view of “survival first,” distracting us from something far greater—a calling to evolve toward compassion, unity, and collective well-being. This moment is asking us to prioritize love, empathy, and even self-sacrifice for the greater good. We are being called to a collective awakening and healing, yet I can’t help but wonder if we might be failing miserably.

Missing the Mark of True Spiritual Evolution

Humanity seems to be taking a detour from its own potential, with glaring signs everywhere telling us we’re heading in the wrong direction. True evolution of consciousness—the kind of growth we talk about in the spiritual community—moving toward connection, empathy, and a commitment to the well-being of all.

These qualities emerge when we activate the higher mind, the prefrontal cortex, where empathy, self-awareness, and complex decision-making reside. We are capable of awakening beyond the reactive survival instincts of the limbic, or “reptilian,” brain, which responds to fear and seeks immediate comfort.

Just as our brains have evolved, so too is our consciousness called to evolve.

The journey from basic self-preservation to a more expansive awareness that nurtures connection and compassion is a choice we all have. But in moments like these, it feels as if we’re collectively missing the mark.

The Paradox of Values and Actions

Many of us look to the teachings of spiritual leaders like Jesus and Muhammad as models for living a life rooted in compassion, courage, and unity. Jesus, for instance, sacrificed his life to stay true to love, compassion, and a higher purpose, showing us that real strength lies in holding to our values, even in the face of suffering.

Muhammad, too, endured great adversity to promote justice and kindness, often sacrificing his own comfort to stand for what was right. These figures didn’t simply preach compassion or unity; they lived it, embodying love and resilience in ways that set a standard for spiritual integrity.

Their examples remind us that true spiritual growth means rising above fear, choosing love over convenience, and remaining rooted in our values when it’s most challenging.

This wasn’t meant to be a cakewalk.

And yet, when I look at some in our own spiritual community, I can’t help but feel disheartened. Many who speak of love, light, and collective healing are the same voices who respond with anger, defensiveness, or fear when their livelihood is being challenged. It’s f*cking hard; I get it. This painful irony highlights a crucial question: Where do we find true healing when even those who preach compassion struggle to embody it?

This tension reveals a deeper truth about the spiritual journey—it’s not always what we say but how we live that matters. It’s easy to speak of “doing no harm” or “choosing love,” but when push comes to shove, are we truly living those words? Or are we merely cloaking ourselves in spiritual ideals without embodying them?

This is the challenge of our time: to live in alignment with the higher principles we admire. When it feels as though there are wolves in sheep’s clothing even in communities dedicated to love and growth, we’re reminded that healing isn’t found in words alone. It’s found in actions, choices, and a commitment to genuine compassion, even when it requires us to sacrifice comfort or security.

As we each walk this path, the true test isn’t in whether we can preach unity and love but whether we can live it—with integrity, humility, and an open heart, even when it’s difficult.

This is the legacy left to us by spiritual leaders, and it’s a legacy that challenges us to look inward, to question where we fall short, and to find the strength to rise above our own fears in pursuit of something greater.

Are We Ready to Choose Love Over Fear?

We are living in a time of testing, where we’re asked if we can overcome fear and stay true to our highest ideals of love and unity. Within the spiritual community, we talk about transcending fear, embracing higher consciousness, and embodying empathy.

But if our actions continue to be driven by fear, convenience, or short-term security, we risk losing sight of the very evolution we aspire to.

This moment calls us to ask ourselves: Are we willing to embody love, compassion, and courage in the face of fear? Or will we allow the pull of survival to keep us from the higher purpose we all claim to seek?

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