Right now, we’re in the thick of it. With the election looming, it feels like everyone’s stressed, frustrated, or just plain worn out. There’s an intense pressure all around—a struggle that seems to dig into the core of who we are and what we believe in. But stepping back for a moment, there’s a perspective from the Vedic teachings that can soften our experience of this moment. It’s a lens that puts things in context, not just for today but for our own long journey forward.
How Duality Stirs Our Suffering
According to Vedic wisdom, a lot of our suffering comes from our attachment to duality. We’re wired to see things as good or bad, right or wrong, us versus them. So, during an election, when the stakes seem incredibly high, we become even more entrenched in these divisions. Our minds get stuck on who’s “right” and who’s “wrong,” and that’s when tension starts to grip us.
But in the Vedic view, this world of duality is only part of the picture. Beneath these outer conflicts lies a shared essence—a universal consciousness that connects each of us. When we approach the world through this lens, we can step out of the struggle between opposites and start seeing each person as a part of this greater, interconnected reality. Our differences are there, yes, but they don’t have to define our interactions or shape our inner peace.
Seeing Beyond “Winning” and “Losing”
In the Vedic tradition, there’s also the idea of dharma—our purpose or unique path in life. This concept encourages us to focus on our purpose from a place of inner knowing rather than ego. So, what if we approached the election not as a battlefield, but as an opportunity for each of us to engage with purpose and respect for the greater good? It softens the idea of “winning” and “losing,” shifting our focus toward a more enduring connection to the world.
This broader approach doesn’t mean we stop caring about the outcome or the issues at hand. Instead, it means we see the bigger picture, recognizing that each person is, in their way, following a path that contributes to the larger order of life.
Letting Go of Attachments to Outcomes
Vedic wisdom teaches that we can act with purpose, yet release our attachment to specific results. That may seem counterintuitive—especially now, when so much feels on the line. But when we let go of expecting certain outcomes, we also free ourselves from a lot of stress and suffering. We can focus on what matters to us, but without feeling so personally tied to the end result.
This is no easy task, especially in a time as charged as this. Yet, by practicing a release of attachment, we start building an inner strength that isn’t swayed by every change in the outer world. Rather than being tossed around by political winds, we learn to stand firm, grounded in what’s lasting within us.
Developing Compassion Over Division
When it comes to compassion, the Vedic perspective offers a particularly powerful reminder: Each of us is part of the same universal fabric. That means every person—yes, even those on the “other side”—is facing life’s ups and downs, fears, and hopes. Compassion doesn’t require that we agree with someone’s beliefs, but it asks us to hold space for understanding. By seeing others through a compassionate lens, we cultivate a world of unity rather than division. This is a kindness we extend to ourselves, too, easing the burden of feeling constantly at odds with others.
The Wisdom of “Witness Consciousness”
Witness consciousness, or the ability to observe our lives without getting swept up in every emotion or judgment, is a core part of Vedic practice. By developing this inner “witness,” we learn to navigate life’s events—like the current election—without becoming overwhelmed. We learn to observe the world from a place of centeredness, acknowledging what’s happening without losing ourselves in it.
This witnessing is not about detachment or apathy; it’s about finding that calm in the storm. We engage fully with what’s happening around us, but we also hold on to that inner stillness that sees beyond the noise.
A Call to Inner Peace
The Vedic teachings encourage us to find peace within ourselves first, and that begins by letting go of some of the intensity we hold around these situations. By allowing our perspective to shift—by softening the “us versus them” and letting go of what we can’t control—we gain clarity. We see the election not as the end-all but as part of a larger journey, a temporary wave in an ocean that’s far greater than we can perceive.
When we cultivate inner peace, we contribute to an atmosphere that uplifts everyone, regardless of political beliefs. This approach isn’t about giving up on what we believe in; it’s about holding that belief from a place of calm strength rather than reaction.
Embracing the Bigger Picture
Ultimately, the Vedic view reminds us that the material world, with all its highs and lows, is not the entirety of our existence. Beyond this moment lies a shared essence, a universal consciousness that connects us all. As we navigate this challenging season, let’s keep in mind the wisdom that this broader, more profound perspective offers.
By finding peace within, by letting go of rigid attachments, and by connecting with compassion, we soften our experience of the world. And when we do, we also support a world that reflects the best of our shared humanity—a world not bound by the limits of any one moment but uplifted by the presence of our deeper, united spirit.