Barack Obama has a unique ability to create in his listeners an emotion psychologists call "elevation." Elevation uplifts, inspires, sends a warm glow through our bodies. And then, just as quickly, passes.
That's why elevation doesn't lead to real change, and why we can't afford to let it lead us smack into an inauguration hangover. If you want to do your part, and help us come together as a nation, follow these simple steps:
1) Elevate! Go ahead, feel all of that warm glow that comes from the new President himself, and the new era he's ushering in.
2) Surf the backlash. When your elevation fades, and skepticism, cynicism, or just plain old anxiety takes its place, don't despair. Recognize that resisting these emotions actually strengthens them. Instead, give them a complete and full ride until they move on. In the process, you'll leave yourself in the state most conducive to peak performance.
3) Take a tiny step. Within 36 hours of inauguration day, do ONE THING differently to create the change you want for America. That could be recycling what you'd usually throw away, speaking kindly to the curmudgeon next door, or something tried and true like writing a letter to your congressperson about your priorities for righting our national ship.
4) Take the same step again. Positive change only comes with reinforcement. So whatever you did to move us forward, do the same thing or similar within the day that follows.
5) Do si do. Grassroots is a plural word. A single grassroot never changed anything. So before inauguration week ends, find a way to take your positive step in sync with one or more people. Join a group, create an email petition, or print up a leaflet for your school or spiritual organization. Consider yourself fully inaugurated only when you've had at least one actual human-to-human conversation about the positive steps that you're taking, and that we need to take together, to heal and transform America.
Remember, the election slogan wasn't "Yes, HE can." And the truth is, he can't. Not without us.
