Community in the Era of Trump

It would be wrong to blame Trump for our state of cultural selfishness. He is certainly the epitome of this decades-old trend and has elevated selfishness to new dizzying heights. But selfishness is nothing new to American culture. The reality is that this new world selfishness is eroding any sense of community and selflessness that we may have left.

Hippie communes of the 60s and so-called intentional communities that have followed should have set a tone for greater community and helping our neighbors without needing anything in return. But what has happened – and it started 50+ years ago – is that we’ve so deeply embraced the myth of the great American Independent that the “Me” generation’s attitude of the 70s is laughable in comparison to today’s “fuck you, me first” attitude that pervades America.

We all need to make a living, there’s no doubt about that. And we should be fairly compensated for our efforts – especially those that live and work in realms that are normally not well compensated. Yet compensation can come in many different forms, not just financial. And this is where community and selflessness comes in. We need to rediscover the strength and compassion that comes from living in a way where we are paid for the work the work that we do but also find ways to give back and contribute to the greater good of the planet.

Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Physics states, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” And in the Age of Trump, the selfishness and self-centeredness he promotes so viscerally every day needs to be countered with selflessness and giving of an equal or greater energy. Bhakti yoga is the yoga path of devotion and giving and has been called “love for love's sake.” In other words, through devotion to community anyone should give without expecting something back. And through the selflessness of devotion, you get everything.

For some this can be volunteering at a homeless shelter or providing free community medical assistance. For others, it can be providing leadership and direction to those in the midst of massive life changes. For those in the food business, it may be donating excess crops or food to those in need. For farmers it can be helping in a barn raising or sharing in the cost of expensive equipment. Selfless giving can come in many forms. Regardless of the form, we must all find a way to give back and counteract the vicious attitudes comes from many in America’s culture. We don’t necessarily need to resurrect the communes of the 60s, but we do need to resurrect the impetus for those communities and live and act for each other selflessly and with love for all beings (even our enemies). What are you doing to promote community and selfless giving?