On Spiritual Guidance in a Political World

Caroline Mauldin
Nov 21, 2024
6 min read

*Receiving sage counsel from my late teacher Thomas Atum O’Kane on managing the ego in politics…!*

Bhutan, 2010

There are years that ask questions and years that answer.

-Zora Neale Hurston

Notions & Contemplations

In Memory of a Beloved Teacher

In a moment when I find myself questioning a great number of things in the world, I do know that it was a distinct privilege to be a student of Thomas Atum O’Kane. Brought up in a middle class Catholic American family, Atum somehow found himself in a Himalayan Sufi camp in his mid 20s, after which his life’s path was largely set. Over the next six decades, he became Secretary General of the Sufi Order International, founder of the Spiritual Guidance Wisdom School, and a beloved teacher across the United States and Europe. With other-worldly presence and humility, Atum wove together the common threads of Sufism, Christian and Jewish mysticism, Buddhism, and Jungian psychology, often using humor and children’s books to invite us towards our deepest place of knowing.

When I first met Atum in 2010, I had barely dipped my toe in the deep waters of spiritual exploration: regular yoga classes and irregular church attendance were my primary touchpoints with any higher or holier aspects of the human psyche. In the 14 years that followed, his guidance shaped me–and my path–in formative ways.

Atum died last month just before the U.S. presidential election. Unlike most of us mortals, he was prepared for death, and for the mystery beyond. Perhaps because of that, I have not felt grief in his passing so much as gratitude: now more than ever, the many lessons he taught me ring true.

We can stand in the fire without being consumed.

As divine a person as I’ve ever met, Atum was still very much of this world. He saw things as they were and did not avoid the painful truths of our broken human systems. All the more reason, he said, to steady ourselves with spiritual practice. In order to move toward the pain and fear that separates us, we must learn to stand in the fire of conflict and chaos without being consumed. “You are a spiritual warrior in a political world,” he once told me. Spiritual or not, I now see this as the most critical skillset for all of us in today’s political reality.

The Center has to hold.

Even as the world seems close to fulfilling Yeats’ prophecy in The Second Coming that “the center cannot hold,” Atum insisted that the center must hold–and that each of us plays a role in making it so. In times of discord, we can still become attuned to our personal centers of gravity–the values and beliefs we hold true. By standing in that truth, and living in service of it, we can create order and harmony around us, if only in our immediate circles of influence. For me, this means focusing on the things I control: friends whom I can reach out to, organizations I can support, and the example I can set for those around me. We may not be able to shift national political axes on our own, but we can hold the center in our own lives such that those around us find comfort and hope.

When feeling any sense of overwhelm, return to the deep heart.

There is, within each of us, an immovable place of clarity and calm. Atum called it the “deep heart.” Even amidst tidal waves of panic, fear, or anger (perhaps after attempting to stand in the aforementioned fire), the deep heart is waiting to welcome you back–and it is always available to you. The path is through deep, emptying breaths, each one peeling back a layer of worldly concern, ultimately revealing an inner sanctum of stillness.

Sound impossible in current times? I hear you! But I’m also here to remind you that it is possible, right here, in this very moment. Start with one deep breath, followed by another. Ask the question: what does my deep heart offer me today? Breathe out any heaviness or pressure. Breathe in space, light, and worthiness. See where the question, coupled with breath, takes you.

When in Doubt, Reach Out.

Of course, it’s not every day that I’m strong enough to find my deep heart, stand in the fire, or hold the center. On the other days, I highly recommend multiple forms of therapy. There’s “talk” therapy of course (couldn’t live without it). Then there’s the highly underrated “civic” therapy: getting involved with organizations that are working on the issues that you care most about. And last but certainly not least, the beloved “retail” therapy. Included below are resources for the latter two categories (each of which is run by someone I know and trust) to help you get through the holiday season and beyond.

Onward,

Civic Therapy: Action > Despair

🌎 If your heart is aching for our climate, our children, or any other reason, find a friend or a dozen and connect using this brief guide for coming together in community, from The All We Can Save Project.

🎓 Democracy is an experiment that begins and ends with education. iCivics, a nonpartisan organization founded by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, takes that challenge seriously: They are bringing high-quality civics education to schools across the country–ensuring that young people are aware of, and engaged in, the precious responsibility of critical thinking and active citizenship in our small-d-democracy. Learn more about their work here.

👫 “You care about this country and you’re worried about it. This year you’ve been afraid that the problems are too big. Here are 50 things anyone can do to increase American strength and resilience in the face of these problems.” Common Ground USA has developed a really cool list of 50 things we can do right now. Download it here.

🩺 The Brigid Alliance helps women access the reproductive care they need, no matter where they live. Need I say more? Donate here.

🫂 Nearly 60% of Miami-Dade residents are immigrants, many of whom are targeted with misinformation. Support the Miami Freedom Project for Democracy as they help new Americans on their journey to naturalization and full civic participation. Then, learn how to welcome newcomers in your community here.

Retail Therapy: Small Business > Big Business

🇺🇲 With Four Branches Bourbon, you can “sip to remember” the many men and women who have served our country in the military. Watch the founders’ story on the Today Show and treat your family to a nice drink this holiday season.

🛀 For the days you don’t want to get out of bed, why not feel luxurious and eco-friendly at the same time? Meet The Madison Collection, a family-owned manufacturer of the robes you’ve always wanted to steal from your hotel rooms.

🏃🏼‍♀️ I have a feeling endorphins are going to be a critical part of my survival kit in 2025, which is why I’m particularly grateful to MME Bandit for designing activewear that is both comfortable and supportive. Special shout out to the Alison bra, the ladies that designed it, and the lady it’s named after. ;)

👖 You didn’t know you needed a new belt until you realized you could open a bottle with your next one. Choose your favorite from the wide selection of fish, dogs, horses, leaves, and of course Mermaid Playing A Banjo. (And check out this great article about Hook N Hide’s founder, whom I am very fond of, from Plateau Magazine.)

📿 “Changing times call on us to renew and savor our connections with family, friends, and sacred traditions.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. (We might also be related.) Find more great wisdom and wear a calming reminder of your strength with a beautiful piece from Silver & Sage Jewelry.