Harmony Point #24: We, the Purple

Maggie, America’s foundation is unique among Democracies. But it is even unique among Representative Democracies.

How so?

At its core, it relies on “People Power.” In this model, every aspect—from politics to economy—traces back to the influence of the people themselves. No other Representative Democracy is so overwhelmingly dominated by the will of its people.

So, like, everything depends on people getting involved? It’s not just about government, but all parts of life?

Precisely. Politically, it is reflected in voting, where citizens choose their leaders.

At every level of government – from the federal to state to county to city – it is the people who select their representatives, who will have the power to govern them.

Economically, America boasts the world’s greatest example of a robust Free Enterprise system.

You’re right. Every consumer in the country has the power to express their will, through consumer choices. What people choose to buy or support determines what businesses succeed.

Even in organizations, the will and contributions of the people decide if those institutions thrive, or shrivel up.

Now that I think about it – take political campaign ads.

What about them?

It’s like this constant feedback loop. If people support something, it grows. If not, it fades away. We all bellyache about negative, mudslinging ads. But if they weren’t effective, they wouldn’t run them. If we don’t like them, quit watching them. Reject the candidate that floods the media with them!

Most important of all, Americans grumble about the politicians in Washington.

And the State House!

They call them dishonest. They despise the gridlock. They cannot stand the graft and corruption. Yet – who put them there?

You’re right. When they are campaigning, we know that they’re just pandering, telling us what we want to hear. So, we know right from the get-go that they are dishonest.

Changing subjects, slightly, let us talk about why E Pluribus Unum was chosen.

You mean, “Out of Many, One”? Why are you asking?

Because the motto is ageless and timeless. Originally, the motto was in reference to the Thirteen Colonies becoming one Nation.

Yes, I know. The motto has thirteen letters!

But in every generation, and in virtually every circumstance and situation, the message is so central to America’s identity.  

And – to its continued greatness.

While America is a blend of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, it needs unity to function. It needs to speak with one voice.

Boy, you have hit the nail on the head. One of the most hotly contested issues in America is the impact of immigrants.

We will discuss this later, but perhaps give me your short summation.

I’ll try. It’s like we were saying about compromise. Every group, especially any Society that hopes to function harmoniously, has to find a way to incorporate those different views and perspectives.

We have two choices, really. Either find a way to embrace Diversity or – follow the path toward isolationism and bigotry. Diversity becomes divisive without mutual respect and compromise.

Unfortunately, America’s two-party political landscape often fosters division, like two opponents in a boxing ring, retreating to their respective corners, and only confronting one another with aggression.

At a minimum, that kind of division simply can’t hold, right? Like Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

But absence of divisiveness is not necessarily collaboration. The dysfunction and gridlock seen in Washington, and others seats of power, is stark evidence of what happens when collaboration dies.

It’s like President Biden said in his 2024 State of the Union address: “I believe in America. I believe in you, the American people. You’re the reason I’ve never been more optimistic about our future! So let’s build that future together! Let’s remember who we are! We are the United States of America. There is nothing beyond our capacity when we act together!”

Call it what you wish: collaboration, synergy, cooperation. It all boils down to E Pluribus Unum.

Even John Lennon begged us to “come together.”

Precisely. Especially in times of deep division, America must find a common ground.

We need a battle cry for our times. I had this idea fly into my head last night.

When?

I woke up around 3:30 with a slight leg cramp. As I walked it off, I remembered something from a dream I was having.

Really!

Yeah, it was – Wait! Was that you drispering me?

A Self never tells! So … what was the idea?

That Americans need to quit seeing themselves as Republicans and Democrats, as elephants and donkeys. As Red States and Blue States.

How about if we Americans adopted a unifying moniker

You have something in Mind?

What if we referred to ourselves as “We, the Purple”? It’s a way to remember that we are, first and foremost, Americans, beyond political labels.

Harmony Point #25: Ten Graces

But, how do we bring the people together? Americans seem so polarized these days. It is as if they have nothing in common. All of the institutions that used to create some level of commonality are gone.

Like what?

I mean, where can people turn to find commonality? Religions? Each one insists that it alone knows what God wants … and that all others have it wrong. Families? Even families are polarized over political and social trigger points.

Yes, it is sad. But, before I offer an answer, continue listing the ways that Garbs – and more specifically Americans – are disconnected from one another.

My gosh, about any way you can imagine. By skin color. By language. By culture. By race. By nationality. By citizenship status. By economic status. By age. By gender. By sexual preference. By hobby. You name it!

Okay, good. Now – tell me what they all have in common? All of these distinguishing characteristics?

Hmm. Let me think. I –I don’t know. Can you give me a hint?

Oh, so you want to work for it. Fine! Then … your mother’s grandmother.

What! You mean .. Rose. Oh wait! The Rose! The four competing ways that Garbs and Souls approach the Game of Life. Hey, I get it. So – let me think. And – yes! I see it!

I believe this is what humans call a drum roll moment.

All of the things that separate us are rooted in TempTerra. They are all superficial.

Ah – the great distraction that it is.

It’s like you have said many times. That which seems to matter so much in TempTerra, is of no lasting value in Everly. And …

… that which truly matters in Everly, always matters to the RealYou. Now, apply this to your notion of commonality.

That’s easy. Each of us Garbs has a Soul. Oops! Let me reword that. Each of us, as SoulYous … have a GarbYou. And if we saw each other as spiritual beings, and not physical ones, then all of those differences would evaporate into thin air.

Voila!

Then, the next question is: how do we remind Americans – remind all humans – that we should see one another as Souls, and see from the vantage point of our own Soul?

Maggie, I believe it is at last time to talk about something foundational to bringing people together: the Ten Graces. Are you familiar with them?

Only superficially. I have been reading about them in Aunt Beeb’s journals. But, she died before she could flush out all the details. I know the basic names of the Ten Graces, but little more. Can you teach them to me?

Another time, dear one. The subject is simply too complex. It might take you a year or two to digest it all.

But for now? For purposes of understanding the Harmony Points?

In a nutshell, the Ten Graces are a restoration of what you know of as the Ten Commandments. Over the millennia, those Ten Edicts went from loving gifts to harsh threats.

Are you saying that they are wrong? Not what Moses brought down from Mount Sinai?

I am saying that the underlying message of each Edict was much different, at inception, than what is depicted today.

Tell me: why would ALL entice any Garb, — with threats of punishment or promises of reward – if the overall Game of Life is for the individual Soul to inspire its Garb to choose to spread love?

Is that why they are called Graces, not Commandments? I just looked it up and one of the definitions of ‘grace’ is: “As unmerited divine assistance, Grace refers to God’s help or strength given to individuals, enabling them to overcome obstacles or grow spiritually, often regarded as unearned support.”

So, these Graces aren’t about religious rules or specific beliefs? They’re more like… guidelines anyone can follow?

Exactly. Guidelines everyone can adopt.

They are not tied to any one doctrine, though they parallel some core teachings. They are simple but powerful.

I understand that the Ten Graces are subdivided into two categories?

Yes. There are the Five Graces of Divinity, which includes Spirituality, Potentiality, Resilience, Enlightenment, and Association. Their short name is Right Principles, and they guide the Self while in TempTerra.

And the other five?

These would be the Five Graces of Humanity, and include Discipline, Liberty, Opportunity, Voice, and Emotions. Their short name is Right Conduct, and is meant to guide the Garb, the human side of each Bonding.

That makes sense. So, like, the Right Principles are for what we believe or value deep down, and Right Conduct is about how we should act in everyday life?

Precisely. Each Grace aligns with a basic aspect of a Bonding. For instance, there is Resilience for inner strength, Liberty for personal freedom, and Association, which speaks to the power of community. They are reminders for living in balance, connecting the Soul and Garb.

Living in Spiritual Equilibrium!

Now … just imagine if every American, or really, every person on the globe, lived by these Ten Graces.

We should. They’re meant to help each of us Garbs connect with our true spiritual Self, our RealYou.

That is their sole purpose.

I like that. If everyone tried to live by them, it seems like a lot of the world’s problems wouldn’t even come up. People wouldn’t just be out for themselves.

Very true. Imagine a world where each person focuses not only on personal growth but also on treating others with respect and integrity.

And if, as a nation, Americans chose leaders who embodied these Ten Graces…

… then the collective spirit—the very Soul of America—would be elevated! Harmony would spread from individual lives to the broader community.

It’s like each person would add their own bit of harmony to the whole, and when you put all those together, it’d create something… bigger. Like, the whole country would be living with purpose.

Wow! If only … It would be a way for us to unite around a common vision.

A shared image … of what all Garbs have in common.

Yeah. A destiny that awaits in Everly.

Exactly, Maggie. When individuals live by the Ten Graces, their bond with the Soul strengthens. And collectively, this alignment forms a kind of Spiritual Equilibrium for the entire nation!

The millions of Garb-Soul bonds contribute to a greater whole, one that embodies the essence of a truly harmonious America.

And together, we become the Soul of America!

Harmony Point #26: Humanity

Maggie, as we reach the final Harmony Point, let us consider America’s role in a broader, global context.

The Spiritual America Model is more than just a framework for one country. It is intended to inspire the world toward unity, compassion, and shared purpose.

In a way, America’s potential for greatness lies in what we call “Spiritual Greatness,” rather than in material success alone.

That puts a whole new spin on the idea of making America great again, if greatness is defined as to how well we teach the world to love, then Americans would realize that they have been great all along.

Now, that is not to say that they have not slacked off in their Altruism. In that regard, America is in a Spiritual Wobble.

So it’s like, what you’re say — America’s job isn’t just to be powerful or rich, but instead to set an example of love and understanding? Almost like… a teacher?

Precisely. The Model encourages America to focus beyond its immediate self-interests – most especially beyond its shores.

History has shown that when America has acted selfishly, it has lost respect and influence. But when it has extended compassion, understanding, and unity to all fellowmen, it has become a beacon—a guide for others to follow.

So, America needs to maintain a spirit of National Altruism and, if we do…  Wait! So, the way to make America great again, is to make America gracious again. As in, the Ten Graces!

To the extent we do – America will become greater still. If America can lead with compassion and unity, other countries might follow that lead. And that makes everyone stronger, not just America.

Most especially America. It follows the Absolute Law that the love you give away comes back to you tenfold.

Like a profound truth I’ve heard all my life: “The love you take is equal to the love you make.”

When America spreads harmony and love, it enriches its own spirit and strengthens the spirit of Humanity as a whole. This vision is a call to “teach the world to sing in Perfect Harmony.”

So, if America can focus on those values, it’s like… Humanity could finally live up to its potential. Like, everyone could reach that ideal of unity and compassion that ALL intended.

That’s precisely it. In fulfilling this purpose, America serves as a Spiritual Model for the world.

I understand now. As Humanity is taught Spiritual Equilibrium, and increasingly lives by the Ten Graces, then the world will gradually realize peace and harmony.

When Humanity aligns with these values—compassion, unity, and respect for each other’s freedom—ALL’s vision of Spiritual Expansion is realized, and Humanity finally embodies the true meaning of being “humanitarian.”

And that’s when ALL would be pleased, right? Because Humanity would finally understand what it’s meant to be.

Yes, Maggie. But, more precisely, that is when SoulYou would be pleased. For SoulYou and ALL are of common essence.

When people embrace this path of unity and purpose, Humanity becomes what it was always meant to be—a reflection of ALL’s vision, a collective Harmony that honors each individual and the larger whole.

Hence, the Harmony Points!