Dear self: Nim Njuguna writes a letter to a soul under siege

‘Be on guard against compromising your values.’

‘Humans are the only species on the planet who follow dysfunctional leaders.’ - Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer

Dear self,

I know it’s hard not to feel you are living in politically-deranged times. You are faced with an unprecedented cascade of political failures, which might in the end lead to polycrisis. No wonder your trust in the democratic process is shattered, and at times you are overwhelmed by sadness. No wonder you feel a sense of betrayal: fearful, uncertain, and befuddled, as if your soul is under siege. 

I can understand why you are disturbed by the rise and power of multinational corporations and other private interest groups. They are hijacking political processes, and shaping policies in their own image. They are bedfellows with compromised individuals who came to power by scaremongering – by lies, bullying and obfuscation of the truth. These individuals display narcissistic authoritarianism, finding niches in circles of other dictators, and are fixed on legitimising their dystopian approach to governance by bombastic hoodwinking. 

Your worst fears are that these flawed characters, whose hallmark is self-promotion through strategic deceit, seem to be taking advantage of the world’s centre stage. As self-appointed political gurus, taking control of administrative systems and finding non-existent deficiencies, they are wedded to a toxic, divisive and vicious worldview. There is a deficit of inclusive, ethical and sustainable leadership, capable of promoting the common good. 

This manipulative, destructive manner of leadership disregards the wellbeing of the global community. It weaponises socio-cultural relationships, and pursues policies that are incompatible with a multi-species justice approach. 

These leaders are quick to cast others who disagree with them as ‘enemies of the people’, while at the same time creating a general paranoia. In the long run this might lead to an impersonal, less-humane society, capable of threatening the very survival of the species. 

‘Don’t let these dictators consume your passion. You are capable of imagining a healthy future.’

As for you, don’t forget that life is a spiritual journey. You are becoming embodied, as the synergy of your experiences. Your spiritual connections and character strengths give you purpose – a move towards wholeness. But you are still a work in progress. Continue to nourish your spiritual health; it connects you to spiritual essence. 

Be on guard against compromising your values, distorting the truth, or sacrificing your integrity. Don’t cut yourself loose from the moorings of your most-cherished, sacred values of social-justice-oriented Quakerism. With this orientation, you are unlikely to be fooled by the illusion of benevolent authoritarianism. Take heed of the old country song which says, ‘You’ve got to stand for something or you will fall for anything.’

So, will you take the path of least resistance, knowing that what you think is what you become? How will you conduct yourself towards the divine, yourself and others? Here are some pointers.

• Don’t let these dictators consume your passion. You are capable of imagining an alternative, healthy future. Keep in mind that they are just actors, playing cameo roles in a cosmic drama. Their long-term survival is not in their gift, and their power is uncertain. For a season, they demonstrate the dark side that is related to the human condition. But the creation story affirms the divine element in human beings. This demands that we hold these individuals in the Light.


• You have to deepen your self-awareness. You get there by becoming more aligned with the divine, and cultivating authenticity between your inner and outer self. You must hold on, and develop, spiritual values, informed by integrity, doing what is right, with truth and honesty. Cultivate spiritual practices that build up rather than tear down.


• Although these individuals promote authoritarian and totalitarian political agendas, rest assured that, try as they might to destroy the sane society, soon these dictators will bow out of the earth’s centre stage. Many before them have gone the same way. History shows that any power grab by tyrannical leadership ultimately comes to a sad end. Society always survives them intact.


• Don’t allow yourself to become indoctrinated by the kind of toxic individualism that ignores the suffering and needs of those around you. Guard against perpetuating narratives of negativity. Pursue life choices that include values of community and relationship, blending your spirituality with positive actions that will make you strong enough to face life’s challenges.


• Curb any tendencies that will have you seeking material possessions at the risk of your spiritual wellbeing. Maintain a healthy balance between your inner spiritual wellbeing and your outer material needs; feed both appropriately. Be ready at all times to oppose corporate greed, rampant militarism, and global domination.


• Meditate on sacred writings and holy scriptures, and take heed of Advices & queries – it is a guide for self-examination and battling the false self. Although this is easier said than done, cultivate humility as a sign of self-care. Make it a non-negotiable responsibility.


• Seek to connect with those who are different, especially those marginalised by their community or the society at large. Try to be authentically spiritual. Practise compassion, peaceful coexistence, and kindness, acknowledging that you also fall short of what you might be, and are capable of manifesting self-righteousness, arrogance and hypocrisy.

Be sure of this, too: political rights and civil liberties around the world have not deteriorated to their lowest point in history, as some would have you believe. Yes, in some countries democracy is backsliding, but the majority are holding on to an alternative view of the common good, and rejecting the exploitation and brutality inflicted on the world in their name. Be among them.

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