How to Cause Trouble—for the Greater Good

“Don’t cause any trouble!”

I grew up hearing this phrase. At home. In school. We’ve been conditioned this way.

My youngest daughter’s been telling me for weeks that we need to stop following the rules. When I asked her why, she said it’s because that’s what the Republican administration wants and expects us to do. They know we’ve been conditioned.

I’ve been trying how to figure out how I can do this, which is why I recently hosted a Chalk-In. Other people are finding ways to cause trouble for the greater good, as well. New Jersey senator Cory Booker provided a brilliant example with his recent 25-hour marathon speech in the US Senate.

Booker said there was no way he was going to sit back and do nothing. And instead of reading from the phone book like some of his predecessors did, Mr. Booker shared stories of his constituents.

I watched excerpts from Booker’s speech, and it was obvious to me that he was in what some people call the “flow state.”

Flow state is when we are deeply immersed in something we’re passionate about. It’s been studied by psychologists. It’s a state of mind where you’re engaged in something you’re good at, with no distractions or judgment.

Being in flow state can help you realize your full potential. I think Cory Booker embodied that when he delivered his meaningful and impactful speech. There were times when he became emotional, and it was obvious that he was deeply moved.

I believe it’s because he could feel the flow of the Divine moving through him. It must have been this flow of Universal consciousness that empowered him to speak for as long and passionately as he did.

We can’t all give marathon speeches in the Senate. We’re not meant to. But we ARE alive at this point in time for a reason. We’re meant to help manifest a world that works better for everyone. Each and every one of us.

So, how can we figure out how to cause meaningful and good trouble that will bring about the changes that the world so desperately needs?

Begin by focusing on your passion. Immerse yourself in whatever you enjoy and are good at. Set aside a block of time where you won’t be distracted or disturbed.

When you are in that flow state where you lose track of time, gently ask, “How can I be of service? How can I disrupt the world’s dysfunction in way that will bring about the greater good?”

The answer might come right away, or it may pop into your head later. What you’re inspired to do might seem small. But remember that as we each do our part, it makes a difference.

I look forward to seeing the ways that each of you will cause trouble—for the greater good.