The world’s attention is on Washington, D.C. this week to witness this hallmark of democracy – the peaceful transition of power. With the words “I solemnly swear,” the 46th president will be sworn in to lead the United States of America.
This particular inauguration is fraught with conflicting intentions, heightened emotions and intensified preparations, placing it under a glaring spotlight.
But oaths, vows and pledges are made every day, by all of us, for many different reasons. Some are deliberate and overt, others informal or unintentional.
They share one thing in common, whether we are aware of it or not. They rely on integrity as the moral pillar of our shared values, and should therefore not be taken lightly.
Oaths are taken in any line of government service, such as the military, legislative and judicial office, and law enforcement including police, social workers, parole, court and truant officers.
We take an oath when we declare citizenship to a country. When we pledge allegiance, it symbolizes our support of the Constitution, which is the embodiment of the country, the presidency, the branches of government and the flag.
We take vows when we marry. We pledge when we join a sorority, fraternity, order, guild, union, league, association or society.
Baptism and confirmation are forms of public declaration to the tenets of Christianity that mark the transition through different stages of life. Bar and bat mitzvahs provide a similar function in Judaism. Shahada is the profession of faith and commitment in Islam.
At the successful completion of rites of passage, initiation is a tradition practiced by African peoples such as the Akan, Mande’, Yoruba, Bantu and others. The graduates attest to their willing inclusion in and support for the clan or communal spiritual views and cultural values.
The first line of many oaths starts with “I do solemnly swear or affirm.” To swear or affirm is a public commitment to maintain that something is true to the best of our knowledge, and to accept responsibility for one’s actions. What a powerful statement!
As we grapple with the enormity of the inaugural oath of national office taking place this week, we are presented with an opportunity to review the oaths each of us has taken in our lifetimes.
Do they still ring true? Are we still committed to them? Have we made vows in the past that were not taken seriously, and were later casually and thoughtlessly abandoned? Can we still say we are ready to be held accountable for them?
And if not, have we formally examined, cleared, closed and released those commitments that are no longer relevant for us, as in a divorce or dissolution of a contractual partnership? Or do we simply ghost on those commitments we deem casual or of little import?
Our words have power. They emerge from Thought, fueled by Intention, clothed in a vibrational force that impacts both our individual and collective lives. This force resonates on levels from the particular to the sublime. That is the meaning of “As above, so below.”
Whether the vow is taken before millions of people, between a few, or are commitments we make to ourselves, we are part of the shared energetic that is humanity. Therefore we cannot hold our elected and appointed officials to their oaths without holding ourselves to the ones we have taken. It is all connected.
As I prepare to watch the inauguration of a new president, and expect him to be accountable to what it represents, I am also making an account of the allegiances I have pledged.
Some mandate my making amends to people I have let down. Many years ago, I stood as godparent to three children. For one of them I remain an active and loving presence in her life.
For the other two, my relationship with their parents drifted apart early on, and with it my participation in their children’s upbringing. I must now acknowledge and make recompense for my neglect of the promise I made.
Other affiliations require my reaffirming the precepts I originally claimed, so that I may reinvigorate my commitment with fresh vitality. My political views and professional intentions fall in this category.
Then there are those promises that deserve my grateful acknowledgment for the demands they placed on my integrity, which has strengthened my character and continue to guide my actions. These include my spiritual precepts.
They hold me accountable and make me a better person. They are shaping my life and legacy.
