Dear America,
I want to begin with this:
I love you.
I really, truly do.
I lived in your cities. I walked your campuses. I sat in your coffee shops, dreaming of building something that could change the world.
America was where I studied. Where I discovered my voice.
Where I fell in love with ideas that reshaped my life.
Where I started Mindvalley, with nothing but ambition and a belief that anything was possible.
For a full decade, you were my home.
And in many ways, you still are.
I may live elsewhere now, but I still identify as American more than anything else.
Because America—the idea of America—isn’t just geography.
It’s a frequency. A dream. A promise that inspired not just me, but billions of people around the world.
What we loved about you
We loved your optimism—the way you believed anything was possible.
We loved your rebels—the ones who spoke truth to power and rewrote the rules.
We loved your Martin Luther King Jr., whose voice still echoes across continents.
We loved your Silicon Valley, that dared to invent the future.
We loved your Apple, born in a garage, changing the way we connect.
We loved Burning Man, a wild celebration of freedom, creativity, and community in the desert.
We loved your poets, your scientists, your dreamers.
You were never perfect. But damn—you had soul.
You were the lighthouse.
The messy, brilliant, complicated beacon we looked toward for what was possible.
But lately… that light feels like it’s flickering.
What the world sees now
In just six months, this is what the world has seen:
– Threats to abandon NATO, the alliance that preserved peace for generations.
– Pointless trade wars where everyone loses.
– Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Treaty, while the Earth burns.
– And now—bombs falling on Iran.
Another unwinnable war in the Middle East.
A war your people swore they’d never allow again.
Not after Iraq.
Not after Afghanistan.
And it’s not just the outer world we see you destroy.
We see you tearing yourselves apart from within.
- Immigration raids that tear apart families and have caused LA to burn.
- Politicians who sound like children while openly taking bribes.
- Tax cuts for billionaires, while those struggling now actually have to pay more in taxes.
- A climate movement abandoned by the very country where it was born.
And yet—I’m writing this letter with an open heart.
Because I haven’t given up.
This week, I’m helping my son apply to U.S. universities. We’re preparing for a tour of East Coast campuses. Then, I’m driving from South Dakota to Yosemite, with stops at Mount Rushmore and the great open spaces I fell in love with.
I want to show my son America. Because I still believe in what America can be.
But I also cannot stay silent—not as a lover of your culture, not as a global citizen.
This spiral you’re in?
It must be named. And it must be stopped.
Because true friends don’t stay silent when they see you crashing.
The spiral was not a mystery. It was a choice.
Every war.
Every broken treaty.
Every erosion of trust.
It didn’t just happen. It was chosen through voting decisions.
By people who, often unknowingly, chose:
- Ego over empathy.
- Charisma over character.
- Soundbites over substance.
And I don’t blame you.
You were caught in a storm of propaganda. You were tired, misled, afraid.
But we need to be honest:
When you vote for leaders who enable war, destabilize peace, and govern through vengeance, you are not just voting for policy. You are voting for self-destruction.
What happened to service?
A great American president once said:
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy
Another said:
“We must never remain silent in the face of injustice.” – Barack Obama
Even Ronald Reagan once called America a “shining city upon a hill.”
What happened to that America?
Now we see leaders who sow division instead of unity.
Who thrive on conflict rather than compassion.
Who look not to serve, but to rule.
And as Sun Tzu warned:
“Some men would set their own nation ablaze, just to be king over the ashes.”
Can you recognize them?
Because now more than ever, you must.
America, you’ve always known how to tell the story. Now it’s time to live it.
Think of your heroes.
The ones you’ve shown us on screen for decades.
Will Smith in Independence Day.
Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.
They save the world, not just themselves.
They protect their families, but they also rise to a higher mission.
That’s what made us fall in love with you.
Your heroes were never selfish.
They were flawed, yes. But they stood up for something bigger.
So why, in real life, do you so often vote for the opposite?
Your vote is not just yours
I say this with love—and urgency:
Your vote doesn’t just affect your neighborhood. It affects the entire planet.
- It affects the air we all breathe.
- The treaties we all depend on.
- The peace we all hope for.
- The future our children will inherit.
This is no longer about party loyalty or economic policy.
This is about consciousness.
This is about whether the most powerful country on Earth will continue to operate from fear and ego —
Or rise into wisdom and service.
What the world needs from you now
We don’t need another American empire.
We need an American elder.
Not one who dominates. One who guides.
Not one who fears. One who serves.
Because you were never meant to be a fortress.
You were meant to be a lighthouse.
But a lighthouse cannot fulfill its purpose if it forgets to shine inward first.
You taught us to dream. Now we’re asking you to dream again.
The world doesn’t hate you.
We’re not laughing at you.
We’re just watching… and hoping.
Hoping that the America we believed in is still in there.
The next time you march in the streets,
March for all of us.
Not just for the poor or hungry in your zip code.
But for the citizens of our shared planet who need you to shine again.
And when the time comes…
Vote with your heart. And with your higher self.
The choice is yours
Not every election is a turning point.
But some are.
And the one you’re facing now?
This is that moment.
You can vote for leaders who turn the world into a battlefield.
Or vote for those who understand that true power is service.
You can choose:
- Ego or evolution
- Division or destiny
- Fear or future
The world is not asking you to be perfect.
We are simply asking you to remember who you are, at your best.
The America that marched with MLK.
That wrote the Moonshot speech.
That created iPhones, NASA, jazz, and the dream that all humans are created equal.
That’s the America we still believe in.
That’s the America the world needs.
Let that be the America you choose.
— Vishen
Founder, Mindvalley
Citizen of Earth.
Forever shaped by the promise of America.
PS: This letter isn’t just mine—it’s a conversation we all need to have. I’d love to hear how this landed for you. What do you believe America still stands for? What does it need to stand for?
Share your comments below.
Let’s make this a space for reflection, dialogue, and hope.
951 Responses
It appears that the world is holding its breath, to see what happens next. From great to sad and unstable. But optimism prevails before the breath is released and the Earth keeps on spinning one revolution at a time.
The road to where America is now has been a long one. It started decades ago with ideologies that were ego driven and made worse by greed. The shaping of the courts, the state legislatures, the Congress, and the erosion of our rights have been part of this long term plan. Even though each political party has it’s faults, one party has been the main driver of this. They are now in control of the country. I was a volunteer during the elections for the opposing party. In my interactions with people, I was shocked to find such extreme levels of anger. Some people’s hearts were filled with hatred. I have come to realize that this country is one that I no longer recognize. Maybe I really never knew it at all.
Your letter is beautiful and it made me cry. I pray that your words will fill hearts with love and compassion. I pray that what little hope I still have will grow. I pray for America and for the world.
You have a political party in the United States that is closely aligned with – and whose members have become extremely wealthy involving themselves with – the Chinese Communist Party, an entity which incarcerates and tortures leaders of the Fulan Gong, because they are offering something other than worship of government.
As someone who at least attempts to meditate, it is a no-brianer as to which political party i support and vote for and which one i vote against
You’re happy to profit from selling courses on manifesting, creating reality etc, but this post is all about claiming victimhood as a result of other people’s choices.
I find your post arrogant and patronising of the American people.
Do you seriously think Kamala exhibited empathy, character and substance? I’m sure US voters are devastated to have disappointed you.
Vishen , Thank you sincerely for your thoughts and comments. Most Americans share your concern over where America currently stands. Thank you for not taking a political stand , but unfortunately you cannot comment on Americas direction without making it political.
Let me say that America is going through a painful correction of sorts right now that has been decades in the making. I personally feel that once we get through the hard part ( which may even take years) , I believe America will be stronger and better than before once all of these changes and challenges shake out. What you see happening, HAD to happen. Many upset people are seeking a respite from this huge change and huge shift in our culture. What America REALLY needs right now is supernatural healing that only GOD can provide. I pray for America daily. I pray for our President. I pray for all hurting Americans , and I pray for the world too. Thank you sir for all you do. I admire your work and look forward to the day we meet to share a meal together.
Thank you Vishen! “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens” Bahá’í Faith. I agree with you and I hope our country (and world) finds unity.
On your site, Mindvalley offers many courses on developing the intuition. Silva Ultramind, Sonia Choquette and to some extent, Christie Marie Sheldon, just to name a few.
However, when Trump says, “I trust my gut”, he is mocked and ridiculed. You could have used this as an opportunity to come forward and proclaim that the intuition is an effective tool to be used in decision-making for both government leaders and CEOs, and Trump had been a CEO of his own company for decades.
This could have been a chance for you to say that presidents and CEOs use intuition and we can teach you how to do it too
But you didn’t. So it is clear that you don’t even believe what you are trying to sell. You’re just a Charlatan and a fraud.
It seems pretty clear that this lack of integrity on your part is why Mindvalley subscriptions are declining and you have made a calculated risk to write off potentially half of the United State to market to the global American-envy demographic
I hope you visit University of Virginia – your child will love it. It’s just the place for your family!!!!
wow, whoever wrote this.. is a well developed soul, a person or persons who has done the “self development work” A wisdom that is in advance of the collective conscious development that has shown itself in power over the world. offering more homeless, more separate, more hungry, more destruction…
The people I learnt a better way of life, & personal development from also came from America….. where are those wonderful people now.?
Vishen, I understand your concern with the political situation in USA.
You mentioned quite rightly that the world burns with global warming.
You also said every word but the Trump word. Am i a fan- not really. Has he created division – definitely. Why has or is there division?
As you said people are tired and overwhelmed by the slow achieve nothing US bureaucracy. They have chosen him to lead to see if he can do something , anything different to the previous leaders to advance the USA.
His methods are unorthodox . His communication skill is basic at best.
Fact is he just did what no other leader has done in the last 30 years! He has stopped Iran from having a nuclear weapon!
ALL other leaders have led with sanctions, monetary gifts to Iran and talk fests which enabled Iran the ability to get as close as it did …. FACT!!
You are from India. Do you know which countries are the greatest emitters of green house gasses.
Nasty emissions that will as Stephen Hawking predicted be the cause of earths downfall – Not uncontrolled AI, not WWIII- global warming.
Your work is all about vibrations etc , there is a direct connection with what you do and the health of this planet.
Have you sent an open letter to the people of India, the people of China? The Govt of India, the Govt of China with regards to the horrendous emissions that India and China are responsible for, which is currently poisoning our beautiful amazing planet?
You are throwing stones at the USA Govt for walking away from the Paris Climate treaty- yet India is one of the biggest if not the biggest green house gas emitter in the world.
You say you love USA but you dont live there- youll send your kids for education but you wont live there ….OMG- do you even hear yourself. You justify your opinions but you dont see how you are blinded by your ego and your perceived intellect.
True enlightenment is the walk of a thousand steps and knowing that in our lifetime we will be lucky to achieve one step.
You my friend with respect and a touch of disappointment and sadness have wandered off the path that leads to the steps of ttue enlightenment. 😞
Your thoughts are my thoughts!
Watching a ballgame, the flag is brought out and we pledge allegiance to the ideal of America, to all the ideas you mentioned. The words come out of my mouth, tears fill my eyes and sadness beats in my heart. I am proud to be an American where possibilities have always been possible, and where dreams become real.
Now is the time to stand for Freedom.
So sad to read your blog, it made me feel deeply disappointed 😔 it does not match with your work and vision. Hope you will wake up soon to see the bigger picture🙏🏻
This letter stirred so many emotions in me. Through all of those emotions, I felt hopeful and happy more than anything. I know that great pain often precedes needed change. Lately, I’ve viewed this path that America is on as being the pain we experience before the growth. I’m still hopeful that we have the heart and soul to pull that off. Ultimately, I believe in a world without national boundaries. I believe in people and the creativity, skills, and love we bring to each other. With that in mind, I also believe that America, as a nation, was opening that pathway to a world in which people can come together no matter what country they’re from or what beliefs they hold. I remain hopeful for that. Thank you so much for creating and sharing this blog post. It resonated deep in my soul.
Vishen,
I do love MindValley and what it offers. Your letter to America divides us which I am not a fan of.
Alda said: You have a powerful voice. Please use it to unify, not polarize. I agree with those here who ask for patience with our elected President to do the very difficult work he is trying to do. The tariffs are a tool to bring balance in trade back to America. We are now finding lost children and stopping the flood of illegals into our country. The situation with Iran seems to have had a good outcome, at least for now. Iran’s leaders are the enemy of many and need to be dealt with always, but our President seems to be navigating those waters in a skillful manner even while so many disparage his efforts. The illegals that have flooded our country due to previous leaders may be poised to attack us from within and that scares me. I grew up in America where we pledged our allegiance to our flag and country, today I see so many people speak such horrible disrespectful words about the man who is selflessly trying to save us and I pray for him and I am thankful for him. Look at who is standing by him and working alongside him, they are courageous intelligent people who are all trying to save our country that is under attack from within and without. Open your eyes, see the truth, see the bigger picture and stop furthering the division amongst us. I have faith in America and I have faith in our current President. We are in the fight of our lives for our freedom. Wake up and educate yourself, the media is NOT our friend, yours nor mine. Respectfully.
I appreciate your letter and value the same national characteristics that you value. I would simply ask that you not use a picture of Mount Rushmore for your primary image in your blog. There are many other beautiful images that you could choose to represent the U.S.A. Mount Rushmore is offensive to the indigenous peoples upon whose sacred land those faces of white men were carved. It is an awesome place to visit, yes, but – just not fully representative of the whole country.
Also, if you will be traveling in South Dakota, please do not miss a visit the Crazy Horse monument and grounds with a good museum and performances. It is near Mt. Rushmore. Thanks for listening.
I used it because Im visiting it with my son next week (along with the Crazy Horse Memorial nearby)
You surprised me in a positive way. I really liked that you positioned yourself in this egoic game of powerful, childish and cruel people that is at stake. Being aligned with spiritual causes cannot be the same as being disconnected in such a crucial and inhumane moment as this.
Congrats!
Thank you Vishen for expressing what is in so many hearts around the world, including mine. America was always seen to be a world leader in so many aspects of life that other countries and people around the world aspired to emulate or be a part of. It’s very sad to see how that has crumbled and become a shadow of itself, and continues to spiral into disarray. I know there are many of its people that still have and exhibit the wonderful qualities that once shone out to the world and my hope is that the America we once all came love and respect can again earn back the respect of all people both within USA and around the world. To work shoulder to shoulder with ALL other nations to make the world a better and more peaceful place for all humanity today. Join and champion a worldwide movement to make this planet more liveable and sustainable for all people today and future generations.
Dear Vishen,
Thank you for your heartfelt letter. I appreciate the time, care, and vulnerability it took to share your deep connection with America and your reflections on its current challenges. Your words—poetic and impassioned—remind us that this nation is not just a land, but a living idea that has impacted lives around the world, including your own.
As an American born and raised in this great nation, I carry an immense love for the promise that is America. And like you, I have watched it stumble, rise, evolve, and face incredible tests of will and unity over the years. But I must lovingly take issue with a few of your assertions, not to reject your concern, but to share a different lens through which many of us see what’s unfolding.
You speak of a flickering light. I see a rekindling flame.
You suggest America is spiraling. I see America, once again, wrestling with its destiny—not in despair, but in transformation.
Yes, we are imperfect. Always have been. That is the soul of a nation built not on bloodlines or borders, but on the audacity to self-correct. Our founding was revolutionary not because we got it right from the start, but because we dared to form “a more perfect Union”—knowing perfection is a pursuit, not a possession.
I support President Trump. Not because I agree with every tone or tactic, but because I see a leader who has never stopped fighting for the American people—for seniors, for veterans, for our servicemen and women, and for the hard-working men and women who ask for little but give everything.
He has fought for prosperity and freedom not just for the powerful, but for every citizen who still believes in the American Dream. His policies lifted millions, including communities long ignored by career politicians. And beyond politics, he has quietly given of his time, his talents, and his wealth to causes that rarely make the headlines—because he chose to give in silence, not for applause. That’s a lesson in service worth learning from.
This is a man who—flawed, yes, like all of us—took a bullet and kept going. That, in itself, says something deeper than politics ever could. He leads with grit. He gets back up. And he continues to give—even when misunderstood, mocked, or maligned. That’s not ego. That’s courage.
You speak of NATO, treaties, and war. I see a man who avoided new wars during his first term, who challenged the military-industrial complex, who pushed NATO allies to shoulder more of the cost burden, and who dared to question arrangements that no longer serve the people footing the bill.
You speak of ego. I see resilience.
You see chaos. I see a necessary disruption to an old order that served the few while forgetting the many.
That’s the America I believe in—not because of any one man, but because we are a nation forged in freedom, protected by voices willing to disagree, to debate, and to stand firm when others waver.
You write of lighthouses. I say: our light has never stopped shining—but perhaps, for a season, it shone inward. Rebuilding. Healing. Resisting the urge to please the world at the expense of our own foundation. That’s not selfishness. That’s stewardship.
You ask what happened to service. I say: it’s alive and well—just less polished and less comfortable to those accustomed to scripted decorum. Service can wear a suit, or a hard hat. It can whisper or roar. But service, at its core, is the willingness to lead when it’s hard, not when it’s popular.
And so, my friend, I thank you—for reminding me that America has inspired people across the globe. But I also gently remind you: this country still inspires us, too. Not as a utopia. But as a miracle in motion.
I believe in our people. I believe in our President. I believe in America’s future—not as a return to some nostalgic ideal, but as a bold leap toward renewal, strength, and the enduring promise of liberty.
And if America is, as you say, a frequency—then tune in closely.
You’ll find we’re not fading.
We’re just beginning a new verse of our eternal song.
With deep respect and enduring hope,
A Proud American
Lover of Liberty
Grateful for the Dream that Lives
I agree with your thoughtful, comprehensive and respectful response Michael. Well done, thank you.
Vishen…
So just a few months ago, in your 3/18/2025 blog post, you were out here dissecting Trump’s whole mindset like it was some masterclass in influence. Talking about “we can learn from him,” while lowkey platforming the exact mess you’re now trying to warn folks against. You even went to Mar-a-Lago last year and played nice with the same man who built his legacy off division, ego, and white supremacy.
Now suddenly you writing open letters talking about unity, compassion, and choosing love over fear? Sir, which one is it? Did you tell your MAGA friends all that last year at the party??? Or is this letter just for the algorithm?
You don’t get to uplift Machiavellian chaos in March and then act brand new in June. That ain’t growth, that’s confusion.
Pick a side and stand on it.
I’m all in on the ‘Citizen of Earth’.