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.
960 Responses
Under the YOUR VOTE IS NOT JUST YOURS heading the word “conscience” might be a more meaningful choice than “conscious”.
Bravo, Vishen, for using your bully pulpit to proclaim your view of America in a direct and respectful manner. I wonder how many of those who are writing in opposition to you as a business leader speaking out also wrote to Elon Musk to castigate him for doing the same – and considerably more?
The corruption in the US seems to spread throughout everything – and all the way into the structures where the people’s voices flow through. The way our candidates are brought forward is driven by money and power and the playing field is not level for everyone to enter that work.
The chaos provides a falling away…no one said that change is easy. Unfortunately, what got us here is not going to get us out of it. So, let’s see what happens as people wake up. and I’m not talking about being “woke”. Actually awakening to who we truly are as energetic beings having a human experience.
Peace internally will give way to peace externally. Let’s work on that internal peace.
Insight, Wisdom and Love!!!
Not sure why a non-citizen is commenting on US tax policy, “cutting taxes for Billionares” … but okay. Let’s break it down. The Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) would keep tax rates the SAME as today. So let’s assume you’re suggesting raising them. That means less capital to grow the economy which hurts everyone.
And remember Buffett famously bragged that he paid less tax % then his secretary. That’s because those politicians that “openly take bribes” ALWAYS leave a loophole for themselves. Raise the rate, it won’t matter, the loopholes remain.
I too share the dream of a world where love for all reigns supreme. Love for our planet and our universe. Indeed, the energy of the universe is love itself. Here’s the question. Do you think the Iranian leaders are kidding when they chant Death to America? How do we best address that?
Thank you, Vishen. Thank you for honoring your principles, especially when there are clear risks involved.
As an American horrified by the treatment of our most vulnerable populations, your words are forever appreciated.
Thank you Vishen. I resonate with your letter; indeed, we all have the responsibility to air our views to better the world we live in now and for the generations to come.
We view America different in terms of development and democracy while what is going on regarding most of the issues be it War or internal politics is not a good example from that nation at all, and changes can only come within America itself.
Let your letter be a source guidance to them to dig deep into America’s foundation, let Americans be serious in their endeavors to keep the nation as a super-power. This is inclusion, for Mindvalley, freedom of speech when thought of positively is one of the ways leading to growth and betterment of all challenges we have, we humans are the ones creating good and evil on our life path.
I pray for positive thinkers to grasp me message, as it is intended for the good of the world.
I cried when I read this. Not out of fear or frustration or the giant sense of loss, although I have felt all those things. I cried because I could so relate to what you are saying, on the most basic level. We love our home and the way of life we were raised to believe in. We grew up with corn flakes and barbie dolls, family time, community, mankind on the moon and a generation of musical genius that rocked the world in the best ways. Our heroes were men of reason and when bad things happened we clung together against it, often relating to strangers like kin in our quest to be true to what was good and right. We believed in “Using the Force” and our creativity mushroomed bigger than any atom bomb. Along the way we made many, many mistakes and there were people always mad at us somewhere, but we also were determined to clean up our own mess and we knew America was more right than wrong. All that and more is still so deep in my heart and I realize it is also deep in the heart of others who have lived through the past 50 or so years. And many of the younger ones whose families passed down the knowledge and the understanding not just about what it means to be free but also the sacred responsibilities of freedom, the value of truth, the importance of things like generosity and kindness and willingness. The Golden Rule. Why it even matters. This must not be lost. As our heroes pass out of this world, and we’ve watched them go, one by one, we must, MUST have more of them step up and fill that void. Because in the vacuum left of not doing so, we pull in the destructive, those like we have now running amok in our halls of power. They do not actually represent the heart of America. We have not passed the real torch. We are still here. We are out doing “No Kings” rallies by the millions. But it will not be enough to simply rail against bad things and cruel people, we have to push good things forward. And now, we need to do that in a big, BIG way. And it has to rise up equally out of our young. We don’t need a red wave or a blue wave, and the time is past where a smiling Cinderella parade wave will cut it. We need a wave of consciousness, the kind that connects us, inspires us, and gets us back up with a fire in our eyes. Because this isn’t just for America, this is for the whole world. We are not here to conquer or best our brothers across oceans and borders. You wouldn’t leave your little brother standing alone on a corner somewhere. This world is our family. It’s time to accept who we really are.
Great letter. America has been a leader. It isn’t any more, but we still look for it. A madman in power can jsut happen anywhere, even in America, But it points to changing time, where we are each , in other parts of the wold, empowered to face changing times. New values elsewhere will emerge- not based on fitting in, not based only in the billiance of individual minds, but on the contribution every one of us can bring to solve the problems of tomorrow. New creativity. The world of today is the result of thinking from past lives, We have to think on what we want for the world of tomorrow, where value will be measured not on wealth and personal success, but on the success we bring to the future in a larger sense.
Vishen, love is love, unconditional. We live in a world of polarity. What is this Ego driven letter doing in my in box? Surely you knew it would offend me & why are you sending your son to a university in a country you write so negatively about? Are you OK? Connect to higher self.
Vishen,
Here you can see who is behind the wars so why the establishment is against Trump. Who are you for? The imperial war machine or American sovereignty and peace?
Open your mind please. It’s your turn to be the student. We have great news to share with you!
https://x.com/prometheanactn/status/1937942711333527690?s=46
Best wishes,
Sue
Not all of America fell into the trance of the propaganda. Not all of us are fooled by the lies and equivocation. Not all of us can be bullied or governed by fear. Some of us voted AGAINST this regime. While this sets us back decades and decades and makes us look no more like a beacon of hope and opportunity but now a buffoon of a country…this too shall pass.
This post made my day. So much valuable information.
Vijay,
Unfortunately the items you speak up against are the very items that has Europe and America in trouble.
Socialist and communist structures that had been driven for a number of years is the challenge.
Illegal immigration and non integration is the challenge.
Providing money for those whom do nothing to reciprocate with their ability to self manage and govern is a typical example of raising a child who never becomes an adult.
Sheltering your child when they do wrong without repercussions is what creates tantrums, noise and low value adults.
We have become a culture that accepts everyone. Yet when those that built the Golden Goose actually speak up those who cultivated the food at the table are criticised by their guests and disrespected.
The hosts voice and requirements are always at a higher ranking than the guests. Especially when the guests have left their broken countries due to its values and yes religion. Now those same people want to drive the low value structures down their hosts throat.
When those happen the guest must be shown the door. That how you keep your home great.
I find your post disappointing as what made America great is not what it or Europe has become in the last 40 Years.
Change must be radical and disruptive when the lies and deception must be shown.
How else do you change and uncover while creating awareness when you are one of currently 6 Global leaders who are standing up for God, Country, its people and not the global elite and its politicians owned by its sponsors.
Only 5 years for these presidents to show, take action and establish the required awareness. Then enable the next leader to continue the corrective action.
Does it make all actions perfect NO. However the 80/20 rule applies and the 80% corrective is applauded and I for one would love to be part of what made America great.
Charity starts at home driven on the values that established your greatness.
Weak fathers make weak families.
Absolutely perfectly said
The work of Mindvalley offers exactly what we need: a path toward unity, understanding, and collective growth.
This mission—to shift our culture from separation to interconnectedness—is not just important; it’s essential for our survival.
By making even basic resources freely available to a broader audience, Mindvalley can ignite a ripple effect of transformation, helping people everywhere see their shared humanity and embrace unity as our greatest strength.
Thank you, Vishen for sharing your heartfelt thoughts for the US.
Vishen, I personally think it was a mistake to enter into the political debate of the U.S. Firstly, your comments are not shared by ALL of your subscribers, I am sure. Your position is offensive to some of us. Your lane is meditation, consciousness, etc., which you’ve done an excellent job at sharing and teaching that with the world; however, in my opinion, your comments reflect much ignorance. Although you obviously were very deliberate in trying to omit Trump’s name, we all know who you’re trying to shame. Can you imagine if Trump decided to criticize you for the way you’re teaching meditation or visualization? That would be insane. His lane is politics and business. I don’t believe he’d ever be foolish enough to try and jump lanes and criticize something he knows so little about.
I believe your assertions are reflective of opinions formed by listening to Mainstream media news, which 90% of all public sources are owned by only 6 corporations/conglomerates, with a very specific agenda. Have you ever wondered why when you turn on the news and flip channels virtually every news station is presenting the same exact information at the same time? It’s called “4am talking points,” which are given to create a mainstream narrative to control people’s brains with a narrative they can jump on that is usually based in many lies and misinformation. I would urge you to seek out some highly respected investigative journalists that are NOT BOUGHT, like so many of the mainstream puppets and networks are, if you are seeking actual truth of what’s going on…An EXCELLENT documentary on this is called, “Out of Shadows” (2020). A former CIA operative, Kevin Shipp, helped produce that. Very eye-opening.
People are ignorant until the truth is revealed. How many people in the past have praised P.Diddy for being such an amazing talent and entrepreneur, or Harvey Weinstein for being this amazing movie mogul, or Jeffrey Epstein for being so ahead of the curve with transhumanism, or Oprah, for being a philanthropist, until NOW when all the dirty, DISGUSTING laundry is starting to come out on these people. What I can assure you is that right now…NOTHING is what it seems! This is the year (and next) when so much darkness will be exposed. I would encourage you to use your platform for what you do best, which is continuing to help people learn how to meditate and manifest joyful and abundant lives. That is having a tremendous impact on the planet. So thank you. And as respectfully as I may suggest, please stay in your lane…for again, NOTHING IS WHAT IT SEEMS, especially when you are not critically informed….stay tuned for some unbelievable twists and turns that will be unfolding in this movie we are watching. And please stop believing all the mainstream media…Look up the CIA’s program called, “Operation Mockingbird.” It’s still going on til this very day…so the message for us all is to practice discernment and don’t be a sheeple.
Absolutely perfectly said
Agree 100%. I respectfully point out to Vishen, that it is always good to question. Perhaps you could question why so many voted for President Trump. Have you ever spoken with any of them? Maybe question more.
Thank you Vishen for your important words. I am so sad that the America I grew up in has become what it now is. The amount of division and anger is shocking and disgusting and it is so surprising to see the same on this platform in response to your Open Letter. What is currently happening in the US is no longer about politics, it is about authoritarian control and hatred. I hope that the country can find its way back.
I was raised in DC when Eisenhower was president. Things were pretty calm. There were and always will be differing points of view across the country, and that’s what freedom of speech is all about. The country was using democracy as a benchmark for the rest of the world as the finest example of the genre.
I no longer reside in the US, but a lot of the ideas I was exposed to still govern my thoughts. The rule of law was one of them. For the first time in history, that rule in the US has come under threat. Free speech is often penalized, Habeas corpus is being ignored, the Bill of Rights has been washed away, and citizens are being extradited because they have been labeled as criminals. Federal, military, and police forces have been used against the citizens they were sworn to protect.
Fear, bribery, and corruption are commonplace, and the Supreme Court is being ignored. If the respect for the law goes out the window, chaos will reign. The benchmarks that the USA was built upon are fading away. The Statue of Liberty, which welcomed the world into the country, is beginning to look a little tarnished. The “Honest Abe” style of government is crumbling. The unfortunate political two-party system brings out a “them and us” mentality that misses the ones that don’t fit one side or the other. A third party would move toward a system that can accept that not all of their ideas have to be of one color or another, and where compromise becomes possible. It works well in countries that use it, particularly when the third point of view can moderate the harsher side of things.
Demagoguery is a dangerous way to run things, and when you have someone who runs things whose only goal is to be noticed a revered, your country will lose all that made it great, and the world will lose what was one the finest examples of democracy.