February Week 2: “EMBRACING DIVERSITY: The Mastery of Differences”
By Jeffon Seely pg 26
This week we will give our attention to the article on pg 26. He brings up some good points to consider. Seely suggests, “If we stop for a moment and bring to mind all the things that we have in common, the similarities seem to be endless.” Indeed there are so many similarities among us and also our experiences of life as humans.” It’s true when you consider it. We all experience life, death, pain, family, school, and love. The list could go on and on. Have you ever thought about the similarities between yourself and others? It appears he is trying to say that we all are basically one being one and living together. What is your take on this?
Seely also points out that no 2 people are the same. Notice where he says, “With all these things that connect us with one another, I can’t help wonder why we have such a difficult time navigating the differences that exist between us.” This is a great point to consider. I have to distinguish my judgments from my principles all the time. It can be a struggle at times but that is the good news. To know the struggle is not real is to have peace of mind at the end of the tunnel.
Confronting our beliefs can be quite like a tug of war. He has made a valid point for us to remember. I wonder…as Seely does…why we have such a difficult time with the differences, or do you tend to see the similarities more than the differences?
Again Seely asks us, “Are we willing to consciously and intentionally build bridges instead of allowing the differences that exist between us to build barriers that prevent harmony, compassion, peace and equality from becoming a reality for all?” Great question and reading it do we fully realize that our choices are what defines the outcome? I have no problem with knowing there are relationships that don’t need to continue. There are plenty of reasons our choices can move on to something new but there can be a compassionate responsibility to the end without leaving the people in question hanging on and being incomplete or separated.
Unity and Conflict
The Indian philosopher Krishnamurti says, “ the moment we separate ourselves from the essence of life that connects us to all things is the moment that conflict enters in...” This sounds like SOM philosophy doesn’t it? We look and recognize the Divine in all. Our thinking…our consciousness recognized the Divine in everything. When we finally recognize this unity, there can be no conflict.
In Holmes words, “We learn how to live in complete harmony and joy when we come to know that at the center of his being, each is an individualized expression of God.”
As you read further, Seely encourages us to look at how we behave on this earth. In terms of religion he writes, “…Anyone who is not practicing their religion is cursed, not going to heaven or fueled by evil. On the quest to convert people to a particular religious oath, we commit ungodly acts.” That is a lot to consider. What are your genuine feelings about other religions? How far have you grown when it comes to understanding these areas? I know I had many to tackle and more to overcome. I still look back with regrets on several instances where I struggled with the truth or my truth. But in all things considered, I would not be where I am today without that struggle. Could it be that we finally must choose our freedom? Could that be the struggle?
That is quite a sobering consideration, yes? Seely suggests we can see possibility when, “There are many people who have walked a path of unity. They were willing to expand in consciousness and recognize that regardless of the dimensions of diversity that exist between us, everyone is deserving of acceptance, respect and appreciation, even if we differ from them in some way.” Is there a nationality or a religion that challenges your sense of acceptance? I know the first thing I think of is politics here in our country. We all know when we have a closed heart or when you realize the differences you have with others. Are you ready to open your heart or to at least see similarity rather than difference?
Seely suggests if we are ready to walk in unity, we will become “bridge builders.” “They live their lives in such a way that they break down the barriers that have been constructed. They build bridges for greater understanding and equality…They realize the greatest work they can do to honor all dimensions of diversity is the work that no one sees.”
Clearly this is the work that will take place within us!
Build Bridges from the Inside Out
Seely begins this section saying that what you dislike in other people is often an unresolved issue within us. This work is known as “shadow work.” This can be a painful experience. When you work with your subconscious digging for true healing, you can experience real peace. Isn’t that all we truly want….peace? If you are ready, I would suggest SOM Ministers or Licensed Practitioners to guide you to that place of truth.
Building bridges within ourselves requires support from others. He credits Dr. David Ault being there for him when he was ready to work on himself. “Doing this work requires us to be conscious of when we…commit thought crimes against other people.” This is what I call God’s work. Our licensed practitioners have done it and it can be quite rigorous and uncomfortable. This is what SOM is all about isn’t it? We are aware of our thoughts. We can clean up our thinking if we choose to. Have you tried doing that? Who can you call for support? Doing this kind of work you will be starting from a new place. You will become ready to understand others, rather than to seek being understood.
When you begin to see from others’ perspective, you will release your need to think that you are, or that your beliefs are, superior to anyone else’s. He writes, “This can cause an inner shift that leads to lasting transformation.” You see when we do shift; our sense of superiority will cause us to build barriers once again. Our job is to learn to recognize our thinking of feeling superior and redirect ourselves to see the perspective of others. Yes it is a choice…free and simple. The impact is your choice, too but when we know we are all One, this chosen separation is not necessary. This being takes time and patience. Be kind to yourself just as much as you are doing the same for others.
Bridge the Dimensions of Diversity
We are given 3 practices to help us overcome our differences being bridge builders.
1. Connect with someone different from you today, authentically.
“Be more interested than interesting.”
2. Unresolved issues can be resolved….do it!
3. Be aware when you slip into patterns of building barriers by:
· Be aware of your thought
· Notice when you exclude others
· Watch your thoughts that don’t resonate with acceptance, belonging, and respect.
Seely’s closing paragraph is powerful when he asks us to realize that we are the champions to do this work and doing so can make the world a more beautiful place.
May we be blessed in embracing the beauty of our differences and all the colors of love!