Difference and Diversity

 "Article 1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." Universal Declaration of Human Rights

“Every child is born in the garden of humanity as a flower. Each flower differs from every other flower. There are many messages in our society that tell us, even when we’re young people, that there’s something wrong with us and that if we just buy the right product, or look a certain way, or have the right partner, that will fix it. As grown-ups, we can remind young people that they’re already beautiful as they are; they don’t have to be someone else.” Thích Nhất Hạnh, How to Love

Difference and Diversity

We have all grown up with a sense of being different. No one can understand exactly what it's like to be us, in every possible, imaginable way. Empathy, deep listening and compassion are crucial from those near to us, because these qualities do lead to understanding. It is essential as adults, and fundamental to our development as children. Such acknowledgement and recognition leads to feeling seen and heard, as your true self, and this also enhances self-awareness, self-respect, and happiness. I know this process well, because it is the work of the heart, it's the ongoing work of all true, deep relationships, and it's the neglected work, from family and community, that we often do repairatively in therapy.

Philosopher, Joanna Macy, teaches us that there are two main narratives alive in our times; one is the Great Unravelling, it is the story of separation, and not appreciating our interconnectedness to one another and the Earth. This is to the detriment of societies, nations and ecosystems everywhere. It leads to despair, grief, loneliness, destruction and violence. The other story is more hopeful, it is the Great Turning - a turning towards one another in kindness, and turning towards gratitude for our precious lives on this wonderful planet, with the intention to see clearly, reconnect and co-create positive changes. I believe that both these stories are alive in all of us, whether we are conscious of them or not, and we are often stepping between them, and creating the future by the story we choose to dwell in. Do you see yourself in these stories?

Many of us face the daunting task of navigating communities that often fail to understand and respect individuality and diversity in all its forms - in nature around us, and in our personalities, and ways of life. For human beings, embracing our differences is a journey that is often fraught with internal struggles. We may have experienced bullying, discrimination, denial of warmth and consideration, or even judgements and punishments for our innate or perceived differences. Fear of rejection looms large in many people's lives, as social stigma burdens the soul, with the weight of wearing masks, and keeping secrets. However, your wild, animal soul belongs here. You are a child of Mother Earth.


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