2 December 2020
You hear many people say that we are a “divided nation.” And while this might be true at one level, it only deprives us of our potential as a species. Humans are herd animals and we thrive only in community and cooperation, not in isolation or separation. Today is a good day to refocus on connecting to others. Today is a good day to focus on the things that show others that you really care about their wellness. Begin to see ways that you can show care for the well-being of others, rather than focusing solely on their differing viewpoints and opinions.
When people use divisive words or take actions that seem to bring others down, we have to remember that they are overly identifying with their beliefs and thoughts. Many humans do not understand the difference between what they think and who they really are. Today is a great day to rise above obsessive thinking and to try to connect more by being compassionate. Listen to someone today, without thinking of what you’ll say next. Listen carefully, attentively and lovingly – especially if you disagree. When you speak, maintain that same loving attention. Ask someone one more question, rather than the casual “howdy.” Think of greetings that will prompt people to respond with new words, other than habitual responses like, “I’m fine.” “How are you?” is a phrase that no longer has real meaning in our culture. How about, “What are you looking forward to today?” Even, “How do you feel?” can sometimes be more compelling.
Work on connecting to others in a deeper way, in order to break through the noise and emptiness of overused words. Soften your tone when you communicate. Look directly in someone’s eyes. Inject humor when you can, and change the erroneous perception that we are somehow divided. Humanity cannot survive in the mental structure of division. We all come from the same place and are made of the same substance. Know this great truth within yourself and strive to connect people together, rather than fueling divisive viewpoints. You can be a connector of people, just like so many heros of our time and of the past. Our very survival depends on our ability to cooperate and connect more deeply with others. Make that choice today.