Saturday, April 23, 2022
Modernity has created a kind of life where humans exclude each other. It’s hard to find people who are welcoming. Religion is exclusive, economic class is exclusive, and technology and social media makes that exclusivity as easy as “unfriending” or “blocking” another. We make others feel that they are different, when in fact all humans love to be in community. Personal interaction softens when your eyes meet other eyes, or when you see the suffering in someone else’s face, when your words are too harsh. Sitting behind a computer screen, saying whatever you want is far too easy, but being in a localized, communal setting makes confrontation more difficult. Hating someone gets harder when you know who they are, personally.
Make an effort to include others in your group, or be open to going where you have to interact with people you don’t know. Personal interaction and face-to-face encounters break down barriers. Put down the phone, get out there and include, invite, interact, connect, and build up a network of new people, and then always leave room for one more. If you give the impression that your group is closed, people will feel marginalized.
It’s your inclusivity that enhances your existence. It’s being noticed, loved, cherished, and appreciated that makes being a human more meaningful, rich, and vibrant. Don’t deny this to anyone, take a chance on them and reach out. There’s always room in your heart. Leave room for others who feels left out, and you’ll be the game-changer in this world. Be invitatory with your demeanor, and you’ll be the one people will notice. You’ll attract people to help you build your dreams, you never know who will show up with the next opportunity for you. Being welcoming is what makes things happen in your life, and it’s what builds peace in the world. Put down the phone, and get creative in how you can be more inclusive, it’s the only way our species will survive.