All my life I have heard of what separates people. I have heard how different you are from me. I have heard how different this person is from that one. How beliefs and customs are so very different amongst countries. Religions that divide by thinking their way is the only way.
When do I start to hear how similar people are? Where we are at now, we have more similarities with each other than ever before. Actually, maybe we have always had similarities but have been unable to acknowledge how similar we all actually were.
Sure people may look different, act different, externally seem different. This is what makes people individual, special and unique. However, there are underlying principles, wants and needs that are all so similar. Right now people are hungry! Not only for food. People are hungry for connection. They are hungry for meaning. For purpose. People want love. They want support. They want validation. They want to be able to express themselves freely and creatively.
When will we start to look at what we have in common with others instead of how we are different? How many times have you looked at someone or heard someone talk and after said to yourself…”wow, I am nothing like them!” The truth is, to be a whole person, you have to have a little of that in you. When you can recognize that place in you that is able to identify with the other person you seem to think you don’t have anything in common with, then you can feel compassion.
In times that seem as challenging as the ones we are in, how can we bring people even closer? Let them in so we can all be vulnerable together instead of standing tall when some may feel short.
The feeling of us all being connected is one of the most powerful things on this planet for you would not do to another what you would not want for yourself. Would you? How would you treat yourself walking down the street? Would you look up and say hello? At work? Would you lose your temper or have more patients? Sitting in traffic when someone has to cut in front of you to get to the other lane? If you saw yourself homeless on the street, would you think twice about giving them a dollar contemplating what they would use that dollar for or would you part with it thinking if that were me, I would want my fellow man to help me out?
I ask these questions to evoke thought. I ask these questions to bring our hearts together for the only way I know how to change separation is to be the connection. Connection, contrary to popular belief is not a noun; it is a state of being.
Have you ever felt separate from something or somebody? Do you remember how that feels? Well, this is how the world has been for a long time now. A way that we can all be the balance of this for the world is by starting with ourselves. When we feel connected and are being connected, there is no room for separation. It is just an illusion. If you knew that there was no separation, would you feel differently about a dearly departed loved one? Would you even experience loss in the same way? Maybe you wouldn’t experience loss at all because if there is no separation, then you are not separate from any thing or any body.
Today, be aware of any places you feel or see separation. When you do, be the polarity. Be the balance that you wish to see. Gandhi said to be the change you wish to see in the world. This holds so much power for you are already what you wish to become. It is already within you. Feel the power of this. Take a deep breath and breathe that in! You are already what you wish to become.
Channel it to remember who you already are…and watch the world change before your eyes!
9 Comments
I love this blog. Thank you for posting it. It’s an inspiring message and something I agree with and believe, strongly. And it feels great to know that you’re getting the message out there for people to learn, grow and benefit from.
Incredible and inspirational, as always. Thank you.
Love this! I’m going to print it out for my cube! Important to keep this top of mind!
You are so right! I sold houses to people when the market was good. Now I lost many of the properties I owned and found myself almost homeless. To say it was humbling is an understatement. I never walk by someone as they pick through the trash can and say “what a loser!” That could be me. In the turn of events you can be just like the begger on the street or the person in the mental hospital or jobless. We are all very similar…whether educated or not. From money or not. We have the same thoughts and values if we were raised with compassion. So never judge…you may be there one day, unexpectadely. Dawn
Hi Randy,
Yes, we really are all connected! I just saw you on the Kindness Movement and checked you out on Twitter & your blog. (Ok – I know this is not the ‘connected’ you are talking about here!)
When I really feel connected I find that life flows. I am not looking for people to do or say something in a way that ‘makes me happy’. I release others from expectations. The most challenging people to practice that with in my opinion is our immediate family. What great teachers!
Looks like you’re just getting started on Twitter – have fun with it! I am really thankful for all the like minded people I have connected with there. You might want to follow some people as well…you never know who you might learn from!
Blessings to you!
Randy, enjoyed reading “The Space Between Us”. Have a question, though…you made the following comment:
“…be the change you wish to see in the world. This holds so much power for you are already what you wish to become.”
When you say ‘you are already what you wish to become’, is that a reference to one’s present state or is it referring to one’s mindset for the future?
All the Best,
Steven
As a New York Life Coach, I agree with you. We might have different looks and ideas about life but we all are people and we can find a way to connect with each other. Great post!
I really need you to be my Life Coach randy…
Very inspiring Randy, and so very true. Death does not separate us, we are still all connected. When someone dies, you can still communicate with that person. They will hear you. Sometimes you can still feel them around you, sometimes very strongly. The only way you wouldn’t be able to communicate, is if they have reincarnated, and usually they don’t right away. You never have to feel alone, there is always spirit around you. You can be assured, there is always someone who cares about you close by. What is the true meaning of privacy? I wouldn’t know, I am never alone, lol. As far as “Be the change you wish to see in the world..” Yes, treat others as you would like to be treated, reach out to those that need reaching out to. Be the friendly face, and say “hello” to strangers. Think of how many times in a day, that you can put a smile on someone’s face! See how spreading love, peace, kindness and generosity, brings back it’s own special reward. It definately makes the world a nicer place to live in.
Just awesome!!! Brilliant thoughts!