“Behind individuality is the Spiritual Oneness which holds us all together in Unity and Love.” Ernest Holmes, from Living the Science of Mind
What does it mean to be “in this together”? What if that wasn’t even a question?
I began poking around in some of my favourite books to investigate the draw we have towards each other. Past evidence seems to reveal this as truth, yet I have also witnessed and studied about separation and discrimination. The thing is, regardless how strong our media and culture may be in creating an environment of ‘us versus them’ there are always those who can’t help but connect with the ‘underdog’. As an example of this, I am reminded of a brilliant movie we hosted at The Centre, years ago, called, “The Diary of Immaculée”. Here is a synopsis of that story: Immaculée IIibagiza grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a family she cherished. But, in 1994, her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide. Her family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months, and that claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans. Miraculously, Immaculée survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor’s home, while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them…
WOW! As I think about that situation, part of what I wonder is, “What brought the minister to risk the lives of his family?”
Brené Brown, in her book, The Gifts of Imperfection, may have some insight to share. She wrote, “In his book Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships, Daniel Goleman explores how the latest findings in biology and neuroscience confirm that we are hardwired for connection and that our relationships shape our biology as well as our experiences.” Regardless of what is happening on the outside, in the world around us, there is something more innate, more primal, inside each one of us that is activated when we see people in trouble.
I know for me, every time I cross paths with the 2 homeless men who frequent the perimeter of our local grocery store, I can’t help but reach out. The desire to scoop them up and bring them home is strong. So far I have bought them grapes and given them an extra sleeping bag. I want to do more, and I revel in these men’s ability to accept help. “What would you like me to buy from the store?” “Grapes please.”
I, myself, do not keep giving and receiving in balance in my life. To give is a way easier practice for me than to receive, by a long shot.
Here is more wisdom from Brené Brown from, The Gifts of Imperfection: “As we think about the definition of connection and how easy it is to mistake technology for connecting, we also need to consider letting go of the myth of self-sufficiency. One of the greatest barriers to connection is the cultural importance we place on ‘going it alone.’ “Somehow we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone. Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we’re very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves.”
And Ernest Holmes, in Living the Science of Mind, wrote: “Each one of us is an inlet to the Divine, but, because we are individuals, we can inhibit Its flow; we can block It or squeeze It down to a small volume or even stop It. Or, by opening up all the channels of faith and conviction and hope, we can increase Its flow. When the natural joy of life is unblocked, it will flow freely through us and we shall become whole and happy. But doubt, fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and a sense of insecurity can so congest our mental life that nothing Good can get through.”
It’s time for each and every one of us to wake up, open all gates and allow the Good to flow in.
Holmes went on to write: “It is from simple but far-reaching facts like these that we learn some of the greatest lessons of life. And the first lesson we should learn is that Life intends us to be well, happy, and successful.”
We are in this together… everywhere we look. Let us continue to give a helping hand and in return, ask for help way more often. As we create balance in our own lives we send out a vibration of harmony into the world. Let’s make a difference together.
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