MIND • BODY • SPIRIT
socio-economic and racial inequity is still being perpetuated in employment and under the guise of some homo- geneous groups. Standing in our own power while celebrating others is the gift that fosters inclusivity. Our good comes to us in proportion to how deeply we understand and embrace Oneness expressing as dis- tinct yet interdependent systems from single cells to animal life to planets and beyond - all creation. Look around! The “Divine Plan” is expressing as infinite variety – il- limitable diversity - the celebration of differences - the uniqueness of each expression of the Divine, not unifor- mity. Had the creator wanted same- ness, there would be no differences. Oneness does not equate to sameness. Unity does not mean uniformity. The Divine Design is inextricably intercon- nected and exquisitely interdependent. You are invited to join or form a conscious conversation circle – an “In- finity Group” – in which to learn about the experiences of others. Infinity Groups are non-homogenous groups replicating nature’s infinite human di- versity. The intention of gather small groups of people who are committed to learning about myriad cultures in comfortable yet semi-structured con- versations in order to gain understand- continued on page 36
this individualization of the Spirit in each one of us [is] rooted in common soil, having the characteristics and po- tentialities of its common background …” Until we embrace Spirit’s inten- tional infinite diversity, we will not realize Oneness – the key to bring- ing true healing and transformation into the world. All of Creation is the unique individuation of Spirit. Nature displays myriad forms and expressions that may be biologically similar yet each is innately different. Science investigates diversity seek- ing to reveal the one great principle, the life, that lies within everything. Our needs, interests, life experiences and circumstances all differ. These distinctions express our individuality. Treating people the same dishonors those differences. Treating people equitably means that we meet them where they are. Honoring uniqueness acknowledges the diverse expression of Creation. Any time we act contrary to nature, we run the risk of slipping into destructive practices. The magne- tism of sameness draws us to others that resemble ourselves. There is value in getting clear about our individual and collective identi- ties and contributions, and we must be vigilant to ensure that our focus on collective identity does not result in new demonstrations of exclusivity – another term for segregation. Blatant
As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Now is our time.
hatefully prejudiced person I have ever met. He claimed he could smell people of different ethnicities. He and his partner-in-training worked closely over many months and became good friends. Had he been sighted, that could not have happened since his co- worker was black. When our assump- tions are not triggered, possibilities abound. Central to moving from the current condition to an equitable society is the recognition that we do have the power to make a difference and that our ef- fort (no matter how small it may seem) generates a ripple effect that cumula- tively changes everything. As Mar- garet Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Now is our time. Ernest Holmes stated in the Beverly Hills Lectures, “Unity and uniformity are not the same thing. No two blades of grass are alike. What does it mean spiritually?... We have nothing to disprove and everything to prove that
Being objective can be challeng- ing. Honest assessment of current conditions requires objectivity. We must begin where we are. You must ask yourself, two critical questions: “What role have I played in the perpetuation of inequity?” and, “Am I willing to set aside my story about how inequity came to be so that I can whole-heartedly participate in creating new relationships based on Oneness – the clear understanding that we are all individuations of One Creator?” Unless you can lean into a “yes” answer to both these questions, you’ll remain stuck in ”othering” – the siloed existence in which all we know about people who are not like us is the composite of what we’ve been told and our own imaginings – fragmented thoughts pasted together to form pre- judgments. Prejudice based on such assumptions have blocked multitudes of potentially healthy relationships. Many years ago, working with blind people in a rehabilitation program, I discovered a benefit of total blind- ness: One of my clients was the most
PATHWAYS—Fall 20—35
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