Are you feeling comfortable with the way reality is unfolding? Do you question whether you have any influence or control over things anymore? I’ve been reflecting on the current global situation and these reflections are connected with what I see happening in my own country. These are not easy times. These are rapidly changing times with no guarantees of certainty around anything, except the possibility of further changes and disruptions. Normalcy no longer exists. Yet, what can be done to support constructive changes? How can you and I in any way influence the outcomes that are still to manifest into reality?
The words ‘unity’ and ‘duality’ keep popping into mind. This I find tantalizing. What do they convey and how are they relevant to current issues?
When I reflect on the word ‘duality’ I observe that our co-created existence has its roots and basis in this construct, in all areas of life. Duality exists in politics, religion, business, competition, sports, race, ageism, sexism etc. Duality permeates every area of life and it seeps into and becomes embedded into language, everyday functioning, rules and regulations that are administered. Duality is what you are born into and it’s so entrenched that it becomes an unconscious mechanism for how life is lived. Beliefs are shaped by life experiences, just as fears are shaped by perceptions, beliefs and experiences. Duality has led to, and perpetuates the idea of differences and separation.
I’m summarizing this very briefly, hoping to stir your memories where you’ve witnessed or even experienced a Them versus Us situation or system. My understanding is that this division in perception and beliefs become habits that are fully embedded within societal functioning, thereby furthering the sense of alienation and separation. Your understanding and perceptions around this duality that’s been co-created is that possibly this is how things are meant to be. In fact, I’d suggest that the normalization of duality throughout countless facets of our culture has been highly successful.
Will duality improve, enhance, support each and every member of society? Will it ensure an equal and harmonious quality of life? Or will the perceived differences between Them and Us fester and strengthen, resulting in continued conflict, anger, judgment, mistrust etc?
As my musings have gone down this path I’ve come to the conclusion that a co-created duality culture is damaging to such a degree that the only option left is, as a culture, to begin formulating strategies and ways of creating unity in everyday life. In other words, it’s up to you and I and all people interested in creating a new, healthier reality.
All change begins from within. Gandhi said words to the effect, “You must be the change you wish for”. What does this mean? And how can this shift within manifest significantly to create unity changes through all layers of society?
How you choose to work in unity, rather than duality, is your responsibility. Your implementation of living in unity with others may differ from how another person chooses to do it. However, I firmly believe that shifting from a Them and Us judgmental and intolerant perspective to a We perspective is the beginning of creating a real change in the world.
Adhering to the meaning of the Gandhi statement I’ve been observing my responses to what I hear, witness and understand from the world around me. Through a process of mindfulness I’m finding that my language is changing. Words are powerful, they hold energy. Emotions are powerful and also hold energy. Words/thoughts combined with action are even more potent.
My process for this has been influenced by the conversations I have with my youngest son. He’s intelligent and articulate and often we engage in what would appear to be disagreements on issues such as politics, religion, economy etc. Ironically it soon became apparent that we were often of a similar mindset, we simply approached our understanding and experiences from a different perspective. These lively discussions have enabled me to open my eyes further, in terms of understanding and acceptance. Giving credit and acknowledgement has become an important ingredient in conversations. In many instances my children have become my teachers due to their sharing and wisdom.
A repeated statement, We’re all in this together, has become the slogan for the Covid health issue in Australia. When I reflect on this statement there’s a much broader implication and application. Nowadays my understanding of this is that there’s no such thing as separation. “You hold a perception, I hold a perception so let’s talk about it.” In other words, what are the commonalities? How is it possible to allay fears and garner strength? What can I share and learn from you, and you from me? How can we reconcile and accept differences, and work with them to create bridges to understanding?
Listening, reflecting and a willingness to accept different perspectives without judgment is an indication of maturity. It’s what happens when the changes within deepen and emerge to embrace a new understanding of unity and oneness.
There are many steps to this process of shifting from duality to unity. Working with the power of language is only one aspect of the process. Developing empathy supports the process. Willingness to let go of dated beliefs and to embrace new perspectives helps. Listening instead of wanting to be heard all the time develops understanding. Attempting to view the world through the eyes of another person’s experiences may provide new insights. Caring and sharing as often as possible enhances the unity process.
I feel strongly that if there’s anything that can help change the uncertainty and fear in the world then the practice of developing Unity is important. The long held deeply entrenched constructs of separation, duality and differences must, in some way, be minimized and ultimately removed from our culture. We’re all in this together, and it’s up to us to make a massive difference in the world.
What are your thoughts on this subject? Is it possible to shift the focus from duality to unity, from separation to oneness? What techniques and strategies can be developed? How can each person make a difference? What is the long term potential for manifesting such a shift?
These are some of the many questions that can be asked of everyone. I used to believe that one person could not make a difference in the world. Now I see it’s possible. Planting a seed of possibility has the potential to manifest life changing realities. So I ask you to consider the ways in which you are able to contribute to shifting the focus from duality to unity? Every small contribution (words, thoughts, actions) adds to the energy of creating constructive, beneficial shifts.