50/50 is about as even as it gets. Half see it one way, the other half doesn’t. Half want one thing, the other half want something else.
And yet.
Here we are. One world. One country. One outcome.
Here in the US, we have the opportunity to mirror to the rest of the world how to honor diversity.
And none of us knows exactly how to do that.
People who hadn’t been listening or understanding what was going on with half of our country finally hear. They don’t know what to do with it, but it’s very evident that some aid is needed — some change.
People who worked hard to obtain rights for they way they chose to live are in fear that what they have accomplished may be taken away.
And here we are with a 50/50 split.
MAJOR understanding is vital. HUGE compromise is necessary
That means we will not get our own way. There must be compromise in order to honor and include our diversity. It means that we must become really, really earnest in understanding why the other person feels so adamantly, what their fears are and we must try to understand these fears and address them.
That takes huge skill. That takes statesmanship, not political sides. That takes choosing for the highest good for all.
LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN
Before you judge, listen. Before you make a decision, consider it from several viewpoints. And take yourself out of the mix while you do. Put yourself in the shoes of the other person, their fears, their longings, their needs. We are similar but not exactly the same. We each add depth and value to the mix. Cherish and honor that. In each person.
Protect yourself or walk away
I make a conscious choice to walk away from negativity, anger, discrimination, and mean-spiritedness. But there’s a line in the sand where I will turn and fight.
You need to measure carefully before you draw your line in the sand.
A line in the sand, to me, involves certain core values that I will not compromise. Not beliefs, not habits, not wishes and wants, but core values.
Openness to change is high on my list of qualities I value. Life is a constant series of cycles. Change is constant, although it can be uncomfortable to live with.
I don’t relate well to people who refuse to change, or won’t even consider change. Of course, change brings fear. Adapting to change takes determination and willingness. Not everyone can do that. I have to be patient with those who deny change.
Live and let live. The more specifically focused my beliefs and interests become, the more I’m alone on my path. That’s why the idea of leaving lots of room for people to be who they need to be is high on my list. Take care of your own life. Let others do the same. People in a position to make rules and regulations need to weigh carefully the reasons for their decisions. Live and let live if you can.
I value a deepening spiritual practice. That should have been first on this list of core values but I got caught up in living in the outer world. People who spend time in some version of spiritual contemplation and exploration have a strong foundation to stand on and build upon. Your spiritual foundation is uniquely yours. As is theirs. Honor that. Honor the spiritual path of every other person.
Those who build on their spiritual insights work to become mindful and inclusive. We have a variety of practices that deepen our awareness of the core fact that We Are One. The stronger your spiritual base, the more connected you will feel with others — regardless of how different they seem.
How do I honor the 50/50 split?
Begin within. Look at the labels and prejudices you have in your own life. Examine them for the human story, the basic need, the similarities.
Listen to the stories. What is at the core of the other person’s action? Fear, need, belief? Don’t judge. Listen and work to understand. Hear what is not being said.
Question your own beliefs. I’ve already caught myself in two generalized labels that were absolutely wrong. When you find yourself labeling a group of people, look carefully at what that means to you. What do you fear? What don’t you understand? Where did your belief originate? Become more conscious of the beliefs that are driving you, reexamine them and choose again from your more enlightened present consciousness.
Approach everyone with deepening respect
We’re all many variations on the theme of being human. We’re all born and we’ll all die. We all make choices and live with the results. Our choices differ. Our outcomes differ. Our gifts differ. Our passion differs. And yet we begin at the same place — our humanness. Feel that. Know that. Start with our sameness as a place to heal and connect.
Find the balance
No one will get it exactly his or her way. Whether you’re a leader at your work, or the CEO of your home, or a single person trying to figure out life, find the balance between what you believe and what others believe, and work to find a middle ground.
Be inclusive
Don’t dismiss those who disagree with you. Don’t dismiss those from different backgrounds and experience. Don’t dismiss those with different skills and talents. Don’t dismiss anyone. Be inclusive. Be aware of their humanness. Know that they’re doing what they can with the circumstances they have created for themselves. Accept their incredible and beautiful uniqueness.
Change your thinking
As we mindfully move toward acceptance and consideration for “the other half”, know that all of the work begins within each one of us. When you change within, your reflection in the world changes, and others respond differently. Drop your anger. Release your fear. Expand your empathy. Listen. Be inclusive.
We have a great deal of work to do to address our 50/50 split and we can only do it together.
To Sing a Deeper Song consider:
Everyone Walks the Same Path
I Am You
You Are All-That-Is
The Creation of an Armchair Activist
How to Use our Interconnection to Heal the World
How to Activate a Tree Messenger to Send Your Healing Energy Out Into The World
How Labels Dehumanize Us
