DELIBERATELY DIVERSE | STEFANIA THOMAS
Deliberately Diverse represents the individual thoughts and opinions of a group of Taylor friends who almost never completely agree about anything but are gratified by the opportunity to stimulate deliberately diverse discussions in our beloved community. Today’s column represents the thoughts and opinions of Stefania Thomas not the Taylor Press.
How different would our world be if each one of us could feel a sense of unconditional friendliness toward each other and toward every living creature?
Let me share something that I learned years ago that gave me perspective on living with this sense of friendliness and love. This framework, taught by systems thinker Joanna Macy, articulates different mindsets that shape how we view the world – and each other.
The four ways that people look at the world include seeing the world as battlefield, world as trap, world as lover and world as self.
When you look at the world as a battlefield, you are caught in opposition, duality and polarized ways of thinking. In this view, the world is a place where your morality is tested. This blackand- white mentality can breed self-righteousness, militancy and burnout. Isn’t it exhausting to be fighting all the time?
When you view the world as a trap, the world is something to escape or transcend.
This mindset creates a love-hate relationship with the world. When you consider yourself separate from the world, you can become possessive. In this mindset, the world is dangerous and people are out to get each other.
When you view the world as lover, the world is seen as a lifegiving, life-affirming partner. Every person, every animal and every tree becomes a friend, a lover, a relative; imbuing life with appreciation and creativity. As someone who hasn’t been as lucky in love as I’d like, I prefer calling this viewpoint world as friend. When the world is your bestie, you’re in good hands.
When you view the world as self, the world is not something distinct, but rather part of who you are. Like your body has separate organs and limbs, each one of us plays a distinct role in something much larger than ourselves. This lifeaffirming view gives us courage and curiosity to be “our world knowing itself.”
Embracing this kind of world view isn’t all rose-colored glasses.
This point of view can open you up to trying to understand those who have harmed you.
If you see the world as a battlefield, someone who hurts you can be labeled as evil and discarded. However, when you see the world as a friend or even as part of yourself, that person can no longer be thrown away. Rather, you seek to understand what happened that led to that harmful act. This world view requires empathy and a deep sense of personal responsibility and accountability. In a time marked by polarization, it takes an act of courage to refuse division and be willing to see each person as a whole human being. Put this into practice by seeking out gratitude and making it a daily habit.
By acknowledging the good in your life, if you don’t already, you can open yourself up to the beauty and wonder that exists in this world, and to see your friends, neighbors, and fellow humans as children of God.
