Gender, Race, Religion, & Sexuality: When Fighting for Equality and Inclusion Divides Us Further
Unity and Division are two sides of the same coin.
We long to feel understood, accepted, and respected as equals.
Through forceful efforts, we publicly insist it be so in the face of long-standing resistance. We scream about injustice, rally, protest, and strike, in anger-fueled attempts to “right the wrongs” of opposing forces.
What don’t we talk about?
The fact that there is an obvious downside to the way we fight for our rights…
This isn’t the way education or enlightenment unfolds. It certainly isn’t how minds are changed… And none of these means lead to peace and understanding.
Here’s the thing people seem to forget—everyone who stands with conviction believes they are right on some level… or they wouldn’t be there. It’s like watching bulls butt horns, waiting for the other to tire out.
Trouble is always lurking in the shadows, even when the clashing ceases. It will always be back, whether the next day, week, or later.
Because “winning” in this fashion doesn’t affect lasting change.
From an energetic standpoint, lobbying for equality from the place of injustice contributes to the energy of the problem, not the energy of the solution.
While our ego seeks to divide, our innermost longing is to connect…
Though our underlying motives are acceptance and inclusion, ironically, the hurt of feeling anything less far too often comes out as intolerance…
Unacceptance of others in return,
Or the disapproval of who we decide they are based on our wounds.
The second we name others as “wrong,” we create division.
We place them outside of ourselves and outside of our Oneness.
(Then call them names and scold them for not seeing our side…)
Contrary to what we desire, no?
Religion is no different…
Throughout history, countless people have exhausted their time and energy on Earth warring over who is right and wrong, who is more or less worthy…
This is the energy of suffering.
And politics? Same story.
Agreeing, disagreeing, right and wrong… They’re never-ending distractions from the truth. They lead us away from our wholeness as individuals and our unity as a collective.
The integral way is far simpler than that. Its resolve feels natural, effortless, almost unnoticeable.
The Tao speaks to dissolving all ideas of duality… “Indeed, they should hold their minds free of any thought that interferes with their understanding of the universe as a harmonious oneness.” *
This is the beginning of liberation.
It is the difference between our separateness and Oneness, war and peace, our humanity or our downfall…
Understanding, unity, and cooperation come from a place of surrender.
There is no room for preconceived notions, stubborn beliefs, or holding onto what we’ve witnessed in the past… This isn’t how equality works.
We cannot shame anyone into understanding, nor out of ignorance. We can only call them forward
into their truest selves, with love and acceptance. This is how we rise above the darkness and back into the light.
… Seeing each other as our highest capacities for good, not our lowest moments.
Exploring our humanity through beauty and connection, extending our virtue to all, releasing preconceived notions about what we will find behind the walls we’ve built over centuries of division and duality.
Divisions and dualities created at the hands of illusory power, for personal gain,
at the expense of great societal and spiritual loss.
If you are sitting there thinking
“Some of these a$$holes’ behavior is unforgivable…” Yes, perhaps.
But how does holding onto that feel in your body?
What effect will it have on your peace, your heart, and your health?
When we are too stubborn to let go of the hatred, we, too, give it momentum. Transformation is achieved through much gentler means.
To those who still disagree, I ask you:
Aren’t you tired of fighting yet?
I hear some respond with “But if we stop fighting, who will?”
I say: When has this ever worked?
And hopefully no one…
Then begins the opportunity for peace.
“Which do you value more—
your wealth or your wellness?
Which is more harmful—
to lead or to lose?
The greater is your attachment, the more bereft is your release.
The more you hoard
the less is left to enjoy.
Those on the path
to the great Integrity
flow without forcing,
leaving no space for disasters.” **
{* from “The Unknown Teachings of Lao Tzu, Hua Hu Ching” (Brian Browne Walker)
**from “Tao Te Ching” — Lao Tzu (Translation by Ralph Alan Dale)}