We know as a human being that everything new we encounter in life is accompanied by a certain level of fear and apprehension. Fear, however, is nothing more than a temporary lack of understanding. Our impetus, or motivation in life must always be one of gaining more knowledge, and as we do so, the many fears we have are overcome. We begin this whole process by accepting that life, humanity, and the world, consists of a great diversity of expression. These differences are perceived initially as a threat, and something to be feared. It is well known within psychological research, however, that much of this fear of others can be greatly dissipated by a simple exposure. In other words, a basic willingness to be around people that are different from us gives us the experience we need to overcome this unnecessary fear. What we discover in our adventure is that each person we meet, no matter their diverse background, is a human being, just like us. The underlying cause to our fear of difference is based on our resistance to becoming more than we believe ourselves to be. Each of us must fully realize that we are different, and therefore possibly unacceptable. An exposure to the diversity that exists, then, will help us overcome our own fear of growth which is, in reality, an acceptance of ourselves. If our goal is to seek a fuller self-expression, we can view the diversity within humanity as a gift to us, for we see what is possible within our own self-expression, so that any perceived difference we see about ourselves can therefore be acceptable. My friends, life is about learning who we are, and every different kind of person we allow into our lives helps us see.
It’s important for all of us to view life as an educational process. When it comes to the teaching of our children, an understanding of their fellow human beings is critical and essential in their development, for it will allow them to better understand themselves. An exposure to diversity becomes an element in this process. If a child wants to discover who they are, and be comfortable in their self-expression, they must begin by being comfortable with, and accepting of, the expression of others. Whether a higher, formal education is pursued or not, it is the socialization part of their experience that is of paramount importance. This social experience can happen in ways other than formal education, such as travel, other types of study, or even moving to a larger metropolitan area for a period of time. Even a child raised in a smaller, more isolated community can have an opportunity to increase their socialization and exposure to diversity, for this is always beneficial in their overall development. It appears, however, that we as a society have deemed our higher educational institutions to be the way to go. This is why it is critical that we provide this for every child. Having said that, what do our children need to be exposed to? Let’s take a look.
Race and Culture
All the different races and cultures of our world are indeed a beautiful diversification of what is possible for each individual within humanity. It gives a child an opportunity to see how life can work in many different ways. There is no right way to be, or correct way to live your life. To see there are different ways to go about things makes it acceptable for you to go about things as you see fit. A person’s skin color, ethnic background, or religious heritage has no bearing on the human need to seek and find love. This is true for everyone. What a wonderful thing to say, “I didn’t know it could be done that way, or, I didn’t know you had the same feelings and goals as I do”. Again, our continued education exposes us to what is possible in human nature. As we learn how to accept and respect others, we learn how to accept and respect ourselves.
Diversity of Thought, Opinion, and Belief
To have the opportunity to hear different beliefs, opinions, and ways of thinking is the greatest gift we can provide ourselves. There is no person who knows everything or has any ability to know absolute truth. But, and this is very important, each person does know a part. Through the sharing process, we learn how to bring each unique viewpoint together and discover a new wholeness, a wholeness which can work for everyone. Each child has a role to play, and a unique quality to bring forward into the group to make it complete. If our goal is to become well-rounded and at peace, we must allow different perspectives in order to find that common purpose. Each individual has thoughts, beliefs, and opinions that make the whole be what it is. Once again, inclusion leads to greater understanding.
The Departments of Human Living
More specifically, the educational systems of our world give each of us an opportunity to find our vocation. Upon entering these institutions, some of us already know what we want to do, and those of us who do not, intend to find out. What we all need to understand before we begin is that there are many choices available. Anything can be learned! The college atmosphere provides a diversity of people to talk with and get to know. Finding a group of like minds helps us feel like we belong and have our place. This is how we find our life’s work and what we can give back to the world. What is equally important is that we expose ourselves to other groups and individuals who have a different type of work they will bring forward. All have equal value. In our education, we discover the departments of human living, and what is essential to make the world work. Diversity and difference can then be seen as valuable and necessary in our effort to create a better human condition.
Sharing Yourself with the World
To seek an education is to know yourself. You may ask, “who am I and where do I fit in?” Well, to find the answer to this question, you must first know that each other person has the same question. When we see difference in others, we don’t feel so different. The most important part of our education, then, is to overcome the fear of others and the fear of becoming who we are. Allow yourself the exposure you need, and this will happen naturally. Our vocation, our work, is whatever we would like it to be. Forget about the money, my friends, and give of your purpose. Your value is your essence, and this is what the world most definitely needs. Be a part of the great diversity that exists by being you. Every other human being is attempting the same.
The very best thing we can teach our children is to discover a sense of purpose, and how to intelligently and lovingly apply it in their life. Understanding the importance of diversity will help them achieve just that, for diversity indicates possibility. Education at its best!
All my love and support, be well